Modular configurable paving apparatus and modular configurable paving operation system

A configurable paving operations system, comprising:

• a modular framework having a transverse width and including at least a first frame insert and a second frame insert, each frame insert having a first end including a connector and a second end including a connector, and at least one rail system along its length, the second end of the first frame insert removably coupled to the first end of the second frame insert via connector;
• at least a first end structure and a second end structure, the first end structure coupled to the first end of the first frame insert and the second end structure at least one of coupled to the second end of the second frame insert and slidably coupled to the modular framework via the at least one rail system;
• each end structure having at least an attachment plate couplable to a frame insert via connector, at least a first adjustable leg and a second adjustable leg coupled to the end structure, and a plurality of steerable crawlers including at least a first steerable crawler rotatably coupled to the first adjustable leg and a second steerable crawler rotatably coupled to the second adjustable leg;
• each end structure including a steering assembly operatively coupled to the plurality of steerable crawlers, configured to rotate at least one of the first steerable crawler and the second steerable crawler;
• a control system including:
• (i) at least one accessory removably coupled to the modular framework selected from the group including at least one of the following:
• a cure tank, an engine console, a walkway, an operating platform, a sensor operably coupled to the control system, an undercarriage, a hydraulic height adjuster configured to at least one of raise and lower the undercarriage through a vertical range;
• a texture rake, a texture broom, a texture drag, a spray bar assembly, a roller, an auger, a spreader, a trimmer, a form, a mold, a pan, a finisher, a saw, a bar inserter, a screed, a placer, a conveyor, and a plow;
• (ii) at least one sensor mounted to at least one of the undercarriage, the hydraulic height adjuster, and the at least one accessory;
• and
• (iii) at least one proximity sensor mounted to the at least one accessory.

A method for extending the width of a paving operations system having a modular framework including at least a first frame insert and a second frame insert, at least one rail system spanning the modular framework, at least a first end structure mounted to the first frame insert and a second end structure, the first end structure and the second end structure both having an inner end, an outer end, and a front adjustable leg operably coupled to a front steerable crawler and a rear adjustable leg operably coupled to a rear steerable crawler, the paving operations system including at least one component operably coupled to a control system, comprising:

• securing the machine for extension;
• connecting a third frame insert to the second frame insert;
• disconnecting at least one of a service connection and a hydraulic hose coupling the at least one component to the control system;
• rotating at least the front steerable crawler and the rear steerable crawler of the second end structure to an orientation substantially parallel to the modular framework;
• directing the second end structure transversely along the rail system until the outer end of the second end structure is flush with the third frame insert;
• connecting at least one of a connection and a hydraulic hose coupling the at least one component to the control system;
• rotating the at least the front steerable crawler and the rear steerable crawler of the second end structure to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the modular framework;
• and
• securing the machine for operation.

A method for reducing the width of a paving operations system having a modular framework including at least a first, second, and third frame insert, at least one rail system spanning the modular framework, at least a first end structure mounted to the first frame insert and a second end structure, the first end structure and the second end structure both having an inner end, an outer end, a front adjustable leg operably coupled to a front steerable crawler and a rear adjustable leg operably coupled to a rear steerable crawler, the paving operations system including at least one component operably coupled to a control system, comprising:

• securing the machine for retraction;
• disconnecting at least one of a service connection and a hydraulic hose coupling the at least one component to the control system;
• rotating at least the front steerable crawler and the rear steerable crawler of the second end structure to an orientation substantially parallel to the modular framework;
• directing the second end structure transversely along the rail system until the outer end of the second end structure is flush with the second frame insert;
• disconnecting the third frame insert from the second frame insert;
• connecting at least one of a connection and a hydraulic hose coupling the at least one component to the control system;
• rotating at least one of the front steerable crawler and the rear steerable crawler of the second end structure to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the modular framework;
• and
• securing the machine for operation.