INTEGRATION OF CONFIGURABLE MATERIAL MOVEMENT SYSTEM WITH CONVENTIONAL BRIDGE PAVING EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A bridge construction and configurable gantry crane equipment kit includes plurality of interconnectable trusses, support legs, and interchangeable carriages. Each of the interconnectable trusses are attachable to each other. The plurality of interconnectable trusses is configured to form frame structures having varying lengths. The support legs are attachable to the frame structures. The support legs are configured to elevate the frame structures. The interchangeable carriages are configured to engage the frame structures such that the carriages are movable along the lengths of the support structures. At least one of the interchangeable carriages includes paving equipment. At least one of the interchangeable carriages includes material transportation equipment.

Claims

1. A bridge construction system comprising: a frame structure having first and second ends; support legs (i) extending downward from the frame structure proximate to the first and second ends and (ii) configured to elevate the frame structure; and a plurality of spaced-apart carriages (i) disposed on the frame structure and (ii) movable along the frame structure between the first and second ends.

2. The bridge construction system of claim 1 further comprising at least one actuator configured to adjust positions of the carriages along the frame structure between the first and second ends.

3. The bridge construction system of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to adjust the positions of each of the carriages independently.

4. The bridge construction system of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to adjust the positions of each of the carriages simultaneously such that relative distances between each of the carriages is maintained.

5. The bridge construction system of claim 1 further comprising lifts secured to each of the carriages, wherein the lifts are configured to raise and lower loads.

6. The bridge construction system of claim 1, wherein the support legs include wheels, and wherein a position of the bridge construction system is adjustable along the wheels in a direction that is transverse to a direction extending between the first and second ends.

7. The bridge construction system of claim 1, wherein frame structure includes a plurality of trusses.

8. The bridge construction system of claim 7, wherein adjacent trusses of the plurality of trusses are secured to each other via pins.

9. A bridge construction system comprising: a frame structure having first and second ends; support legs (i) extending downward from the frame structure proximate to the first and second ends and (ii) configured to elevate the frame structure; a carriage (i) disposed on the frame and (ii) movable between the first and second ends of the frame structure; and a support beam (i) rotatably secured to the carriage and (i) configured to pivot relative to the carriage and the frame structure.

10. The bridge construction system of claim 9 further comprising an actuator (i) secured to the carriage and (ii) configured to pivot the support beam relative to the carriage.

11. The bridge construction system of claim 9 further comprising at least one lift each secured to the support beam, wherein the at least one lift is configured to raise and lower loads.

12. The bridge construction system of claim 9 further comprising at least one hook or loop each secured to the support beam, wherein the at least one hook or loop is configured to engage and support construction materials.

13. A bridge construction equipment kit comprising: a plurality of interconnectable trusses (i) attachable to each other and (ii) configured to form frame structures having varying lengths; support legs (i) attachable to the frame structures and (ii) configured to elevate the frame structures; and interchangeable carriages configured to engage the frame structures such that the carriages are movable along the lengths of the frame structures, wherein (i) at least one of the interchangeable carriages includes paving equipment and (ii) at least one of the interchangeable carriages includes material transportation equipment.

14. The bridge construction equipment kit of claim 13, wherein the paving equipment includes a paving roller, a drag pan, a vibrator, and an auger.

15. The bridge construction equipment kit of claim 13, wherein the material transportation equipment includes a support beam (i) rotatably secured to the lower end of a first of the carriages and (ii) configured to pivot relative to the first of the carriages.

16. The bridge construction equipment kit of claim 15, wherein the material transportation equipment includes at least one hook or loop (i) secured to the support beam and (ii) configured to engage and support materials.

17. The bridge construction equipment kit of claim 16, wherein the material transportation equipment includes at least one lift secured to the support beam, wherein the at least one lift is configured to raise and lower materials.

18. The bridge construction equipment kit of claim 13, wherein the material transportation equipment includes lifts secured to at least one of the interchangeable carriages, wherein the lifts are configured to raise and lower materials.

19. The bridge construction equipment kit of claim 13, wherein that at least one of the interchangeable carriages includes a main body supportable on the frame structures and a platform offset from the main body.

20. The bridge construction equipment kit of claim 19 further comprising a generator disposed on the platform and operable to power the material transportation equipment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bridge construction system including paving equipment;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the bridge construction system including a first arrangement of material transportation equipment;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bridge construction system including the first arrangement of the material transportation equipment;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a top view of the bridge construction system including the first arrangement of the material transportation equipment;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a trolley of the first arrangement of the material transportation equipment;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of the trolley of the first arrangement of the material transportation equipment;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of the trolley of the first arrangement of the material transportation equipment;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a front view of the trolley of the first arrangement of the material transportation equipment;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a drive system for one or more of the elevated trollies of the first arrangement of the material transportation equipment;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a controller end frame that includes elements of the drive system;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an idler end frame that includes elements of the drive system;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a front view of the bridge construction system including a second arrangement of the material transportation equipment, where a corresponding trolley of the second arrangement of the material transportation equipment is rotatably attached to a beam and the beam positioned in a first orientation;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the bridge construction system including the second arrangement of the material transportation equipment, where the beam is positioned in the first orientation;

[0021] FIG. 14 is a front view of the bridge construction system including the second arrangement of the material transportation equipment, where the beam is positioned in a second orientation;

[0022] FIG. 15 is a top view of the bridge construction system including the second arrangement of the material transportation equipment, where the beam is positioned in the second orientation;

[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the trolley and beam of the second arrangement of the material transportation equipment;

[0024] FIG. 17 is a front view of the bridge construction system including the second arrangement of the material transportation equipment, where the second arrangement of the material transportation equipment further including lifts; and

[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the trolley.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0027] Referring FIG. 1, a perspective view of a bridge construction system 10 including paving equipment is illustrated. The bridge construction system 10 includes a frame structure 12 that extends between a first end 14 and a second end 16. The frame structure 12 is comprised of a plurality of interconnectable trusses 18. The plurality of interconnectable trusses 18 may be connected to each other via pins or a pinned connection 20 along the bottoms of the interconnectable trusses 18. A crown adjustment 22, which may include threaded rods, may connect the tops of the plurality of interconnectable trusses 18 to each other. The crown adjustment 22, or more specifically, the threaded rods, may be utilized to pull the tops of the plurality of interconnectable trusses 18 toward each other or to push the tops of the plurality of interconnectable trusses 18 away each other, which results in the adjacent interconnectable trusses 18 pivoting about the pinned connection 20 which increases or decreases a slope or gradient of the interconnectable trusses 18 in directions extending outward from the corresponding pinned connections 20 toward the first end 14 and second end 16.

[0028] Support legs 24 extending downward from the frame structure 12 proximate to the first end 14 and second end 16. The support legs 24 are configured to elevate and lower the frame structure 12 relative to a supporting surface (e.g., the ground or a bridge deck that is being paved). Actuators, such as but not limited to hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motors, pneumatic cylinders, electrical solenoids, electric motors, hand cranks, etc., may be utilized to raise and lower the support legs 24. The support legs 24 include wheels 26. A position of the bridge construction system 10 is adjustable along the wheels 26 in a direction 28. Direction 28 is orthogonal or transverse to a direction 30 extending between the first end 14 and second end 16 of the frame structure 12. Some of the wheels 26 may be drive wheels 32 that receive power from a source (e.g., an internal combustion engine, electric motor, hydraulic pump, electric motor, etc.) to propel the bridge construction system 10 along direction 28. For example, the bridge construction system 10 may include a power unit 34 that includes an internal combustion engine or electric motor that powers a hydraulic pump. Such a hydraulic pump in turn may be connected to hydraulic motors that are connected to the drive wheels 32 to propel the bridge construction system 10. Some the wheels 26 may not receive power and may be referred to as idle wheels 36.

[0029] One or more carriages or trollies 38 may be disposed on the frame structure 12. The one or more trollies 38 may be movable between the first end 14 and second end 16 along the frame structure 12 in direction 30. The power unit 34 may be configured to deliver power to the one or more trollies 38 to propel the one or more trollies 38 along direction 30. For example, the one or more trollies 38 may be connected to hydraulic motors to propel the one or more trollies 38 along direction 30, where such hydraulic motors are powered by the internal combustion engine or electric motor and hydraulic pump of the power unit 34.

[0030] In FIG. 1, paving equipment 40 is secured to a single trolley 38 that is disposed on the frame structure 12. In this configuration, the paving equipment is configured to pave material (e.g., finish wet cement) that has been place onto a bridge deck. The paving equipment 40 makes one or more passes over each section of such a bridge deck via moving the trolley 38 between the first end 14 and second end 16 to pave each section of the bridge deck. Once a section of the bridge deck has been paved, the bridge construction system 10 is indexed to another section of the bridge deck via the drive wheels 32. The paving equipment 40 may include a drag pan 42, paving rollers 44, a vibrator 46 (e.g., a rota-vibe), and augers 48 (e.g., left and right augers).

[0031] The bridge construction system 10 may include a control console or control unit 50 that is configured to control the various components of the bridge construction system 10. For example, the control unit 50 may include a human machine interface that includes various buttons, knobs, levers, dials, touch screens, or any other user interface known in the art. The control unit 50 may further include a controller. The human machine interface is connected to the controller. The controller operates the various functions of the bridge construction system 10 in response to a user input from the human machine interface. For example, in response to receiving inputs from the human machine interface, the controller may open and close electrically operated solenoids to operate hydraulic motors or send signal to electric motors to operate the drive wheels 32 to propel the bridge construction system 10, propel the one or more trollies 38 along direction 30, control equipment secured to the one or more trollies, etc.

[0032] Such a controller may be part of a larger control system and may be controlled by various other controllers throughout the bridge construction system 10. It should therefore be understood that the controller and one or more other controllers can collectively be referred to as a controller that controls various actuators in response to signals from various sensors or inputs from an interface to control functions the bridge construction system 10. The controller may include a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) in communication with various types of computer readable storage devices or media (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon). Computer readable storage devices or media may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered down. Computer-readable storage devices or media may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMS (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller in controlling the bridge construction system 10.

[0033] Control logic or functions performed by the controller may be represented by flow charts or similar diagrams in one or more figures. These figures provide representative control strategies and/or logic that may be implemented using one or more processing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various steps or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Although not always explicitly illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustrated steps or functions may be repeatedly performed depending upon the particular processing strategy being used. Similarly, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. The control logic may be implemented primarily in software executed by a microprocessor-based controller. Of course, the control logic may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers depending upon the particular application. When implemented in software, the control logic may be provided in one or more computer-readable storage devices or media having stored data representing code or instructions executed by a computer to control the bridge construction system 10 or its subsystems. The computer-readable storage devices or media may include one or more of a number of known physical devices which utilize electric, magnetic, and/or optical storage to keep executable instructions and associated calibration information, operating variables, and the like.

[0034] Alternatively, engaging the human machine interface may include directly opening and closing hydraulic valves and/or directly opening and closing electrical switches to control the function of the bridge construction system 10 (e.g., moving the trolley 38, advancing the bridge construction system 10 via the wheels on the support legs 24, operating the equipment secured to the trolley 38, etc.). Limiting device or switches may be utilized to limit the travel distance of the trolley 38 along the first end 14 and second end 16 of the frame structure 12, limit movement of the support legs 24, or limit operating the equipment secured to the trolley 38. Such limiting devices or switches may reduce hydraulic pressure operating various components (e.g., by opening a relief valve) or alternatively eliminate electrical power being deliver to the various components of the bridge construction system 10.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2-4 and 9, the bridge construction system 10 is illustrated to include material transportation and lifting equipment arranged in a first configuration as opposed to the paving equipment 40. More specifically, the bridge construction system 10 is arranged to include a plurality of carriages or trollies 38. It should be understood, however, that the bridge construction system 10 may be arranged to include one or more trollies 38. The trollies 38 are disposed on the frame structure 12 and are spaced-apart from each other. More specifically, one trolley 38 is disposed on each the interconnectable trusses 18 forming the frame structure 12. Each trolley 38 is movable between the first end 14 and second end 16 along the frame structure 12 in direction 30. A lifting mechanism or lift 52 maybe secured to the trollies 38. The lifts 52 are configured to raise and lower loads, such as construction materials 54 for installation onto a bridge deck. For example, the lifts 52 may be configured to lift and lower premade concrete slabs 56 into desired positions onto the bridge deck. Alternatively, if straps, hooks, clips, or loops are used in lieu of the lift 52, the construction materials 54 may be raised or lowered via raising or lowering the support legs 24. The construction materials 54 may also be raised or lowered via a combination of raising or lowering the lifts 52 and raising or lowering the support legs 24.

[0036] The lifts 52 may indirectly engage the construction materials 54 via intermediate rigging equipment, such as spreader bars 58, in the event the construction material 54 include predetermined or preset contact points. The lifts 52 may comprise hoists, winches, or any other device or actuator know in the art (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinders, electrical solenoids, electrical motors, etc.). The lifts 52 may include latches, clips, or hooks 60 that provide a connection between the lifts 52 and the construction materials 54. In conjunction or in lieu of, the latches, clips, or hooks 60 may provide a connection between the lifts 52 and any intermediate rigging equipment, such as the spreader bars 58.

[0037] With the inclusion of such lifts 52 on the tollies 38, the bridge construction system 10 may also be a gantry crane system. Furthermore, the number trollies 38 and lifts 52 may be adjusted or configured based on the necessity of the construction or material handling project. Therefore, the bridge construction system 10 may more specifically be a configurable gantry crane system.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5-11, the trollies 38 and a corresponding drive system for the trollies is illustrated. Each trolley 38 includes a subframe 62. The lifts 52 may be removably secured to the subframe 62 so that other equipment (e.g., the paving equipment 40) may be secured to the subframe 62 in lieu of the lifts 52. For example, the lifts 52 and other equipment (e.g., the paving equipment 40) may be secured to the subframe 62 via clip 64 and eyelet 66 connection. The frame structure 12 (or more specifically the interconnectable trusses 18) may include carriage rails or guide rails 68. The trollies 38 may include guide wheels 70 and hold-down wheels 72 that engage the guide rails 68 to facilitate movement of the trollies 38 along the rails 68 in direction 30. The guide wheels 70 and hold-down wheels 72 may also secure the trollies 38 to the guide rails 68 by preventing vertical movement of the trollies 38. The trolley 38 depicted in FIGS. 5-11 may have a different structure from the trolley 38 depicted in FIG. 1 or may have the same structure with different equipment (e.g., material transportation equipment as opposed to the paving equipment 40) secured thereto.

[0039] The drive system for the trollies 38 is configured to provide the driving force to adjust the positions of the trollies 38 between the first end 14 and second end 16 along the frame structure 12 in direction 30. More specifically, the drive system includes at least one actuator 74 configured to adjust the positions of the trollies 38 along the frame structure 12 between the first end 14 and second end 16. The at least one actuator 74 may be a hydraulic motor as illustrated, where such a hydraulic motor is connected to the hydraulic pump of the power unit 34. Alternatively, the at least one actuator 74 may be an electric motor or other device (hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electrical solenoid, etc.) operable to move the trollies along direction 30.

[0040] In the illustrated configuration, the at least one actuator 74 includes one actuator that is connected to each of the trollies 38 by chains 76. The actuator 74 and chain 76 connection to each of the trollies 38 facilitates simultaneously movement of the trollies 38 in direction 30 and operates to maintain constant relative distances between trollies 38. The trollies 38 may be connected to the chains via teeth 77 (e.g., gear teeth). The actuator 74 is secured to a controller end frame 78 that may be secured to the frame structure 12 along one of the ends 14, 16. The chains 76 extend between the controller end frame 78 and an idler end frame 80. The idler end frame 80 may be secured to the frame structure 12 along the other of the ends 14, 16 opposite to the controller end frame 78. The chains 76 may be connected to sprockets or gears 82. The gears 82 may be attached to drive shafts 84. The drive shafts 84 may be rotatably connected to the controller end frame 78 and idler end frame 80 via bearings 86. The actuator 74 may be directly connected to one of the drive shafts 84 or may be indirectly connected by additional gears 88 and chains 90, or via any other mechanical connection that facilitates movement.

[0041] Additional chains 76, actuators 74, gears 82, drive shafts 84, bearings 86, etc. may be added to the system, so that each trolley 38 has a separate drive system and is capable of moving along the frame structure 12 between the first end 14 and second end 16 in direction 30 independently of the other trollies 38. Alternatively, the actuator 74 could be connected to each of the trollies 38 via clutches, where the clutches are configured to open and closed to disconnect and connect the trollies from the actuator 74, which would operate to facilitate independent movement of each trolley 38 based on which clutches are opened or closed. In another alternative, one actuator 74 may be disposed on each trolley 38 and may be configured to drive the wheels (e.g., the guide wheels 70 and/or the hold-down wheels 72) of the trolley 38 to independently move the trollies 38 along the frame structure 12 between the first end 14 and second end 16 in direction 30.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 12-17, the bridge construction system 10 is illustrated to include material transportation equipment arranged in a second configuration as opposed to the paving equipment 40, and as opposed to the material transportation equipment arranged according to the first configuration. More specifically, the bridge construction system 10 is arranged to include a rotational trolley 92 and a corresponding support beam 94 that is rotatably secured to a lower end of the rotational trolley 92. The support beam 94 is configured to pivot relative to the rotational trolley 92 and the frame structure 12. Although only one rotational trolley 92 is illustrated, the bridge construction system 10 may include multiple rotational trollies 92 and corresponding support beams 94. The rotational trolley 92 may be disposed on the frame structure 12.

[0043] The rotational trolley 92 may be movable between the first end 14 and second end 16 along the frame structure 12 in direction 30. The power unit 34 may be configured to deliver power to the rotational trolley 92 to propel the rotational trolley 92 along direction 30. The rotational trolley 92 may include guide wheels 70 and hold-down wheels 72 that engage the guide rails 68 to facilitate movement of the rotational trolley 92 in a manner similar to trollies 38. The rotational trolley 92 may include any of the drive systems described with respect to trollies 38 to facilitate synchronized or independent movement of one or more of the rotational trollies 92 along the frame structure in direction 30.

[0044] An actuator 96 may be secured to the rotational trolley 92. The actuator 96 is configured to pivot the support beam 94 relative to the rotational trolley 92. The actuator 96 may be an electric motor or other device (hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electrical solenoid, hydraulic motor, etc.) operable to rotate the beam 94 relative to the rotational trolley 92. The support beam 94 is positioned in a first orientation in FIGS. 12 and 13, and in a second orientation in FIGS. 14 and 15. The first and second orientations may be transverse or orthogonal to each other. Such rotation allows for placement of construction materials at various orientations, including orthogonal orientations. This may be particularly desirable when placing rebar or reinforcing steel onto a bridge deck at orthogonal orientations prior to pouring concrete over the rebar or reinforcing steel.

[0045] At least one strap, hook, clip, or loop 98 may be secured to the support beam 94. The at least one hook or loop is configured to engage and support construction materials (e.g., rebar or reinforcing steel over which concrete may be poured during the construction of a bridge). Alternatively, at least one lift 52 may be secured to the support beam 94. The least one lift is configured to raise and lower such construction materials (e.g., rebar or reinforcing steel). The straps, hooks, clips, or loops 98 are illustrated in FIGS. 12-16 while the lifts 52 are illustrated as an alternative in FIG. 17. The lifts 52 may comprise hoists, winches, or any other device or actuator know in the art (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinders, electrical solenoids, electrical motors, etc.). The lifts 52 may include latches, clips, or hooks 60 that provide a connection between the lifts 52 and the construction materials (e.g., rebar or reinforcing steel). If the straps, hooks, clips, or loops 98 are used in lieu of the lift 52, the construction materials 54 may be raised or lowered via raising or lowering the support legs 24. The construction materials 54 may also be raised or lowered via a combination of raising or lowering the lifts 52 and raising or lowering the support legs 24.

[0046] The bridge construction system 10 may comprise a configurable kit where the end user may interchange the various components describe above with respect to FIGS. 1-17 to meet the needs of the end user. For example, the interconnectable trusses 18 may be attachable to each other and may be configured to form frame structures 12 of varying lengths and heights. This is advantageous since all bridges are not uniform and vary in size. For example, one or more of the interconnectable trusses 18 may be added for constructing wider bridges or subtracted for constructing narrower bridges. The support legs 24 may be repositioned to desired locations in response to adding or subtracting one or more of the interconnectable trusses 18.

[0047] The number trollies (trollies 38 and rotational trollies 92) may be added or subtracted depending on the size of the bridge being constructed or based on whether or not the trolley is being used for paving or for movement of the construction materials 54. For example, if the bridge construction system 10 is being utilized to pave the bridge deck, the paving equipment 40 (e.g., drag pan 42, paving rollers 44, vibrator 46, and augers 48) may be attached to the trolley (e.g., see FIG. 1).

[0048] On the other hand, if the bridge construction system 10 is being utilized for movement of the construction materials 54, the trollies 38 having lifts 52 secured thereto (e.g., FIGS. 2-11) may be attached to the frame structure 12 for movement of the construction materials 54. If transportation and rotation of the construction materials 54 is required, one or more of the rotational trolleys 92 and one or more corresponding support beams 94 may be attached to the frame structure 12 for movement of the construction materials 54. If rotation but not raising/lowering of the construction materials 54 is required, the at least one strap, hook, clip, or loop 98 may be secured to the support beam 94. If rotation and raising/lowering of the construction materials 54 is required, one or more of the lifts 52 and corresponding latches, clips, or hooks 60 may be secured to the support beam 94.

[0049] The three trollies (e.g., trollies 38 and rotational trolley 92) depicted in FIG. 1, FIGS. 2-9, and FIGS. 12-17 may be different components that are attachable to the frame structure 12 based the current need (e.g., bridge deck paving, material movement, etc.). Also, equipment other than the equipment depicted herein (e.g., paving equipment, material movement equipment, etc.) may be attached to the trollies.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 18, a trolley 138 and a corresponding drive system is illustrated. The trolley 138 may be an alternative configuration of the trollies 38 depicted in FIGS. 2-9. The trolley 138 and may be utilized in the same manner as the trollies 38 as described herein. Furthermore, the trolley 138 may be utilized in lieu of any of the trollies 38 described herein and as depicted in FIGS. 2-9. Therefore, the trolley 138 may be representative of multiple trollies.

[0051] The trolley 138 includes a subframe 162. One of the of lifts 52 may be removably secured to the subframe 162 so that other equipment (e.g., the paving equipment 40) may be secured to the subframe 162 in lieu of the lift 52. For example, the lift 52 and other equipment (e.g., the paving equipment 40) may be secured to the subframe 162 via a clip 64 and eyelet 166 connection. The frame structure 12 (or more specifically the interconnectable trusses 18) may include carriage rails or guide rails 68. The trolley 138 may include guide wheels 170 and hold-down wheels 172 that engage the guide rails 68 to facilitate movement of the trolley 138 along the rails 68 in direction 30. The guide wheels 170 and hold-down wheels 172 may also secure the trolley 138 to the guide rails 68 by preventing vertical movement of the trolley 138.

[0052] The drive system for the trolley 138 is configured to provide the driving force to adjust the position of the trolley 138 between the first end 14 and second end 16 along the frame structure 12 in direction 30. More specifically, the drive system may correspond to the drive system depicted in FIGS. 9-11. The trolley 138 may be connected to the drive system and moved by the drive system in the same manner as trollies 38.

[0053] In an alternative configuration, an actuator 174 may be disposed on the trolley 138 and may be configured to drive the wheels (e.g., the guide wheels 170 and/or the hold-down wheels 172) of the trolley 138 to independently move the trolley 138 along the frame structure 12 between the first end 14 and second end 16 in direction 30. The actuator 174 may be a hydraulic motor, where such a hydraulic motor is connected to the hydraulic pump of a power unit or generator 178. Alternatively, the actuator 174 may be an electric motor or other device (hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electrical solenoid, etc.). If the actuator 174 is electric (e.g., an electric motor), the actuator 174 may receive electrical power from the power unit or generator 178. The power unit or generator 178 may also be connected to the lift 52 to provide power (e.g., electric, hydraulic, etc.) to the lift 52. Again, the lifts 52 may comprise hoists, winches, or any other device or actuator know in the art (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinders, electrical solenoids, electrical motors, etc.).

[0054] The trolley 138 may include a main body 180 supportable on the frame structure 12. The trolley 138 may also include a rack, shelf, or platform 182 that is offset from the main body 180. The platform 182 is also supportable on the frame structure 12. More specifically, each of the main body 180 and platform 182 may include a portion of the guide wheels 170 and a portion of the hold-down wheels 172, which moveably secure the main body 180 and platform 182 to the frame structure 12. The power unit or generator 178 may be disposed, secured, and/or supported on the platform 182. The power unit or generator 178 is operable to power the construction material transportation equipment (e.g., the lift 52).

[0055] It should be understood that the designations of first, second, third, fourth, etc. for any component, state, or condition described herein may be rearranged in the claims so that they are in chronological order with respect to the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that any component, state, or condition described herein that does not have a numerical designation may be given a designation of first, second, third, fourth, etc. in the claims if one or more of the specific component, state, or condition are claimed.

[0056] The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable for particular applications.