US3603223A

US3603223A - Apparatus and methods for forming a joint between adjacent paving mats

Info

Publication number: US3603223A
Application number: US806097A
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul T Ingleright
Original assignee: FRANK STRAUSBERG AND SON CO
Current assignee: FRANK STRAUSBERG AND SON CO
Priority date: 1969-03-11
Filing date: 1969-03-11
Publication date: 1971-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 1988-09-07

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for forming a flush joint between two adjacent and sequentially deposited layers of pavement having an overlap therebetween, comprising a scraper blade engageable with the material constituting the overlap to deposit such material in a windrow at the joint and a rotatable brush assembly movable longitudinally of the windrow for abrading the windrow and sweeping the abraded material laterally across the surface of the second deposited layer of pavement.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Paul T. Ingleright Saginaw, Mich. [2! Appl. No. 806,097 [22] Filed Mar. 11,1969 [45] Patented Sept. 7, I971 [73] Assignee Frank Strausberg & Son Co.

Saginaw, Mich.

[541 APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A JOINT BETWEEN ADJACENT PAVING MATS I4 Claims, 9 Drawing Figs. 52 us. Cl 94/39 [5i] lnt.Cl E011: 19/00 [50] Field of Search 94/44, 45 R, 39

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,978,773 l0/l934 Trant 94/44 2,572,776 10/1951 Smith 94/44 2,900,883 8/1959 Dening H 94/45 3,283,675 1 ill 966 Gifford 94/44 X 3,459. I09 8/1969 Ingleright 94/39 OTHER REFERENCES Cedar Rapids Trade Circular by Iowa Mfg. Co, printed 1962 page I 1 only (94-46) Primary ExaminerJacob L. Nackenofi Attorney-Leannan & McCulloch ABSTRACT: Apparatus and methods for forming a flush joint between two adjacent and sequentially deposited layers of pavement having an overlap th'erebetween, comprising a scraper blade engageable with the material constituting the overlap to deposit such material in a windrow at the joint and a rotatable brush assembly movable longitudinally of the windrow for abrading the windrow and sweeping the abraded material laterally across the surface of the second deposited layer of pavement.

PATENTED SEP 71911 sum 1 0r 2 FIG. 2

INVENTOR PAUL T. INGLERIGHT VII/M PATENTEDSEP Han 3,603,223

SHEEI 2 0F 2 HQ 5 FIG. 6

INVENTOR.

PAUL T I NGLERlGHT APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A JOINT BETWEEN ADJACENT PAVING MATS The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to the formation of a flush joint between adjacent mats of paving material of the bituminous or asphaltic type wherein a strip or mat of paving material is laid and subsequently compacted by rolling, following which a second strip or mat of similar material is laid adjacent the first laid mat and is subsequently compacted to the same thickness as the first mat.

In the laying of bituminous or asphaltic paving material to form a highway or the like, it is common practice to lay a mat of bituminous material mixed with appropriate fillers and aggregates by means of a spreader machine which moves along the roadbed and deposits a layer of paving material on the roadbed. Prior to cooling and setting of the laid mat, it is compacted by means of a rolling machine to a thickness somewhat less than its original thickness. Following the laying and compacting of a suitable length mat, usually the width of one highway lane, the spreading machine is located adjacent the first mat and operated to deposit a second mat parallel to the first.

When. laying the second mat of paving material, it is essential that a watertight joint to be provided between the adjacent mats. It is conventional practice, therefore, to adjust the spreader machine so that it will deposit a relatively thin layer of material atop the edge of the previously laid mat so as to provide an overlap. This overlap must be removed prior to compacting of the second mat so as to avoid the formation of an upstanding ridge between the two mats and the consequent creation of a traffic hazard.

Heretofore, two methods have been in general use for removing the overlap between two adjacent mats. In one method a workman utilizes a stiff bristle broom to scrape the overlap off the previously laid mat onto the newly laid mat. This method has several disadvantages. For example, the workman must stand on the previously laid mat which frequently is open to traffic. The workman thus is exposed to danger and, in addition, he frequently must interrupt his work to permit traffic to pass. Moreover, manual sweeping of the overlap is arduous and tiring and in many instances the laying of the mat must be interrupted to enable the workman to keep pace with the spreader. Another disadvantage of manual sweeping is that pushing of the broom across the newly laid mat may cause grooving or gouging of its upper surface. Not all of such grooves can be eliminated in the subsequent compacting process.

Another method used for removing the overlap is that of scraping the overlap by means of a scraper bar that is attached to the trailing end of the spreader machine. This method also has several disadvantages, one of which is that the scraped material is deposited on the newly laid mat in a windrow which forms an upstanding ridge when the newly laid mat is compacted. Moreover, the scraping of the overlap can cause some of the aggregate material to be pushed transversely of the newly laid mat and gouge or groove the upper surface thereof. Again, not all of such grooves can be eliminated in the subsequent compacting process.

More recently, another method of removing the overlap has been used and involves the use of a rotary brush having radially inner and outer concentric sets of bristles which move longitudinally of the overlap. The brush is tilted so that the inner set of bristles abrade the overlap and the outer set of bristles sweep the abraded material onto the surface of the newly laid mat. This method is superior to those discussed earlier, but the cost of the apparatus is considered by some to be objectionable. The apparatus and method are illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,459,109, issued Aug. 5, 1969.

An object of the invention is to provide apparatus and methods for removing the overlap between two adjacent mats of paving material and which overcomes the disadvantages of the heretofore known methods and apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide methods and apparatus for abrading the overlap between two adjacent mats of paving material and which effect removal of the overlap without grooving or gouging the surface of the newly laid mat.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for scattering abraded overlap material over a relatively wide area of the newly laid mat so as to avoid the formation of ridges in such mat.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus and methods of the kind referred to and wherein the speed of overlap removal corresponds to the speed of laying of the mat.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the character described and in which the area over which the abraded overlap material may be scattered may be varied in accordance with the width of the mat of paving material.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out specifically or will become apparent from the following description when it is considered in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a conventional spreader machine on which is mounted apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating two adjacent mats of paving material with an overlap between;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating the mats following scraping of the overlap off a previously laid mat and with the overlap deposited in a windrow at the joint;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a brush which engages and scatters the windrowed overlap material;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the two mats following the scattering of the overlap material;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but illustrating the two mats following their compaction; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic hydraulic diagram.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention is adapted for use in conjunction with a conventional bituminous spreading machine 1 such as is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,246,5 83 and at the rear or trailing end of which is mounted a catwalk or platform 2. The machine 1 is adapted to move in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 along a roadbed and deposit a layer or mat of paving material of predetermined thickness. The composition of the paving material will vary according to highway department specifications, but it usually comprises bituminous or asphaltic material, tiller and aggregate which may be either relatively coarse or relatively fine, as required. The width of the laid mat may vary, but in highway construction the mat width ordinarily corresponds to the width of one trafi'lc lane.

At the beginning of the laying or resurfacing of a road, the machine 1 moves longitudinally of the roadbed and deposits a predetermined thickness layer of paving material which subsequently is compacted by a rolling machine to form a substantially planar mat 3 as is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8. Thereafter, the machine 1 is returned to the starting point and is adjusted to lay alongside the mat 3 another layer or mat 4 of paving material. In the laying of the second layer, the machine is adjusted to deposit a relatively thin overlap 5 of material atop the adjacent edge of the mat 3 so as to assure the prevention of a gap between the

adjacent mats

3 and 4.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention comprises scraper means 6 operable to remove the overlap material 5 from the surface of the mat 3 and deposit it in a windrow 7 at the juncture 8 of the

mats

3 and 4 and on the upper surface of the latter. The scraper means comprises a planar blade 9 having parallel upper and lower edges I0 and 11, respectively, and terminating at its ends in tapering surfaces 12 and 13. Midway between its ends the blade carries a post 14 which is journaled in sleeve 15 fixed at one end of a mounting arm 16. The opposite end of the arm 16 terminates. in a collar 17 in which is journaled an elongated rod .18 that shown in FIG. 1, and may be maintained in any selected position of adjustment axially of the rod 18 by means of setscrews 22 which coact with sleeves'19.

The rotary coupling of the arm 16 withthe post 14 and the rod 18 assures that the scraper blade automatically will adjust in a vertical plane to the heightot' the platform 2 above the level of the first laid mat 3 and that the edge of the blade will contact the mat 3 along the entire lower surface of the blade. The rotary coupling of the blade to the arm 16 makes it possible for either edge or 11 tocontact the surface of the mat merely by rotating the blade end for end in its own plane. The terminal ends of the blade are so tapered or rounded that either end may serve as the trailing or leading end.

The inclination of the blade 9 to the direction of travel of the spreader 1 is such as to assure that the material constituting the overlap 5 will be deposited in a narrow windrow 7, and the blade 9 is so positioned by means of the setscrew 22, as to assure that its trailing end tenninates at the juncture 8 of the

adjacent mats

3 and 4. The'windrow 7, therefore, will have one side thereof'in the plane of the joint 8.

The length of the blade 9 is such that its leading end is located several inches to one side of the edge of the overlap 5.

As a result, any loose material dropped by the spreader onto the mat 3 will be collected by the blade and incorporated in the windrow. This prevents the embedding of such loose material in the mat 3 following its compaction by a rolling machine. I

The apparatus also includes combined abrading and sweep ing means 25 comprising a rotary brush assembly 26 having a disklike head 27 on which is mounted an annular brush 28. The brush 28 comprises bristles 29 formed of wire and anchored at corresponding ends in the head 27 in such manner asto present an annular, frustoconical appearance.

Driving means designated generally by the reference character 30 is provided for effecting rotation of the brush 26 and comprises a hydraulic motor 31 having an output shaft 32 on which is fixed a sprocket wheel 33 around which is trained a chain 34 that, also is trained around-a sprocket wheel :35 which is fixed on the input shaft 36 of a geared drive unit 37. The unit 37 has an output shaft 38 that is fixed to the brush head 27 by a suitable coupling 39. The motor 31 and the drive unit 37 are mounted on a suitable bracket 40 which also supports a chain guard 4.

The construction and arrangement of the driving means 30 v are such that rotation of the motor 31 is imparted via the chain 34 to the shaft 38 so as to rotate the brush assembly 26 in a predetermined direction. it .is preferred that the brush assembly be capable of rotation in either of two directions for a purpose presently to be explained. It also is desirable that the speed of rotation of the brush assembly be variable so as to be capable of operating at the best speed for the particular pavement being laid. Accordingly, hydraulic operating means 52 is provided and comprises a reservoir 43 from which fluid is withdrawn by means of a pump 44 for delivery to the motor 31 via a line or tube 45. Located in the tube 45 area speed control or throttle valve 46 and a reversing valve 47. A line 48 communicates between the motor 31 and the reservoir 43 via the valve 47. The arrangement is such that, when the valve 47 is in the position shown in FIG. 9, hydraulic fluid is delivered to the motor 31 via the line 45 under the control of the throttle valve 46 so as to rotate the brush assembly 26 at a selected rate of speed and in one direction. The valve 47 when rotated to its second position, delivers fluid from the pump via the line 48 so as to rotate the brush assembly in the opposite direction.

The brush assembly and its driving means are mounted for. a plurality of adjustments relative to the spreader machine 1. The mounting means is designated generally by the reference character 50 and comprises aframe member. 51 that is bolted or otherwise suitably fixed to the catwalk 2 at the trailing end of the machine 1 and on whichis pivoted as at 52 a'support bar 53. Between its ends the bar 53 is provided with an open-- ing for the reception of alocking pin 54 that is adapted to be accommodated in any 'oneof a plurality of openings '55 provided in the frame member 51 so as to fix the bar 53 in a selected position ofv angular adjustment laterally of the pave ment. At the rearend of the bar 53 is a pair of upstanding brackets 56 on which is pivoted by pins 57 the corresponding ends of a pair of links 58. The opposite ends of. the links are fixed to a support member 59 from which a pair of spaced apart plates 60 depends. The plates 60 are apertured so as rotatably to accommodate a cylindrical shaft 61 that is fixed at its rear end to the bracket 40. Secured to the shaft 61 is an upstanding plate 62 in which is provided a plurality of arcuately arranged, spaced openings. The plate 62 confronts an upstanding plate 63 that is secured to the support member 59 and which has an opening therein to accommodate a pin 64 that is adapted to pass through a selected one of the openings so as to secure the brush assembly in a selected position of angular adjustment about the axis of the shaft 61.

The construction and arrangement of the mounting means 50 are such that the brush assembly is mounted for movement longitudinally of the roadbed with the machine 1. Moreover, the entire brush assembly and its driving means are swingable about a substantially horizontal axis passing through the pins 57, and also are capable of swinging movements about the axis of the shaft 61. The brush assembly is adjustable about the axis of the pins 57 by means of a chain '65, one end of which is adapted to be accommodated in a vertical slot formed in the upper end of the plate 63 and the opposite endof which is secured to a turnbuckle 66 that is supported by a bracket 67 fixed to the bar 53.- Adjustment of the turnbuckle 66 permits the brush assembly 26 to beraised or lowered from the position shown in H6. 2. a

The bracket 67 also supports a pivotal link 68 having at least one opening 69 adjacent its free end that is adapted to receive a pin 70 mounted on the bracket 40 so as to support the brush assembly 26 and driving means 50 in an elevated or upwardly'swung position as is indicated in dotted lines in'FlG.

To condition the apparatus for use in removing the overlap 5 between the previously laid mat 3 and the ne'wly'laid mat 4, the scraper means 6 is adjusted as previously described, and the brush assembly 26 and the driving means 50 are swung generally to the position shown in full lines in FIG. 2 and the arm 53 is adjusted about the pivot 52 so that the axis of rotating of the brush assembly 7 is directly over the joint 8. The turnbuckle 66 then is adjusted so as to enable the brush assembly 26 to rock downwardly about the axis of the pins 57 so as to position the trailing end of the brush assembly at a lower level than the leading end. That is, the brush assembly is inclined upwardly and forwardly with respect to the plane of the pavement. The brush assembly is properly positioned when the bristles 29 at the trailing end of thebrush 28 are at the level of the surface of the previously laid mail 3 and the axis of rotation of the brush overlies the juncture 8 between the two mats. In this position the brush assembly 26 should be so inclined with respect to the

mats

3 and 4 that the leading end of the brush 28 is clear of the mat.

When the brush assembly is positioned properly, the

abrading brush 28 will engage the windrow 7 and abrade the latter in a direction from left to right, as viewed in FIG. 4, so as to abrade the windrow 7 and the surface of the mat 4 adjacent the mat 3, but along a laterally inclined line so as to provide a beveled edge 71 adjacent the mat 3. Simultaneously with the abrading of the windrow 7 and the edge of the that 4, the trailing end of the brush 28 will engage and sweep the abraded material from left to right and scatter such material laterally of the joint over the newly laid mat. The scattered material is indicated at 72 in H6. 7 and may cover a distance of between l2 and 18 inches, depending on the speed of rotation of the brush assembly. The scattered material will be substantially evenly distributed on the newly laid mat by the brush 28.

Following the abrading of the overlap and the adjacent edge of the newly laid mat 4 and the brushing of the abraded material onto the upper surface of the mat 4, a rolling machine may be driven over the mat 4 so as to compact the latter. The individual pieces of abraded material 72 will be pushed into the mat 4 and form an integral part thereof, but without creating a ridge due to the dispersal of the abraded material. The provision of the inclined surface 71 enables the compacting of the mat 4 to be achieved without the squeezing of material from the mat 4 onto the upper surface of the mat 3. Consequently, the

mats

3 and 4 may be compacted to the same degree and their upper surfaces will be coplanar, as is indicated in FIG. 8.

Wear of the bristles 23 may be compensated for by adjustment of the turnbuckle 55.

It frequently occurs that the spreader machine 1 is utilized to lay a mat of paving material alongside a gutter which has a substantial lateral inclination as compared to the lateral inclination of the mat. To enable the brush assembly to remove the overlap between such surfaces it may be rocked in a generally vertical plane about the axis of the shaft 61 and fixed in adjusted position by means of the pin 64.

The apparatus has been disclosed as being mounted on a machine 1 in such manner as to prepare a joint between a first laid left-hand mat and a subsequently laid right-hand mat. It is possible, however. to utilize the apparatus to prepare a joint between a first laid right-hand mat and a subsequently laid left-hand mat. This may be accomplished by transferring the scraper means 6 and the mounting apparatus 50 to the righthand side of the machine catwalk and manipulating the valve 47 in such manner as to cause the brush assembly to be rotated in a clockwise direction.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for preparing a joint between two substantially planar mats of pavement having an overlap therebetween and adapted for mounting on a machine movable in a direction longitudinally of said mats, said apparatus comprising scraper means; adjustable means mounting said scraper means on said machine for adjustment of said scraper means laterally of the direction of movement of said machine and for engagement with said overlap to remove said overlap from one of said mats and deposit it on the other in a windrow; rotary brush means; means mounting said brush means on said machine for engagement with the windrowed overlap; and means for rotating said brush means for abrading said windrowed overlap.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the means mounting said scraper means is adjustable in a vertical plane.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said scraper means comprises a blade having parallel upper and lower edges and wherein the mounting means for said scraper means includes a rotatable coupling to said blade whereby said blade is rotatable end for end.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein said rotatable coupling is midway between the ends of said blade.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein each end of said blade is tapered from one edge toward the other.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said brush means is rotated by said rotating means in a direction to scatter the abraded overlap over said other mat.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting means for said brush means mounts the latter for rotation about an axis inclined to the vertical.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 7 wherein said brush means comprises a set of bristles arranged in an annulus having its center at said axis.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting means for said brush means includes means for adjusting said brush means in a vertical plane.

10. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting means for said brush means includes means for adjusting said brush means in a horizontal plane.

11. In a pavement-laying machine adapted to move longitudinally alongside a previously laid mat of paving material and lay a second mat of paving material adjacent the previously laid mat with an overlap atop the adjacent edge of the previously laid mat: apparatus for removing said overlap comprising an elongate scraper; adjustable means mounting said scraper on said machine in trailing relation therewith and obliquely to the direction of movement of said machine, said mounting means enabling adjustment of said scraper laterally of the direction of movement of said machine and vertically to enable said scraper to scrape said overlap off said previously laid mat and deposit it in a windrow on the previously laid mat; abrading means rotatable about an axis; means mounting said abrading means on said machine in trailing relation with said scraper and with the axis of rotation of said abrading means in substantial alignment with the trailing end of said scraper; and means for rotating said abrading means.

12. The construction set forth in claim 11 wherein said scraper means comprises a planar blade and wherein the mounting means for said scraper means mounts said blade for rotation in its own plane.

13. The construction set forth in claim 11 wherein said abrading means comprises a rotary brush having a set of bristles arranged in annular form about said axis.

14. The construction set forth in claim 13 wherein the mounting means for said abrading means mounts said brush in an upwardly and forwardly tilted condition whereby only the trailing edge of said set of bristles engages said windrowed overlap.