Abstract:
A distributor insert screen cover adapted for use both as a particulate bay screen cover and as a lightweight and stable distributor insert stand. A screen is provided in multiple panels that span portions of an open, particulate bay top wall. The panels may be fitted together when removed from the particulate bay to form a stand having a footprint or base of sufficient width to provide improved stability and to allow support of the distributor insert at a height sufficient to allow suspension of a lowly disposed release element above the ground. Simplified versions having fewer or alternative stand components are also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     It is common in many applications to provide an insert or vehicle body attachment suitable for mounting upon a truck body and adapted to carry and distribute a quantity of particulate matter over a surface. Most typically, small inserts in light trucks or larger inserts for use with, for example, dump trucks, are specifically adapted to apply salt and/or sand to heavily traveled roads, intersections, entry ramps and exit ramps, runways, parking areas, and other surfaces. In light of this seasonal usage that is typical for a large portion of the distributor insert market, inserts or attachments may lie dormant and generally unused for large periods of time throughout the year. Even where use is less seasonal, municipalities, counties, state governments, airports, and other users of such equipment typically employ trucks and other vehicles for multiple uses. Therefore, it is common for a distributor insert to be repeatedly mounted and removed from vehicles throughout the span of its useful life. 
     Typical distributor inserts comprise a V-shaped particulate bay body having a generally V-shaped cross section profile with sidewalls that slant inwardly and down to guide particulate matter to a conveyance means in the center of the particulate bay floor or bottom wall. Other distributor inserts may have particulate bay profiles that are otherwise curved or slanted to direct material to a conveyance means. It is most common to have a release element, such as a spinner or other particulate stream dispersion control means, disposed near a particulate bay conveyance means exit. Such release elements typically extend downward a distance below the floor or bottom wall of the bay to a position that is near to the surface that is to receive the distributed material. 
     Traditionally, to facilitate storage of the distributor insert, the downwardly extending release element is either removed to allow the particulate bay to rest on the ground, or the entire distributor insert is maintained above the ground by support means. In the alternative, the provision of pivoting connections in the construction and attachment of release elements has allowed movement of swing-up release elements from their lowered positions. Of course, provision of a swing-up release element results in added cost to distributor inserts. 
     Deconstruction of distributor inserts through removal of the release element or the provision of a pivoting release element may be a complicated process due to the existence of drive mechanisms, power means, and power transmissions associated with spreaders, blowers, spinners, or other release element components. In addition, the relatively complex release element, if removed, demands additional storage space or a separate storage support structure. Because the release elements may demand servicing in the off-season it is desirable to store the distributor inserts in manner that allows access to the release element. Further, because distributor inserts must often be placed into service upon short notice and under adverse weather conditions, it is desirable to maintain or store the distributor inserts in a “service-ready” state. Therefore, because removal of the release element may demand the cutting of chains, decoupling of hydraulic connections, or other power system disassembly, there is a need for storage means that do not demand the removal of release elements. There is also a need for storage means that allow access to the release element without demanding a separate storage structure for release elements and without demanding assembly of the distributor insert when it is necessary to place the insert into service. 
     Unfortunately, prior solutions for distributor insert storage have ranged from makeshift supports such as drums, barrels, and saw horses to specially designed stands (which themselves require storage when the distributor insert is mounted and in use) to massive, built-in-place support structures costing exorbitant sums and demanding a large amount of space. Other prior solutions to the problem of distributor insert storage include extendable legs, “gurney-style” break-away legs, or other support means built into the distributor insert (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,180,511). Unfortunately, such supports add weight and cost to the distributor insert, thus decreasing the payload capacity and providing no beneficial function while the distributor is in use. 
     In some instances, and in particular with makeshift storage means, the typically V-shaped distributor inserts have been stored in unstable positions. The floor or bottom wall of the distributor insert is generally narrow relative to the overall insert. As such, resting the insert upon the bottom wall may result in tipping of the insert. 
     There is therefore a need for a distributor insert storage stand that provides for stable support. There is also a need for a distributor insert storage stand that serves as a functional part of the distributor insert when the insert is in use. There is a further need for a storage stand that serves as a functional part of the distributor insert and that allows storage without removal of the mechanically complex release element. Finally, there is a need for a support stand that does not itself require storage when the distributor insert is in use. 
     When used to distribute road salt and other materials, it is important for proper operation of most distributor inserts to provide granular material of a desired size and to avoid the agglomeration of particles into large masses. Such masses may be incapable of being conveyed and distributed by the distributor insert conveyance means. The introduction of moisture or foreign material into stored material supplies may result in the formation of undesirable large blocks. Therefore, there is a need for a screening or breaking step prior to or during particulate bay loading. It is an object of the present invention to meet the needs recited herein in addition to other useful purposes as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon being taught the present invention. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved distributor insert having a screening means that serves as a stable, convenient, and lightweight stand when the insert is not in use. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     A distributor insert panel stand is disclosed as being adapted for use both as a distributor insert wall panel and as a lightweight and stable distributor insert stand. Preferably, one or more of the wall panels are perforated or reticulated to serve a screening function when used as a cover for an otherwise generally open top wall. The panels may be fitted together when removed from the particulate bay to form a stand having a footprint or base of sufficient width to provide improved stability and to allow support of the distributor insert at a height sufficient to allow suspension of the lowly disposed release element above the ground. 
     In the alternative, and as a simplified embodiment, a selected particulate bay element may be detachable from a working position to a storage position where it may be securely attached near the particulate bay rear side to allow storage of the insert in a generally angled relationship relative to a support surface. Importantly, this arrangement allows for stable storage and protection of the mechanically complex release element without demanding removal of the release element and without obstructing access to the release element. In this manner, the distributor may be stored without demanding the purchase and housing of a separate stand, without demanding the addition of elements that are non-functional when the distributor insert is in use, with the demand of only a minimal amount of effort in the removal and placement of particulate bay elements to convert the same from a use-mode function to a storage-mode function, and with easy access provided for servicing the release element. As illustrated herein, end walls, side wall portions, or other distributor insert bodies may be utilized as stand elements. However, for ease of use, lightweight perforated or reticulated screening top wall panels are preferred. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distributor insert having a V-shaped particulate bay, a downwardly extending distribution element, and a three-paneled screen fitted across an open top wall. 
     FIG. 2 is top view of the device of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the device of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the device of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a distributor insert having a V-shaped particulate bay, a downwardly extending distribution element, and a three-paneled screen arranged to serve as a support stand. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the support stand illustrated in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the support stand illustrated in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the support stand illustrated in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 is an end elevation view of the support stand illustrated in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a simplified screen-panel support embodiment. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the simplified embodiment illustrated in FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a simplified end wall support embodiment. 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of the simplified embodiment illustrated in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a detailed side view of the panel intersection in a constructed support table. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference first to FIGS. 1 through 4, a vehicle mountable distributor insert  2  is disclosed in its operating configuration. The insert comprises a particulate bay  4  and a release element  6 . In the preferred embodiment that is provided herein by way of example and not of limitation, the particulate bay  4  comprises particulate bay bodies including a forward  16  and rear  14  end wall, an open top wall  8 , and sloped side walls  10  that angle inwardly toward a generally narrow bottom wall  12 . Various other wall configurations may be used including curved or vertical walls. The release element  6  is positioned relative to an opening in the particulate bay  4  and extends downwardly from the particulate bay  4 . Particulate bay bodies may also include panel or wall edges  34  (that may comprise separate frames or that may serve as reinforcing lips) and reinforcement elements  38 . The preferred distributor inserts include a conveyance means disposed to move particulate material rearward in through the particulate bay. FIGS. 1,  4 , and  5  illustrate conveyance means drive elements  13 . 
     A multiple-paneled top wall screen cover  18  spans the top wall  8 . The preferred panels comprise generally reticulated planar structures having support lips  20  extending endwise therefrom. In this preferred embodiment, two of the three panels are of similar dimensions  26  and are wider than the third panel  28  (See FIG.  6 ). As distributor inserts of varying sizes are constructed, it is preferred to provide a variety of standard panel sizes that may be mixed and combined as desired to cover generally open top walls  8  of varying sizes. Connectors  22  and stabilization means  36  such as straps or tie-downs are also provided. Through the use of stabilization means  36 , the distributor insert may be secured to a vehicle body when in use or to a support stand  24  when in storage to further minimize the risk of tipping. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 5 through 9 and  14 , the same distributor insert  2  is shown in its storage configuration. The three-panel top wall screen cover  18  has been removed from the top wall and assembled to form a table or support structure  24 . The two, wider, similarly dimensioned panels  26  comprise the leg panel supports, while the third panel  28  comprises a generally horizontal table top wall. As illustrated, two pairs of cross supports  30  are provided to stabilize the “leg” panels in a desired position. Cross-support stabilization means  30  are generally necessary only as a redundant stabilization system. As illustrated in FIG. 14, panel attachment elements  42  may be provided. The preferred panel attachment elements comprise simple retaining bodies that extend from a panel lip  20  opposite a table panel frame  54 . In this manner, the frame of an adjoining panel may be at least partially constrained. Depending on the desired angle of intersection of “leg” panels with a table top wall panel  28 , the type of attachment elements selected, and the overall stability of the support structure, cross-support elements  30  may be included or deleted as a matter of necessity or user preference. It is preferred to provide cross supports  30  and cross support storage means  40  such as slots or other connecting means on the particulate bay  4 . In other embodiments, the cross supports may serve as frame elements  34  or as tools for the clearing or breaking of particulate matter agglomerations that may have formed in the particulate bay  4 . 
     In addition to the preferred embodiment described above, the present invention may also be practiced through the use of a detachable particulate bay wall other than a top wall screen. Such an at-least-partially deconstructable particulate bay may include, by way of example and not limitation detachable particulate bay side walls  10 , end walls  16 , wall portions  32 , reinforcement means  38  or frames  34 . Such bodies may be employed for stand construction in addition to or in substitution for the screen panels  18 . Such an embodiment may be preferred in applications where minimization of insert weight is a high priority or wherein particulate screening is not a required function. Further, support structure or table elements may comprise open frame elements (for example, a removable particulate bay generally open top wall frame  34 ) or non-panel particulate bay bodies (for example, reinforcement means  38 ) rather than panels. In general, however, the use of top wall panels or screens  18  has been found to be the simplest, most convenient, and therefore preferred method of construction. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, the present invention may be practiced without construction of a table  24 . Rather, stable and safe storage of the distributor insert  2  may be provided through the provision of at least one detachable body that may be removed and positioned to have one end on a support surface and a second end generally above the support surface and securely attached to the particulate bay  4 . In this simple embodiment the particulate bay is supported by the support surface near the bay front side, and the particulate bay is supported by the removable body second end near the particulate bay rear side. The removable body length as measured from the first end  50  to the. second end  52  is selected to be greater than the length of that portion of the release element  6  that extends below the particulate bay bottom wall  12 . As illustrated throughout, the table heights in the first embodiments are also selected to provide a length from a first end  50  to a second end  52  that is greater than the length of the downwardly extending portion of the release element. In this manner, when the distributor insert  2  is allowed to rest in angled position with the distributor insert rear side supported off of the ground or other support surface by the removable body, the distribution element  6  is suspended above the support surface. In this embodiment, it is preferred to provide a distributor insert engagement on the particulate bay bottom wall that may cooperatively engage the removed body to form a rigid, angled, stable structure. The engagement in cooperation with the removed body may comprise any convenient connection assembly such as a simple opening and insertion element, or a more complex locking means. 
     Having thus described the invention in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that various revisions can be made to the preferred embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is my intention, however, that all such revisions and modifications that are evident to those skilled in the art will be included within the scope of the following claims.