MOBILE EXPLOSIVES DETONATOR

Abstract

An explosives detonator is configured to be moved across land by a vehicle platform to detonate explosives positioned on or in the land. The explosives detonator includes a frame and a plurality of rollers coupled to the frame. The plurality of rollers are configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame about respective roller axes as the vehicle travels along the land. The rollers are weighted to exert pressure on the land and activate any pressure-sensitive explosives, such as mines.

Claims

1. An explosives detonator configured to be moved across land by a vehicle platform to detonate explosives positioned on or in the land, the explosives detonator comprising: a frame, a plurality of rollers coupled to the frame and configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame about respective roller axes as the vehicle travels along the land, and a roller mount system configured to mount each of the rollers to the frame for movement relative to the frame between a use configuration, in which each of the roller axes extend perpendicularly to a front-to-back centerline of the frame, and a transportation configuration, in which each of the roller axes extend parallel to the front-to-back centerline of the frame.

2. The explosives detonator of claim 1, wherein, collectively, the plurality of rollers have a first width in the use configuration and a second width less than the first width in the transportation configuration.

3. The explosives detonator of claim 2, wherein the first width is greater than 12 feet and the second width is less than or equal to 12 feet.

4. The explosives detonator of claim 1, wherein the roller mount system includes a plurality of roller orientation locks, each roller orientation lock included in the plurality of roller orientation locks being coupled to a respective roller included in the plurality of rollers and including a roller mount fixed to each respective roller for movement with the respective roller between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, a lock pin assembly configured to engage selectively with the roller mount to block movement of each respective roller and roller mount relative to the frame between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, and a lock guide plate fixed to the frame for movement therewith and configured to control engagement between the lock pin assembly and roller mount.

5. The explosives detonator of claim 4, wherein the lock pin assembly includes a lock pin, an orientation-selector pin spaced apart from the lock pin, and a pin link interconnecting the lock pin and the orientation-selector pin to control movement of the lock pin and the orientation-selector pin in unison with one another between a locked position engaged with the roller mount and an unlocked position withdrawn from the roller mount so that each respective roller is free to pivot between the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

6. The explosives detonator of claim 5, wherein the lock pin is configured to extend into a first roller-mount aperture formed in the roller mount in the use configuration and a second roller-mount aperture formed in the roller mount in the transportation configuration, and the orientation-selector pin is configured to extend into a first selector aperture formed in the lock guide plate and a third roller-mount aperture formed in the roller mount in the use configuration and is configured to extend into a second selector aperture formed in the lock guide plate and a fourth roller-mount aperture formed in the roller mount in the transportation configuration, the first selector aperture being offset from the third roller-mount aperture in the transportation configuration and the second selector aperture being offset from the fourth roller-mount aperture in the use configuration.

7. The explosives detonator of claim 5, wherein the orientation-selector pin is pivotable about the lock pin in the unlocked position between a use-selection position, in which the orientation-selector pin is received in a first selector aperture formed in the lock guide plate and a transportation-selection position in which the orientation-selector pin is received in a second selector aperture formed in the lock guide plate.

8. The explosives detonator of claim 7, wherein, when each respective roller is in the use configuration and the orientation-selector pin is in the transportation-selection position, the lock pin is blocked from moving to the locked position, and wherein, when each respective roller is in the transportation configuration and the orientation-selector pin is in the use-selection position, the lock pin is blocked from moving to the locked position.

9. The explosives detonator of claim 5, wherein the lock pin assembly further includes a pin-retainer unit configured to block the lock pin and the orientation-selector pin from moving to the unlocked position.

10. The explosives detonator of claim 9, wherein the pin-retainer unit includes a retainer plate coupled to at least one of the lock pin, the orientation-selector pin, and the pin link and formed to include a first retainer aperture and a second retainer aperture, a retainer pin fixed to the lock guide plate configured to extend in the first retainer aperture when the lock pin is in the locked position and the respective roller is in the use configuration and configured to extend in the second retainer aperture when the lock pin is in the locked position and the respective roller is in the transportation configuration, and a retainer-lock pin coupled removably with the retainer pin and configured to lock withdrawal of the retainer pin from the first and second retainer apertures when the lock pin is in the locked position.

11. The explosives detonator of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a frame foundation coupled to each of the plurality of rollers, a frame arm configured to couple to the vehicle and coupled to the frame foundation and for pivotable movement of relative to the frame foundation between the use configuration, in which the frame arm extends parallel to the front-to-back centerline of the frame, and the transportation configuration, in which the frame arm extends perpendicular to the front-to-back centerline of the frame, and an arm lock configured to block movement of the frame arm relative to the frame foundation in both the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

12. The explosives detonator of claim 11, wherein the frame lock includes a support bracket fixed to the frame arm, an arm latch coupled to the support bracket, and a plurality of arm catches coupled to the foundation frame and configured to engage the arm latch to block movement of the frame arm relative to the frame foundation.

13. The explosives detonator of claim 12, wherein the arm latch includes a latch sheath coupled to a distal end of the support bracket and spaced apart from the frame arm, a latch pin received in the latch sheath and configured to engage selectively with a respective arm catch included in the plurality of arm catches in the use configuration and the transportation configuration, and a handle coupled to latch pin and configured to be grasped by a user to move the latch pin from a locked position engages with the respective arm catch and an unlocked position withdrawn from the respective arm catch.

14. The explosives detonator of claim 12, wherein the plurality of catches includes a first catch configured to engage with the arm latch in the use configuration, a second latch configured to engage with the arm latch in the transportation configuration when the frame arm extends toward a first lateral side of the frame foundation, and a third catch configured to engage with the arm latch in the transportation configuration when the frame arm extends toward an opposite second lateral side of the frame foundation.

15. The explosives detonator of claim 11, wherein the frame foundation includes a foundation base and an arm mount fixed to the foundation base and configured to support the frame arm for pivotable movement between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, and the frame arm includes an arm body coupled to the arm mount and an arm rotation stop coupled to the arm body and configured to engage the arm mount in the transportation configuration to block further rotation of the frame arm relative to the frame foundation.

16. The explosives detonator of claim 1, wherein each of the rollers includes a plurality of roller rings arranged to lie side by side to one another, an axle extending through each ring included in the plurality of roller rings, and a pair of bushings coupled to each respective end of the axle to allow rotation of the axle relative to the frame.

17. The explosives detonator of claim 16, wherein each ring has a central aperture having a first diameter configured to receive the axle and the axle has a second diameter less than the first diameter so that each ring has only a tangential point of contact with the axle.

18. The explosives detonator of claim 17, wherein the first diameter is at least twice that of second diameter.

19. The explosives detonator of claim 17, wherein each of the rollers further includes a debris guard mounted at each end of the axle between the plurality of roller rings and each respective bushing.

20. The explosives detonator of claim 19, wherein each debris guard has a central aperture with an inner diameter about equal to the second diameter of the axle and an outer radius greater than the first diameter of the central aperture of each ring and less than an outer radius of each ring included in the plurality of rollers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an explosives detonator in accordance with the present disclosure, in a use configuration configured to travel on land and detonate explosives located on or in the land, the explosives detonator including a frame and a plurality of weighted rollers coupled to the frame and configured to engage the land to activate by pressure the explosives in the land;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the explosives detonator in a transportation configuration so that the explosives detonator can travel or be transported on a roadway within a standard roadway lane width;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the explosives detonator in the transportation configuration;

[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the explosives detonator showing a roller mount system configured to mount each roller to the frame for pivotable movement relative to the frame between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, the roller mount system including a lock pin assembly positioned in a use-selection position to block selectively movement of the roller relative to the frame to the transportation configuration;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the roller mount system showing the lock pin assembly in a transportation-selection position to block selectively movement of the roller relative to the frame to the use configuration;

[0014] FIG. 6 is an enlarged assembly view of the roller mount system showing that each roller mount system includes, from top to bottom, the lock pin assembly, a lock guide plate, and a roller mount, the lock guide plate and the roller mount being formed to include a plurality of apertures that receive portions of the lock pin assembly in the use configuration and the transportation configuration to block movement of the rollers relative to the frame;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the explosives detonator showing that the frame includes a frame foundation, a frame arm coupled to the frame foundation for pivotable movement relative to the frame foundation between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, and an arm lock configured to block movement of the frame arm relative to the frame foundation;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross section taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7 showing the arm lock in a locked position;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of one of the rollers showing that each roller includes a plurality of roller rings, an axle extending through each of the roller rings, and a pair of bushings configured to support each of the rollers and the axle for rotation relative to the frame;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view one of the rollers with portions of the roller removed to show that each roller ring is formed to include a central aperture that receives the axle and is larger than the axle to allow each ring to drop below one another in response to rolling over a divot or hole in the land;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross section taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 9;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross section taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the explosives detonator in the use configuration;

[0022] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the explosives detonator in the use configuration;

[0023] FIG. 15 is a top view of the explosives detonator in the transportation configuration;

[0024] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the explosives detonator in the transportation configuration;

[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of one of the rollers showing a plurality of support arms positioned between the individual roller segments;

[0026] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an explosives detonator including a frame arm having an actuator configured to assist in changing the explosives detonator between a use configuration and a transportation configuration;

[0027] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the explosives detonator showing the actuator; and

[0028] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the explosives detonator showing a roller including a plurality of serrations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0030] A mobile explosives detonator 10 is configured to be moved across the ground by use of a vehicle platform 12 that pulls or pushes the mobile explosives detonator 10, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. The mobile explosives detonator 10 is configured to detonate explosives positioned in the ground. The explosives detonator 10 includes a frame 14 and a plurality of rollers 16 coupled to the frame 14. The frame 14 is mounted to or included in the vehicle 12. The plurality of rollers 16 are configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame 12 about respective roller axes 16A as the vehicle 12 travels along the ground with the frame 14. The rollers 16 are weighted so that when they roll over an explosive, the explosive is triggered to detonate and thereby intentionally eliminates the explosive in the ground. Given the weight of the mobile explosives detonator 10, it is designed to remain on the ground and not lifted by the vehicle 12 whether in use to detonate mines or being transported in a transport position, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] In illustrative embodiments, the explosives detonator 10 further includes a roller mount system 18 configured to mount each of the rollers to the frame, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The roller mount system allows movement of each of the rollers 16 relative to the frame 14 between a use configuration (field position), as shown in FIG. 1, for use in detonating explosives and a transportation position, as shown in FIG. 2, for transportation the detonator 10 to various locations, such as along a roadway between fields or narrower passageways. In the use configuration, each of the roller axes 16A extend perpendicularly to a front-to-back centerline 100 of the frame 14. In the transportation configuration, each of the roller axes 16A extend parallel to the front-to-back centerline 100 of the frame 14. In the field position, the rollers 16 are configured to have very little pathway overlap in the direction of travel of the detonator 10 but in the transportation position, several rollers 16 have substantial pathway overlap in the direction of travel. As shown in FIG. 15, the three rollers 16 on the left in the illustration will travel along a first pathway in the forward direction and the two rollers 16 on the right will travel along a second pathway in the forward direct wherein the first pathway is separate from the second pathway. In contrast, the rollers 16, as shown in FIG. 13 are all traveling along separate pathways with very little pathway overlap to ensure that the entire ground area being rolled for explosives is being covered. In the field position, there may be a little overlap between rollers 16.

[0032] In the use configuration, the rollers 16, collectively, span a relatively large width, such as 20 feet or more, as the frame 14 moves the rollers 16 along the ground to detonate explosives in a first travel direction of the rollers 16. In the transportation configuration, the rollers 16 assume a relatively smaller second width, such as 7 to 11 feet, to fit within a standard lane width of a roadway in a second travel direction of the rollers 16. In one example, the detonator 10 has a first width 20 greater than 20 feet in the use configuration and a second width 22 less than or equal to 12 feet in the transportation configuration. In the illustrative embodiment, the overlapping rollers 16 establish the first and second widths 20, 22.

[0033] The roller mount system 18 includes a plurality of roller frames 24 and a plurality of roller orientation locks 26, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. Each roller frame 24 is coupled to a respective roller 16 and to a respective roller orientation lock 26. Each roller orientation lock 26 is coupled to the frame 14 and to a respective roller frame 24 to control movement of each roller 16 and roller frame 24 relative to the frame 14 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

[0034] Each roller orientation lock 26 includes a roller mount 28 coupled to a respective roller frame 24, a lock pin assembly 30 configured to engage selectively with the roller mount 24, and a lock guide plate 32 fixed to the frame 12 for movement therewith, as shown in FIGS. 4-6. The roller mount 28 is coupled to a respective roller 16 for movement with the roller 16 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The lock pin assembly 30 is configured to block movement of each respective roller 16 and roller mount 28 relative to the frame 12 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The lock guide plate 32 is configured to control engagement between the lock pin assembly 30 and roller mount 28.

[0035] The lock pin assembly 30 includes a lock pin 34, an orientation-selector pin 36 spaced apart from the lock pin 34, and a pin link 38 interconnecting the lock pin 34 and the orientation-selector pin 36 as shown in FIG. 6. The lock pin 34 and the orientation-selector pin 36 are each configured to move between a locked position engaged with the roller mount 28 to block movement of the roller 16 relative to the frame 14 and an unlocked position withdrawn from the roller mount 28 to free the roller mount 28 and the roller 16 for movement between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The pin link 38 allows a user to control movement of the lock pin 34 and the orientation-selector pin 36 in unison with one another between the locked position and the unlocked position. The orientation-selection pin 36 cooperates with the roller mount 28 and the lock guide plate 32 to automatically move the lock pin assembly 30 to the locked position when the rollers 16 reach the use configuration or the transportation configuration depending on a position of the orientation-selection pin 36 relative to the lock guide plate 32.

[0036] Once the lock pin assembly 30 is in the unlocked position, the orientation-selector pin 36 and the pin link 38 are pivotable about a lock pin axis 34A established by the lock pin 34 between a use-selection position, as shown in FIG. 5, and a transportation-selection position, as shown in FIG. 4. In the use-selection position, the orientation-selector pin 36 is received in a first selector aperture 40 formed in the lock guide plate 32. In the transportation-selection position, the orientation-selector pin 36 is received in a second selector aperture 42 formed in the lock guide plate 32 spaced circumferentially from the first selector aperture 40 about the lock pin axis 34A. The lock pin 28 extends into a third aperture 43 formed in the lock guide plate 32 in both the use configuration and the transportation configuration. When each respective roller 16 is in the use configuration and the orientation-selector pin 36 is in the transportation-selection position, the lock pin 34 is blocked from moving to the locked position. When each respective roller 16 is in the transportation configuration and the orientation-selector pin 36 is in the use-selection position, the lock pin 34 is blocked from moving to the locked position.

[0037] The roller mount 28 is formed to include a plurality of apertures that receive the lock pin 34 and the orientation-selector pin 36 in the locked position to block movement of the roller 16 and the roller mount 28 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The lock pin 34 is configured to extend into a first roller-mount aperture or slot 44 formed in the roller mount 28 in the use configuration and a second roller-mount aperture or slot 46 formed in the roller mount 28 in the transportation configuration. The orientation-selector pin 36 is configured to extend into the first selector aperture 40 formed in the lock guide plate 32 and a third roller-mount aperture 48 formed in the roller mount 28 in the use configuration and is configured to extend into the second selector aperture 42 formed in the lock guide plate 32 and a fourth roller-mount aperture 50 formed in the roller mount 28 in the transportation configuration.

[0038] The first selector aperture 40 is aligned with the third roller mount aperture 48 in the use configuration to allow the orientation-selector pin 36 to extend into the third roller-mount aperture 48 in the use-selection position and the lock pin 34 to extend into the first roller-mount aperture 44, as shown in FIG. 6. The second selector aperture 42 is offset from all other apertures formed in the roller mount 28 when the roller is in the use configuration so that the orientation-selector pin engages a surface 52 of the roller mount 28 in the transportation-selection position. This blocks the lock pin 34 from moving into the first roller-mount slot 44. Movement of the roller 16 and roller mount 28 to the transportation configuration brings the second selector aperture 42 into alignment with the fourth roller-mount aperture 50, which is radially outward from third roller mount aperture 48, to allow the orientation-selector pin 36 to move into the fourth roller-mount aperture 50 and the lock pin 34 to move into the second roller mount slot 46 and lock the roller 16 in place in the transportation configuration.

[0039] The second selector aperture 42 is aligned with the fourth roller-mount aperture 50 in the transportation configuration to allow the orientation-selector pin 36 to extend into the fourth roller-mount aperture 48 in the transportation-selection position and the lock pin 34 to extend into the second roller-mount slot 46, as shown in FIG. 6. The first selector aperture 40 is offset from all other apertures formed in the roller mount 28 when the roller is in the transportation configuration so that the orientation-selector pin 36 engages the surface 52 of the roller mount 28 in the transportation-selection position. This blocks the lock pin 34 from moving into the second roller-mount slot 46. Movement of the roller 16 and roller mount 28 to the use configuration brings the first selector aperture 40 into alignment with the third roller-mount aperture 48 to allow the orientation-selector pin 36 to move into the third roller-mount aperture 48 and the lock pin 34 to move into the second roller mount aperture 44 and lock the roller 16 in place in the use configuration.

[0040] The first selector aperture 40 and third roller-mount aperture 48 are spaced a first distance or radius 41 from a pivot axis 16P of each respective roller 16 relative to the frame 14. The second selector aperture 42 and the fourth roller-mount aperture 50 are spaced a second distance or radius 43 from the pivot axis 16P. The first distance 41 is less than the second distance 43.

[0041] In the illustrative embodiment, the lock pin assembly 30 further includes a pin-retainer unit 54 configured to block the lock pin 34 and the orientation-selector pin 36 from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 6. The pin-retainer unit 54 includes a retainer plate 56, a retainer pin 58, and a retainer-lock pin 60. The retainer plate 56 is coupled to at least one of the lock pin 34, the orientation-selector pin 36, and the pin link 38 and is formed to include a first retainer aperture 62 and a second retainer aperture 64. The retainer pin 58 is fixed to the lock guide plate 32. The retainer pin 58 is configured to extend into the first retainer aperture 62 when the lock pin 34 is in the locked position and the roller 16 is in the use configuration. The retainer pin 58 is configured to extend in the second retainer aperture 64 when the lock pin 34 is in the locked position and the roller 16 is in the transportation configuration. The retainer-lock pin 60 is coupled removably with the retainer pin 58 and is configured to block withdrawal of the retainer pin 58 from the first and second retainer apertures 62, 64 when the lock pin 34 is in the locked position. Lock pin assembly 30 may also be spring biased to assist in applying a downward force to the lock pin assembly.

[0042] The frame 14 includes a frame foundation 66 coupled to each of the plurality of rollers 16, a frame arm 68 configured to couple to the vehicle 12 and coupled to the frame foundation 66, and an arm lock 70 as shown in FIG. 7. The frame arm 68 is configured to pivot about an arm axis 68A relative to the frame foundation 66 between the use configuration, in which the frame arm 68 extends parallel to the front-to-back centerline 100 of the frame 14, and the transportation configuration, in which the frame arm 68 extends perpendicular to the front-to-back centerline 100 of the frame 14. The arm lock 70 is configured to block movement of the frame arm 68 relative to the frame foundation 66 in both the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

[0043] The arm lock 70 includes a support bracket 72 fixed to the frame arm 68, an arm latch 74 coupled to the support bracket 72, and a plurality of arm catches 76 coupled to the frame foundation 66 as shown in FIG. 7. The arm latch 74 selectively interconnects the support bracket 72 with one of the catches 76 to block movement of the frame arm 68 relative to the frame foundation 66. Foundation frame 66 includes trapezoidal wedges secured to the top of the frame 66 and fit under frame arm 68 to stabilize foundation frame 66 when in the transport position. There is also a third wedge that is used to stabilize the frame 66 beneath the frame arm 38 when in the field use position.

[0044] The plurality of catches 76 includes a first catch 76A, a second catch 76B, and a third catch 76C. The first catch 76A is configured to engage with the arm latch 74 in the use configuration. The second catch 76B is configured to engage with the arm latch 74 in the transportation configuration when the frame arm 68 extends toward a first lateral side of the frame foundation 66. The third catch 76C is configured to engage with the arm latch 74 in the transportation configuration when the frame arm 68 extends toward an opposite second lateral side of the frame foundation 66.

[0045] The arm latch 74 includes a latch sheath 78 coupled to a distal end of the support bracket 72 and spaced apart from the frame arm 68, a latch pin 80 received in the latch sheath 78, and a handle 82 as shown in FIG. 8. The latch pin 80 is configured to engage selectively with a respective arm catch 76A, 76B, 76C included in the plurality of arm catches in the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The handle 82 is coupled to the latch pin 80 and is configured to be grasped by a user to move the latch pin 80 from a locked position engaged with the respective arm catch 76A, 76B, 76C and an unlocked position withdrawn from the respective arm catch 76A, 76B, 76C.

[0046] The frame foundation 66 includes a foundation base 84 and an arm mount 86 fixed to the foundation base 84 as shown in FIG. 7. The arm mount 86 is configured to support the frame arm 68 for pivotable movement relative to the frame foundation 66 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The frame arm 68 includes an arm body 88 coupled to the arm mount 86 and an arm rotation stop 90 coupled to the arm body 88. The arm rotation stop 90 is configured to engage the arm mount 86 in the transportation configuration to block further rotation of the frame arm 68 relative to the frame foundation 66.

[0047] Each of the rollers 16 includes a plurality of roller rings 92 arranged to lie side by side to one another, an axle 94 extending through each ring 92, and a pair of bushings 96 coupled to each respective end of the axle 94 to allow rotation of the axle 94 relative to the frame 14 as shown in FIGS. 9-12. Each ring 92 has a central aperture 98 having a first diameter 102 configured to receive the axle 94. The axle 94 has a second diameter 104 less than the first diameter 102 so that each ring has only a tangential point of contact 106 with the axle 94. In some embodiments, the first diameter 102 is at least twice that of second diameter 104. This allows each ring 92 to drop to a lower elevation than the other rings 92 as the rollers 16 travel along land and encounter divots or holes in the land. Each of the roller rings 92 can rotate independently of the other roller rings 92.

[0048] Each of the rollers 16 further includes a debris guard 108 mounted at each end of the axle 94 between the plurality of roller rings 92 and each respective bushing 96 as shown in FIGS. 9-12. Each debris guard 108 has a central aperture 110 with an inner diameter about equal to the second diameter 104 of the axle 94 and an outer radius 112 greater than the first diameter 102 of the central aperture 98 of each ring 92 and less than an outer radius 114 of each ring 92 included in the plurality of rollers 16. These dimensions allow the debris guard 108 to cover the central aperture 98 of the rings 92 and block debris from entering the aperture 98.

[0049] Alternatively, each roller 16 may include a plurality of support arms 120 that are positioned between each of the roller rings 92, as shown, for example, in FIG. 17. Each support arm 120 includes a bushing that is configures to accept the axle 94. The support arms 120 at one end are all secured to a header 122 by welding or other attachment means. This arrangement helps maintain the orientation of the roller rings 92 so that they maintain position when in use. The perimeter of the roller rings 92 may also include knurling, segmenting, or other surface finish to allow the roller rings 92 to maintain contact with and roll along the ground when in use.

[0050] The overall weight of the device 10 is preferably over fifty thousand pounds, and each roller 16 weighs approximately eight thousand pounds, the device 10 is designed to remain on the ground when in the field use mode, the transport mode, or when transitioned between modes. There is no need to lift the device 10 off of the ground to switch modes and there are no hydraulics or electric motors needed to switch between modes. When a user wants to switch the device 10 from the transport mode shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the field use mode shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, a user grabs and pulls up on the five pin links 38 located at each of the five orientation locks 26. Raising the links 38 causes the lock pins 34 and the orientation-selector pins 36 to be raised and released from the orientation lock simultaneously. Raising links 38 pulls lock pin 34 out of roller selector slot 44 and orientation-selector pin 36 out of the third roller-mount aperture 48 at the same time. The user needs to raise the pin links 38 high enough so that the aperture 62 in retainer plate 56 clears retainer pin 58 to allow the pin links 38 to be pivoted about the lock pin 34.

[0051] Once raised, the user next rotates the pin links 38 about lock pins 34 and positions orientation-selector pins 36 into second selector aperture 42. Because orientation-selector pins 36 of each orientation lock 26 are not yet aligned with fourth roller-mount aperture 50, the rollers 16 and roller mounts 28 are free to pivot about axes 16P until orientation-selector pins 36 align with fourth roller-mount apertures 50 and drop into place. During the transition between modes, the orientation-selector pins 36 slide along the surface 52 of the roller mounts 28. When orientation-selector pins 36 are aligned with fourth roller-mount apertures 50 lock pins 34 are also now aligned with roller selector slot 46 and the pins drop into place. In addition to a user lifting up on the five pin links 38 and moving the orientation-selector pins 36 into the field use apertures 42, a user can also raise latch pin 80 by handle 82 that couples the frame foundation 66 to the support bracket 72 so that the frame foundation 66 can pivot from the transport to the field mode. Rotation of the rollers 16 and roller mounts 28 and frame foundation 66, once unlocked, occurs automatically by movement of the tractor pulling the mobile explosives detonator 10 in either a forward or rearward direction along the ground. This arrangement eliminates the need for the user to lift the frame off of the ground and manually rotate the roller mounts 28 or frame foundation 66 or the need to use motors, hydraulics or by other apparatuses to cause rotation between modes.

[0052] Once the frame foundation 66 and roller mounts 28 rotate from the transport position to the field use position, the orientation-selector pins 36 and lock pins 34 automatically drop in their respective apertures and slots to lock the orientation of the roller mounts 28. The user also puts latch pin 80 into the field use aperture on the frame to lock the frame foundation 66. Now the device 10 is ready to be used in the field. If the user wants to switch back to the transportation mode, the user pulls up on the five pin links 38 and pivots the orientation-selector pins 36 over to the transportation position and pulls the latch pin 80. The user then uses the tractor or bull dozer to move the device 10 and the roller mounts 28 and frame foundation 66 to cause them to pivot to the transportation position. Once in the transportation position the pins 34, 36 will lock into place and the user re-engages the latch pin 80.

[0053] A second embodiment of an explosives detonator 210 is shown in FIGS. 18-20. The explosives detonator 210 is similar to explosives detonator 10 of FIGS. 1-17. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the 200 series are used to describe common features between explosive detonator 210 and explosives detonator 10. The disclosure of explosives detonator 10 is hereby incorporated by reference herein for explosives detonator 210 and differences between explosives detonator 210 and explosives detonator 10 are described below.

[0054] The explosives detonator 210 is configured to be moved across the ground by use of a vehicle platform 212 that pulls or pushes the mobile explosives detonator 210. The mobile explosives detonator 210 is configured to detonate explosives positioned in the ground. The explosives detonator 210 includes a frame 214 and a plurality of rollers 216 coupled to the frame 214. The frame 214 is mounted to or included in the vehicle 212. The plurality of rollers 216 are configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame 212 about respective roller axes 216A as the vehicle 212 travels along the ground with the frame 214. The rollers 216 are weighted so that when they roll over an explosive, the explosive is triggered to detonate and thereby intentionally eliminates the explosive in the ground. Given the weight of the mobile explosives detonator 210, it is designed to remain on the ground and not lifted by the vehicle 212 whether in use to detonate mines or being transported.

[0055] In illustrative embodiments, the explosives detonator 210 further includes a roller mount system 218 configured to mount each of the rollers to the frame. The roller mount system 218 allows movement of each of the rollers 216 relative to the frame 214 between a us configuration (field position) for use in detonating explosives and a transportation position for transportation the detonator 210 to various locations, such as along a roadway between fields with explosives to be detonated. In the use configuration, each of the roller axes 216A extend perpendicularly to a front-to-back centerline 300 of the frame 214. In the transportation configuration, each of the roller axes 216A extend parallel to the front-to-back centerline 300 of the frame 214.

[0056] The roller mount system 218 includes a plurality of roller frames 224 and a plurality of roller orientation locks 226. Each roller frame 224 is coupled to a respective roller 216 and to a respective roller orientation lock 226. Each roller orientation lock 226 is coupled to the frame 214 and to a respective roller frame 224 to control movement of each roller 216 and roller frame 224 relative to the frame 214 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The plurality of roller frames 224 and the plurality of roller orientation locks 226 are identical in structure and function to the roller frames 24 and orientations locks 26 of explosives detonator 10.

[0057] The frame 214 includes a trapezoid shaped frame foundation 266 coupled to each of the plurality of rollers 216, a frame arm 268 configured to couple to the vehicle 212 and coupled to the frame foundation 266, an arm lock 270, and an arm actuator 271 as shown in FIG. 18. The frame arm 268 is configured to pivot about an arm axis 268A relative to the frame foundation 266 between the use configuration, in which the frame arm 268 extends parallel to the front-to-back centerline 300 of the frame 214, and the transportation configuration, in which the frame arm 268 extends perpendicular to the front-to-back centerline 300 of the frame 214. The arm lock 270 is configured to block movement of the frame arm 268 relative to the frame foundation 266 in both the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The arm actuator 271 is configured to move the frame arm 268 relative to the frame foundation 266 about the arm axis 268A between the use configuration and the transportation configuration when the arm lock 270 is unlocked.

[0058] The arm lock 270 includes a support bracket 272 fixed to the frame arm 268, an arm latch 274 coupled to the support bracket 272, and a plurality of arm catches 276 coupled to the frame foundation 266 as shown in FIG. 18. The arm latch 274 selectively interconnects the support bracket 272 with one of the catches 276 to block movement of the frame arm 268 relative to the frame foundation 266. Foundation frame 266 includes trapezoidal wedges secured to the top of the frame 266 and fit under frame arm 268 to stabilize foundation frame 266 when in the transport position. There is also a third wedge that is used to stabilize the frame 266 beneath the frame arm 268 when in the field use position.

[0059] The plurality of catches 276 includes a first catch 276A, a second catch 276B, and a third catch 276C. The first catch 276A is configured to engage with the arm latch 274 in the use configuration. The second catch 276B is configured to engage with the arm latch 274 in the transportation configuration when the frame arm 268 extends toward a first lateral side of the frame foundation 266. The third catch 276C is configured to engage with the arm latch 274 in the transportation configuration when the frame arm 268 extends toward an opposite second lateral side of the frame foundation 266.

[0060] The arm latch 274 includes a latch sheath 278 coupled to a distal end of the support bracket 272 and spaced apart from the frame arm 268, a latch pin 280 received in the latch sheath 278, and a handle 282 as shown in FIG. 19. The latch pin 280 is configured to engage selectively with a respective arm catch 276A, 276B, 276C included in the plurality of arm catches in the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The handle 282 is coupled to the latch pin 280 and is configured to be grasped by a user to move the latch pin 280 from a locked position engaged with the respective arm catch 276A, 276B, 276C and an unlocked position withdrawn from the respective arm catch 276A, 276B, 276C.

[0061] The frame foundation 266 includes a foundation base 284 and an arm mount 286 fixed to the foundation base 284 as shown in FIG. 19. The arm mount 286 is configured to support the frame arm 268 for pivotable movement relative to the frame foundation 266 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration. The frame arm 268 includes an arm body 288 coupled to the arm mount 286 and an actuator mount 290 coupled to the arm body 288.

[0062] The arm actuator 271 includes an arm mover 302 coupled to the actuator mount 286, a first arm lever 304 coupled to the frame arm 268 and to the arm mover 302, and a second arm lever 306 coupled to the first arm lever 304 and to the arm mount 286 as shown in FIG. 19. The arm mover 302 includes a hydraulic actuator having a sheath or housing 308 and a piston 310 received in the housing 308 and configured to translate relative to the housing 308 in response to hydraulic pressure within the housing 308. The first arm lever 304 includes a first end coupled to the second arm lever 306, a second end coupled to the frame arm 268, and is coupled to the piston 310 between the first end and the second end. The second arm lever 306 has a first end coupled to the first end of the first arm lever 304 and a second end coupled to the arm mount 286.

[0063] The first and second arm levers 304, 306 each have a curvilinear shape and are concave relative to the arm axis 268A. Each end of the first arm lever 304 and the second arm lever 306 pivots relative to one another and to the arm mount 286 in response to actuation of the piston 310 to cause the frame arm 268 to pivot about the arm pivot axis 268A. Retraction of the piston 310 into the housing 308 causes the frame arm 268 to pivot from the use configuration to the transportation configuration.

[0064] As the piston 310 is retracted, the first arm lever 304 and the second arm lever 306 fold inward toward one another about the first end of the first arm lever 304 and the first end of the second arm lever 306 and the second end of the first arm lever 304 moves closer to the second end of the second arm lever 306. This causes the frame arm 268 to pivot about the pivot axis 268A from the use configuration to the transportation configuration in a first or clockwise direction when the detonator 210 is viewed from above. As the piston 310 extends, the frame arm 268 is pushed from the transportation configuration to the use configuration. This causes the first arm lever 304 and the second arm lever 306 to fold outward about the first end of the first arm lever 304 and the first end of the second arm lever 306 such that the second end of the first arm lever 304 moves away from to the second end of the second arm lever 306. The arm levers 304, 306 provide increased mechanical advantage and range of motion for the actuator 271 to move the frame arm 268 between the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

[0065] The first lever arm 304 includes a stopper plate/surface 314 that is configured to engage the frame arm 268 in the transportation configuration to stop movement of the frame arm 268 once the transportation configuration is reached. In some embodiments, the piston 310 or the sheath 308 can be disengaged and the frame arm 268 may rotate about the pivot axis 268A in a second or counterclockwise direction to the transportation configuration. The stopper plate 314 is configured to engage the arm mount 286 to block further pivoting of the frame arm 268 in the second direction.

[0066] Each of the rollers 216 includes a plurality of roller rings 292 arranged to lie side by side to one another, an axle 294 extending through each ring 292, and a pair of bushings 296 coupled to each respective end of the axle 294 to allow rotation of the axle 294 relative to the frame 214 as shown in FIG. 20. Each of the roller rings 292 includes a plurality of projections or serrations 295. Each of the serrations 295 includes a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side. The serrations 295 are configured to provide point loads at a tip of each serration to detonate explosives as the rollers 216 travel along the ground and also provide traction to assist in the rotation of the rollers 216. Spacing between the rings 292 is less than a width of each ring 292 to minimize gaps between the rings 292. The illustrative embodiment shows five rollers 216, however, it should be appreciated that only a single roller 216 or more than five rollers 216 may be included in the explosives detonator 210.

[0067] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

[0068] Clause 1. An explosives detonator configured to be moved across land by a vehicle platform to detonate explosives positioned on or in the land, the explosives detonator including a frame.

[0069] Clause 2. The explosives detonator of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a plurality of rollers coupled to the frame and configured to engage and roll along the land relative to the frame about respective roller axes as the vehicle travels along the land.

[0070] Clause 3. The explosives detonator of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a roller mount system configured to mount each of the rollers to the frame for movement relative to the frame between a use configuration, in which each of the roller axes extend perpendicularly to a front-to-back centerline of the frame, and a transportation configuration, in which each of the roller axes extend parallel to the front-to-back centerline of the frame.

[0071] Clause 4. The explosives detonator of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein, collectively, the plurality of rollers have a first width in the use configuration and a second width less than the first width in the transportation configuration.

[0072] Clause 5. The explosives detonator of clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first width is greater than 12 feet and the second width is less than or equal to 12 feet.

[0073] Clause 6. The explosives detonator of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the roller mount system includes a plurality of roller orientation locks, each roller orientation lock included in the plurality of roller orientation locks being coupled to a respective roller included in the plurality of rollers and including a roller mount fixed to each respective roller for movement with the respective roller between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, a lock pin assembly configured to engage selectively with the roller mount to block movement of each respective roller and roller mount relative to the frame between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, and a lock guide plate fixed to the frame for movement therewith and configured to control engagement between the lock pin assembly and roller mount.

[0074] Clause 7. The explosives detonator of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock pin assembly includes a lock pin, an orientation-selector pin spaced apart from the lock pin, and a pin link interconnecting the lock pin and the orientation-selector pin to control movement of the lock pin and the orientation-selector pin in unison with one another between a locked position engaged with the roller mount and an unlocked position withdrawn from the roller mount so that each respective roller is free to pivot between the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

[0075] Clause 8. The explosives detonator of clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock pin is configured to extend into a first roller-mount aperture formed in the roller mount in the use configuration and a second roller-mount aperture formed in the roller mount in the transportation configuration, and the orientation-selector pin is configured to extend into a first selector aperture formed in the lock guide plate and a third roller-mount aperture formed in the roller mount in the use configuration and is configured to extend into a second selector aperture formed in the lock guide plate and a fourth roller-mount aperture formed in the roller mount in the transportation configuration, the first selector aperture being offset from the third roller-mount aperture in the transportation configuration and the second selector aperture being offset from the fourth roller-mount aperture in the use configuration.

[0076] Clause 9. The explosives detonator of clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the orientation-selector pin is pivotable about the lock pin in the unlocked position between a use-selection position, in which the orientation-selector pin is received in a first selector aperture formed in the lock guide plate and a transportation-selection position in which the orientation-selector pin is received in a second selector aperture formed in the lock guide plate.

[0077] Clause 10. The explosives detonator of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein, when each respective roller is in the use configuration and the orientation-selector pin is in the transportation-selection position, the lock pin is blocked from moving to the locked position, and wherein, when each respective roller is in the transportation configuration and the orientation-selector pin is in the use-selection position, the lock pin is blocked from moving to the locked position.

[0078] Clause 11. The explosives detonator of clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock pin assembly further includes a pin-retainer unit configured to block the lock pin and the orientation-selector pin from moving to the unlocked position.

[0079] Clause 12. The explosives detonator of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the pin-retainer unit includes a retainer plate coupled to at least one of the lock pin, the orientation-selector pin, and the pin link and formed to include a first retainer aperture and a second retainer aperture, a retainer pin fixed to the lock guide plate configured to extend in the first retainer aperture when the lock pin is in the locked position and the respective roller is in the use configuration and configured to extend in the second retainer aperture when the lock pin is in the locked position and the respective roller is in the transportation configuration, and a retainer-lock pin coupled removably with the retainer pin and configured to lock withdrawal of the retainer pin from the first and second retainer apertures when the lock pin is in the locked position.

[0080] Clause 13. The explosives detonator of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the frame includes a frame foundation coupled to each of the plurality of rollers, a frame arm configured to couple to the vehicle and coupled to the frame foundation and for pivotable movement of relative to the frame foundation between the use configuration, in which the frame arm extends parallel to the front-to-back centerline of the frame, and the transportation configuration, in which the frame arm extends perpendicular to the front-to-back centerline of the frame, and an arm lock configured to block movement of the frame arm relative to the frame foundation in both the use configuration and the transportation configuration.

[0081] Clause 14. The explosives detonator of clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the frame lock includes a support bracket fixed to the frame arm, an arm latch coupled to the support bracket, and a plurality of arm catches coupled to the foundation frame and configured to engage the arm latch to block movement of the frame arm relative to the frame foundation.

[0082] Clause 15. The explosives detonator of clause 14, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the arm latch includes a latch sheath coupled to a distal end of the support bracket and spaced apart from the frame arm, a latch pin received in the latch sheath and configured to engage selectively with a respective arm catch included in the plurality of arm catches in the use configuration and the transportation configuration, and a handle coupled to latch pin and configured to be grasped by a user to move the latch pin from a locked position engages with the respective arm catch and an unlocked position withdrawn from the respective arm catch.

[0083] Clause 16. The explosives detonator of clause 14, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the plurality of catches includes a first catch configured to engage with the arm latch in the use configuration, a second latch configured to engage with the arm latch in the transportation configuration when the frame arm extends toward a first lateral side of the frame foundation, and a third catch configured to engage with the arm latch in the transportation configuration when the frame arm extends toward an opposite second lateral side of the frame foundation.

[0084] Clause 17. The explosives detonator of clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the frame foundation includes a foundation base and an arm mount fixed to the foundation base and configured to support the frame arm for pivotable movement between the use configuration and the transportation configuration, and the frame arm includes an arm body coupled to the arm mount and an arm rotation stop coupled to the arm body and configured to engage the arm mount in the transportation configuration to block further rotation of the frame arm relative to the frame foundation.

[0085] Clause 18. The explosives detonator of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each of the rollers includes a plurality of roller rings arranged to lie side by side to one another, an axle extending through each ring included in the plurality of roller rings, and a pair of bushings coupled to each respective end of the axle to allow rotation of the axle relative to the frame.

[0086] Clause 19. The explosives detonator of clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each ring has a central aperture having a first diameter configured to receive the axle and the axle has a second diameter less than the first diameter so that each ring has only a tangential point of contact with the axle.

[0087] Clause 20. The explosives detonator of clause 19, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first diameter is at least twice that of second diameter.

[0088] Clause 21. The explosives detonator of clause 19, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each of the rollers further includes a debris guard mounted at each end of the axle between the plurality of roller rings and each respective bushing.

[0089] Clause 22. The explosives detonator of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each debris guard has a central aperture with an inner diameter about equal to the second diameter of the axle and an outer radius greater than the first diameter of the central aperture of each ring and less than an outer radius of each ring included in the plurality of rollers.

[0090] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.