Extendable screed for an asphalt paver

Abstract

An extendable, floating screed for an asphalt paver including screed extensions which extend, retract and pivot relative to the main screed. The screed extensions are mounted to the main screed with a zero clearance pivot joint. The disclosed pivot joint permits the screed extension to extend, retract and pivot relative to the main screed which maintaining zero clearance at the pivot. The pivot joint includes respective mounting plates on the extension screed and the main screed which are adapted for substantial coextensive engagement with each other in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the paver. A threaded fastener is received in coaxial apertures in the mounting plates for defining the pivot axis of the extension screed thereby permitting slope adjustment of the extension screed relative to the main screed. Tightening of the fastener draws the mounting plates in tight engagement with each other thereby establishing the zero clearance pivot joint. This zero clearance pivot joint thereby improves alignment between the main screed sole plate and the extension screed sole plate during paving operations, resulting in a higher quality road surface.