Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A guard clearance system for motorized riding trowels adapted to allow finishing of a slab surface immediately adjacent an obstacle. The system comprises a movable arc of trowel guard cage displaceably coupled to an end of the trowel guard cage and spaced apart buffer wheels mounted to the cage. The arc is displaceable between a deployed position generally aligned with a lower ring of the cage and a retracted position. When retracted an unguarded segment of the trowel rotor sweep is established, allowing the finishing blades to be deployed immediately adjacent a wall or other obstacle. A displaceable coupling for moving the arc between the deployed position and the retracted position extends from the cage to the arc. In a mechanical embodiment the displaceable coupling is a pair of slidably adjustable brackets extending from the arc to the cage. The displaceable coupling may comprise electromechanical elements for displacing the arc between deployed and retracted positions. Semitubular cradles extend from the cage to mate with the arc when it is deployed. The buffer wheels contact the wall and allow forward and rearward movement of the trowel along the wall while finishing the slab immediately adjacent the wall. The wheels are adjustable inwardly and outwardly to compensate for varying widths of finishing implements employed by the trowel.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim