BRIDGE PAVING SYSTEM

Abstract

An end frame for paving equipment includes first and second end frame sections. The first and second end frame sections are adjustably connectable together to achieve a desired length for the end frame. The end frame is adjustably attachable to the paving equipment to achieve a desired angle of the end frame with respect to the paving equipment.

Claims

1. An end frame for paving equipment, the end frame comprising: first and second end frame sections that are adjustably connectable together to achieve a desired length for the end frame; wherein the end frame is adjustably attachable to the paving equipment to achieve a desired angle of the end frame with respect to the paving equipment.

2. The end frame of claim 1, wherein one of the end frame sections is slidable with respect to the other end frame section.

3. The end frame of claim 1, wherein one of the end frame sections is slidably receivable in the other end frame section.

4. The end frame of claim 1, wherein one of the end frame sections includes multiple openings that are each alignable with an opening in the other end frame section to achieve the desired length for the end frame, and wherein the end frame further includes a fastener that is insertable into aligned openings of the end frame sections to fix the end frame sections with respect to each other.

5. The end frame of claim 4, wherein the one end frame section includes markings proximate the multiple openings to indicate desired lengths and/or desired angles associated with the multiple openings.

6. The end frame of claim 1 further comprising one or more fasteners for adjustably connecting together the end frame sections.

7. The end frame of claim 1, wherein one of the end frame sections includes an end frame section body and a pivotable connecting member that is pivotable with respect to the end frame section body and attachable to the paving equipment.

8. The end frame of claim 7, wherein the end frame section body includes an upright frame member that defines a channel, and the pivotable connecting member comprises a post that is received in the channel.

9. The end frame of claim 1, wherein one of the end frame sections includes markings to indicate desired lengths and/or desired angles associated with various connected positions of the end frame sections.

10. The end frame of claim 1 further comprising a tether connected to the first and second end frame sections.

11. The end frame of claim 10, wherein the tether comprises a chain.

12. The end frame of claim 1 further comprising a third end frame section that is adjustably connectable to one of the first and second end frame sections to achieve the desired length for the end frame.

13. An assembly for providing an adjustable end for paving equipment, the assembly comprising: the end frame of claim 1; and multiple side frames having different fixed lengths; wherein one of the side frames is selectable based on the desired length of the end frame to achieve the desired angle of the end frame with respect to the paving equipment, and wherein the end frame is attachable to a first side of the paving equipment, and the one side frame is attachable to the end frame and to a second side of the paving equipment opposite the first side.

14. An assembly for providing an adjustable end for paving equipment, the assembly comprising: the end frame of claim 1; and a side frame having first and second side frame sections adjustably connectable together to achieve a desired length for the side frame; wherein the side frame is fixedly attachable to one side of the paving equipment, and the end frame is attachable to the side frame and to another side of the paving equipment to achieve a desired angle of the end frame with respect to the side frame and the paving equipment.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein one of the side frame sections is slidable with respect to the other side frame section.

16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein one of the side frame sections is slidably receivable in the other side frame section.

17. The assembly of claim 14, wherein one of the side frame sections includes multiple openings that are each alignable with an opening in the other side frame section to achieve the desired length for the side frame, and wherein the side frame further includes a fastener that is insertable into aligned openings of the side frame sections to fix the side frame sections with respect to each other.

18. The assembly of claim 14 further comprising one or more fasteners for adjustably connecting together the side frame sections.

19. The assembly of claim 14 further comprising a tether connected to the first and second side frame sections.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bridge paving system having an adjustable universal traffic end attached thereto;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bridge paving system having the adjustable universal traffic end attached thereto;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a bridge where the bridge supports are orientated at a skewed angle relative to the bridge deck;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a bridge deck having the bridge paving system described herein disposed thereon and a standard bridge paving system disposed thereon;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable universal traffic end of the bridge paving system adjusted to a first angle;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adjustable universal traffic end of the bridge paving system adjusted to a second angle;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the adjustable universal traffic end of the bridge paving system illustrating an angular range of adjustment; and

[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded view of an adjustable end frame that forms a portion of the adjustable universal traffic end of the bridge paving system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] 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.

[0015] Referring FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective view of a bridge paving system 10 is illustrated. The bridge paving system 10 may more generally be referred to as paving equipment, a paving machine, a roller paver, a bridge deck paver, a bridge deck roller paver, or a bridge construction system. Roller paver may also or more specifically refer to the rolling paving drums (e.g., paving rollers 44) on a carriage which finish the concrete. The bridge paving system 10 includes a truss or frame structure 12 that extends between a first end 14 and a second end 16. The frame structure 12 may also more generally be referred to as paving equipment. The first end 14 may be adjusted to a desired angle 13 relative to the remainder of the frame 12 to compensate for a skewed orientation of the bridge paving system 10 relative to a correspond bridge that is being paved in order to avoid interfering with traffic or any other obstacle on the bridge (e.g., light poles, rebar, etc.). Therefore, the first end 14 may be referred to as an adjustable end or the universal traffic end of the bridge paving system 10.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bridge paving system 10 may be orientated at skewed angle 15 relative to the bridge deck 17 that is being paved. This may be advantageous or even necessary when the bridge supports 19 are also orientated at such a skewed angle 15 relative to the bridge deck 17. More specifically, skewing the bridge paving system 10 at or approximately at the same skew angle 15 that extends between the bridge supports 19 and the bridge deck 17 ensures the bridge paving system 10 is placing an evenly distributed force on the bridge as whole relative to the bridge supports 19.

[0017] In bridge design and construction, when a bridge deck (e.g., bridge deck 17) is not perpendicular to the corresponding supporting structure (e.g., the bridge supports 19), the bridge is considered to be a skewed bridge. One example of when a skewed bridge deck is utilized is when the bridge spans a body of water. Under such a scenario, the piers or support structures (e.g., the bridge supports 19) of the bridge may be positioned to remain parallel to a flow of water 21 below the bridge. This operates to avoid undue forces from the water flow when the span of the bridge is at an angle that is not perpendicular to the water flow. Skewed bridges accomplish both minimizing the resistance to the flow of water (e.g., the force of the water acting on the bridge supports 19) while also taking most efficient path across the water (e.g., a straight line).

[0018] In skewed bridge deck applications, paving equipment is often required to traverse the bridge such that the width of the machine is parallel (or close to parallel) to the bridge's supporting structure. This method is often adopted by operators in order to uniformly load the bridge and avoid uneven bridge deflection. Specifically, each end of the paving equipment (e.g., first end 14 and second end 16) should be equidistant to the nearest supporting structure.

[0019] When paving a skewed bridge, machine operators may experience the following conditions: (i) a section of the paving equipment protruding beyond the edge of the bridge or (ii) a section of the paving equipment protruding beyond the section of bridge surface which is actively being paved (e.g. into open lanes of traffic). For example, a standard bridge paving system 10 in FIG. 4 illustrates a bridge paving system that does not have an adjustable end (e.g., first end 14 of bridge paving system 10), which results in the bridge paving system 10 extending into a section of the bridge where traffic 23 is remains active. The bridge paving system 10 that includes the adjustable end (e.g., first end 14), however, does not interfere with the traffic 23. The end frame (e.g., first end 14) may be adjusted so that it is relatively parallel to the flow of traffic 23 so as to not interfere with the traffic 23.

[0020] The second scenario (i.e., where a section of the paving equipment protrudes beyond the section of bridge surface which is actively being paved) presents a challenge to operators in instances where the equipment's space claim is limited. For example, open lanes of traffic 23 adjacent to the active work zone or obstructions in the machine's path (such as light posts) may necessitate a need to limit the space claim of the paving equipment. Currently, the only option for operators to limit their machine's space claim when paving on a skew is to use a truss and end frame of a predetermined length, angle, and side. Operators may be required to maintain multiple configurations of supplemental equipment for skew deck paving where space claim is restricted. Due to the variety of skew angles that bridges are designed to, contractors may require several different truss frame ends and side panels. When operators only maintain a fleet of previously required equipment, they may experience delays in receiving the necessary equipment required for upcoming bridge construction projects.

[0021] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, 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.

[0022] 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 17 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. The legs 24 may be pinned or attached to bogies. Bogies are an assembly structure which includes a weldment (framework), hardware, and the wheels 26. If it is a drive bogie, it will include provisions for chains, sprockets, and hydraulics, including the hydraulic drive motor. A position of the bridge paving system 10 is adjustable along the wheels 26. 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 paving system 10. For example, the bridge paving 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 paving system 10. Some the wheels 26 may not receive power and may be referred to idle wheels 36 or an idler bogie system. The wheels 26 may be adjusted so that the wheels 26 are oriented to propel the bridge paving system 10 at angle relative to the frame 12 that is not perpendicular to the frame 12. This is desirable when the bridge paving system 10 is oriented at the skewed angle 15 relative to the bridge deck being paved (e.g., bridge deck 17) into order to maintain the skewed angle 15 between the bridge paving system 10 and the bridge deck as the position of bridge paving system 10 is adjusted via the wheels 26.

[0023] The bogies or wheels 26 may be at an angle relative to the frame structure 12. However, in some skewed deck applications, the bogies or wheels 26 remain relatively perpendicular to the framework 12. However, such angles may change if there is a taper to the bridge deck (i.e., the bridge starts narrowing or widening as the bridge pour progresses).

[0024] 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. The power unit 34 may power a hydraulic motor on one end of the machine (e.g., the second end 16) which completes a large loop of chain connected to both the carriages or trollies 38 and an idler sprocket on the first end 14. Such a system generates movement in the direction of 30. The carriages or trollies 38 may have their own power source (internal combustion engine) which powers all other functions of the carriage (e.g., auger rotation, drum rotation, etc.).

[0025] Paving devices 40 may be secured to a hanger frame that is disposed on the frame structure 12. The paving devices 40 and the hanger frame collectively form the carriage or trolley 38. The hanger frame includes guide wheels and roller wheels which traverse a carriage rail attached to the frame structure 12. The hanger frame is pivotably attached via a center pin to the rest of the carriage. In this configuration, the paving devices are configured to pave material (e.g., finish wet cement) that has been placed onto a bridge deck where such material may ultimately operate as the road surface on the bridge deck. The paving devices 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 paving system 10 is indexed to another section of the bridge deck via the drive wheels 32. The paving devices 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).

[0026] The bridge paving system 10 may include a control console or control unit 50 that is configured to control the various components of the bridge paving 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 may be connected to the controller. The controller operates the various functions of the bridge paving 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 paving system 10, propel the one or more trollies 38 along direction 30, control equipment secured to the one or more trollies, etc.

[0027] Such a controller may be part of a larger control system and may be controlled by various other controllers throughout the bridge paving 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 paving 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 paving system 10.

[0028] 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 paving 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.

[0029] 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 paving system 10 (e.g., moving the trolley 38, advancing the bridge paving system 10 via the wheels on the support legs 24, operating the equipment secured to the trolley 38, etc.). Limiting devices 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 paving system 10.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 5-9, the adjustable first end 14, also referred to as the universal traffic end, is illustrated in further detail. It should be understood that both the first end 14 and/or the second end 16 of the frame structure 12 may be an adjustable universal traffic end as described herein. Therefore, the description of the first end 14 as described herein may also be applicable to the second end 16.

[0031] The adjustable design of the universal traffic end limits the fleet size required in typical bridge construction methods by providing a single piece of equipment which adapts to any required skew angle 15 and for any paving direction. Additionally, contractors are currently limited to using only available end frames having preset skew angles. Contractors are frequently required to use the end frame having the closest preset skew angle to compensate for the corresponding skew angle 15 of the bridge being paved. With the universal traffic end, contractors have the ability to match their skew angle precisely to the skew angle of the bridge being paved. The universal traffic end is utilized in skewed bridge deck paving applications where the operator of the paving equipment wishes to reduce the space claim of the paving equipment. However, the universal traffic end may be utilized in any paving application where the width of the paving equipment is not perpendicular to the direction of travel of the paving equipment.

[0032] The purpose of the universal traffic end is to provide an attachment for paving equipment which mounts to either end of the paver and is adjustable to match the desired skew angle; and to ensure that the end frame of the paving equipment is parallel to the path of travel of the paving equipment. Currently, the construction of bridge surfaces includes utilization of rigidly connected end frames at specified and permanent angles in order to square the end of a machine to the bridge. Current end frame designs (sometimes referred to as traffic ends) are only suitable for one angle and specific to the direction of machine travel (which determines which side of the paving equipment they are mounted to). In some cases, operators may be required to have a multitude of supporting end frames to meet construction requirements.

[0033] The first end 14 comprises an assembly that includes an end truss, side panel, or end frame 52 and a side truss, side panel, or side frame 54 that are connected to each other and to the remainder of the frame structure 12 of the bridge paving system 10. The end frame 52 includes a first end frame section 56 and a second end frame section 58 that are adjustably connectable together to achieve a desired length, L1, of the end frame 52. The end frame 52 is adjustably attachable to the remainder of the paving equipment (e.g., the remainder of the frame 12 or the remainder of the bridge construction system 10 as a whole) to achieve a desired angle of the end frame 52 (e.g., the desired angle 13 relative to the remainder of the frame 12) with respect to the remainder of paving equipment. The end frame 52 may further comprise a third end frame section 60 that is adjustably connectable the second end frame section 58 to further facilitate achieving the desired length, L1, of the end frame 52. The first end frame section 56, second end frame section 58, and third end frame section 60 may comprise weldments.

[0034] The end frame 52 is attachable to a first lateral side 62 of the reminder of the paving equipment (e.g., the remainder of the frame 12 or the remainder of the bridge construction system 10 as a whole) and to the side frame 54, while the side frame 54 is attachable to the end frame 52 and to a second lateral side 64 of the paving equipment opposite to the first lateral side 62 such that the end frame 52 and the side frame 54 are connected along first ends 65 of the end frame 52 and the side frame 54, and spaced apart along second ends 66 the end frame 52 and the side frame 54 at a longitudinal end 68 of the remainder of the frame 12 (e.g., an end of the frame 12 that excludes the first end 14).

[0035] The first end frame section 56 and the third end frame section 60 may comprise trusses or weldments that include rotatable ends 70 (which may be referred to as rotaposts). The rotatable end 70 of the first end frame section 56 may be secured to the remainder of the paving equipment (e.g., to the first lateral side 62 along the longitudinal end 68 of the remainder of the frame 12). The rotatable end 70 of the third end frame section 60 may be secured to the side frame 54. The first end frame section 56 and the third end frame section 60 may be slidable with respect to the second end frame section 58 along opposite sides of the respectable rotatable ends 70 to achieve the desired length, L1, of the end frame 52. More specifically, the first end frame section 56 and the third end frame section 60 may be slidably received within the second end frame section 58 forming a telescoping mechanism. For example, horizontal posts 72 on the second end frame section 58 may define openings 74 that receive horizontal posts 76 on the first end frame section 56 and third end frame section 60 such the horizontal posts 76 are slidable into and out of horizontal posts 72 via the openings 74 to adjust the length, L1, of the end frame 52. The first end frame section 56 and third end frame section 60 in turn rotate about the respective rotatable ends 70 relative to the remainder of the paving equipment and to the side frame 54, respectively, to compensate for the change in length, L1, of the end frame 52 and to facilitate setting the desired angle 13 of the end frame 52.

[0036] The rotatable ends 70 include members or end frame section bodies 78 forming portions of the weldments that comprise the first end frame section 56 and the third end frame section 60. The rotatable ends 70 further include a pivotable connecting members, pivot posts, pivots, or pins 80 that are pivotable with respect to the end frame section bodies 78 and attachable to the remainder of the paving equipment (e.g., the remainder of the frame 12) or to the side frame 54. The end frame section bodies 78 each include an upright frame member 81 that defines a channel or opening 83 (e.g., tubular passage). The pins 80 may extend through openings 83 in the upright frame members 81 such that the upright frame members 81, including end frame section bodies 78, rotate about the pins 80 via the openings 83. The pins 80 may comprise posts that are each received in one of the opening 83. The pins 80 are rigidly secured to brackets 82 on opposing ends of the end frame section bodies 78. The brackets 82 in turn rigidly secure the pins 80 to adjacent mating components (e.g., the side frame 54 or the remainder of the frame 12) so that the first end frame section 56 and third end frame section 60 may rotate about the pins 80 relative to the adjacent mating components. The brackets may define openings operable to receive fasteners for mounting the brackets to the adjacent mating components.

[0037] One or more of the end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section 56 and third end frame section 60) may include multiple openings 86 that are each alignable with one or more openings 88 in another mating end frame section (e.g., second end frame section 58) to achieve the desired length, L1, for the end frame 52. The end frame 52 may further include fasteners 90 that are insertable into aligned openings (e.g., a pair including one opening 86 and one opening 88) of the end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section 56, second end frame section 58, and third end frame section 60) to fix the end frame sections in position with respect to each other. One or more of end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section 56) may include markings 92 to indicate desired lengths (length, L1, of the end frame 52) and/or desired angles 13 of the end frame 52 associated with the multiple openings. The markings 92 may be adjacent or proximate to the multiple openings (e.g., openings 86). The one or more fasteners 90 or other fasteners (e.g., set screws, clamps, etc.) may be utilized to adjustably connect together the end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section 56, second end frame section 58, and third end frame section 60).

[0038] Tethers 94 (e.g., ropes, cords, chains, etc.) may connect one or more of the end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section 56, second end frame section 58, and third end frame section 60) to each other. More specifically, the tethers 94 may connect the first end frame section 56 to the second end frame section 58 and the third end frame section 60 to the second end frame section 58. The tethers 94 may be set to a predetermined length to prevent a complete disconnection between the first end frame section 56 and the second end frame section 58, and to prevent a complete disconnection between the third end frame section 60 to the second end frame section 58, in the event the first end frame section 56 or the third end frame section 60 are not properly fastened to the second end frame section 58.

[0039] The length, L2, of the side frame 54 may also be adjusted to compensate for the change in length, L1, of the end frame 52 and to facilitate setting the desired angle 13 of the end frame 52. The length, L2, of the side frame 54 may be adjusted so that the side frame 54 remains parallel with the remainder of the frame 12 along direction 30. The side frame 54 may include a first side frame section 96 and a second side frame section 98 that are adjustably connectable together to achieve the desired length, L2, for the side frame 54. The side frame 54, or more specifically the first side frame section 96, may be fixedly attachable to one side of the paving equipment (e.g., the second lateral side 64 at the longitudinal end 68 of the remainder of the frame 12). The side frame 54, or more specifically the second side frame section 98, may be rotatably connected to the end frame 52. Even more specifically, the second side frame section 98 may be rotatably connected to the rotatable end 70 of the third end frame section 60. The first side frame section 96 and a second side frame section 98 may be weldments.

[0040] The first side frame section 96 and the second side frame section 98 may be slidable with respect to each other to achieve the desired length, L2, of the side frame 54. More specifically, the second side frame section 98 may be slidably received within the first side frame section 96 forming a telescoping mechanism. For example, horizontal posts 100 on the first side frame section 96 may define openings that receive horizontal posts 102 on the second side frame section 98 such that the horizontal posts 102 are slidable into and out of horizontal posts 100 via the openings to adjust the length, L2, of the side frame 54.

[0041] One or more of the side frame sections (e.g., the second side frame section 98) may include multiple openings 104 that are each alignable with one or more openings 106 in the other mating side frame section (e.g., the first side frame section 96) to achieve the desired length, L2, for the side frame 54. The side frame 54 may further include fasteners 108 that are insertable into aligned openings (e.g., a pair including one opening 104 and one opening 106) of the side frame sections (e.g., first side frame section 96 and the second side frame section 98) to fix the side frame sections in position with respect to each other. The one or more fasteners 108 or other fasteners (e.g., set screws, clamps, etc.) may be utilized to adjustably connect together the side frame sections (e.g., first side frame section 96 and the second side frame section 98). The configuration of the openings 104, 106 and fasteners 108 may be the same as the configuration of the openings 86, 88 and fasteners 90 illustrated in FIG. 8 with respect to the end frame 52. For example, there may be openings 104, 106 and connecting fasteners 108 extending through a pair of openings 104, 106 on two or more horizontal posts extending from the first side frame section 96 and the second side frame section 98.

[0042] Tethers 110 (e.g., ropes, cords, chains, etc.) may connect one or more of the side frame sections (e.g., first side frame section 96 and the second side frame section 98) to each other. More specifically, the tethers 110 may connect the first side frame section 96 to the second side frame section 98, and may be set to a predetermined length to prevent a complete disconnection between the first side frame section 96 and the second side frame section 98 in the event the first side frame section 96 and the second side frame section 98 are not properly fastened to each other.

[0043] In an alternative configuration, the side frame 54 may comprises multiple side frames (e.g., side panels, side portions, truss sections) having different fixed lengths, where one of the side frames 54 is selectable based on the desired length of the end frame 52 to achieve the desired angle 13 of the end frame 52 with respect to the remainder of paving equipment (e.g., the remainder of the frame 12). For example, a first selectable fixed side frame 54 for a shorter configuration may be illustrated in FIG. 5 while a second selectable fixed side frame 54 for a longer configuration may be illustrated in FIG. 6 as opposed to an adjustable side frame 54 as previously described. It is further noted that the length, L1, of the end frame 52 and the desired length, L2, of the side frame 54 may each be adjusted at any incremental value in FIGS. 5-8 to obtain the desired angle 13 of the end frame 52. The desired angle 13 may range from any desired skewed angle (e.g., an angle that is less than perpendicular to a corresponding connecting truss 114 and greater than 0 relative to the corresponding connecting truss 114) to a non-skewed angle (e.g., an angle that is perpendicular to the corresponding connecting truss 114 or an angle that is 0 relative to the corresponding connecting truss 114). Several angles of adjustment are illustrated in FIG. 7 to demonstrate the ability to set the angle 13 of the end frame 52 to any desired value.

[0044] The position of the one or more trollies 38 may be adjusted along direction 30 via one or more motors 116 that are secured to the end frame 52. The motors 116 may be connected to gears or sprockets to driving chains to move the one or more trollies 38. Alternatively, idle gears or sprockets that engage the chains to move the one or more trollies 38 may be secured to the end frame 52 while the one or more motors 116 are disposed elsewhere. The motors 116 (or the gears or sprockets) need to maintain a parallel alignment between the chains to move the one or more trollies 38 and the frame 12. Therefore, in order to compensate for positions of the end frame 52 where the desired angle 13 is skewed, the motors 116 (or the gears or sprockets) are position on horizontal posts 118 via bearings 119, where the horizontal posts 118 are capable of pivoting along fasteners or pins 120 relative to the end frame 52. The motors 116 (or the gears or sprockets) and corresponding elements (e.g., a bracket 122, a shield 124, etc.) are rigidly fixed to a first of the horizontal posts 118 via fasteners 125 (e.g., nut and bolt combinations) but are in a sliding engagement with a second of the horizontal posts 118 via fasteners 126 engaging T-nuts 128, where the T-nuts 128 are slidable in a slot 130 defined by the second of the horizontal posts 118. Such engagement facilitates pivoting of the horizontal posts 118 and sliding of the motors 116 (or the gears or sprockets) and corresponding elements (e.g., bracket 122, shield 124, etc.) such that the motors 116 (or the gears or sprockets) maintain a parallel alignment between the chains to move the one or more trollies 38 along the frame 12.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.