Multiple-auger curb forming and extruding apparatus

Abstract

A manually operable and steerable curb extrusion device for extruding curb, barrier, wall, gutter or the like from concrete, cement or some other moldable building material. The curb extrusion device has a segmented vibrating hopper into which building materials are placed to fall onto a plurality of tapered counter rotating vibrating augers which compact and force the building material through an extrusion mold where it is shaped before extrusion; the number of augers adjustable and selected to provide the amount of building material required to be extruded.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part application of Provisional Patent Application 61 / 627,574 filed Oct. 14, 2011 entitled “Multiple Auger Curb Forming and Extruding Device”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field[0003]This invention relates to concrete curb forming and extruding apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a concrete curb forming and extruding apparatus with 1) a frame with steering castering wheels and adjustment locks, 2) a slip form forming the curb cross-section with a straight-up side for getting close to vertical surfaces, 3) an extruder having a variable capacity hopper with a flexible liner, and 4) a plurality of augers rotating in opposite directions beneath the hopper in varying orientations to compact the concrete forcing it through the slip form via a flexible member between the compaction chamber and the slip form to isolate the vibration. The number of augers is variable and selected to extrude the amount of material re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an improved apparatus for forming concrete and other building materials into linear curbs, sidewalks, walls, and roadways. It is designed to be easily maneuvered and propelled by an operator. The apparatus includes a chassis frame and a dividable hopper with walls that define a compaction chamber. The compaction chamber has a rear opening through which the formed building material is deposited, simultaneously propelling the apparatus forward. The apparatus has steering and castering wheels for easy maneuverability and to avoid obstacles in the path. It also has quick releasing arm locks to adjust the position of the wheels and prevent play or looseness. The hopper has a lower segment and an upper vibrating segment with a feed opening to receive and force the building material into the compaction chamber. The apparatus also includes a flexible rubber or plastic liner in the hopper to prevent the building material from sticking, a vertical cross sectional partition to direct the building material only through the required number of augers, and a flexible rubber or plastic liner in the compaction chamber to prevent the building material from sticking there.

Problems solved by technology

However, straight compressive forces are not conducive to better compaction.

Ram machines, as the speed of the ram is increased, tend to jump ahead and then coast forward at the end of the stroke, which pulls cracks in the top surface of the curb.

Loose parts on the machine, such as wheels, can also leave marks in the extruded curb.

They will not travel as effectively up and down hills.

The compacting chamber, thus filled, causes wear and power consumption with little forward propulsion pressure being created.

This auger is very efficient, but has limited fixed capacity for forming curbing so it is not capable of extruding sidewalks, walls, and other larger jobs.

None of these devices avoids the augering captive material problem.

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