WO2014172129A1

WO2014172129A1 - Ice resurfacing machine attachment device

Info

Publication number: WO2014172129A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/033140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brad P. BEALL
Original assignee: Beall Brad P
Priority date: 2013-04-17
Filing date: 2014-04-07
Publication date: 2014-10-23

Abstract

An attachment device for an ice resurfacing machine including a mounting frame for attaching the device to the ice resurfacing machine; at least one cleaning device attached to the mounting frame and, optionally, a pivot frame attached to the mounting frame and a machine frame attached to the pivot frame, where the cleaning device is attached to the machine frame. The attachment device may also include a driving mechanism for the cleaning device to cause movement of the cleaning device and/or a cleaning solution tank assembly. Also, a method of cleaning the dasher boards of an ice rink including: attaching an attachment device onto an ice resurfacing machine; positioning the ice resurfacing machine such that the at least one cleaning device contacts the dasher boards; and driving the ice resurfacing machine around the ice rink with the at least one cleaning device contacting the dasher boards.

Description

ICE RESURFACING MACHINE ATTACHMENT DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/813,070 filed April 17, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an attachment for an ice resurfacing machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to an attachment for an ice resurfacing machine, wherein the attachment is used to clean the perimeter walls of an ice rink.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Ice rinks that are used for ice hockey games get unsightly black marks on the perimeter walls of the ice rink, which are known as "dasher boards", from hockey pucks hitting against them. Presently, the only way to remove hockey puck marks from ice rink dasher boards is to scrub them by hand or with an automotive type polisher or buffer. This process takes many man-hours to complete and is physically difficult for the person or persons who do the job.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a device to remove the black marks from the walls of an ice rink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to an attachment device for an ice resurfacing machine comprising a mounting frame for attaching the device to a side of the ice resurfacing machine, and at least one cleaning device attached to the mounting frame. The attachment device may also include a pivot frame attached to the mounting frame and a machine frame attached to the pivot frame, where the at least one cleaning device is attached to the machine frame. The pivot frame may be adapted to allow the machine frame to be movable with respect to the ice resurfacing machine and, more specifically, to allow the machine frame to be extended from the ice resurfacing machine. A caster may be attached to a lower portion of the machine frame. [0006] The attachment device may also include a driving mechanism connected to the at least one cleaning device to cause movement of the at least one cleaning device, preferably, rotational movement of the at least one cleaning device. The attachment device may also include at least one hydraulic line and fitting adapted to connect to a hydraulic line of the ice resurfacing machine, wherein the at least one hydraulic line and fitting are also connected to the driving mechanism connected to the at least one cleaning device to cause movement of the at least one cleaning device. The supply of hydraulic power to the driving mechanism may be controlled by the controller of the horizontal auger of the ice resurfacing machine.

[0007] The attachment device may also include a cleaning solution tank. A pump and spray heads may be attached to the cleaning solution tank. The attachment device may also include at least one electrical connection adapted to connect to an electrical circuit of the ice resurfacing machine, wherein the at least one electrical connection is connected to the pump to control spraying of cleaning fluid. The supply of electrical power to the pump may be provided by pushing a horn button of the ice resurfacing machine.

[0008] The at least one cleaning device may be a brush, may be flexible, and may include a removable cleaning pad.

[0009] The present invention is also directed to a method of cleaning the dasher boards of an ice rink comprising: attaching an attachment device onto an ice resurfacing machine, wherein the attachment device comprises a mounting frame for attaching the device to a side of the ice resurfacing machine, at least one cleaning device attached to the mounting frame; positioning the ice resurfacing machine such that the at least one cleaning device contacts the dasher boards; and driving the ice resurfacing machine around the ice rink with the at least one cleaning device contacting the dasher boards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the attachment device shown in use.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the attachment device.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the attachment device showing a cleaning solution tank assembly 110.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the attachment device shown with hydraulic lines 44 and cleaning solution spray head supply line 94 removed for clarity.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a top view of the attachment device showing the pivoting frame assembly 12 rotation with the cleaning solution spray head supply line 94 removed for clarity.

[0015] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the machine frame assembly 14. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

[0017] The present invention is directed to a device that attaches to an ice resurfacing machine for the purpose of cleaning ice rink dasher boards. The attachment device may be quickly and easily attached to an ice resurfacing machine (for example, the ice resurfacing machines distributed by the Frank J. Zamboni Company). When the ice resurfacing machine is driven around the inside perimeter of the ice rink, the attachment device scrubs the puck marks off the dasher boards using rotating scrubbing pads and a cleaning solution. The scrubbing pads may be driven by a hydraulic motor that receives its power from the existing hydraulic system of the ice resurfacing machine. The cleaning solution may be sprayed onto the dasher boards and/or the scrubbing pads by an electric pump that may be connected to the ice resurfacing machine's existing electrical system. In this manner, the cleaning process may be completed much more quickly with no physical strain involved for the person or persons doing the job.

[0018] Referring now to Figures 1 through 6, the attachment device includes a mounting frame 10, a pivoting frame assembly 12, a machine frame assembly 14, and at least one cleaning device 48, 50 attached to the machine frame assembly 14.

[0019] The pivoting frame assembly 12 includes an upper swing arm 16, a lower swing arm 18, an upper pivot frame mounting bracket 20, a lower pivot frame mounting bracket 22, a pivoting frame stop 32, a pivoting frame upper cross member 34, a pivoting frame lower cross member 36, and at least one pivoting frame vertical support 68.

[0020] The pivoting frame assembly 12 is attached to the mounting frame 10 via the upper pivot frame mounting bracket 20 and the lower pivot frame mounting bracket 22. At least one pivoting frame vertical support 68 extends between the upper pivot frame mounting bracket 20 and the lower pivot frame mounting bracket 22. The upper swing arm 16 is pivotably attached at one end to the upper pivot frame mounting bracket 20 and pivotably attached at the other end to an upper machine frame pivot bracket 28 which is attached to the machine frame assembly 14. The lower swing arm 18 is pivotably attached at one end to the lower pivot frame mounting bracket 22 and at the other end to a lower machine frame pivot bracket 30 which is attached to the machine frame assembly 14. The upper swing arm 16 and the lower swing arm 18 may be pivotably attached to the upper pivot frame mounting bracket 20 by an inner pivot frame pivot bolt 24 and to the upper machine frame pivot bracket 28 by an outer pivot frame pivot bolt 26.

[0021] The pivoting frame upper cross member 34, which extends between one end of the upper swing arm 16 and the opposite end of the lower swing arm 18, and the pivoting frame lower cross member 36 provide support and structure between the upper swing arm 16 and the lower swing arm 18.

[0022] The pivoting frame stop 32 is attached to the upper pivot frame mounting bracket 20 and acts to restrict the movement of the pivoting frame assembly 12 such that when the upper swing arm 16 contacts the pivoting frame stop 32, the upper swing arm 16 is substantially perpendicular to the side of the ice resurfacing machine 84, and the machine frame assembly 14 is substantially parallel to the side of the ice resurfacing machine 84.

[0023] A spring 80 may extend from the mounting frame 10 to the end of the pivoting frame assembly 12 attached to the machine frame assembly 14. The spring 80 may be attached to the mounting frame 10 by an eyebolt 82 and to the machine frame assembly 14 using a spring bracket 78. The spring 80 provides force to bias the pivoting frame assembly 12 and the machine frame assembly 14 in the extended position where the upper swing arm 16 is in contact with the pivoting frame stop 32 such that the upper swing arm 16 is substantially perpendicular to the side of the ice resurfacing machine 84, and the machine frame assembly 14 is substantially parallel to the side of the ice resurfacing machine 84. The spring 80 may be of a coil, leaf, or hydraulic type.

[0024] The machine frame assembly 14 includes a machine frame 70, a machine frame back plate 72 attached to one side of the machine frame 70, and a machine frame cover plate 74 attached to an opposing side of the machine frame 70.

[0025] At least one cleaning device 48, 50 is mounted on the outside of the machine frame cover plate 74. The cleaning device 48, 50 may be a brush and, if there is a plurality of cleaning devices 48, 50 they may have different sizes. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the attachment device may have one or more large diameter cleaning devices 48 and/or one or more small diameter cleaning devices 50.

[0026] Alternatively, the cleaning device 48, 50 may comprise disk hubs attached to the large diameter cleaning device shafts 62 and the small diameter cleaning device shaft 60 using bolts and spring pins, also known as roll pins, that pass through the shafts as well as the disk hubs, preventing accidental disengagement. Flexible disks constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to, plastic polymer type sheet and sheet metal, may be attached to the hubs with machine screws, washers, and nuts. Replaceable cleaning pads may be attached to the flexible disks with hook and loop type adhesive tape (commonly referred to as Velcro^®), or any sufficient connection device.

[0027] A wheel/caster 38 can be attached to a bottom portion of the machine frame 70 via a wheel/caster bracket 40. The wheel/caster 38 may be bolted into place or welded into place. The wheel/caster 38 may help to support the weight of the attachment device while it is in use, and also may aid in its transportation when it is removed from the ice resurfacing machine 84.

[0028] Enclosed between the machine frame back plate 72 and the machine frame cover plate 74 is a driving mechanism for moving the at least one cleaning device 48, 50. The driving mechanism may take any suitable form so long as it provides for movement, preferably rotational movement, of the at least one cleaning device 48, 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the driving mechanism includes: a tensioner sprocket 46; a drive sprocket 52; a small guide sprocket 54; large diameter cleaning device sprockets 56; a small diameter cleaning device sprocket 58; a small diameter cleaning device shaft 60; large diameter cleaning device shafts 62; a small guide sprocket shaft 64; a tensioner sprocket shaft 66; and a chain 76.

[0029] The drive sprocket 52 is connected to a hydraulic motor 42 which causes rotation of the drive sprocket 52 resulting in movement of the chain 76 and rotation of the large diameter cleaning device sprockets 56 and the small diameter cleaning device sprocket 58. The large diameter cleaning device shafts 62 and the small diameter cleaning device shaft 60 are connected between the large diameter cleaning device sprockets 56 and the large diameter cleaning devices 48 and the small diameter cleaning device sprocket 58 and the small diameter cleaning device 50, respectively. Thus, the rotational movement of the large diameter cleaning device shafts 62 and the small diameter cleaning device shaft 60 is transferred to the large diameter cleaning devices 48 and the small diameter cleaning device 50, respectively.

[0030] Hydraulic lines 44, which may have hydraulic fittings 86, 88, 90, can be used to connect the hydraulic motor 42 to the existing hydraulic system of the ice resurfacing machine 84. In certain embodiments, the hydraulic lines 44 may be placed in-line with the existing hydraulic lines of the ice resurfacing machine 84. Alternatively, a set of hydraulic fittings 86, 88, 90 may be attached to the hydraulic lines 44 of the hydraulic motor 42 to connect them to the existing hydraulic lines of the ice resurfacing machine 84. The hydraulic lines 44 may be connected to the hydraulic motor 42 with standard hydraulic connectors (not shown).

[0031] The hydraulic lines 44 may be connected to the hydraulic system that controls the horizontal auger of the ice resurfacing machine 84 such that the driving mechanism can be controlled using the lever that controls the horizontal auger of the ice resurfacing machine 84. [0032] The machine frame cover plate 74 may be made from any material strong enough to keep human body parts away from contact with the moving sprockets 52, 54, 56, 58, 64, 66, and drive chain 76 located inside the machine frame assembly 14 and capable of blocking lubricants such as grease from dripping onto the ice or spraying onto the dasher boards and contaminants such as water or cleaning solution from entering the chain and sprocket area. The machine frame cover plate 74 can be attached to the machine frame 70 using sheet metal screws, adhesive, elastic bands, or by any other attachment means that will hold it securely in place.

[0033] The attachment device may also include a cleaning solution tank assembly 110. A cleaning solution tank 96 capable of holding an adequate amount of cleaning solution is connected to cleaning solution spray heads 92 mounted on the machine frame assembly 14 by a cleaning solution spray head supply line 94. The cleaning solution spray head supply line 94 may be mounted using cleaning solution spray head supply line mounting tabs 108.

[0034] The cleaning solution tank assembly 1 10 includes a cleaning solution pickup hose 104 to supply cleaning solution to a pump 100 which supplies cleaning solution to the cleaning solution spray head supply line 94. The pump 100 may be activated by an existing momentary switch on the ice resurfacing machine 84, and may be connected to the ice resurfacing machine's 84 existing electrical system with electrical wiring 106 and spade type electrical connectors. Alternatively, the pump 100 could be battery powered. It is advantageous if the pump 100 can be activated or deactivated quickly and easily and the pumping system can withstand vibration caused by automotive type engines.

[0035] The pump 100 may be electrically connected to the electrical system of the ice resurfacing machine 84 that controls the horn such that pushing the horn button located on the dashboard of the ice resurfacing machine 84 activates the pump to spray cleaning solution.

[0036] The cleaning solution tank assembly 110 may be attached to the ice resurfacing machine 84 using a mounting band 98 and may be disposed in a left side engine cover door/cleaning solution tank assembly storage compartment 112 of the ice resurfacing machine 84.

[0037] The three separate frames of the present invention (mounting frame 10, pivoting frame 12, and machine frame 14) of the attachment device may be constructed of any suitable materials, including but not limited to, sheet metal, round steel tubing, square steel tubing, bolts, washers, nuts, sheet metal self-tapping screws, supports, and mounting brackets of various sizes and dimensions. In addition, the pivoting frame assembly 12 may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to, angle bar, round tubing, bearings, bolts, nuts, and washers of various sizes and dimensions. All of the frames may be made by welding steel components together. Ball or roller type bearings may be pressed into their respective components, and held in place by either surface tension or mechanical limiting devices such as pins or bolts.

[0038] In operation, when the hydraulic motor 42 is energized by the ice resurfacing machine's 84 existing hydraulic system, the hydraulic motor 42, through the series of sprockets and the drive chain described above, spins the vertically mounted cleaning devices 48, 50. A cleaning solution may be sprayed onto the dasher boards, in front of the spinning cleaning devices 48, 50, by the electrically driven pump 100 that may be activated by an existing momentary switch located in the driver's seating area of the ice resurfacing machine 84. As the ice resurfacing machine 84 advances forward, the spinning cleaning devices 48, 50 come into contact with the dasher boards and may be held against the dasher boards by tension supplied by the spring 80. The cleaning solution may be scrubbed onto the dasher boards with the spinning cleaning devices 48, 50, removing the marks made by hockey pucks and various other objects.

[0039] A U-shaped retaining clip (not shown) may be provided to hold the attachment device in the non-extended, folded position when it is not in use. The U-shape clip extends from the mounting frame 10 to the machine frame assembly 14 holding the machine frame assembly 14 in close proximity to the mounting frame 10.

[0040] A method of using the attachment device may include the following steps: securing the attachment device to the permanent mounting bracket with the "U" shaped retaining clip; using a pump-type pressurized sprayer to apply a thin coat of cleaning solution to the entire surface of the dasher boards; starting the ice resurfacing machine and driving it onto the ice rink surface; removing the "U" shaped retaining clip, and letting the attachment device slowly move to its fully extended position; activating the attachment device; and driving the ice resurfacing machine along the dasher boards, allowing the spinning cleaning devices to come into contact with the dasher boards. The ice resurfacing machine may be driven as slowly as possible, moving forward along the perimeter of the ice rink. If the attachment device is equipped with a cleaning solution tank assembly, a small amount of cleaning solution may be occasionally sprayed onto the boards.

[0041] The procedure may be completed once the dasher boards are clean. The user may then deactivate the cleaning machine, push the cleaning machine back into the mounting bracket, and secure it using the "U" shaped retaining clip. The user may then drive the ice resurfacing machine off the ice rink and remove the attachment device from the ice resurfacing machine.

[0042] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS

1. An attachment device for an ice resurfacing machine comprising:

a mounting frame for attaching the device to a side of the ice resurfacing machine; and

at least one cleaning device attached to the mounting frame.

2. The attachment device of claim 1 further comprising:

a pivot frame attached to the mounting frame; and a machine frame attached to the pivot frame,

wherein the at least one cleaning device is attached to the machine frame.

3. The attachment device of claim 2, wherein the pivot frame is adapted to allow the machine frame to be movable with respect to the ice resurfacing machine.

4. The attachment device of claim 2, wherein the pivot frame is adapted to allow the machine frame to be extended from the ice resurfacing machine.

5. The attachment device of claim 1 further comprising a driving mechanism connected to the at least one cleaning device to cause movement of the at least one cleaning device.

6. The attachment device of claim 5, wherein the movement is rotation.

7. The attachment device of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning solution tank.

8. The attachment device of claim 7 further comprising a pump and a spray nozzle attached to the cleaning solution tank.

9. The attachment device of claim 1 further comprising at least one hydraulic line and fitting adapted to connect to a hydraulic line of the ice resurfacing machine.

10. The attachment device of claim 9, wherein the at least one hydraulic line and fitting are connected to a driving mechanism connected to the at least one cleaning device to cause movement of the at least one cleaning device.

1 1. The attachment device of claim 10, wherein the supply of hydraulic power to the driving mechanism is controlled by a controller of an horizontal auger of the ice resurfacing machine.

12. The attachment device of claim 1 further comprising at least one electrical connection adapted to connect to an electrical circuit of the ice resurfacing machine.

13. The attachment device of claim 12, wherein the at least one electrical connection is connected to a pump for spraying cleaning fluid.

14. The attachment device of claim 13, wherein the supply of electrical power to the pump is provided by pushing a horn button of the ice resurfacing machine.

15. The attachment device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning device is a brush.

16. The attachment device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning device is rotatable.

17. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning device is flexible.

18. The attachment device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning device further comprises removable cleaning pads.

19. The attachment device of claim 2 further comprising a caster attached to a lower portion of the machine frame.

20. A method of cleaning the dasher boards of an ice rink comprising:

attaching an attachment device onto an ice resurfacing machine, wherein the attachment device comprises a mounting frame for attaching the device to a side of the ice resurfacing machine; and at least one cleaning device attached to the mounting frame;

positioning the ice resurfacing machine such that the at least one cleaning device contacts the dasher boards; and

driving the ice resurfacing machine around the ice rink with the at least one cleaning device contacting the dasher boards.