Frame raising multi-use paving tractor with blind mateable quick connecting tool attachments
View Patent ↗A multi-use asphalt paving tractor with frame raise capability and a blind-mateable connector to facilitate quick connection with interchangeable attachments for performing the functions of a paver, a mix transfer conveyor and road widener.
1. A method of deploying multi-use road paving equipment comprising the steps of:
providing a paving tractor with a first detachable road paving tool attachment operatively coupled thereto at a first connection point, where said first connection point is on a vertically adjustable pull arm; replacing said first detachable road paving tool attachment with a second detachable road paving tool attachment without welding or cutting metal at said first connection point;
where said first connection point is at an adjustable rear location on said paving tractor, where adjustment of the adjustable rear location is accomplished by manipulating a frame raise capability of the paving tractor;
where said first detachable road paving tool attachment is configured to perform a substantially different task than said second detachable road paving tool attachment;
wherein at least one of said first detachable road paving tool attachment and said second detachable road paving tool attachment comprises a means for elevating paving material away from a road surface while simultaneously minimizing any changes to the road surface as a result thereof; and
wherein said paving tractor is a self-propelled vehicle configured to be driven by a driver located on and at a rear end of said paving tractor, said paving tractor further comprising a hopper disposed forward of said rear end, and means for conveying paving material from said hopper to said rear end.
2. A method of claim 1 wherein said step of replacing comprises the steps of:
causing said first detachable road paving tool attachment, while coupled to said paving tractor, to be disposed over a structural member disposed higher than a tractor operating surface upon which said paving tractor is disposed;
causing a vertical separation between said structural member and said first detachable road paving tool attachment to decrease; and
separating said first detachable road paving tool from said paving tractor.
3. A method of claim 2 wherein said step of causing a vertical separation is accomplished by a manipulation of said vertically adjustable pull arm.
4. A method of claim 3 where said step of replacing further comprises the steps of:
mating said second detachable road paving tool attachment to said vertically adjustable pull arm; and
using a lifting force assisted by an engine onboard said road paving tractor to lift said second detachable road paving tool attachment.
5. A paving tractor, wherein said paving tractor is a self-propelled vehicle configured to be driven by a driver located on and at a rear end of said paving tractor, said paving tractor comprising a hopper disposed forward of said rear end, and means for conveying paving material from said hopper to said rear end;
said paving tractor comprising a vertically adjustable pull arm, with a first connection point where said first connection point is at an adjustable rear location on said paving tractor, where adjustment of the adjustable rear location is accomplished by manipulating a frame raise capability of paving tractor;
said first connection point is configured to have a detachable road paving tool attachment attached and detached from it without welding or cutting metal at said first connection point; and
wherein said detachable road paving tool attachment comprises a means for elevating the paving material away from a road surface while minimizing any resulting changes to the road surface.