WO1999029964A1

WO1999029964A1 - Line marking apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1999029964A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/000986
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anton Stembergar; Anton Stembergar, Jr.
Original assignee: Anton Stembergar; Stembergar Anton Jr
Priority date: 1997-12-08
Filing date: 1998-11-24
Publication date: 1999-06-17
Also published as: AU4839097A; WO1999029964A9

Abstract

The road line marking apparatus has an adjustable wheel base wherein the front and rear axle is able to slide outwards creating a wider wheelbase to cater for any required painted width. A multiple of spray guns are mounted to a pipe via spray gun holders which slide along the pipe and are locked in position by locking bolts. A moveable front wheel enables the apparatus to be used for the painting of circles.

Description

LINE MARKING APPARATUS

This invention relates to improvements to road line marking apparatus.

Normally a line painting machine consists of a steel trolley type frame with two wheels in a fixed position at the rear and one fixed wheel at the front. This frame houses a petrol-driven engine which in turn, drives an airless spray pump to deliver paint to a single or double spray gun mounted on the frame near the front wheel. A hand gun is also included with the unit

The type of apparatus currently available on the Australian market is only able to paint a single line 30mm to 300mm maximum or a double line of 100mm maximum width per gun. This is due to the maximum wheel base width between the front and the rear wheel is usually not greater than 300mm.

For road line painting, there are many different line types, widths and dimensions required, whether it be for Public Roads, Car Parks, School Playing Courts, Transport Yards and Safety Pedestrian Crossings or anything of the like.

In order to paint areas wider than 300mm, such as those required for Standard Stop Bars, Pedestrian Walk Bars and Chevron Diagonal Bars at 600mm width, the hand spray gun on the apparatus is used currently and with the use of stencils makes the work very labour intensive as stencils have to be repeatedly moved as painting continues. Stencils also have to be repeatedly cleaned as paint builds up on stencils continually being painted.

This new road line painting apparatus ("Action Line Marker") has an adjustable wheel base. That is, each of the wheels of this apparatus can be moved to suit the painting area that is required. The two (2) rear wheels have a 430mm and 590mm long axle, each able to slide outwards creating a wider wheelbase. The rear wheel axles are totally removable thus enabling the use of any length axle desired. The front axle is 300mm long and is totally removable, thus enabling an axle (shaft) of any length required to perform the job, to be placed into the frame of this apparatus hence, a fourth wheel can be added to this front axle for better stability when a painting area of 600mm wide or greater is required.

Four spray guns can be easily mounted and adjusted to spray a width of 600mm to which this can be sprayed without the burdensome use of stencils.

SUBSΉTUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) The use of this adjustable wheel base apparatus can now be adopted to cater for any required painted width. More than four (4) front spray guns can be mounted if more than 600mm wide painted areas are required, provided that a bigger volume spray pump is fitted to the frame.

With the spray guns mounted on the front of the frame, the width of the line to be painted is altered by either one or all of the following means;

• Amount of pressure the pump is outputting • Spray tip size

• Height adjustment of spray gun

Another reason for having adjustable wheel bases and a fourth (4^th) wheel for the front is to place the running of each wheel so that they do not interfere with painted surfaces still wet and also to avoid running over potholes or spoon drains which may cause the apparatus to bump around, hence altering the height of the spray gun and not giving a continuous even width of line. By placing the fourth (4^th) wheel at the front, near the frame, this will alleviate some of the jerkiness caused by rough road surfaces.

GUIDE TO FIGURES

To assist with the clarification of understanding the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which show examples of the invention.

Figure 1 (attached) shows a side elevation of this apparatus ("Action Line Marker")

Figure 2 shows the base (bottom) elevation of this apparatus ("Action Line Marker") showing its wheelbase and variations of wheelbase required for different applications.

Figure 3 shows top elevation of this apparatus ("Action Line Marker") with focus on spray gun set up for wide painting areas and single lever control.

Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows apparatus wheelbase set up for painting of circumferences.

Figure 6 shows the rear view of the apparatus and its wheel set up, gun and spray gun stabilizer positions required for painting of circles.

Figure 7 shows the front view of the apparatus with focus to spray gun bracket setup for wide painting areas.

Figure 8 shows the front view of the apparatus with focus on spray gun bracket setup for two painted parallel lines at various distances apart.

Figure 9 shows the front view of the apparatus with focus on spray gun bracket setup for diagonally painted lines.

Figure 10 shows extra attachments (brackets) required for stabilizing spray guns for required applications.

Figure 11 shows attachable front wheel used for steering the apparatus.

Figure 12 shows the side view of a spray gun with focus being on its rotation abilities. b

Figure 13 shows a side view of a stand used for holding up the apparatus whilst undertaking wheel base changes.

Figures 14 shows four nominal axle sizes.

SUBSΗTUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) ACTION LINE MARKER FIGURE 1 DESCRIPTION:

The frame (1) of this apparatus consists of 1 inch steel tubing. A pair of pneumatic wheels (2) are at the rear of the apparatus and connect onto a sliding shaft (3) which is locked into position by locking bolt (4).

A sliding pipe extending across the frame (not shown on side view) slides into collars (60) (side view) and locked into desired position by locking bolts (61).

The front wheel (5) is located on a sliding and replaceable front axle (6) which is locked into position by locking bolts (7) & (8).

The petrol engine (9) is mounted with the airless spray pump (10) which can be of various brands and output according to individual preference. (9) & (10) are mounted onto the frame (1) by vertical beams (11) mounted onto a rubber mount (12).

Paint (not shown) is then supplied via paint drum (48) into the hose (13) which are kept rolled neatly in frame by a retractable hose reel (14), allowing ease of hand gun (15) use.

Main gun (16) can slide up and down and rotate on a 360 degree axis and is supported by a round pipe (17).

The locking bolt (18) holds the gun (16) in the desired position.

The short square tube (19) supports the gun pipe (17) and a pipe (22) (not shown) which slides into hole (20) or (21) (as desired) of frame (1). The pipe (22) can be of any desired length (as application requires) and is held in position by locking bolt (22) or (23) as required.

The spray tip (24) inserted into spray guns (15) & (16) are of many varying width sizes as supplied by industrial suppliers.

A round pipe (25) can be inserted into frame (1) and locked into its position by locking bolt (26). Strobe warning light (27) can be inserted into pipe (25) as can the glass bead hopper (28).

Glass bead dispenser (29) is operated by one single lever (32) which can operate more than one cable at a time. Hence, cable (30) and (31) can be attached to lever (32), along with other spray guns as required. For example, up to ten items can be attached in order for lever (32) to activate all items simultaneously.

Traffic cone holder (33) can be inserted into collar (34) and fastened by locking bolt (35).

Flat table 600mm x 400mm (work bench) (36) used for cleaning hand stencils as required, can be inserted into collar (37) and fastened by locking bolt (38). Hose (39) delivers glass beads from the hopper to the dispenser. Electrical wire (40) is the contact for the strobe light to battery source.

The collar (60) is for rear mounting of the main gun (16) assembly thus used for performing circumferences (painting of circles), as shown on Figure 4, or can be used for general line painting as the operator desires. The locking bolts (61) hold the pipe (22) in position.

The axle housing (71) is for the axle (6) to slide into, thus required for painting of circles as shown on Figure 4. The axle housing (72) is for the axle (3) to slide into, thus required for painting of circles as shown in Figure 5.

FIGURE 2 DESCRIPTION:

Shows Frame (1) and the variations of wheel base and wheel width of this apparatus ("Action Line Marker").

A pair of wheels (2) at the rear of frame (1) showing how axles (3) slide out from frame (1) to the desired position and then can be locked into this position by locking bolt (4). Axles (3) are 375mm and 565mm in length but if individual application requires a greater distance, axle (3) can be removed and a longer length axle can be utilized instead.

The front of frame (1) is showing the positions possible for the front wheel (5) and how the front axle (6) can be altered in order to place wheels 5a and 5b in their respective positions and locked in position by locking bolts (7) and (8).

FIGURE 3 DESCRIPTION:

Shows how one single lever (32) can activate two cables (41) which pass through the cable guide holder (42).

The outer casing of the cable stops at guide (42), and inner part of the cable carries through to stabilizer bar (43) to where it is locked into bar (43) by means of a grub screw (44).

Cables (31) are thereby attached from stabilizer bar (43), passes through cable guide (46) and to spray gun or spray guns (16).

The spraying fan or fan of paint (47) is shown painting an area of 600mm in width. This width can be increased or decreased by adding or disconnecting spray guns (16) respectively. This example is showing four spray guns (16) attached to apparatus, each spraying a fan (47) of width 150 mm, hence the total width of 600 mm.

The paint drum (48) is shown of its location onto the frame (1).

SUBSΗTUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) FIGURE 4 DESCRIPTIONS:

Shows how rear wheels (2) and front wheel (5) are to be placed for line painting of circles as application requires.

The front wheel (5) and axle (6) have been removed from the nominal position of the apparatus and placed into the axle housing (71) to enable circular rotation of the complete apparatus.

The pipe (22) extends out from the frame (1) to which a square tube (19) is attached together with a spray gun (16) and spray tip (24) to which paint is sprayed out showing the spray fan (51) which in turn paints the line (52).

The radius of the painted circle (52) can be altered to the desired radius by sliding the spray gun support tube (19) along the pipe (22) to the position required.

The radius is ascertained by the distance from the point (R.P.) to the square tube (19). The point (R.P.) is placed over the centre point of the circle required for painting. The square tube (19) is then located to the position required for the radius of the circle.

With the apparatus set up in the configuration shown, circle diameters of 600mm to 2400mm can be achieved.

FIGURE 5 DESCRIPTIONS:

Shows how rear wheels (2) and front wheels (5) are to be placed fojr line painting of circles as application requires.

A longer length axle (6) has been inserted into the front ofthe frame (7) ofthe apparatus, with two wheels (5) installed on this axle (6).

The rear wheels (2) and axles (3) have been removed from their nominal position ofthe apparatus and placed into the axle housing (72) to enable rotation ofthe complete apparatus.

The pipe (22) extends out from the frame (1) to which a square tube (19) is attached together with a spray gun (16) and spray tip (24) to which paint is sprayed out showing the spray fan (51), which in turn, paints the line (52).

The radius ofthe painted circle (52) can be altered to the desired radius by sliding the spray gun support tube (19) along the pipe (22) to the position required.

The radius is ascertained by the distance from the point (R.P.) to the square tube (19). The point (R.P.) is placed over the centre point ofthe circle required for painting. The square tube (19) is then located to the position required for the radius ofthe circle.

With the apparatus set up in the configuration shown, circle diameters of 2000mm to 3500mm can be easily achieved.

With diameters greater than 3600mm, a longer spray gun cable (31) not shown, or a battery powered solenoid will have to be utilised. FIGURE 6 DESCRIPTION:

The frame (1) of this apparatus is showing the rear axle (3) with wheels (2) in their respective position. The axle (3) is able to slide within the main frame (1) to the desired position required (to the individual application), and then locked into position with locking bolts (4).

The pipe (22) slides into the two collars (60) and is locked into the desired position by locking bolts (61).

The spray gun holder (19) slides along the pipe (22) to the desired position. The spray gun (16) is attached to the spray gun holder (19) which sprays a paint fan (47) as required.

The pipe stabilizer (59) is attached to the pipe (22) and to the axle (3) to give extra support and stability to the spray gun (16).

The radius of a circle required is derived by taking the distance ofthe centre ofthe point (R.P.) on the frame (1) and measuring the distance between this point and to that ofthe spray fan (47). Hence, the greater or smaller this distance, the greater or smaller the radius ofthe circle becomes.

SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) FIGURE 7 DESCRIPTION:

The frame (1) of this apparatus is showing the front axle (6) with wheels (5) in their respective position. The pipe (22) is shown mounted into holes (21).

The pipe (22) can also be mounted into holes (20) if extra height is required for spraying a wider width spray fan (47).

The spray guns (16) and spray gun holder (19) slide along the pipe (22) to the desired position depending on the width of line (47) required. Locking bolts (23) lock the respective gun into its desired position. The pipe stabilizer (59) gives extra stability to the pipe (22).

The locking bolts (7 & 8) hold the axle (6) in the desired position.

FIGURE 8 DESCRIPTION:

The frame (1) of this apparatus is showing the front axle (6) with wheels (5) in their respective position. The pipe (22) is mounted into holes (21) to bring the desired result of two separate lines of any length of distance apart required. Hence, spray fan (47) is shown doing so.

The spray guns (16) and spray gun holder (19) slide along the pipe (22) to the desired position. Locking bolts (23) lock the respective gun into its desired position. The pipe stabilizer (59) gives stability to the pipe (22).

The locking bolts (7 & 8) hold the front axle (6) in the desired position.

The pipe (22) can be mounted into holes (20) if extra height is required for spraying a wider width spray fan (47). This procedure is only utilised if insufficient height is reached when the gun pipe (17), not shown, has been moved to its extreme highest position.

FIGURE 9 DESCRIPTION:

The frame (1) of this apparatus is showing the front axle (6) with wheels (5) in their respective position. The extension bar (58) is attached to the frame (1) by means to two pipes (22), not shown, and correspond with two holes (74 & 75), not shown, ofthe extension bar (58).

Hence, the extension bar (58) is now rigid with the apparatus frame (1).

The 360 degree angle adjuster (57) then slots into hole (78) ofthe extension bar (58).

The pipe (22) then slots into hole (73) ofthe 360 degree angle adjuster (57) and tightened with hand grips (23).

The spray guns (16) and spray gun holder (19) slide along the pipe (22) to the desired position depending on the width of line (47) required. Locking bolts (23) lock the respective gun into its desired position.

The angle of spraying fan (47) is adjustable by rotating the 360 degree angle adjuster (57) to the desired angle and locking it into that position.

FIGURE 10 DESCRIPTION:

Shows the three separate attachments required for various tasks.

The 360 degree angle adjuster (57) with locking bolts (23) at one end with holes (73) to lock the respective gun into its desired position. The other end can be fitted into holes on the apparatus or other attachments to secure the 360 degree angle adjuster into position.

The extension bar (58) is used for two purposes.

When holes (74) and (75) are mounted onto two pipes (22), not shown, on the main frame (7), not shown) and tightened into this position, the extension bar (58) is then used for;

a). Attaching the 360 degree angle adjuster (57) onto it for spraying of lines required on a various angle as described for Figure 9.

b). attaching the pneumatic wheel (53) onto it for painting of contours and curves.

The pipe stabilizer (59) is used for extra stability to the pipe (22), not shown, from the axle (3) and (6).

Different sized holes determine one way usage. For example, large hole (76) is used for pipe (22) application. Small size hole (77) is used for axle (3) and (6) application.

FIGURE 11 DESCRIPTION:

Shows an optional attachment required for painting contours and curves as required.

The holes (74) and (75) ofthe extension bar (58) are attached to the apparatus frame (1) onto two pipes (22) not shown, which are placed into the holes (20 and (21) ofthe main frame (1) ofthe apparatus (not shown).

The stork (79) slides into hole (78) and is locked into position with locking bolt (23). The stork (79) remains fixed but wheel frame (54) is able to rotate in a 360 degree rotation by means of bearings (not shown).

A locking pin (55) locks the wheel frame (54) into a fixed position . A hand operated cable (not shown) releases the locking pin (55) as required in order to make the apparatus turn, thus required for following the curve of a line.

The pneumatic wheel (53) is attached to the wheel frame (54). Hence, turns for curves are made by the push-pull method ofthe apparatus by the operator.

FIGURE 12 DESCRIPTION:

In Figure 12 a typical spray gun (16) is shown with some additions in place in order to rotate and alter the angle of spraying as required.

The spray gun (16) is attached to the apparatus in the following manner. The square tube (19) slides along the pipe (22) (not shown) through the hole (62) ofthe square tube (19) that is locked into position by locking bolt (23). The gun pipe (17) slides into the square tube (19) and is locked into position by locking bolt (18).

The height ofthe spray gun (16) is altered up or down on a vertical motion thus altering the width ofthe line being painted (not shown). The spray gun support barrel (65), slides through a hole in the gun pipe (17) and is locked into position by locking bolt (63). When this locking bolt (63) is released, the spray gun support barrel (65) is able to rotate in a 360°.

The operation ofthe spray gun (16) is via manually operation cable (31) which is housed in the cable support bracket (66), which holds the outer casing ofthe cable (31) with a cable cover (64) protecting the end ofthe cable (31). The inner part (67) ofthe cable (31) carries through to the spray gun trigger (70) and is housed by cable support bracket (68). The end ofthe inner cable (67) has a fixed nib (69).

The cable support brackets (66) and (68), have a slot along it thus enabling the cable (31) and inner cable (67) to be disconnected and removed at any desired time with ease to enable extra spray guns to be attached quickly or disconnected as the different applications require.

SUBSΗTUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) FIGURE 13 DESCRIPTION:

Figure 13 shows an axle stand used for holding up the frame ofthe apparatus while alterations are made to wheel base dimensions.

The apparatus is lifted and placed into the cup (79). The edge (80) ensures that the apparatus does not slide off.

The stork (81) is attached to the base (82) for stability.

SUBSΗTUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU) FIGURE 14 DESCRIPTION:

Figure 14 shows the nominal wheel axles A, B, C & D most commonly used.

Axle A, situated at the front with a thread (83) at one end where the wheel (not shown) is mounted.

The other end (85) of Axle A does not have a thread.

The total length of Axle A is 300mm.

Axle B is 375mm in total length with a thread (83) on both ends. Normally Axle B is situated at the rear ofthe apparatus along with Axle C, which is 565mm in total length.

Axle C has a thread (83) on one end and a hollow cavity (84) on the other end into which an axle thread (83) slides.

Axle D is 1200mm in total length, with a thread (83) on both ends.

Hence, all ofthe figures shown previously are able to be performed using these four axle lengths.

These axle lengths are able to be made to any size required for specific applications and as preferred by individual operators.

SUBSΗTUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU)

Claims

CLAIMSClaims defining the invention are as follows;

1. A newly designed line painting apparatus consisting ofthe frame, which is specifically designed to advance the capacity to paint wide areas by means of adjustable front and rear axles which are able to slide within the frame support to give the required area for painting.

2. Sliding axles to be used for positioning wheels away from pot holes and spoon drains.

3. Sliding axles enable positioning of wheels away from vertical objects.

4. Sliding axles enabling positioning of wheels to avoid running over wide or previously painted areas.

5. Removable axles enabling different length axles to be utilised where differing applications require.

6. Removable axles enabling quick alteration of wheel base configuration.

7. Removable axles enabling quick addition or additions of extra wheels to suit applications.

8. Removable axles enabling configuration of wheel base to be altered in such a way as to allow the apparatus to rotate in a complete circumference of a circle .

9. The apparatus is able to paint circumferences of a circle from 600mm diameter to 3600mm diameter.

10. Sliding axles enabling a painting area from 30mm up to 1200mm concurrently without interference from the wheels.

11. Extra attachments available for total stability of spray guns at various distances.

12. Spray gun height adjustments all made easily and quickly by locking bolts having plastic moulded hand grips. No tools required.

13. All locking bolts for sliding axles can be made easily and quickly by plastic moulded hand grips thereby, the use of tools not required.

14. Attachments added to apparatus to enable painting of lines to any given angle required.

15. Any given angle able to be quickly altered to suit changing applications.

16. One, single hand operated lever, can operate up to ten spray guns simultaneously.

17. One, single hand operated lever can operate up to five spray guns and five glass bead dispensers simultaneously.

18. A flat rectangular table measuring 600mm x 400mm is attached to the frame ofthe apparatus easily to provide a handy mobile work bench, which can be used for cleaning number and letter stencils and other equipment commonly utilised for road line marking.

19. Glass bead hopper easily and quickly attached and removed from the frame ofthe apparatus.

20. Incorporated into the frame ofthe apparatus is a hose realer to allow the spray gun hose to roll neatly and quickly into the hose reel to prevent the entanglement ofthe hose during operation.

21. The frame of the apparatus allows for provision of a safety strobe light to be attached quickly for awareness to others ofthe apparatus' operation.

22. A pivoting wheel attached to the front ofthe frame ofthe apparatus, enables the apparatus to turn easily.

23. The turning ofthe apparatus enables painting of curved lines with ease for the operator.

24. The spray gun and cable can rotate together.

25. The spray gun fan angle can be altered to spray both horizontally and vertically.

26. The simultaneous movement ofthe spray gun and cable ensures no loss of tension ofthe cable required for operation ofthe trigger action ofthe spray gun.

27. A line painting apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUBST╬ô╬ôUTE SHEET (Rule 26) (RO/AU)