Road structure – process – or apparatus – Apparatus – Tamper
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-03
2001-07-31
Will, Thomas B. (Department: 3673)
Road structure, process, or apparatus
Apparatus
Tamper
C404S133050, C081S489000, C056SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06267532
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a handle assembly for a self-propelled vibrating compactor. With the handle assembly of the invention, the degree of vibration damping is limited when the compactor is operated manually to compact wet surfaces such as surfaces of clay and particularly when working on upward slopes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
All known vibrating compactors are equipped with vibration-damped handles which utilize vibration dampers of various kinds to insulate the operator from vibration generated by the compactor. These vibration dampers are the softest possible rubber elements or springs to enable them to provide maximum damping effect. When compacting wet surfaces and especially when working on upward slopes, the operator is obliged to push the compactor with the handle to achieve mobility. Because of their softness, the vibration damping elements are thereby strained beyond permissible limits and their service life shortened significantly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to eliminate the disadvantages of known vibrating compactors by providing the vibration dampers with an arrangement to limit the extent to which the vibration dampers are stretched and subjected to unwanted stress.
The handle assembly of the invention is for a vibrating compactor having a chassis. The handle assembly defines a longitudinal axis and includes: an elongated lower channel section having mutually adjacent channel side walls; a pivot joint for pivotally connecting the lower channel section to the chassis; an elongated upper channel section having mutually adjacent channel side walls; a plurality of vibration dampers connected between the upper channel and the lower channel; first and second through slot means extending in the direction of the axis and formed in the channel side walls of the lower channel section, respectively; a first spindle adjustably attached to the lower section in the first and second through slot means; a second spindle adjustably attached to the lower section in the first and second through slot means; the upper channel section likewise having mutually adjacent channel side walls disposed adjacent corresponding ones of the channel side walls of the lower channel section; a first set of oblong holes formed in the channel side walls of the upper channel section, respectively, for accommodating the first spindle; a second set of oblong holes formed in the side walls of the upper channel section for accommodating the second spindle; each of the oblong holes defining a longitudinal axis extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly and having a first longitudinal end having a narrow width and a second longitudinal end having a widened width; and, each one of the spindles being displaceable in the first and second slot means so as to be disposed at the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end or anywhere between the longitudinal ends of the oblong holes.
According to another feature of the invention, the first slot means comprises two elongated through openings formed in one of the side walls of the lower channel for accommodating corresponding ones of the first and second spindles; and, the second slot means comprising two elongated through openings formed in the other one of the side walls of the lower channel for accommodating corresponding ones of the first and second spindles.
The upper and lower sections are shaped channel sections and are joined by four soft rubber elements. The above object is achieved by providing the upper and lower sections of the handle with two spindles passing laterally through the sections. The lower section of the handle is provided with two elongated through holes on either side. The spindles can be tightened in the desired position in the elongated through holes with the holes being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the handle assembly.
The upper section of the handle is provided with corresponding holes, oblong in shape but widening towards one end, through which the spindles extend. A lesser limit is imposed on the movement (and stress) of the vibration dampers when the spindles in the elongated through holes in the lower section of the handle are adjusted so that they are aligned with the center of the widened region of the oblong holes in the upper section of the handle.
On the other hand, the movement (and stress) of the vibration dampers is virtually completely restricted when the spindles in the elongated through holes in the lower section of the handle are adjusted so that they are aligned with the center of the non-widened or narrow region of the oblong holes in the upper section of the handle assembly. The movement of the vibration dampers can be limited in a continuously variable manner by varying the position of the spindles between the two above-mentioned end positions in the oblong holes.
In normal operation, therefore, in which the operator is required to apply only a light force to move the machine forward, the vibration of the handle assembly is well damped. However, when compacting wet materials or clays (that is, when the operator is required to apply a greater force to control the machine), control must be achieved without straining and stressing the vibration dampers beyond permissible limits of the material of which the vibration dampers are made.
According to another feature of the invention, the position of the handle assembly relative to the chassis of the compactor can be adjustably set by means of a locking device to one of three positions, namely, normal working position, half raised position and fully raised position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2671915 (1954-03-01), Fraser et al.
patent: 3283677 (1966-11-01), Uebel
patent: 3782845 (1974-01-01), Briggs et al.
patent: 4388018 (1983-06-01), Boschung
patent: 4892437 (1990-01-01), Kraft
patent: 5695389 (1997-12-01), Bartel et al.
patent: 5857803 (1999-01-01), Davis et al.
patent: 5984571 (1999-11-01), Owens
patent: 0054529 (1982-06-01), None
Hartmann Gary S.
Ottesen Walter
Svedala Compaction Equipment AB
Will Thomas B.
LandOfFree
Handle assembly for a vibrating compactor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Handle assembly for a vibrating compactor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Handle assembly for a vibrating compactor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2483294