Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: SELF-PROPELLED, TOWABLE CORING APPARATUS
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to excavating apparatuses for
coring or drilling concrete or paved ground surfaces.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything
discussed in them is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in
the
art.
[0003] United States Patent No. 4,925,358 (Cook) describes a small,
self-contained portable back-hoe having a wheeled frame with a towing tongue
for over-the-road trailering. Pivoted outriggers are connected to the back and
a
third support is secured to the front of the frame. Cylinder units are coupled
to
position the supports for digging and in raised position for trailering. The
bucket
and articulated boom assembly is affixed to the frame with a vertical pivot
and
includes cylinder units for digging operation thereof. An operator station and
a
hydraulic power supply source or system is secured to the front of the frame.
A
special hydraulic supply is integrated into the front framework. The back-hoe
boom assembly and operating assembly are balanced about the single axle for
convenient positioning. The bucket assembly and three-point support are
arranged to minimize the tipping of the frame as a result of the digging
forces.
A gasoline driven high efficiency industrial-type pump is connected to the
cylinder units with a filter and the suction side. A reservoir is built into
the front
frame structure and includes a watertower element to eliminate air from the
hydraulic liquid. The reservoir reliably removes the air from the liquid to
avoid
pump malfunction.
[0004] United States Patent No. 5,490,755 (Bi!toile) describes a self-
propelled boom loader arranged as a hybrid between a trailer and a self-
propelled vehicle. The loader has a carriage with a pair of independently
controllable drive wheels powered by hydraulic drive motors and a free turning
third wheel caster spaced from the drive wheels in a tricycle configuration. A
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hydraulic loader such as a knuckle boom loader is carried on the carriage on a
turntable mount. The loader has an on-board hydraulic pump providing
operational hydraulic pressure to the boom and turntable, which pressure is
controllably divertable to operate the drive motors via controls in the loader
cab.
The loader is adapted for maneuvering in close quarters and has stabilizing
outriggers. The drive wheels have rotationally disengageable hubs for
freewheeling, and the carriage has a tow hitch coupleable to a tow vehicle for
trailering, the wheels and hitch being mounted on the carriage such that the
third wheel is lifted from the ground during trailering, for over the road
transport.
[0005] United States Patent No. 6,668,471 (Cook et al.) describes a
multifunctional, self-contained towable backhoe apparatus adapted for direct
over-the-road trailering by a towing vehicle, having a support frame having a
front and a rear, and a trailering hitch attached to the front. Wheels support
the
frame at the front and the rear. The rear wheels can function as drive wheels.
A
backfill blade is movably attached to the rear of the frame. An articulated
arm
assembly is pivotably mounted on the rear of the frame. A stabilizer with a
street pad, a spade, or both, can be secured to the front of the frame for
stabilizing the apparatus while in a digging position. The movable backfill
blade
is capable of movement to a raised position for supporting the articulated arm
during transport and movement to at least one lowered ground-engaging
position capable of stabilizing the apparatus, of earth moving, or a
combination
thereof. One end of the articulated arm is adapted for attachment of a tool,
including a digging bucket, a pavement breaker, an auger, a grapple, or a
fork.
The self-contained towable backhoe apparatus can also have a pad on the
backfill blade capable of cushioning the articulated arm assembly.
INTRODUCTION
[0006] The following paragraphs are intended to introduce the reader to
the more detailed description that follows and not to define or limit the
claimed
subject matter.
[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a self-
propelled,
towable coring apparatus is described. The apparatus includes: a base
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structure having a forward end and a rearward end; at least one primary wheel
arranged to support the base structure; a rotary spindle operable for driving
a
coring element; a support mechanism connected to the forward end of the base
structure, the support mechanism supporting the rotary spindle and operable to
displace the rotary spindle upwardly and downwardly relative to a ground
surface; at least one engine supported by the base structure and operable to
provide power to (i) rotate the at least one primary wheel to propel the
apparatus, and (ii) rotate the rotary spindle to drive the coring element; and
a
tow member connected to the rearward end of the base structure for trailering
the apparatus by a towing vehicle.
[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a self-
propelled,
towable coring apparatus is described. The apparatus includes: a base
structure having a forward end and a rearward end; first and second primary
wheels for supporting the base structure and arranged towards the forward
end; a rotary spindle operable for driving a coring element; a support
mechanism including a first support member fixed to the forward end of the
base structure, and a second support member slidably mounted to and
supported by the first support member, the rotary spindle coupled to the
second
support member and displaceable upwardly and downwardly relative to a
ground surface; an engine supported by the base structure and operable to
provide power to (i) rotate the at least one primary wheel to propel the
apparatus, (ii) rotate the rotary spindle to drive the coring element, and
(iii)
displace the rotary spindle upwardly and downwardly; a tow member pivotally
mounted to the rearward end of the base structure for trailering the apparatus
by a towing vehicle; and first and second secondary wheels for supporting the
base structure and coupled to the tow member. The tow member is pivotable
between a driving configuration in which the first and second secondary wheels
are positioned to engage the ground surface and a towing configuration in
which the first and second secondary wheels are positioned to be spaced apart
from the ground surface.
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[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
operating a self-propelled, towable coring apparatus is described. The
apparatus includes a rotary spindle, a coring element drivable by the rotary
spindle, and a tow member. The method includes: attaching the tow member to
a towing vehicle; driving the towing vehicle while trailering the apparatus to
a
work site; detaching the tow member from the towing vehicle; propelling the
apparatus within the work site to align a cutting axis of the coring element
with
a location on a ground surface to be cored; rotating the rotary spindle to
drive
the coring element while lowering the coring element relative to the ground
surface, thereby forming a core; reattaching the tow member to the towing
vehicle; and driving the towing vehicle while trailering the apparatus from
the
work site.
[0010] Other aspects and features of the teachings disclosed herein will
become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the
following description of the specific examples of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure and are not
intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a front, left side perspective view of an example of a
self-propelled, towable coring apparatus in a towing configuration;
FIG. 2 is a rear, right side perspective view of the apparatus in the
towing configuration;
FIG. 3 is a right side view of the apparatus in the towing
configuration;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the apparatus in the towing configuration;
FIG. 5 is a left side view of the apparatus in a driving
configuration;
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FIG. 6 is a right side view of the apparatus in the driving
configuration;
FIG. 7 is a front view of the apparatus in the driving configuration;
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the apparatus in the driving configuration;
FIG. 9 is a front, left side perspective view of the apparatus in a
coring configuration;
FIG. 10 is a front, right side perspective view of the apparatus in
the coring configuration;
FIG. 11 is a right side view of the apparatus in the coring
configuration;
FIG. 12 is a rear view of the apparatus in the coring configuration;
and
FIG. 13 is a top view of the apparatus in the coring configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Various apparatuses or methods are described below to provide
an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No example
described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may
cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The
claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses and methods having all of
the
features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features
common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It is
possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of
any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method
described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter
of another protective instrument, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or
owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such
invention by its disclosure in this document.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a self-propelled, towable
coring apparatus is shown generally at reference numeral 10. In the example
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illustrated, the apparatus 10 includes a base structure 16, which acts as base
to which other components of the apparatus 10 may be assembled. In some
examples, the base structure 16 may include a protected roll cage or roof and
may resemble the truck frame of a forklift. The base structure 16 includes a
generally forward end 20 and generally rearward end 24. It will be appreciated
that terms used to describe the orientation of the apparatus 10, such as
front,
rear, forward and rearward, will change depending on whether the apparatus
is being driven or towed. For the sake of consistency, the terms of
orientation used herein correspond to the apparatus 10 being in the driving
configuration.
[0014] The apparatus 10 includes at least one primary wheel 32. In the
example illustrated, the at least one primary wheel 32 is arranged towards the
forward end 20 of the base structure 16. In the example illustrated, primary
axles 40 are positioned on opposing sides of the base structure 16, and the at
least one primary wheel 32 consists of first and second primary wheels
mounted on the respective primary axles 40 (FIG. 4). Furthermore, a motor 44
is coupled to a hub 48 of each of the primary wheels 32 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The
motors 44 may be hydraulic motors.
[0015] Each hub 48 of the primary wheels 32 may be a freewheeling hub
that is operable between an unlocked state and a locked state. In the unlocked
state, the hub may be decoupled from the motor 44 and the primary wheel 32 is
permitted to rotate freely about the primary axle 40. Accordingly, in the
unlocked state, the apparatus 10 may be freely moved over a ground surface
for towing. In the locked state, the motor 44 may restrict free rotation of
the
primary wheel 32 about the primary axle 40. Accordingly, in the locked state,
displacement of the apparatus 10 over the ground surface may be restricted by
the resistance of the motor 44, which may be damaged if the primary wheel 32
is moved, as in towing, while the hub is locked.
[0016] For additional safety, an electric over hydraulic brake system may
be provided, mounted to the hubs 48. The braking system may be momentarily
actuated from a brake switch 50 on a dashboard 52 (FIG. 2) to lock the primary
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wheels 32 in place relative to the primary axles 40, which may be useful when
the apparatus 10 is on an incline. The braking system may also be activated by
activating the trailer braking system of a towing vehicle (not shown) when the
apparatus 10 is being towed.
[0017] In the example illustrated, the apparatus 10 includes at least one
secondary wheel 56 arranged towards the rearward end 24 of the base
structure 16. In the example illustrated, the at least one secondary wheel 56
consists of first and second wheels mounted on opposing sides of the base
structure 16.
[0018] Accordingly, in the example illustrated, the apparatus 10 consists
of four wheels in total, with two of the primary wheels 32 arranged towards
the
forward end 20, and two of the secondary wheels 56 arranged towards the
rearward end 24. Propulsion is derived from the primary wheels 32, and the
primary wheels 32 are also responsible for bearing the mass of the apparatus
during towing, whereas the secondary wheels 56 provide support and
balance during driving.
[0019] In an alternative, three-wheeled configuration, propulsion may be
derived from a single, rear-mounted wheel that is driven hydraulically and
that
may be swiveled to impart direction for the apparatus. In such examples, two
wheels may be required to bear the mass of the apparatus during towing, and
optionally the single, rear-mounted wheel may be retracted upwardly in a
towing configuration.
[0020] The apparatus 10 further includes a tow member 64 connected to
the base structure 16. The tow member 64 is operable for trailering by the
towing vehicle. Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 includes a bracket 72
fixed to the rearward end 24 of the base structure 16. A proximal end of the
tow
member 64 is pivotally mounted to the bracket 72. A distal end of the tow
member 64 is spaced apart from the proximal end. A hitch connector 96 is fixed
to the distal end. For example, as illustrated, the hitch connector 96 may be
of
variable height and include a pintle ring. The hitch connector 96 is
attachable to
a hitch of the towing vehicle so that the apparatus 10 may be trailered by the
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towing vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tow member 64 has been
pivoted to a lowered position.
[0021] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the at least one
secondary wheel 56 is coupled to the tow member 64 and is displaced with
pivotal movement of the tow member 64. The at least one secondary wheel 56
is coupled to the tow member 64 so that when the tow member 64 is pivoted
downwardly to a lowered position, the hitch connector 96 may be attached to
the towing vehicle, and the at least one secondary wheel 56 is swiveled
upwardly or raised and spaced apart from the ground surface. The tow member
64 is in the lowered position when the apparatus 10 is in a towing
configuration
(FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4), as described herein.
[0022] Furthermore, when the tow member 64 is pivoted upwardly away
from the lowered position to a raised position, the at least one secondary
wheel
56 engages the ground surface. The tow member 64 enters its raised position
when the apparatus 10 is in a driving configuration (FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8) or a
coring configuration (FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13), as described herein. In the
example illustrated, the tow member 64 pivots downwardly to move from its
raised position of the driving or coring configurations to its lowered
position of
the towing configuration.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 8, a first lateral arm 104 and a second lateral
arm 112 are fixed to opposing sides of the tow member 64. In the example
illustrated, the lateral arms 104, 112 are fixed to the tow member 64 at a
location intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the tow member 64, and
extend laterally from the elongate tow member 64. The secondary wheels 56
are coupled to the lateral arms 104, 112.
[0024] In the example illustrated, the lateral arms 104, 112 are offset
from a pivotal axis of the tow member 64 at the connection point between the
tow member 64 and the bracket 72. Accordingly, the secondary wheels 56 are
displaced in an arc when the tow member 64 is pivoted between its raised
position and its lowered position. This displacement allows the secondary
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wheels 56 to move between the position spaced apart from the ground surface
and the position engaging the ground surface.
[0025] In some examples, the secondary wheels 56 are swivelly
connected to the lateral arms 104, 112. In the example illustrated, when the
tow
member 64 is in its raised position, the secondary wheels 56 may be swiveled
about a substantially vertical axis.
[0026] The apparatus 10 further includes a coring subsystem 120 that is
operable to make a core within the ground surface supporting the apparatus
10. In the example illustrated, the coring subsystem 120 is connected to the
forward end 20 of the base structure 16 and includes a rotary spindle 128 and
a
motor 132. The motor 132 may be a hydraulic motor. The rotary spindle 128 is
attached to a coring element 136. The motor 132 causes the rotary spindle 128
to rotate to drive or spin the coring element 136. In some examples, the
coring
element 136 may be a core bit or drum, having a diameter of up to 24 inches in
diameter, or more.
[0027] The apparatus 10 further includes a support mechanism 144
connected to the base structure 16. The support mechanism 144 supports the
rotary spindle 128 and the motor 132, and is operable to displace the rotary
spindle 128 and the motor 132 upwardly and downwardly relative to the ground
surface. In the example illustrated, the support mechanism includes a
hydraulic
actuator or cylinder 148 for displacing the rotary spindle 128 and the motor
132
upwardly and downwardly relative to the ground surface.
[0028] Furthermore, the support mechanism 144 may be operable to
securely maintain the rotary spindle 128 in a raised position. In the raised
position, the rotary spindle 128 may be at a height above the ground surface
that is greater than a height of the coring element 136. In some examples, the
support mechanism 144 may maintain the rotary spindle 128 in the raised
positon so that the coring element 136 and/or a bottom edge 200 of a coring
guard 176 is held at least about 18" above the ground surface.
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[0029] In the example illustrated, the support mechanism 144 includes a
support member 152 that is coupled to the base structure 16 in a fixed manner,
and a support member 160 that is slidably mounted to and supported by the
support member 152. Displacement of the support member 160 relative to the
support member 152 provides a vertical range of motion of the rotary spindle
128, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the ground surface.
[0030] In the example illustrated, the coring guard 176 is fixed to a
lower
portion of the support member 160. The coring guard 176 may contour a space
where the coring element 136 is to be received. The coring guard 176 may act
to protect the coring element 136, and may act to shield debris thrown from
the
coring element 136 during a cutting operation. A front of the coring guard 176
may be opened up to expose the rotary spindle 128 and the coring element
136.
[0031] In the example illustrated, the support member 160 includes a
body portion 168 and a mast portion 184 extending above from the body
portion 168. Each of the body portion 168, the mast portion 184 and the coring
guard 176 may be connected to one another such that they are displaced
together with displacement of the support member 160 relative to the support
member 152.
[0032] In the example illustrated, the support mechanism 144 further
includes a support member 188 that is slidably mounted to the support member
160. The rotary spindle 128 is fixed to the support member 188 by a mount 192
that is also attached to a lower end of the hydraulic actuator 148. Sliding
displacement of the support member 188 relative to the support member 160
provides a further vertical range of motion of the rotary spindle 128, i.e.
substantially perpendicular to the ground surface.
[0033] In the example illustrated, the hydraulic actuator 148 extends
downwardly from an upper end that is attached to the mast portion 184 of the
support member 160. The sliding movement of a piston relative to a cylinder of
the hydraulic actuator 148 provides the displacement of the support member
188 relative to the support member 160. An internal hydraulic actuator or
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cylinder is arranged between and coupling the support members 160, 152, and
is hidden from view. The internal hydraulic cylinder provides the sliding
displacement of the support member 160 relative to the support member 152.
[0034] Accordingly, in the example illustrated, the rotary spindle 128
may
be translated with displacement of the support member 160. Additionally, the
rotary spindle 128 may be translated with displacement of the support member
188 independently of displacement of the support member 160.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, in the example illustrated, the support
mechanism 144 further includes a safety member 208 that is operable to
engage each of the support members 152, 160, 188 and maintain them in a
fixed or locked position with respect to the base structure 16. Accordingly,
the
safety member 208 may restrict movement of the support member 160 and/or
the support member 188 from movement due to hydraulic creep. In the fixed
position, as shown, the rotary spindle 128 may be in the raised positon so
that
the bottom edge 200 of the coring guard 176 is held at least about 18" above
the ground surface.
[0036] In the example illustrated, the support member 152 includes a tab
216. The safety member 208 projects through an opening in the tab 216.
Furthermore, the support member 160 includes tabs 224, 226 extending up
from the body portion 168, and the support member 188 includes a tab 232
extending upwardly therefrom. With openings in the tabs 216, 224, 226, 232 in
alignment, the safety member 208 may be inserted to project through each, so
as to maintain the support members 152, 160, 188 in the fixed position. The
safety member 208 may be spring loaded and biased towards the tab 232 to
maintain the fixed position.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 12, the apparatus 10 includes at least one
engine 236 supported by the base structure 16. The at least one engine 236 is
operable to provide power to the primary wheels 32 and the rotary spindle 128.
In some examples, as illustrated, the at least one engine 236 may consist of a
single engine that provides power to the primary wheels 32 and the rotary
spindle 128, and may further provide power to the support mechanism 144. In
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some examples, the single engine may be an internal combustion engine that
is fed by gasoline, diesel, or propane or other fuel.
[0038] Power from the at least one engine 236 provided to the primary
wheels 32 by the motors 44 causes rotation of the primary wheels 32 to propel
the apparatus 10 over the ground surface when the apparatus 10 is in the
driving configuration. Power from the at least one engine 236 provided to the
motor 132 that drives the rotary spindle 128 causes rotation of the rotary
spindle 128 and the coring element 136 attached thereto.
[0039] In some examples, the primary wheels 32 may be powered by the
engine 236 in a hydrostatic drive propulsion system. Accordingly, the engine
236 may be used to drive one or more pumps that supply pressurized fluid to
the motors 44. The hydrostatic drive propulsion system may provide a full
range of motion, such as forward and reverse, at a speed up to 5 miles per
hour. A cold-start hydraulic by-pass valve may be provided to facilitate fast
and
easy engine start-up.
[0040] Furthermore, in some examples, the rotary spindle 128 may be
driven by the motor 132, which may be a hydraulic motor. Accordingly, the
engine 236 may be used to drive a pump that supplies pressurized fluid to the
motor 44. The engine 236 may also be used to drive a pump that supplies
pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator 148 and the internal hydraulic
actuator (not shown) of the support mechanism 144.
[0041] In the example illustrated, the engine 236 is located towards the
rearward end 24 of the base structure 16, and may be at least partially
located
within a driver area 272 defined by the base structure 16. A perforated cover
240 may be used to cover the space where the engine 236 is located and allow
ventilation to the engine 236.
[0042] A fuel tank 248 for supplying fuel to the engine 236 may also be
located at the rearward end 24 of the base structure 16. In the example
illustrated, the fuel tank 248 is mounted onto the base structure 16.
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[0043] The apparatus 10 may further include a water tank 256, which
may be positioned proximate to the primary axles 40. In the example
illustrated,
the water tank 256 includes two side portions, with each positioned directly
above a respective one of the primary axles 40. In the example illustrated, a
first fill port 276 and a second fill port 280 are provided on opposing sides
to
facilitate filling of the side portions of the water tank 256.
[0044] In the example illustrated, the water tank 256 is arranged to be
generally symmetrical about a longitudinal centerline 264 of the base
structure
16 (FIG. 13), and a conduit (not shown) may be provided to connect the side
portions in fluid communication. Accordingly, water stored within the water
tank
256 may be distributed evenly and weight balanced to both sides of the
centerline 264.
[0045] A hydraulic fluid tank 260 may also be integrated into the base
structure 16 and positioned at the rearward end 24, proximate to the engine
236, for supplying the pressurized fluid to the motors 44, the motor 132, the
hydraulic actuator 148 and the internal hydraulic actuator.
[0046] The base structure 16 defines the driver area 272. The driver
area 272 has positioned therein a seat 284, a first control device 288 and a
second control device 296. The seat 284 is adapted to receive an operator in a
sitting position. As illustrated, the driver area 272 may be provided with a
raised
floor to provide a stable driving position for the operator. The base
structure 16
may act as a protective roll cage to protect the operator sitting in the seat
284.
The seat 284 may include various accessories for providing comfort and/or
protection to the operator, including, for example, adjustment mechanism(s),
arm rests, and/or sound absorbent material to dampen sound from the engine
236.
[0047] In the example illustrated, the first control device 288 includes
left
and right control levers that independently control the forward, neutral and
reverse action of their respective primary wheels 32 when in the driving
configuration, and are accessed by the operator sitting in the seat 284.
Accordingly, the first control device 288 may control both driving and
steering of
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the apparatus 10. In some examples, the first control device may alternatively
consist of a single, multi-directional joystick that controls both of the
primary
wheels 32. Various other configurations may be possible.
[0048] In the example illustrated, the second control device 296 includes
a plurality of input switches positioned on the dashboard 52, and may also be
accessed by the operator sitting in the seat 284. The second control device
296
may control the up and down operation of the support mechanism 144, and up
and down operation of a plurality of stabilizers 368, among other things.
[0049] In some examples, the engine 236 may form part of a hydrostatic
drive system and be arranged to drive three hydraulic pumps. Two of these
pumps may be arranged in tandem to provide motive power to the motors 44,
and the third may provide hydraulic flow to the motor 132, the hydraulic
actuator 148, the internal hydraulic actuator and the stabilizers 368. The
direction of flow from the tandem pumps may be controlled by the first control
device 288 to drive the motors 44 attached to the primary wheels 32, forward
or
backward, providing motive power and directionality for the apparatus 10. The
flow from the other hydraulic pump may drive the four stabilizers 368, and may
be controlled by four dual action control levers of the second control device
296. A fifth control lever of the second control device 296 may be used to
lower
and raise the support member 160. The support member 188 on which the
rotary spindle 128 and the motor 132 are mounted may be raised and lowered
by manipulating a wheel 336.
[0050] A display 304 is also located in the driver area 272 mounted to
the dashboard 52 forwardly of the seat 284. A driver seated in the seat 284
may look at the display 304 while operating the apparatus 10. The display 304
may be operable to display images and/or video captured by a camera 312
mounted on the mast portion 184. The display 304 may be small, LCD video
monitor with a durable screen, and the camera 312 may be a small, waterproof
and durable. In the example illustrated, the camera 312 is positioned on the
mast portion 184 to capture a downward, front-facing view forward of and
around the coring element 136. Accordingly, the operator may use the display
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304 and the camera 312 to assist with placement and alignment of the coring
element 136.
[0051] The safety member 208 may also be accessible to the operator
seated within the driver area 272. In the example illustrated, a grip portion
320
of the safety member 208 may be reached by the operator, and pulled in a
rearward direction to disengage the safety member 208 from the support
members 160, 188. The safety member 208 may further include a locking
mechanism to maintain it disengaged from the support members 160, 188. In
some examples, the safety member 208 may be rotated by manipulating the
grip portion 320 to lock it disengaged from the support members 160, 188.
Further rotation of the safety member 208 may then release it, whereby the
biasing action may move it back to a position of engagement with the support
members 160, 188.
[0052] In the example illustrated, the engine 236 is positioned below the
seat 284. At least one side compartment door 360 may be provided to access
the engine 236, and the compartment doors 360 may be lockable. The seat
284 may also be capable of being pivoted forwardly or otherwise moved to
provide top access to the engine 236.
[0053] In the example illustrated, the apparatus 10 further includes a
coring control subsystem 328. The coring control subsystem 328 may be
operated by the operator standing in proximity of the coring element 136. As
illustrated, the coring control subsystem 328 may include the wheel 336 for
controlling vertical displacement of the rotary spindle 128. The coring
control
subsystem 328 may include additional components for controlling and
monitoring the cutting operation.
[0054] In the example illustrated, the apparatus 10 includes two
emergency stop input devices. Actuation of either of the input devices will
stop
rotation of the rotary spindle 128. A first emergency stop input device 344 is
accessible from within the driver area 272 (FIG. 3). Accordingly, the operator
may quickly actuate the first emergency stop input device 344 while being
seated in the seat 284. As illustrated, the first emergency stop input device
344
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may be positioned adjacent to the second control device 296. A second
emergency stop input device 352 may be positioned in proximity of the support
mechanism 144, as part of the coring control subsystem 328. Accordingly, the
operator may quickly actuate the second emergency stop input device 352
while interacting with the coring control subsystem 328.
[0055] In the example illustrated, the apparatus 10 includes the
plurality
of stabilizers 368. Each of the stabilizers 368 is operable to move between a
stabilizing position and a raised position. In the stabilizing position, each
of the
stabilizers 368 engages the ground surface to absorb or counteract forces
created by the coring element 136 during the cutting operation. In the raised
position, each of the stabilizers 368 is disengaged from the ground surface,
permitting the apparatus 10 to be driven or towed.
[0056] The apparatus 10 may further include various additional
components to improve safety and/or assist operation.
[0057] In the example illustrated, first and second gauges 376, 384 are
provided (FIG. 10). The first level gauge 376 may be a bi-directional, dual
plane
(vertical and horizontal) level gauge, and may be positioned at a location
that is
within a line of sight of the operator interacting with the coring control
subsystem 328. The second level gauge 384 may also be a bi-directional, dual
plane (vertical and horizontal) level gauge, and may be positioned at a
location
that is within the line of sight of the operator seated in the seat 284. The
level
gauges 376, 384 may be used by the operator to ensure proper orientation of
the coring element 136 during the cutting operation.
[0058] The apparatus 10 may further include one or more work lights
392 for illuminating the work site. The work lights may be adjustable. In the
example illustrated, the work lights 392 are mounted towards the forward end
20 of the base structure 16. Furthermore, a beacon 408 is mounted on top of
the base structure 16.
[0059] One or more rearview mirrors 416 may be mounted onto the side
of the base structure 16 to assist the operator while driving the apparatus
10.
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[0060] As described herein, the apparatus 10 may be operated between
the towing configuration (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4), the driving configuration
(FIGS.
5,6, 7 and 8) and the coring configuration (FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13).
[0061] In the towing configuration, the tow member 64 is pivoted to its
lowered position so that the hitch connector 96 may be connected to the towing
vehicle. The support mechanism 144 is operated so that the support members
160, 188 are each in their raised position. The safety member 208 engages the
support members 160, 188 so that their positions are maintained. The safety
member 208 prevents displacement of the support members 160, 188 that may
occur due to hydraulic creep.
[0062] Furthermore, in the towing configuration, the stabilizers 368 are
each operated to their respective raised positions to be disengaged from the
ground surface, and the at least one secondary wheel 56 may be spaced apart
from the ground surface.
[0063] Positioning of the water tank 256 may facilitate tongue weight
management during trailering. The center of balance of the apparatus 10 while
being trailered may be located in proximity to the primary wheels 32.
Accordingly, placement of the water tank 256 near the primary wheels 32 may
reduce the influence of the water tank 256 on the tongue weight. The weight of
the water tank 256 may fluctuate considerably depending on the amount of
water. Furthermore, this fluctuation may occur regularly, as the water tank
256
is typically full before commencing the cutting operation, but will be
partially
depleted or completely depleted at the end of the cutting operation.
Positioning
of the hydraulic fluid tank 260 in proximity to the rear of the apparatus may
provide a similar benefit to tongue weight management.
[0064] In the driving configuration, the tow member 64 is unhitched from
the towing vehicle and is pivoted to its raised position. The at least one
primary
wheel 32 and the at least one secondary wheel 56 are in contact with the
ground surface. The support members 160, 188 are maintained in their raised
positions, spaced apart from the ground surface. The stabilizers 368 are also
maintained in their raised positions.
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[0065] After engaging or locking the hubs 48, the primary wheels 32 may
then be powered by the engine 236 for driving. Accordingly, the apparatus 10
is
self-propelled. The operator sitting in the seat 284 of the driver area 272
may
drive the coring apparatus by using the first control device 288. Also, while
driving, the operator may be monitoring the space in front of the apparatus 10
by looking at the images captured by the camera 312 and displayed on the
display 304.
[0066] In the coring configuration, the safety member 208 is disengaged
from the support members 160, 188 so that the support member 160 may be
lowered by the second control device 296 and the rotary spindle 128 may be
moved upwardly by operation of the coring control subsystem 328.
[0067] To form a core with the coring subsystem 120, after aligning the
cutting axis of the coring element 136 with the location to be cored and the
safety member 208 released, the support member 160 is first translated
downwardly so that the bottom edge 200 of the coring guard 176 abuts the
ground surface. The rotary spindle 128 may then be powered to rotate the
coring element 136 attached thereto. As the coring element 136 is being
rotated, the rotary spindle 128 is further lowered by translation of the
support
member 188 by operation of the coring control subsystem 328 so that the
coring element 136 penetrates the ground surface.
[0068] After coring is completed to a desired depth, the support
members 160, 188 may be returned to their raised positions, and the safety
member 208 reengaged. The stabilizers 368 may be further operated to their
raised positions. Accordingly, the apparatus 10 is returned from its coring
configuration to its driving configuration. If the coring work is complete,
the
apparatus 10 may be maneuvered into proximity of the towing vehicle and the
stabilizers 368 lowered to support the apparatus 10 so that the secondary
wheels 56 may be flipped up into transport position for towing and the tow
member 64 downwardly pivoted to its lowered position. Once the tow member
64 is connected to the tow vehicle, the stabilizers 368 retracted, and the
hubs
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48 on the primary wheels 32 disengaged or unlocked, the apparatus 10 is
returned to its towing configuration.
[0069] The apparatus 10 as described herein may provide ease of
transportation and ease of use. These advantages may be provided due to the
apparatus 10 being towable and self-propelled. The apparatus 10 may be
towed at highway speeds, and the apparatus 10 may be transported without
the use an additional trailer.
[0070] In use, the tow member 64 of the apparatus 10 is attached to the
towing vehicle. The towing vehicle is driven to a first work site while
trailering
the apparatus 10. At the first work site, the apparatus 10 is detached from
the
towing vehicle. The apparatus 10 is then changed to its driving configuration.
This may include pivoting the tow member 64 upwardly, which will allow the
secondary wheels 56 to engage the ground surface.
[0071] The apparatus 10 is then driven about the first work site with the
primary wheels 32 being powered by the motors 44. For example, the
apparatus 10 may be driven from the location where it is detached from the
towing vehicle to a location where a core is to be drilled. The apparatus 10
may
be further driven by the operator so as to align the cutting axis of the
coring
element 136 with the location to be cored.
[0072] The apparatus 10 is then changed to its coring configuration. This
may include lowering the stabilizers 368, and disengaging the safety member
208 from the support members 160, 188. The rotary spindle 128 of the
apparatus 10 is then operated to drive the coring element 136. The support
mechanism is also operated to lower the coring element 136 relative to the
ground surface, thereby forming a core in the ground.
[0073] After forming the core, the apparatus 10 may be changed back to
the driving configuration. This may include raising the support members 160,
188, reengaging the safety member 208 with the support members 160, 188,
and raising the stabilizers 368. The coring apparatus may then be further
driven
back to the location of the towing vehicle.
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[0074] The apparatus 10 is then changed to its towing configuration. This
may include pivoting the tow member 64 downwardly, such that the secondary
wheels 56 disengage the ground surface, and the tow member 64 is positioned
for attachment to a hitch of the towing vehicle. The tow member 64 is then
reattached to the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle may be further driven
while
trailering the apparatus 10 to transport it to a second work site or to a
storage
area for the apparatus 10.
[0075] It will be appreciated that the apparatus 10 may include various
electrical cables, hydraulic/pneumatic lines and other power connections for
connecting and controlling the motors 44, 132, the engine 236, the hydraulic
actuator 148, the internal hydraulic actuator, the stabilizers 368 and/or
other
components, which have been omitted from the drawings for the sake of clarity.
[0076] While the above description provides examples of one or more
apparatuses or methods, it will be appreciated that other apparatuses or
methods may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.
