WO2015153430A1

WO2015153430A1 - Self activating bead dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2015153430A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/023293
Authority: WO
Inventors: James C. Schroeder; Rehmer WANG; Steven SHAO
Original assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
Priority date: 2014-04-04
Filing date: 2015-03-30
Publication date: 2015-10-08

Abstract

A mobile applicator (10) actuator assembly includes a driving wheel (32F) configured to move a mobile applicator (10) and a dispenser (18). The dispenser (18) includes an actuator wheel (52) configured to be rotated by the driving wheel (32F) when in a position of contact with the driving wheel (32F), a spring loading element (56) configured to force the actuator wheel (52) into a position of contact with the driving wheel (32F), and a cradle (46) configured to removably receive a weighted portion of the mobile applicator (10) and force the actuator wheel (52) away from the driving wheel (32F) such that the actuator wheel (52) is disengaged from the driving wheel (32F). The actuator wheel is configured to actuate a material dispensing member upon rotation.

Description

SELF ACTIVATING BEAD DISPENSER

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to pavement marking, and more particularly to a self-activating bead dispenser for a thermoplastic die box.

Alkyd and hydrocarbon thermoplastics are commonly used to mark pavement surfaces with visible lines and symbols such as lane dividers and guide lines. In particular, thermoplastics provide a durable alternative to pavement painting, and are commonly used to mark street intersections, parking lots, and other high-traffic pavement surfaces from which paint would quickly wear away.

Thermoplastics are conventionally applied to pavement surfaces using a mobile applicator comprising a heated reservoir or kettle and an application screed die box. Melted thermoplastic is dispensed from the kettle at a controlled rate and applied in a thin layer atop pavement surfaces with the screed die box. Light-reflective beads are generally applied atop the layer of thermoplastic to improve visibility of the thermoplastic markings. Light-reflective beads are generally dispensed from a bead dispenser on the mobile applicator. The bead dispenser is commonly positioned closely behind the screed die box such that the light-reflective beads are applied in conjunction with the application of the thermoplastic, while the thermoplastic remains molten or semi-molten on the pavement surface.

The engagement and disengagement of the thermoplastic screed die box and reflective bead dispenser requires the coordinated use of two levers— one for actuating the thermoplastic screed die box and one for actuating the bead dispenser. In addition, a third lever is required to control the flow of molten thermoplastic from the kettle to the screed die box. In many applications, the thermoplastic is applied in repetitive short segments of only several seconds, requiring operators to skillfully coordinate the opening and closing of multiple valves using multiple levers.

Therefore, it is desired to simplify operation of the mobile applicator by providing a single mechanism capable of engaging and disengaging screed die box and the bead dispenser simultaneously.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a mobile applicator actuator assembly includes a driving wheel configured to move a mobile applicator and a dispenser. The dispenser includes an actuator wheel configured to be rotated by the driving wheel when operatively engaged with the driving wheel, a spring loading element configured to force the actuator wheel into operative engagement with the driving wheel, and a cradle configured to selectively receive a weighted portion of the mobile applicator to force the actuator wheel away from the driving wheel, such that the actuator wheel is disengaged from the driving wheel. The actuator wheel is configured to actuate a material dispensing member upon rotation.

In another aspect, a mobile applicator for applying thermoplastic material includes a frame having at least one driving wheel, a screed die box movably connected to the frame, and a bead dispenser connected to the frame and configured to receive a portion of the screed die box. The bead dispenser includes an actuator wheel configured to be rotated by the driving wheel when in a position of contact with the driving wheel and forced away from the driving wheel when a portion of the screed die box is received on the bead dispenser.

In yet another aspect, a method for using a bead dispenser on a mobile applicator includes the steps of: removing a portion of a screed die box from a cradle of a bead dispenser, rotating a driving wheel on a common frame, rotating an actuator wheel, and rotating a dispensing shaft. The screed die box and bead dispenser are connected to the common frame. The actuator wheel is in contact with the driving wheel and rotated by the rotating driving wheel. The dispensing shaft is connected to the actuator wheel and rotated by the actuator wheel.

The present summary is provided only by way of example, and not limitation.

Other aspects of the present disclosure will be appreciated in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, including the entire text, claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a thermoplastic mobile applicator.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded top perspective view of one embodiment of an actuator assembly for a bead dispenser on the thermoplastic mobile applicator.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the bead dispenser, a screed die box, and a driving wheel shown in isolation in a position of engagement.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the bead dispenser, screed die box, and driving wheel shown in isolation in a position of disengagement.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the actuator assembly.

While the above-identified figures set forth embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features, steps and/or components not specifically shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a thermoplastic mobile applicator 10. The mobile applicator 10 includes a frame 12, which holds a gas tank enclosure 14, gas tank (not shown), bead reservoir 16, bead dispenser 18, kettle 20, and screed die box 22. A bead tube 24 connects the bead reservoir 16 to the bead dispenser 18, and a chute 26 connects the kettle 20 with a gate valve 28 to the screed die box 22. A plurality of gas lines 30 (not all shown) connect a plurality of gas burners (not all shown), including screed die box burners 31 , to the gas tank. The plurality of gas burners are used for heating thermoplastic at various locations. At least a single burner (not shown) is used to heat the kettle 20. The frame 12 further includes a plurality of driving wheels 32 and a push bar 34 for moving the mobile applicator 10 across a surface.

The mobile applicator 10 is a tool capable of marking lines by melting and then applying thermoplastic to a surface, generally including, but not limited to, pavement. The frame 12 provides support for other components of the mobile applicator 10. The frame 12 can, for instance, include a framework of aluminum and/or steel beams, tubes, and struts. The gas tank enclosure 14 can be attached to a rear section of the frame 12. The gas tank enclosure 14 is sized to hold the gas tank, which can contain propane, butane, or other suitable combustible fuel capable of heating the kettle 20 to a temperature necessary to melt thermoplastic. The driving wheels 32 are rotatably attached to a bottom of the frame 12 and allow the mobile applicator 10 to move along the pavement or surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile applicator 10 includes three driving wheels (collectively referred to by reference character 32): a single rear wheel 32A, which swivels and provides directional control, and two front driving wheels 32F, located at a forward end of the frame 12. The push bar 34 can be attached at a rearward end of the frame 12 and allows a user to manually propel the mobile applicator 10 forward by pushing the push bar 34, such that the user can direct where surface markings are made. In alternate embodiments, a motor or other on-board power source (not shown) can optionally be used to help propel the mobile applicator 10. The kettle 20 can be mounted to a top surface of the frame 12. The kettle 20 is a receptacle that is heated to melt thermoplastic and/or help prevent melted thermoplastic from re-solidifying. In the illustrated embodiment, the kettle 20 is a cylindrical receptacle heated by a gas burner positioned below the kettle 20. The kettle 20 can be made of a heat-resistant material including, but not limited to, steel or aluminum. Thermoplastic can be added to the kettle 20 in the form of a granular powder or in a pre-melted state. Molten or pre-melted thermoplastic is regularly stored in a larger heated receptacle on-site to reduce the time to application. It can take up to one hour to melt granular thermoplastic in the kettle of the illustrated embodiment. The kettle 20 can include an agitator 36, which can be used to mix the thermoplastic as necessary.

The kettle gate valve 28 can be positioned between the interior of the kettle 20 and the chute 26, and is configured to allow molten thermoplastic to flow from the kettle 20 into the chute 26. The kettle gate valve 28 is opened and closed by a handle lever 38 extending from the kettle gate valve 28 to the reward end of the mobile applicator 10 for user operation. The chute 26 is a rigid, heat-resistant structure, which guides the molten thermoplastic from the kettle 20 to the screed die box 22. The chute 26 can include an opening positioned above and spaced from the screed die box 22, which allows the molten thermoplastic to fall into the screed die box 22 by way of gravity. The chute 26 can be made of a heat-resistant material including, but not limited to, aluminum or steel.

The screed die box 22 includes a handle 40, which extends from the screed die box 22 to the reward end of the mobile applicator 10 for user operation, and a gate valve assembly 42 configured to open a lower reward end of the screed die box 22. The handle 40 is connected to the gate valve 42 and configured to open the gate valve 42 when the handle 40 is lowered and close the gate valve 42 when the handle 40 is raised. When open, the gate valve 42 allows molten thermoplastic to flow from the screed die box 22 to the surface to be marked. A height to which the gate valve 42 opens can be adjusted to control the thickness of the thermoplastic as applied to the surface. Between applications, the handle 40 is raised and used to lift the screed die box 22 off of the surface to be marked and into a stowing cradle 46, which is located on the bead dispenser 18. Placing the screed die box 22 in the cradle 46 effectively closes the gate valve 42 and contains the thermoplastic in the screed die box 22. The screed die box 22 can be moveably connected to the frame 12 at the forward end of the mobile applicator 10 by a first linkage arm 47 configured to allow the screed die box 22 to swing back-and-forth about a pivot axis A] between a position at or near the surface to be marked and the cradle 46 above the surface to be marked while maintaining connection to the frame 12. A second linkage arm (not shown) can connect the screed die box 22 to the first linkage arm 47 using fastening members 48A and 48B. Fastening members 48A and 48B can include, but are not limited to, a bolt, nut, screw, or rivet. The second linkage arm can be configured to allow the screed die box to tilt side-to-side about a pivot axis A₂, wherein A] and A₂ are non- parallel pivot axes. A fastening member 49 can be used to attach the first linkage arm 47 to the frame 12. Generally, the fastening member 49 can be a bolt, nut, screw, or other suitable fastener configured to allow an operator to remove the screed die box 22 from the frame 12 and replace it with another screed die box 22 at the job site using limited tools or no tools. The screed die box 22, gate valve 42, and handle 40 can be made of a heat- resistant material including, but not limited to, aluminum or steel.

The gas tank can supply combustible gas to a kettle burner (not shown), screed die box burners 31, and a hand torch 50, used to prevent the molten thermoplastic from solidifying. The screed die box burners 31 and the hand torch 50 can be optional and may not be included in other embodiments. Screed die box burners 31 can be positioned to direct heat at both a front and rear surface of the screed die box 22 or at only one surface in alternate embodiments. A hand torch 50, which can be stowed in a receptacle on the kettle 20 or frame 12, can be used to direct heat where needed to melt the thermoplastic.

Light reflective beads can be used to provide increased visibility to thermoplastic markings. Light reflective beads, which are generally formed of glass, are deposited on freshly applied molten thermoplastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the bead reservoir 16, configured to store glass beads, can be positioned at the reward end of the mobile applicator 10. The bead tube 24 is configured to carry the beads from the bead reservoir 16 to the bead dispenser 18 by way of gravity. The bead tube 24 can be made of a flexible material to accommodate the pivoting motion of the bead dispenser 18. An actuator wheel 52 on the bead dispenser 18 rotates a dispensing shaft (not shown), positioned along an opening of the bead dispenser 18. The dispensing shaft rotates to drag the light reflective beads from the open dispenser 18 onto an applied layer of thermoplastic.

The actuator wheel 52 is driven by one of the plurality of driving wheels 32 on the frame 12 of the mobile applicator 10. The actuator wheel 52 can be positioned in contact with the driving wheel 32F by default such that the actuator wheel 52 rotates when the driving wheel 32F rotates. Therefore, when the mobile applicator 10 is in a stopped position, the actuator wheel 52 ceases to rotate, effectively stopping the dispensing of light reflective beads. When the screed die box 22 is positioned in the cradle 46, the weight of the screed die box 22 causes the bead dispenser 18 to pivot, forcing the actuator wheel 52 off of the driving wheel 32F. The single handle 40 used to position the screed die box 22 in the cradle 46 thereby both closes the screed die box gate valve 42 and stops operation of the bead dispenser 18. Removing the actuator wheel 52 from the driving wheel 32F allows the user to move the mobile applicator 10 without actuating the bead dispenser 18. The actuator wheel 52 and dispensing shaft can be made of a heat-resistant material including, but not limited to steel or aluminum and can be a knurled wheel and knurled shaft construction.

In order to operate the mobile applicator 10, a user ignites the kettle burner (not shown). Granular thermoplastic and/or molten thermoplastic is added to the kettle 20. The thermoplastic is melted by the kettle burner. The agitator 36 can be used to mix the thermoplastic as it melts. Once the thermoplastic is uniformly melted, the user can pull the handle lever 38 of the kettle gate valve 28 into an open position. Opening kettle gate valve 28 allows thermoplastic from kettle 20 to flow into the chute 26 and into the screed die box 22. Screed die box burners 31 heat the screed die box 22, allowing the thermoplastic to remain molten as the thermoplastic is dispensed.

The handle 40 of the screed die box 22 is raised to remove the screed die box 22 from the cradle 46 and lowered to position the screed die box 22 on the surface to be marked with the gate valve 42 open. With the screed die box gate valve 42 in an open position, the mobile applicator 10 is pushed forward, applying a layer of thermoplastic to the surface. The bead dispenser 18, which is driven by the forward motion of the driving wheel 32F, deposits light reflective beads atop the applied thermoplastic layer. The handle lever 38 of the kettle gate valve 28 can be positioned to open and close the kettle gate valve 28 to control the amount of thermoplastic in the screed die box 22. Upon completion, forward movement of the mobile applicator 10 is stopped, the kettle gate valve 28 is fully closed, and the screed die box 22 is lifted away from the surface to be marked using the handle 40, and positioned in the cradle 46 where it is stowed in a closed position.

FIGS. 2-4 show perspective and side views of the bead dispenser 18 and screed die box 22 assembly with components for actuation. FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view with the bead dispenser 18 and screed die box 22 in a position of engagement; FIGS. 3A and 3B show side views with the bead dispenser 18 and screed die box 22 in positions of engagement and disengagement, respectively; FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the bead dispenser 18 and screed die box 22 in a position of engagement. The bead dispenser 18 can include the actuator wheel 52 for driving a bead dispensing shaft 54, a spring-loading element 56 for forcing the actuator wheel 52 into contact with the driving wheel 32F, the cradle 46 for receiving a portion of the screed die box 22, and connection points 57 configured to allow the bead dispenser 18 to move in relation to the frame 12. The screed die box 22 can include the handle 40 for positioning the screed die box 22 and opening and closing the gate valve 42, a hanging bar 58 for stowing the screed die box 22 in the cradle 46, and the first linkage arm 47 and a second linkage arm 59, each configured to allow the screed die box 22 to move in relation to the frame 12.

The handle 40 can be connected to the gate valve 42 and configured to open and close the gate valve 42 of the screed die box 22 upon lowering and raising the handle 40, respectively. The gate valve 42 can include a mid-section 42A extending a width of the screed die box 22 and connected to the handle, a first arm 42B positioned on an inner side of the screed die box 22, a second arm 42C positioned on an outer side of the screed die box 22, and a valve plate 42D positioned on a bottom of the screed die box 22. The gate valve 42 can be configured to slide the valve plate 42D forward and backward (FIG. 4) to open and close the screed die box 22 when the gate valve arms 42A, 42B are pivoted about a connection point 43 with the screed die box 22. When the screed die box 22 is positioned on or near the surface to be marked, the handle 40 can be automatically lowered by gravity. Lowering the handle 40 can cause the gate valve 42 to pivot about the connection points 43 causing the valve plate 42D to slide forward into an open position. Raising the handle 40, on the other hand, causes the gate valve 42 to pivot in an opposite direction thereby forcing the valve plate 42D to slide backward into a closed position. The handle 40 can be secured in the raised position by stowing a portion of the screed die box 22 in the cradle 46 of the bead dispenser 18.

The screed die box 22 can be movably connected to the frame 12 such that the screed die box 22 can move in relation to the frame 12. A front surface of the screed die box 22 can be connected to a forward end of the frame 12 with the linkage arm 47. The linkage arm 47 can be configured to allow a back-and-forth swinging movement of the screed die box 22 about the pivot axis A_\, such that the screed die box 22 can be moved from a position on or near the surface to be marked to a position above the surface to be marked (FIGS. 1, 4). The back-and-forth movement of the screed die box 22 can be caused by raising and lowering the handle 40. Raising the handle 40 can, therefore, both close the gate valve 42 and lift the screed die box 22 away from the surface to be marked, while retaining a connection between the screed die box 22 and the frame 12.

Once the screed die box 22 is in the raised position, a portion of the screed die box 22 can be received in the cradle 46 of the bead dispenser 18. The portion of the screed die box 22 received in the cradle 46 can be the hanging bar 58, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B. The hanging bar 58 can protrude from a surface of the handle 40 or from a portion of the screed die gate valve 42 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B. The hanging bar 58 can be welded to or otherwise securely fastened to the gate valve 42 such that the hanging bar 58 is capable of supporting the screed die box 22 when received in the cradle 46. The cradle 46 can be constructed of a flat bar mounted to the bead dispenser 18 with a rounded recess 60 open at an upper end. The cradle 46 can be positioned to a side of the hanging bar 58, such that the screed die box 22 must be tilted side-to-side to insert the hanging bar 58 into the cradle 46 and to remove the hanging bar 58 from the cradle 46. The second linkage arm 59 can be configured to allow the screed die box 22 to tilt side-to-side about the pivot axis A₂ to position the hanging bar 58 into or out of the cradle 46. A lower surface of the recess 60 of the cradle 46 can be positioned at a height from the surface to be marked that is greater than a height of the hanging bar 58 when the screed die box 22 is positioned on the surface to be marked, such that when the hanging bar 58 is received in the cradle 46, the screed die box 22 is moved off of the surface. An inner side of the cradle recess 60 can extend higher than an outer side to allow easier movement of the hanging bar 58 into and out of the cradle 46, while preventing a user from overshooting the cradle 46 in attempting to stow the screed die box 22. The cradle 46 and hanging bar 58 can be made of heat-resistant material including, but not limited to, steel or aluminum. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the structure of the cradle 46 and hanging bar 58 shown, but can include other receiving structures and mounting structures capable of supporting the weight of the screed die box 22.

The bead dispenser 18 can also be movably attached to the frame 12 such that the bead dispenser 18 pivots when the weight of the screed die box 22, by way of the hanging bar 58, is received in the cradle 46. The bead dispenser 18 can be connected to the frame at two connections points 57 configured to allow the bead dispenser 18 pivot in a front-to- back rocking manner, such that a lower end of the bead dispenser nearest the surface to be marked can be moved toward and away from the screed die box 22. The actuator wheel 52 and the cradle 46 can be connected to an inner side of the bead dispenser 18 and configured to move with the bead dispenser about the connection points 57. In this configuration, the actuator wheel 52 can move relative to the driving wheel 32F, such that the actuator wheel 52 moves from a position of contact with the driving wheel 32F when the hanging bar 58 is removed from the cradle 46, to a position away from the driving wheel 32F when the hanging bar 58 is received in the cradle 46. The pivoting movement of the bead dispenser 18 thereby can stop operation of the bead dispenser 18 even as driving wheels 32 rotate to move the mobile applicator 10 to another location. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the actuator wheel 52 contacting a tire of the driving wheel 32F, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the actuator wheel 52 can be configured to contact any part of the driving wheel 32F, including, but not limited to, a tire or hub, in order to provide a rotational engagement.

The bead dispenser 18 can include a spring-loading element 56 configured to force the actuator wheel 52 into a position of contact with the driving wheel 32F when the hanging bar 58 is removed from the cradle 46. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the spring-loading element 56 includes a hollow threaded shaft 62, a spring 63, and a fastening element 64. The threaded shaft 62 can be attached to the frame 12 such that a lower end of the threaded shaft 62 is open to and adjacent to an upper surface of the bead dispenser 18. The spring 63 can be received in the threaded shaft 62. The spring 63 can be a helical spring or spring of other construction capable of being compressed and expanded. A fastening element 64 can be received in an upper opening of the threaded shaft 62 and configured to compress the spring 63. The fastening element 64 can be a bolt, nut, screw, rivet or other suitable fastener capable of being received in the threaded shaft 62 to compress the spring 63. The spring-loading element 56 can be adjusted by turning the fastening element 64 to compress and force the spring 63 against the upper surface of the bead dispenser 18. Forcing the spring 63 against the upper surface of the bead dispenser 18 in this manner can cause the bead dispenser 18 to pivot, forcing the actuator wheel 52 against the driving wheel 32F. The spring-loading element 56 can be adjusted to achieve a desired tension capable of holding the actuator wheel 52 in a position of engagement with the driving wheel 32F during operation. When a portion of the screed die box 22 is received in the cradle 46 of the bead dispenser 18, the weight of the screed die box 22 is sufficient to overcome the force of the spring-loading element 56 and move the actuator wheel 52 back. Although a particular spring-loading element 56 is disclosed, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment, but can include other suitable spring-loading elements configured to hold the actuator wheel 52 in a position of contact with the driving wheel 32F during operation and allow the actuator wheel 52 to pivot away from the driving wheel 32F when a portion of the screed die box 22 is received in the cradle 46.

To engage and disengage both the bead dispenser 18 and screed die box 22 during operation of the mobile applicator 10, a user can raise and lower the handle 40 of the screed die box to move the portion of the screed die box 22 from the cradle 46 of the bead dispenser 18 and raise and lower the handle 40 to move the portion of the screed die box 22 back into the cradle 46 (as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B). The movement of the single handle 40 thereby effectively starts and stops flow of thermoplastic from the screed die box 22 and release of light-reflective beads from the bead dispenser 18.

By placing a stowage cradle 46 for the screed die box 22 on the bead dispenser, the present invention enables a user to simultaneously stow the screed die box 22 for transport and engage or disengage both the screed die box 22 and bead dispenser 18 of a mobile applicator 10 with the control of a single handle 40. The present invention thereby replaces the need for multiple handles or levers and substantially simplifies the operation of the mobile applicator.

Discussion of possible embodiments

The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.

A mobile applicator actuator assembly includes a driving wheel configured to move a mobile applicator and a dispenser. The dispenser includes an actuator wheel configured to be rotated by the driving wheel when operatively engaged with the driving wheel, a spring loading element configured to force the actuator wheel into operative engagement with the driving wheel, and a cradle configured to selectively receive a weighted portion of the mobile applicator to force the actuator wheel away from the driving wheel, such that the actuator wheel is disengaged from the driving wheel. The actuator wheel is configured to actuate a material dispensing member upon rotation.

The mobile applicator actuator assembly of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator actuator assembly, wherein the weighted portion of the mobile applicator is a portion of a screed die box. A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator actuator assembly, wherein the screed die box includes a handle configured to position the portion of the screed die box in the cradle of the dispenser.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator actuator assembly, wherein the screed die box includes a hanging bar, wherein the hanging bar is the portion of the screed die box removably received in the cradle of the dispenser.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator actuator assembly, wherein the dispenser further includes a plurality of pivot points configured to pivot the dispenser when the portion of mobile applicator is received in the cradle and move the actuator wheel away from the driving wheel.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator actuator assembly, wherein the plurality of pivots are located on a common structure of the dispenser to which the cradle and the actuator wheel are connected, such that the cradle and the actuator wheel move in unison.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator actuator assembly, wherein the spring loading element includes a tension-control member configured to adjust the spring to a desired tension.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator actuator assembly, wherein the spring loading element includes a threaded body, a spring, and a fastener, wherein the spring is positioned inside the threaded body and the fastener is capable of being threadedly received in the threaded body and adjusting the spring to a desired tension.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator actuator assembly, wherein the material dispensing member includes a shaft connected to the actuator wheel, wherein the shaft is rotated by the actuator wheel and is positioned along an opening from which the material is dispensed.

A mobile applicator for applying thermoplastic material, the mobile applicator including a frame having at least one driving wheel; a screed die box movably connected to the frame; and a bead dispenser connected to the frame and configured to receive a portion of the screed die box. The bead dispenser includes an actuator wheel configured to be rotated by the driving wheel when in a position of contact with the driving wheel and forced away from the driving wheel when a portion of the screed die box is received on the bead dispenser. The mobile applicator of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator, wherein the bead dispenser further comprises a cradle and wherein, the cradle is configured to receive the portion of the screed die box.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator, wherein the screed die box includes a hanging bar and a handle, wherein the handle is configured to position the hanging bar of the screed die box in the cradle of the bead dispenser.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator, wherein the bead dispenser includes a plurality of pivot points configured to pivot the dispenser when the portion of the screed die box is received on the bead dispenser and move the actuator wheel away from the driving wheel. The plurality of pivots are located on a common structure of the dispenser to which the cradle and the actuator wheel are connected, such that the cradle and the actuator wheel move in unison.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator, wherein the bead dispenser includes a spring-loading element configured to force the actuator wheel toward the driving wheel.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator, wherein the spring- loading element includes a tension-control member configured to adjust the spring to a desired tension.

A further embodiment of the foregoing mobile applicator, wherein the spring- loading element includes a threaded body, a spring, and a fastener, wherein the threaded body is fixedly connected to the frame and seated on a surface of the bead dispenser; the is positioned inside the threaded body; and the fastener is capable of being threadedly received in the threaded body and adjusting the spring to a desired tension.

A method for using a bead dispenser on a mobile applicator includes the steps of: removing a portion of a screed die box from a cradle of a bead dispenser, rotating a driving wheel, rotating an actuator wheel, and rotating a dispensing shaft. The screed die box, bead dispenser, and driving wheel are connected to a common frame. The actuator wheel is in contact with the driving wheel and rotated by the rotating driving wheel. The dispensing shaft is connected to the actuator wheel and rotated by the actuator wheel. The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following steps, features, configurations and/or additional components:

A further embodiment of the foregoing method, wherein the step of removing a portion of a screed die box from the cradle includes raising a handle attached to the screed die box and moving the screed die box away from the cradle.

A further embodiment of the foregoing method, further includes the step of adjusting a tension of a spring configured to force the actuator wheel into contact with the driving wheel.

A further embodiment of the foregoing method, wherein the step of adjusting tension of the spring includes turning a threaded fastener to compress or expand a spring. Summation

Any relative terms or terms of degree used herein, such as "substantially", "essentially", "generally", "approximately" and the like, should be interpreted in accordance with and subject to any applicable definitions or limits expressly stated herein. In all instances, any relative terms or terms of degree used herein should be interpreted to broadly encompass any relevant disclosed embodiments as well as such ranges or variations as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, such as to encompass ordinary manufacturing tolerance variations, incidental alignment variations, alignment or shape variations induced by thermal, rotational or vibrational operational conditions, and the like. One skilled in the art can appreciate that although directional terms such as "forward," "rearward," "bottom," and "top," have been used in describing this invention, such terms are merely relational descriptors of the illustrated embodiments shown herein.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mobile applicator actuator assembly comprising:

a driving wheel configured to move a mobile applicator; and

a dispenser comprising:

an actuator wheel configured to be rotated by the driving wheel when operatively engaged with the driving wheel and configured to actuate a material dispensing member upon rotation;

a spring loading element configured to force the actuator wheel into operative engagement with the driving wheel;

a cradle configured to selectively receive a weighted portion of the mobile applicator to force the actuator wheel away from the driving wheel such that the actuator wheel is disengaged from the driving wheel.

2. The actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the weighted portion of the mobile applicator is a portion of a screed die box.

3. The actuator assembly of claim 2, wherein the screed die box further comprises: a handle configured to position the portion of the screed die box in the cradle of the dispenser.

4. The actuator assembly of claim 3, wherein the screed die box further comprises: a hanging bar, wherein the hanging bar is the portion of the screed die box removably received in the cradle of the dispenser.

5. The actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the dispenser further comprises:

a plurality of pivot points configured to pivot the dispenser when the portion of mobile applicator is received in the cradle and move the actuator wheel away from the driving wheel.

6. The actuator assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of pivots are located on a common structure of the dispenser to which the cradle and the actuator wheel are connected, such that the cradle and the actuator wheel move in unison.

7. The actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring loading element comprises: a tension-control member configured to adjust the spring to a desired tension.

8. The actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring loading element comprises: a threaded body;

a spring, wherein the spring is positioned inside the threaded body; and a fastener capable of being threadedly received in the threaded body and adjusting the spring to a desired tension.

9. The actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the material dispensing member further comprises:

a shaft connected to the actuator wheel, wherein the shaft is rotated by the actuator wheel and is positioned along an opening from which the material is dispensed.

10. A mobile applicator for applying thermoplastic material, the mobile applicator comprising:

a frame having at least one driving wheel;

a screed die box movably connected to the frame; and

a bead dispenser connected to the frame and configured to receive a portion of the screed die box, the bead dispenser comprising an actuator wheel configured to be rotated by the driving wheel when in a position of contact with the driving wheel and forced away from the driving wheel when a portion of the screed die box is received on the bead dispenser.

11. The mobile applicator of claim 10, wherein the bead dispenser further comprises: a cradle and wherein, the cradle is configured to receive the portion of the screed die box.

12. The mobile applicator of claim 11, wherein the screed die box further comprises: a hanging bar and a handle, wherein the handle is configured to position the hanging bar of the screed die box in the cradle of the bead dispenser.

13. The mobile applicator of claim 10, wherein the bead dispenser further comprises: a plurality of pivot points configured to pivot the dispenser when the portion of the screed die box is received on the bead dispenser and move the actuator wheel away from the driving wheel, wherein the plurality of pivots are located on a common structure of the dispenser to which the cradle and the actuator wheel are connected, such that the cradle and the actuator wheel move in unison.

14. The mobile applicator of claim 10, wherein the bead dispenser further comprises: a spring-loading element configured to force the actuator wheel toward the driving wheel.

15. The mobile applicator of claim 14, wherein the spring-loading element further comprises:

a tension-control member configured to adjust the spring to a desired tension.

16. The mobile applicator of claim 14, wherein the spring-loading element comprises: a threaded body, wherein the threaded body is fixedly connected to the frame and seated on a surface of the bead dispenser;

17. A method for using a bead dispenser on a mobile applicator comprising the steps of:

removing a portion of a screed die box from a cradle of a bead dispenser, wherein the screed die box and bead dispenser are connected to a common frame; rotating a driving wheel on the common frame;

rotating an actuator wheel, wherein the actuator wheel is in contact with the driving wheel and rotated by the rotating driving wheel; and rotating a dispensing shaft, wherein the dispensing shaft is connected to the actuator wheel and rotated by the actuator wheel.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of removing a portion of a screed die box from the cradle comprises:

raising a handle attached to the screed die box; and

moving the screed die box away from the cradle.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of adjusting a tension of a spring configured to force the actuator wheel into contact with the driving wheel.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of adjusting tension of the spring further comprises:

turning a threaded fastener to compress or expand a spring.