US20230151563A1

US20230151563A1 - Roadway cutting device

Info

Publication number: US20230151563A1
Application number: US17/984,679
Authority: US
Inventors: Ennio Sperduti
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-11-12
Filing date: 2022-11-10
Publication date: 2023-05-18
Also published as: CA3181687A1

Abstract

Systems and methods herein are directed to a roadway cutting device. The roadway cutting device can include a shaft that extends laterally between a first end and a second end. The roadway cutting device can include a first blade coupled to the shaft at a first location along the shaft and a second blade coupled to the shaft at a second location along the shaft. The roadway cutting device can include a spacer disposed between the first blade and the second blade. The first blade and the second blade can rotate simultaneously at the same rotational speed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/278,945, filed Nov. 12, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Concrete roadways are often exposed to extreme environmental conditions including heat, cold, precipitation, and other various elements. Conventional concrete roadways and sidewalks typically include different types of joints, such as longitudinal and traverse joints, to control cracking and prevent excess stresses from developing. In some circumstances, excessive heat, cold, or precipitation may cause portions of concrete roadways to heave at the joints. Relief cuts in concrete roadways may reduce such heaving by allowing a wider space for the concrete to expand in hot temperatures and retract in cold temperatures. However, conventional cutting devices do not provide means for creating relief cuts of equal depth at equal distances from one another, which can cause stress points to form in the roadways. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a cutting device to simultaneously create a plurality of equal relief cuts in concrete roadways at various locations between the joints to allow for extra space for the concrete to expand and retract with varying temperatures.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a roadway cutting device. The roadway cutting device can include a shaft that extends laterally between a first end and a second end. The roadway cutting device can include a first blade coupled to the shaft at a first location along the shaft and a second blade coupled to the shaft at a second location along the shaft. The roadway cutting device can include a spacer disposed between the first blade and the second blade. The first blade and the second blade can rotate simultaneously at the same rotational speed.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a roadway cutting device. The roadway cutting device can include a hexagonal shaft that extends between a first end and a second end. The roadway cutting device can include a stopper coupled to the first end of the hexagonal shaft. The stopper can facilitate coupling the hexagonal shaft to a portion of a machine. The roadway cutting device can include a plurality of blade sets each having a plurality of blades coupled to the hexagonal shaft by a connector assembly. The roadway cutting device can include a plurality of spacers slidably coupled to the hexagonal shaft. A first subset of the plurality of spacers is disposed between a first blade and a second blade of a first blade set. A second subset of the plurality of spacers is disposed between the first blade of the first blade set and a third blade of a second blade set.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a roadway cutting device. The method can include providing a hexagonal shaft extending between a first end having a first stopper and a second end free from the first stopper. The method can include sliding a first subset of spacers along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first end. The method can include sliding a first connector along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the first connector engages with a portion of the first subset of spacers. The method can include sliding a first blade along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the first blade at least partially engages with the first connector. The method can include sliding a first connector cap along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the first connector cap engages with a portion of the first blade. The method can include sliding a second subset of spacers along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first end. The method can include sliding a second connector along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the second connector engages with a portion of the second subset of spacers. The method can include sliding a second blade along the hexagonal shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the second blade at least partially engages the second connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roadway cutting device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 in a first manufacturing state, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 in a second manufacturing state, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 in a third manufacturing state, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 coupled with machinery, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an example of a set of relief cuts produced by the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process of manufacturing the roadway cutting device of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a roadway cutting device is shown. In various embodiments, the roadway cutting device may be used to create relief cuts (e.g., slots) in various roadways including, but not limited to, concrete roads, sidewalks, bridges, or the like. The roadway cutting device may include a plurality of blade sets, each including one or more blades. The blade sets may each couple to a portion of a shaft of the roadway cutting device, such as a hex shaft. The roadway cutting device may include several spacers positioned in between each blade set or one or more blades of the blade sets, such that each blade set is positioned a predetermined distance between one another along the shaft (e.g., 1 millimeter apart, 10 millimeters apart, 100 millimeters apart, 500 millimeters apart, etc.).
The roadway cutting device may include one or more stoppers positioned at an end portion of the shaft to facilitate maintaining the spacers and blade sets in place. The stoppers may facilitate coupling the shaft to a portion of a machine, such as a skid-steer loader with hydraulic capacity or another machine. The roadway cutting device may be configured to create several cuts of equal depths into a roadway. In some embodiments, each cut may be equidistant in relation to another. In some embodiments, at least two cuts may be equidistant in relation to another. In some embodiments, each cut may be positioned at various distances in relation to one another. The roadway cutting device may operably couple to one or more motors configured to rotate each blade of the blade sets. Each blade of the blade sets may rotate at a same rotational speed for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1 second, 10 seconds, 100 seconds, etc.) to create a plurality of equally sized (e.g., in depth, width, etc.) relief cuts.
According to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , a roadway cutting device 100 is shown. In various embodiments, the roadway cutting device 100 is configured to couple (e.g., via structure 90 and machine attachment 94) to a portion of machinery 1002 (as shown in FIG. 10 ), such as construction machinery including, but not limited to, a skid-steer loader with hydraulic capacity. In various embodiments, the roadway cutting device 100 is configured to couple to a portion of various other on-road or off-road vehicles or machinery, such as a semi-truck, a bus, farming machinery, or the like. While the exemplary embodiment shown throughout the figures is generally shown coupled to a machine attachment 94, it should be noted that the roadway cutting device 100 may be configured to couple to machinery through various other attachment fixtures.
As shown in FIG. 1-4 , the roadway cutting device 100 can include a shaft, shown as shaft 302. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 302 is a standard hexagonal shaft. In various other embodiments, the shaft 302 may include various other rod shapes including, but not limited to, cylindrical, square, asymmetrical, a combination thereof, or another shape. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 302 is uniform in diameter extending from a first end 402 to a second end 404. In various other embodiments, the shaft 302 may vary in diameter, shape, or size. In various embodiments, the shaft 302 may include one or more threaded portions. In various embodiments, the shaft 302 is made of a metallic material. For example, the shaft 302 may be made of steel.
In various embodiments, the cutting device 100 includes one or more stoppers 304 to facilitate coupling the shaft 302 to a portion of machinery (as shown by machine attachment 94). For example, the stopper 304 may be configured to couple with an end portion of the shaft 302 (e.g., second end 404) and a portion of the machinery, as shown in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the stopper 304 may include a first opening 306 to receive an end portion of the shaft 302. In various embodiments, the first opening 306 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the shaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal opening) such that the stopper 304 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302 when the stopper 304 is coupled to the shaft 302 (e.g., when the first opening 306 receives the shaft 302). In various embodiments, a maximum width of the first opening 306 (e.g., a cross-sectional dimension of the opening 306) may be about equal to or slightly larger than the largest width of the shaft 302 (e.g., a cross-sectional dimension of the hex shaft) such that the shaft 302 engages with the first opening 306 of the stopper 304 when the stopper 304 receives a portion of the shaft 302. For example, an end portion of the shaft 302 may be configured to be press-fitted into a portion of the first opening 306. In various embodiments, the first opening 306 varies in size or shape to facilitate engaging with the end portion of the shaft 302.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the stopper 304 includes a second opening 308 to receive a portion of machinery (e.g., machine attachment 94). In various embodiments, the second opening 308 may be positioned opposite the first opening 306, as shown in FIG. 3 . The second opening 308 of the stopper 304 may be configured to receive a portion of the machine attachment 94, such as a shaft, rod, projection, or other component. The second opening 308 may vary in size or shape to receive a portion of the machinery. In various embodiments, the second opening 308 may receive a portion of a motor assembly operably coupled to the machinery and configured to rotate the shaft 302, as described in greater detail herein.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the stopper 304 is machined from steel, such as carbon steel. In various embodiments, the stopper 304 may be manufactured through various processes including, but not limited to, milling, lathing, laser cutting, water jetting, additive manufacturing techniques, or other techniques.
The roadway cutting device 100 may include one or more blade sets 104. For example, the blade sets 104 may include at least one blade 202 (e.g., shown as first blade 202 a and second blade 202 b in FIGS. 2-4 ). According to an exemplary embodiment, each blade set 104 includes two blades 202 (e.g., first blade 202 a and second blade 202b). In various other embodiments, each blade set 104 may include more or less blades 202. In various embodiments, each blade set 104 may include a different number of blades 202 (e.g., a first blade set 104 includes two blades 202, a second blade set 104 includes one blade 202, etc.)
In various embodiments, each blade set 104 may be at least partially covered by a portion (e.g., cover 114) of the machine or machine attachment 94, as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the cover 114 may surround a portion of each blade 202 of the blade set 104 such that, during operation of the cutting device 100 (e.g., while each blade of the blade set 104 is rotating), the cover 114 may facilitate preventing debris (e.g., dirt, dust, fluid, etc.) from expelling from the blades 202 of each blade set 104.
In various embodiments, each blade set 104 may be positioned a specified distance apart from one another along the shaft 302 (e.g., a first blade of a first blade set 104 positioned apart from a first blade of a second blade set 104). For example, the roadway cutting device 100 may include at least one spacer 106 positioned along or otherwise coupled to the shaft 302 in between two or more blade sets 104, as shown throughout the figures. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a plurality of spacers 106 positioned along or otherwise coupled to the shaft 302 in between two or more blade sets 104. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include one spacer 106 positioned along the shaft 302 in between two blade sets 104. According to an exemplary embodiment, each spacer 106 of the plurality of spacers 106 is the same size, dimension, and shape. In various other embodiments, the spacers 106 may vary in size, shape, or dimension.
According to an exemplary embodiment, each blade set 104 is positioned at a predetermined distance from one another. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , a predetermined number of spacers 106 may be disposed between a first blade set 104 and a second blade set 104 positioned along the shaft 302. By way of example, the cutting device 100 may include sixteen spacers 106 disposed along the shaft 302 between two blade sets 104 (e.g., between a first blade of a first blade set and a first blade of a second blade set). In various other examples, the cutting device 100 may include more or less spacers 106 such that the blade sets 104 are spaced closer to or further apart from one another.
The spacers 106 can vary in size or shape depending on the application. By way of example, sixteen spacers 106 each having a width of about 15.6 millimeters (e.g., laterally along the shaft) provides a set distance of 250 millimeters between two blades 202 along the shaft 302. According to another example, three spacers 106 each having a width of about 10 millimeters provides a set distance of 30 millimeters between two blades 202 along the shaft. These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting to the present disclosure. In various embodiments, each spacer 106 may be significantly smaller (e.g., 1 mm) or significantly larger (e.g., 250 mm) than the above examples.
In various embodiments, each blade 202 of the blade set 104 may be positioned a specified distance apart from one another along the shaft 302. For example, the spacers 106 may be disposed between a first blade 202 a of a blade set 104 and a second blade 202 b of the same blade set 104. In various embodiments, the spacers 106 positioned between each blade 202 may be the same as the spacers 106 positioned between each blade set 104. In various other embodiments, the spacers 106 positioned between each blade 202 may differ (e.g., in size, shape, dimension, etc.) from the spacers 106 positioned between each blade set 104. By way of example, the roadway cutting device 100 may include three spacers 106 disposed along the shaft 302 between a first blade 202 a and a second blade 202 b of a blade set 104. In various other examples, the blade set 104 may include more or less spacers disposed between each blade 202.
By way of non-limiting example, a first blade (e.g., blade 202 a shown in FIG. 5 ) is positioned at a first location along the shaft 302, a second blade (e.g., blade 202 b shown in FIG. 5 ) is positioned at a second location along the shaft 302, a third blade (e.g., blade 202 c shown in FIG. 5 ) is positioned at a third location along the shaft 302, and a fourth blade (e.g., blade 202 d shown in FIG. 5 ) is positioned a fourth location along the shaft 302. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 , the first blade 202 a and the second blade 202 b are spaced a first lateral distance apart along the shaft 302, while the first blade 202 a and the third blade 202 c are spaced a second lateral distance apart along the shaft 302 that is greater than the first distance (e.g., more spacers 106 disposed between the first blade 202 a and the third blade 202 c than between the first blade 202 a and the second blade 202 b). The third blade 202 c and the fourth blade 202 d can be positioned the first lateral distance apart along the shaft 302 (e.g., the same distance between the first blade 202 a and the second blade 202 b, the same amount of spacers between the first blade 202 a and the second blade 202 b, etc.). The second blade 202 b and the fourth blade 202 d can be positioned the second lateral distance apart along the shaft 302 (e.g., the same distance between the first blade 202 a and the third blade 202 c, the same amount of spacers, etc.). While the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures include a plurality of equally-sized spacers 106, the device 100 may alternatively or additionally include a first spacer 106 of a first size and a second spacer 106 of a second size to position each blade 202 as described.
The spacers 106 may couple to the shaft through various means. According to an exemplary embodiment, each spacer 106 includes a through-hole (e.g., aperture, opening, slot, etc.) positioned at approximately a center portion of the spacer 106, as shown in the cross-sectional view of the cutting device 100 in FIG. 5 . In various embodiments, each spacer 106 includes a cylindrical shape. In such embodiments, the through-hole may be positioned near a center point of an annular face of the spacer 106, as shown throughout the figures.
In various embodiments, the through-hole of the spacer 106 is the same shape as the shaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal hole), such that the spacer 106 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302 when the spacer 106 is coupled to the shaft 302. In various embodiments, the through-holes of each spacer 106 are approximately the size of the shaft 302 (e.g., the hexagonal perimeter of the through-hole is just slightly larger than the hexagonal perimeter of the shaft 302) such that the shaft 302 can receive the spacer 106 by the through-hole (e.g., the spacer 106 slides onto the shaft 302 from the first end 402 or the second end 404).
In various embodiments, the spacers 106 are slidably coupled to the shaft 302 such that the spacers 106 can move laterally along the shaft from the first end 402 to the second end 404 or from the second end 404 to the first end 402. In various other embodiments, the spacers 106 may rigidly couple to the shaft 302 either during or after manufacturing of the cutting device 100. For example, the spacers 106 may be fastened to the shaft 302 via one or more techniques including, but not limited to, fasteners, welding, adhesives, or other similar mechanisms.
The spacers 106 may be made of various materials. According to an exemplary embodiment, the spacers 106 are laser-cut steel. In various other embodiments, the spacers 106 may be made of another metallic material including, but not limited to, aluminum, brass, copper, or the like. In various embodiments, the spacers 106 may include a non-metallic material including plastic, resins, or the like. In various embodiments, the spacers 106 may be manufactured through various means including milling, lathing, water jetting, forging, additive manufacturing, or the like.
According to an exemplary embodiment, each blade 202 is coupled to the shaft 302 by a connector assembly 108. For example, the connector assembly 108 may include a connector base 502 and a connector cap 504, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , and among others. In various embodiments, the connector base 502 includes a through-hole to slidably couple to the shaft 302. In various embodiments, the through-hole of the connector base is the same shape as the shaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal hole), such that the connector base 502 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302 when the connector base 502 is coupled to the shaft 302. For example, the through-hole of the connector base 502 may be about equal to the size of the shaft 302 (e.g., the hexagonal perimeter of the through-hole is slightly larger than the hexagonal perimeter of the shaft 302) such that the connector base 502 can slide along the shaft 302 (e.g., from the first end 402 to the second end 404).
In various embodiments, the connector base 502 includes a bearing projection 602 to engage with a portion of the blade 202, as shown in FIG. 6 . For example, the blade 202 may include a through-hole positioned at approximately the center of the blade 202 to slidably couple to the shaft 302 through the bearing projection 602, as shown throughout the figures. For example, the bearing projection 602 may surround a portion of the shaft 302. In some embodiments, the bearing projection 602 may include one or more components that fix the bearing projection 602 relative to the shaft 302 such that the bearing projection 602 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302 when the connector base 502 is coupled to the shaft 302. For example, in various embodiments, the through-hole of the blade 202 is the same shape as the shaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal hole), such that the blade 202 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302 when the blade 202 is coupled to the shaft 302. The through-hole of the blade 202 may be about equal to the size of the bearing projection 602 (e.g., the hexagonal perimeter of the through-hole is slightly larger than the outer hexagonal perimeter of the bearing projection 602) such that the connector cap 504 can slide along the shaft 302 (e.g., from the first end 402 to the second end 404) and overlap a portion of the outer hexagonal perimeter of the bearing projection 602.
Similarly, in various embodiments, the connector cap 504 can include a through-hole to slidably couple to the shaft 302 through the bearing projection 602. In various embodiments, the through-hole of the connector cap 504 is the same shape as the shaft 302 (e.g., a hexagonal hole), such that the connector cap 504 does not rotate relative to the shaft 302 when the connector cap 504 is coupled to the shaft 302. For example, the through-hole of the connector cap 504 may be about equal to the size of the bearing projection 602 (e.g., the hexagonal perimeter of the through-hole is slightly larger than the outer hexagonal perimeter of the bearing projection 602) such that the connector cap 504 can slide along the shaft 302 (e.g., from the first end 402 to the second end 404) and overlap a portion of the outer hexagonal perimeter of the bearing projection 602.
In various embodiments, the connector assembly 108 is configured such that the connector base 502 engages with a first side of a blade 202 and the connector cap 504 engages with an opposing second side of the same blade 202, as shown throughout the figures. For example, as discussed in greater detail below, during manufacturing of the cutting device 100, the connector base 502 can first slide onto the shaft 302 by the through-hole of the connector base 502 (e.g., from the second end 404 toward the first end 402). The blade 202 could then slide along the shaft 302 by the through-hole of the blade 202 (e.g., from the second end 404 toward the first end 402) until the blade at least partially engages the connector base 502 (e.g., a portion of a first side of the blade 202 is flush with a portion of the connector base 502). Then, the connector cap 504 can slide along the shaft 302 by the through-hole of the connector cap 504 (e.g., from the second end 404 toward the first end 402) until the connector cap 504 at least partially engages with a portion of the connector base 502 or the blade 202 (e.g., a portion of a second side opposing the first side of the blade 202 is flush with a portion of the connector cap 504). In this configuration, the blade 202 is disposed between the connector base 502 and the connector cap 504.
In various embodiments, the connector assembly 108 includes one or more fasteners to facilitate coupling the connector base 502, the blade 202, and the connector cap 504 to one another. As shown in FIG. 6 , the connector base 502, the blade 202, and the connector cap 504 can each include an aperture 604 for receiving a portion of a fastener. By way of example, the aperture 604 can receive a hardened bolt, screw, or other fastener. One or more nuts can couple to the fastener to further facilitate coupling the connector base 502, the blade 202, and the connector cap 504 with one another. For example, a hardened bolt can extend within the aperture 604 from the connector cap 504 toward the connector base 502 (or vice versa). A nut can then couple to a portion of the bolt adjacent the connector base 502 such that the connector base 502, the blade 202, and the connector cap 504 are rigidly joined. In such configuration, the connector base 502, the blade 202, and the connector cap 504 can rigidly join and couple to the shaft 302 such that rotation of the shaft 302 causes rotation of the connector base 502, the blade 202, and the connector cap 504.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the roadway cutting device 100 includes four blade sets 104, as shown throughout the figures. In various other embodiments, the roadway cutting device 100 may include more or less blade sets 104. For example, the roadway cutting device 100 may include one blade set 104. The roadway cutting device 100 may include two blade sets 104, as another example. The roadway cutting device 100 may include three blade sets 104, as yet another example. In various examples, the roadway cutting device 100 may include four or more than four blade sets 104.
In various embodiments, the connector base 502 or the connector cap 504 are made from various metallic materials including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, brass, copper, or the like. In various embodiments, the connector base 502 or the connector cap 504 are made from a combination of various metallic and non-metallic material including plastic, resins, or the like. In various embodiments, from various subtractive manufacturing methods including lathing, milling, or other similar machining methods.
In various embodiments, the blades 202 are made of a combination of various metallic and non-metallic materials. For example, the blades 202 may be made from a combination of various metals including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, brass, copper, or the like. In various embodiments, the blades 202 may include one or more additional hardening features. For example, the blades 202 may include a diamond coating surrounding an edge portion (e.g., away from the shaft). In various embodiments, the blades 202 may include another material to facilitate extending the lifecycle of the blade (e.g., by reducing fatigue stress, etc.).
In various embodiments, each blade set 104, connector assembly 108, or spacer 106 may be configured to rotate simultaneously upon rotation of the shaft 302. For example, a motor assembly may operably couple to the shaft 302 to cause the shaft 302 to rotate. In various embodiments, the shaft 302 may operably couple to two motor assemblies (e.g., a first motor coupled proximate the first end 402 of the shaft 302 and a second motor coupled proximate the second end 404 of the shaft 302.) For example, as discussed above, a first motor shaft may operably couple to a first stopper 304 disposed at the first end 402 of the shaft 302 (e.g., via the second opening 308). A second motor shaft may operably couple to a second stopper 304 disposed at the second end 404 of the shaft (e.g., via the second opening 308).
In various embodiments, the motors may be configured to run in series relative to one another. For example, each motor operably coupled to the first end 402 and the second end 404 of the shaft 302 may be configured to run at the same rotational speed, time, or duration, to cause the shaft 302 to rotate at higher levels of torque (e.g., compared to using only one motor). Various types of motors may be configured to rotate the shaft 302. For example, one or more electric motors, gas motors, diesel motors, hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors, or the like may operably couple to the shaft 302 to cause the shaft 302 to rotate.
In various embodiments, each blade 202 may be configured to rotate at the same speed and duration such that the cutting device 100 creates a plurality of cuts each having the same length, depth, and width. By way of example, the cutting device 100 shown throughout the figures includes four blade sets 104 each having two blades 202. In this example embodiments, the cutting device 100 can create 8 cuts (2 per blade set 104) into a roadway. Two cuts from a first blade set 104 can be spaced a predetermined distance away from two cuts from a second blade set 104 of the four blade sets 104. For example, the cutting device 100 can include sixteen spacers 106 positioned between the first blade set 104 and the second blade set 104 such that the cuts of each blade set 104 is positioned a distance of the width of sixteen spacers 106 apart from one another. In the same example, each blade 202 of each blade set 104 may also be spaced a second predetermined space apart from one another. For example, the cutting device 100 may include three spacers 106 positioned between each blade 202 of the blade sets 104 such that each cut made by the blades 202 in each blade set 104 are spaced a distance of the width of three spacers 106 apart from one another.
FIG. 10 depicts the roadway cutting device 100 coupled to a portion of machinery 1002, such as construction machinery. As shown in FIG. 10 , the roadway cutting device 100 can couple to one or more portions of the machinery 1002 (e.g., via structure 90 and machine attachment 94) such that the roadway cutting device 100 can operate with the machinery 1002. For example, the machinery 1002 may include one or more wheels to facilitate moving the roadway cutting device 100 along a roadway (e.g., shown as roadway 1004) for the device 100 to create cuts into the roadway 1004.
FIG. 11 depicts one example of a set 1104 of relief cuts 1102. For example, FIG. 11 depicts an example of two sets 1104 of relief cuts 1102 on a roadway 1004. As shown in FIG. 11 , the roadway cutting device 100 may be configured to cut a first set 1104 of relief cuts 1102 (e.g., shown as cut 1102 a and 1102 b). The roadway cutting device 100 may be configured to cut a second set 1104 of relief cuts 1102 (e.g., shown as cut 1102 c and cut 1102 d) at a predetermined distance from the first set 1104. As shown in FIG. 11 , each set 1104 of relief cuts 1102 may correspond to a respective blade set 104 and each relief cut 1102 may correspond to a respective blade 202, such that each set 1104 of cuts 1102 is spaced a predetermined distant apart from one another (e.g., corresponding to a distance between blade sets 104). Similarly, each cut 1102 may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another (e.g., corresponding to a distance between each blade 202 of one blade set 104).
FIG. 12 depicts an illustration of a method 1200 of manufacturing a cutting device 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method 1200 can include providing a hexagonal shaft 302 extending between a first end 402 having a first stopper 304 and a second free end 404, as depicted at step 1202. For example, the first end 402 may oppose the second end 404, as shown throughout the figures.
The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a first subset of spacers 106 from the second free end 404 toward the first end 402 having the stopper 304, as depicted in step 1204. For example, the first subset of spacers 106 can slide along the shaft 302 such that a spacer 106 of the first subset of spacers 106 engages the first stopper 304.
The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a first connector base 502 along the shaft 302 from the second free end 404 toward the first end 402, as depicted in step 1206. For example, the first connector base 502 can slide along the shaft 302 such that the first connector base 502 engages with a spacer 106 of the first subset of spacers 106.
The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a first blade 202 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402, as depicted in step 1208. For example, the first blade 202 can slide along the shaft 302 such that the first blade 202 engages with a portion of the first connector base 502.
The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a first connector cap 504 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402, as depicted in step 1210. For example, the first connector cap 504 can slide along the shaft 302 such that the first connector cap 504 engages with a portion of the first blade 202.
The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a second subset of spacers 106 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402, as depicted in step 1212. For example, the second subset of spacers 106 can slide along the shaft 302 such that a spacer 106 of the second subset of spacers 106 engages with a portion of the first connector cap 504.
The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a second connector base 502 along the shaft 302 from the second free end 404 toward the first end 402, as depicted in step 1214. For example, the second connector base 502 can slide along the shaft 302 such that the second connector base 502 engages with a spacer 106 of the second subset of spacers 106.
The method 1200 can include sliding, along the shaft 302, a second blade 202 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402, as depicted in step 1216. For example, the second blade 202 can slide along the shaft 302 such that the second blade 202 engages with a portion of the second connector base 502.
A portion of the method 1200 is illustrated throughout FIGS. 7-9 . For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a subset of spacers (shown as subset 702) sliding along the shaft 302 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402 (not shown in FIG. 7 ). The subset 702 can slide along the shaft 302 such that at least one spacer abuts a portion of the connector cap 504, as shown in FIG. 7 .
FIG. 8 illustrates a connector base 502 slid along the shaft 302 from the second end 404 toward the first end 402 (not shown in FIG. 8 ). The connector base 502 can engage with a portion of the subset 702 of spacers, as shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 illustrates a blade 202 slid along the shaft 302 to engage with a portion of the connector cap 504. FIG. 9 also shows a connector cap 504 slid along the shaft 302 to engage with a portion of the connector base 502 (not shown) and another subset of spacers 902 disposed between a first connector base (not shown in FIG. 9 ) and a second connector base (shown as the connect base 502 positioned closest to the second end 404).
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A roadway cutting device, comprising:

a shaft that extends laterally between a first end and a second end;

a first blade coupled to the shaft at a first location along the shaft;

a second blade coupled to the shaft at a second location along the shaft; and

a spacer disposed between the first blade and the second blade;

wherein the roadway cutting device is configured such that the first blade and the second blade are rotated simultaneously at the same rotational speed.

2. The roadway cutting device of claim 1, wherein the spacer is configured to inhibit lateral movement of the first blade and the second blade along the shaft.

3. The roadway cutting device of claim 1, further comprising a third blade coupled to the shaft at a third location along the shaft, wherein a lateral distance along the shaft between the first location and the third location is different than a lateral distance along the shaft between the first location and the second location.

4. The roadway cutting device of claim 3, further comprising a fourth blade coupled to the shaft at a fourth location along the shaft, wherein a lateral distance along the shaft between the third location and the fourth location is the same as the lateral distance along the shaft between the first location and the second location.

5. The roadway cutting device of claim 4, wherein the lateral distance along the shaft between the first location and the third location is the same as a lateral distance along the shaft between the second location and the fourth location.

6. The roadway cutting device of claim 3, further comprising a second spacer disposed between the second blade and the third blade.

7. The roadway cutting device of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a hexagonal cross-section.

8. The roadway cutting device of claim 1, further comprising a shaft connector assembly configured to couple the first blade to the shaft.

9. The roadway cutting device of claim 1, further comprising a stopper coupled to a portion of the first end of the shaft.

10. A roadway cutting device, comprising:

a hexagonal shaft that extends between a first end and a second end;

a stopper coupled to the first end of the hexagonal shaft and configured to facilitate coupling the hexagonal shaft to a portion of a machine;

a plurality of blade sets each having a plurality of blades each coupled to the hexagonal shaft by a connector assembly;

a plurality of spacers slidably coupled to the hexagonal shaft;

wherein a first subset of the plurality of spacers is disposed between a first blade and a second blade of a first blade set; and

wherein a second subset of the plurality of spacers is disposed between the first blade of the first blade set and a third blade of a second blade set.

11. The roadway cutting device of claim 10, wherein the second subset of the plurality of spacers includes more spacers than the first subset of the plurality of spacers.

12. The roadway cutting device of claim 10, wherein each blade is coupled to the hexagonal shaft such that each blade is configured to rotate in response to a rotation of the hexagonal shaft.

13. A method of manufacturing a roadway cutting device, comprising:

providing a shaft extending between a first end having a first stopper and a second end free from the first stopper;

sliding a first subset of spacers along the shaft from the second end toward the first end;

sliding a first connector along the shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the first connector engages with a portion of the first subset of spacers;

sliding a first blade along the shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the first blade at least partially engages with the first connector;

sliding a first connector cap along the shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the first connector cap engages with a portion of the first blade;

sliding a second subset of spacers along the shaft from the second end toward the first end;

sliding a second connector along the shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the second connector engages with a portion of the second subset of spacers; and

sliding a second blade along the shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the second blade at least partially engages the second connector.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising coupling the first connector to the first blade by a fastener.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising coupling the first blade to the first connector cap by a fastener.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising sliding a second connector cap along the shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the second connector cap engages with a portion of the second blade.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

sliding a third subset of spacers from the second end toward the first end;

sliding a third connector along the shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the third connector engages with a portion of the third subset of spacers; and

sliding a third blade along the shaft from the second end toward the first end such that the third blade at least partially engages the third connector.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising coupling, to the second end of the shaft, a second stopper.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising coupling, via the first stopper, the shaft to a portion of a machine.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising coupling a motor assembly to the first end of the shaft.