TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to work machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to attachments for work machines.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A variety of work machines are used in construction to accomplish tasks that would be time-consuming, dangerous, physically impossible, or otherwise suboptimal to do through manual labour. Work machines often comprise a prime mover, operated by an operator or operators, various attachments, and other useful features.

[0003] Attachments are used to accomplish many of the tasks performed by work machines. Such attachments may range from a simple plough attachment to move dirt to complex robotics that may complete specialized tasks. Attachments may be powered through a variety of means, such as hydraulics, electricity, the engine of the prime mover, or the attachments may simply rely on their dead weight.

[0004] Skid-steer loaders are a particular type of wheeled and self-propelled work machine characterized by a differential steering system, a resulting narrow turning radius, and a small size relative to other work machines used in construction. Skid-steer loaders are one of the most common self-propelled work machines used in construction.

[0005] Because of these characteristics, skid-steer loaders have a wide range of uses.

Skid-steer loaders are particularly useful where their size or manoeuvrability address the inherent limitations of ajob. Skid-steer loaders are frequently used in excavation, land clearing, pallet lifting, snow-blowing, and other applications. These applications require a wide range of attachments to accomplish their desired outcomes, and skid-steer loaders are designed to readily accommodate such attachments. [0006] Despite the versatility of work machines, many construction tasks are still accomplished by hand. One such task is the removal of fireproofing and insulation during building remediation or renovation. These materials presently require painstaking removal by manually scraping them from structural features of a building. When a building is particularly large or has a large amount of these materials to be removed, such removal may require hundreds, or even thousands, of man-hours.

[0007] The removal of these materials is a laborious and repetitive task, yet there is not presently a satisfactory high-volume, low-cost solution to replace manual labour. Complicating the search for such a solution is the fact that removing these materials takes place mainly indoors and in older buildings, which limits the size and manoeuverability of work machines that may be used.

[0008] Despite these limitations, the use of a self-propelled work machine such as a skid-steer loader is highly desirable because such machines may dramatically reduce the number of man-hours, and therefore the cost, required to complete a task. Using an attachment on a versatile machine is also considerably less expensive than procuring and maintaining a purpose-built machine.

[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide a solution that comprises a device for a work machine to remove fireproofing and insulation. Such a solution would have desirable speed and cost characteristics.

SUMMARY

[0010] This document discloses a device comprising a device for removing fireproofing or insulation from structural features of a building, an associated arm, and a mounting mechanism by which the device attaches to a work machine. This documents further discloses a kit for assembling the above device. This document also discloses a method for removing fireproofing or insulation from the structural features of a building by means of such a device. [0011] In a first aspect, this document discloses a device for removing building material comprising: at least one brush element arranged along an axis transverse to a direction of travel of a work machine; a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is capable of removably attaching to said work machine; and an arm connecting said at least one brush element and said universal mounting plate, wherein said arm is designed to raise, lower, and maintain said device in an elevated position so as to put said at least one brush element in contact with said building material, wherein said at least one brush element is connected to a drive unit, and wherein said drive unit powers the rotation of said at least one brush element around said axis.

[0012] In another aspect, this document discloses a method for removing building material using a device comprising: at least one brush element arranged along an axis transverse to a direction of travel of a work machine; a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is capable of removably attaching to said work machine; and an arm connecting said at least one brush element and said universal mounting plate, wherein said arm is designed to raise, lower, and maintain said device in an elevated position so as to put said at least one brush element in contact with said building material, wherein said at least one brush element is connected to a drive unit, and wherein said drive unit powers the rotation of said at least one brush element around said axis, said method comprising: engaging said building material with an outer surface of said at least one brush element; rotating said at least one brush element relative to said building material; stripping said building material from a zone of structural elements of a building; moving said at least one brush element in a direction of travel of said work machine; and removing said stripped building material from a work environment, said engaging step comprising elevating said at least one brush element so as to put it in contact with said building material, and said moving step comprising moving the at least one brush element to a different zone of said structural elements.

[0013] In another aspect, this document discloses a kit for assembly of a device for removing building material, comprising: a brush unit comprising at least one brush element and a housing; an arm unit comprising at least one of: at least one telescopic section, at least one rigid structural member, and at least one connection joint; and a mounting unit comprising a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is capable of removably attaching to a work machine.

[0014] In another aspect, this document discloses a kit for assembly of a device for removing building material, comprising: a brush unit comprising at least one brush element and a housing capable of removable attachment of said at least one brush element; an arm unit comprising at least one of: at least one telescopic section, at least one rigid structural member, and at least one connection joint; a mounting unit comprising a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is capable of removably attaching to a work machine; and a drive unit capable of connecting to said brush unit and thereby rotating said at least one brush element.

[0015] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device in an elevated position according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a brush unit according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a motive unit for the brush unit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the male end of a flat joint according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the female end of a flat joint according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6 is atop view of a connection joint.

LIST OF FEATURES

1 - Device

2 - Work machine

3 - Work-machine elevation arm

4 - Work-machine elevation mechanism

5 - Work-machine chassis

6 - Work-machine cab

7 - Work-machine wheel

8 - Operator

9 - Work-machine attachment interface

10 - Universal mounting plate

11 - Connection joint

12 - Arm

13 - Brush unit

14 - Brush housing

15 - Brush element

16 - Axle rotating around axis A

17 - Brush guard

100 - Terminal return hose

101 - Hydraulic motor

102 - Terminal outflow hose

103 - Hose spacer

104 - Distal arm section

105 - Flat joint

106 - Threaded bolt 106a - Threaded bolt

107 - Threaded nut

108 - Medial arm section

109 - Proximal arm section

110 - Mounting brace

111 - Main outflow hose

112 - Main return hose 113 - Quick connector

114 - Return hydraulic nozzle

115 - Outflow hydraulic nozzle

200 - Bristles

201 - Brush support arm

202 - Brush-housing crossbar

203 - Brush angle joint

204 - Angled hydraulic connector

300 - Chain guide

301 - Drive cog

302 - Chain

303 - Chain cover

304 - Brush cog

400 - Flat joint female end

401 - Flat joint receiving shaft

402 - Flat washer

403 - Flat joint male end

404 - Flat joint coupling shaft

405 - Bolt hole

500 - Retention strap

501 - Connection joint male end

502 - Connection joint female end

503 - Clevis pin

504 - Split ring

506 - Female end brace bar

507 - Connection joint brace plate

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] This document discloses a device capable of being attached to a work machine and which is designed to remove fireproofing, insulation, and other material from buildings. The device comprises a brush element that, when in contact with the material, rotates and strips the material from the building. The device is elevated by the work machine to contact the material to be stripped. This enables rapid clearing of the material with significantly fewer personnel.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, a device 1 for removing building material is shown in perspective view. The device 1 is removably attached to a work machine 2 by means of a universal mounting plate 10 that is attached to an arm 12. A universal mounting plate 10 removably attaches to the work machine 2 via a work-machine attachment interface 9. The work-machine attachment interface 9 is, according to one embodiment, designed to fit a variety of attachments for the work machine 2 and to allow the attachments to be readily switched. This allows the operator 8 of the work machine 2 to readily exchange attachments, thereby allowing the work machine 2 to accomplish a wide range of functions.

[0019] The work machine 2 is able to elevate the device 1 through a work-machine elevation mechanism 4, which is controlled by the operator 8. Details of the elevation mechanism 4 itself and its constituent parts are considered well understood in the work machine art and therefore not further described herein.

The work-machine elevation mechanism 4 may raise the device 1 so as to place brush element 15 of the device 1 in contact with building material, such as fireproofing and/or insulation located on a building ceiling or wall. The work- machine elevation mechanism 4 raises and lowers a work-machine elevation arm 3 on which the work-machine attachment interface 9 is mounted. By way of the present invention, the operator 8 therefore has the ability to adjust the vertical position of the device 1 from the work-machine cab 6 when the work-machine elevation mechanism 4 is engaged.

[0020] Adjusting the vertical position of the device 1 allows the brush element 15 to contact a variety of elevated surfaces. Those elevated surfaces may be previously coated with fireproofing, insulation, or other materials, and may be on any variety of structural elements of buildings including, but not limited to, ceilings, walls, beams, and columns. The brush element 15 contacting the building material and itself rotating allows the stripping of the building material from the structural elements of the building. [0021] The brush element 15 is held within a brush housing 14 by means of clamps, screws, bolts, or other fasteners, which enables the integration of the brush unit 13 with the rest of the device 1. The brush element is mounted on an axle 16, which rotates according to an axis A. In a preferred embodiment, the axis A is transverse to a direction of motion of the work machine 2. The brush unit 13 comprises the brush element 15, the axle 16, the brush housing 14, and an optional brush guard 17.

[0022] The brush guard 17 protects the brush element 15 from foreign objects. The brush guard 17 also protects the operator 8, workers, and other surrounding objects from being ensnared in the rotating brush element 15. In a further embodiment, the brush guard 17 may serve as a mounting platform for further devices used to remove from the work environment any building material after it has been stripped. Such further devices (not shown) may include a spade or a material gathering apparatus such as a vacuum device, a scoop, or plough that facilitates safe collection of the stripped material.

[0023] The arm 12 serves a variety of purposes. As clear from the illustration, the arm 12 displaces the universal mounting plate 10 relative to the brush unit 13. However, the arm 12 also extends the length of the overall device 1, thereby allowing the brush element 15 to come into contact with the building material to be stripped such as within a building with tall ceilings. In a preferred embodiment, the arm 12 includes a connection joint 11. While the connection joint 11 as illustrated is shown welded at a fixed angle, it should be understood that the connection joint allows for different angles at which the brush unit 13 approaches the building material. This angle may affect the efficacy of the removal of the building material as well as the manoeuverability of the device 1 within the building. Thus, the angle by which the arm 12 is fixed relative to the universal mounting plate 10 determines the overall range of use of the device 1. When combined with elevating the device 1 through the work-machine elevation arm 3 and mechanism 4, this allows the operator 8 to optimize contact with the building material. For some implementations, it may be preferred that the axis of rotation A is parallel to the plane of the surface to which the building material is to be removed from. [0024] Removing a suitable amount (i.e., stripping most or all) of the building material from the given building surface(s) also requires that the device 1 access as much of the area coated by the building material as is possible. As described above, this requires that the brush element 15 contact the building material. To do so, the work machine 2 may advance in a direction of travel due to the use of work- machine wheels 7 or other motive means (e.g., tracks or the like) while the operator 8 is present in the work-machine cab 6. The work-machine cab 6 may have a variety of implements (not shown), such as steering and driving mechanisms or mirrors to allow the operator 8 to visualize the elevated surface contacted by the brush element 15. Such implements are beyond the scope of the intended invention and not described in further detail. This motorized advancement of the work machine 2 allows the device 1 to access a large area coated by the building material in a short amount of time, thereby stripping building material at a much faster rate and a more efficient manner than a human using manual tools or hand-held abrasion machines.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of the device 1 is shown. The arm 12 is shown to connect the brush unit 13 to the universal mounting plate 10, which itself connects to the work machine 2. The connecting features of the arm 12 are further shown according to a preferred embodiment. The brush unit 13 connects to a distal arm section 104, which joins a medial arm section 108 by means of a flat joint 105. In an example embodiment, the flat joint is secured by threaded bolts 106 and threaded nuts 107. The use of a flat joint 105 between the distal arm section 104 and the medial arm section 108 enables the operator 8 or other workers to quickly change the distal arm section 104 between different lengths without adjusting the connection joint 11. This may be accomplished by insertion of an extension arm (not shown) at the point of connection of the flat joint 105. As should be readily apparent, this allows the device 1 to reach higher areas (e.g. higher ceilings) without changing the angle at which the brush unit 13 approaches the building material.

[0026] The connection joint 11 couples the medial arm section 108 and a proximal arm section 109. The proximal arm section 109 lengthens the overall arm 12 while also providing clearance between the work machine 2 and the device 1. In a further embodiment, the connection joint 11 may comprise a variety of joint types that allow further adjustment and range of the angle between the medial arm section 108 and the proximal arm section 109. In another embodiment, the arm may include additional arm sections (not shown) joined by connection joints 11, flat joints 105, or other joint types such as an articulating j oint. This would allow for improved height, manoeuvrability, reach, and other characteristics to enable more efficient stripping of building material.

[0027] The arm 12 also provides support and guidance for a system for driving the rotation of the brush element 15. Such guidance prevents elements of the system from becoming entangled with obstacles in the work environment. An example of such a drive system to power the attachment is further depicted in FIG. 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive system is hydraulic, which has the benefit of connecting to existing hydraulic and/or drive systems in many different types of work machines including, but not limited to, skid-steer loaders, tractors, mini excavators, and the like. In this example, hydraulic fluid flows out of an outflow hydraulic nozzle 115 through a main outflow hose 111. The main outflow hose 111 may be attached to the outflow hydraulic nozzle 115 by means of, for example, a quick connector 113. The benefit of using such a quick connector 113 is that the main outflow hose 111 may be readily detached from and attached to the outflow hydraulic nozzle 115, allowing for a quicker detachment or attachment between the two. This is of particular benefit should the device 1 be moved to a different work machine 2. It should further be understood that while a particular length of hydraulic hose is shown, any suitable length or extensions to such length may be used without straying from the intended scope of the present invention. Indeed, any increase in the length of the arm through additional arm sections as mentioned above may also require a corresponding extension to the hydraulic hoses.

[0028] In this embodiment, the hydraulic fluid then flows through the main outflow hose 111 to a hose spacer 103. The hose spacer 103 provides a rigid means of spacing the main outflow hose 111 and main return hose 112. This prevents rubbing and chafing between the main outflow hose 111 and main return hose 112, which may lead to leaks. Leaks in the hydraulic system would result in a loss of power as well as contamination of the work environment with hydraulic fluid.

[0029] The hose spacer 103 also connects the main outflow hose 111 with a terminal outflow hose 102, which in turn connects to a hydraulic motor 101. Using the hose spacer 103 in this way allows for the main outflow hose 111 to be changed to alter the length of the hose 111, while avoiding the need to reseal the connection between the terminal outflow hose 102 and the hydraulic motor 101. This is helpful when changing the length of the distal arm section 104, as the length of the main outflow hose 111 must correspondingly change to ensure a continuous hydraulic line between the outflow hydraulic hose 115 and the hydraulic motor 101.

[0030] The hydraulic motor 101, in this example embodiment, powers the rotation of the brush element 15. The mechanism of this example will be further described in FIG. 4. Once the hydraulic fluid reaches the hydraulic motor 101, the hydraulic fluid returns to the work machine 2 by exiting the hydraulic motor 101 and entering a terminal return hose 100. The terminal return hose 100 connects to the hose spacer 103, which in turn connects to the main return hose 112. The hydraulic fluid then flows through the main return hose 112 to the return hydraulic nozzle 114. Again, the main return hose 112 and return hydraulic nozzle 114 may be connected by a quick connector 113. This creates a complete hydraulic circuit that powers the hydraulic motor 101, and, by extension, the rotation of the brush element 15.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, a bottom view of a brush unit 13 is shown. One brush element 15 is shown, though multiple brush elements may be used in series or parallel configurations. The brush element 15 is arranged along an axle 16, with an axis of rotation A that is preferably arranged as being transverse to a direction of travel of the work machine 2. Multiple brush elements may be arranged along additional axles (not shown) and may rotate in a same or different direction as the brush element 15, depending on the building material to be removed and other factors. [0032] The brush element 15 includes a plurality of bristles 200, which are the smallest structures that contact the building material to be stripped. While in this example embodiment the bristles 200 are arranged so as to form a cylindrical brush element 15, the bristles 200 may also be arranged to form different shapes to better match structural elements, such as comers or I-beams, of the building to be stripped. The texture, stiffness, and other characteristics of the bristles 200 are preferably matched to the composition of the building material to be stripped. As an example, removal of hardened fireproofing material may require stiff bristles 200.

[0033] The brush element 15 is supported by the brush housing 14. In an example embodiment, the brush housing 14 includes a brush support arm 201, a brush housing crossbar 202, and another brush support arm 201. The axle 16 and the brush-housing crossbar 202 link the two brush support arms 201. This brush housing 14 provides a rigid supportive frame around the brush element 15, and forms, together with the brush element 14 and axle 16, an example of a brush unit 13

[0034] The brush-housing crossbar 202 is removably attached to the distal arm section 104 by means of a brush angle joint 203. This brush angle joint 203, in an example embodiment, attaches to the distal arm section 104 through threaded bolts 106, 106a and corresponding threaded nuts 107. Like the flat joint 105 at the opposite end of the distal arm section 104, the brush angle joint 203 may allow the distal arm section 104 to be changed out to adjust the overall length of the arm 12. Depending upon the implementation of the invention and the building environment in which the invention is used, it should be understood that the brush angle joint 203 may also be configured to allow the angle between the brush-housing crossbar 202 and the distal arm section 104 to be altered. This may be accomplished by providing additional holes (not shown) in the plate that forms the brush angle joint 203 for reinsertion of threaded bolts 106 and rotating the brush housing 14 about a pivot point created by the centrally located threaded bolt 106a.

[0035] In this example embodiment, the brush housing 14 also provides an attachment point for a drive mechanism, which in this example embodiment includes a hydraulically actuated motor 101. Angled hydraulic connectors 204 connect the terminal outflow hose 102 and terminal return hose 100 to the hydraulic motor 101 through threaded nuts 107. These angled hydraulic connectors 204 and threaded nuts 107 provide a secure, compact, and durable connection to the other elements of the hydraulic system. It should be understood that any other type of hydraulic connection or fitting may be used in addition to or in lieu of the angled hydraulic connectors 204.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view of an example embodiment of a drive system for the brush element 15 is shown. The hydraulic motor 101 is attached to a drive cog 301. The brush element 15 is similarly attached to a brush cog 304. The drive cog 301 and brush cog 304 are coupled by a chain 302. The chain 302 is guided by a chain guide 300 to prevent the chain 302 from falling off or becoming ensnared. A chain cover 303 also protects the chain 302, drive cog 301, and brush cog 304.

[0037] While FIG. 4 provides for a hydraulic drive system, the drive system could also be powered by other means. For example, the drive system may also be powered by electricity, the engine of the work machine 2, direct-drive, or other suitable means. These may be more or less desirable depending on the task to be accomplished.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, disconnected views of the flat joint 105 are shown. FIG. 5A shows a flat joint male end 403 and FIG. 5B shows a flat joint female end 400. The flat joint male end 403 has a series of bolt holes 405 that allow threaded bolts 106 to enter. In this example embodiment, flat washers 402 are used to prevent stress on the bolt holes 405 and flat joint 105 from the heads of the threaded bolts 106. A flat joint coupling shaft 404 extends from the flat joint male end 403 into a flat joint receiving shaft 401 contained within the flat joint female end 400. This enables a piloted connection as well as providing additional reinforcement and stability for the flat joint 105.

[0039] In this example embodiment, the flat joint 105 connects the distal arm section 104 to the medial arm section 108, but additional flat joints 105 (not shown) may be used to connect further arm sections. [0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, a top view of a connection j oint 11 is shown. The medial arm section 108 includes a connection joint male end 501, which is shaped so as to be received by a connection joint female end 502. Generally speaking, this manner of connecting is akin to a standard sleeve-type hitch connection. The connection j oint female end 502 extends from a female end brace bar 506. In this example embodiment, the female end brace bar 506 is welded to an end of the medial arm section 108, though the female end brace bar

506 may be attached in a variety of ways and may be attached to other arm sections where a connection joint 11 is desirable. A connection joint brace plate

507 is attached to the top of the female end brace bar 506 to enable firm attachment to the connection joint male end 501 and provide extra stabilization and support.

[0041] The connection joint male end 501 is a protrusion of the universal mounting plate

10. Mounting braces 111 provide stability and rigidity to the connection joint male end 501 so as to prevent the weight of the arm 12 and the brush unit 13 from bending the connection joint male end 501. The connection j oint male end 501 inserts into the connection joint female end 502. In this example embodiment, the connection joint brace plate 507 is held against the connection joint male end 501 by means of a threaded bolt 106, a flat washer 402, and a threaded nut 107.

[0042] In this example embodiment, the connection j oint brace plate 507 and the connection joint male end 501 are further secured together by a clevis pin 503. The clevis pin 503 is held in place by a split ring 504, though an R-clip, cotter pin, or other means may be used. A retention strap 500 is connected between the split ring 504 and the connection joint male end 501 for added security.

[0043] The connection joint 11 allows for an angle between the connected arm sections.

The connection joint 11 may allow for adjustment and for a variation of the range of the angle between the medial arm section 108 and the proximal arm section 109. For example, changing the angle between the medial arm section 108 and the female end brace bar 506 would change the angle of the overall connection joint 11. Though shown welded together at a predetermined angle, it should be understood that other mechanisms of adjusting the angle may also be envisioned without straying from the intended scope of the present invention.

[0044] In a further embodiment, a variety of attachments may be devised to attach to the device 1. For example, a vacuum device may be added to remove any building material from the work environment after the building material has been stripped. A scoop or plough may also be used to push the stripped building material into a pile or a receptacle for easy disposal by hand. Other devices, such as a spade or a chisel point, which can be used for the removal and/or stripping of building material may also be used.

[0045] The above features allow the device 1 to accomplish the task of rapidly stripping building material, such as fireproofing or insulation, from a building. The device 1 also does this with only an operator 8 or a small number of other workers, creating substantial labour savings. The device 1 is safer as fewer workers are exposed to potentially dangerous buildings. As a removable attachment for a work machine 2, the device 1 is less expensive to procure and maintain than a purpose-built machine.

[0046] The elevation of the arm 12 allows the device 1 to reach elevated surfaces, such as a ceiling, without requiring the use of scaffolding or ladders. The motion of the work machine 2 is rapid compared with the laborious task of setting up or moving scaffolding. The various angles that may be created using the connection joint 12 allows the device 1 to reach building material that would be inaccessible by other means. Accordingly, through the present invention, the collection of features disclosed provides for a suitable solution to remove building material.

[0047] In another variant, the present invention may use a remotely controlled pivoting joint that allows the attachment to be rotated such that the axis of rotation A can be parallel to a surface with the material to be removed. Control for this pivoting joint may be placed in the cab with the operator so that the operator can rotate the attachment for better access to the material to be removed. The pivoting joint and the mechanism that allows for such remotely controlled pivoting may be hydraulically powered or it may be electrically powered. [0048] A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.