Accessory for Concrete Surface Preparation

Abstract

An accessory for use is the preparation of a concrete surface is arranged to be selectively connectable to a vehicle for operative movement over an area of uncured concrete. The accessory has an arm with a first end for connection to a concrete surface preparation apparatus, such as a screed, and a second end having a connection apparatus that permits a selective connection of the accessory to the vehicle. The accessory also includes a rotation mechanism configured to allow at least part of the arm to be rotated in a side-to-side manner relative to the vehicle so as to allow repositioning of the concrete surface preparation apparatus for operation thereof. The accessory further includes a support device attached to the arm between the first and second ends thereof, and is arranged to contact the concrete surface over which the arm extends in order to at least partially support the arm.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An accessory for concrete surface preparation, the accessory being arranged to be selectively connectable to a vehicle, the accessory comprising an arm having a first end for connection to a concrete surface preparation apparatus and a second end comprising connection means for selective connection to a vehicle, wherein the accessory comprises a rotation means configured to allow at least part of the arm to be rotated in a side-to-side manner relative to the vehicle to allow repositioning of the concrete surface preparation apparatus. 
     
     
         2 . The accessory according to  claim 1 , wherein the accessory further comprises a support means attached to the arm between the first and second ends thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The accessory according to  claim 2 , wherein the support means is arranged or arrangeable, in use, to contact a surface over which the arm extends in order to at least partially support the arm. 
     
     
         4 . An accessory for concrete surface preparation being arranged to be selectively connectable to a vehicle, comprising:
 an arm having a first end for connection to a concrete surface preparation apparatus and a second end for connection to a vehicle; and   support device attached to the arm between the first and second ends thereof, the support device being arranged or arrangeable, in use, to contact a surface over which the arm extends in order to at least partially support the arm.   
     
     
         5 . The accessory according to  claim 4 , wherein the support device is attached to the arm nearer to the second end of the arm than the first end. 
     
     
         6 . The accessory according to any of  claim 5 , wherein the support device is configured to be moveable, in use, between a deployed position or condition in which the support device contacts the surface over which the arm extends and a stowed position or condition in which the support device does not contact the surface and/or vice versa. 
     
     
         7 . The accessory according to  claim 6 , wherein movement between the deployed and stowed positions or conditions comprises extension or retraction of at least a portion of the support device and/or comprises rotation of at least a portion of the support device relative to the arm. 
     
     
         8 . The accessory according to  claim 6 , wherein the support device is configured to be automatically moveable, in use, between the deployed and stowed positions or conditions and/or vice versa. 
     
     
         9 . The accessory to  claim 6 , wherein the support device includes an actuator for moving the support device between the deployed and stowed positions or conditions and/or vice versa. 
     
     
         10 . The accessory according to  claim 6 , wherein the support device includes one or more legs. 
     
     
         11 . The accessory according to  claim 4 , wherein the second end of the arm includes connection apparatus for selective connection to a vehicle. 
     
     
         12 . The accessory according to  claim 11 , wherein the accessory includes a rotation mechanism configured to allow at least part of the arm to be rotated in a side-to-side manner relative to the vehicle to allow repositioning of the concrete surface preparation apparatus. 
     
     
         13 . The accessory according to  claim 12 , wherein the rotation mechanism is configured to allow rotation relative to the vehicle over an angle of between 20 and 270 degrees. 
     
     
         14 . The accessory according to  claim 13 , wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a pivot about which the arm is rotatable, in use. 
     
     
         15 . The accessory according to  claim 12 , wherein the rotation mechanism incorporates an actuator for causing rotation of the arm relative to a vehicle to which it is attached. 
     
     
         16 . The accessory according to  claim 12 , wherein the rotation mechanism is positioned at or adjacent the second end of the arm. 
     
     
         17 . The accessory according to  claim 11 , wherein the connection apparatus comprises a quick release mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The accessory according to  claim 4 , wherein the arm is an extendable and/or retractable arm. 
     
     
         19 . The accessory according to  claim 18 , wherein the accessory comprises one or more sensors configured or arranged to detect an extent of extension of the arm. 
     
     
         20 . A kit of parts comprising an accessory according to  claim 12  and a concrete surface preparation apparatus. 
     
     
         21 . The kit of parts according to  claim 20 , wherein the concrete surface preparation apparatus is a screed head for levelling uncured concrete and/or a spreading apparatus for dispensing topping material. 
     
     
         22 . The kit of parts according to  claim 21 , comprising a stand-alone controller for controlling, in use, the operation of the arm, the rotation mechanism, the support device and/or the concrete surface preparation apparatus attached thereto. 
     
     
         23 . The kit of parts according to  claim 22 , wherein the stand-alone controller is configured to move the support device from a deployed position or condition to a stowed position or condition when sensor data from one or more sensors detects that an extension of an extendable and/or retractable arm has reached a first threshold.