Abstract
An apparatus is provided for texturing a work surface comprised of aggregate, that includes: a texturing carriage; a carriage rotation device coupled to the texturing carriage and configured to selectively rotate the texturing carriage; a vertical frame member configured to guide the texturing carriage or the carriage rotation device, or both, in a vertical direction in relation to a surface on which the apparatus rests. Alternately, the apparatus can include: a texturing carriage, the texturing carriage including a texturing head configured to hold one or more texturing pads and a texturing head motor, the texturing head motor configured to move the one or more texturing pads across a work surface, the texturing carriage configured to extend and retract the texturing head towards and away from the work surface.
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a texturing carriage; a carriage rotation device coupled to the texturing carriage and configured to selectively rotate the texturing carriage; a vertical frame member configured to guide the texturing carriage or the carriage rotation device, or both, in a vertical direction in relation to a surface on which the apparatus rests; and a traversing device, the traversing device configured to move the apparatus along the surface on which the apparatus rests.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the traversing device is configured to move the apparatus along the surface on which the apparatus rests in a direction substantially perpendicular to a vertical work surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, including a horizontal frame member supporting the vertical frame member, the traversing device attached to the horizontal frame member.
4. (canceled)
5. The apparatus of any one of claim 1, wherein the carriage rotation device is configured to rotate the texturing carriage about an axis substantially perpendicular to a vertical work surface or substantially parallel to the surface on which the apparatus rests, or both.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the texturing carriage is horizontally disposed in the apparatus in relation to the surface on which the apparatus rests, or is substantially perpendicularly disposed in the apparatus in relation to a vertical work surface.
7. (canceled)
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the traversing device comprises: a first drive motor; and a first drive wheel, the first drive wheel configured to move the horizontal base frame member in a first direction, and wherein the traversing device optionally comprises: a second drive motor; and a second drive wheel, the second drive wheel configured to move the horizontal base frame member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
9. (canceled)
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus includes a horizontal frame member supporting the vertical frame member, the traversing device attached to the horizontal frame member, and the first drive wheel or the second drive wheel, or both, are attached to the horizontal base frame member.
11. The apparatus any one of claim 1, wherein the traversing device further comprises a guide roller configured to engage a track.
12. The apparatus claim 8, wherein the traversing device further comprises a guide roller configured to engage a track, the track positioned in the first direction, the apparatus optionally including a base pad and wherein the traversing device further comprises a guide roller configured to engage a track, the track mounted to the base pad.
13. (canceled)
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the traversing device comprises: a wheel rotator, optionally having a lug; a drive wheel, optionally journaled in a bracket comprising an aperture configured to receive the optional lug of the wheel rotator; and a drive motor, optionally journaled in a bracket, and configured to drive the drive wheel forming a steerable wheel unit configured to be selectively rotated by the wheel rotator.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the texturing carriage comprises a texturing head configured to hold one or more texturing pads and a texturing head motor, the texturing head motor configured to move the one or more texturing pads across a work surface and wherein the texturing carriage is configured to extend and retract the texturing head towards and away from the work surface, and wherein the texturing head is mounted to the texturing carriage and the texturing head is configured to be pivoted about the texturing carriage between a position wherein the texturing pads engage a vertical work surface and wherein the texturing pads engage a horizontal work surface, optionally wherein the texturing carriage comprises: a cradle to which the texturing head is connected; and means for extending and retracting the cradle, and thereby the texturing head, towards and away from a work surface.
16-18. (canceled)
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the texturing carriage comprises: a pair of pillow blocks positioned on a pair of opposed posts, the pillow blocks configured to journal the texturing head to provide pivotal connection of the texturing head to the cradle, each post upstanding at a distal end of a pair of slidable guide arms; the cradle comprising one or more guide rollers, the guide rollers rotatably fixed to the cradle; and the means for extending and retracting the cradle including a pneumatic cylinder fixed to the cradle and connected to a connector dowel via a piston rod, the connector dowel fixed to the slidable guide arms and configured to provide unitary movement of the guide arms.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the texturing carriage is connected to one or more slidable guide arms via rotators fixed at distal ends of one or more slidable guide arms, each rotator having a rotation portion and an non-rotating portion, the rotation portion configured to rotate the texturing head to a radial position.
21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the texturing carriage comprises: a linear texturing arm; one or more telescoping arms configured to support the linear texturing arm, each telescoping arm having a piston arm, the piston arm configured to urge the linear texturing arm against a surface to be textured; the one or more telescoping arms attached to a rotation shaft configured to attach to the carriage rotation device.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the linear texturing arm comprises an elongated mounting bar having a plurality of apertures, the apertures configured to receive drive shafts from a plurality of texturing bit assemblies, each texturing bit assembly connected to a drive gear, and driven by a drive motor; a first telescoping arm and a second telescoping arm configured to support the linear texturing arm, each telescoping arm having an outer sleeve and a piston arm, the piston arm configured to urge the linear texturing arm against a surface to be textured, wherein the first telescoping arm is attached to an outer sleeve of a rotation shaft configured to attach to the carriage rotation device and the second telescoping arm is attached to an inner sleeve of the rotation shaft.
23. An apparatus, comprising: a texturing carriage, the texturing carriage including a texturing head configured to hold one or more texturing pads and a texturing head motor, the texturing head motor configured to move the one or more texturing pads across a work surface and wherein the texturing carriage is configured to extend and retract the texturing head towards and away from the work surface; and a carriage rotation device coupled to the texturing carriage and configured to selectively rotate the texturing carriage about an arch, optionally wherein the arch is about 180 degrees, or wherein the carriage rotation device coupled to the texturing carriage is configured to selectively rotate the texturing carriage about an axis that is substantially parallel to a surface on which the apparatus rests, wherein the work surface is an arcuate or curved work surface, or wherein the work surface is a concave work surface and the apparatus is positioned inside the concavity of the work surface, or wherein the work surface is a semi-spherical work surface and the apparatus is positioned within the semi-spherical work surface, optionally wherein the texturing head includes a plurality of texturing pads and the texturing head motor is coupled to a plurality of gears, each gear coupled to one of the plurality of texturing pads.
24-29. (canceled)
30. The apparatus of claim 23, further including: a vertical frame member configured to guide the texturing carriage or the in a vertical direction in relation to a surface on which the apparatus rests; or a traversing device, the traversing device configured to move the apparatus along the surface on which the apparatus rests, optionally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical work surface; or both.
31. (canceled)
32. The apparatus of claim 30, including a horizontal frame member supporting the vertical frame member, the traversing device attached to the horizontal frame member.
33-34. (canceled)
35. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the carriage rotation device is configured to rotate the texturing carriage about an axis substantially perpendicular to a vertical work surface or substantially parallel to the surface on which the apparatus rests, or both.
36. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus includes a traversing device, the traversing device configured to move the apparatus along the surface on which the apparatus rests, and wherein the traversing device comprises: a first drive motor; and a first drive wheel, the first drive wheel configured to move the horizontal base frame member in a first direction, optionally wherein the traversing device comprises: a second drive motor; and a second drive wheel, the second drive wheel configured to move the horizontal base frame member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
37. (canceled)
38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the apparatus includes a horizontal frame member supporting the vertical frame member, the traversing device attached to the horizontal frame member, and the first drive wheel or the second drive wheel, or both, are attached to the horizontal base frame member, and wherein the traversing device comprises: a wheel rotator, optionally having a lug; a drive wheel, optionally journaled in a bifurcated bracket comprising an aperture configured to receive the optional lug of the wheel rotator; and a drive motor, optionally journaled in a bifurcated bracket, and configured to drive the drive wheel forming a steerable wheel unit configured to be selectively rotated by the wheel rotator.
39-45. (canceled)
46. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the texturing carriage comprises a texturing head configured to hold one or more texturing pads, and the apparatus includes means for applying a desired pressure of the one or more texturing pads against a work surface, optionally wherein the desired pressure is a desired constant pressure.
47. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the texturing carriage comprises a texturing head configured to hold one or more texturing pads, and the apparatus includes means for applying a desired pressure of the one or more texturing pads against a work surface, optionally wherein the desired pressure is a desired constant pressure.
48. (canceled)
49. A method for texturing a surface comprising the steps of: a) providing the apparatus of any one of claim 1; b) positioning the frame in relation to a work surface and placing the one or more texturing pads in contact with the work surface; c) using the texturing head motor to move the one or more finishing pads across the work surface; and d) using the vertical frame member or the traversing device, or both, to move the apparatus in a path substantially parallel to the work surface while maintaining the one or more texturing pads in contact with the work surface and while using the motor to move the one or more texturing pads across the work surface.
50-53. (canceled)
54. The method of claim 49, including the step of pivoting the texturing head about the texturing carriage, optionally by at least 90 degrees, between a position wherein the texturing pads engage a vertical work surface and wherein the texturing pads engage a horizontal work surface, and/or including the step of selectively rotating the texturing carriage about an arch, optionally wherein the arch is about 180 degrees, and/or including the step of selectively rotating the texturing carriage about an axis that is substantially parallel to a surface on which the apparatus rests, optionally wherein the work surface is an arcuate or curved work surface, and/or wherein the work surface is a concave work surface and the apparatus is positioned inside the concavity of the work surface, and/or wherein the work surface is a semi-spherical work surface and the apparatus is positioned within the semi-spherical work surface.
55-61. (canceled)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the various views.
[0028] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, is directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended FIGS, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing a one embodiment of the of the overall constant pressure texturing apparatus;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an enlarged isometric view of one of the X-Y drive mechanisms taken at inset circle 2 in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a side elevation of the drive mechanism shown in FIG. 2 with the drive wheels shown in a neutral non-drive position;
[0032] FIG. 3B is a side elevation of the drive mechanism, similar to FIG. 3A, and showing the drive wheels engaged to transport the texturing apparatus along the X axis;
[0033] FIG. 3C is a side elevation of the drive mechanism, similar to FIGS. 3A and 3B and showing the drive wheels engaged to transport the texturing apparatus along the Y axis;
[0034] FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the texturing carriage portion with the texturing head retracted to its home position;
[0035] FIG. 4B is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 4A, of the texturing carriage portion with the texturing head extended;
[0036] FIG. 5A is a side elevation of the texturing carriage portion with the texturing head extended and positioned horizontally and at top dead center;
[0037] FIG. 5B is a side elevation of the texturing carriage portion, similar to FIG. 5A, with the texturing head extended and positioned horizontally and at bottom dead center;
[0038] FIG. 5C is a similar side elevation of the texturing carriage with the texturing head extended, positioned at top dead center with the texturing head rotated at 45 degrees off of horizontal;
[0039] FIG. 5D is a side elevation of the texturing carriage, similar to FIG. 5A, with the texturing head extended, positioned at bottom dead center with the texturing head rotated 45 degrees off of horizontal;
[0040] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the overall constant pressure texturing apparatus;
[0041] FIG. 7 is an enlarged isometric view of a fragmentary portion of the texturing apparatus shown in FIG. 6;
[0042] FIG. 8 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 7 with the texturing head rotated to an alternate position;
[0043] FIG. 9 is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 8 with the texturing head rotated to a still further alternate position;
[0044] FIG. 10 is an isometric detail view taken at inset circle 10 in FIG. 9 and shows an alternate frame traversing apparatus;
[0045] FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of the traversing apparatus shown in FIG. 10;
[0046] FIG. 12A is a diagrammatic isometric view showing a fragmentary portion of a lower portion of the frame suited with the frame traversing apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 11 traversing along the X plane;
[0047] FIG. 12B is a diagrammatic isometric view, similar to FIG. 12A, and showing the traversing apparatus traversing along the X plane;
[0048] FIG. 13A is an isometric view showing a further alternate embodiment of the traversing apparatus and showing the drive wheels positioned to traverse the frame along the Y plane;
[0049] FIG. 13B is an isometric view, similar to FIG. 13A, and showing the drive wheels repositioned to traverse the frame along the X plane;
[0050] FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary isometric view showing one traversing mechanism as seen in FIGS. 13A and 13B;
[0051] FIG. 15A is a side elevation view and shows both of the traversing wheels in a neutral position, raised and disengaged from the drive surface;
[0052] FIG. 15B is a side elevation, similar to FIG. 15A, and shows one of the two drive wheels lowered into engagement with the drive surface to traverse the texturing frame along the Y plane, as shown in FIG. 13A;
[0053] FIG. 15C is a side elevation, similar to FIGS. 15A and 5B, and shows the opposite drive wheel lowered into contact with the drive surface to traverse the texturing frame along the X plane, as illustrated in FIG. 13B;
[0054] FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of the carriage rotation assembly;
[0055] FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of the carriage rotation assembly illustrated in FIG. 16;
[0056] FIG. 18A is a front elevation view is a front elevation view of the carriage and carriage at top dead center via the rotation assembly;
[0057] FIG. 18B is a front elevation view with the carriage rotated 90 degrees from the position illustrated in FIG. 16A via the rotation assembly;
[0058] FIG. 18C is a front elevation view with the carriage rotated 90 degrees from the position illustrated in FIG. 16B, via the rotation assembly;
[0059] FIG. 18D is a front elevation view with the carriage rotated 90 degrees from the position illustrated in FIG. 16C, via the rotation assembly;
[0060] FIG. 19 is a partially exploded isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the texturing carriage;
[0061] FIG. 20A is a schematic side elevation view showing an alternate embodiment of a tilt capable frame in an upright and vertical position;
[0062] FIG. 20B is a schematic side elevation view, similar to FIG. 20A, and shows the frame tilted backward with respect to the base;
[0063] FIG. 20C is a schematic elevation view and shows the frame tilted forward with respect to the base;
[0064] FIG. 21A is a schematic side elevation of a still further alternate embodiment, similar to FIGS. 20A-200 with the addition of a horizontal adjustment linkage apparatus between the base and upper frame;
[0065] FIG. 21B is a schematic side elevation, similar to FIG. 21A and showing the upper frame advanced from the base;
[0066] FIG. 22 is an isometric view showing a further alternate embodiment employing, generally, the previously disclosed frame in combination with a novel elongated multi bit texturing arm detailed to texture flat, arched, curved, concave or convex surfaces;
[0067] FIG. 23 is a front elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22;
[0068] FIG. 24 is cross-sectional top plan view of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23;
[0069] FIG. 25 is an exploded isometric view of the multi bit texturing arm;
[0070] FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view illustrating a fragmentary portion of the texturing arm shown in FIG. 25;
[0071] FIG. 27 is a top plan view, opposite the plan view illustrated in FIG. 26 and showing a plurality of texturing bits;
[0072] FIG. 28 is an exploded isometric view of the combination of a texturing bit assembly, and its associated drive shaft and gear;
[0073] FIG. 29 is an isometric view if the apparatus of FIG. 28 in situ;
[0074] FIG. 30 is an exploded isometric view and shows an alternate embodiment of a bit in a bit assembly wherein the individual bits are detailed to rotate within the bit holder in order to accommodate and adapt to a convex curved surface;
[0075] FIG. 31 is an isometric view and illustrates the bit assembly shown in FIG. 30 in situ;
[0076] FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic side elevation, taken along lines 32-32 in FIG. 31, illustrating the bit assembly of FIGS. 30 and 31 in contact with a convex aggregate surface to be textured;
[0077] FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic side elevation illustrating the bit assembly of FIGS. 30 and 31 in contact with a substantially flat surface to be textured;
[0078] FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic side elevation illustrating the bit assembly of FIGS. 30 and 31 in contact with a concave curved surface;
[0079] FIG. 35 is an exploded isometric view showing an alternate embodiment of a novel bit assembly;
[0080] FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic side elevation and showing the bit illustrated in FIG. 35 in contact with a concave curved surface;
[0081] FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic side elevation and showing the bit illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 in contact with a substantially flat surface; and
[0082] FIG. 38 is a final diagrammatic side elevation of the bit illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 in contact with a convex curved surface.
[0083] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0084] Described below are various embodiments of the present systems and methods for texturing a surface, for example a substantially vertical surface. Although particular embodiments are described, those embodiments are mere exemplary implementations of the system and method. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments are possible. All such embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, all references cited herein are intended to be and are hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if fully set forth herein. While the disclosure will now be described in reference to the above drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0085] The present disclosure provides a variety of texturing devices that when positioned in contact with a work surface can provide a smooth and continuous textured surface under a constant pressure between the texturing device and the working surface. In various aspects the working surface can be a substantially vertical surface. A variety of movements and configurations allow the texturing device to move planar to a substantially vertical surface, for example, a wall. Additionally, a variety of controls allow either a user or computer to operate the texturing device. The controls can include moving the texturing device planar to the working surface, moving the texturing device toward and away from the working surface, and varying the tension applied to the texturing device to vary the pressure between the texturing device and the working surface, preferably to cause the texturing device to apply a constant pressure against the working surface. Additionally, in various aspects a method is provided for applying a uniform texture to a working surface. In addition to the previously stated attributes and capabilities, the description to follow will provide for and accommodate angled, curved or any combination of surfaces where texturing or polishing is desired.
[0086] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is intended that the present disclosure include these embodiments and other modifications and variations as will be obvious to one skilled in the art.
[0087] Depicted in FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of the texturing apparatus or device 100 of the present disclosure. The texturing device 100 is suited with horizontal base frame members 102. The frame members 102 are suited with traversing assemblies 104 at each distal end thereof. The traversing assemblies 104 are suited with drive wheels 106, such as cogwheels, capable of selectively engaging the surface of a base pad P to move the texturing device 100 back and forth in a Y direction, along with, and parallel to, the surface S of the area to be textured via drive motors 108. Assemblies 104 may be suited with grooved guide rollers 110 which engage an angled track 112 mounted to the pad P running parallel to the surface S to be textured. Traversing assemblies 104 may be similarly suited with drive wheels 114, such as cogwheels, driven by driven drive motor 116 to selectively impart movement to the device 100 along an X direction, perpendicular to, and toward and away from the surface S to be textured.
[0088] Fixed to horizontal base frame members 102, are upright, vertical column frame members 120. These frame members act as guides for each side of a sub-frame 122. Sub-frame 122 can be suited for vertical movement via lifting/lowering chains 124 which, when acted upon by hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 126, may selectively position a texture head carriage 130 to any desired vertical position, the detailed design and workings of which can be similar to a standard forklift.
[0089] The texture head carriage 130 can be fixedly mounted to a carriage rotation assembly 160, shown in FIG. 1 and seen more clearly in FIGS. 16 and 17.
[0090] The carriage 130 can consist of a “U” shaped cradle 132 having a pair of guide rollers 134 rotatably fixed to each side to journal a pair of slidable guide arms 136 there between.
[0091] A guide arm connector dowel 138 can span and be fixed to each guide arm 136 to provide for unitary movement of the arms 136. A pneumatic cylinder 140 can be attached via piston rod 142 to the connector dowel 138. The opposite end of the cylinder 140 can be fixed within the cradle 132. At the distal ends of the arms 136 are upstanding extension posts 144. These posts can be interchangeable in pairs, depending on the height desired. Atop the posts 144 are pillow blocks 146 which journal a texture head motor 148 suited with texturing or polishing pads 149, which, together form the texturing head 150.
[0092] The texturing carriage 130 can rest upon and be fixed to a pair of “L” shaped carriage support arms 152 that are, in turn, fixed to the vertical members of the movable sub-frame 122.
[0093] FIG. 1 shows a workman WM in conjunction with the texturing apparatus or texturing machine 100 and holding a remote controller RC. Alternately, the controller could be a wireless remote controller (not shown).
[0094] It will become clear, to one skilled in the art, that this texturing device can be moved to an infinite number of positions and or orientations to carry out texturing or polishing operations ranging from simple to compound and complex tasks requiring a minimum of skilled labor.
[0095] FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A-C depict longitudinal and transverse drive unit detail of the texturing apparatus or device 100. FIG. 2 is an enlargement of a detail of one traversing assembly 104 and shows the drive cogwheel 106 journaled to motor 108. Motor 108 can be attached to a “U” shaped bracket 109. Attached to the bracket 109, opposite the motor 108 is attached drive motor 116. Attached to the bottom surface of bracket 109 is a hinge 105. Referring now to FIG. 3A, there are a pair of plungers 103 mounted to frame member 102. Each plunger can be suited with a piston 107. A plunger can be associated with each drive motor. The pistons 107 of the plungers are partially extended to engage the bottom surface of the bracket 109. Referring now to FIG. 3B, the piston 107 associated with the motor 108 is extended and engaging the bottom surface of the bracket 109. Alternately, the opposite piston 107 associated with motor 116 can be retracted, causing the bracket 109 to tilt on the hinge 105, whereby the wheel 114, such as a cogwheel, engages the top surface of the pad P. to drive the texturing device along the Y direction. FIG. 3C illustrates the alternate wheel engagement to drive the texturing device in the X direction.
[0096] FIG. 4A shows a top plan of the drive carriage 130 and carriage rotation device 160, with the texturing head 150 retracted. FIG. 4B is a similar view to 4A showing the texturing head extended.
[0097] FIGS. 5A-D depict various possible texture head 150 positions. FIG. 5A is a side elevation of the carriage 130 and rotation device 160 at the twelve o'clock position. FIG. 5B is a similar view showing the carriage 130 and rotation device 160 at the six o'clock position. FIG. 5C is a side elevation, similar to FIG. 5A in which the motor 148 is rotated at top center 45 degrees. FIG. 5D is a side elevation, similar to FIG. 5B with the motor rotated at bottom dead center 45 degrees.
[0098] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the texturing device 200 having alternative rotary actuators and transport assemblies. The texturing device 200 in FIG. 6 is suited with alternate traversing assemblies 204 attached to the horizontal frame members 102. The texturing carriage 130 can be suited with texturing head rotation devices 246 that may be electronic servo motors, pneumatic or hydraulic rotation devices, or the like to rotate the texturing head 150 to any desired radial position.
[0099] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary portion of FIG. 6 and shows lower rotation devices 246, the non-rotating portion of rotator 246 is fixed to the distal ends of arms 136. The rotating portion of rotator 246 is fixed to a link arm 249. The non-rotating portion of upper rotator 246 is fixed to the upper distal end of link arm 244 with its rotating portion fixed to axle and mounting ring 247 whereby energizing the upper and or lower rotators 246 will reposition the motor 148 in an infinite number of orientations. FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, and shows an alternate position of the texturing motor 148 wherein the lower, proximal rotator 246 is rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction and upper, or distal rotator 246 is rotated 90 degrees in the counter-clockwise direction, whereby the motor 148 is extended and in axial alignment with the rotation device 160. FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8 and shows the distal rotator 246 rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction to position the texturing motor 148 to face downward in position to texture a substantially horizontal surface.
[0100] FIG. 10 is an enlarged isometric detail view taken at inset circle 10 in FIG. 9 of a single drive assembly of the alternate traversing device 204. Each device 204, seen more clearly in exploded isometric view FIG. 11, consists of a single splined drive wheel 306, journaled in a bifurcated bracket 308 and driven by a drive wheel motor 310. The bracket 308 can be suited with a square aperture 309 that telescopically receives a square lug 311 extending from a wheel assembly rotator 312. The rotator 312 can be fixed to a bracket 313 bolted to each end of the frame members 102. Drive wheel 306, and drive motor 310 are journaled in bracket 308 which form a unitary steerable wheel unit that may be selectively rotated by rotator 312 to drive the texturing device 200 in any desired direction.
[0101] FIG. 12A shows the wheels 306 positioned to drive the texturing device 200 in the X direction, while FIG. 12B shows the drive wheels 306 rotated 90 degrees to drive the texturing device 200 in the Y direction.
[0102] FIG. 13A shows an alternate frame traversing wheel assembly set 404 positioned to drive the texturing frame 200 in the Y direction. Alternately, as seen in FIG. 13B the wheel assembly sets 404 can be repositioned to drive frame 200 in the X direction. The alternate drive wheel assemblies 404, and seen more clearly in FIG. 14, can consist of independently driven splined drive wheels 406, journaled within brackets 409 and driven by drive motors 410, providing longitudinal and transverse drive. Each independent wheel assembly may be energized to raise or lowered the wheels 406 via a linear actuator, servo motor, rodless cylinder, or the like 412 to raise or lower a telescopically received actuator member 414 fixed to each bracket 409, engaging or disengaging the drive wheels from the surface of pad P. FIG. 15A shows both drive wheels raised and disengaged with surface of pad P. FIG. 15B shows the wheels configured to drive the frame in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 15C shows the wheels configured to drive the frame in the Y direction. Thus, in an aspect the actuators 414 can be operated in a see-saw like manner to drive the frame in one direction (X) or in another direction (Y).
[0103] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the carriage rotation device 160, which is better understood by viewing in combination with exploded isometric view, FIG. 17 showing a large sun gear 162 that is fixed to the vertically movable sub-frame 122 and axially connected to a rotation disc 164 via nut and axle bolt 166. The interior surface of disc 164 can be suited with a plurality half round elongated bearing seats 168 within which are seated a plurality of bearings 170, such as needle bearings. Disc 164 may also be detailed with grease fittings 172 to provide lubrication ports to the needle bearings in communication with the juxtaposed interior surfaces of gear 162 and rotation disc 164. The texture carriage 130 can be fixed to the rotation disc 164 whereby rotation of the disc 164 imparts rotation to the texturing carriage 130. A carriage rotation motor 174 can be fixed to the carriage and the teeth of associated drive gear 176 engage the teeth of the sun gear 162 to rotate the carriage 130 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction around the sun gear 162 when motor 174 is energized. Understanding the function of carriage rotation 130 can be seen in FIGS. 18A-18D, in which the carriage 130 is positioned at twelve o'clock, three o'clock, six o'clock and nine o'clock, respectively, showing horizontal carriage 130 rotation and positioning about 360 degrees.
[0104] An additional alternate embodiment is seen in FIG. 19, wherein the carriage 130 is mounted on a rotatable disc 180 and may be driven by an actuator motor 182, or the like, to rotate the carriage 130 on the axis of disc 180, providing horizontal and vertical head 150 rotation.
[0105] FIGS. 20A-20C schematically show an alternate frame configuration 500, providing vertical/tilt adjustment, in which the base frame 502 is connected by a hinge 503 to an upper, substantially horizontal frame member 504 that is fixed to a substantially vertical frame member 506 forming a unitary “T” shaped composite upper frame. Opposite the hinge 503, on frame member 504 is attached a hydraulic cylinder or the like, 508, suited with a piston 510 having a roller 512 at its distal end. At an intermediate position of the piston 510, shown in FIG. 20A, the upper composite frame member, 506, is substantially vertical. As seen in FIG. 20B, the piston 510 can be retracted, causing the frame to tilt away from the wall W. Alternately, when piston 510 is extended, as in FIG. 20C, the frame can be tilted toward the wall W. FIGS. 21A-21B show an additional horizontal frame link 505 slidingly connected to frame member 504. The link 505 can be moved forward or backward by hydraulic cylinder or the like 507 to position the main frame toward or away from the surface to be textured, providing alternative transverse adjustment.
[0106] FIG. 22 is an isometric view showing a further alternate embodiment, of a texturing device 600 sans the previously described texturing carriage, and in its place can be one or more linear texturing or polishing arms 602. As depicted, there is only one polishing arm 602 associated with the texturing device 600, but FIG. 22 shows successive positions of the arm along a wall W as it moves up to a tangent point that transcends into an arch. The polishing arm 602 can be supported by a pair of telescoping arms 604, attached by yokes 606 to each end of the arm 602. Arms 604 can consist of an outer sleeve 608 and telescopically receive a piston arm 610, capable of urging the polishing arm 602 against the surface of a wall W. The shaft 608 can be attached by yokes 612 to rectangular stub sleeves 614, which telescopically surrounds a linear drive and rotation shaft 618, attached to the rotation device 160. The stub sleeve may be suited with an angled setscrew 619 to selectively lock the sleeve to shaft 618. The distal end of shaft 618 can telescopically receive an inner shaft 617 that may be locked to outer shaft 614 by a similar angled set screw 619. Shaft 617 can be fixed to the shaft 608 that receives a tubular shaft 610, which is attached to distal end of the arm 602. Fixed at a mid-point on polishing arm 602 is a drive motor 630 (motor mounts not shown for clarity). FIG. 23 is a front elevation of the texturing device 600 shown in FIG. 22, and FIG. 24 is a transverse cross-section showing the texturing device 600.
[0107] FIG. 25 is an exploded isometric view of the texturing arm assembly 602 consisting of an elongated mounting block 650 having a plurality of apertures 652 to telescopically receive the drive shafts 654 of texturing bit assemblies 656. Texturing bit assemblies are suited with a set of grinding, texturing or polishing bits 657 attached to the outer periphery of substantially triangular shaped bit mounting plates 659. Opposite the bit assemblies 656, on mounting arm 650 are a plurality of drive gears 658, having apertures 658A to receive the drive shafts 654 of the bit assemblies 656. Each gear 658 may be mechanically attached to its associated drive shaft 654 by a setscrew (not shown) or other such fasteners. The gears can be driven by a drive motor 670, which is rigidly attached to the mounting block via a motor mount (not shown).
[0108] FIGS. 26 and 27 are plan views of a fragmentary portion of texturing arm assembly showing the bit assembly 656 plan and gear 658 plan, respectively. FIG. 28 illustrates an exploded isometric view of a texturing bit 656, disposed from its drive shaft 654, and secured by screws 672 into threaded bores 672A in the drive shaft 654. Drive shafts 654 are detailed with square lugs 655 that are telescopically received by matching square apertures 658A in gear 658 and secured thereto by securing means (not shown). FIG. 29 shows the elements of FIG. 28 in situ.
[0109] FIG. 30 is an exploded isometric view showing an alternate embodiment of a texturing bit assembly 702 (FIG. 31) with articulated spring loaded bits, to be explained in the foregoing disclosure. The bit mounting plates 759 are suited with open slots 759A at their peripheral distal ends to accommodate articulated bit mounting segments 757. The bit mounting segments 757 are suited with apertures to receive pivot axles 761 that are journaled in apertures 761A in the bit mounting plates 759. Disposed below the compound articulated bit assembly 702 is a triangular leaf spring 771 suited with protrusions 772 to about a juxtaposed lower surface of each bit mounting segment 757. The leaf springs are detailed with an aperture 774 that telescopically receive an upper segment of the shaft 756. This segment can be suited with a key 774B that receives a keyway 774A to rotationally fix the position of the spring 771 and secure it to the drive shaft 756. The shaft can be suited with a lug 755 that is received in opening 758A of the gear 758.
[0110] Shown in FIG. 32 is the articulated, and spring-loaded bit 702 in contact with the convex surface S of a wall segment. FIG. 33 is a view, similar to FIG. 32, and shows the bit 702 in contact with the flat surface S of a wall segment. FIG. 34 is a similar view showing the bit 702 in contact with a concave surface S of a wall segment.
[0111] FIG. 35 is an exploded isometric view of a further alternate embodiment of a grinding, polishing bit assembly 802. The bit assembly can consist of a triangulated spring 804 having segments 806 (such as three segments), each, suited with fixed grinding bits 808 at the peripheral ends of each spring segment 806. The spring 804 is received within a triangular recess 810 on the upper end surface of a drive shaft 814 and secured thereto with a screw, not shown. Upper end of shaft 814 can be suited with a reduced threaded neck portion 816 that receives an internally threaded bezel 818 suited with wrench flats to capture the shaft for rotation within the texturing arm 820. The shaft 814 can be suited with a lug 822 that is telescopically received in a complimentary opening 824 in a drive gear 826. FIG. 36 is a schematic representation of the bit assembly 802 in contact with a concave surface S. FIG. 37 is a similar view and showing the bit assembly 802 in contact with a flat surface S. FIG. 38 shows the bit assembly 802 in contact with a convex surface S.
[0112] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present disclosure is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the disclosure to include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
