Abstract:
A skid steer rolling compactor attachment may include a universal attachment plate configured to attach to the skid steer. A boom extending from the attachment plate may pivot about at least one articulating hinge attached to the boom. The boom may be configured to move a roller to compact a ground surface as the skid steer travels in a forward direction. In order to prevent roll-overs on uneven surfaces, the skid steer may be operated on a level surface and articulate the boom such that the roller contacts the ground parallel to the direction of travel. The skid steer may then compact inclined surfaces while travelling on level surfaces thus improving worker safety.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO PREVIOUS APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 62/096,001 filed on Dec. 23, 2015, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference to this application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Devices for road widening and creating shoulders are known in the road construction industry. During construction of roads and shoulders, the soil must be compacted in order to prevent settling. Soil compaction is relatively straight-forward on level surfaces, however; inclined surfaces present can be difficult to properly compact as the compactor may become unstable and topple and/or slide. 
         [0003]    Another feature of known devices is that they ate self-propelled. Many of the devices include large engines with transmissions for moving the device. Some examples include drivable, rolling compactors. These devices add considerable transportation issues and costs to the project. 
         [0004]    Additionally, the shoulder of a roadway often includes a pitch or slope away from the road. This slope helps drainage and ensures a safer roadway. The further the distance from the roadway, the steeper the pitch may be. There may also be hills to the side of a road with an increasing grade that requires compaction. In order to provide a proper foundation for the road, the entire shoulder and surrounding area need to be properly compacted. 
         [0005]    Due to the positive or negative slope, conventional compaction equipment like the above mentioned rolling compactors is known to topple and roll over. This can cause bodily harm and even death as compaction equipment varies in weight from a hundred pounds to thousands of pounds. It can also be expensive to transport and operate large equipment 
         [0006]    What is therefore needed in the road construction industry is a low-cost device that may be pushed by another vehicle such as a skid steer, thus eliminating the need for an engine and drivetrain. Also needed is a device that can compact the sloped shoulders of a roadway without the risk of tipping the vehicle. Another feature needed is a device that is constructed in a lightweight design, allowing for easier mobility, repairs, reduced costs, lower fuel consumption, and less maintenance. 
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A skid steer rolling compactor attachment may be formed from a universal attachment plate configured to attach to the skid steer. A boom may extending from the attachment plate and articulate/move in a plurality of axis with at least one hinge. The hinge(s) may allow a roller attached to the boom opposite the attachment plate to compact a ground surface to the side of the skid steer as the skid steer travels forward. 
         [0008]    The skid steer rolling compactor attachment may further include a boom attached to the skid steer with at least one articulating hinge. Thee articulating hinge may be configured to allow the boom to articulate in at least one axis. A roller may be attached to the boom opposite the articulating hinge. The skid steer may be driven forward, or in any direction of travel. In order to compact the ground to the side of the skid steer, the roller may be moved to a side of the skid steer perpendicular to the direction of travel. The roller may then be lowered to contact a ground surface perpendicular to the direction of travel. The ground surface may then be compacted on the side of the skid steer as the skid steer is driven forward. 
         [0009]    The invention may include one or more of the characteristics discussed above in various combinations, thus, allowing for a reduced labor time and labor effort when compacting ground on a job site. These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective right side view of the inventive, articulating roiling compactor attachment device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective left side view of the inventive articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment of  FIG. 1  with the boom articulating side to side in various positions shown in ghost images; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment of  FIG. 1  with the boom articulating up and down in various positions shown in ghost images; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment of  FIG. 1  with the roller pivoting in a ghost image; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a rear view of a skid steer with the articulating rolling compactor attachment of  FIG. 1  attached and in operation; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a rear view of a skid steer with the articulating rolling compactor attachment of  FIG. 1  attached and in operation. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Skid steers are commonly used in construction sites as the power source for a number of attachments. As they are commonly used to move aggregate, dirt, or other debris, they are typically present during road construction. Skid steers are also considerably less expensive than other earth-moving construction equipment and for this reason they are preferable for use in road construction. For example, there are many ways to move a mound of gravel. In order to minimize costs and maximize profits companies routinely seek the most efficient way to get things done. In this example, a skid steer is typically the most economical way to move the gravel. An added benefit of the skid steer is that there are a number of attachments that can be attached to the skid steer. As a result, a single skid steer can be configured to perform the tasks of a number of different earth-moving equipment. 
         [0020]    The inventive skid steer attachment is shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . The articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  is configured for attachment to a skid steer  26  as specifically shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the attachment plate  14  may include any number of holes, bosses, fittings, or any other attachment device to connect to a skid steer. The attachment plate  14  is preferably constructed of a resilient material such as steel, but any other known material may be used. In order to provide a universal compatibility, the attachment plate  14  preferably has more than one attachment device so that it can attach to any number of unique skid steers  26 . Alternatively, the attachment plate may connect to any vehicle, not just skid steers  26 . 
         [0021]    Regardless of the propulsion vehicle, the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  may have independent controls that allow operation totally independent from the host vehicle. In such a configuration, the boom  16  may be operated to extend, pivot, spin, rotate, or articulate in any direction. It is to be understood that pivot, twist, spin, turn, and the like all mean movement in any direction with respect to not only the boom but any part of the invention. The movement is not to be limited to only a certain type of movement in one axis but complete freedom of motion in all directions. Preferably the boom  16  will be hydraulically operated with an independent hydraulic assembly, but it may tap into the existing hydraulics of the host vehicle. Also, electronic actuators may be used to provide articulation power. A joystick or lever controller may also be employed to articulate the boom  16 , weather independent or preexisting on the host vehicle. 
         [0022]    In the preferred embodiment, the boom  16  is attached to the attachment plate  14  about a pivot hinge  18  and a lift hinge  40 . A lift cylinder  58  may be actuated from within the skid steer  26  to raise and lower the boom  16 . A pivot cylinder  52 , seen for example in  FIG. 3 , may also be actuated to cause the boom  16  to pivot about the pivot hinge  18 . 
         [0023]    On the opposing side of the boom, opposite the attachment plate  14 , the roller  12  may twist about a twist hinge  24  with the use of a twist cylinder  36 . The twist cylinder  36  is attached to the boom  16  and causes the roller  12  to twist about the twist hinge  24  when actuated. This twisting motion allows the roller  12  to be properly oriented alongside the skid steer so that it can properly compact the ground to the side of the skid steer. 
         [0024]    An added joint may be included proximate the twist hinge  24  such as a tilt hinge  38 . The tilt hinge  38  connects a frame  20  that supports the roller  12  to the boom  16 . When a tilt cylinder  34  is actuated, it causes the frame  20  to tilt in one direction or the other. For added stability, a tilt cylinder  34  is attached to the frame  20  on each side of the boom  16 . The tilt hinge  38  thus allows the roller  12  to pivot about the horizontal axis. The roller  12  is therefore allowed to pivot which enables compaction along an inclined slope as the skid steer  26  is driven forward along the adjacent level road. In this configuration, the skid steer  26  never needs to come in contact with the incline and can remain on the level road which promotes safety. 
         [0025]    As previously mentioned, the roller  12  may also be suspended from the boom  16  by a frame  20 . The frame  20  may cradle the roller  12  and attach to its central axis with bearings  22 . The bearings  22  allow the roller  12  to roll without binding on the boom  16 . While the roller  12  is rolling about the bearings  22 , an adjustable scraper  42  may be included on each side of the roller  12 . The adjustable scrapers  42  attach to the frame  20  and are positioned to scrape off any debris stuck onto the roller  12  as it rotates. A side plate  44  may also be attached on each side of the roller  12  to the frame  20  which protect the sides of the roller  12 . A guide  46  may further stiffen the side plates  44  to provide structural rigidity to the frame  20 . 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , when pivoting the boom  16  about the pivot hinge  18 , the boom  16  may pivot to a fully turned right position  48 , a centered position  64 , and to a fully turned left position  50 . The boom  16  may also be pivoted anywhere in between the respective fully turned positions. The pivot hinge  18  joins the boom  16  to the attachment plate and is powered by a pivot cylinder  52  which may be remotely actuated from within the skid steer  26 . Regardless of the amount of articulating hinges, and regardless of the specific location of each hinge, the roller  12  may be placed in any desired location and oriented in any desired mariner. This articulation allows the roller  12  to be placed above the host vehicle and also to the side of the vehicle. Similarly, the articulation allows the roller to be placed below the host vehicle and to the side. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the boom  16  may also be lifted and lowered about the lift hinge  40  with a lift cylinder  58 . The boom  16  may be raised to a fully raised position  54  and lowered to a fully lowered position  56  through remote actuation of the lift cylinder  58 . This articulation allows for proper placement of the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  on a sloped surface while keeping the skid steer  26  on a safe and level road. 
         [0028]    Moving on to  FIG. 5 , the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  may be operated by actuating the tilt cylinders  34  such that the frame  20  and the supported roller  16  is tilted from a centered position  60  to a fully tilted position  62 . While the roller  12  is shown tilted in a ghost image in only one direction, the plurality of tilt cylinders  34  allow the frame to tilt about the tilt hinge  38  in either direction. As previously discussed, this articulation allows for proper placement of the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  on a sloped surface while keeping the skid steer  26  on a safe and level road. 
         [0029]    As is shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the boom  16  may be articulated to place the roller  12  to the side of the skid steer  26  to compact the ground on the included slope  32  and eliminate the danger of a roll-over. Known rolling compactors would normally be driven directly on the inclined slope  32  and thus be prone to toppling over and causing injury to workers. Skid steer attachment devices also require the skid steer to be driven on the inclined surface. 
         [0030]      FIG. 6A  indicates an inclined slope  32  with a positive incline, the boom  16  may also articulate for a negative slope as shown in  FIG. 6B  or centered for a level road  30 . The inventive articulating rolling compactor  10  may pivot the boom  16  about the pivot hinge  18  such that it is at an approximately 90 degrees to the front portion of the skid steer  26 . The roller  12  may then he twisted about the twist hinge  24  to place the central, longitudinal axis of the roller, or the bearing  22  axis perpendicular to the side of the skid steer  26  as is shown. In this orientation the roller  12  may be in contact with the inclined slope  32  to the side of the skid steer  26  while the skid steer  26  is driven on the level road  30  in a forward direction. An additional benefit is that the wheels  28 , or tracks, of the skid steer  26  may remain in contact with the relatively flat and level road  30  while compacting the inclined slope  32  to the side. The skid steer  26  may then drive forward and parallel to the inclined slope  32  while compacting at the same time. 
         [0031]    The roller  12  may include any known compaction roller such as a water-filled drum. Alternatively, the roller may include a vibration system within the drum. The boom  16  may also be adjusted such that a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the inclined slope  32  ensuring adequate compaction with minimal strain on the boom  16 . Monitoring the pressure also ensures that the downward force from the boom  16  does not cause the skid steer  26  to topple. It is also envisioned that counterweights or ballast may be added to the skid steer  26  to further inhibit toppling. 
         [0032]    It is also envisioned that the articulating roiling compactor  10  can be attached to any vehicle, not just a skid steer  26 . For example, it is envisioned that the articulating rolling compactor  10  may be attached to a traditional drivable rolling compactor allowing the operator to compact the level road  30  surface and the inclined slope  32  at the same time. 
         [0033]    Although the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive. 
         [0034]    It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.