Strike Off Apparatus

Abstract

A strike off apparatus and method for moving a blade in such an apparatus are disclosed. The strike off apparatus may comprise a frame, a collar mounted to the frame, a blade mounted to the frame and moveable from a first position to a second position, a guide disposed within the channel, and an actuator operatively connected to the guide. The actuator may be configured to move the blade from the first position to a second position. The frame and collar may define a first portion of a generally vertical channel.

1 . A strike off apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a collar mounted to the frame, the frame and collar defining a first portion of a generally vertical channel;   a blade moveable from a first position to a second position, the blade disposed between the collar and the frame;   a substantially flat guide disposed within the channel, the guide including a window therethrough, the window having a perimeter fixedly attached to the blade; and   an actuator operatively connected to the guide, the actuator configured to move the blade from the first position to the second position.   
     
     
         2 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the frame includes a body, and first and second generally perpendicular, spaced apart, sidewalls disposed on the body. 
     
     
         3 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first sidewall and the body define a first slit and the second sidewall and the body define a second slit, the first and second slits each configured to receive the blade. 
     
     
         4 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 2 , in which the frame includes a first elongated support member and a second elongated support member, the first support member extending between the first sidewall and the collar, and the second support member extending between the collar and the second sidewall. 
     
     
         5 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the collar is generally centered on the frame. 
     
     
         6 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the blade and collar define a second portion of the vertical channel. 
     
     
         7 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the blade defines first and second elongated apertures. 
     
     
         8 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the collar includes a primary side and a secondary side, and the guide includes a first guide side edge disposed proximal to the primary side of collar. 
     
     
         9 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the first guide side edge of the guide is scalloped. 
     
     
         10 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the actuator includes a pocket and a rod having a threaded portion, the pocket defining an inner wall having passageway threads configured for mutual engagement with the threaded portion of the rod. 
     
     
         11 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the guide defines a window and the window is disposed on the blade. 
     
     
         12 . A strike off apparatus mounted to a vehicle, the strike off apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   a collar mounted to the frame, the frame and collar defining a generally vertical channel;   a blade disposed between the collar and the frame and moveable vertically between a first and second position;   a substantially flat guide mounted to the blade and disposed within the channel, the guide including a window therethrough and first and second generally parallel guide side edges, the window having a perimeter fixedly attached to the blade; and   an actuator operatively connected to the guide, the actuator configured move the blade from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         13 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 12 , in which the vehicle is a paving machine. 
     
     
         14 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the strike off apparatus has a single actuation point. 
     
     
         15 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 12 , in which the blade defines an elongated aperture. 
     
     
         16 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 15 , further including a pin received in the elongated aperture, wherein the blade is configured to slide on the pin. 
     
     
         17 . The strike off apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the guide is generally flat. 
     
     
         18 . A method of moving vertically a blade in a strike off apparatus, the strike off assembly including a frame, the blade defining an aperture and disposed between a collar and the frame, the collar mounted to the frame, the frame and the collar defining a generally vertical channel, a substantially flat guide disposed within the channel, the guide including a window therethrough, the window having a perimeter fixedly attached to the blade, and a pin disposed within the aperture, the method comprising:
 moving the guide vertically within the channel from a first position to a second position; and   guiding the blade movement by sliding the blade vertically on the pin in the aperture.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising discontinuing upward movement of the blade when the pin is disposed at the lower end of the aperture, wherein the aperture is a slot. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the activating step is accomplished by rotating a rod having a threaded portion in a pocket mounted on the guide, the pocket defining an inner wall having passageway threads configured for mutual engagement with the threaded portion of the rod.