Patent ID: 6623234
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
A trailer for removable connection to a fifth wheel on a tractor for transportation, said trailer comprising:a. a hopper having a forward end and an delivery end and comprising: (1) two opposed side walls, each said side wall of a conic shape in cross section that is discontinuous of and independent of the conic shape of the opposed side wall, each said side wall having a top edge, a bottom edge, and an outer surface; (2) a parallel pair of upper beams, each said upper beam extending longitudinally along said upper edge of said side wall; and (3) a parallel pair of main beams, each main beam having a top side and a bottom side, the main beams extending longitudinally along the bottom edges of the two opposed side walls; b. a plurality of generally parallel transverse support structures spaced along the length of said hopper to provide support for said side walls and secured to the outer surfaces of said side walls, each said support structure comprising: (1) two opposed coaming stiffeners, said coaming stiffener fixed to said outer surface of each said side wall, the coaming stiffener with a top end and a bottom end, the coaming stiffener connected at its top end to the upper beam extending longitudinally along said upper edge of the said side wall and connected at its bottom end to the said main beam extending longitudinally along the said bottom edge of said side wall, the coaming stiffeners being of a minimum depth at its top end and being of a maximum depth at its bottom end, the depth measured in a direction perpendicular to the said outer surface of the said side wall; (2) a bottom support member extending between and connecting said bottom ends of the opposed coaming stiffeners; and c. a conveyor means disposed between the main beams and below the bottom edges of the side walls to function as a floor for the hopper, the conveyor means with a receiving zone for receiving particulate material for movement towards the delivery end of the hopper for the purpose of discharging particulate material from said hopper.