Patent Publication Number: US-11661714-B2

Title: Boom attachment for a host vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/906,940, filed Jun. 19, 2020, now allowed, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/149,975, filed Oct. 2, 2018, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 10,689,812, issued Jun. 23, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/319,543, filed Dec. 16, 2016, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 10,087,587, issued on Oct. 2, 2018, which claims priority to PCT/US2015/067483, filed on Dec. 22, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/096,001, filed Dec. 23, 2014, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Devices for road widening and creating shoulders are known in the road construction industry. During construction of roads and shoulders, the soil must be compacted in order to prevent settling. Soil compaction is relatively straight-forward on level surfaces, however; inclined surfaces present can be difficult to properly compact as the compactor may become unstable and topple and/or slide. 
     Another feature of known devices is that they are self-propelled. Many of the devices include large engines with transmissions for moving the devices. Some examples include drivable, rolling compactors. These devices add considerable transportation issues and costs to the project. 
     Additionally, the shoulder of a roadway often includes a pitch or slope away from the road. This slope helps drainage and ensures a safer roadway. The further the distance from the roadway, the steeper the pitch may be. There may also be hills to the side of a road with an increasing grade that requires compaction. In order to provide a proper foundation for the road, the entire shoulder and surrounding area need to be properly compacted. 
     Due to the positive or negative slope, conventional compaction equipment like the above-mentioned rolling compactors is known to topple and roll over. This can cause bodily harm and even death as compaction equipment varies in weight from a hundred pounds to thousands of pounds. It can also be expensive to transport and operate large equipment. 
     What is therefore needed in the road construction industry is a low-cost device that may be pushed by another vehicle such as a skid steer, thus eliminating the need for an engine and drivetrain. Also needed is a device that can compact the sloped shoulders of a roadway without the risk of tipping the vehicle. Another feature needed is a device that is constructed in a lightweight design, allowing for easier mobility, repairs, reduced costs, lower fuel consumption, and less maintenance. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     A skid steer rolling compactor attachment may be formed from a universal attachment plate configured to attach to the skid steer. A boom may extend from the attachment plate and articulate/move in a plurality of axis with at least one hinge. The hinge(s) may allow a roller attached to the boom opposite the attachment plate to compact a ground surface to the side of the skid steer as the skid steer travels forward. 
     The skid steer rolling compactor attachment may further include a boom attached to the skid steer with at least one articulating hinge. The articulating hinge may be configured to allow the boom to articulate in at least one axis. A roller may be attached to the boom opposite the articulating hinge. The skid steer may be driven forward, or in any direction of travel. In order to compact the ground to the side of the skid steer, the roller may be moved to a side of the skid steer perpendicular to the direction of travel. The roller may then be lowered to contact a ground surface perpendicular to the direction of travel. The ground surface may then be compacted on the side of the skid steer as the skid steer is driven forward. 
     The invention may include one or more of the characteristics discussed above in various combinations, thus, allowing for a reduced labor time and labor effort when compacting ground on a job site. These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention and of the constructions and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like references numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective right side view of an inventive articulating rolling compactor attachment device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective left side view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  1    with the boom articulating side to side in various positions shown in ghost images; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  1    with the boom articulating up and down in various positions shown in ghost images; 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  1    with the roller pivoting in a ghost image; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a rear view of a skid steer with the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  1    attached and in operation; and 
         FIG.  6 B  is a rear view of a skid steer with the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  1    attached and in operation; and 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective right side view of an inventive articulating rolling compactor attachment device, according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective left side view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a top view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  7    with the boom articulating side to side in various positions shown in ghost images; 
         FIG.  10    is a side view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  7    with the boom articulating up and down in various positions shown in ghost images; 
         FIG.  11    is a front view of the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  7    with the roller pivoting in a ghost image; 
         FIG.  12 A  is a rear view of a skid steer with the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  7    attached and in operation; 
         FIG.  12 B  is a rear view of a skid steer with the articulating rolling compactor attachment device of  FIG.  7    attached and in operation; and 
         FIG.  13    depicts an embodiment of a roller having an external mount for a spray bar. 
     
    
    
     In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Skid steers are commonly used in construction sides as the power source for a number of attachments. As they are commonly used to move aggregate, dirt, or other debris, they are typically present during road construction. Skid steers are also considerably less expensive than other earth-moving construction equipment and for this reason they are preferable for use in road construction. For example, there are many ways to move a mound of gravel. In order to minimize costs and maximize profits companies routinely seek the most efficient way to get things done. In this example, a skid steer is typically the most economical way to move the gravel. An added benefit of the skid steer is that there are a number of attachments that can be attached to the skid steer. As a result, a single skid steer can be configured to perform the tasks of a number of different earth-moving equipment. 
     The inventive skid steer attachment is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . The articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  is configured for attachment to a skid steer  26  as specifically shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the attachment plate  14  may include any number of holes, bosses, fittings, or any other attachment device to connect to a skid steer. The attachment plate  14  is preferably constructed of a resilient material such as steel, but any other known material may be used. In order to provide a universal compatibility, the attachment plate  14  preferably has more than one attachment device so that it can attach to any number of unique skid steers  26 . Alternatively, the attachment plate may connect to any vehicle, not just skid steers  26 . 
     Regardless of the propulsion vehicle, the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  may have independent controls that allow operation totally independent from the host vehicle. In such a configuration, the boom  16  may be operated to extend, pivot, spin, rotate, or articulate in any direction. It is to be understood pivot, twist, spin, turn, and the like all mean movement in any direction with respect to not only the boom but any part of the invention. The movement is not to be limited to only a certain type of movement in one axis but complete freedom of motion in all directions. Preferably the boom  16  will be hydraulically operated with an independent hydraulic assembly, but it may tap into the existing hydraulics of the host vehicle. Also, electronic actuators may be used to provide articulation power. A joystick or lever controller may also be employed to articulate the boom  16 , whether independent or pre-existing on the host vehicle. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the boom  16  is attached to the attachment plate  14  about a pivot hinge  18  and a lift hinge  40 . A lift cylinder  58  may be actuated from within the skid steer  26  to raise and lower the boom  16 . A pivot cylinder  52 , seen for example in  FIG.  3   , may also be actuated to cause the boom  16  to pivot about the pivot hinge  18 . 
     On the opposing side of the boom, opposite the attachment plate  14 , the roller  12  may twist about a twist hinge  24  with the use of a twist cylinder  36 . The twist cylinder  36  is attached to the boom  16  and causes the roller  12  to twist about the twist hinge  24  when actuated. This twisting motion allows the roller  12  to be properly oriented alongside the skid steer so that it can properly compact the ground to the side of the skid steer. 
     An added joint may be included proximate the twist hinge  24  such as a tilt hinge  38 . The tilt hinge  38  connects a frame  20  that supports the roller  12  to the boom  16 . When a tilt cylinder  34  is actuated, it causes the frame  20  to tilt in one direction or the other. For added stability, a tilt cylinder  34  is attached to the frame  20  on each side of the boom  16 . The tilt hinge  38  thus allows the roller  12  to pivot about the horizontal axis. The roller  12  is therefore allowed to pivot which enables compaction along an inclined slope as the skid steer  26  is driven forward along the adjacent level road. In this configuration, the skid steer  26  never needs to come in contact with the incline and can remain on the level road which promotes safety. 
     As previously mentioned, the roller  12  may also be suspended from the boom  16  by a frame  20 . The frame  20  may cradle the roller  12  and attach to its central axis with bearings  22 . The bearings  22  allow the roller  12  to roll without binding on the boom  16 . While the roller  12  is rolling about the bearings  22 , an adjustable scraper  42  may be inclined on each side of the roller  12 . The adjustable scrapers  42  attach to the frame  20  and are positioned to scrape off any debris stuck onto the roller  12  as it rotates. A side plate  44  may also be attached on each side of the roller  12  to the frame  20  which protect the sides of the roller  12 . A guide  46  may further stiffen the side plates  44  to provide structural rigidity to the frame  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , when pivoting the boom  16  about the pivot hinge  18 , the boom  16  may pivot to a fully turned right position  48 , a centered position  64 , and to a fully turned left position  50 . The boom  16  may also be pivoted anywhere in between the respective fully turned positions. The pivot hinge  18  joins the boom  16  to the attachment plate and is powered by a pivot cylinder  52  which may be remotely actuated from within the skid steer  26 . Regardless of the amount of articulating hinges, and regardless of the specific location of each hinge, the roller  12  may be placed in any desired location and oriented in any desired manner. The articulation allows the roller  12  to be placed above the host vehicle and also to the side of the vehicle. Similarly, the articulation allows the roller to be placed below the host vehicle and to the side. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the boom  16  may also be lifted and lowered about the lift hinge  40  with a lift cylinder  58 . The boom  16  may be raised to a fully raised position  54  and lowered to a fully lowered position  56  through remote actuation of the lift cylinder  58 . This articulation allows for proper placement of the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  on a sloped surface while keeping the skid steer  26  on a safe and level road. 
     Moving on to  FIG.  5   , the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  may be operated by actuating the tilt cylinders  34  such that the frame  20  and the supported roller  16  is tilted from a centered position  60  to a fully tiled position  62 . While the roller  12  is shown tilted in a ghost image in only one direction, the plurality of tilt cylinders  34  allow the frame to tilt about the tilt hinge  38  in either direction. As previously discussed, this articulation allows for proper placement of the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  on a sloped surface while keeping the skid steer  26  on a safe and level road. 
     As is shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , the boom  16  may be articulated to place the roller  12  to the side of the skid steer  26  to compact the ground on the included slope  32  and eliminate the danger of a roll-over. Known rolling compactors would normally be driven directly on the inclined slope  32  and thus be prone to toppling over and causing injury to workers. Skid steer attachment devices also require the skid steer to be driven on the inclined surface. 
       FIG.  6 A  indicates an inclined slope  32  with a positive incline, the boom  16  may also articulate for a negative slope as shown in  FIG.  6 B  or centered for a level road  30 . The inventive articulating rolling compactor  10  may pivot the boom  16  about the pivot hinge  18  such that it is at an approximately 90 degrees to the front portion of the skid steer  26 . The roller  12  may then be twisted about the twist hinge  24  to place the central, longitudinal axis of the roller, or the bearing  22  axis perpendicular to the side of the skid steer  26  as is shown. In this orientation the roller  12  may be in contact with the inclined slope  32  to the side of the skid steer  26  while the skid steer  26  is driven on the level road  30  in a forward direction. An additional benefit is that the wheels  28 , or tracks, of the skid steer  26  may remain in contact with the relatively flat and level road  30  while compacting the inclined slope  32  to the side. The skid steer  26  may then drive forward and parallel to the inclined slope  32  while compacting at the same time. 
     The roller  12  may include any known compaction roller such as a water-filled drum. Alternatively, the roller may include a vibration system within the drum. The boom  16  may also be adjusted such that a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the inclined slope  32  ensuring adequate compaction with minimal strain on the boom  16 . Monitoring the pressure also ensures that the downward force from the boom  16  does not cause the skid steer  26  to topple. It is also envisioned that counterweights or ballast may be added to the skid steer  26  to further inhibit toppling. 
     It is also envisioned that the articulating rolling compactor  10  cam be attached to any vehicle, not just a skid steer  26 . For example, it is envisioned that the articulating rolling compactor  10  may be attached to a traditional drivable rolling compactor allowing the operator to compact the level road  30  surface and the inclined slope  32  at the same time. 
     Referring next to  FIGS.  7 - 12   , an articulating rolling compactor  110  is shown according to another embodiment of the invention. The articulating rolling compactor attachment  110  is designed to attach to a skid steer  126  via an attachment plate  114 , which is further shown in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B . As shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the attachment plate  114  may include any number of holes, bosses, fittings, or any other attachment devices in order to couple with the skid steer  126 . The attachment plate  114  is constructed from a resilient material such as steel, but other known materials may also be used in other embodiments of the invention. In order to be universally compatible with the variety of skid steers on the market, the attachment plate  114  may include more than one attachment device in order to be attached to any skid steer  126 . 
     In addition, the attachment plate  114  may be coupled to any vehicle, not just a skid steer. In addition, the attachment plate  114  may be oriented at an angle from vertical. For example, the attachment plate  114  may be oriented forward at 10 degrees from vertical in order to tilt the attachment plate  114  forward 10 degrees. In other embodiments of the invention, the attachment plate  114  may be tilted more or less than 10 degrees in either the forward or rearward direction. By orienting the attachment plate  114  at a forward angle, the attachment plate  114  becomes easier to couple and decouple from the skid steer  126 . Further, the range of motion vertical range of motion of the articulating rolling compactor attachment  110 . 
     The articulating rolling compactor attachment  110  may include independent controls that allow operation independent from the host vehicle  126 . In such a configuration, a boom  116  may be operated to pivot, spin, rotate, and/or articulate in any direction. The terms pivot, twist, spin, turn, and the like may mean movement in any direction with respect to not only the boom, but any part of the invention. The movement is not limited to only a certain type of movement in one axis but complete freedom of motion in all directions. The boom  116  may be hydraulically operated with an independent hydraulic assembly. On the other hand, it is contemplated that the boom  116  may tap into the existing hydraulics of the host vehicle  126 . Electronic actuators may also be used to provide articulation power. A joystick, lever controller, or a plurality of pushbuttons may also be used to articulate the boom  116 , either independently or preexisting on the host vehicle  126 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7 - 12   , the boom  116  is attached to the attachment plate  115  about a pivot hinge  118  and a lift hinge  140 . A hydraulic lift cylinder  158  may be actuated from within the skid steer  126  to move the boom  116  about the lift hinge  140  in order to raise and lower the boom  116 . Similarly, a hydraulic pivot cylinder  152  may be actuated to cause the boom  116  to move about the pivot hinge  118  in order to move the boom  116  side to side, as further shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     On the side of the boom  116  opposite the attachment plate  114 , a roller  112  is coupled to the boom  116  about a twist hinge  124  and a tilt hinge  138 . A hydraulic twist cylinder  136  may be actuated from within the skid steer  126  to twist the roller  112  about the twist hinge  124 . The twisting motion allows the roller  112  to be properly oriented alongside the skid steer  126  so that it can properly compact the ground to the side of the skid steer  126 . A hydraulic tilt cylinder  134  may be actuated from within the skid steer  126  to tilt the roller  112  about the tilt hinge  138  in one direction or the other. The tilt hinge  136  thus allows the roller  112  to pivot about the horizontal axis to enable compaction along an inclined slope as the skid steer  126  is driven forward along the adjacent level road. 
     The roller  112  may also be suspended from the boom  116  by a frame  120 . The frame  120  may cradle the roller  112  and attach to its central axis with bearings  122 . The bearings  122  allow the roller  112  to roll without binding on the boom  116 . While the roller  112  is rolling about the bearings  122 , an adjustable scraper  142  may be included on one or both sides of the roller  112 . That is, while  FIGS.  7 - 8    depict the scraper  142  as being located on both sides of the roller  112 , it may be located on only the front side of the roller  112 , only the back side of the roller  112 , or both sides of the roller  112 . The adjustable scraper  142  may be attached to the frame  120  and positioned in order to scrape of any debris stuck onto the roller  112  as it rotates. A side plate  144  may also be attached to the frame  120  on either end of the roller  112  in order to protect the sides of the roller  112 . White  FIGS.  7 - 8    depict the side plate  144  as being disposed on the right end of the roller  112 , it is contemplated that the side plate  144  may be located on either the right end, the left end, or both ends of the roller  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , the boom  116  may be pivoted side to side about the pivot hinge  118 . The boom  116  may pivot to a fully turned right position  148 , a centered position  164 , a fully turned left position  150 , and any location in between. The pivot hinge  118  joins the boom  116  to the attachment plate  114  and is powered by the pivot cylinder  152 , which may be remotely actuated from within the skid steer  126 . This articulation allows the roller  112  to be placed to either side of the host vehicle  126 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the boom  116  may be lifted and lowered about the lift hinge  140  by the lift cylinder  158 . The boom  116  may be raised to a fully raised position  154 , lowered to a fully lowered position  156 , or placed at any location in between through remote actuation of the lift cylinder  158 . This articulation allows the roller  112  to be placed above or below the host vehicle  126 . In turn, the roller  112  is able to be placed in contact with a surface above or below the safe and level road upon which the host vehicle  126  is situated. 
     Next,  FIG.  11    shows the roller  112  and frame  120  being tilted about the tilt hinge  138  by actuating the tilt cylinder  134 . The frame  120  and roller  112  may be tilted from a centered position  160  to a fully tilted position  162  and anywhere in between. While the roller  112  is shown tilted in a ghost image in only one direction, the roller  112  is able to tilt about the tilt hinge  138  in either direction. This articulation allows for proper placement of the articulating rolling compactor attachment  10  on a sloped surface while keeping the skid steer  126  on a safe and level road. 
       FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  further depict the articulating rolling compactor attachment  110  in use. The boom  116  may be articulated to place the roller  112  to the side of the skid steer  126  to compact the ground on the angled slope  132  and eliminate the danger of a roll-over. That is, the skid steer  126  need not be drive directly on the angled slope  132 , which reduces the risk of toppling over and causing injury to workers. 
       FIG.  12 A  depicts the angled slope  132  with an incline, while  FIG.  12 B  depicts the angled slope  132  with a decline. The articulating rolling compactor  110  may pivot the boom  116  about the pivot hinge  118  such that it is at an approximately 90 degrees to the front portion of the skid steer  126 . The roller  112  may the be twisted about the twist hinge  124  to place the central, longitudinal axis of the roller, or the bearings  22  axis perpendicular to the side of the skid steer  126  as is shown. In this orientation, the roller  112  may be in contact with the angled slope  132  to the side of the skid steer  126 , while the skid steer  126  is driven on the level road  130  in a forward direction. An additional benefit is that the wheels  128  or tracks of the skid steer  126  may remain in contact with the relatively flat and level road  130  while compacting the angled slope  132  to the side. The skid steer  126  may then drive forward and parallel to the angled slope  132  while compacting the same. 
     The roller  112  may include any known compaction roller such as a water-filled drum. Alternatively, the roller  12  may include a vibration system within the drum to assist in compacting. The boom  116  may also be adjusted such that a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the angled slope  132  ensuring adequate compaction with minimal strain on the boom  116 . Monitoring the pressure also ensures that the downward force from the boom  116  does not cause the skid steer  126  to topple. It is also envisioned that counterweights or a ballast may be added to the skid steer  126  to further inhibit toppling. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 12   , the boom  116  may be in the form of a hollow tube with a plurality of walls, as oppose to the u-shape boom  16  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . While the representative embodiment of the invention depicts the boom  116  as having four (4) walls, the boom  116  may include any number of walls to form the hollow tube structure. This design results in improved fortification of the design and protection of the hydraulic and hinge components of the articulating rolling compactor  10 . For instance, the hydraulic lines may be run through the interior of the hollow tube structure and, therefore, be protected from environmental elements. In addition, the boom  116  may include a cover  146  disposed opposite the attachment plate  114  to protect hydraulic and hinge components at the distal end of the boom  116 , such as the twist hinge  124  and twist cylinder  136 . 
     In varying embodiments of the invention, the hydraulic pivot cylinder  152 , the hydraulic lift cylinder  158 , the hydraulic tilt cylinder  134 , and the hydraulic twist cylinder  136  may be prioritized over other systems, such as motor systems. As a result, response time of the hydraulic cylinders is minimized, which allows for immediate response of the hydraulic cylinders to commands. 
     Further, the hydraulic lift cylinder  158  may include a counter balance valve in order to maintain control of the down pressure of the roller  112 . In particular, the counter balance allows the hydraulic lift cylinder  158  to maintain pressure to prevent the boom  116  from moving upward when the roller  112  is pushed into the ground to compact the ground surface. 
     Varying embodiments of the invention may use other host vehicles  126 , not just a skid steer. For example, it is envisioned that the articulating rolling compactor  110  may be attached to a traditional drivable rolling compactor allowing the operator to compact the level road  130  surface and the angled slope  132  at the same time. 
       FIG.  13    depicts an embodiment of a roller  212  that can be used with any of the foregoing embodiments of the roller compacter attachment  10 ,  110  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 12   . As shown in the schematic, partially exploded view of  FIG.  13   , the roller  212  includes an external mount  268  for a spray bar  270 . A plurality nozzles can be clipped to spray bar  270  so that water can be sprayed onto the drum of the roller  212  through such nozzles. A water reservoir feeding the spray nozzles may be carried by the host vehicle  26 ,  126  (shown in  FIGS.  6  and  12   ) or on the roller compacter attachment  10 ,  110  (shown in  FIGS.  1 - 12   ). Advantageously, a roller  212  configured to include spray nozzles can be used for asphalt applications in which water from the spray nozzles is used to prevent the asphalt from sticking to the drum and damaging the newly rolled asphalt mat. Thus, providing the external mount  268  allows for incorporation of a spray bar  270  so that the roller compacter attachment  10 ,  110  is better suited for asphalt applications. Further, the external mount  268  is positioned proximal to a scraper bar  272 . The scraper bar  272  also helps to keep the drum free of material buildup, and by positioning the external mount  268  proximal to the scraper bar  272 , water can be held between the scraper bar  272  and the drum of the roller  212  to keep the drum clean and lubricated. 
     As can also be seen in  FIG.  13   , the external mount  268  includes a first sidewall  274  and a second sidewall  276  attached to the frame  220  of the roller  212 . The sidewalls  274 ,  276  include apertures  278  through which the spray bar  270  can be inserted. One or more brackets  280  secured with a fastener  282  can be used to keep the spray bar  270  in place. It should be noted that a variety of different third-party spray bars may be used with the disclosed external mount  268 , and the particular depiction of the spray bar  270  should not be construed as limiting. In embodiments, the scraper bar  272  is also mounted to the external mount  268 . As can be seen, each end of the scraper bar  272  is rotatably coupled to the external mount  268 , and springs  284  provide tension on the scraper bar  272  to keep it in contact with the drum of the roller  212 . 
     Although the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive. 
     It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.