ASSEMBLIES FOR LINE STRIPING EQUIPMENT

Abstract

An assembly can be provided to and/or on a piece of line striping equipment, wherein the assembly can move at least a portion of the line striping equipment relative to the ground. In various embodiments, the assembly can include a support member, a powered actuator configured to be used in conjunction with the support member, and a force transmitting element. The piece of line striping equipment can include a spray nozzle supported on a carriage, wherein the carriage can be moveable between an operating position where the spray nozzle is carried proximal to the ground and a transport position where the spray nozzle is elevated from the operating position. In at least one embodiment, the force transmitting element can be operably interconnected to the powered actuator, the support member, and the carriage for powered movement of the carriage between the operating position and the transport position.

Description

BACKGROUND

i. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to line striping equipment and, more particularly, relates to assemblies configured for use with vehicle-mounted line striping equipment.

ii. Description of the Related Art

Line striping is the process by which lines are applied to a surface, such as parking lots, roads, and/or building floors, for example. In various embodiments, the lines can be applied in any suitable configuration. Typically, the lines can be brushed and/or sprayed onto the surface using known paint compositions, such as reflective paint, for example. In various embodiments, the lines can be applied to the surface through the use of a vehicle having line striping equipment either permanently or releasably attached thereto. One form of releasable line striping equipment can be purchased from Graco, Inc., for example. In at least one embodiment, the line striping equipment can include a pull-behind striper which can be attached to a rear of a vehicle through the use of a tow hitch adapter. In such an embodiment, the pull-behind striper can be releasably attached to hitch receivers of the tow hitch adapter while leaving the hitch receiver of the vehicle empty. In various embodiments, the pull-behind striper can include at least one spray nozzle supported on a carriage, wherein the spray nozzle can be configured to dispense paint onto the surface, as described above. In some instances, an alignment pointer can be attached to a front end of the vehicle such that it can be used by a driver to align the vehicle with a portion of the surface so that the lines can be properly positioned on the surface by the pull-behind striper. In at least one embodiment, the alignment pointer can be used by the driver to follow lines previously painted on the surface, for example.

In some circumstances, the driver can be required to exit the vehicle and manually deploy portions of the line striping equipment a distance from a side of the vehicle and proximal to the ground before striping at a first location. Once the portions of the line striping equipment are manually deployed, the driver can re-enter the vehicle to perform the line striping operation. After completion of the line striping at the first location, the driver must again get out of the vehicle and manually reattach the deployed portions of the line striping equipment to the vehicle and/or to the line striping equipment so that the driver can then safely travel to a second location to again perform the line striping. If the reattachment of the deployed portions is not performed, damage can be caused to the line striping equipment during travel from the first location to the second location, for example. The reattachment, however, can be quite cumbersome and time-consuming for the driver to perform, especially in a heavily congested area. What is needed is an improvement over the foregoing.

SUMMARY

In at least one general aspect, an assembly can be provided to and/or on a piece of line striping equipment, such as a pull-behind striper, for example, wherein the assembly can be configured to automatically move at least a portion of the line striping equipment relative to the ground. In at least one embodiment, a driver can operate the assembly from inside of the vehicle to thereby ensure the driver's safety. In various embodiments, the assembly can include a support member configured to be attached to one of the pieces of line striping equipment and/or an empty two hitch receiver of the vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the assembly can further include a powered actuator configured to be used in conjunction with the support member and, in addition, can include a force transmitting element operably engaged with the powered actuator. In various embodiments, the piece of line striping equipment can include a spray nozzle supported on a carriage, wherein the carriage can be moveable between an operating position where the spray nozzle is carried proximal to the ground and a transport position where the spray nozzle is elevated from the operating position. In at least one embodiment, the force transmitting element can be operably interconnected to the powered actuator and the carriage for powered movement of the carriage between the operating position and the transport position. In various embodiments, the assembly can be provided in a kit which can include at least the support member, the powered actuator, and the force transmitting element, for example.

In another general aspect, an assembly can be provided to and/or on a piece of line striping equipment, such as an alignment pointer, for example, which is releasably or permanently mounted to a vehicle. In various embodiments, the assembly can include a powered actuator configured to be attached to a portion of the piece of line striping equipment. In at least one embodiment, the piece of line striping equipment can include a wheel supported on an arm, wherein the arm can be moveable between an operating position and a transport position. In such an embodiment, the wheel can be configured to contact the ground in the operating position and can be elevated from the ground in the transport position. In various embodiments, the powered actuator can be configured to engage one of a portion of the wheel and/or a portion of the arm to selectively move the arm between the operating position and the transport position.

In still another general aspect, a method of using an assembly with a piece of line striping equipment can be provided. In various embodiments, the method can be performed when using a piece of line striping equipment which includes a spray nozzle supported on a carriage, wherein the carriage can be moveable between an operating position and a transport position. In at least one embodiment, the spray nozzle can be carried proximal to the ground in the operating position and, in addition, can be elevated from the operating position in the transport position. In various embodiments, the method can include attaching a support member to one of the piece of line striping equipment and an empty hitch receiver of the vehicle, operably engaging the support member and a powered actuator, operably interconnecting the powered actuator and the carriage using a force transmitting element, and automatically moving the carriage between the operating position and the transport position by activating the powered actuator from inside of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of line striping equipment, including a pull-behind striper and an alignment pointer, which is releasably attached to a vehicle, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pull-behind striper of FIG. 1 which includes a spray nozzle supported by a carriage, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembly configured for use with the pull-behind striper of FIG. 1, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the assembly of FIG. 3 releasably attached to a hitch receiver of the vehicle, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 3 releasably attached to the vehicle and engaged with the carriage of the pull-behind striper of FIG. 1, and illustrating the carriage in a transport position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the alignment pointer of FIG. 1 which includes a frame, an arm, a wheel, and an alignment element in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly including a powered actuator which can be configured for use with the alignment pointer of FIG. 7, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 8 attached to the alignment pointer;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9 mounted on the alignment pointer of FIG. 7 and engaged with the arm of the alignment pointer, illustrating the arm in a transport position in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sign holder positioned on the vehicle, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sign holder of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the assemblies and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 10, such as a pickup truck, for example, can have one or more pieces of line striping equipment attached and/or mounted thereto. In at least one embodiment, the pieces of line striping equipment can be releasably attached and/or mounted to the vehicle so that the vehicle can be used for operations other than line striping. In various embodiments, the pieces of line striping equipment can include a pull-behind striper 12 and an alignment pointer 14, for example. In at least one embodiment, the pull-behind striper 12 can be attached to a rear portion of the vehicle 10 and the alignment pointer 14 can be attached to a front portion of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the line striping equipment can be used to apply lines to a road surface, for example, or, in other various embodiments, can be used to apply lines to parking lots, sidewalks, building floors, and/or any other suitable surface.

In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 can include a plurality of hitch receivers such that the pull-behind striper 12 and the alignment pointer 14 can be releasably attached thereto. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle can include a front-mounted hitch receiver (not illustrated) configured to receive a portion of the alignment pointer 14 and releasably mount the alignment pointer to the vehicle 10. Further, in various embodiments, referring to FIG. 5, the rear of the vehicle can include a tow hitch adapter 16 including a first bracket 18 and a second bracket 20. The first and second brackets 18 and 20 can include hitch receivers 22 and 22′, respectively, such that, referring to FIG. 2, a first hitch 24 and a second hitch 26 of the pull-behind striper 12 can be attached to the balls extending from the hitch receivers 22 and 22′. In various embodiments, the first and second brackets 18 and 20 can be mounted to the vehicle's or tow hitch's frame 28 on either side of the existing tow hitch receiver 30, for example. Through the use of this two-point attachment to the vehicle 10, the pull-behind striper 12 can maintain linearity with the vehicle and does not suffer from articulation problems present in typical trailers which have one point of attachment to the vehicle.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, the pull-behind striper 12 can include various components, such as a frame 32, a support wheel 34, paint dispensing equipment 36, and one or more spray nozzles 38 supported on a first end of a carriage 40. In at least one embodiment, a second end of the carriage 40 can be slidably engaged with the frame 32 such that the carriage can be slid from a first side 31 of the frame 32 to a second side 33 of the frame 32 to allow the carriage to be used to perform striping on either side of the vehicle 10. In such an embodiment, the second end of the carriage 40 can also be pivotably attached to the frame 32 via pin 35, for example, such that the carriage can pivot with respect to the frame 32 and towards and away from the ground. When traveling a long distance, the carriage 40 can be pivoted with respect to the frame and slid to a center portion of the frame 32 such that the first end of the carriage can be attached to an upper portion of the pull-behind striper 12 for transport. In various embodiments, the pivotable support wheel 34 described above can be configured to maintain the frame 32 at a position above the ground 44 to provide support to the various components of the pull-behind striper 12. Further, in at least one embodiment, the carriage 40 can maintain the spray nozzle 38 at a suitable distance above the ground 44, for example, such that the line striping process can be optimized. In various embodiments, the carriage 40 can include a carriage wheel 42 configured to maintain the spray nozzle 38 at a constant, or substantially constant, distance above the ground 44. In other various embodiments, the carriage 40 can be suspended from the frame 32 or the vehicle 10 using any suitable means, but without the use of the carriage wheel 42, for example.

Further to the above, in various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pull-behind striper 12 can include paint dispensing equipment 36 such that a quantity of paint can be dispensed by the at least one spray nozzle 38. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, a tank 46 can be situated in the bed of the vehicle 10 and can be fluidly connected to the pull-behind striper 12 by a tube, a pipe, a hose, and/or any other suitable fluid transmitting member. In such an embodiment, the paint or other substance in the tank 46 can be drawn or pumped through the tube, using a suitable pump within the pull-behind striper and/or the tank, for example, and be motivated to the spray nozzle 38 to be dispensed onto a surface. Further details regarding the pull-behind striper and its operation are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,232 to Schroeder, entitled STRIPING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE TRAVEL SURFACES, which issued on Nov. 29, 1994, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,385 to Lanerd et al., entitled VEHICLE TOWED APPARATUS FOR STRIPING OF ROADS, which issued on Sep. 7, 1999, the entire disclosures of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3-6, an assembly for the pull-behind striper 12 can include a support member, a powered actuator, and a force transmitting element. In at least one embodiment, the assembly can be configured to move the carriage 40 of the pull-behind striper 12 between an operating position wherein the spray nozzle 38 can be carried proximal to the ground 44 and a transport position (FIG. 6) wherein the spray nozzle 38 can be elevated from the operating position. In various embodiments, this feature can provide a significant advantage over the related art in that the driver can move the carriage 40 without exiting the vehicle 10 merely by using a controller (not illustrated) positioned inside the vehicle. In such an embodiment, the assembly can be useful when traveling short distances, traveling from striping site to striping site, and/or when traveling off of a congested roadway. Once off of the congested roadway and in a safe location, the driver can then exit the vehicle and slide the carriage 40 to the center of the frame 32 and reattach the first end of the carriage 40 to an upper portion of the pull-behind striper 12, as described above, to prepare for traveling a long distance. In related art systems, the driver would be required to perform this reattachment while on the congested roadway in traffic.

Further to the above, in various embodiments, the support member 48 can be configured to provide support to the force transmitting element 50 such that the carriage 40 can be moved between the operating position and the transport position when the actuator is powered. In at least one embodiment, still referring to FIGS. 3-6, the support member can include a main body 52, a first side 54, and a second side 56. In such an embodiment, the main body 52 can include a hitch connector 58 on a central, lower portion thereof, wherein the hitch connector 58 can be configured to be attached to the tow hitch receiver 30 of the vehicle 10 by sliding the hitch connector 58 into the hitch receiver 30 and inserting a pin through an aperture 59, for example, to secure the attachment. As described above, the tow hitch receiver 30 is usually empty when the pull-behind striper 12 is attached to the vehicle, thus allowing for attachment of the hitch connector 58 thereto. In various embodiments, the hitch receiver/hitch connector attachment to the vehicle can allow the assembly to be easily and quickly attached and detached from the vehicle. In other various embodiments, the main body 52 can be attached to or integral with the pull-behind striper 12 without the use of the hitch connector 58, for example. In such an embodiment, any suitable means of attaching the main body 52 to the pull-behind striper 12, such as welding or bolting, for example, can be used. In addition, the main body 52 can include a plurality of support beams 60 which can be configured to provide structural support to the main body. In various embodiments, the plurality of support beams 60 can be configured such that the rear lights of the vehicle are visible when the support member 48 is attached to the vehicle 10. In at least one embodiment, the support beams 60 can be round, square, or can have any other suitable cross-sectional shape. In various embodiments, the support beams 60 can be hollow or solid, for example, and can be comprised of any suitable material, such as a metal, for example. In other various embodiments, the main body 52 can include any other suitable structural configuration which can provide support to the force transmitting element 50 and withstand the weight of the carriage 40 being moved and/or lifted between the operating and transport positions.

In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, the main body 52 can further include a first bumper engaging member 62 and a second bumper engaging member 64, which can both be configured to rest on and/or be abutted with the bumper of the vehicle to provide additional support to the support member 48. In other various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, one or both of the bumper engaging members 62 and 64 can be replaced with a bumper engaging portion 65, for example. In at least one embodiment, the bumper engaging members and/or the bumper engaging portions can be rigidly mounted to the main body and/or can be adjustable such that they can be moved relative to and be abutted with the bumper 67 of any line striping vehicle. In such an adjustable embodiment, the bumper engaging members and/or bumper engaging portions can be connected to the support beams 60 through the use of a threaded screw member 63 such that they can be extended and retracted relative to the bumper 67 of the vehicle and the support beams 60, for example. In other various embodiments, the threaded screw member 63 and/or other suitable adjustment members can extend from each of the first and second bumper engaging members 62 and 64 towards the bumper, for example, to be abutted with the bumper. In at least one such embodiment, still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the screw member 63 can be attached to the bumper engaging portion 65 which can be configured to be abutted with the bumper 67 to provide support to the support member 48. In at least one embodiment, the screw member 63 can be used in place of the first and second bumper engaging members 62 and 64 with or without the bumper engaging portion 65, for example. In such an embodiment, the screw member 63 can be threadably attached to the support beams 60 such that the screw member 63 can be screwed within the support beams 60, for example. In various embodiments, the screw member 63 can be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about its longitudinal axis to move it relative to the bumper 67, as described above. While the adjustment members have only been illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, it is to be understood that they could be used in any figure illustrating the support member 48.

Further to the above, in various embodiments, the screw member 63 can also be used to level the support member 48 relative to the vehicle and/or the ground, for example. In such an embodiment, a level (not illustrated) can be formed integral with or attached to the support member 48 to indicate to the driver when the support member is level, or substantially level. In other various embodiments, other adjustment members such as a bolt or a piston, for example, can be used to connect the bumper engaging members, the bumper engaging portions, and/or the support beams 60 with the bumper 67.

In various embodiments, a powered actuator 66, as described in further detail below, can be mounted to any suitable portion of the support member 48 using a bracket, bolts and nuts, etc., or any other suitable mounting device and/or process, such as welding, for example. In at least one embodiment, the powered actuator 66 can be operably engaged with the force transmitting element 50 such that the powered actuator can retract and deploy the force transmitting element axially with respect to the main body 52. In at least such an embodiment, the deployment of the force transmitting element can be aided by gravity and/or the weight of the carriage 40, for example, when the force transmitting element is attached to the carriage. In various embodiments, the powered actuator can receive power from the vehicle and/or can include its own internal power source, such as a battery, for example.

Further to the above, in various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3-6, the main body 52 can further include a main pulley wheel 68 and/or a rotatable member mounted on a pin, for example, which pin can be attached to the support beams of the support member. The main pulley wheel 68 can be configured to be engaged with the force transmitting element 50, for example. In various embodiments, the first side 54 of the support member 48 can include a first pulley wheel 70 and, additionally, the second side 56 can include a second pulley wheel 72. In other various embodiments, only one of the first and second pulley wheels may be provided such that the provided pulley wheel can be used on either of the first side 54 and the second side 56 of the support member 48, for example. The various pulley wheels can be configured to be rotated about an axis of a pin, for example. In at least one embodiment, the first and/or second pulley wheels 70 and 72 can be attached to an extension member 68. In such an embodiment, the extension member 68 can be releasably attached and/or slid at least partially within hollow ends of the support beams 60 near the first side 54 and/or the second side 56 of the main body 52. In at least one embodiment, the extension member 69 can be used to extend the first and/or second pulley wheels into a position directly, or substantially, above the carriage 40 such that the carriage 40 can be moved within its axis of rotation about pin 35 and with respect to the frame 32. By rotating carriage 40 within its axis of rotation about pin 35, less force will be required to lift the carriage from the operating position to the transport position.

In various embodiments, the force transmitting element 50 can be engaged with the main pulley wheel 68 and one of the first side pulley wheel 70 and the second side pulley wheel 72, for example. In an alternative embodiment, the force transmitting element 50 can be attached to one of the first and second pulley wheels, for example, without the use of the main pulley wheel 68. In one instance, two powered actuators and two force transmitting elements can be provided such that a first force transmitting element can be engaged with the first pulley wheel and a second force transmitting element can be engaged with the second pulley wheel, for example. In at least one embodiment, the outer perimeter of the force transmitting element 50 can be engaged with a groove and/or channel defined in the various pulley wheels such that it can be moved axially as the various pulley wheels rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in response to actuation by the powered actuator. In various embodiments, the force transmitting element 50 can be frictionally engaged with the groove and/or channel, for example, to prevent, or at least inhibit, slippage between the force transmitting element and the various pulley wheels.

In various embodiments, the powered actuator 66 can include a winch, for example, or other suitable device which can be configured to coil and uncoil the force transmitting element 50. In at least one embodiment, the force transmitting element can include a cable, a rope, and/or a cord, for example, which can extend from the powered actuator, be engaged with the main pulley wheel 68, and be engaged with one of the first pulley wheel 70 or the second pulley wheel 72 depending on whether the carriage is positioned on a first side or a second side of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, a second end of the force transmitting element can include a connector 74, such as a clip, a hook, a link, and/or other suitable device configured to be engaged with a portion of the carriage 40. In such an embodiment, the powered actuator 66 can be used to retract and/or deploy the force transmitting element relative to the support member 48 and the carriage such that the carriage 40 can be moved between the operating position and the transport position, for example. In one exemplary embodiment, the transport position of the carriage is illustrated in FIG. 6, while the operating position of the carriage is illustrated in FIG. 1, although the assembly is not illustrated in FIG. 1.

In various embodiments, the powered actuator 66 can be controlled by a controller positioned inside the vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the powered actuator can include a motor which can be hard wired to the controller (not illustrated). In other various embodiments, the powered actuator can include a receiver and the controller can include a transmitter such that the receiver can wirelessly communicate with the controller to actuate the powered actuator. In either event, the controller mounted inside the vehicle can allow the driver to selectively activate the powered actuator 66 to move the carriage between the operating position and the transport position without exiting the vehicle to thereby ensure the safety of the driver. Further, such a feature can be quite useful when striping in heavily congested areas to eliminate the need for the driver to exit the vehicle and reattach the carriage 40 to an upper, central portion of the pull-behind striper 12 while in heavy traffic. In various embodiments, the driver can use the controller to activate the powered actuator 66 and move and/or lift the carriage from the operating position into the transport position and then travel to a safe place to reattach the carriage 40 to a central, upper portion of the pull-behind striper 12 and/or travel to another striping site. When line striping is completed for the day, in at least one embodiment, the driver can use a second controller 99 located near the powered actuator and/or remotely linked with the powered actuator to re-coil the force transmitting element while outside the vehicle, for example. In such an embodiment, the second controller can be similar to the controller described above.

Further to the above, in various embodiments, the powered actuator 66 can be positioned at any suitable location on the support member 48, on a portion of the pull-behind striper 12, and/or on a portion of the vehicle 10. In such embodiments, the various pulley wheels can be configured to accommodate the position of the powered actuator and/or the powered actuator can be used without the various pulley wheels, for example. In at least one embodiment, a powered actuator can be positioned on the first side 54 and/or the second side 56 of the main body 52 and attached to a portion of the support beams 60 using any known connection members, such as a bracket, bolts and nuts, etc. In such an embodiment, a force transmitting element can extend from the powered actuator directly to the carriage 40 such that the carriage can be moved between the operating position and the transport position as the force transmitting element is moved by the powered actuator. In other various embodiments, the force transmitting element can include a rigid bar and the powered actuator can include a motor having a drive shaft which can be operably engaged with an eccentric. In at least such an embodiment, the rigid bar can be linked to the carriage 40 on a first end and linked to a portion of the eccentric on a second end such that as the eccentric is rotated about the drive shaft of the motor, the rigid bar can be reciprocated in an axial direction, for example. In various embodiments, partial reciprocation of the eccentric can be used to move the carriage 40 between the operating position and the transport position, for example. In other various embodiments, any suitable system of moving the carriage between the operating position and the transport position, known to those skilled in the art, is with the scope of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the above-described assembly can be provided in the form of a kit. In at least one embodiment, the kit can include a support member, a powered actuator, a force transmitting element, and a controller, for example. In various embodiments, a user can install the assembly on an existing vehicle and/or a pull-behind striper, for example, as described above. In at least one embodiment, the kit can include instructions with regard to mounting and assembling the kit to the vehicle.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the alignment pointer 14 can be used in conjunction with the pull-behind striper 12 and can include a frame 76, a wheel 78 supported by an arm 80, and an alignment element 82, for example. In at least one embodiment, the frame can include a first portion 84 and a second portion 86. In various embodiments, a projection (not illustrated) extending from the first portion 84 of the frame 76 can be configured to be engaged with the front hitch receiver of the vehicle 10 such that the alignment pointer 14 can be releasably coupled to the vehicle. Further, in at least one embodiment, the arm 80 can be pivotably attached to the frame 76 at a location intermediate the first portion 84 and the second portion 86. In various embodiments, the arm 80 can be manually moved and/or pivoted between a first position where the wheel 78 is configured to contact the ground 44 and a second position where the wheel 78 is attached to the vehicle 10 at a location proximate to the front hitch receiver, so that the vehicle can travel long distances, for example. In various embodiments, the alignment element 82 can extend from the second portion 86 of the frame 76 and can be viewed by a video camera attached to a portion of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, the video camera can have an output displayed inside the vehicle 10 on a monitor, for example, such that the alignment pointer 14 and monitor can be used by the driver to determine where on a surface that the line(s) will be painted by the pull-behind striper 12. The above-referenced monitor and video camera system is commercially available from Graco, Inc. under the ROAD LAZER trade designation. Further details regarding the alignment pointer and its operation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,351 to Schroeder, entitled SELF ALIGNING MECHANICAL POINTER, which issued on Nov. 2, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 8-10, an assembly can be attached to the frame 76 and/or a plate 94 attached to the frame, for example, through the use of a bracket and/or any other suitable mounting device, for example. In various embodiments, the assembly can be configured to selectively move the wheel 78 and/or the arm 80 between an operating position where the wheel is configured to contact the ground 44 and a transport position where the wheel and/or the arm is elevated from the operating position and/or the ground 44. In at least one embodiment, the assembly can be activated by the driver from inside the vehicle. In various embodiments, the assembly can include a powered actuator 88, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or electrically activated piston 90, for example. In such an embodiment, the piston 90 can be configured to be deployed axially from a housing of the powered actuator 88 and engage and/or be attached to a portion of the wheel 78 and/or the arm 80 to allow the piston to push the wheel 78 and/or the arm 80 between the operating position to the transport position. In such an embodiment, the distal end of the piston 90 can be attached to one of the wheel and/or the arm by a pin 98 or other suitable member. In other various embodiments, the powered actuator 88, and/or the piston 90 thereof, can be also configured to retract, to allow the wheel 78 and/or the arm 80 to move, be pulled, pivot, and/or fall under the force of gravity, between the transport position to the operating position, for example. In at least one embodiment, the piston 90 can engage an extension bracket 92 mounted to the arm 80, for example, wherein the extension bracket 92 can be pushed by the piston thereby causing the arm to pivot about pin 81 to move and/or lift the arm between the operating position and the transport position. In various embodiments, the powered actuator 88 can be powered by the vehicle and/or can have its own internal power source, such as a battery for example. In an alternative embodiment, any suitable powered actuator which can be configured to move the wheel and/or the arm from the operating position to the transport position can be used.

Further to the above, in various embodiments, the powered actuator 88 can be hard wired to and/or can communicate wirelessly with a controller (not illustrated) within the cab of the vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the controller can allow the driver to selectively move the wheel 78 and/or arm 80 between the operating position and the transport position without exiting the vehicle. In one instance, the controller inside the vehicle can be the same controller described above for the powered actuator 66, or in other embodiments, a separate controller can be provided for the powered actuator 88 and the powered actuator 66. In still other embodiments, a second controller can be positioned near the powered actuator 88 or remotely linked to the powered actuator, for example, such that the powered actuator 88 can be actuated while outside the vehicle. In various embodiments, the powered actuator 88 can be purchased from SPAL, USA, under the part number LACT6, for example. In various embodiments, the powered actuator 88, extension bracket 92, powered actuator mount, and controller can be provided in the form of a kit such that the components of the kit can be mounted onto an existing alignment pointer 14 and/or a portion of the vehicle 10, for example.

To promote safety during a line striping process, a line striping vehicle can be used in conjunction with a sign holding vehicle which can travel behind and/or in front of the line striping vehicle, for example. In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a sign holder 100 can be configured to be releasably engaged with and/or mounted on a line striping vehicle 102 to eliminate the need for the separate sign holding vehicle. In at least one embodiment, portions of the sign holder 100 can be configured to be releasably engaged with apertures, such as apertures 105, for example, in side portions of a vehicle bed 104, for example. In such embodiments, portions of the sign holder 100 can extend upwardly from the bed 104 such that a sign 106 attached to the sign holder 100 can be visible at a distance from the vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the sign 106 held by the sign holder 100 can be visible from a position in front of, to the side of, and/or behind the line striping vehicle 102, for example.

In various embodiments, the sign holder 100 can include a first portion 108 and a second portion 110, wherein the first portion can be releasably engaged with apertures 105 in a first side 114 of the vehicle bed 104 and the second portion can be releasably engaged with apertures in the second side of the vehicle bed. In at least one embodiment, the first and second portions of the sign holder 100 can each include an engagement member 118 and a support member 120. In such an embodiment, the support members 120 can be rotatably attached to the engagement members 118 by a pin, bolt, or the like, for example, such that a user can easily insert the lower portion of the engagement members 118 and the support members 120 into the apertures in the first and second sides of the bed 104. In other various embodiments, the support members 120 can be rigidly attached to the engagement members 118 or, in further various embodiments, the support members 120 and the engagement members 118 can be comprised of a single piece, for example, which single piece can be semi-rigid and/or partially flexible on at least the lower ends such that the lower ends can be inserted into the apertures in the sides of the vehicle bed 104.

In various embodiments, still referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the engagement members 118 can each include a first attachment element 122 configured to be engaged with a portion of the sign 106 such that the sign can be retained to the first and second portions 108 and 110 of the sign holder 100. In at least one embodiment, the first attachment element 122 can extend from each of the engagement members 118 and can include a hook, a bolt, a clip, a pin, a bracket, and/or any other suitable elements configured to engage and be used to hold a portion of the sign 106. In various embodiments, the sign 106 can include features, such as hooks, clips, slots, brackets, and/or apertures, for example, which can be engaged with the first attachment elements 122. In various embodiments, the engagement members 118 can each further include a second attachment element 123 configured to again engage and be used to hold a portion of the sign 106 in a similar fashion as the first attachment elements 122. In such an embodiment, the use of the second attachment elements can prevent, or at least inhibit, the sign 106 from rotating with respect to the engagement members 118 while the vehicle 102 moves.

In further various embodiments, the engagement members 118 can each further include a third attachment element (not illustrated) configured to be engaged with a connection member 126, for example. In at least one embodiment, the connection member 126 can be used to connect the first portion 108 of the sign holder 100 with the second portion 110 of the sign holder to provide lateral support to the sign holder, for example. In at least one embodiment, the connection member 126 can include a chain, a rigid member, a cable, a rope, and/or any other suitable connection member. In various embodiments, ends of the connection member 126 can include clips, pins, hooks, and/or any other suitable members which are configured to be engaged with the third attachment elements. In at least one embodiment, eyes 124 can be positioned on a bottom portion of the sign 106 such that straps 128 can connect the sign 106 to the connection member 126, for example. In such an embodiment, the straps 128 can further be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, the sign from rotating while the vehicle 102 moves.

In various embodiments, to assemble the sign holder 100, a user can attach the first portion 108 to the first side 114 of the bed 104 by inserting the lower portion of the engagement member 118 into a first aperture in the first side of the bed and, additionally, by inserting a portion of the support member 120 into a second aperture 105 in the first side of the bed. In at least one embodiment, the user can then attach the second portion 110 to the second side of the bed in a similar fashion such that the first and second portions of the sign holder 100 are positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle bed 104. Once the first and second engagement members 118 and support members 120 are engaged with the vehicle bed, the user can then engage the connection member 126 with the third attachment elements of the first and second engagement members 118. In various embodiments, the user can then tighten the connection member 126 to a suitable tension, using any type of known tensioner, to provide support to the sign holder 100 and connect the first and second engagement members 118. In at least one embodiment, the user can then attach the sign 106 to the first attachment elements 122 and, optionally, to the second attachment elements 123. In such an embodiment, the user can then attach the straps 128 to the eyes 124 and to portions of the connection member 126 to provide added support to the sign as described above. In other various embodiments, the straps 128 can be attached to the eyes 124 on a first end and attached at a second end to the third attachment elements, for example.

Claims

1. An assembly for use with a piece of line striping equipment, wherein the piece of line striping equipment is configured to be attached to a vehicle, wherein the piece of line striping equipment includes a spray nozzle supported on a carriage, and wherein the carriage is moveable between an operating position wherein the spray nozzle is carried proximal to the ground and a transport position wherein the spray nozzle is elevated from the operating position, the assembly comprising:

a support member configured to be attached to one of the piece of line striping equipment and a hitch of the vehicle;

a powered actuator mounted on said support member; and

a force transmitting element operably interconnecting said powered actuator and the carriage for powered movement of the carriage between the operating position and the transport position.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the carriage includes a wheel, wherein the wheel is configured to contact the ground when the carriage is in the operating position, and wherein the wheel is configured to be lifted from the ground when the carriage is in the transport position.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said force transmitting element is flexible, wherein said powered actuator includes a winch, and wherein said winch is configured to coil and uncoil said force transmitting element to thereby move the carriage between the operating position and the transport position.

4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pulley wheel attached to said support member, wherein said force transmitting element is configured to be engaged with said pulley wheel such that said pulley wheel can be rotated as said force transmitting element is moved.

5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to be mounted inside the vehicle, wherein said controller is configured to control said powered actuator.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said powered actuator is configured to move said force transmitting element relative to the carriage to thereby move the carriage between the operating position and the transport position.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said force transmitting element is configured to be engaged with said support member at a position above the carriage.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said force transmitting element is a cable.

9. An assembly for use with a piece of line striping equipment, wherein the piece of line striping equipment is configured to be attached to a vehicle, wherein the piece of line striping equipment includes a wheel supported on an arm, wherein the arm is moveable between an operating position wherein the wheel contacts the ground and a transport position wherein the wheel is elevated from the operating position, the assembly comprising:

a powered actuator mounted on a portion of the piece of line striping equipment, wherein said powered actuator is configured to engage one of the wheel and the arm to move the arm between the operating position and the transport position.

10. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a controller configured to be mounted inside the vehicle, wherein said controller is configured to control said powered actuator.

11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the powered actuator includes a piston, and wherein the piston is movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position.

12. A kit for use with a piece of line striping equipment, wherein the piece of line striping equipment is configured to be attached to a vehicle, and wherein the piece of line striping equipment includes a spray nozzle supported on a carriage moveable between an operating position wherein the spray nozzle is carried proximal to the ground and a transport position wherein the spray nozzle is elevated from the operating position, the kit comprising:

a support member configured to be attached to one of the piece of line striping equipment and a hitch of the vehicle;

a powered actuator configured to be used in conjunction with said support member; and

a force transmitting element configured to be operably interconnect said actuator and the carriage for powered movement of the carriage between the operating position and the transport position.

13. The kit of claim 12, further comprising a controller configured to be mounted inside the vehicle, wherein said controller is configured to control said powered actuator.

14. The kit of claim 12, wherein said support member further comprises a pulley wheel, and wherein said force transmitting element is configured to be engaged with said pulley wheel such that said pulley wheel can be rotated as said force transmitting element is moved.

15. The kit of claim 12, wherein said force transmitting element is flexible and further comprises:

a first end configured to be operably engaged with said powered actuator;

a second end configured to be engaged with a portion of the carriage; and

an intermediate portion configured to be engaged with said support member.

16. The kit of claim 12, wherein said force transmitting element is a cable, wherein said powered actuator includes a winch, and wherein said winch is configured to coil and uncoil said force transmitting element to move the carriage between the operating position and the transport position.

17. The kit of claim 12, wherein said powered actuator is configured to move said force transmitting element relative to the carriage to thereby move the carriage between the operating position and the transport position.

18. The kit of claim 12, wherein said force transmitting element is configured to be engaged with said support member at a position above the carriage.

19. The kit of claim 12, wherein the support member is attached to the hitch of the vehicle, the kit further comprising an adjustment member configured to connect the support member and a bumper of the vehicle such that the support member can be supported by the bumper.

20. The kit of claim 12, wherein the support member is attached to the hitch of the vehicle, the kit further comprising an adjustment member configured to connect the support member and a bumper of the vehicle such that the support member can be leveled relative to one of the vehicle and the ground.

21. A method of using an assembly with a piece of line striping equipment, wherein the piece of line striping equipment is configured to be attached to a vehicle, wherein the piece of line striping equipment includes a spray nozzle supported on a carriage, and wherein the carriage is moveable between an operating position wherein the spray nozzle is carried proximal to the ground and a transport position wherein the spray nozzle is elevated from the operating position, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching a support member to one of the piece of line striping equipment and a hitch of the vehicle;

engaging a powered actuator to the support member;

operably interconnecting the powered actuator, the support member, and the carriage; and

moving the carriage between the operating position and the transport position by activating the powered actuator from inside of the vehicle.