Patent Publication Number: US-2019193299-A1

Title: Concrete mixer stand

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/608,851, filed Dec. 21, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to concrete mixers, and in particular concrete mixer stands and carts. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Concrete mixers are used to continuously mix concrete to prevent the concrete from settling and drying or hardening. By keeping the concrete in motion, the concrete will maintain a more fluid form before and during the construction period. This enables a user to pour the concrete and work with it before it settles and solidifies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The concrete mixer disclosed herein includes a mixing tub and a stand (or cart) to help transport the mixing tub and support the mixing tub above a concrete pour location. The stand can also be used to adjust the height or orientation of the mixing tub relative to the pour location. In addition, the stand is equipped with a means for detaching the mixing tub when not in use. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a concrete mixer including a mixing tub having an annular side wall and a bottom wall, a main frame configured to rotatably support the mixing tub, where the main frame includes a telescoping member that is capable of extending between a first length and a second length, and a base frame supporting the main frame. The base frame includes a first leg having a first wheel to enable transport of the concrete mixer, and a second leg having a foot to prevent the concrete mixer from rolling away. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a concrete mixer including a mixing tub having an annular side wall and a bottom wall, a main frame configured to rotatably support the mixing tub, and a base frame coupled to the main frame, where the base frame is movable relative to the main frame between an open configuration corresponding to a first height of the mixing tub relative to a support surface and a closed configuration corresponding to a second height of the mixing tub relative to a support surface. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a concrete mixer including a mixing tub having an annular side wall and a bottom wall, a main frame configured to rotatably support the mixing tub, and a base frame supporting the main frame, where at least one of the main frame and the base frame is adjustable to move the mixing tub from a first height relative to a support surface to a second height relative to a support surface. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a concrete mixer according to one embodiment, with the concrete mixer in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed view of a linkage. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the closed configuration. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the closed configuration. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the closed configuration. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the closed configuration. 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 1  in the closed configuration. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a concrete mixer according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a rear view of the concrete mixer of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is a detailed view of a detachable connection of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-13  illustrate one embodiment of a concrete mixer  10 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the concrete mixer  10  is convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration.  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate the concrete mixer  10  in an open configuration and  FIGS. 8-13  illustrate the concrete mixer  10  in a closed configuration. 
     The concrete mixer  10  includes a mixing tub  14  and a stand  18 . The mixing tub  14  is generally cylindrical in shape and includes an annular side wall  22  extending between a closed end  26  and an open end  30 . The closed end  26  is formed by a bottom wall  34 . In other embodiments, the mixing tub  14  can be other shapes and sizes suitable to hold concrete. 
     The stand  18  includes a main frame  46 , a secondary frame  50 , and base frame  54 . In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary frame  50  and the base frame  54  are movable relative to the main frame  46 . In other embodiments, one or both of the secondary frame  50  and the base frame  54  are fixed relative to the main frame  46 . 
     The main frame  46  supports the mixing tub  14 . The main frame  46  includes two generally L-shaped supports  58  that are positioned on opposite sides of the mixing tub  14 . Each L-shaped support  58  has a first arm  62  extending in a first direction  66  (e.g., a vertical direction as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and a second arm  70  extending in a second direction  74  (e.g., a horizontal direction as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The L-shaped supports  58  are oriented such that the first arms  62  of each L-shaped support  58  are aligned and the second arms  70  of each L-shaped supports  58  are aligned. Additionally, each L-shaped support  58  includes a wheel  78  rotatably coupled to the first arm  62  of the L-shaped support. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the wheels  78  help to transport the concrete mixer  10  when the stand  18  is in the closed configuration. 
     The L-shaped supports  58  are spaced apart from one another and are connected to one another by first and second cross bars  82 ,  86 , respectively. The first cross bar  82  extends between the first arms  62  of the L-shaped supports  58  and the second cross bar  86  extends between the second arms  70  of the L-shaped supports  58 . In addition, a brace  90  extends between the first arm  62  and the second arm  70  of each L-shaped support. The main frame  46  supports the mixing tub  14  via the braces  90 . However, in other embodiments, the mixing tub  14  is supported by other parts of the main frame  46 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary frame  50  rotatably couples the mixing tub  14  to the main frame  46 . Specifically, the secondary frame  50  includes a hub  94  coupled to the mixing tub  14 , and a pair of linkages  98  coupled to the main frame  46 . The secondary frame  50  has a generally U-shaped body that wraps around the bottom wall  34  of the mixing tub  14  and extends along opposite sides of the mixing tub  14 . The hub  94  is coupled to the bottom wall  34  of the mixing tub  14 , while the linkages  98  extend from the hub  94 , around the bottom of the mixing tub  14 , and at least partially along opposite sides of the mixing tub  14 . 
     The linkages  98  are rotatably coupled to the braces  90  on the main frame  46  at a distal end  102  of the linkages  98 . This connection allows the mixing tub  14  to pivot relative to the main frame  46  about a first axis  106 . For example, the mixing tub  14  can be pivoted downward to pour concrete out of the mixing tub  14 . Similarly, the mixing tub  14  can also pivot relative to the main frame  46  in order to maintain an upwards position to prevent concrete from spilling when the stand  18  is converted between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In other embodiments, the linkages  98  can be coupled to other parts of the main frame  46  or may be fixedly coupled to the main frame  46  such that the mixing tub  14  cannot rotate. 
     In some embodiments, the mixing tub  14  is also rotatably coupled to the hub  94  such that the mixing tub  14  is capable of spinning about a second axis  110  ( FIG. 3 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary frame  50  also includes handles  114  extending outwardly from the hub  94 . The handles  114  enable a user to pivot the mixing tub  14  about the first axis  106  to pour the concrete. 
     The base frame  54  is rotatably coupled to the main frame  46  via the first arms  62  of the L-shaped supports  58 . The base frame  54  also includes two generally L-shaped supports  118  that are positioned on opposite sides of the mixing tub  14 . Each L-shaped support  118  has a first leg  122  extending in the first direction  66  (e.g., a vertical direction as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and a second leg  126  extending in the second direction  74  (e.g., a horizontal direction as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The L-shaped supports  58  are oriented such that the first legs  122  of each L-shaped support  118  are aligned and the second legs  126  of each L-shaped support  118  are aligned. The L-shaped supports  118  of the base frame  54  are spaced apart from one another and are connected to one another by a third cross bar  130 . The third cross bar  130  extends between the second legs  126  of the L-shaped supports  118 . Each L-shaped support  118  of the base frame  54  corresponds to an L-shaped support  58  of the main frame  46 . 
     The base frame  54  is connected to the main frame  46  by hinges  134  that rotatably couple L-shaped supports  118  of the base frame  54  to corresponding L-shaped supports  58  of the main frame  46 . Each hinge  134  connects the first arm  62  to the first leg  122  of corresponding L-shaped supports  58 ,  118 . Each hinge  134  includes a pivot member  138 , a locking member  142 , and a bracket  146 . In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot member  138  is a shaft extending through the first arm  62  and the first leg  122  of each pair of corresponding L-shaped supports  58 ,  118 . The pivot member  138  allows the first leg  122  to pivot relative to the first arm  62 , which therefore, enables the entire base frame  54  to pivot relative to the main frame  46 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member  142  is a locking pin that extends through the first arm  62  and the first leg  122  of each pair of corresponding L-shaped supports  58 ,  118 . The locking member  142  can be selectively removed from the stand  18 . When the locking member  142  is inserted through the first arm  62  and the first leg  122 , the base frame  54  and the main frame  46  are rotatably fixed. When the locking member  142  is removed from the first arm  62  and first leg  122 , the base frame  54  and the main frame  46  are rotatable relative to one another. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket  146  functions as a rotation limiter  150  when the stand  18  is in the open configuration and functions as a support foot  154  when the stand  18  is in the closed configuration. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the bracket  146  is capable of limiting the degree of rotation of the base frame  54  relative to the main frame  46 . The bracket  146  is coupled to and rotates with the first leg  122 . The bracket  146  includes a rotation limiter  150  that extends across both the first arm  62  and the first leg  122  in order to stop rotation of the first leg  122  relative to the first arm  62 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the bracket  146  functions as a foot  154  to support the concrete mixer  10 . Specifically, the brackets  146  and the wheels  78  engage a ground surface to support the concrete mixer  10  when in the closed configuration. 
     The concrete mixer  10  can convert between an open configuration and a closed configuration by rotating the base frame  54  relative to the main frame  46 . When in the open configuration ( FIGS. 1-6 ), the base frame  54  is rotated in first rotational direction  158  relative to the main frame  46  (e.g., counterclockwise in  FIGS. 2 and 9 ). When in the open configuration the main frame  46  and the base frame  54  form a C-shape when viewed from the side, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this configuration, the corresponding first arms  62  and the first legs  122  are oriented parallel to one another. The second legs  126  and the third cross bar  130  engage a ground surface to support the main frame  46  above the ground. The second arms  70  support the mixing tub  14  above a pouring location, such as the ground or a wheel barrow, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other words, the first arms  62  and first legs  122  extend in the first direction  66 , while the second arms  70  and second legs  126  extend in the second direction  74 . The open configuration is often used during operation in order to pour the concrete. 
     When in the closed configuration ( FIGS. 8-13 ), the base frame  54  is rotated in a second rotational direction  162  (e.g., clockwise in  FIGS. 2 and 9 ). When in the closed configuration, the main frame  46  and the base frame  54  form a square shape. In this configuration, the first arms  62  and first legs  122  are oriented perpendicular to one another. The second arms  70  and the first legs  122  extend in the second direction  66 , while the first arms  62  and the second legs  126  extend in the first direction  74 . The first arms  62  are positioned generally parallel to the ground surface in order to enable the wheels  78  to engage the ground surface. In addition, the brackets  146  engage the ground and function as support feet, which cooperate with the wheels  78  to support the concrete mixer  10 . 
     When the brackets  146  engage the ground surface, the brackets  146  prevent the concrete mixer  10  from unintentionally rolling away. To transport the concrete mixer  10 , the stand  18  can be pivoted such that the brackets  146  disengage the ground and the concrete mixer  10  is supported by only the wheels  78 . The wheels  78  can then be used to help transport the concrete mixer  10 . The second cross bar  86  can be grasped by a user to help tip the concrete mixer  10  onto the wheels  78 . The closed configuration is often used to transport the concrete mixer  10 . However, the closed configuration can also be used during operation to pour the concrete. When in the closed configuration, the mixing tub  14  is supported at a lower height above the ground surface (i.e., relative to a support surface) than when in the open configuration. Accordingly, the open configuration and closed configuration can also be used to support the mixing tub  14  at different heights above the ground surface. 
       FIGS. 14-18  illustrate another embodiment of a concrete mixer  310 . The concrete mixer  310  includes a mixing tub  314  and a stand  318 . The mixing tub  314  is generally cylindrical in shape and includes an annular side wall  322  extending between a closed end  326  and an open end  330 . The closed end  326  is formed by a bottom wall  334 . In other embodiments, the mixing tub  314  can be other shapes and sizes suitable to hold concrete. 
     The stand  318  includes a main frame  346  and a base frame  354 . The main frame  346  includes a column  338  that supports the mixing tub  314  at different heights relative to the ground surface (i.e., relative to a support surface). In some embodiments, the column  338  is a telescoping column  338  that is capable of extending between at least a first length and a second length. The main frame  346  also includes a pair of handles  342  extending outwardly from the column  338  to allow a user to maneuver and control the concrete mixer  310 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 18 , the mixing tub  314  is removably coupled to the main frame  346  by detachable connection  358 . In the illustrated embodiment, the concrete mixing tub  314  is removably attached to the stand  318  by a locking pin connection  362 . The locking pin connection  362  includes a male part  366  extending from the main frame  346 , which is inserted into a female part  370  extending from the bottom wall  334  of the mixing tub  314 . In other embodiments, the male part  366  may extend from the bottom wall  334  of the mixing tub  314  and the female part may extend from the main frame  346 . Once the male part  366  and the female part  370  are engaged, a locking pin  374  extends transversely through holes  382  in both the male and female parts  366 ,  370  to couple the mixing tub  314  to the main frame  346 . The mixing tub  314  can be detached from the stand  318  by removing the locking pin  374  and disengaging the male part  366  from the female part  370 . 
     The base frame  354  includes a transport leg  386  and a stationary leg  390 . The transport leg  386  and the stationary leg  390  extend outwardly from the column  338  and away from one another. The transport leg  386  has a triangular shape and includes a set of wheels  378  to help transport the concrete mixer  310 . The stationary leg  390  has a triangular shape and includes a foot  394  to prevent the concrete mixer  310  from rolling away when the concrete mixer  310  is not being transported. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot  394  is formed by an elongated tubular member, however, in other embodiments, the foot  394  can be other shapes and sizes. To transport the concrete mixer  310 , a user can pull upward on the handles  342  to lift the foot  394 . Once the foot  394  is disengaged from the ground surface the user can tilt the stand  318  towards the transport leg  386  to transfer the weight of the concrete mixer  310  over the wheels  378  and begin to roll the concrete mixer  310  to the work location. Once the work location is reached, the foot  394  can be lowered to engage the ground and prevent unwanted movement of the concrete mixer  310 . In the illustrated embodiment, the foot  394  extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel to further prevent unwanted movement of the concrete mixer  310 . 
     The concrete mixers disclosed herein provide a user with adjustability to position the mixing tub in different orientations and heights. The concrete mixers also provide a user with mobility to transport the concrete easily and efficiently. Additionally, the mixing tub can be removed entirely from the stand through a simple detachment mechanism, which does not require additional tools. 
     Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.