Tool for removing gravel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bucket-like tool adapted to remove gravel or the like from a track or a gutter defined between two side walls or side-limits i.e. the tool prepare a track or gutter with a well-defined depth and / or width. The tool is normally handled by an engine-powered machine such as a loader, skid loader, tractor, or the like. In particular, the invention relates to a tool for removing material at a predetermined depth during operation, which tool comprises a carrying surface (1) having a front edge (2), during operation the front edge (2) and the carrying surface (1) extend in a horizontal direction and is moved forward, and material is accumulated on or passes over the carrying surface (1), side parts (3) defining the width of the carrying surface (1) and having a height hsp, and fastening means (4) configured to fix the tool to a powered machine during operation, as well as at least one elevation part (5) comprising a lower edge (6) where the vertical distance hv between the lower edge (6) and the front edge (2) determines the predetermined depth in which material is removed, wherein the least one elevation part (5) extends horizontally from a side part (3) in a direction away from the centre of the front edge (2), and the at least one or each elevation parts (5) comprises a surface facing in the direction of movement which surface extends in an angle α relative to the front edge (2) or which surface at least in one point has a tangent extending in an angle α relative to the front edge (2), where 90° < α < 180°. Normally, tool comprises at least two elevation parts (5) extending horizontally from opposite side parts (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bucket-like tool adapted to remove gravel or the like from a track or a gutter defined between two side walls or side-limits i.e. the tool prepare a track or gutter with a well-defined depth and / or width. The tool is normally handled by an enginepowered machine such as a loader, skid loader, tractor, or the like.Background of the invention

[0002] Bucket-like tools for skimming and scraping are known. The terms scraping and skimming will be used interchangeably in the present document to describe an operation wherein a "cut" of material of predetermined depth is removed from a surface over which the bucket is moved.

[0003] The known bucket-like tools are generally designed for handling and moving or transporting large amounts of bulk material, and the tools are often used for many different tasks for which they are not optimally designed. With conventional bucket designs, when the primary blade of the bucket is used for scraping operations, the blade may tend to dig into the material surface when the blade is advanced in a forward direction of the bucket, providing uneven material removal. Similarly, to perform grading or levelling operations with such buckets, the bottom of the bucket is typically placed on the ground surface and the bucket is dragged "backward" to pull earth and material behind the bucket. Typical buckets do not allow for significant material to be accumulated behind the bucket when used in this manner, and the rear surfaces of conventional buckets are not designed and reinforced for extended use in this manner. Alternatively, the bucket may be raised and tipped forward such that the bottom of the bucket is generally vertical to the ground surface and then lowered until the front blade engages the ground. The bucket is then dragged backwards to pull earth and soil behind the bucket for grading the material surface. Such operation places significant torque on the bucket and excessive wear and tear on the hydraulic cylinders that control the bucket rotation. Such inadequacies of conventional buckets have been recognized in the field, and a number of bucket design configurations have been proposed to address the above issues.

[0004] US 2012 / 186112 A1 disclose a tool for scraping or skimming gravel, however, the disclosed bucket-like tool is rather complex with movable parts which require maintenance between operations.

[0005] The bucket-like tool according to the present invention does not require movable parts, the tool may be adapted in dimensions such as depth and width, however, this adaptation does not necessarily arise from parts being movable during operation.Summary of the invention

[0006] Thus, an object of the present invention relates to a tool making the process of planing or removing material from a track or gutter in a predetermined depth a faster and much cheaper process.

[0007] Thus, one aspect of the invention relates to a tool for removing material at a predetermined depth during operation, the tool comprises a carrying surface (1) having a front edge (2), during operation the front edge (2) and the carrying surface (1) extend in a horizontal direction and is moved forward, and material is accumulated on or passes over the carrying surface (1), side parts (3) defining the width of the carrying surface (1) and having a height h sp , and fastening means (4) configured to fix the tool to a powered machine during operation, wherein the tool comprises at least one elevation part (5) extending horizontally from a side part (3) in a direction away from the centre of the front edge (2), the elevation part (5) comprises a lower edge (6), the vertical distance h v between the lower edge (6) and the front edge (2) determines the predetermined depth in which material is removed.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the tool may comprise at least two elevation parts (5) extending horizontally from opposite side parts (3).

[0009] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least two elevation parts (5) may comprise a front surface facing in the direction of movement which front surface extends in an angle α relative to the front edge (2) or which front surface at least in one point has a tangent extending in an angle α relative to the front edge (2), where 90° < α < 180°, preferably 120° < α < 150°, or 40° < α < 50°.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the fastening means (4) may be a standard coupling / holder / bracket adapted to connect to a working arm of an excavator or backhoe or tractor and the fastening means (4) may be positioned on a top surface (10) of the tool.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the tool may be bucket-like having an open front end along the front edge (2) and a closed backwall (11) opposite the front edge (2). A closed backwall 11 may be constituted of a wall without openings or with openings so small that material to be removed may not pass through the openings, i.e. material is retained inside the volume of the tool.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, each side part (3) may be constituted of walls without openings or only comprise openings which are too small to allow passage of the material to be removed or planed.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the elevation part(s) (5) may extend in a direction away from a centre line C of the front edge (2) in a distance d being at least 0.2 x w, where w is the width of the carrying surface (1), preferably d > 0.3 x w.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the elevation part(s) (5) may be attached / fixed to the side part(s) (3) by fastening means, which fastening means may be either releasable and variable, or permanent and invariable, the fastening means may comprise corresponding parts of respectively the elevation part(s) (5) and the side part(s) (3).

[0015] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the elevation part(s) (5) may extend in an area (7) beside and along the side part(s) (3) of the tool, optionally the area (7) comprises a horizontal surface which may constitute an extra collection surface for material passing over the side part(s) 3 or elevation part(s) 5.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for skimming or scraping a track or gutter of predetermined depth using a tool according to the first aspect.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the track or gutter from which material is removed at one side or at both sides are lined with an edge of a hard material such as hardened filling material such as asphalt or concrete or the like, and during operation the lower edge (6) of at least one elevation part (5) slides on top of the upper surface of the edge of hard material.Brief description of the figures

[0018] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a tool according to the invention in a view obliquely from the front. Figure 2 shows the same embodiment as fig. 1, seen directly from the side. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a tool according to the invention in a view obliquely from the front. Figure 4 shows the same embodiment as fig. 3, seen directly from the side.

[0019] The present invention will now be described in more detail in the following.Detailed description of the invention Definitions

[0020] Prior to discussing the present invention in further details, the following terms and conventions will first be defined: In general - when this expression is used for describing a feature, the described feature may be used in the context of all embodiments.

[0021] It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

[0022] The present invention relates to s tool for removing material at a predetermined depth during operation. A first embodiment of a tool according to the invention is shown in figs. 1 and 2 and a second embodiment is shown in figs. 3 and 4.

[0023] In general, a tool according to the invention comprises a carrying surface 1 comprising a front edge 2 and during operation the front edge 2 and the carrying surface 1 extend in a horizontal direction and is being moved forward. During operation the carrying surface 1 of the tool is kept in a general horizontal position, partly because the length of the carrying surface 1 supports a horizontal forward moving position and partly according to the skills of the operator. Material may be accumulated on or passing over the carrying surface 1, if the material accumulates on the carrying surface 1, then the carrying surface 1 may comprise a backwall 11 or similar material-stop which backwall 11 together with side parts 3 prevents material from falling of the carrying surface 1. The back wall 11 may be constituted of a wall without openings or with openings so small that material to be removed may not pass through the openings. The tool may then be operated as a bucket and be used to remove material from a site. Alternatively, the carrying surface 1 may have no backwall 11 or have a backwall with openings large enough to allow material to pass through and then the tool may function as a planner.

[0024] The side parts 3 define the width of the carrying surface 1, and the side parts 3 are during operation in a vertical position or at least in a position where they are partly vertical, in an operational position, the side parts 3 have a height h sp , i.e. meaning that the side parts 3 extend the length h sp , in vertical direction. The height h sp of a side part 3 is defined as the projection in the vertical direction at a position of the tool where the front edge 2 extend in a horizontal direction as normally during operation.

[0025] In general, the side parts 3 will be constituted of walls without openings or comprise openings which are too small to allow passage of the material to be removed or planed. Side parts 3 without openings or with small openings force the material entering onto the carrying surface 1 over the front edge 2 to remain on the carrying surface 1 inside the volume of the tool, if the tool has a backwall 11, or to leave through a backward opening if the tool has no backwall 11. If the tool has a backwall 11, the tool may be used as a bucket to remove material.

[0026] The tool also comprises fastening means 4 configured to fix the tool to a powered machine during operation, and normally, the fastening means 4 is a standard coupling or holder or bracket adapted to connect to a working arm of an excavator or backhoe or tractor and normally the fastening means 4 are fixed to a top surface 10 of the tool.

[0027] A tool according to the invention comprises at least one elevation part 5 extending horizontally from a side part 3 in a direction away from the centre of the front edge 2, each elevation part 5 comprises a lower edge 6. The vertical distance h v between the lower edge 6 and the front edge 2 determines the predetermined depth in which material is removed. The significant advantage obtained by use of a tool according to the invention is due to the presence of a vertical distance h v as this makes it possible to the operator to remove a precise layer of material in a track or line very fast. E.g., when having cut a track through a filling material such as asphalt in order to lay pipes for water, heat or the like, then the filling material must be re-applied after having positioned the pipes and refilled with loose material. The filling material such as asphalt is expensive and creating a track having a very precise depth may therefore reduce the cost for repairing the filling material significantly.

[0028] The track or gutter from which material is removed at one side or at both sides may be lined with an edge of a hard material such as hardened filling material e.g. asphalt or concrete or the like, and during operation the lower edge 6 of one or more elevation parts 5 slides on top of the upper surface of the edge of hard material. In general, the lower edge 6 may be adapted to the material constituting the edge of hard material, e.g. the lower edge 6 may comprise a roller or wheels, or a smooth sliding material such as Teflon or the complete elevation part 5 may be constituted of a soft material such as wood in order to reduce scratch marks and wear on the upper contact surface of the edge of hard material.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the tool may comprise at least two elevation parts 5 extending horizontally from opposite side parts 3. Two horizontally oppositely extending elevation parts 5 may keep the tool in balance when operating in a track having supporting surfaces on each side of the tool during operation.

[0030] In general, an elevation part 5 may comprise a simple stick or a horizontally positioned plate extending from a side part 3. However, according to a preferred embodiment each elevation part 5 comprises a front surface facing into the direction of movement and being approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement. If the front surface is straight (flat) it may extend parallel to the front edge or in an angle α relative to the front edge 2 where α may be 90° < α < 180°, preferably 120° < α < 150°, or 40° < α < 50°. The front surface may alternatively be curved e.g. concave or convex, and then the front surface may at least in one point have a tangent extending in angle α relative to the front edge 2, where 90° < α < 180°, preferably 120° < α < 150°, or 40° < α < 50°.

[0031] The front surface may have a height h ep being at least h sp / 3, or at least h sp / 2 or at least h sp ⋅ 2 3 , and / or height of the surface hep, h ep ≤ h sp . The length of the front surface I s , i.e. the length from the side part 3 to the end furthest away from the side part 3 is compared to the length I fe of the front edge 2: I s ≤ ½ · I fe .

[0032] The elevation part(s) 5 is / are attached / fixed to the side part(s) 3 by fastening means and the fastening means may either be releasable and e.g. variable, or the fastening means may be permanent and invariable. The fastening means may comprise corresponding parts of respectively the elevation part(s) 5 and the side part(s) 3, or the fastening means may comprise independent parts such as bolt(s) 9 or the like. If the fastening means are releasable and variable the fastening means may comprise one or more corresponding openings 8 in the side part(s) 3 and elevation parts 5 and corresponding bolt(s) 9 fitting into the corresponding openings 8 of both a side part 3 and an elevation part 5. When the fastening means are releasable it may be possible to adapt the position of one or each elevation part 5 to different predetermined depths. The embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2 illustrate how three vertically offset openings 8 may be used to position each elevation part 5 in three different vertical positions, and in fig. 2 double arrows indicates how a first vertical distance h v1 differs from a second vertical distance h v2 .

[0033] If the fastening means are permanent and invariable the fastening means may comprise welding fixing the elevation part(s) 5 in a permanent way relative to the side part(s) 3, or the side part(s) 3 and the elevation part(s) 5 may be moulded as a single piece.

[0034] The elevation part(s) 5 may extend in an area 7 extending beside and along the side part(s) 3 of the tool. Optionally, the area 7 comprises a horizontal surface which may constitute an extra collection surface for material passing over the side part(s) 3 or over an elevation part(s) 5.

[0035] Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment comprising the same elements as the first embodiment of figs. 1 and 2.

[0036] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the top surface 10 and / or the fastening means 4 are fixed to the tool at an angle larger than 0 degrees. In the shown embodiment the top surface 10 and the fastening means 4 are fixed at an angle around 20 degrees. The increased angle of the top surface 10 and / or the fastening means 4 provides a larger volume of the tool and the tool is easier to operate when the tool during use gets into a position close to powered machine.

[0037] Also, the second embodiment comprises a plurality of fastening means 8 in form of openings corresponding to independent parts such as bolt(s) 9 or the like. The embodiment shown in figs. 3 and 4 comprise seven openings providing seven different vertical positions of the elevation part 5. In general, the openings 8 may be offset not only vertically but also horizontally. When the openings 8 are horizontally offset it is possible to place the openings 8 closer to each other in the vertical direction and thereby increase the number of vertical steps at which the elevation part 5 may be positioned.

[0038] In general, at least two second parts 9 such as bolts or the like are used to fix one elevation part 5 to one side part 3.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for skimming or scraping a track or gutter of predetermined depth using a tool according to the invention. The method of the invention is to be applied when loose grained or particulate material such as gravel, sand, soil, or the like is to be removed from a track or gutter, and the track or gutter along one side or along both sides are being lined with an edge of a hard material. The hard material may be a hardened filling material such as asphalt or concrete or the like, but it may also be stone or wood or any other hard, limit-defining material. During operation, the tool is positioned in the track or gutter beside one side or between two sides of hard material, and when the tool is moved forward the lower edge of at least one elevation part 5 slides on top of the upper surface of the edge of hard material.

[0040] The material to be planned or removed by the tool may be soil, or sand, or gravel or another grained or particulate material. Ref. no. Ref. name 1Carrying surface2Front edge3Side part4Fastening means5Elevation part6Lower edge7Area, e.g. collection area8One part of fastening means for mounting elevation part to side part9Second part of fastening means for mounting elevation part to side part10Top surface11Backwall

Examples

Embodiment Construction

Definitions

[0020]Prior to discussing the present invention in further details, the following terms and conventions will first be defined: In general - when this expression is used for describing a feature, the described feature may be used in the context of all embodiments.

[0021]It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

[0022]The present invention relates to s tool for removing material at a predetermined depth during operation. A first embodiment of a tool according to the invention is shown in figs. 1 and 2 and a second embodiment is shown in figs. 3 and 4.

[0023]In general, a tool according to the invention comprises a carrying surface 1 comprising a front edge 2 and during operation the front edge 2 and the carrying surface 1 extend in a horizontal direction and is being moved forward. During operation the carrying surface 1 of the tool is kept in a gene...

[0001] The present invention relates to a bucket-like tool adapted to remove gravel or the like from a track or a gutter defined between two side walls or side-limits i.e. the tool prepare a track or gutter with a well-defined depth and / or width. The tool is normally handled by an enginepowered machine such as a loader, skid loader, tractor, or the like.Background of the invention

[0002] Bucket-like tools for skimming and scraping are known. The terms scraping and skimming will be used interchangeably in the present document to describe an operation wherein a "cut" of material of predetermined depth is removed from a surface over which the bucket is moved.

[0003] The known bucket-like tools are generally designed for handling and moving or transporting large amounts of bulk material, and the tools are often used for many different tasks for which they are not optimally designed. With conventional bucket designs, when the primary blade of the bucket is used for scraping operations, the blade may tend to dig into the material surface when the blade is advanced in a forward direction of the bucket, providing uneven material removal. Similarly, to perform grading or levelling operations with such buckets, the bottom of the bucket is typically placed on the ground surface and the bucket is dragged "backward" to pull earth and material behind the bucket. Typical buckets do not allow for significant material to be accumulated behind the bucket when used in this manner, and the rear surfaces of conventional buckets are not designed and reinforced for extended use in this manner. Alternatively, the bucket may be raised and tipped forward such that the bottom of the bucket is generally vertical to the ground surface and then lowered until the front blade engages the ground. The bucket is then dragged backwards to pull earth and soil behind the bucket for grading the material surface. Such operation places significant torque on the bucket and excessive wear and tear on the hydraulic cylinders that control the bucket rotation. Such inadequacies of conventional buckets have been recognized in the field, and a number of bucket design configurations have been proposed to address the above issues.

[0004] US 2012 / 186112 A1 disclose a tool for scraping or skimming gravel, however, the disclosed bucket-like tool is rather complex with movable parts which require maintenance between operations.

[0005] The bucket-like tool according to the present invention does not require movable parts, the tool may be adapted in dimensions such as depth and width, however, this adaptation does not necessarily arise from parts being movable during operation.Summary of the invention

[0006] Thus, an object of the present invention relates to a tool making the process of planing or removing material from a track or gutter in a predetermined depth a faster and much cheaper process.

[0007] Thus, one aspect of the invention relates to a tool for removing material at a predetermined depth during operation, the tool comprises a carrying surface (1) having a front edge (2), during operation the front edge (2) and the carrying surface (1) extend in a horizontal direction and is moved forward, and material is accumulated on or passes over the carrying surface (1), side parts (3) defining the width of the carrying surface (1) and having a height h sp , and fastening means (4) configured to fix the tool to a powered machine during operation, wherein the tool comprises at least one elevation part (5) extending horizontally from a side part (3) in a direction away from the centre of the front edge (2), the elevation part (5) comprises a lower edge (6), the vertical distance h v between the lower edge (6) and the front edge (2) determines the predetermined depth in which material is removed.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the tool may comprise at least two elevation parts (5) extending horizontally from opposite side parts (3).

[0009] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least two elevation parts (5) may comprise a front surface facing in the direction of movement which front surface extends in an angle α relative to the front edge (2) or which front surface at least in one point has a tangent extending in an angle α relative to the front edge (2), where 90° < α < 180°, preferably 120° < α < 150°, or 40° < α < 50°.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the fastening means (4) may be a standard coupling / holder / bracket adapted to connect to a working arm of an excavator or backhoe or tractor and the fastening means (4) may be positioned on a top surface (10) of the tool.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the tool may be bucket-like having an open front end along the front edge (2) and a closed backwall (11) opposite the front edge (2). A closed backwall 11 may be constituted of a wall without openings or with openings so small that material to be removed may not pass through the openings, i.e. material is retained inside the volume of the tool.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, each side part (3) may be constituted of walls without openings or only comprise openings which are too small to allow passage of the material to be removed or planed.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the elevation part(s) (5) may extend in a direction away from a centre line C of the front edge (2) in a distance d being at least 0.2 x w, where w is the width of the carrying surface (1), preferably d > 0.3 x w.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the elevation part(s) (5) may be attached / fixed to the side part(s) (3) by fastening means, which fastening means may be either releasable and variable, or permanent and invariable, the fastening means may comprise corresponding parts of respectively the elevation part(s) (5) and the side part(s) (3).

[0015] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the elevation part(s) (5) may extend in an area (7) beside and along the side part(s) (3) of the tool, optionally the area (7) comprises a horizontal surface which may constitute an extra collection surface for material passing over the side part(s) 3 or elevation part(s) 5.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for skimming or scraping a track or gutter of predetermined depth using a tool according to the first aspect.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the track or gutter from which material is removed at one side or at both sides are lined with an edge of a hard material such as hardened filling material such as asphalt or concrete or the like, and during operation the lower edge (6) of at least one elevation part (5) slides on top of the upper surface of the edge of hard material.Brief description of the figures

[0018] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a tool according to the invention in a view obliquely from the front. Figure 2 shows the same embodiment as fig. 1, seen directly from the side. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a tool according to the invention in a view obliquely from the front. Figure 4 shows the same embodiment as fig. 3, seen directly from the side.

[0019] The present invention will now be described in more detail in the following.Detailed description of the invention Definitions

[0020] Prior to discussing the present invention in further details, the following terms and conventions will first be defined: In general - when this expression is used for describing a feature, the described feature may be used in the context of all embodiments.

[0021] It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

[0022] The present invention relates to s tool for removing material at a predetermined depth during operation. A first embodiment of a tool according to the invention is shown in figs. 1 and 2 and a second embodiment is shown in figs. 3 and 4.

[0023] In general, a tool according to the invention comprises a carrying surface 1 comprising a front edge 2 and during operation the front edge 2 and the carrying surface 1 extend in a horizontal direction and is being moved forward. During operation the carrying surface 1 of the tool is kept in a general horizontal position, partly because the length of the carrying surface 1 supports a horizontal forward moving position and partly according to the skills of the operator. Material may be accumulated on or passing over the carrying surface 1, if the material accumulates on the carrying surface 1, then the carrying surface 1 may comprise a backwall 11 or similar material-stop which backwall 11 together with side parts 3 prevents material from falling of the carrying surface 1. The back wall 11 may be constituted of a wall without openings or with openings so small that material to be removed may not pass through the openings. The tool may then be operated as a bucket and be used to remove material from a site. Alternatively, the carrying surface 1 may have no backwall 11 or have a backwall with openings large enough to allow material to pass through and then the tool may function as a planner.

[0024] The side parts 3 define the width of the carrying surface 1, and the side parts 3 are during operation in a vertical position or at least in a position where they are partly vertical, in an operational position, the side parts 3 have a height h sp , i.e. meaning that the side parts 3 extend the length h sp , in vertical direction. The height h sp of a side part 3 is defined as the projection in the vertical direction at a position of the tool where the front edge 2 extend in a horizontal direction as normally during operation.

[0025] In general, the side parts 3 will be constituted of walls without openings or comprise openings which are too small to allow passage of the material to be removed or planed. Side parts 3 without openings or with small openings force the material entering onto the carrying surface 1 over the front edge 2 to remain on the carrying surface 1 inside the volume of the tool, if the tool has a backwall 11, or to leave through a backward opening if the tool has no backwall 11. If the tool has a backwall 11, the tool may be used as a bucket to remove material.

[0026] The tool also comprises fastening means 4 configured to fix the tool to a powered machine during operation, and normally, the fastening means 4 is a standard coupling or holder or bracket adapted to connect to a working arm of an excavator or backhoe or tractor and normally the fastening means 4 are fixed to a top surface 10 of the tool.

[0027] A tool according to the invention comprises at least one elevation part 5 extending horizontally from a side part 3 in a direction away from the centre of the front edge 2, each elevation part 5 comprises a lower edge 6. The vertical distance h v between the lower edge 6 and the front edge 2 determines the predetermined depth in which material is removed. The significant advantage obtained by use of a tool according to the invention is due to the presence of a vertical distance h v as this makes it possible to the operator to remove a precise layer of material in a track or line very fast. E.g., when having cut a track through a filling material such as asphalt in order to lay pipes for water, heat or the like, then the filling material must be re-applied after having positioned the pipes and refilled with loose material. The filling material such as asphalt is expensive and creating a track having a very precise depth may therefore reduce the cost for repairing the filling material significantly.

[0028] The track or gutter from which material is removed at one side or at both sides may be lined with an edge of a hard material such as hardened filling material e.g. asphalt or concrete or the like, and during operation the lower edge 6 of one or more elevation parts 5 slides on top of the upper surface of the edge of hard material. In general, the lower edge 6 may be adapted to the material constituting the edge of hard material, e.g. the lower edge 6 may comprise a roller or wheels, or a smooth sliding material such as Teflon or the complete elevation part 5 may be constituted of a soft material such as wood in order to reduce scratch marks and wear on the upper contact surface of the edge of hard material.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the tool may comprise at least two elevation parts 5 extending horizontally from opposite side parts 3. Two horizontally oppositely extending elevation parts 5 may keep the tool in balance when operating in a track having supporting surfaces on each side of the tool during operation.

[0030] In general, an elevation part 5 may comprise a simple stick or a horizontally positioned plate extending from a side part 3. However, according to a preferred embodiment each elevation part 5 comprises a front surface facing into the direction of movement and being approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement. If the front surface is straight (flat) it may extend parallel to the front edge or in an angle α relative to the front edge 2 where α may be 90° < α < 180°, preferably 120° < α < 150°, or 40° < α < 50°. The front surface may alternatively be curved e.g. concave or convex, and then the front surface may at least in one point have a tangent extending in angle α relative to the front edge 2, where 90° < α < 180°, preferably 120° < α < 150°, or 40° < α < 50°.

[0031] The front surface may have a height h ep being at least h sp / 3, or at least h sp / 2 or at least h sp ⋅ 2 3 , and / or height of the surface hep, h ep ≤ h sp . The length of the front surface I s , i.e. the length from the side part 3 to the end furthest away from the side part 3 is compared to the length I fe of the front edge 2: I s ≤ ½ · I fe .

[0032] The elevation part(s) 5 is / are attached / fixed to the side part(s) 3 by fastening means and the fastening means may either be releasable and e.g. variable, or the fastening means may be permanent and invariable. The fastening means may comprise corresponding parts of respectively the elevation part(s) 5 and the side part(s) 3, or the fastening means may comprise independent parts such as bolt(s) 9 or the like. If the fastening means are releasable and variable the fastening means may comprise one or more corresponding openings 8 in the side part(s) 3 and elevation parts 5 and corresponding bolt(s) 9 fitting into the corresponding openings 8 of both a side part 3 and an elevation part 5. When the fastening means are releasable it may be possible to adapt the position of one or each elevation part 5 to different predetermined depths. The embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2 illustrate how three vertically offset openings 8 may be used to position each elevation part 5 in three different vertical positions, and in fig. 2 double arrows indicates how a first vertical distance h v1 differs from a second vertical distance h v2 .

[0033] If the fastening means are permanent and invariable the fastening means may comprise welding fixing the elevation part(s) 5 in a permanent way relative to the side part(s) 3, or the side part(s) 3 and the elevation part(s) 5 may be moulded as a single piece.

[0034] The elevation part(s) 5 may extend in an area 7 extending beside and along the side part(s) 3 of the tool. Optionally, the area 7 comprises a horizontal surface which may constitute an extra collection surface for material passing over the side part(s) 3 or over an elevation part(s) 5.

[0035] Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment comprising the same elements as the first embodiment of figs. 1 and 2.

[0036] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the top surface 10 and / or the fastening means 4 are fixed to the tool at an angle larger than 0 degrees. In the shown embodiment the top surface 10 and the fastening means 4 are fixed at an angle around 20 degrees. The increased angle of the top surface 10 and / or the fastening means 4 provides a larger volume of the tool and the tool is easier to operate when the tool during use gets into a position close to powered machine.

[0037] Also, the second embodiment comprises a plurality of fastening means 8 in form of openings corresponding to independent parts such as bolt(s) 9 or the like. The embodiment shown in figs. 3 and 4 comprise seven openings providing seven different vertical positions of the elevation part 5. In general, the openings 8 may be offset not only vertically but also horizontally. When the openings 8 are horizontally offset it is possible to place the openings 8 closer to each other in the vertical direction and thereby increase the number of vertical steps at which the elevation part 5 may be positioned.

[0038] In general, at least two second parts 9 such as bolts or the like are used to fix one elevation part 5 to one side part 3.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for skimming or scraping a track or gutter of predetermined depth using a tool according to the invention. The method of the invention is to be applied when loose grained or particulate material such as gravel, sand, soil, or the like is to be removed from a track or gutter, and the track or gutter along one side or along both sides are being lined with an edge of a hard material. The hard material may be a hardened filling material such as asphalt or concrete or the like, but it may also be stone or wood or any other hard, limit-defining material. During operation, the tool is positioned in the track or gutter beside one side or between two sides of hard material, and when the tool is moved forward the lower edge of at least one elevation part 5 slides on top of the upper surface of the edge of hard material.

[0040] The material to be planned or removed by the tool may be soil, or sand, or gravel or another grained or particulate material. Ref. no. Ref. name 1Carrying surface2Front edge3Side part4Fastening means5Elevation part6Lower edge7Area, e.g. collection area8One part of fastening means for mounting elevation part to side part9Second part of fastening means for mounting elevation part to side part10Top surface11Backwall

Examples

Embodiment Construction

Definitions

[0020]Prior to discussing the present invention in further details, the following terms and conventions will first be defined: In general - when this expression is used for describing a feature, the described feature may be used in the context of all embodiments.

[0021]It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

[0022]The present invention relates to s tool for removing material at a predetermined depth during operation. A first embodiment of a tool according to the invention is shown in figs. 1 and 2 and a second embodiment is shown in figs. 3 and 4.

[0023]In general, a tool according to the invention comprises a carrying surface 1 comprising a front edge 2 and during operation the front edge 2 and the carrying surface 1 extend in a horizontal direction and is being moved forward. During operation the carrying surface 1 of the tool is kept in a gene...

Claims

1. A tool for removing material at a predetermined depth during operation, the tool comprises: - a carrying surface (1) having a front edge (2), during operation the front edge (2) and the carrying surface (1) extend in a horizontal direction and is moved forward, and material is accumulated on or passes over the carrying surface (1), - side parts (3) defining the width of the carrying surface (1) and having a height hsp, and - fastening means (4) configured to fix the tool to a powered machine during operation, - at least one elevation part (5) comprising a lower edge (6) where a vertical distance hv between the lower edge (6) and the front edge (2) determines the predetermined depth in which material is removed, wherein the least one elevation part (5) extends horizontally from a side part (3) in a direction away from the centre of the front edge (2), and the at least one or each elevation parts (5) comprises a surface facing in the direction of movement which surface extends in an angle α relative to the front edge (2) or which surface at least in one point has a tangent extending in an angle α relative to the front edge (2), where 90° < α < 180°.

2. A tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool comprises at least two elevation parts (5) extending horizontally from opposite side parts (3).

3. A tool according to any previous claim, wherein at least one or each elevation parts (5) comprises a surface facing in the direction of movement which surface extends in an angle α relative to the front edge (2) or which surface at least in one point has a tangent extending in an angle α relative to the front edge (2), where 90° < α < 180°, preferably 120° < α < 150°, or 40° < α < 50°.

4. A tool according to any previous claim, wherein the fastening means (4) is a standard coupling / holder / bracket adapted to connect to a working arm of an excavator or backhoe or tractor and the fastening means (4) are positioned on an upper surface of the tool.

5. A tool according to any previous claim, wherein the tool is a bucket having an open front end along the front edge (2) and a closed back end (11) opposite the front edge (2).

6. A tool according to any previous claim, wherein the elevation part(s) (5) extend(s) in a direction away from a centre C of the front edge (2) in a distance d being at least 0.2 x w, where w is the width of the carrying surface (1), preferably d > 0.3 x w.

7. A tool according to any previous claim, wherein the elevation part(s) (5) is / are attached / fixed to the side part(s) (3) by fastening means, which fastening means may be either releasable and variable, or permanent and invariable, the fastening means may comprise corresponding parts of respectively the elevation part(s) (5) and the side part(s) (3).

8. A tool according to any previous claim, wherein the elevation part(s) (5) extends in an area (7) beside and along the side part(s) (3) of the tool, optionally the area (7) comprises a horizontal surface which may constitute an extra collection surface for material passing over the side part(s) 3 or elevation part(s) 5.

9. A tool according to any previous claim, wherein the tool may be bucket-like comprising an open front end along the front edge (2) and a closed backwall (11) opposite the front edge (2).

10. A tool according to any previous claim, wherein each side part (3) is constituted of walls without openings or comprise openings which are too small to allow passage of the material to be removed or planed.

11. A method for skimming or scraping a track or gutter of predetermined depth using a tool according to one of the claims 1-10.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the track or gutter from which material is removed at one side or at both sides are lined with an edge of a hard material such as hardened filling material such as asphalt or concrete or the like, and during operation the lower edge (6) of at least one elevation part (5) slides on top of the upper surface of the edge of hard material.

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