Method and apparatus for ground working

• US 6,435,766 B1
• Filed: 08/25/2000
• Issued: 08/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Larry Titford
• Original Assignee: Larry Titford
• Inventors: Titford, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): Hartmann, Gary S.
• Application Number:
  US09/648,654
• Time in Patent Office: 725 Days
• Field of Search: 404/75, 404/93, 404/94, 404/112, 404/122, 404/127, 404/128, 404/84.8, 180/20, 180/209, 180/211, 180/213, 180/212, 280/43, 280/43.14, 280/43.16, 280/491.2, 280/638, 371/89, 37/95, 172/554
• US Class Current: 404/75
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 49/0678 Tractors of variable track width or wheel base for vehicles in general B60B23/12 and B60B35/10
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 61/06 with only three wheels
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 19/15 for laying-down uncoated stone or similar materials, or for striking-off or spreading same without compacting, e.g. for crushed rock base courses, sand cushions for paving E01C19/466 , E01C19/52 take precedence; distributing E01C19/20; laying down and rolling E01C19/482
• CPC Class Codes: E01H 1/003 Upkeep of road sides along the pavement, for instance cleaning devices particularly for side strips control of undesirable vegetation E01H11/00; mowers for embankments A01D34/86; soil working E02F; trimming pavement edges E01C23/09
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 5/282 with rotating cutting or digging tools
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/024 with laterally or vertically adjustable wheels or tracks for vehicles in general B60B35/10; B62D55/084
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/166 movable, tiltable or pivoting, e.g. movable seats, dampening arrangements of cabins seats for vehicles in general B60N2/00

Abstract

A method and apparatus for ground working. A first step involves providing an apparatus for ground working with telescopically extendible wheel supports which permit the height and angular orientation of the chassis to be adjusted to suit a contour of a ditch. A second step involves positioning the apparatus with at least one support wheel in the ditch and at least one support wheel on the road. A third step involves driving along the ditch broadcasting gravel from the ditch onto the road with the drum. Instead of hauling in replacement gravel from a remote site, gravel is reclaimed from the ditch and broadcast back onto the road.

Claims

1. An apparatus for ground working, comprising:

a chassis;

three telescopically extendible wheel supports secured to the chassis;

the chassis includes telescopically adjustable members extending between at least two of the wheel supports, whereby the distance between the support wheels is adjustable, the telescopically adjustable members providing at least one operative position with the three support wheels in spaced apart relation and a transport position in which at least two of the three support wheels are more closely spaced;

a support wheel rotatably mounted to a remote end of each of the telescopically extendible wheel supports, each support wheel having a drive motor to rotate the support wheel and a steering motor to independently steer the support wheel;

the telescopically extendible wheel supports providing a means whereby the height and angular orientation of the chassis is adjustable to suit a contour of a ditch;

a rotatably mounted drum secured to and underlying the chassis, the drum having radially projecting teeth and being angularly adjustable; and

a shield overlying the drum, the shield being angularly adjustable, thereby adjusting the distance that gravel and debris is broadcast by the rotating drum.

2. A method for ground working, comprising the steps of:

firstly, providing an apparatus for ground working, comprising;

a chassis;

at least three telescopically extendible wheel supports secured to the chassis;

at least one support wheel rotatably mounted to a remote end of each of the telescopically extendible wheel supports;

the telescopically extendible wheel supports providing a means whereby the height and angular orientation of the chassis is adjustable to suit a contour of a ditch; and

a rotatably mounted drum secured to and underlying the chassis;

secondly, positioning the apparatus with at least one support wheel in the ditch and at least one support wheel on a road;

thirdly, driving along the ditch broadcasting gravel from the ditch onto the road with the rotating drum.