FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a road marker removal device, vehicle and system, and method therefor. Specifically but not solely it relates to a device that can be attached to a vehicle such as road sweeper truck to remove audio tactile profiled markers from roads preparatory to road resurfacing.

BACKGROUND

Audio Tactile Profiled (ATP) road markings can create audible sounds when a vehicle is driven over them. They can also create a tactile response. These responses make drivers less likely to leave the road or lane that they are travelling on.

ATP road markings include a continuous and/or discontinuous strip that may have raised ribs that can be presented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the road. They may be closely spaced continuously or at regular intervals along or adjacent to other road marking lines. The raised ribs can provide visibility to a conventional flat line in wet-night conditions and during rain. As such ATP road markings are potentially a very powerful and cost effective road safety intervention.

ATP road markings can be a plastic such as a thermoplastic that is deposited on the road surface, usually in a hot and preferably molten state. This helps with deposition, profile formation and surface adhesion. Alternatively, the ATP road markings can be a cold applied plastic.

In preparation for road resurfacing, the ATP markings need to be removed. This is traditionally done by using water blasting. Water blasting sends parts of the ATP road markings in different directions, making it difficult to then collect the removed material for appropriate disposal. Water blasting can remove the ATP road markings without heating the ATP road markings. If the ATP road markings are heated to a level where they become more plastic, they are prone to re-adhesion at other locations to the road surface after removal. Grinding the ATP road markings is another removal method. However, such is prone to turning the ATP road markings into a dust or fine powder that is difficult to collect. Grinding also heats the ATP road markings which can have the disadvantages as mentioned above and/ or cause the grinder to become clogged. Grinding can also cause debris collection issues.

Some road markings may include a continuous ATP road marking on top of which, or adjacent to which, discontinuous, regular or irregular, ATP road markings may be provided. Such variation in the way in which ATP road markings are provided to road surfaces has meant that removal techniques that can be reactively controlled by an operator are preferred.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for removal of road marking that at least addresses the above mentioned disadvantages and/ or will at least provide a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention may be broadly said to be a device for removal of a marking or markings from a road surface, the device adapted for attachment to a road vehicle that has a collection system for collection of material detached from the road surface by the device, the device comprising:

a frame or housing;

a riding member attached to the frame or housing for riding on the road surface;

a mounting structure for attachment of the device to the road vehicle, the mounting structure being adapted, when the device is attached by the mounting structure to the vehicle, for selectively lifting and supporting the frame or housing at an elevated position clear of the road marking or markings and the road surface, or lowering the frame or housing to a deployed position in which the frame or housing is supported by the riding member which is then in contact with the road surface; and a tool mounted to the frame or housing, the tool presenting an impact surface; and a prime mover adapted for driving the tool and thereby impacting the impact surface against the marking or markings on the road surface when the frame or housing is in the deployed position and over the marking or markings.

Preferably the tool presents the impact surface at an underside of the frame or housing.

Preferably the frame or housing comprises an enclosure which houses the tool, and the tool presents the impact surface at an aperture at the underside of the enclosure.

Preferably the mounting structure comprises an attachment member adapted for attachment to a portion of a frame or chassis of the vehicle.

Preferably the attachment member is a plate.

Preferably the plate comprises through holes in which fasteners may be located for attachment of the plate to the portion of the frame or chassis of the vehicle.

Preferably the mounting structure comprises at least one arm, one end of the or each arm being pivotally attached to the frame or housing of the device, and the opposite end of the or each arm being pivotally attached to the attachment member.

Alternatively, the mounting structure comprises a pair of mutually parallel arms that are located on respective opposite sides of the frame or housing, one end of each arm being pivotally attached to a respective side of the frame or housing of the device, and the opposite end of each arm being pivotally attached to the attachment member.

Preferably each arm is provided by a respective turnbuckle.

Preferably the mounting structure comprises at least one lifting arm, one end of the lifting arm being attached to the attachment member, and the opposite end of the lifting arm being attached to the frame or housing of the device. Preferably the mounting structure comprises an actuator arranged and adapted for selectively lifting and lowering the frame or housing between the elevated position and the deployed position.

Preferably the actuator is connected between the lifting arm and the attachment member. Preferably the tool comprises a cutter.

Preferably the cutter comprises a rotatable cutter drum having an axis that, in use of the device, is aligned substantially parallel to the road surface and substantially perpendicular to an intended direction of travel of the road vehicle, the cutter drum comprising:

an axial drum shaft;

two end flanges that are mounted respectively on opposite end portions of the axial drum shaft;

blade mounting shafts that are supported between the end flanges and are parallel to, and evenly arranged about, the axial drum shaft; and

toothed milling cutters that are mounted respectively on each blade mounting shaft.

Preferably the teeth of the milling cutters together provide the impact surface.

Preferably the milling cutters on respective blade mounting shafts are axially offset from one another so that the milling cutters together provide a continuous impact swathe.

Preferably the blade mounting shafts are supported by gussets that are attached to the axial drum shaft between the end flanges, the gussets being axially offset from one another.

Preferably the road vehicle has an intended forward direction of travel and the drum is rotatable by the prime mover for impacting the impact surface against the marking or markings in a rearward direction that is opposite to the intended forward direction of travel.

Preferably the device comprises a chisel presented in a position for dislodging at least a substantial part of the marking or markings on the road surface in advance of the tool. Preferably the chisel is positioned for dislodging at least a substantial part of the marking or markings on the road surface along a line of travel and the tool is positioned for impacting the impact surface against the marking or markings on the road surface along the same line of travel.

Alternatively, the chisel is positioned for dislodging at least a substantial part of the marking or markings on the road surface along a line of travel and the tool is positioned for impacting the impact surface against the marking or markings on the road surface along a line of travel that is adjacent to the line of travel of the chisel.

Preferably the tool comprises a chisel presented in a position for dislodging at least a substantial part of the road marking or markings along a line of travel.

Preferably the position of the chisel relative to the frame or housing is adjustable to effect adjustment of the line of travel of the chisel relative to the frame or housing.

Preferably the attachment of the riding member to the frame or housing is adjustable to effect an adjustment of the height of the impact surface presented by the tool, relative to the riding member.

Preferably the riding member comprises at least one sled, ski or runner adapted for sliding over the road surface.

Alternatively, the riding member comprises at least one wheel that is adapted for rolling over the road surface.

Preferably the riding member comprises two wheels that are adapted for rolling over the road surface and are attached respectively to opposite sides of the frame or housing.

Preferably the attachments of the two wheels to the opposite sides are independently adjustable to effect a differential adjustment of the height of each of the two wheels relative to respective ends of the impact surface presented by the tool.

Preferably the attachment of at least one of the two wheels is adjustable to effect an adjustment of the distance between the two wheels. Preferably the mounting structure extends rearwardly from the frame or housing, the two wheels are front wheels located forwardly of the tool, and the riding member also comprises at least one rear wheel located rearwardly of the tool.

Preferably the drum axis and the respective axes of the two wheels lie substantially on a common vertical plane.

Preferably the device comprises a spray nozzle for connection to a supply of a liquid.

Preferably the spray nozzle is arranged for distributing a spray of liquid from the supply onto the road marking or markings and the road surface, adjacent a front end of the frame or housing.

Preferably the liquid is water.

In a second aspect the present invention may be broadly said to be a road markings removal vehicle for removal of road markings from a road surface, the road markings removal vehicle comprising a device according to the above-mentioned first aspect of the invention, or any one or more of its preferences or alternatives, and a support structure, wherein the device is attached by the mounting structure to the support structure of the road markings removal vehicle, the road markings removal vehicle further comprising a collection system for collection of material detached from the road surface by the device.

Preferably the support structure is at a front end of the road markings removal vehicle.

Preferably the impact surface presented by the tool is substantially aligned direcdy in front of a driver position of the road markings removal vehicle.

Preferably the device comprises an aiming sight for use by a driver of the road markings removal vehicle to aid alignment of the impact surface relative to a marking or markings to be removed from the road surface.

Preferably the collection system is mounted to the road markings removal vehicle.

Preferably the collection system comprises a brush for repositioning material detached from the road surface by the device. Preferably the brush comprises a rotary brush.

Preferably the collection system comprises a grader blade for repositioning material detached from the road surface by the device.

Preferably the collection system comprises a collection vessel and a vacuum cleaner or vacuum pick-up device for transferring material detached from the road surface by the device to the collection vessel.

Preferably the collection vessel is mounted to the road markings removal vehicle.

In a third aspect the present invention may be broadly said to be a method of removing a marking or markings from a road surface, the method using a road markings removal vehicle according to the above-mentioned second aspect of the invention, or any one or more of its preferences, the method comprising:

lowering the frame or housing to the deployed position with the riding member in contact with the road surface and the frame or housing supported by the riding member;

activating the prime mover to drive the tool;

moving the road markings removal vehicle over the road surface;

aligning and traversing the tool on a line of travel so that the impact surface impacts against the marking or markings and detaches material from the marking or markings; and

using the collection system to collect the detached material.

Preferably the method comprises brushing the road surface with the brush to reposition the detached material.

Preferably the method comprises passing the grader blade over the road surface to reposition the detached material.

Preferably the method comprises using the vacuum cleaner or vacuum pick-up device to transfer the detached material to the collection vessel.

Preferably the method comprises activating the prime mover to rotate the cutter drum about the drum axis, and impacting the teeth of the milling cutters against the marking or markings, the direction of impact of the teeth being opposite to the direction of movement of the road markings removal vehicle.

Preferably the method comprises using the chisel to dislodge at least a substantial part of the road marking or markings in advance of the tool.

Preferably the method comprises adjusting the attachment of the riding member to the frame or housing to adjust the height of the impact surface relative to the road surface adjacent the marking or markings being impacted.

Preferably the method comprises applying the liquid to at least one of the tool, the marking or markings, and the road surface.

Preferably the liquid is applied to the marking or markings and to the road surface immediately in front of the frame or housing as the road markings removal vehicle moves over the road surface.

Preferably the marking or markings include at least one audio tactile profiled road marking.

Preferably the marking or markings comprise a thermoplastic or cold applied plastic material.

Preferably the marking or markings is/are deposited on top of the road surface.

In a fourth aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a device adapted for attachment to a road vehicle for removal of a marking or markings from a road surface, substantially as herein described with reference to, and/ or as illustrated in, any one or more of the accompanying figures.

In a fifth aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a road markings removal vehicle for removal of road markings from a road surface, substantially as herein described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, any one or more of the accompanying figures.

In a sixth aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a method of removing a marking or markings from a road surface, substantially as herein described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, any one or more of the accompanying figures. This specification describes a device for removal of road markings deposited on a road surface, the device comprising:

a frame or housing that is adapted to move over and be held above a road surface at where road marking(s) that are to be removed is/ are provided and that carries at least one tool selected from:

a cutter to cut or dislodge at least a substantial part of the road marking that is brought into contact therewith from said road surface, and

a chisel that is presented preferably in a position to travel in advance of the cutter and in a manner that can dislodge (a) discontinuous road marking and/ or (b) irregular parts of said first mentioned road marking and/ or foreign matter from said road surface.

This specification also describes a road markings removal vehicle to remove road markings deposited on a road surface, the vehicle adapted to present a device comprising:

a frame or housing that is adapted to move over and be held above a road surface at where road marking(s) that are to be removed is/ are provided and that carries at least one tool selected from:

a cutter to cut or dislodge at least a substantial part of the road marking that is brought into contact therewith from said road surface, and

a chisel that is presented preferably in a position to travel in advance of the cutter and in a manner that can dislodge (a) discontinuous road marking and/ or (b) irregular parts of said first mentioned road marking and/ or foreign matter from said road surface.

This specification also describes a system for removal of road markings deposited on a road surface, the system comprising a device that includes:

a frame or housing that is adapted to move over and be held above a road surface at where road marking(s) that are to be removed is/ are provided and that carries at least one tool selected from:

a cutter to cut or dislodge at least a substantial part of the road marking that is brought into contact therewith from said road surface, and

a chisel that is presented preferably in a position to travel in advance of the cutter and in a manner that can dislodge (a) discontinuous road marking and/ or (b) irregular parts of said first mentioned road marking and/ or foreign matter from said road surface.

The abovementioned device for removal of road markings deposited on a road surface, road markings removal vehicle, and system for removal of road markings deposited on a road surface may include the following preferences and alternatives. Preferably the housing includes a sled presented to slide across the road surface so as to present the or each tool at a predetermined position relative to the road surface.

Preferably the housing includes at least one wheel presented to roll over the road surface so as to present the or each tool at a predetermined position relative to the road surface.

Preferably the device can be mounted to or from a vehicle, to effect movement relative said road surface.

Alternatively the device includes an independent drive means to effect movement relative said road surface.

Alternatively the device is configured to allow a user to effect movement relative said road surface.

Preferably a grader can be attached or is attached to said housing or be presented relative to said housing (e.g. by being mounted from said vehicle) to displace the cut or dislodged material so as to present it for collection.

Preferably said material is presented for collection as a grader defined line. Preferably the predetermined position is a predetermined height. Preferably the height is adjustable.

Preferably the chisel is/ can be presented to operate on the same line of travel as the cutter.

Preferably the chisel is/can be adjusted to be presented to operate adjacent the line of travel of the cutter.

Preferably the chisel can be adjusted in position to establish different lines of travel relative to said housing.

Preferably the cutter includes at least one blade. Preferably the cutter includes at least one flail.

Preferably the cutter relies on impact and/ or shear and/ or tensile and/ or compression force or forces to cut and/ or dislodge said road marking.

Preferably the chisel comprises a blade to pry or lift or shear said discontinuous road marking and/ or irregular parts.

Preferably the road marking(s) is/ are ATP road markings.

Preferably the road marking(s) is/ are or include a thermoplastic material.

Preferably the road marking(s) is/ are deposited on top of the road surface.

Preferably the road marking(s) define a continuous line between its distal ends.

Preferably the road marking(s) define a discontinuous line between its distal ends.

Preferably the road marking(s) include a continuous line between its distal ends onto which discreet markings are provided at intervals.

Preferably the road marking(s) include a continuous line between its distal ends adjacent of which discreet markings are provided at intervals.

Preferably the road marking(s) define a continuous line between its distal ends that is of an uneven thickness.

Preferably the discrete marking(s) are of the same material as the road markings,

Preferably said discontinuous discrete marking(s) exist on top of the first mentioned road marking(s).

Preferably the irregular parts of the first mentioned road marking exist on top of regular parts of the first mentioned road marking. Preferably said discontinuous road marking exist adjacent of the first mentioned road marking.

Preferably the device incorporates or is used in conjunction with a cooling system.

Preferably the cooling system cools the cutter and/or the chisel and/or the road marking(s) that have been cut or dislodged.

Preferably the cooling system is a sprayer that sprays water onto the cutter and/ or the chisel and/ or the road marking(s) that have been cut or dislodged.

Preferably the device incorporates or is used in conjunction with a collection system.

Preferably the collection system is configured to collect the road marking(s) that have been cut or dislodged.

Preferably the collection system is a rotary brush. Preferably the collection system is a vacuum. Preferably the collection system is mounted to the housing. Alternatively the collection system is mounted to the vehicle.

This specification also describes a method of removing road markings of a kind that are deposited on a road surface, the method comprising the steps:

i. dislodging at least part of (a) a discontinuous road marking and/ or (b) irregular parts of said first mentioned road marking and/ or foreign matter from said road surface using a chisel, the chisel being mounted advance of a cutter on a device, ii. cutting or dislodging at least a substantial part of the remainder of the road

marking using the cutter.

Preferably the device is as herein previously described. Preferably after the first part of the road marking is dislodged by the chisel, a grader and/ or sweeper and/or vacuum displaces the dislodged parts to first location.

Preferably the first location is a storage or collection device. Alternatively the first location is a position adjacent the device.

Preferably after the remaining part of the road marking is dislodged by the cutter, a grader and/ or sweeper and/ or vacuum displaces the dislodged parts to a second location.

Preferably the second location is a storage or collection device.

Alternatively the second location is a position adjacent the device.

Preferably whilst the road marking(s) are being cut and/ or dislodged a cooling system is cooling the cutter and/or the chisel and/or the road marking(s).

Preferably the cooling system cools the cutter and/or the chisel and/or the road marking(s) by spraying a coolant on them.

Preferably the coolant is water.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term 'and/ or' means 'and' or 'or', or both.

As used herein '(s)' following a noun means the plural and/ or singular forms of the noun.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification -and claims means 'consisting at least in part of. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in the same manner. It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a left side of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a removal device lowered to a deployed position;

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a right side of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, with the removal device in an elevated position;

Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the right side of parts of the preferred

embodiment of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the right side of the preferred embodiment of Figures 1, 2 and 3, showing details of an adjustable wheel;

Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the right side of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cut away perspective view of parts of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing a cutter drum; Figure 7 is a cut away plan view of parts of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing the cutter drum seen in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective underside view of parts of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing details of an alternative cutter drum;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the alternative cutter drum seen in Figure 8, shown partially-assembled;

Figure 10 is a cut away perspective view of parts of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing a spray nozzle;

Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of the right side of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing an alternative spray nozzle;

Figure 12 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the invention mounted on a vehicle;

Figure 13 is a cut away side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention on a road with road markings;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a road with road markings, and

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a road with alternative road markings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises a device 100 for removing, at least in part, road marking(s) 50.

The device 100 comprises a housing 10 and at least one tool. In one preferred embodiment the device 100 includes two tools, a cutter 30 and a chisel 40. Alternative embodiments may include any combination of additional tools or multiple cutters 30 and chisels 40.

In another preferred embodiment the device 100 comprises a frame which carries the tool or tools.

In another preferred embodiment, the device 100 includes a cutter 30 but omits the chisel.

Road markings 50 include any device or material that can be applied to the surface of a road 60 suitable for the purposes of indicating a warning or conveying other information to a road user. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured for removing ATP road marking(s) 50 but the device 100 may be used for removing any other similar road marking(s) such as reflective cat eyes. ATP road marking(s) 50, as explained above, can consist of a continuous and/or discontinuous strip 51 that may have raised ribs 52. The raised ribs 52 may be incorporated into the strip 51 or may be applied to the surface of the road 60 or the surface of a strip 53 independently. The raised ribs 52 may be in-line with the strip 51 or they may be aligned adjacent the strip 51. Alternatively the ATP road marking 50 may only be raised ribs 52 without a strip 51.

The cutter 30 of preferred embodiments includes at least one or more of a blade, flail, hammer or other device (herein after referred to as "blade(s)") suitable for cutting or dislodging at least part of a road marking 50.

Figures 6 to 10 show cutters of preferred embodiments in which the cutter includes a plurality of milling cutters or blades 31 mounted on a drum 32. The drum 32 includes at least one blade mounting shaft 33 extending substantially parallel to the axis of the drum 32 and suitable for supporting a plurality of blades 31. The drum 32 is connected to a prime mover 70 such as an electric, petrol or hydraulic motor that can rotate the drum 32. The blade mounting shaft(s) 33 are supported between two end flanges 34 attached to opposite ends of an axial shaft 35 of the drum 32 so that the blade mounting shaft(s) 33 rotate about the drum axis when the drum 32 rotates. The blade mounting shafts 33 are supported between the end flanges and are parallel to the axial drum shaft 35, are evenly arranged about the axial drum shaft 35, and are equidistant from the axial drum shaft 35.

The cutter 30 is configured within the housing 10 such that the cutter can be presented to a road marking(s) 50. The drum axis is substantially parallel to the road surface and substantially perpendicular to the intended direction of travel of the device 100 and a vehicle to which the device is attached. The cutter 30 in turn can apply an impact and/ or shear and/ or tensile and/ or compression force or forces (herein after referred to as "impact force(s)") to cut and/or dislodge said road marking(s) 50.

In preferred embodiments the impact force(s) of the cutter 30 cause the road marking(s) 50 to chip into discrete pieces rather than to grind to a dust or melt. The impact force(s) are applied by the blades 31. Preferably, the blades are toothed, e.g. as seen in Figures 8 and 9, to present a series of circumferentially arrayed cutting edges, each of which is provided by a tungsten carbide tipped tooth. The impact forces are provided by impact surfaces at the cutting edges of the blades 31. The plurality of blades are configured on a plurality of flail or blade mounting shafts 33 and are configured such that as the drum 32 and the blade mounting shafts 33 rotate, the blades 31 are rotated about the drum axis and are presented to come into contact with a road marking(s) 50. The cutting edges presented by the blades 31 can be configured in any arrangement but it is preferable that they are arranged with the cutting width of respective blades overlapping one another such that in conjunction with all other blades 31 they present a substantially continuous impact swathe, across a substantial width portion of the drum, to the surface of the road 60 and the road marking(s) 50. Spacing washers 36 are mounted on the mounting blade mounting shafts 33, at each side of each blade 31 to offset the blades on respective blade mounting shafts in an axial direction relative to one another so that together the blades present a substantially continuous impact swathe. The impact surface is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the device 100 along the road, but it will be appreciated this could be inclined at an angle or otherwise.

Figures 8 and 9 show a preferred drum 32 having end flanges 34 welded to a hexagonal axial shaft 35. The milling cutters or blades 31 are carried on the blade mounting shafts 33 with opposite ends of the blade mounting shafts 33 located in through holes 36 in the end flanges. The holes in the flanges are arranged to align the blade mounting shaft substantially parallel with the drum axis. Outer end caps 37 are fastened by threaded bolts to the outside faces of the end flanges 34 to maintain the blade mounting shafts 33 and milling cutters or blades 31 in position. The spacing washers are located between adjacent milling cutters, and between each end flange and the respective adjacent milling cutter. The milling cutters have cutting teeth arrayed about a central bore of larger diameter than that of the blade mounting shaft so that the cutters flail outwardly centrifugally when the drum is rotated about its axial shaft. The teeth are fitted with tungsten carbide tips.

The blade mounting shafts are reinforced by gussets 38. In some embodiments, each gusset 38 is attached to the hexagonal axial drum shaft 35, between the end flanges 34, by a gusset cap 39 that is secured to the gusset by a pair of threaded bolts. In other embodiments, the gussets are welded to the drum shaft. Through holes in the gussets are aligned with respective pairs of the through holes 36 in the end flanges for passage of respective blade mounting shafts. Mid portions of respective blade mounting shafts extend through the through holes to support and reinforce the blade mounting shafts. A preferred drum arrangement, shown in Figures 8 and 9, has four evenly spaced blade mounting shafts 33. As seen in Figure 9, a first pair of gussets 38A supports two adjacent blade mounting shafts and a second pair of gussets 38B supports the remaining two blade mounting shafts. The gussets are axially offset from one another, and the milling cutters 31 are offset from one another, so that together the cutting edges of the milling cutters provided a continuous cutting width or impact swathe between the end flanges of the drum. The offsets of the milling cutters

31 are controlled by selection of the number of spacing washers 36 at either side of each milling cutter.

The device 100, and the road vehicle 90 to which the device 100 is attached, have an intended forward direction of travel, shown in the figures as arrow A. The drum 32 is preferably rotatable by the prime mover 70 for moving the impact surface presented at the underside of the frame or housing in a rearward direction that is opposite to the intended forward direction A. In embodiments where the device 100 rides on wheels 11, the drum 32 and the wheels preferably co-rotate, i.e. they rotate with the same direction of rotation.

The position of the drum 32 is preferably fixed relative to the housing. Alternatively, the drum

32 and/or the blade mounting shaft(s) 33 and/or the blade(s) 31 can be repositioned relative to the housing. This may include allowing the cutter 30 to be raised and lowered and/ or allowing the angle of the drum axis 30 to be adjusted.

The chisel 40 may be configured within, or in front of, the housing 10 such that it can be presented to come into contact with a road marking(s) 50. Parts of a chisel 40 are shown in Figures 1 to 4 with a chisel cover 40A in place, and in Figures 5, 11 and 13 with the chisel cover removed. The chisel 40 includes a chisel head 41 suitable for cutting or dislodging at least part of the road marking(s) 50. The chisel 40 is preferably positioned with the chisel head 41 in advance of the cutter. In the advanced position the chisel head 41 can come into contact with the road marking before the cutter 30.

The chisel head 41 may be a blade or hammer.

The chisel 40 applies an impact and/or shear and/or tensile and/or compression force or forces (herein after referred to as "impact force(s)") to cut and/or dislodge the road marking(s) 50. The chisel head 41 may be moved in a reciprocating motion such that the impact force(s) can be repetitively applied to a road marking(s) 50. In preferred embodiments, the chisel head 41 is moved in an axial reciprocating motion. The axial reciprocating motion can be created by any mechanism or prime mover, preferably by a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric piston (hereinafter referred to as "hydraulic piston") 42. The hydraulic piston 42 is coupled to the chisel head 41 and provides the reciprocating motion in a similar fashion to standard electrical jack

hammers/chisels, hydraulic hammers/chisels or pneumatic hammers/chisels.

Preferably, the chisel 40 can be selectively realigned relative to the housing 10 such that the chisel head 41 can be placed in different positions depending on the type of road marking(s) 50 being removed. Preferably, the chisel is presented in a position, in advance of the drum 32, so that the chisel and drum move along the same line of travel. Alternatively, the chisel is presented in a position, in advance of the drum, so that the chisel and drum move respectively along adjacent lines of travel. Preferably, the position of the chisel relative to the frame or housing is adjustable to effect adjustment of the line of travel of the chisel relative to the frame or housing.

In a preferred embodiment the device 100 also includes a liquid delivery system which is configured to deliver a liquid, preferably as a spray or as an atomised liquid. The liquid delivery system may be used to control dust and particles formed during the removal of the marking(s) from the road surface. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid delivery system may be used to deliver the liquid, as a coolant, to any one or more of the tool(s) and/or to the marking(s) and/or the road surface, to ensure that the tools do not overheat and/or that the road marking(s) 50 do not overheat. The liquid delivery system preferably comprises a spray nozzle 80 connected to a supply of the liquid. The spray nozzle 80 may be mounted on the frame or housing in a location for delivering the liquid spray direcdy onto the marking(s) and road surface immediately in front of the frame or housing, e.g. as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. Alternatively, the spray nozzle 80 may be mounted on the frame or housing in a location for delivering the liquid spray direcdy onto the impact surfaces of the drum 32 inside the housing 10, e.g. as shown in Figure 10, or onto the chisel head 41, e.g. as shown in Figure 11. The spray is preferably delivered as a flat fan- shaped spray.

In the preferred embodiment the road marking(s) 50 as explained above are ATP road marking(s) 50 and they are commonly made from thermoplastics or cold applied plastics. Thermoplastics can melt. If a road marking(s) 50 is melted when it is removed, there is the potential that it will re-attach to the road surface 60. In the preferred embodiment the cooling system comprising spray nozzle 80 cools the road marking(s) 50 and/ or the tool(s) to ensure that the road marking(s) 50 are not melted when removed from the road surface 60.

The cooling system comprising spray nozzle 80 preferably applies water or another coolant to the surface of the road 60, the road marking(s) 50 and/ or the tool(s) to ensure the temperature of the road marking(s) 50 are maintained below the melting temperature of the road marking(s) 50.

The device 100 is designed and adapted for attachment to a road vehicle 90 and in a preferred embodiment is mounted on the vehicle 90. As discussed below, the vehicle 90 has a collection system for collection of material detached from the road surface by the device 100. The device 100 comprises a frame or housing 0. A riding member, for example at least one wheel 11 or skid 12, is attached to the frame or housing for riding on a road surface. The device includes a mounting structure 110 for attachment of the device 100 to the road vehicle 90. When the device is attached by the mounting structure to the vehicle, the mounting structure selectively can lift and support the frame or housing at an elevated position (as seen in Figure 2) clear of the road marking or markings and the road surface, or lower the frame or housing to a deployed position (as shown in Figures 1 and 13). In the deployed position, the frame or housing is supported by at least one of the wheels or skids which is then in contact with the road surface. A prime mover 70 drives the tool to impact the impact surface presented by the tool against the marking(s) on the road surface when the frame or housing is in the deployed position and over the marking(s).

The embodiments shown in Figures 3, 5, 6, 10 and 11 show details of a preferred driving arrangement between the prime mover 70 and the drum 32. A driving pulley 71 is fitted to the driving shaft of the prime mover. A driven pulley 72 is fitted to the drum shaft 35. The position of an adjustable idler pulley 73 (shown in Figure 3) is adjusted to change the tension in drive belt(s) (not shown) passing around the three pulleys. In a preferred embodiment using this driving arrangement, the drum 32 is driven at approximately 2000 revolutions per minute.

Figures 2 and 4 show a cover 29 which is preferably fitted to the right side of housing 10 for covering the three pulleys and drive belt(s).

In a preferred embodiment the frame housing 10 includes wheels 11 that at least in part help support the device 100 on the road surface 60 and facilitate motion of the device 100 on the surface of the road 60. Alternatively to, or in conjunction with, the wheels 11, the frame or housing 10 may include ski(s), runner(s), or skid(s), hereinafter referred to as "skid(s)", also suitable to at least in part help support the device 100 on the road surface 60 and facilitate motion of the device 100 on the road surface 60.

In a preferred embodiment, wheel(s) 1 or skid(s) 12 is/are attached to the left and right sides of the frame or housing 10. The skid(s) may comprise a nitrile sole for contacting and moving over the surface of the road.

Preferably, the attachment of the wheel(s) 11 or skid(s) 12 to the frame or housing 10 is adjustable to effect an adjustment of the height of the impact surface presented by the tool, relative to the wheel(s) or skid(s).

Figure 4 shows a wheel 11 mounted to the cover 29 at the right side of the housing 10. The wheel 11 is freely rotatable on axial mounting bolt 21 which is fastened to an open wheel- mounting box 22. A clamping bolt 24 passes freely through a clamping pad 23, located in the confines of the box, and through a slot 20 in a back wall of the box 22. The clamping bolt 24 is fastened to the cover 29 and tightened to securely clamp the box 22 to the cover. An adjusting screw 26 passes through a hole in the top wall of the box 22 and is screwed into a threaded hole in the clamping pad 23. An upright side wall of the box 22 abuts a shoulder 25 that is fixed to the cover 29. This abutment maintains the orientation of the wheel-mounting box 22 while allowing it to slide up and down when making adjustments to the wheel height.

To adjust the height of the wheel 11 relative to the housing 10, the clamping bolt 24 is loosened and the adjusting screw 26 rotated to slide the box 22, and the attached wheel 11, up or down relative to the bolt 24, the pad 23 and the cover 29. The bolt 24 is tightened to clamp the back wall of the box between the pad and the cover, thereby fixing the selected height of the wheel relative to the cover. This effects adjustment of the height of the impacting surfaces, e.g. the tips of the blades 31 of the drum 32, above the surface of the road 60, when the device 100 is supported by its wheel(s) in the deployed position on the surface of the road.

In the preferred embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, an alternative position is shown for mounting the adjustable front right wheel. The alternative position is provided by plate 19 which is fixed to housing 10. The wheel 11, with mounting bolt 21, box 22, clamping pad 23, clamping bolt 24 and adjusting screw 26, may be mounted at this alternative position and secured by fastening mounting bolt 24 into threaded hole 27. The plate 19 has a shoulder 28 against which the box abuts to maintain the orientation of the wheel-mounting box 22 while allowing it to slide up and down when making adjustments to the wheel height. The alternative wheel mounting positions, either on the cover 29 or direcdy on the housing 11, allow the distance between front wheels of the device 100 to be selected according to the width of marking(s) to be removed. It is advantageous for the front wheels to each follow a line of travel that is as close as practicable to, while not encroaching on, the marking(s) to be removed, so that the height of the impact surfaces can be adjusted to closely track the road surface underlying the marking(s). For example, it may be advantageous to widen the span between, at least the front wheels of the device when the device is being used to remove double lines of markings.

Similarly, it is preferred that the horizontal distance(s) between the axes of the front wheels and the axis of the drum 32 is/ are as small as possible, preferably less than 100 mm. It is to be appreciated that the two front wheels may or may not share a common axis. Most preferably, the axes of the front wheels are in the same vertical plane as the axis of the drum 32 so that the height of the impact surfaces, when at their lowest point during rotation of the drum, can be adjusted to closely track the road surface underlying the marking(s). This allows substantially all of the marking(s) to be removed without damaging the underlying surface of the road.

Preferably, at least one wheel on each side of the frame or housing is independently adjustable to effect a differential adjustment of the height of each of the two wheels relative to respective ends of the impact surface presented by the tool, e.g. the drum 32. Preferably, the mounting structure 110 extends rearwardly from the frame or housing 11, the two wheels are front wheels located forwardly of the tool, and at least one rear wheel is located rearwardly of the tool, e.g. as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5. Preferably, the height of the impacting surfaces of the blades of the drum relative to the surface of the road is substantially constant during operation of the device, unless the height(s) of the wheel(s) relative to the housing are adjusted by a user.

The device 100 is mounted to the vehicle 90 by a mounting structure that is configured to at least in part support the device 100. Figures 1, 2 and 5 show variations of a preferred mounting structure 110. The mounting structure 10 allows the device 100 to be re-positioned relative to the vehicle 90. The mounting structure 110 allows the device 100 to be lowered and raised to variable heights above the surface of the road 60. The mounting structure is preferably configured such that when the device is raised, the entire device (including the wheel(s) or skid(s)) is out of contact with the road surface and positioned above the road surface. That will enable the vehicle 90 to be driven normally without requiring the device 100 to be removed from the vehicle. The mounting structure 110 may also allow the device 100 to be moved in the lateral directions of the vehicle 90, perpendicular to the intended forward direction A of travel of the vehicle 90. The mounting structure 110 may include an actuator 111 such as a piston or motor that at least in part facilitates the repositioning of the device 100.

One preferred mounting structure 110 comprises a mounting plate 112 with through holes for attachment of the plate by fasteners 113, for example bolts and nuts, to a structure, for example the frame or chassis 93, of the vehicle 90.

The mounting structure 110 may comprise at least one, and preferably two, push arm(s) 114. One end of the, or each, push arm 1 4 is pivo tally attached to the frame or housing 11, at pin 14 which is fixed to the frame or housing. The opposite end of the, or each, push arm 114 is pivo tally attached to the plate 112.

The mounting structure 110 preferably comprises at least one lifting arm 115. One end of the lifting arm 115 is attached to the attachment plate 112, and the opposite end of the lifting arm is attached, for example by a coupling 116, such as a shackle and/ or links of a chain, to the frame or housing 11 of the device 100.

In a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure 110 includes an actuator 111 such as a piston or motor that at least in part facilitates the repositioning of the device 100. The actuator 111 is preferably connected between the lifting arm 115 and the attachment plate 112. The actuator 111 is activated to selectively raise and lower the lifting arm, thereby raising and lowering at least the frame or housing 10 between the elevated position and the deployed position.

The pivotal attachment of the push arms 114 allows the device 100 to be raised and lowered. When the device 100 is lowered to the deployed position, the lifting arm 115 is lowered sufficiently for the coupling 116 to be slack, e.g. as shown in Figure 1. The pivotal attachment of the push arms 114 and the slack coupling 116 allows the device to be supported on, and remain in contact with, the surface of the road 60 as the device 100 is pushed along the road by the road vehicle 90. The coupling 116 is sufficientiy slack to allow the device to closely follow changing contours in the surface of the road as the vehicle advances. The pivotal attachments at the ends of the push arms may be provided by respective ball joints that allow the position of the device 10 to also be moved laterally, i.e. left or right, relative to the vehicle.

The length of each push arm 114 is preferably independendy adjustable so that the fore and aft alignment of the device 100, relative to the vehicle 90, may be adjusted, for example to compensate for attachment of the plate 112 to a portion of the vehicle chassis 91 that is not aligned transversely perpendicular to the direction of forward vehicle motion. The push arms 114 may be turnbuckles or bottle screws that provide the adjustable length.

In preferred embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figures 1 and 2, caster wheels 117 may be fitted to the bottom of mounting plate 112. When connections, e.g. hydraulic lines, have been

disconnected from the device 100 and the device 100 is removed from the vehicle 90, the device 100 is supported by its wheels 11 and the plate 112 is supported by the caster wheels 117 to facilitate movement of the device 100 and its mounting structure 110 on a floor.

Whilst it is preferred that the device 100 is mounted to the front 91 of a vehicle 90, so that the impact surface presented by the tool is substantially aligned direcdy in front of a driver position of the road vehicle, it will be appreciated that the device could be mounted to the back, side, top, or underneath a vehicle 90.

In a preferred embodiment, the device 100 comprises an aiming sight (not shown) for use by a driver of the road vehicle when aligning the impact surface with marking(s) to be removed from the road surface.

The mounting structure 110 of preferred embodiments is configured to allow the device to be selectively connected to or disconnected from the vehicle 90, thus allowing the vehicle to be used for alternative purposes.

The device 100 may be used in conjunction with at least one grader comprising a deflecting member suitable for deflecting dislodged road marking(s). The grader in a preferred embodiment is mounted on the housing 10 but can be mounted to the vehicle 90 or the mounting bracket 110, or may be provided for independendy. In a preferred embodiment, the grader is positioned to deflect or displace any dislodged road marking(s) 50 to an alternative location.

The grader in a preferred embodiment is positioned to follow either the cutter 30 and/or the chisel 40. By positioning a grader immediately after the cutter 30 and/ or the chisel 40 the dislodged road marking(s) 50 that are dislodged or cut of the road surface by the cutter 30 or chisel 40 can be displaced to another position so that they don't interfere with any other components of the device 100 and/or components associated with the device, including the vehicle 90 and mounting bracket 110.

In a preferred embodiment, the device 100 is mounted on the front of a vehicle 91 and in-line with the wheels of the vehicle 92 or proximate one edge of the vehicle 90, e.g. as seen in Figures 2 and 12. The grader is preferably positioned such that any dislodged road marking(s) 50 are displaced out of line with the wheels of the vehicle 92, thus preventing the dislodged road marking(s) being potentially reapplied to the road surface 60, by the pressure of the vehicle's wheels 92 rolling over them.

In a preferred embodiment the device is used in conjunction with two graders. The first grader is positioned immediately to the rear of the chisel 40 to thereby deflect any dislodged road marking(s) 50 dislodged by the chisel 40 out of the path of the device 100 and the vehicle wheels 92. This prevents dislodged road marking(s) 50 dislodged by the chisel 40 from interfering with the cutter 30 or the vehicle wheels 92.

The second grader is positioned immediately after the cutter 30 deflecting any dislodged road marking(s) 50 dislodged by the cutter 30, from interfering with the vehicle wheels 92.

In a preferred embodiment the housing 10 may also include deflector surfaces 13. The deflector surfaces 13 are configured so that they may be used to at least in part facilitate the deflection of dislodged road marking(s) 50 in conjunction with or in place of a grader.

In a preferred embodiment in which the device 100 comprising the drum 32 is mounted on a road vehicle 90 and rides on wheels 11, the vehicle is driven to move the device 100 along a road at a speed of about 1 to 4 kilometres per hour, while removing marking(s) from the surface of the road. As the vehicle 90 moves forward, the device 100 is positioned to be in-line with a road marking(s) 50. When raised ribs 52 are present, the chisel 30 is aligned such that the chisel head is positioned to engage with the raised rib 52 portions of the road marking(s) 50. When there is a strip 51 present, the cutter is aligned to engage with the strip 51 portions of the road marking(s) 50. As the vehicle moves forward, the road marking(s) 50, with strip 51 or raised rib 52, are engaged by the device and cut or dislodged from the road surface. The grader in turn displaces the dislodged road marking(s) 50 and positions the dislodged road marking(s) 50 in a convenient position such as in a line adjacent the vehicle 90.

Figure 12 shows details of a preferred embodiment in which a collection system is mounted to the road vehicle 90 for collection of material detached from the road surface by the device 100. The collection system may comprise at least one brush and/ or at least one grader blade for repositioning material, including material, e.g. marking(s), detached from the road surface by the device. The collection system may comprise at least one circular rotary brush 141, a cylindrical rotary brush 140, and at least one vacuum cleaner or vacuum pick-up device 142 for transferring material detached from the road surface by the device to a collection vessel (not shown) that is preferably mounted to the road vehicle 90.

Parts of the collection system may be mounted on the vehicle 90, the device 100 and/ or on the mounting bracket 110, or may be positioned within the housing 10. The collection system may act direcdy on the dislodged road marking(s) 50 as the marking(s) are dislodged, or could be positioned anywhere on the vehicle and act on the dislodged road marking(s) 50 after they have been removed by the device 100.

It is to be appreciated that the figures omit hydraulic hoses and/ or other connections to the prime mover 70 driving the drum 32, to the chisel actuator 42, to the actuator 111, and/ or to the spray nozzles 80, to aid clarity and avoid obscuring other features shown.

The device 100 is attached by the mounting structure 110 to road vehicle 90 and the device lowered to the deployed position with the wheel(s) or skid(s) in contact with the surface of the road 60. The frame or housing is supported by the wheel(s) or skid(s). The prime mover 70 is activated to drive the drum 32, chisel 40, or other tool. The vehicle is driven along the road and the drum 32, chisel 40, or other tool is aligned, e.g. by steering the road vehicle, to traverse on a line of travel so that the impact surface impacts against the marking(s) and detaches material from the marking(s). Preferably, the detached material is transferred, e.g. using a brush 140, 141 or grader blade, into a collection vessel which is preferably mounted on the vehicle 90. Preferably, a vacuum cleaner or vacuum pick-up device 140 is used to transfer the detached material to the collection vessel.

Where the device 100 includes the cutter drum 32, the prime mover 70 rotates the cutter drum about the drum axis to impact the teeth of the blades 31 against the marking(s), the direction of impact of the teeth being opposite to the direction of movement A of the vehicle 90.

Where the device 100 includes a chisel 40, the chisel is used to dislodge at least a substantial part of the road marking(s) in advance of the drum 32 or other tool.

The position of attachment of the wheel(s) 11 or skid(s) 12 is preferably adjusted to adjust the height of the impact surface relative to the road surface adjacent the marking(s) being impacted.

A liquid, preferably water, is applied, preferably sprayed e.g. from nozzle 80, to least one of the drum 32 or chisel 40, or to the marking(s) 50 and/ or the surface of the road 60, preferably immediately in front of the frame or housing 10 as the vehicle 90 moves over the road surface.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.