Patent ID: 6033179
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
A clean-out apparatus for use in a trailer of the type having a reciprocating floor conveyor system that includes a reciprocating floor extending between a forward end wall and a rear door opening, the reciprocating floor conveyor system being provided and configured for conveying and unloading large quantities of granular material, disposed thereon, rearward through the rear door opening of the trailer as the reciprocating floor is reciprocated, the clean-out apparatus comprising:a reel adapted for rotatable support from the trailer, adjacent the forward end wall thereof;a flexible clean-out cover movable from a first retracted position where it is coiled around the reel such that a portion of the clean out cover extends over the reciprocating floor, under a portion of the granular material adjacent the forward end wall of the trailer, to a second uncoiled extended position adjacent the rear door opening;wherein the clean-out cover moves from the first retracted position to the second extended position responsive to frictional engagement with the reciprocating floor as the same is reciprocated to convey the granular material rearward through the rear door opening; andwherein the clean-out cover is movable from the second extended position to the first retracted position responsive to rotation of the reel following the unloading of the granular material.