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US 2014/0191537 A1Published application
Platform grating
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsMatthew A. Bilbruck, Aaron L. Carbonneau, Kyle D. Knous
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A platform grating is provided. The platform grating includes an array of plates placed in a spaced apart arrangement. Each of the array of plates includes a plurality of apertures which are provided in transverse alignment with the apertures in the adjacent plate. The platform grating also includes an array of hollow tubes positioned within the apertures provided in the array of plates. Each of the array of hollow tubes is mechanically connected to the array of plates.
Claims20
A platform grating comprising:
- an array of plates placed in a spaced apart arrangement, wherein each of the array of plates includes a plurality of apertures, the apertures of one plate provided in transverse alignment with the apertures in the adjacent plate;
- and
- an array of hollow tubes positioned within the apertures provided in the array of plates, wherein each of the array of hollow tubes is mechanically connected to the array of plates.
A method of manufacturing a platform grating, the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of apertures in each of an array of plates;
- arranging each of the array of plates in a spaced apart arrangement, the apertures of one plate provided in transverse alignment with the apertures in the adjacent plate;
- positioning an array of hollow tubes through the provided apertures, wherein an outer diameter of the hollow tube is less than a diameter of the aperture;
- and
- expanding the diameter of each of the array of hollow tubes to mechanically secure the hollow tube with the plate.
2 more elements
A machine comprising:
- a power source;
- and
- a platform grating provided on the machine, the platform grating comprising:
- an array of plates placed in a spaced apart arrangement, wherein each of the array of plates includes a plurality of apertures, the apertures of one plate provided in transverse alignment with the apertures in the adjacent plate;
- and
- an array of hollow tubes positioned within the apertures provided in the array of plates, wherein each of the array of hollow tubes is mechanically connected to the array of plates.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.