APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF WIND TURBINE BLADES ON ROADWAYS

A transportation arrangement (10) includes a truck (32) and a trailer (34) operatively coupled to each other for hauling a blade. A separate dolly vehicle (36) is coupled with the truck and trailer. The transportation arrangement (10) also includes a blade (24) extending between a root end (38) and a tip end (40), wherein a root region (25) of the blade (24) proximate the root end (38) is supported on one of the trailer (34) or dolly vehicle (36) so as to span between the trailer and dolly vehicle. The root region (25) of the blade is pivotable relative to the support element about a first vertical axis (V1) spaced apart from the root end (38). The tip region (29) of the blade (24) proximate the tip end (40) is pivotable relative to the support element about a second vertical axis (V2). At least a portion of the root region (25) and at least a portion of the tip region (29) are configured to extend laterally away from the side of the transportation arrangement when the trailer (34) and dolly vehicle (36) are longitudinally offset from each other.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to wind turbines, and more particularly to apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting wind turbine blades and other components to installation sites on vehicles via roadways.

BACKGROUND

Wind turbines are used to produce electrical energy using a renewable resource and without combusting a fossil fuel. Generally, a wind turbine converts kinetic energy from the wind into electrical power. A horizontal-axis wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle located at the apex of the tower, and a rotor having a plurality of blades extending from a hub and supported in the nacelle by means of a shaft. The shaft couples the rotor and blades either directly or indirectly with a generator, which is housed inside the nacelle. Consequently, as wind forces the blades to rotate, electrical energy and power are produced by the generator.

Generally, a wind turbine is assembled at an installation location or site and includes the various components making up the wind turbine. As may be appreciated, assembled wind turbines are very large and thus the various components making up the wind turbine are transported to the installation site individually or in sections and are assembled into the larger structures at the site. One particular set of components of note for such an installation are the long wind turbine blades. A wind turbine uses multiple blades in design with a popular standard using three blade per turbine. It is usually desirable to deliver a single blade to an installation site intact so that it can be installed directly onto the nacelle. Such blades are very long and getting increasingly longer with newer wind turbine designs.

As may be appreciated, the transportation of wind turbine blades from their production site to their installation location or to an interim storage site poses a variety of technical challenges, particularly in view of the ever-increasing length of individual blades. For example, the lengths of some modern wind turbine blades may be in the vicinity of approximately 80 meters (m). Depending on the ultimate installation site, it is often desirable or necessary to transport such blades via roadway, such as with a truck or other suitable vehicle. However, transportation of such long blades can present significant challenges for roadway transportation. For example, interstate roadway profiles, including side clearances, signage, traffic and on/off ramps, are typically tight and vehicles must negotiate curved sections of road as well as complex crowded traffic scenarios.

Generally, wind turbine blades are transported using a semi or tractor truck that tows an extended trailer. The front of the extended trailer attaches to the fifth wheel hitch of the truck and extends rearwardly through an extendable boom to the back wheels of the trailer. The root end of the blade is usually supported on the truck directly behind the truck cab while the tip end is supported at the back of the trailer. Mounting elements or bolsters secure the root end directly behind the cab and usually over the pivot axis associated with the fifth wheel attachment. The root end bolster is typically positioned at the actual root end where the strength of the blade is often relatively high. The tip bolster at the back end of the extended trailer may be positioned somewhat inboard from the actual tip end of the blade (e.g., approximately one-quarter of the blade length therefrom) since the actual tip end of the blade may be too delicate to adequately support the weight of the blade. Therefore, the tip will generally extend past the end of the trailer.

As the truck drives around a curve, the root end will pivot right at the truck cab while the tip end stays aligned with the extended boom or axis of the extended trailer. This presents a particular turn radius for the entire truck/trailer/blade While such an arrangement has been suitable for some blade lengths, it becomes less so for the longer blades and more current designs. Furthermore, the extendable boom between the front and the back of the trailer sits lower to the road thereby presenting ground clearance issues. Longer and longer blades also require longer and longer booms and thus greater weight for the entire system. The location of the root end and a significant portion of the blade weight is also presented at the axles of the truck, demanding additional axles on the truck and reducing the use of the system on poor or questionable roads.

Accordingly, such prior art arrangements and transportation systems may not be suitable for transporting blades having lengths greater than a particular threshold length for the roads that must be travelled. The turn radiuses may be very limited. For example, there may be insufficient available clearance inside of the curve of a curved section of the road to accommodate the middle region of a particularly long blade as the truck and blade round the curved section. An obstruction may be located along the road on a radially inward side thereof which would impede the middle region of the blade from safely bridging radially inwardly as the blade travels along the road. More particularly, the middle region of the blade could collide with such an obstruction, thereby damaging the blade and potentially rendering the blade unusable.

Consequently, manufacturers of wind turbines and wind turbine components continually strive to improve systems and methods associated with the transportation and handling of wind turbine blades and other long components. It would therefore be desirable to provide improved apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting a wind turbine blade or similar element via a road that may accommodate maximized blade lengths and ensure a desirable restraint and maneuvering of the blade during transportation.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a transportation arrangement includes a truck and a trailer coupled to the truck for being towed. A separate dolly vehicle is positioned behind the truck and trailer. The transportation arrangement also includes a blade extending between a root end and a tip end. A root region of the blade is proximate the root end and is supported on bed portion of the trailer and pivotable relative thereto about a first vertical axis spaced apart from the root end. A tip region of the blade proximate the tip end is supported on separate dolly vehicle and couples the dolly vehicle with the truck and trailer for forming the transportation arrangement. The tip region is pivotable relative to the dolly vehicle about a second vertical axis. At least a portion of the root region is configured to extend laterally away from the side of the transportation arrangement when the trailer and dolly vehicle are longitudinally offset from each other. The second vertical axis may be spaced apart from the tip end, such that at least a portion of the tip region is configured to extend laterally away from a side of the separate dolly vehicle when the trailer and dolly vehicle are longitudinally offset from each other.

The blade may include a middle region between the first and second axes, wherein the middle region is configured to span between trailer and separate dolly vehicle when the trailer and separate dolly vehicle are longitudinally aligned with each other. At least a portion of the middle region is configured to extend laterally away from the side of each of the trailer and separate dolly vehicle when the trailer and separate dolly vehicle are longitudinally offset from each other.

The root region may be configured to overlie the trailer and the tip region is configured to overlie the separate dolly vehicle when the trailer and separate dolly vehicle are longitudinally aligned with each other. In addition or alternatively, the root end and the tip end may be spaced apart from each other by a length, and the first vertical axis may be spaced apart from the root end by a distance equal to approximately one-tenth of the length. In one embodiment, the first vertical axis is spaced apart from the root end by between approximately 6 m and approximately 12 m.

The transportation arrangement may further include a root bolster positioned on and pivotable relative to the trailer about the first vertical axis, wherein the blade is pivotably supported on the trailer via the root bolster. The root bolster may include a rigid arm fixedly coupled to the root end of the blade for transmitting longitudinal acceleration forces from the transportation arrangement to the blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS.1and2, a wind turbine10includes a tower12, a nacelle14disposed at the apex of the tower12, and a rotor16operatively coupled to a generator18via a gearbox20housed inside the nacelle14. In addition to the generator18and gearbox20, the nacelle14may house various components needed to convert wind energy into electrical energy and to operate and optimize the performance of the wind turbine10. The tower12supports the load presented by the nacelle14, rotor16, and other wind turbine components housed inside the nacelle14and operates to elevate the nacelle14and rotor16to a height above ground level or sea level, as may be the case, at which air currents having lower turbulence and higher velocity are typically found.

The rotor16may include a central hub22and a plurality of very long blades24that are attached to the central hub22at locations distributed about the circumference of the central hub22. In the representative embodiment, the rotor16includes three blades24, however the number may vary. The blades24, which project radially outward from the central hub22, are configured to interact with passing air currents to produce rotational forces that cause the central hub22to spin about its longitudinal axis. The design, construction, and operation of the blades24are familiar to a person having ordinary skill in the art of wind turbine design and may include additional functional aspects to optimize performance. For example, pitch angle control of the blades24may be implemented by a pitch control mechanism (not shown) responsive to wind velocity to optimize power production in low wind conditions, and to feather the blades if wind velocity exceeds design limitations.

The rotor16may be coupled to the gearbox20directly or, as shown, indirectly via a main shaft (not shown) extending between the hub22and the gearbox20. The main shaft rotates with the rotor16and is supported within the nacelle14by a main bearing support26which supports the weight of the rotor16and transfers the loads on the rotor16to the tower12. The gearbox20transfers the rotation of the rotor16through a coupling to the generator18. Wind exceeding a minimum level may activate the rotor16, causing the rotor16to rotate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the wind, applying torque to the input shaft of the generator18. The electrical power produced by the generator18may be supplied to a power grid (not shown) or an energy storage system (not shown) for later release to the grid as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. In this way, the kinetic energy of the wind may be harnessed by the wind turbine10for power generation.

Generally, the wind turbine is transported to the installation site in various parts, components, and sections and then the wind turbine is assembled at the site. As may be appreciated, this entails shipping some significantly large and/or long elements to a location. If that location is an inland location, the shipment will often occur over a roadway or interstate highway. As may be appreciated, the sections of significant length include the blades24and the tower12. While the tower might be assembled from sections that are shipped individually, the long blades are often a singular or unitary structure and thus must be shipped as such in whatever platform or system is used for the transportation of the wind turbine sections.

With reference toFIG.3, an exemplary transportation arrangement30for use on a road is illustrated and includes a towing vehicle, such as a tractor truck or semi-truck32and a trailer34(as discussed herein) for supporting a root end38of the blade24. The trailer is towed behind the truck. In one embodiment of the invention, a detached and separate dolly36is coupled with and supports the tip end40of the blade. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the blade body42couples the truck/trailer32,34and the dolly vehicle36and forms a transportation arrangement to provide the transportation improvements as discussed herein. The truck32includes a bed portion33spaced rearwardly of the truck that couples with the front end44of the trailer34. For example, a fifth wheel arrangement (not shown), as known for towing a trailer, might be incorporated between the truck and trailer for providing pivoting of the trailer34about the bed33or rear of the truck as the arrangement drives down a road. The trailer34includes a flat bed or tow bed46that extends or is spaced rearwardly behind the truck32for supporting a root bolster50and the root end of the blade as shown inFIG.3spaced rearwardly from the truck or other vehicle.

The transportation arrangement30includes vertically pivotable and rotatable root and tip bolsters50,52positioned on the separate trailer34and dolly36, respectively, and the blade24is supported by the root and tip bolsters50,52such that the blade spans between trailer34and dolly vehicle36to complete the arrangement. That is, in one embodiment, the blade is part of the actual transportation arrangement to provide coupling between components thereof. As described in greater detail below, the root and tip bolsters50,52may each be positioned at inboard locations along the blade24such that the ends of the blade24may be capable of swinging laterally outwardly from the first and/or second sides54,56of the arrangement as the truck32and trailer34round a curved section of the road, for example.FIGS.7and8show a left hand turn with the blade swinging out to the right or second side56of the arrangement. This thereby allows the blade24to have an increased length and still be transported with the inventive transportation system as compared to those allowed by prior roadway transportation arrangements. A right hard turn is similarly possible with the system30with portions of the blade extending laterally to the left side54.

The blade24may be of any suitable configuration and may include, for example, a root end38, a tip end40, a leading edge146, a trailing edge148, a pressure side150, and a suction side152as is typical with wind turbine blades (seeFIGS.12A-12E). As best shown inFIG.3, the root end38and the tip end40of the blade24are spaced apart by a length L of the blade24. In one embodiment, the length L of the blade24may be between approximately 46 m and approximately 91 m. For example, the length L of the blade24may be approximately 75 m. The leading edge146and the trailing edge148of the blade24are spaced apart by a chord which varies along the length L of the blade24. The illustrated blade24may be outfitted with a root frame60rigidly coupled to the blade24at the root end38and a tip frame62rigidly coupled to the blade24between the root end38and the tip end40to provide lifting points for hoisting the blade24, for example, onto and off of the arrangement of the invention.

FIGS.4-6illustrate a variety of exemplary embodiments for implementing the transportation arrangement30of the invention. As noted, a truck32including a front axle and one or more rear axles may be utilized to provide the towing power for the arrangement. As used herein, the term “truck” is used to denote a towing vehicle and the invention is not limited to a specific truck form. Trailer34is coupled to the truck32such as through a fifth wheel coupling or other suitable towing arrangement between the front end44of the trailer and the bed33or rear end of the truck. Trailer34includes a low tow bed46that extends or is spaced rearwardly from the front end44back to one or more rear axles35of the trailer. Bolster50, as discussed further herein, is positioned toward the rear end of the tow bed to space it rearwardly from the truck32. Bolster50may be positioned forward of the rear axles35as illustrated inFIG.4or may be positioned on the portion of bed46above the axles35. Bolster50rotates about bed46and also provides rocking or tilting of the root end38of the blade for maneuverability of the arrangement30and transportation of the blade as illustrated inFIG.4.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, a separate dolly vehicle36is positioned rearwardly of the truck and trailer to receive the tip end40of the blade or a portion of the blade proximate the tip end as illustrated inFIG.3. Dolly vehicle36includes one or more axles37and a bed39on which bolster52is mounted. Bolster52also rotates on bed39and rocks or tilts from side to side to provide movement of the tip end40as the blade is transported. In accordance with a feature of the invention, the separate and detached dolly vehicle operates with the body of the blade24to couple the dolly vehicle with the truck/trailer and provide the overall connected transportation arrangement of the invention. That is, the blade24provides the structural support and coupling connection between the truck and dolly vehicle. Dolly vehicle36may include a rear bumper44extending from the bed39on frame elements43, such as for the purposes of taillights, licensing, etc. Dolly vehicle36is pulled along by truck32through the pulling or towing of the blade24as illustrated inFIG.3.

The transportation arrangement includes the truck32, trailer34coupled with the truck for being towed behind the truck and the separate dolly vehicle36. The trailer and dolly vehicle include bed portions spaced rearwardly of the truck. The blade24extends between a root end38and the tip end40. A root region25of the blade24proximate to the root end38is supported on the bed portion46of the trailer34on bolster50and is pivotable relative thereto about a first vertical axis V1spaced apart from the root end38. A tip region29of the blade24is proximate to the tip end40and is supported on the bed portion39of the separate dolly vehicle36for coupling the dolly vehicle with the truck and trailer for forming the transportation arrangement. The tip region29is pivotable relative to the dolly vehicle on bolster52about a second vertical axis V2. At least a portion of the root region25is configured to extend laterally away from a side of the trailer34when the trailer and separate dolly vehicle36are longitudinally offset from each other. The second axis V2is spaced apart from the tip end24, such that at least a portion of a tip region29is configured to extend laterally away from a side of the separate dolly vehicle36when the trailer34and separate dolly vehicle36are longitudinally offset from each other.

That is, the various trucks, trailers and dolly vehicles work with the blade to provide the transportation arrangement. The blade24includes a middle region27between the first and second axes V1, V2, wherein the middle region27is configured to span between trailer34and separate dolly vehicle36when the trailer34and separate dolly vehicle36are longitudinally aligned with each other. At least a portion of the middle region27is configured to extend laterally away from the side of each of the trailer34and separate dolly vehicle36when the trailer34and separate dolly vehicle36are longitudinally offset from each other.

One embodiment of the root bolster50, as disclosed herein, essentially cradles the root end38of the blade24. As discussed herein, the root end of the blade may be strapped to bolster50with suitable webbing straps and also may be coupled to the bolster through a rigid arm or boom as described herein. The tip bolster52may grip the tip end40of the blade as discussed herein with respect toFIGS.10-10B,12A-12Fto secure the tip end with the separate dolly vehicle36. Alternatively, the tip bolster52might more closely resemble the root bolster50as illustrated inFIG.4Aand may cradle the tip end and be strapped to the tip end or a portion or tip region29, such as by suitable straps.

FIG.4Ashows an alternative arrangements30awhich incorporates an alternative tip bolster52aon the rear dolly vehicle36. Bolster52ahas a surface53configured for receiving the blade proximate the tip end of the blade. The bolster52amay rotate about a vertical axis as illustrated by arrow55and may rotate about a horizontal axis as illustrated by arrow57to provide suitable movement of the tip as the dolly vehicle36is towed behind the truck in the arrangement. The tip end40of the blade or a portion or region29of the blade proximate the tip end40may be secured to bolster52a, and particularly to the receiving surface53by suitable web straps such as those shown inFIG.11Ffor the bolster.

FIGS.5-6illustrate additional alternative embodiments of the arrangement incorporating other trailer structures to be coupled with truck32. Specifically, referring toFIG.5which shows alternative arrangement30b, a trailer structure, often referred to as a jeep dolly34bmay be coupled to truck32for towing behind the truck. The jeep dolly34bmay be coupled through an appropriate towing coupling, such as a fifth wheel coupling, to truck32. The jeep dolly34bincludes a bed surface46bspaced rearwardly of the truck bed that supports a root bolster50as illustrated. The jeep dolly34bmoves the root bolster and the root end of the blade24rearwardly from the truck32that allows blade overhang on the bolster in accordance with the invention. In that way certain benefits of the invention may be recognized. The bolster50provides a pivot point for the root end of the blade spaced rearwardly of the truck. Depending upon the length of the jeep dolly34band the placement of the root bolster50, it provides the rearward spacing or pivot location somewhat similar to the location provided in the flatbed trailer34as disclosed in the embodiment inFIG.4. The rearward placement of the root bolster50and the root end of the blade rearwardly of the cab provides significant advantages in the transportation of a blade over a roadway by providing an overhang of the root end of the blade from the truck in turning scenarios. In one embodiment of the invention, the configuration as shown inFIG.5might be used with a detached rear dolly vehicle. That is, the rear dolly vehicle36is detached and is separate similar to that component as described in the arrangement shown inFIG.4. The dolly vehicle36may be configured with a tip bolster52as shown or might use a tip bolster52aas shown inFIG.4A.

FIG.6illustrates a further embodiment of a rearwardly distant root bolster for realizing the invention. Specifically, an extendable trailer34cis implemented having an extendable boom49that couples with the bed46cof the trailer to house a root bolster50rearwardly of the truck32. The front end of the boom49may be coupled with the truck32through an appropriate mounting arrangement, such as a fifth wheel arrangement. Root bolster50then sits on the bed46cof trailer34cin order to receive the root end of the blade in accordance with aspects of the invention. A separate and detached dolly vehicle36is then coupled with the tip end of the blade is shown inFIG.3.

In various of the embodiments of the invention, a separate dolly vehicle36might be utilized in combination with the front end support of the blade24. However, in another embodiment of the invention, an attached trailer, rather than a separate dolly vehicle, might be utilized in combination with the various trailer arrangements34,34b,34cthat provide the front end support of the blade. For example, a rear trailer (36a) such as that shown inFIG.6Amight be utilized with the various front end support arrangements as illustrated inFIGS.3-6A. In such an arrangement, it would not be required to have only the blade body42couple the root end and tip end to form the transportation arrangement to provide the transportation improvements as discussed herein. The trailer36a, which might be an extendable or telescopic trailer as shown inFIG.6A, could be coupled with the truck and trailer arrangements such as through an appropriate towing coupling. The trailer36ahas an extendable section49to couple with a rear section of the trailer as shown for supporting an end of the blade. For example, a fifth wheel arrangement (not shown), as known for towing a trailer, might be incorporated between the truck/trailer and the trailer36afor supporting the rear end of the blade, whether that is the root end or the tip end. In that way, the trailer36awould be towed along with the blade behind the forward truck/trailer arrangement. The rearward pivot point V1provides the benefits of the invention as discussed herein. As also discussed herein, the trailer36awill include an appropriate root and/or tip bolster52positioned on the trailer36afor support of the blade end to complete the arrangement. As will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the trailer36a, as shown inFIG.6A, may also be used with other of the various front end arrangements as shown inFIGS.3-6as appropriate for supporting the rear end of the blade24with one of those arrangements30,30a,30b,30c.

Furthermore, in accordance with another feature of the invention, the various bolsters are shown to be mounted on various flat bed platforms, such as the bed39of the dolly vehicle36as shown in the figures. However, the dolly vehicle36might incorporate a frame structure, (not shown) for implementing and supporting the appropriate bolster structure to support the blade in the transportation arrangement without a flat bed or other flat platform. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the way in which the bolsters are supported and mounted with the elements of the arrangement, such as the dolly vehicle or other structure.

As shown inFIG.8, the blade24is pivotable relative to the bed46of the trailer34carrying the root bolster50about a first vertical axis V1spaced apart from the root end38by a first distance D1and defined by the root bolster50, and the blade24is pivotable relative to the separate dolly vehicle36carrying the tip bolster52about a second vertical axis V2spaced apart from the tip end40by a second distance D2and defined by the tip bolster52. In the embodiment shown, the first vertical axis V1is positioned between the root end38and the shoulder of the blade24. In any event, a root region25of the blade24may be defined between the root end38of the blade24and the first vertical axis V1, a middle region27of the blade24may be defined between the first and second vertical axes V1, V2, and a tip region29of the blade24may be defined between the tip end40of the blade24and the second vertical axis V2. The root region25or a portion thereof is configured to extend laterally away from a side of the trailer34when the trailer and dolly vehicle36are longitudinally offset as shown. Also, the tip region29or a portion thereof is also configured to extend laterally away from the dolly vehicle36when there is a longitudinal offset in a roadway curve.

In one embodiment, the first distance D1may be equal to approximately one-tenth of the length L of the blade24. For example, the first distance D1may be between approximately 6 m and approximately 12 m. In the embodiment shown, the first distance D1may be approximately 7 m. In one embodiment, the second distance D2may be equal to approximately one-quarter of the length L of the blade24. For example, the second distance D2may be between approximately 15 m and approximately 21 m. In the embodiment shown, the second distance D2may be approximately 17 m.

Thus, the root region25and the tip region29of the blade24may each be configured to extend laterally away from a radially outward sides of the truck32and trailer34and dolly vehicle36and the middle region27of the blade24may be configured to extend laterally away from a radially inward side of the arrangement30as shown inFIG.8.

FIGS.7and8illustrate graphically the tighter transportation radiuses that may be achieved with long blades while utilizing the present invention.

Specifically,FIG.7illustrates the transportation arrangement utilizing a typical truck and boom-extended trailer transporting a wind turbine blade24. The root end38of the blade is positioned on the bed of the truck right behind the cab section of the truck. The tip end, and or a portion proximate the tip end40as illustrated inFIG.7is positioned over the back axles of the trailer33and the blade stays in alignment with the boom-extended trailer33. To navigate a curve and a roadway63that has an inner radius of R14.4, the truck32must navigate out into the middle of the roadway63and the tip end40of the blade24would still maintain an outer radius R28.

Turning to the arrangement illustrated inFIG.8incorporating features of the present invention, with the pivot points V1, V2positioned respectively rearwardly of the truck and also on the detached dolly vehicle36, the transportation arrangement can navigate a tighter inner radius R14and also a tighter outer radius R26. As will be appreciated, the various turn radiuses to be achieved for both the inner side of the blade24as well as the root end38and tip end40may vary based upon the length of the blade as well as how far back from the cab of the truck32the root bolster and pivot point V1are located.

Therefore, the positioning of the first and second vertical axes V1, V2, via the positioning of the respective bolsters50,52, may allow the blade24to have a maximized length L which efficiently utilizes the available side clearances along the roadway while ensuring that the entire blade24stays in the roadway and avoids obstructions adjacent to the roadway.

While various of the embodiments discussed herein implement the root end38of the blade24and the bolster50therefore proximate to the truck32with the tip end40and bolster52positioned with the trailing dolly vehicle36, the positioning of the blade may be flipped such that the tip end40and appropriate dolly structure is positioned proximate to the truck, such as on the bed46of trailer34. In such a case, the appropriate tip bolster52would be positioned on the bed46and the appropriate root bolster50will be positioned on the dolly vehicle36as illustrated inFIG.3A. Such an arrangement provides similar benefits of having the root end38and tip end40pivoting about axes V1, V2to give the benefits of the transportation arrangement30and the tighter turning radius of that arrangement. Accordingly, the benefits of the invention may be realized with either the root end38or the tip end40of the blade facing forward in the direction of movement of the truck32.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the various ends of the blade, including the root end and the tip end are supported on the transportation vehicles and structures with supports or bolster elements, such as root bolster50and tip bolster52. Such bolsters may take various suitable forms.FIGS.9-13Cillustrate various bolster structures that might be used with the transportation arrangement of the invention as appropriate.

Referring now primarily toFIGS.9-9C, one exemplary root bolster50is shown for mounting and supporting the root end of the blade. The root bolster50is movably mounted to a root fixture170fixedly coupled to the bed46of the underlying trailer34against movement relative thereto. As best shown inFIG.9A, the root fixture170includes a base plate172and a central shaft174extending generally upwardly from the base plate172. The illustrated base plate172has a generally circular peripheral portion176and a generally X-shaped central portion178for providing rigidity to the base plate172and from which the central shaft174extends. In one embodiment, the root fixture170may be welded to the bed46of the trailer34along the edges of the X-shaped central portion178to fixedly couple the root fixture170to the bed46of the trailer34. Alternatively, the root fixture170may be fixedly coupled to the bed46of the trailer34in any other suitable manner. In any event, the generally circular peripheral portion176defines an upper bearing surface180, the purpose of which is described below. In the embodiment shown, the shaft174includes a central bore182for rotatably receiving a generally cylindrical spindle184. As shown, the spindle184includes a plurality of threaded bores186for threadably receiving respective fasteners188. The illustrated root fixture170also includes a plurality of hoist rings190positioned on an upper surface of the X-shaped central portion178and configured to facilitate hoisting of the root fixture170onto the bed46of the trailer34via a lifting arrangement (not shown), for example.

The illustrated root bolster50includes a lower turntable200configured to be mounted to the root fixture170and pivotable relative thereto about the first vertical axis V1. As best shown inFIG.9A, the lower turntable200has a generally I-shaped frame202and a central sleeve204extending generally downwardly therefrom and configured to rotatably receive the shaft174of the root fixture170such that the shaft174and the sleeve204may collectively define the first vertical axis V1. In the embodiment shown, the lower turntable200includes a central recess206in the frame202generally above and axially aligned with the sleeve204, and a raised boss208centered within the recess206and including a plurality of through-bores210configured for axial alignment with the threaded bores186of the rotatable spindle184of the root fixture170and for receiving the respective fasteners188therethrough to secure the lower turntable200to the rotatable spindle184. As shown, a selectively removable cover212may be configured to enclose the recess206and conceal the fasteners188therein. In the embodiment shown, the lower turntable200also includes a plurality of peripheral feet214extending generally downwardly from the frame202and each having at least one lower bearing pad216configured to glide along the circular bearing surface180of the root fixture170during rotation of the lower turntable200relative thereto to assist in supporting the lower turntable200on the root fixture170. The illustrated lower turntable200also includes a pair of oppositely disposed support heels218positioned on an upper surface of the frame202, and a pair of lower eyelets220(FIG.9B) positioned on a central side surface of the frame202, the purposes of which are described below. In the embodiment shown, a threaded shank222extends outwardly from the outer side surface of at least one of the pair of lower eyelets220. The illustrated lower turntable200further includes a plurality of hoist rings224positioned on an upper surface of the frame202and configured to facilitate hoisting of the lower turntable200onto the root fixture170via a lifting arrangement (not shown), for example.

In the embodiment shown, the root bolster50also includes an upper cradle230coupled to the lower turntable200and fixed against rotation relative to the lower turntable200about the first vertical axis V1such that the upper cradle230and lower turntable200are configured to rotate thereabout together. In the embodiment shown, the upper cradle230has a generally I-shaped frame232and a plurality of peripheral pivot blocks234extending generally upwardly therefrom. As shown, each of the pivot blocks234pivotably supports a respective shackle236, and each shackle236pivotably supports a pair of saddles238configured to confront the pressure side250or the suction side252of the blade24to be supported by the root bolster50at or near the leading edge146of the blade24. In the embodiment shown, the upper cradle230also includes a plurality of springs240extending between the frame232and the shackles236for absorbing and damping shock impulses, for example. Each of the saddles238includes at least one friction pad242configured to frictionally engage the respective side250,252of the blade24. In this regard, the saddles238and/or friction pads242may be sized and shaped to conform to the exterior surface of the blade24. In one embodiment, the friction pads242may include a rubber material. The pivotability of the saddles238relative to the shackles236and of the shackles236relative to the pivot blocks234may allow the saddles238to automatically adjust under the weight of the blade24to conform to the exterior surface thereof. In any event, one or more straps, such as webbing straps or cordlash244(FIG.11F), may be configured to circumferentially wrap around the blade24and at least a portion of the upper cradle230and/or lower turntable200to secure the blade24against the saddles238and to counteract any vertical acceleration forces acting on the blade24. Such webbing straps may also be used with other bolster elements as illustrated herein, such as inFIG.4A.

The illustrated upper cradle230includes a pair of oppositely disposed support bores246positioned on outer side surfaces of the frame232and configured for axial alignment with the support heels218of the lower turntable200and for receiving respective support pins248therethrough, such that the upper cradle230may be mounted to the lower turntable200via the support pins248, support bores246, and support heels218. In the embodiment shown, a threaded shank250extends outwardly from the respective outer side surface of the frame232proximate each of the support bores246, and each support pin248includes a flange252having a curved slot254configured to receive the respective threaded shank250for limiting relative movement between the frame232and the support pin248. In this regard, a nut256may be configured for threadable engagement with each threaded shank250to sandwich the flange252of the respective support pin248between the nut256and the frame232, and a padlock258may be inserted through a radial bore (not shown) at or near an outer end of the threaded shank250for preventing the nut from becoming inadvertently dislodged from the threaded shank250.

In the embodiment shown, the upper cradle230also includes a first pair of upper eyelets260positioned on a central side surface of the frame232and a second pair of upper eyelets262(FIG.9B) positioned on an opposite central side surface of the frame232. A first threaded shank264extends outwardly from the outer side surface of at least one of the first pair of upper eyelets260and a second threaded shank266extends outwardly from the outer side surface of at least one of the second pair of upper eyelets262.

As best shown inFIG.9B, the second pair of upper eyelets262are configured for vertical alignment with the pair of lower eyelets220on the lower turntable200. In this regard, an angle plate270having upper and lower bores272,274may be selectively positioned between the pair of lower eyelets220and the second pair of upper eyelets262such that the upper and lower bores272,274are axially aligned therewith for receiving respective locking pins276therethrough. In this manner, the orientation of the upper cradle230relative to the lower turntable200about a first horizontal axis H1collectively defined by the support pins248, support bores246, and support heels218, may be selectively and/or variably fixed. In one embodiment, a variety of angle plates270having upper and lower bores272,274spaced apart from each other by various different distances may be provided, so that a particular angle plate270may be selected to provide a particular desired fixed orientation of the upper cradle230relative to the lower turntable200. For example, a particular angle plate270may correspond to the desired fixed orientation of the upper cradle230relative to the lower turntable200for accommodating a particular shape or configuration of the blade24. In the embodiment shown, each locking pin276includes a flange280having a curved slot282configured to receive the respective threaded shank222,266for limiting relative movement between the respective frame202,232and respective locking pin276. In this regard, a nut284may be configured for threadable engagement with each threaded shank222,266to sandwich the flange280of the respective locking pin276between the nut284and the respective eyelet220,262. The illustrated upper cradle230also includes a plurality of hoist rings290positioned on an upper surface of the frame232and configured to facilitate hoisting of the upper cradle230onto the lower turntable200via a lifting arrangement (not shown), for example.

As best shown inFIG.9C, the illustrated root bolster50further includes a rigid arm300hingedly coupled to the upper cradle230about a second horizontal axis H2and configured to extend from the upper cradle230toward the root end38of the blade24carried by the root bolster50. The rigid arm300may be fixed against rotation relative to the lower turntable200and upper cradle230about the first vertical axis V1such that the rigid arm300, upper cradle230, and lower turntable200may rotate thereabout together, and the rigid arm300may further be selectively fixed against rotation relative to the upper cradle230about the second horizontal axis H2.

As shown, the rigid arm300includes a generally cylindrical body302extending between a proximal end304coupled to the upper cradle230and a distal end306configured to be selectively rigidly coupled to the root end38of the blade24. In one embodiment, the length of the body302of the rigid arm300may be equal to the first distance D1between the root end38of the blade24to be supported by the root bolster50and the first vertical axis V1. Thus, the length of the body302may be approximately one-tenth of the length L of the blade24. For example, the length of the body300may be between approximately 6 m and approximately 12 m, such as approximately 7 m.

In the embodiment shown, the rigid arm300includes a proximal eyelet310positioned at or near the proximal end304of the cylindrical body302and a distal eyelet312positioned at or near the distal end306of the cylindrical body302. The proximal eyelet310is configured for axial alignment with the first pair of upper eyelets260of the upper cradle230and for receiving a pivot pin314therethrough, such that the pivot pin314, proximal eyelet310, and first pair of upper eyelets260may collectively define the second horizontal axis H2. In the embodiment shown, the pivot pin314includes a flange316having a curved slot318configured to receive the threaded shank264for limiting relative movement between the frame232and the pivot pin314. In this regard, a nut320may be configured for threadable engagement with the threaded shank264to sandwich the flange316of the pivot pin314between the nut320and the eyelet260.

In one embodiment, a lock (not shown) may selectively fix the rigid arm300against rotation relative to the upper cradle230about the second horizontal axis H2. As described in greater detail below, the distal eyelet312is configured to selectively receive a locking pin322for rigidly coupling the root end38of the blade24to the distal end306of the rigid arm300. In the embodiment shown, a threaded shank324extends outwardly from an upper surface of the distal eyelet312, and the locking pin322includes a flange326having a curved slot328configured to receive the threaded shank324for limiting relative movement between the body302of the rigid arm300and the locking pin322. In this regard, a nut330may be configured for threadable engagement with the threaded shank324to sandwich the flange326of the locking pin322between the nut330and the distal eyelet312.

Thus, the rigid arm300may be selectively rotatable about the second horizontal axis H2, for example, between a stowed position (FIG.11A) and at least one deployed position (FIGS.11B and110). When in the stowed position, the body302of the rigid arm300may be oriented about second horizontal axis H2to slope downwardly from the proximal end304at the upper cradle230toward the distal end306at or near the bed46of the trailer34. For example, the distal end306of the rigid arm300may rest on or near the bed46of the trailer34when in the stowed position. When in the deployed position, the body302of the rigid arm300may be oriented about the second horizontal axis H2to be generally horizontal, or to slope upwardly from the proximal end304toward the distal end306, or to slope downwardly from the proximal end304toward the distal end306less steeply than when in the stowed position. For example, the distal end306of the rigid arm300may be slightly above, slightly below, or generally level with the proximal end304of the rigid arm300, and may be supported above the bed46of the trailer34, when in a deployed position. In one embodiment, the body302of the rigid arm300may be cantilevered over the bed46of the trailer34from the proximal end304of the rigid arm300by selectively fixing the rigid arm300against rotation relative to the upper cradle230about the second horizontal axis H2when in a deployed position. In another embodiment, the body302of the rigid arm300may be supported above the bed46of the trailer34at or near both the proximal and distal ends304,306, such as via the upper cradle230at the proximal end304and via a temporary support structure positioned below the distal end306, when in a deployed position.

In this regard, the illustrated root bolster50also includes an articulating leg340hingedly coupled to the body302of the rigid arm300at or near the distal end306thereof and, more particularly, at a joint342defining a third horizontal axis H3such that the articulating leg340is rotatable relative to the rigid arm300about the third horizontal axis H3between a retracted position (FIG.11A) in which the articulating leg340is longitudinally aligned with and tucked against the rigid arm300, and at least one extended position (FIGS.11B and110) in which the articulating leg340extends generally downwardly from the rigid arm300toward the bed46of the trailer34. The illustrated articulating leg340includes a pair of wheels344located opposite the joint342for movably supporting the articulating leg340on the bed46of the trailer34. In the embodiment shown, a laterally-extending barrier346(FIG.9) is provided on the bed46of the trailer34and is spaced apart from the root fixture170for selectively abutting the wheels344of the articulating leg340to assist in maintaining the articulating leg340in an extended position, as described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the barrier346may be welded to the bed46of the trailer34to fixedly couple the barrier346to the bed46of the trailer34. Alternatively, the barrier346may be fixedly coupled to the bed46of the trailer34in any other suitable manner. The illustrated articulating leg340also includes at least one spring350between the wheels344and the joint342for absorbing and damping shock impulses, for example.

While not shown, a locking mechanism may be configured to selectively lock the articulating leg340in at least the retracted position. For example, such a locking mechanism may include a pair of magnets, one of which is fixedly coupled to the articulating leg340at a position spaced apart from the joint342and the other of which is fixedly coupled to the body302of the rigid arm300for magnetic engagement therebetween when the articulating leg340is in or near the retracted position. The magnetic attraction between the magnets may be sufficient to securely retain the articulating leg340in the retracted position. In the embodiment shown, an on/off lever352(FIG.11A) is configured to be movable between an “off” position in which the lever352causes a shield (not shown) to cover at least one of the magnets thereby interrupting the magnetic attraction between the magnets, and an “on” position in which the lever causes the shield to uncover the at least one of the magnets. Thus, the articulating leg340may be secured in the retracted position when the magnets are magnetically engaged with the lever352in the “on” position, and may be moved away from the retracted position toward the at least one extended position when the magnets are magnetically disengaged with the lever352in the “off” position. It will be appreciated that the locking mechanism may be configured in any other suitable manner for selectively locking the articulating leg340in at least the retracted position.

In one embodiment, the distal end306of the rigid arm300is configured to be rigidly coupled to the root end38of the blade24when the rigid arm300is in the deployed position. For example, the distal end306of the rigid arm300may be configured to be initially rigidly coupled to the root end38of the blade24when the rigid arm300is in the deployed position and when the distal end306of the rigid arm300is supported above the bed46of the trailer34by the extended articulating leg340, and may be configured to remain rigidly coupled to the root end38of the blade24when the articulating leg340is subsequently moved to the retracted position, as described in greater detail below.

In this manner, the rigid arm300may be capable of providing a linkage between the root end38of the blade24and the upper cradle230of the root bolster50and may thereby assist in transmitting longitudinal acceleration and/or deceleration forces between the root end38of the blade24and the root fixture170. By rotating about the first vertical axis V1along with the upper cradle230and lower turntable200of the root bolster50, the rigid arm300may remain longitudinally aligned with the blade24and may assist in allowing the root end38of the blade24to swing out over and beyond the edge of the trailer34, such as while rounding a curved section of the roadway. In this regard, the blade24may be rested on the saddles238of the root bolster50at a position inboard of the root end38by approximately the same length as the length of the rigid arm300, and may be rigidly coupled to the distal end306of the rigid arm300at the root end38, as described in greater detail below.

A separate tip bolster structure might be utilized for the tip bolster due to the different profile in the tip of a blade. Referring now primarily toFIGS.10-10B, the illustrated tip bolster52is movably mounted to a tip fixture360fixedly coupled to the bed46of the underlying trailer34against movement relative thereto. As shown, the tip fixture360includes a pair of longitudinally extending rails362spaced apart from and rigidly coupled to each other by a plurality of laterally extending ties364and corresponding brackets366. In the embodiment shown, the rails362each extend along the bed46of the trailer34between first and second ends370,372, and are elevated above the bed46of the trailer34by the brackets366. As shown inFIG.10A, a through-bore374is positioned at or near each of the ends370,372of the rails362and a laterally-inwardly extending stopper376is aligned therewith and removably coupled to the respective rail362via a corresponding fastener378extending therethrough for limiting translational movement of the tip bolster52along the rails362, as described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the tip fixture360may be welded to the bed46of the trailer34along the edges of the ties364to fixedly couple the tip fixture360to the bed46of the trailer34. Alternatively, the tip fixture360may be fixedly coupled to the bed46of the trailer34in any other suitable manner. The illustrated tip fixture360also includes a plurality of hoist grommets380(FIG.10) positioned on outer side surfaces of the rails362and configured to facilitate hoisting of the tip fixture360onto the bed46of the trailer34via a lifting arrangement (not shown), for example.

As best shown inFIGS.10A and10B, the illustrated tip bolster52includes a lower carriage400configured to be mounted to the tip fixture360and longitudinally translatable relative thereto along the rails362. In the embodiment shown, the lower carriage400includes a chassis402carrying a platform404, and a central shaft406extending generally upwardly from the platform404. As shown, the chassis402has a pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls410spaced apart from and rigidly coupled to each other by a pair of laterally extending cross supports412. Each of the sidewalls410includes a pair of laterally-outwardly extending lower rollers414and a corresponding pair of laterally-outwardly extending upper sliders416vertically aligned therewith, such that each set of vertically-aligned rollers414and sliders416may be configured to capture a respective one of the rails362therebetween for translatably securing the lower carriage400, and thus the tip bolster52, to the tip fixture360. In the embodiment shown, a laterally-outwardly extending bumper418is positioned between each set of vertically-aligned rollers414and sliders416and is configured to selectively abut the respective stopper376of the corresponding rail362to limit translational movement of the tip bolster52along the rails362between the first and second ends370,372thereof and thereby prevent the tip bolster52from becoming inadvertently dislodged from the tip fixture360. The stoppers376may be selectively removable from the respective rails362for allowing initial mounting of the lower carriage400to the tip fixture360, as indicated by the arrows A1inFIG.10A, or subsequent dismounting of the lower carriage400from the tip fixture360.

In the embodiment shown, the platform404has a pair of lateral generally circular arc-shaped peripheral portions420and a generally I-shaped central portion422for providing rigidity to the platform404and from which the central shaft406extends. The generally circular arc-shaped peripheral portions420define respective upper bearing surfaces424, the purpose of which is described below. In the embodiment shown, the shaft406includes a central bore426for rotatably receiving a generally cylindrical spindle428. As shown, the spindle428includes a plurality of threaded bores430for threadably receiving respective fasteners432(FIG.10B). The lower carriage400may also include a plurality of hoist rings (not shown) positioned on the outer side surfaces of the generally arc-shaped peripheral portions420and configured to facilitate hoisting of the lower carriage400onto the tip fixture360via a lifting arrangement (not shown), for example.

The illustrated tip bolster52also includes an intermediate turntable440pivotably coupled to the lower carriage400about the second vertical axis V2and fixed against linear movement relative to the lower carriage400, such that the intermediate turntable440and lower carriage400are configured to translate along the rails362together. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate turntable440has a generally I-shaped frame442and may include a central bore (not shown) on a lower side thereof configured to rotatably receive the shaft406of the lower carriage400such that the bore and the shaft406may collectively define the second vertical axis V2. As best shown inFIG.10B, the intermediate turntable440includes a central raised boss444extending upwardly from the frame442and including a plurality of through-bores446configured for axial alignment with the threaded bores430of the rotatable spindle428of the lower carriage400and for receiving the respective fasteners432therethrough to secure the intermediate turntable440to the rotatable spindle428. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate turntable440also includes a plurality of peripheral feet448extending generally downwardly from the frame442and each having a lower bearing surface450configured to glide along the respective circular arc-shaped bearing surface424of the lower carriage400during rotation of the intermediate turntable440relative thereto to assist in supporting the intermediate turntable440on the lower carriage400. The illustrated intermediate turntable440also includes a pair of flanges452extending generally upwardly from the frame442and spaced apart from each other to define a channel454therebetween. As shown, each flange452includes a plurality of holes456arranged such that each hole456in one of the flanges452is axially aligned with a corresponding hole456in the other of the flanges452. The illustrated intermediate turntable440also includes a plurality of hoist rings458positioned on an upper surface of the frame442and configured to facilitate hoisting of the intermediate turntable440onto the lower carriage400via a lifting arrangement (not shown), for example.

In the embodiment shown, the tip bolster52also includes an upper clamp460selectively fixed against movement relative to the intermediate turntable440such that the upper clamp460and intermediate turntable440are configured to rotate together about the second vertical axis V2, and such that the upper clamp460, intermediate turntable440, and lower carriage400are configured to translate together along the rails362. As shown, the upper clamp460includes a clamp frame462, as well as first and second clamp arms464,466selectively movable relative to each other in a clamping direction. In the embodiment shown, the first clamp arm464is configured to be stationary relative to the clamp frame462, and the second clamp arm466is configured to be movable relative to the clamp frame462toward and away from the first clamp arm464in the clamping direction. In this regard, the illustrated first clamp arm464is integrally formed together with the clamp frame462as a unitary piece. The illustrated clamp frame462is sized and configured to be partially received within the channel454of the intermediate turntable440, and includes a pair of lower bores468configured for axial alignment with a selected set of holes456in the flanges452of the intermediate turntable440and for receiving respective locking rods470therethrough. In this manner, the position of the clamp frame462relative to the intermediate turntable440may be selectively fixed. The various sets of holes456in the flanges452available for alignment with the lower bores468of the clamp frame462may allow the particular position of the clamp frame462within the channel454to be adjusted as desired. In the embodiment shown, each locking rod470includes a flange472at or near one end thereof and a radial bore474for receiving a threaded fastener476at or near the other end thereof, the threaded fastener476being configured to threadably engage a nut478for selectively capturing the flanges452of the intermediate turntable440between the flange472of the locking rod470and the fastener476and accompanying nut478. The illustrated upper clamp460also includes a plurality of hoist rings480positioned on upper surfaces of the clamp arms464,466and configured to facilitate hoisting of the upper clamp460onto the intermediate turntable440via a lifting arrangement (not shown), for example.

The illustrated upper clamp460has upper pivot blocks482(FIG.12A) extending generally inwardly from each of the clamp arms464,466. As shown, each of the pivot blocks482pivotably supports at least one respective jaw484,486configured to confront the pressure side50or the suction side52of the blade24at or near the leading edge146of the blade24, and further pivotably supports at least one respective saddle arm488. Since the first clamp arm464is configured to be stationary relative to the clamp frame462and the second clamp arm466is configured to be movable relative to the clamp frame462, the jaw484of the first clamp arm464may be considered “stationary” and the jaw486of the second clamp arm466may be considered “movable.” In any event, each of the jaws484,486includes at least one friction pad490configured to frictionally engage the respective sides50,52of the blade24. In this regard, the jaws484,486and/or friction pads490may be sized and shaped to conform to the exterior surface of the blade24. In one embodiment, the friction pads490may include a rubber material. In the embodiment shown, each of the saddle arms488carries a respective saddle bar492, and a pliable saddle494configured to confront the leading edge146of the blade24extends loosely between the saddle bars492of the first and second clamp arms464,466. In this regard, the pliable saddle494may be configured as an endless loop of material wrapped about the saddle bars492. In one embodiment, each saddle arm488and accompanying saddle bar492may be rigidly coupled to the respective jaw484,486so as to pivot relative to the corresponding clamp arm464,466therewith. In this manner, the pliable saddle494may be configured to allow the blade24to rotate slightly about the longitudinal axis of the blade24to mechanical equilibrium (which may include leaning against one of the jaws484,486, for example) as the weight of the blade24is transferred to the pliable saddle494during lowering of the blade24onto the tip bolster52, and may further be configured to tilt one or both of the jaws484,486toward the exterior surface of the blade24during such lowering of the blade24. Thus, the pliable saddle494may provide some flexibility to the positioning of the blade24between the jaws484,486. The pivotability of the jaws484,486relative to the pivot blocks482and the pliability of the saddle494may allow the jaws484,486and/or saddle494to automatically adjust under the weight of the blade24to conform to the exterior surface thereof.

In the embodiment shown, the upper clamp460further includes a pair of peripheral guide rods500extending parallel to the clamping direction and fixedly coupled to the clamp frame462against movement relative thereto. The second clamp arm466includes two corresponding pairs of lower notches502configured to slidably receive the pair of guide rods500such that the second clamp arm466may be movable toward (e.g., forward) and away from (e.g., backward) the first clamp arm464along the pair of guide rods500for moving the movable jaw486toward and away from the stationary jaw484to apply and release a clamping force and/or clamping pressure to/from the blade24interposed therebetween and resting on the saddle494. For example, the movable jaw486may be moved into contact with the blade24to press the blade24against the stationary jaw484for generating such a clamping force and/or clamping pressure.

The illustrated upper clamp460also includes an actuator510configured to effect forward and backward movement of the second clamp arm466along the pair of guide rods500. As shown, the actuator510includes a rotatable drive screw512extending parallel to the clamping direction, horizontally aligned with and equally spaced between the pair of guide rods500, and fixed against movement relative to the clamp frame462parallel to the clamping direction. In this regard, the drive screw512is rotatably supported by a first end plate514fixedly coupled directly to the clamp frame462generally between the first and second clamp arms464,466, and by a second end plate516fixedly coupled to the clamp frame462via the pair of guide rods500on a side of the second clamp arm466generally opposite from the first clamp arm464. The actuator510further includes a drive plate518having a pair of outer through-bores520configured to slidably receive the pair of guide rods500such that the drive plate518may be movable along the pair of guide rods500.

As shown, the drive plate518also includes a central threaded bore522configured to threadably receive the drive screw512, such that rotation of the drive screw512may effect forward or backward movement of the drive plate518along the guide rods500. For example, clockwise rotation of the drive screw512may effect forward movement of the drive plate518along the guide rods500to urge the second clamp arm466forward for applying a clamping force and/or clamping pressure to the blade24via the jaws484,486(including the pads490), while counterclockwise rotation of the drive screw512may effect backward movement of the drive plate518along the guide rods500to allow the second clamp arm466to be moved backward for releasing the blade24from the jaws484,486. The drive plate518may be selectively fixed at a particular location along the guide rods500when the drive screw512is rotationally stationary, such as when a desired clamping force and/or clamping pressure on the blade24has been achieved, as described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the drive screw512may be operatively coupled to a motor (not shown) for automatically rotating the drive screw512in the clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction.

In the embodiment shown, the actuator510further includes a pair of mechanical energy storage devices in the form of coil springs530(FIGS.12A and12A) positioned about the pair of guide rods500between the drive plate518and the second clamp arm466and configured to selectively store and release energy between the drive plate518and the second clamp arm466, thereby providing some flexibility to the actuator510for responding to unexpected decreases in the clamping force and/or clamping pressure being applied to the blade24by the jaws484,486.

In this regard, the illustrated springs530are each configured to transmit the forward linear movement of the drive plate518along the guide rods500to the second clamp arm466for urging the second clamp arm466forward until the movable jaw486presses the blade24against the stationary jaw484and further forward movement of the second clamp arm466is generally resisted by the blade24. The springs530are each further configured to be compressed or “pre-loaded” by the drive plate518as the drive plate518continues to move forward along the guide rods500after the movable jaw486presses the blade24against the stationary jaw484. In this manner, the springs530may assist in preventing such continued forward movement of the drive plate518from further urging the second clamp arm466forward which could otherwise result in an excessive, potentially damaging clamping force and/or clamping pressure being applied to the blade24. Moreover, the compressed or pre-loaded springs530may be capable of expanding in response to an unexpected decrease or loss of contact between the movable jaw486and the blade24, and such expansion of the springs530may urge the second clamp arm466further forward to cause the movable jaw486to advance toward the stationary jaw484and thereby increase the clamping force and/or clamping pressure applied to the blade24. Thus, the springs530may automatically compensate for undesirable decreases or losses of contact between the jaws484,486and the blade24, and may thereby assist in maintaining a substantially continuous desired clamping force and/or clamping pressure on the blade24.

In this manner, the first and second clamp arms464,466may be configured to be urged relatively toward each other in response to a decrease in the clamping force and/or clamping pressure applied to the blade24. It will be appreciated that such decreases may occur in a variety of contexts. For example, a decrease in the clamping force applied to the blade24may result from vibrations and shocks during transportation. Likewise, the blade24may creep, drift, or otherwise begin to slip longitudinally such that the blade24subsequently presents a more slender portion between the jaws484,486, which may cause a decrease in the clamping pressure applied between the jaws484,486and the blade24. In any event, such a decrease in the applied clamping force and/or clamping pressure may only be momentary, as the springs530may urge the first and second clamp arms464,466relatively toward each other in response to such a decrease to further close the upper clamp460and re-establish the previously applied clamping force and/or clamping pressure on the blade24.

In one embodiment, the drive screw512may be configured to effect forward linear movement of the drive plate518until a desired amount of clamping force and/or clamping pressure is applied by the jaws484,486to the blade24, and/or until a desired amount of compression or pre-loading of the springs530has been achieved. In this regard, the amount of compression of the springs530and the amount of clamping force and/or clamping pressure applied to the blade24each correspond to the distance between the drive plate518and the second clamp arm466. Thus, the drive screw512may be configured to position the drive plate518at a particular location along the guide rods500corresponding to the desired amount of clamping force/pressure and/or pre-loading. In one embodiment, the guide rods500may include indicia (not shown) for providing a visual indication of such a particular location to an operator of the tip bolster52or other personnel.

While the energy storage devices of this embodiment are illustrated as a pair of coil springs530, any other suitable energy storage devices, such as one or more hydraulic accumulators, may be used to selectively store and release energy between the drive plate518and the second clamp arm466in response to the applied clamping force and/or clamping pressure falling below the desired amount.

In the embodiment shown, the upper clamp460further includes a pair of spring-loaded separators540extending between the first and second clamp arms464,466for biasing the second clamp arm466away from the first clamp arm464in the clamping direction. Each of the illustrated spring-loaded separators540is telescopic and includes at least one outer tuber542and at least one inner tube544biased axially away from each other by an internal biasing member, such as a coil spring or a hydraulic accumulator (not shown), for example, as well as a protective gasket546positioned about the interface between the outer and inner tubes542,544for preventing dirt or other debris from collecting therebetween. The spring-loaded separators540may be configured to urge the second clamp arm466backward for releasing the blade24from the jaws484,486, such as when the drive screw512is rotated to move the drive plate518backward along the guide rods500allowing the springs530to expand in a backward direction and thereby remove any force applied to the second clamp arm466by the springs530. In this manner, the spring-loaded separators540may automatically cause the blade24to be released from the jaws484,486when the force applied to the second clamp arm466by the springs530is removed by retracting the drive plate518backward along the guide rods500, without requiring intervention of an operator or other personnel to push the second clamp arm466backward.

Thus, the upper clamp460may be capable of applying a substantially continuous clamping force and/or clamping pressure to the blade24and may thereby assist in transmitting longitudinal acceleration and/or deceleration forces between the tip region29of the blade24and the tip fixture360, as well as counteracting any vertical acceleration forces acting on the blade24. By being longitudinally translatable along the rails362, the lower carriage400may compensate for changes in the profile of the transportation arrangement, such as while rounding a curved section of the roadway.

While tip bolster52is illustrated in some detail, other appropriate tip bolsters, such as bolster structure52amight be implemented as shown inFIG.4A. As such, the invention is not limited to the specific bolster structures that might be used for securing the blade in the transportation arrangement of the invention.

Referring now toFIGS.11A-11F, a method of loading the blade24onto the root bolster50is provided. Initially, the rigid arm300of the root bolster50may be resting on or near the bed46of the trailer34in the stowed position, and the articulating leg340may be in the retracted position. A first lifting arrangement550including a hoist rope552, a hook554, and a sling556may be operatively attached to the body302of the rigid arm300, and the rigid arm300may thereby be lifted upwardly and rotated about the second horizontal axis H2, for example, from the stowed position to a deployed position, as indicated by the arrow A2inFIG.11A. After the rigid arm300has been lifted away from the stowed position, the locking mechanism for the articulating leg340may be disengaged, such as by moving the lever352to the “off” position, and the articulating leg340may be rotated about the third horizontal axis H3from the retracted position toward an extended position, as indicated by the arrow A3inFIG.11B. The distal end306of the rigid arm300may then be lowered downwardly toward the bed46of the trailer34by the first lifting arrangement550, as indicated by the arrow A4inFIG.11C, to allow the wheels344of the articulating leg340to rest on the bed46of the trailer34. The first lifting arrangement550may then be removed from the rigid arm300. As shown inFIG.11C, the wheels344of the articulating leg340may be rolled into abutment with the barrier346on the bed46of the trailer34on a side of the barrier346opposite from the root fixture170to temporarily secure the rigid arm300in the illustrated deployed position.

With the rigid arm300secured in place, the blade24may be lifted above and longitudinally aligned with the root bolster50with the leading edge146of the blade24facing downwardly by at least one second lifting arrangement560including a hoist rope562, a sheave564, a double hook566, and a lifting cable568operatively attached to the root frame56, as shown inFIG.11D. While not shown, a third lifting arrangement may be operatively attached to the tip frame58, such as for coordinated lifting of the entire blade24. The blade24may then be advanced generally horizontally by the second lifting arrangement560to facilitate rigidly coupling the root frame56of the blade24to the distal end306of the rigid arm300, such as via the distal eyelet312and locking pin322, as indicated by the arrow A5inFIG.11D. With the root frame56rigidly coupled to the distal end306of the rigid arm300, thereby providing a linkage between the root end38of the blade24and the upper cradle230of the root bolster50, the root end38of the blade24may be lifted slightly upwardly, as indicated by the arrow A6inFIG.11E, to allow the articulating leg340to be rotated over the barrier346and returned to the retracted position, as indicated by the arrow A7inFIG.11E. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism for the articulating leg340may be re-engaged, such as by moving the lever352to the “on” position, to secure the articulating leg340in the retracted position. The root end38of the blade24may then be lowered downwardly toward the bed46of the trailer34, as indicated by the arrows A8inFIG.11F, to allow the portions of the pressure side50and suction side52at or near the leading edge146of the blade24to rest on the saddles238of the root bolster50at a position inboard of the root end38by approximately the same length as the length of the rigid arm300. In one embodiment, the angle plate270may be secured in place prior to such lowering of the blade24in order to selectively fix a desired orientation of the upper cradle230relative to the lower turntable200about the first horizontal axis H1for accommodating a particular shape or configuration of the blade24. As described above, the saddles238may automatically adjust under the weight of the blade24to conform to the exterior surface thereof. The webbing straps or cordlash244may then be circumferentially wrapped around the blade24and at least a portion of the upper cradle230and/or lower turntable200, such as the saddles238of the upper cradle230.

With the blade24loaded onto the root bolster50as described above, the second lifting arrangement560may be selectively detached from the root frame56. During subsequent transportation of the blade24via the transportation arrangement, longitudinal acceleration and/or deceleration forces are transmitted between the root end40of the blade24and the root fixture170via the rigid arm300, while the saddles238primarily vertically support the blade24and the webbing straps or cordlash244primarily counteract any vertical acceleration forces acting on the blade24. The entire blade24, including the root end38thereof, rotates about the first vertical axis V1along with the upper cradle230, lower turntable200, and rigid arm300of the root bolster30while rounding a curved section of the roadway thereby allowing the root end38of the blade24to swing out over and beyond the edge of the trailer34to efficiently utilize the available side clearances along the roadway. After the transportation arrangement has reached the desired destination, the webbing straps or cordlash244may be unwrapped and the root frame56may be uncoupled from the rigid arm300of the root bolster50for removal of the blade24from the root bolster50.

Referring now toFIGS.12A-12E and13A-130, a method of loading the blade24onto the tip bolster52is provided. Initially, the second clamp arm466is spaced sufficiently far apart from the first clamp arm464to allow passage of the tip region29of the blade24between the jaws484,486, as shown inFIG.12A. The tip region29of the blade24is then lowered toward the bed46of the trailer34with the leading edge146of the blade24facing downwardly to allow the leading edge146of the blade24to contact the pliable saddle494, as shown inFIG.12B, such as via a third lifting arrangement (not shown) operatively attached to the tip frame58. In one embodiment, such lowering of the tip region29of the blade24may be performed concurrently with the lowering of the root end38of the blade24described above with respect toFIG.11F. In any event, as the weight of the blade24is transferred to the pliable saddle494, the blade24may rotate slightly about the longitudinal axis of the blade24to lean against the stationary jaw484, and the pliable saddle494may tilt at least the movable jaw486toward the exterior surface of the blade24, as shown inFIGS.12C and13A. The second clamp arm466may then be urged forward along the guide rods500to move the movable jaw486into contact with the blade24to press the blade24against the stationary jaw484for generating a desired clamping force and/or clamping pressure, such as by operation of the actuator510including the drive screw512, drive plate518, and springs530, as shown inFIGS.12D and13B. As described above, the jaws484,486and/or saddle494may automatically adjust under the weight of the blade24to conform to the exterior surface thereof. The drive plate518may continue to move forward along the guide rods500after the desired clamping force and/or clamping pressure has been generated to thereby compress or pre-load the springs530, as shown inFIGS.12E and13C. After a desired amount of compression or pre-loading of the springs530has been achieved, which may be indicated by the drive plate518reaching a particular location along the guide rods500, movement of the drive plate518may be halted and the drive plate518may be selectively fixed at the particular location along the guide rods500to maintain the desired clamping force and/or clamping pressure on the blade24.

With the blade24loaded onto the tip bolster52as described above, the third lifting arrangement may be selectively detached from the tip frame58. The tip frame62may remain coupled to the tip region29of the blade24or may be decoupled therefrom. During subsequent transportation of the blade24via the transportation arrangement, longitudinal acceleration and/or deceleration forces are transmitted between the tip region29of the blade24and the tip fixture360via the upper clamp460, which may also counteract any vertical acceleration forces acting on the blade24, and the springs530may counteract any longitudinal creeping or slipping of the blade24to maintain a substantially continuous clamping force and/or clamping pressure thereon, while the saddle494primarily vertically supports the blade24. The entire blade24, including the tip end40thereof, rotates about the second vertical axis V2along with the upper clamp460and intermediate turntable440of the tip bolster52while rounding a curved section of the roadway thereby allowing the tip end44of the blade24to swing out over and beyond the edge of the trailer34to efficiently utilize the available side clearances along the roadway. During such rotation, the blade24may also translate along the rails362together with the upper clamp460, intermediate turntable440, and lower carriage400of the tip bolster52to accommodate any resulting changes in the profile of the transportation arrangement. After the transportation arrangement has reached the desired destination, the drive plate518may be moved backward along the guide rods500and the spring-loaded separators540may urge the second clamp arm436backward to release the blade24from the jaws484,486for removal of the blade24from the tip bolster52.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various preferred embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The various features of the invention may be used alone or in numerous combinations depending on the needs and preferences of the user.