Vibrating concrete screed

Abstract

A vibrating concrete screed includes a frame, a motor coupled to the frame, an exciter assembly driven by the motor and including a first clamp assembly for coupling a first screed bar having a first configuration, a screed bar adapter configured to be coupled to the exciter assembly by the first clamp assembly, the screed bar adapter having a second clamp assembly, and a screed bar configured to be received by the second clamp assembly on the screed bar adapter.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 675,437, filed July 25, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 564,728, filed March 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This utility model relates to concrete finishing tools, and more specifically to adapters for leveling rods. Background Technology

[0004] When installing concrete bases or foundations, it is necessary to level the concrete surface before the concrete sets. This is done, for example, by using tools such as concrete levelers. The industry is constantly seeking improvements to these tools. Utility Model Content

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a vibratory concrete leveling device, comprising: a frame; a motor coupled to the frame; an exciter assembly driven by the motor, the exciter assembly including a first clamping assembly for coupling a first leveling rod having a first configuration; a leveling rod adapter configured to be coupled from the first clamping assembly to the exciter assembly, the leveling rod adapter having a second clamping assembly; and a second leveling rod having a second configuration configured to be received in the second clamping assembly on the leveling rod adapter.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a vibratory concrete leveling device, comprising: a frame; a motor coupled to the frame; an exciter assembly driven by the motor and configured to support the upper part of a first leveling rod having a first shape; and a leveling rod adapter coupled to the exciter assembly from its upper part and configured to support a second leveling rod having a second shape different from the first shape of the first leveling rod, the upper part of the first leveling rod and the upper part of the leveling rod adapter having similar shapes.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a leveling rod adapter for use with a vibratory concrete leveler, the leveling rod adapter comprising: a center plate; a first upper wall extending from the center plate in a first direction and forming a rearward projection; and a second upper wall extending from the center plate in the first direction and forming a forward projection, wherein the rearward projection and the forward projection are removably engaged with an exciter assembly on the vibratory concrete leveler.

[0008] Other features and aspects of this utility model will become apparent from careful reading of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram of a vibratory concrete leveling device.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of a vibratory concrete leveler, with the battery pack removed.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of a vibratory concrete leveling device.

[0012] Figure 4 This is the end view of the leveling rod.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an end view of another implementation of the leveling rod.

[0014] Figure 6 Is with Figure 1 The upper perspective view of the leveling rod adapter used with the vibratory concrete leveler.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The lower 3D view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Top view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A bottom view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 Front view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0019] Figure 11 yes Figure 6 Rear view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0020] Figure 12 yes Figure 6 First side view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0021] Figure 13 yes Figure 6 The second view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0022] Figure 14 It is coupled to Figure 1 Vibratory concrete leveling device and Figure 5 leveling rod Figure 6 Enlarged view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0023] Figure 15 Is with Figure 1The upper perspective view of the leveling rod adapter used with the vibratory concrete leveling device.

[0024] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A 3D view of the front of the leveling rod adapter.

[0025] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A 3D view of the rear of the leveling rod adapter.

[0026] Figure 18 It is coupled to Figure 1 Vibratory concrete leveling device and Figure 5 leveling rod Figure 15 A 3D view of the leveling rod adapter.

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 The leveling rod adapter relative to Figure 1 Vibratory concrete leveling device and Figure 5 Exploded view of the leveling rod.

[0028] Before explaining any embodiment of this utility model in detail, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited in scope or application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components described in the following description or shown in the drawings. The device described in this utility model can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used in this utility model are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered restrictive. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1-3 A vibratory concrete leveler 100 for smoothing and leveling concrete is shown. The vibratory concrete leveler 100 includes a frame 102 having a first frame rail 104 and a second frame rail 106. The first frame rail 104 includes a proximal end 107 and a distal end 108 with a foot 110 formed thereon. Similarly, the second frame rail 106 includes a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114 with a foot 116 formed thereon. A first handle 118 extends from the proximal end 107 of the first frame rail 104, and a second handle 120 extends from the proximal end 112 of the second frame rail 106. The first handle 118 includes a trigger assembly 122 having a trigger 124 for controlling the operation of the vibratory concrete leveler 100. The second handle 120 includes a leg 126 that can rotate around the support 128 between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the leg 126 is in a position that does not interfere with the movement of the vibrating concrete leveler. In the extended position, the leg 126 supports the vibrating concrete leveler 100 in a generally upright position.

[0030] A main housing 130 is disposed on a frame 102 and extends between the proximal end 107 of a first frame rail 104 and the proximal end 112 of a second frame rail 106. As shown, the main housing 130 extends above the proximal ends 107, 112 of the frame rails 104, 106. The main housing 130 includes a battery receiver 132 configured to receive a removable battery pack 134. In one embodiment, the battery pack 134 includes one or more battery strings, and each battery string includes a number of battery cells (e.g., 10) connected in series to provide a desired discharge output (e.g., nominal voltage [e.g., 20V, 40V, 60V, 80V, 130V] and current capacity). The battery cells of the battery pack 134 are any rechargeable battery cell chemistry type, such as lithium (Li), lithium-ion (Li-ion), other lithium-based chemistry compositions, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), etc. Figure 3 As shown, an electronic controller 136 (e.g., a printed circuit board) is disposed within the main housing 130 and is electrically connected to the trigger 124, the battery receiver 132, and the battery pack 134 when engaged with the battery receiver 132. The controller 136 includes control electronics for controlling the operation of the vibrating concrete leveler 100.

[0031] The vibratory concrete leveler 100 also includes a motor housing 140 located below the main housing 130 between the first frame guide rail 104 and the second frame guide rail 106. The motor housing 140 includes generally cylindrical sidewalls 142 and a top cover 144. A motor 146 is disposed within the motor housing 140. Figure 3 As best shown, motor 146 includes stator 148. Rotor is disposed within stator 148 and drives motor output shaft 150. Motor housing 140 is isolated from main housing 130 to minimize vibration transmission to main housing 130. Top cover 144 serves as a raceway for wires connecting electronic controller 136 and motor 146.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, motor 146 is a brushless direct current (BLDC) electric motor. In other embodiments of the concrete leveling machine 10, motor 48 may be configured as a brushed motor, or any other type of electric motor known to those skilled in the art. In yet another embodiment, motor 146 may be an internal combustion engine, in which case, instead of battery pack 134, vibrating concrete leveler 100 may include a fuel cell and a fuel injection or atomization system in fluid communication with motor 146.

[0033] A first protective rod 152 extends from the frame 102 between the first frame guide rail 104 and the second frame guide rail 106 around and above the main housing 130 to protect the main housing 130 from impact and to serve as a first handle. A second protective rod 154 extends from the frame 102 between the first frame guide rail 104 and the second frame guide rail 106 around the motor housing 140 to protect the motor housing 140 from impact and to serve as a second handle.

[0034] The vibratory concrete leveler 100 further includes an actuator assembly 160 disposed below the bottom of the motor housing 140 and the frame 102, specifically below the legs 110 of the first frame guide rail 104 and the legs 116 of the second frame guide rail 106. The actuator assembly 160 includes an actuator assembly housing 162 having a generally cylindrical central housing portion 164 coupled to the bottom of the motor housing 140, where an unbalanced mass (not shown) is located in the bottom of the motor housing 140 to generate vibration in response to its rotation. The actuator assembly 160 further includes a first wing 166 extending from the central housing portion 164 in a first direction and a second wing 168 extending from the central housing portion 164 in a direction opposite to the first wing 166. As shown in the figure, the first wing 166 and the second wing 168 extend along the first axis 170, which is perpendicular to the second axis 172. The second axis 172 extends through the motor output shaft 150.

[0035] The first wing 166 is connected to the foot 110 of the first frame rail 104 via a first pair of fasteners 174 and a first pair of dampers 176, the fasteners 174 extending through the first pair of dampers 176. The second wing 168 is connected to the foot 116 of the second frame rail 104 via a second pair of fasteners 178 and a second pair of dampers 180, the fasteners 178 extending through the second pair of dampers 180. In an embodiment, the dampers 176, 180 are elastomeric bushings or spring damper units, which are mounted to attenuate vibrations transmitted to the operator, the controller 136 within the main housing 130, and the battery pack 134.

[0036] The actuator assembly 160 further includes a first clamp assembly 182 extending downward from a first wing 166 and a second clamp assembly 184 extending downward from a second wing 168. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184 are edge clamps configured to engage the upper portion of the leveling rod 200 described below, and each clamp assembly 182, 184 includes a groove spaced apart from the edge clamp. In another embodiment, the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184 may be configured to include a quick-release mechanism, such as an eccentric cam latch.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the leveling rod 200 is generally shaped as a right trapezoid (cross-section) having a first internal triangular chamber 202 and a second internal triangular chamber 204. The leveling rod 200 includes an upper plate 210, a lower plate 212, a rear plate 214 extending vertically from the lower plate 212 toward the upper plate 210, and a front plate 216 extending from the lower plate 212 toward the upper plate 210. The leveling rod 200 further includes a rearward protrusion 220 formed at the interface between the upper plate 210 and the rear plate 214, and a forward protrusion 222 formed at the interface between the upper plate 210 and the front plate 216. Figure 3 As shown, protrusions 220, 222 are configured to tightly capture and hold in the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184 on the actuator assembly 160. Specifically, the rearward protrusion 220 fits into a similarly shaped recess on the actuator assembly 160, and the forward protrusion 222 engages with and is held in place by the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184.

[0038] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a leveling bar 500 having a generally L-shaped body 502 (cross-section) is shown. The L-shaped leveling bar body 502 includes a horizontal plate 504 and a vertical plate 506 extending therefrom. The L-shaped leveling bar 500 cannot be directly attached to the exciter assembly 160 of the vibratory concrete leveler 100 because the L-shaped leveling bar 500 cannot be captured in the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184. Therefore, an adapter is required to mount the L-shaped leveling bar 500 to the exciter assembly 160.

[0039] Figure 6-13 A leveling bar adapter 600 is shown for connecting an L-shaped leveling bar 500 to an exciter assembly 160 of a vibrating concrete leveler 100. The leveling bar adapter 600 includes a body 602 having a center plate 604. A first upper wall 606 extends upward and slightly rearward from the center plate 604 to create a rearward projection 608. A second upper wall 610 extends upward and slightly forward from the center plate 604 on the side opposite to the first upper wall 606 to create a forward projection 612. A plurality of vertical supports 614 extend between the first upper wall 606 and the second upper wall 610. Furthermore, a plurality of angled supports 616 extend between adjacent pairs of vertical supports 614 between the first upper wall 606 and the second upper wall 610. Figure 6 and Figure 8 As best shown, the angled support 616 forms a serrated pattern on the top of the center plate 604 of the body 602 of the leveling rod adapter 600 between the first upper wall 606 and the second upper wall 610.

[0040] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As best shown, a first lower wall 620 extends from a center plate 604 in a generally downward direction. A second lower wall 622 also extends from the center plate 604 in a generally downward direction and is spaced apart from the first lower wall 620, thus forming a slot 624 between the first lower wall 620 and the second lower wall 622. As shown, each of the first lower wall 620 and the second lower wall 622 is positioned between a rearward projection 608 and a forward projection 612. The first lower wall 620 is positioned between the rearward projection 608 and the second lower wall 622. The second lower wall 622 is positioned between the first lower wall 620 and the forward projection 612. Both the first lower wall 620 and the second lower wall 622 are positioned closer to the forward projection 612 than to the rearward projection 608. Therefore, the slot 624 is also positioned closer to the forward projection 612 than to the rearward projection 608. A plurality of gusset plates 626 ( Figure 7 The leveling rod adapter 600 extends between the first lower wall 620 and the center plate 604. Furthermore, the first lower wall 620 has a plurality of threaded holes 628, and the second lower wall 622 also has a plurality of threaded holes 630. The leveling rod adapter 600 includes a plurality of threaded fasteners 632, each threaded fastener 632 being threadedly connected to a pair of aligned holes 628, 630 formed in the lower walls 620, 622. The walls 620, 622 and the threaded fasteners 632 serve as a clamping assembly.

[0041] like Figure 14 As shown, the leveling rod adapter 600 engages with the exciter assembly 160 on the vibratory concrete leveler 100. Specifically, protrusions 608 and 612 on the body 602 of the leveling rod adapter 600 are configured to be tightly captured and held in the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184 on the exciter assembly 160. Specifically, the rearward protrusion 608 fits into a similarly shaped recess on the exciter assembly 160, and the forward protrusion 612 engages with and is held in place by the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184. Furthermore, the vertical plate 506 of the body 502 of the L-shaped leveling rod 500 is mounted in a groove 624 between the first lower wall 620 and the second lower wall 622 of the leveling rod adapter 600. Fasteners 632 extend through holes formed in the vertical plate 506 of the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to secure the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to the adapter 600. In other embodiments of the adapter 600, the fastener 632 can be tightened against the face of the vertical plate 506 of the L-shaped leveler to apply a clamping force to the vertical plate 506. Therefore, the leveling rod adapter 600 allows the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to be attached to the actuator assembly 160.

[0042] Figure 15-19Another leveling bar adapter 700 is shown for connecting the L-shaped leveling bar 500 to the exciter assembly 160 of the vibrating concrete leveler 100. The leveling bar adapter 700 is similar to... Figure 6-14 The leveling rod adapter 600, therefore similar structures will be identified using similar reference numerals plus one hundred (“100”). As will be discussed in this utility model, Figure 6-14 Leveling rod adapter 600 and Figure 15-19 The main difference between the leveling rod adapter 700 and the others is that the second lower wall 622 and the slot 624 are omitted. Additionally, Figure 6-14 The support members 614, 616 and the gusset plate 626 of the leveling rod adapter 600 are also omitted. In other or alternative embodiments, the leveling rod adapter 700 may also include the components described above. Figure 6-14 Support members 614, 616 and corner brace 626.

[0043] The leveling rod adapter 700 includes a body 702 having a center plate 704. A first upper wall 706 extends upward and slightly rearward from the center plate 704 to create a rearward protrusion 708. A second upper wall 710 extends upward and slightly forward from the center plate 704 on the side opposite to the first upper wall 706 to create a forward protrusion 712.

[0044] See further Figure 15-17 The lower wall 720 extends from the center plate 704 in a generally downward direction. Furthermore, the lower wall 720 has a plurality of through holes 740. The leveling rod adapter 700 includes a plurality of threaded fasteners 732. Figure 18 and 19 This can be, for example, a bolt. Each threaded fastener 732 includes a head 742 and a shaft 744, at least a portion of which is threaded. Each shaft 744 is configured to receive a threaded nut 746. As shown, the lower wall 720 is positioned between a rearward projection 708 and a forward projection 712, and is closer to the rearward projection 708 than to the forward projection 712.

[0045] like Figure 18-19As shown, the leveling rod adapter 700 engages with the exciter assembly 160 on the vibratory concrete leveler 100. Specifically, protrusions 708, 712 on the body 702 of the leveling rod adapter 700 are configured to be tightly captured and held in the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184 on the exciter assembly 160. Specifically, the rearward protrusion 708 fits into a similarly shaped recess on the exciter assembly 160, and the forward protrusion 712 engages with and is held in place by the first clamp assembly 182 and the second clamp assembly 184. Furthermore, a vertical plate 506 of the body 502 of the L-shaped leveling rod 500 is mounted behind the lower wall 720. As shown, the L-shaped leveling rod 500 includes through holes 750, each through hole 750 configured to align with one of the through holes 740 of the leveling rod adapter 700. Threaded fasteners 732 and nuts 746 couple (e.g., clamp) the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to the leveling rod adapter 700. Specifically, each threaded fastener 732 is received within aligned through holes 740, 750 formed in the lower wall 720 and the vertical plate 506. The head 742 of each threaded fastener 732 is positioned on the front side of the lower wall 720, and the shaft 744 is located on the rear side of the vertical plate 506. One of the nuts 746 is threadedly coupled to each shaft 744 to couple (e.g., clamp) the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to the leveling rod adapter 700. The threaded fasteners 732 and nuts 746 thus function as a clamping assembly to couple the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to the leveling rod adapter 700. Therefore, the leveling rod adapter 700 allows the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to be attached to the actuator assembly 160.

[0046] In another embodiment (not shown), the lower wall 720 may include a threaded hole, similar to... Figure 6-14 In this implementation, the threaded fastener 732 can be inserted from the rear side of the L-shaped leveling rod 500. Therefore, the shaft 744 can be threadedly coupled to the threaded hole to couple the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to the leveling rod adapter 700. Specifically, the shaft 744 can extend through the through hole 750 of the vertical plate 506 and be screwed into the corresponding threaded hole, and the head 742 can be positioned against the rear side of the vertical plate 506. Therefore, the threaded fastener 732 can couple the L-shaped leveling rod 500 to the leveling rod adapter 700.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A vibrating concrete screed, characterized by, include: frame; A motor, which is coupled to the frame; An actuator assembly, the actuator assembly being driven by the motor and including a first clamping assembly for coupling a first leveling rod having a first configuration; A leveling rod adapter, the leveling rod adapter being configured to be coupled to an actuator assembly by a first clamping assembly, the leveling rod adapter having a second clamping assembly; and A second leveling bar having a second form, the leveling bar being configured to be received by a second clamping assembly on the leveling bar adapter.

2. The vibrating concrete screed of claim 1, wherein, The leveling rod adapter includes: Center plate; A first upper wall, the first upper wall extending from the central plate in a first direction and forming a rearward protrusion; and The second upper wall extends from the central plate in a first direction and forms a forward protrusion.

3. The vibrating concrete screed of claim 2, wherein, The rearward protrusion and the forward protrusion are captured in the first clamp assembly on the actuator assembly.

4. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The rearward protrusion is configured to be positioned in a similarly shaped groove in the actuator assembly, and the forward protrusion engages with and is held in place by the first clamping assembly.

5. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The leveling rod adapter further includes a lower wall extending from the center plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the lower wall includes a through hole through which a fastener extends to clamp the second leveling rod to the lower wall.

6. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second leveling rod includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending from the horizontal plate, wherein the vertical plate includes a through hole aligned with the through hole in the lower wall, and wherein the fastener extends through the through hole in the lower wall and the through hole in the vertical plate to clamp the second leveling rod to the lower wall.

7. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The leveling rod adapter further includes: A first lower wall, the first lower wall extending from the central plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and A second lower wall extends from the center plate in the second direction and is spaced apart from the first lower wall to form a slot between the first lower wall and the second lower wall.

8. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the first lower wall and the second lower wall is formed with a threaded hole, and a fastener engages with the threaded hole in a threaded manner to fix the second leveling rod in the slot.

9. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second leveling rod includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending from the horizontal plate, wherein the vertical plate extends into the slot formed between the first lower wall and the second lower wall, and wherein the fastener engages the vertical plate of the second leveling rod to secure the second leveling rod within the slot.

10. A vibratory concrete leveling device, characterized in that, include: frame; A motor, which is coupled to the frame; An actuator assembly, driven by the motor and configured to support the upper part of a first leveling bar having a first shape; and A leveling rod adapter having an upper portion coupled to the actuator assembly and configured to support a second leveling rod having a second shape different from the first shape of the first leveling rod, the upper portion of the first leveling rod having a similar shape to the upper portion of the leveling rod adapter.

11. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The actuator assembly includes a first clamping assembly, wherein the upper portion of the first leveling rod is engageable with the first clamping assembly.

12. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The upper part of the leveling rod adapter can engage with the first clamp assembly.

13. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The first leveling rod is interchangeable with the leveling rod adapter.

14. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, Each of the upper portion of the first leveling rod and the upper portion of the leveling rod adapter includes a rearward protrusion configured to be positioned in a similarly shaped recess of the actuator assembly and a forward protrusion configured to engage with and be held in place by the first clamping assembly.

15. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The leveling rod adapter includes: Center plate; A first upper wall, the first upper wall extending from the central plate in a first direction and forming a rearward protrusion; and The second upper wall extends from the central plate in the first direction and forms a forward protrusion.

16. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The rearward protrusion and the forward protrusion are captured in the first clamp assembly on the actuator assembly.

17. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The leveling rod adapter further includes: The lower wall extends from the center plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is configured to be clamped to the second leveling bar via fasteners.

18. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The lower wall includes a through hole, wherein the second leveling rod includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending from the horizontal plate, wherein the vertical plate includes a through hole aligned with the through hole in the lower wall, and wherein the fastener extends through the through hole in the lower wall and the through hole in the vertical plate to clamp the second leveling rod to the lower wall.

19. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The lower wall is a first lower wall, and further includes a second lower wall that extends from the center plate in the second direction and is spaced apart from the first lower wall to form a slot between the first lower wall and the second lower wall.

20. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 19, characterized in that, At least one of the first lower wall and the second lower wall is formed with a threaded hole, and a fastener is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole to secure the second leveling rod within the slot.

21. The vibratory concrete leveling device as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The second leveling rod includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate extending from the horizontal plate, wherein the vertical plate extends into a slot formed between the first lower wall and the second lower wall, and the fastener engages the vertical plate of the second leveling rod to maintain engagement between the second leveling rod and the leveling rod adapter.

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