Frame raising multi-use paving tractor with blind mateable quick connecting tool attachments

• US 8,025,458 B2
• Filed: 03/29/2011
• Issued: 09/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CMI Terex Corporation (Terex Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Terex Usa, LLC (Terex Corporation)
• Inventors: Egan, Vince, Musil, Joseph E.
• Primary Examiner(s): ADDIE, RAYMOND W
• Application Number:
  US13/074,614
• Publication Number:
  US 20110176868A1
• Time in Patent Office: 182 Days
• Field of Search: 404/72, 404/83, 404/85, 404/86
• US Class Current: 404/86
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 19/185 for both depositing and spreading-out or striking-off the deposited mixture laying-down the materials and consolidating them, or finishing the surface, E01C19/48
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 19/48 for laying-down the materials and consolidating them, or finishing the surface , e.g. slip forms therefor, forming kerbs or gutters in a continuous operation in situ E01C19/002, E01C23/065 take precedence; devices for guiding or controlling the machines along a predetermined path E01C19/004
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 2301/04 Independent shuttles

Abstract

A multi-use asphalt paving tractor with frame raise capability and a blind-mateable connector to facilitate quick connection with interchangeable attachments for performing the functions of a paver, a mix transfer conveyor and road widener.

Claims

1. A method of deploying multi-use road paving equipment comprising the steps of:

providing a paving tractor with a first detachable road paving tool attachment operatively coupled thereto at a first connection point, where said first connection point is on a vertically adjustable pull arm;

replacing said first detachable road paving tool attachment with a second detachable road paving tool attachment without welding or cutting metal at said first connection point;

where said first connection point is at an adjustable rear location on said paving tractor, where adjustment of the adjustable rear location is accomplished by manipulating a frame raise capability of the paving tractor;

where said first detachable road paving tool attachment is configured to perform a substantially different task than said second detachable road paving tool attachment;

wherein at least one of said first detachable road paving tool attachment and said second detachable road paving tool attachment comprises a means for elevating paving material away from a road surface while simultaneously minimizing any changes to the road surface as a result thereof; and

wherein said paving tractor is a self-propelled vehicle configured to be driven by a driver located on and at a rear end of said paving tractor, said paving tractor further comprising a hopper disposed forward of said rear end, and means for conveying paving material from said hopper to said rear end.

2. A method of claim 1 wherein said step of replacing comprises the steps of:

causing said first detachable road paving tool attachment, while coupled to said paving tractor, to be disposed over a structural member disposed higher than a tractor operating surface upon which said paving tractor is disposed;

causing a vertical separation between said structural member and said first detachable road paving tool attachment to decrease; and

separating said first detachable road paving tool from said paving tractor.

3. A method of claim 2 wherein said step of causing a vertical separation is accomplished by a manipulation of said vertically adjustable pull arm.

4. A method of claim 3 where said step of replacing further comprises the steps of:

mating said second detachable road paving tool attachment to said vertically adjustable pull arm; and

using a lifting force assisted by an engine onboard said road paving tractor to lift said second detachable road paving tool attachment.

5. A paving tractor, wherein said paving tractor is a self-propelled vehicle configured to be driven by a driver located on and at a rear end of said paving tractor, said paving tractor comprising a hopper disposed forward of said rear end, and means for conveying paving material from said hopper to said rear end;

said paving tractor comprising a vertically adjustable pull arm, with a first connection point where said first connection point is at an adjustable rear location on said paving tractor, where adjustment of the adjustable rear location is accomplished by manipulating a frame raise capability of paving tractor;

said first connection point is configured to have a detachable road paving tool attachment attached and detached from it without welding or cutting metal at said first connection point; and

wherein said detachable road paving tool attachment comprises a means for elevating the paving material away from a road surface while minimizing any resulting changes to the road surface.