Frame raising multi-use paving tractor with blind mateable quick connecting tool attachments
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 system for deploying multi-use road-paving equipment comprising:
means for paving with a first detachable road-paving tool attachment operatively coupled thereto at a first connection point, where said first connection point is at an adjustable rear location on said means for paving, where adjustment of the adjustable rear location is accomplished by manipulating a frame raise capability of the means for paving;
where said first detachable road-paving tool attachment is configured to perform a substantially different task than a second detachable road-paving tool attachment;
wherein said means for paving is a self-propelled vehicle configured to be driven by a driver located on and at a rear end of said means for paving, said means for paving further comprises a hopper disposed forward of said rear end, and means for conveying paving material from said hopper to said rear end; and
a structural support member which is disposed on said first detachable road-paving tool during operation of said first detachable road-paving tool and configured to be deployed at a time of complete detachment from said paving tractor; by deploying said structural support member, from an unused and non-deployed position such that said structural support member has a free end surface which thereafter contacts the ground and provides support that did not exist before said structural support member was deployed.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said structural support member is pivotally coupled to said first detachable road-paving tool attachment.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said structural support member is extendable and has an adjustable length.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said structural support member is a retractable support member coupled to said first detachable road-paving tool attachment.
5. A system of multi-use road-paving equipment comprising:
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 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;
a second detachable road-paving tool attachment configured for replacing the first detachable road-paving tool attachment without welding or cutting metal at said first connection point; where said first detachable road-paving tool attachment is configured to perform a substantially different task than said second detachable road-paving tool attachment; 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; and
means for maintaining a substantially constant positioning of said first detachable road-paving tool both immediately before and after complete detachment from said paving tractor.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the means for maintaining comprises a leg which is stowed on the first detachable road-paving tool attachment during times when said first detachable road-paving tool attachment is coupled to said paving tractor and in use in road-paving operations and then extends to facilitate contact with the ground during detachment of the first detachable road-paving tool attachment from the paving tractor.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said means for maintaining is pivotally coupled to said first detachable road-paving tool attachment.
8. The system of claim 6 wherein said means for maintaining is retractable with respect to said first detachable road-paving tool attachment.
9. A system of multi-use road-paving equipment comprising:
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 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; and
said first detachable road-paving tool attachment being configured for maintaining a predetermined orientation when said first detachable road-paving tool attachment is completely disconnected from the paving tractor, where said predetermined orientation is an orientation which would allow re-attachment of the first road-paving tool attachment without requiring substantial adjustment of orientational characteristics of said first detachable road-paving tool attachment.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein said first detachable road-paving tool attachment further comprises a first stowed support member which is stowed and unused on said first detachable road-paving tool during operation of said first detachable road-paving tool and pivoted at a time of detachment from said paving tractor.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said first stowed support member has a length characteristic extended during deployment with a pin and a plurality of adjustment holes.
12. A system for deploying multi-use road-paving equipment comprising:
means for paving with a first detachable road-paving tool attachment operatively coupled thereto at a first connection point, where said first connection point is at an adjustable rear location on said means for paving, where adjustment of the adjustable rear location is accomplished by manipulating a frame raise capability of the means for paving;
where said first detachable road-paving tool attachment is configured to perform a substantially different task than a second detachable road-paving tool attachment;
wherein said means for paving is a self-propelled vehicle configured to be driven by a driver located on and at a rear end of said means for paving, said means for paving further comprises a hopper disposed forward of said rear end, and means for conveying paving material from said hopper to said rear end;
a structural support member which is disposed on said first detachable road-paving tool during operation of said first detachable road-paving tool and configured to be deployed at a time of complete detachment from said paving tractor; by deploying said structural support member, from an unused and non- deployed position such that said structural support member has a free end surface which thereafter contacts the ground and provides support that did not exist before said structural support member was deployed;
wherein said structural support member is extendable and has an adjustable length; and
wherein said structural support member comprises a hydraulic cylinder.