Reload conveyor with articulating conveyor frame

A reload conveyor is disclosed in the present disclosure. Such a reload conveyor includes a conveyor frame 14 and a material receiving mechanism 18. The conveyor frame 14 is configured to articulate to assume a transport configuration and a material transfer configuration wherein the overall length of the reload conveyor in the transport configuration can be substantially shorter than in the transfer configuration. The material receiving mechanism can be configured and arranged to assume a transfer configuration and a transport configuration wherein the width of the material receiving mechanism is substantially less in the transport configuration than in the transfer configuration.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

This invention relates to a device and combination of devices for facilitating the spreading of materials and more particularly to a conveyor which is configurable between a transport configuration and a material transfer configuration wherein the conveyor is configured to receive materials from a transport vehicle and transfer those materials into a material receiver of a spreader device and a combination of the conveyor and spreader device.

Often landscaping companies and construction companies utilize a spreader or slinger truck to spread compost, grass seeds and other bulk materials over a large area. One such application is the utilization of compost or grass seeds along the side of a public thoroughfare following road construction. Such spreaders or slingers allow large quantities of material to be spread rapidly. Unfortunately spreaders and slingers typically have limited capacity for storing the material to be spread. In the road construction example, other trucks or trailers are often used to deliver the bulk material to be spread to the site at which it will be spread while the spreader or slinger remains at the current landscaping site.

Typically the delivery vehicle is not equipped to effectively transfer the material into the hopper or storage section of the spreader or slinger. For example, spreader/slingers such as the CAS ST™, CAS MGT™ and CAS AT6™ available from Conveyor Application Systems, LLC of Eugene Oreg., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rexius Corporation, include an open top bed acting as a hopper for holding materials to be spread by a spreader conveyor or hose. Similar spreaders or slingers are available from other manufactures, such as, for example, Express Blower, Inc. of Eugene, Oreg.

The open top of such spreaders/slingers is too high off of the ground for standard dump trucks of other standard delivery vehicles to transfer their load of material directly into the hopper section of the spreader or slinger. One system for transferring material from a delivery vehicle to the general purpose CAS ST™ and CAS MG™ slinger trucks or to other slingers and spreaders is a reload conveyor. One known reload conveyor is also manufactured by Conveyor Application Systems and is configured to reload the CAS slinger trucks and similar slingers and spreaders having a top opening bed or hopper. The CAS MG™, which is specifically designed for roadside applications, appears to have its own reload conveyor system attached thereto.

Known existing reload conveyors are typically high capacity conveyors designed to handle a wide range of materials that can be spread by the slinger trucks including, but not limited to compost, mulch, seeds, construction aggregates, asphalt, concrete, sand, top soil, cinder rock and crushed or rounded rock or stone. Such reload conveyors include a rigid straight conveyor bed or frame and a hopper for receipt of the material to be loaded into the slinger or spreader. A conveyor belt is guided by the conveyor bed or frame and transports material from the hopper to a discharge end of the reload conveyor. The rigid conveyor frame may be attached to a trailer providing wheels for transporting the reload conveyor to work sites. The rigid conveyor frame may be mounted in a manner to allow the rigid frame to be rotated about a pivot point adjacent the hopper so that the discharge end of the conveyor may be elevated for transferring material from the hopper into the open bead of the spreader and lowered for transportation of the reload conveyor. When in transport configuration, such reload conveyors are very long.

Often, in order to receive materials from a dump or conveyor bed truck, the hopper of a reload conveyor is sized to exceed the width of the bed of the truck so that during material transfer most of the material leaving the bed of the truck is discharged into the hopper when the truck is properly positioned. Often, trucks used to transport materials are manufactured with beds that approach the width limitation for travel on public thoroughfares without a wide load permit, signage or escort and/or chase vehicles. Thus, a hopper configured to be wider than the bed of such trucks may exceed the limitation for travel on public thoroughfares without a wide load permit, signage or escort and/or chase vehicles.

According to one aspect of the disclosure a reload conveyor with an articulating conveyor frame includes a conveyor frame and a material receiving mechanism. The conveyor frame is configured to articulate to assume a transport configuration and a material transfer configuration wherein the overall length of the reload conveyor in the transport configuration is substantially shorter than in the transfer configuration. The material receiving mechanism is also configured and arranged to assume a transfer configuration and a transport configuration wherein the width of the material receiving mechanism is substantially less in the transport configuration than in the transfer configuration:

According to another aspect of the disclosure a reload conveyor with an articulating conveyor frame comprises a conveyor frame and a material receiving mechanism. The conveyor frame is configured to articulate to assume a transport configuration and a material transfer configuration.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown, for example, inFIGS. 1-8, a reload conveyor10with articulating conveyor frame includes a trailer12, a conveyor frame14, a conveyor belt16, a material-receiving device18, frame articulation mechanisms20, and frame pivoting mechanisms22. The trailer12is configured to include a frame24having a plurality of wheels26and a tow hitch assembly28. The tow hitch assembly28is configured for coupling the reload conveyor10to a transport vehicle8for transportation to and from a work site.

The conveyor frame14is coupled to the trailer12to pivot about a pivot axis30adjacent a load end32so that a discharge end34of the conveyor can be raised and lowered as the conveyor frame14pivots about the axis30. The conveyor frame14includes a load end component36and a discharge end component38. One end40of the load end component36is pivotally coupled to the trailer12to pivot about the pivot axis30. The other end42of load end component36is pivotally coupled to the proximal end44of the discharge end component38so that the discharge end component38can pivot about pivot axis46relative to the load end component36.

The conveyor frame14is configured to assume a transport configuration, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 1-2and in phantom lines inFIG. 8, and a transfer configuration, as shown, for example, inFIG. 3-8. In the transfer configuration, the discharge end component38and the load end component36are generally aligned to form a generally straight conveyor frame14. While generally straight, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the discharge end component38to form an obtuse angle with the load end component, as will be described herebelow with reference to the frame joint pivot mechanism and lock shown inFIGS. 10-16. In the transport configuration, the discharge end component38forms a non-straight angle48with the load end component36. In one configuration, the discharge end component38forms an acute angle with the load end component36when the conveyor frame14is in the transport configuration. In one specific embodiment, when the conveyor frame14is in the transport configuration, the angle formed between the discharge end component38and load end component36is approximately 150 degrees.

One advantage to having the discharge end component38form an acute angle48with the load end component36is that both the overall height and overall length of the conveyor10may be reduced when the conveyor frame is in the transport configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge end component38is substantially shorter than the load end component36and thus, the distal end42of the load end component36need not be raised to as great a height as would be required to form an acute angle between end components having similar lengths. By reducing the height to which the distal end42of the load end component36must be raised to allow the reload conveyor10to assume the transport position, the center of gravity of the reload conveyor10remains low reducing the likelihood that the reload conveyor10would tip during reconfiguration. This allows the reload conveyor10to be reconfigured on unlevel ground with less likelihood of tipping or overturning. When the reload conveyor10is in the transport configuration it exhibits an overall height89. Preferably the overall height is less than thirteen feet six inches to avoid having to obtain special permits, signage or lead and/or chase vehicles when the conveyor10is being transported on public highways.

Preferably, the overall length50of the reload conveyor10in the transport configuration is less than or equal to the legal maximum length for an object to be towed without obtaining special permits or signage, or without providing lead and/or chase vehicles during transport. In one specific embodiment, the overall length50is less than or equal to forty feet.

The illustrated embodiment of the reload conveyor10includes a frame pivoting mechanism22comprising a pair of elevation cylinders52coupled to a pair of telescoping supports including a top member49in which a bottom member51is slidably received on opposite sides of the conveyor10and the pivotal mounting of the load end of the load end component36to the trailer frame. Each cylinder52extends between, and is pivotally coupled at opposite ends to, the trailer frame24and a pivot axis47extending through a bracket extending downwardly from one of the rails56forming the load end component36of the conveyor frame14. In one embodiment this coupling is accomplished by attaching a first end of the cylinder to the top member49of the telescoping support and the second end of the cylinder to the bottom member51of the support. The tope end of the top member of the support is then pivotally coupled to the load end of the frame at pivot axis47and the bottom member of the support is pivotally coupled to the frame24of the trailer12. These cylinders52when extended raise, and when retracted lower, the height of the pivot axis47and consequently the distal end42of the load end component36, the proximal end44of the discharge end component38and the pivot axis46at which the end components36,38are coupled. Illustratively, the pivot axis47is displaced from the pivot axis30by a displacement45. In one embodiment, the displacement45is fifteen feet three inches.

Extension and retraction of the cylinders52induce the conveyor frame14to pivot about pivot axis30. These cylinders52are extended and retracted to aid in transforming the conveyor frame14between the transport configuration and the transfer configuration. The cylinders52are also extended to raise the height of the discharge end of the conveyor10when the conveyor frame14is in the transfer configuration so that materials conveyed thereon can be discharged into the bed or hopper of the spreader/slinger. The bottom member51of the support is configured to include a plurality of stop pin holes57in which a stop pin59(seeFIG. 6) is inserted to inhibit the frame14from pivoting about pivot axis30when the reload conveyor10is in the desired load configuration.

In one specific embodiment, the cylinders52are hydraulic cylinders and appropriate hydraulic circuitry53and hydraulic controls55are provided for operation of the hydraulic cylinders52, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 1-4. It is within the scope of the disclosure for other actuators to be provided to raise and lower the height of the pivot axes46,47to facilitate transformation of the reload conveyor between the transport and transfer configurations. By way of example and not limitation, other actuators that may be substituted for the cylinders52are pneumatic cylinders, electro-magnetic linear actuators, mechanical linear actuators such as jack mechanisms and non-linear actuators that will induce the load end component36to pivot about pivot axis30.

Each of the load end component36and discharge end component38include a pair of parallel rail members separated laterally from one another by a displacement54. As shown, for example, inFIG. 9, in one specific embodiment, each of the rails56includes an upright member58, an inwardly extending flange60, an outwardly extending flange62and a downwardly extending flange64. The upright member58has a height66, which in one specific embodiment is nine inches. The inwardly extending flange60extends perpendicularly inwardly from the bottom edge of the upright member58a distance68, which in one specific embodiment is two and one quarter inches. The outwardly extending flange62extends perpendicularly outwardly from the top edge of the upright member58by a distance70, which in one specific embodiment is two and one half inches. The downwardly extending flange64extends perpendicularly downwardly (i.e. parallel to the upright member) from the outward edge of the outwardly extending flange by a distance72, which in one specific embodiment is one and a half inches. In one specific embodiment, each rail member is formed by bending quarter inch thick steel plate to generate a rail having the cross-sectional configuration shown inFIG. 9. While only one rail56is show inFIG. 9, it should be understood that the opposite side rail is a mirror image of that shown inFIG. 9, as the conveyor frame14is generally symmetrical about a plane74extending through the longitudinal axis76.

Each rail56of the discharge end component38, and thus the discharge end component38itself, has a length79, which in one embodiment is eight feet. Each rail56of the load end component36, and thus the load end component36itself, has a length81which in one embodiment is twenty feet. It is within the scope of the disclosure for the lengths79,81of the end components to be increased and/or decreased. In fact, the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-8includes a load end component having a length81of approximately twenty-two feet.

A plurality of rollers80,82,84,86and cross members88are coupled to and extend between the rails56to couple the rails56together in a fixed position relative to each other. Additionally, a plurality of troughing rollers78each include three rollers78A, B, C that form a part of a standardly configured conveyor skirting mechanism or skirt board attachment90commonly utilized on conveyors that transfer loose materials, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 21 and 22(annotations onFIG. 22explain the configuration of the skirt board and thus, no additional description will be provided). The rollers78,80,82,84,86also provide surfaces against which the inner surface of the conveyor belt16rides.

In one embodiment, as shown, for example inFIG. 9, each of the end components of the conveyor10include a plurality (illustratively six on the load end component36and two on the discharge end component38) of picking feeder idler (or troughing) rollers78forming a portion of the skirt board assembly90which includes a frame cross member92extending between and coupling the inwardly extending flanges60of the rails56forming the conveyor frame14. The troughing rollers78provide surfaces against which the inner surface of the conveyor belt16rides during operations. In one specific embodiment the troughing rollers78A, B, C have a diameter of approximately five inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of return idler rollers80(illustratively three on the load end component36and one on the discharge end component38) extend between and couple brackets extending downwardly from the rails56. In one specific embodiment the return idler rollers80have a diameter of approximately five inches. These rollers78,80are mounted to allow the rollers to rotate as the conveyor belt is driven across their surfaces. Additionally, a plurality (illustratively five) flat belt idlers82extend between parallel rails56of the load end component36adjacent the proximal or load end32to provide a surface against which the inside surface of the conveyor belt16rides. These flat belt idlers82are also mounted to allow the idlers to rotate as the conveyor belt16is driven across their surfaces. In one specific embodiment flat belt idlers82have a diameter of approximately five inches. One embodiment of a method of mounting the flat belt idlers82to the load end component36using brackets is shown, for example, inFIG. 20which contains explanatory annotations.

At the proximal end32of the load end component36an winged tail pulley84extends between and couples the parallel rails56. The tail pulley84is mounted to rotate as the conveyor belt16is driven across its surface. In one specific embodiment tail pulley84is eight inches in diameter.

At the distal (discharge) end34of the discharge end component, a driven crowned head pulley86extends between the mounting end plate2310of a pair of tensioning mechanisms2300, one of which is shown, for example, inFIG. 23. The tensioning mechanisms2300are of the standard type utilized in conveyors to maintain appropriate belt tension and will not be explained in any greater detail than is provided in the annotations contained inFIG. 23. A tensioning mechanism2300is attached to each rail56adjacent the discharge end of the discharge end component38as shown in the drawings. The crowned head pulley86is driven to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor frame14so that its outer surfaces engage the inner surface of the conveyor belt16, driving the conveyor belt16to rotate as restrained by rollers, idlers and pulleys78,80,82,84,86. In one specific embodiment crowned head pulley86is twelve inches in diameter and is hydraulically driven by a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic system53.

In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor belt16is has a width87. The length of each of the rollers78,80,82,84,86and cross members88is dictated by the width87of the conveyor belt16to be used and the dimensions of the rails56and mounting locations of the rollers78,80and cross members88. As can be seen, the rollers78,80,82,84,86and cross members88are generally equally spaced along the conveyor frame14, with a cross member88being disposed between each roller65. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the number location length and diameter of the rollers78,80,82,84,86and cross members88may be varied depending on the dimensions of the conveyor frame14and conveyor belt16and the anticipated load weights to be transferred.

As shown, for example, generally inFIGS. 1,2,8and more particularly inFIGS. 10-19, one embodiment of the frame articulation mechanisms20includes a pair of oppositely disposed conveyor fold joints100, a pair of locking mechanisms160, a locking mechanism actuator and linkage200, a pair of fold actuators240. Each conveyor fold joint is a mirror image of the other so only one joint100is illustrated. Each conveyor fold joint100is fabricated by attaching appropriate plates102,104, bushings106, fasteners108,110, and pins112to the distal end42of the load end component36and the proximal end44of the discharge end component38. In the illustrated embodiment, the inwardly extending flange of the rails56forming the load and discharge end components36,38are notched adjacent the distal end42and proximal end44, respectively, to accommodate the plate102and one of the bushings106of the conveyor fold joint100. In the illustrated embodiment, plates102and104are identically configured and simply oriented in opposite directions for attachment to the distal end42of the load end component36and the proximal end44of the discharge end component38.

Since plates102and104are identical and are simply oriented in opposite directions, only plate102is illustrated separately in plan view. Each plate102is formed from an appropriately thick plate, in one example, a ¾ inch steel plate. The illustrated plate is generally in the shape of a right triangle with the corners rounded. The height118of the plate102is such that when the base (shown to the top inFIG. 12is positioned to engage the bottom surface of the outwardly extending flange62of the rail56a pin-receiving hole120may be formed in the body of the plate102. The length122of the base is sufficient to have approximately 1¾ inches if the plate102extend beyond the end of the rail to which it is attached so that the center of the pin-receiving hole is positioned directly below the end of the rail56. In one specific embodiment, the center of the pin-receiving hole120is displaced from the bottom of the rail56by approximately two inches.

The bushing106includes a cylindrical section128having an outside diameter130and a flange section132having an outside diameter134. The flange section132has a width136approximately equal to the thickness of the plate102. The cylindrical section128has a length138. The bushing is formed to include a central pin-receiving bore140extending therethrough having an inside diameter142slightly greater than but approximately equal to the diameter of the pin112so that the pin112can be received therein.

One bushing106is welded to plate102which is welded to the discharge end component38positioned and arranged as shown in the drawings. Another bushing106is welded to plate104which is welded to the load end component36, positioned and arranged as shown in the drawings. The a pin116is received through the pin receiving bores140of bushings106attached to plates102and104and through the pin-receiving holes of the plates102,104to pivotally couple the plates102,104and consequently the end components36,38together for pivotal movement about pivot axis46.

As shown, for example, inFIG. 11, the proximal end44of the discharge end component38is cut on an angle124to permit over extension of the discharge end component38beyond straight alignment with the load end component36. Over extension facilitates the usage of the locking mechanisms160as will be explained hereunder. In one specific embodiment, the angle is approximately three degrees, resulting in the gap seen between the end components36,38inFIG. 10.

The lock mechanism160includes a pawl or jaw162, a dawg or ratchet164, an offset block166, a stop plate168and a pin170. As shown, for example, inFIGS. 10 and 11, the offset block is mounted to the inner surface of the upright58of the rail56forming the load end component36, the pin170is inserted in the pin-receiving hole172formed in the block166and the dawg164is mounted to the block166for pivotal movement about the axis174of the pin170by having the pin be received in a pin-receiving hole176formed in the dawg164. The stop plate is formed to include two connection holes through which connection bolts178extend to secure the stop plate to the top of the block166. The stop plate is also formed to include two threaded holes through which an upward limiter bolt180with lock nut182and a downward limiter bolt184with lock nut186pass.

The upward limiter bolt180is screwed through the stop plate168until the end engages the top surface of the dawg164when the tooth end of the dawg164has pivoted to its desired upward limit of pivotal motion, as shown, for example, in phantom lines inFIG. 11. Its associated lock nut182received on its shaft is then tightened against the upper surface of the stop plate168to set the upward limit of pivotal motion of the tooth end of the dawg164.

The downward limiter bolt184is screwed through the stop plate168until the end engages the top surface of the dawg164when the tooth end of the dawg164has pivoted to its desired downward limit of pivotal motion, as shown, for example, in phantom lines inFIG. 11. Its associated lock nut186received on its shaft is then tightened against the upper surface of the stop plate168to set the downward limit of pivotal motion of the tooth end of the dawg164.

The jaw162is formed to include several back cut teeth188positioned approximately five degrees apart. Each tooth has a ramped surface190against which an inclined surface192of a tooth193of the dawg164may ride up when received in the valley191between two teeth188as the discharge end component is rotated toward the transfer configuration. Each tooth188also includes a back cut stop surface194against which a back cut stop surface195of a tooth193engages when it is received in a valley191between two teeth188of the jaw162. In both the jaw162and the dawg164, the back cut angle is approximately three degrees. As a result of this back cut configuration of the teeth188of the jaw162and the teeth of the dawg164, once two teeth of the dawg164are received in the valleys191between two adjacent teeth188of the jaw162and the back cut surfaces194,195are in engagement, rotational forces tending to move the discharge end of the conveyor10downwardly induce stronger engagement of the teeth188,193, as do forces tending to cause upward pivotal movement of the tooth end of the dawg164.

Thus, once two teeth of the dawg164are received in the valleys191between two adjacent teeth188of the jaw162and the back cut surfaces194,195are in engagement the discharge end component must be pivoted upwardly three degrees before the teeth of the dawg can be disengaged from the teeth of the jaw. Since the dawg164and jaw162are configured and arranged so that when the two teeth of the dawg164are received in the furthestmost valleys191of the jaw162, the discharge end component38and load end component36are aligned, as shown, for example, inFIG. 17, it is necessary to provide the ability to rotate the discharge end component at least three degrees past alignment which explains the presence of the three degree cut applied to the proximal end of the discharge end component38.

The jaw162is also configured to include a sloped leading edge196against which the sloped front surface192of the front tooth193of the dawg164comes into engagement which urges the tooth end of the dawg164to rotate upwardly. Because the teeth and valleys of the jaw are positioned in five degree increments, as the two teeth of the dawg fall into valleys of the jaw162closer and closer to the load end component, the relative alignment of the end components can be adjusted in five degree increments.

The dawg164is configured to include a cantilevered linkage arm197extending toward the load end of the conveyer10which is finned to include a linkage coupling hole198to which one link of the locking mechanism actuator and linkage200is pivotally coupled. The locking mechanism actuator and linkage200include a first rail assembly202, a second rail assembly204and a linkage shaft206, as shown for example inFIGS. 17 and 18. The opposite ends of the linkage shaft206are mounted with pivot pins208, such as shoulder bolts, to the rails of the load end component36. The first rail assembly202includes a linkage210, a clip212, a clip214, a linkage216and a solenoid218. The linkage210is pivotally coupled to the linkage arm of the dawg164and to the clip212as shown inFIG. 17. The clip212is rigidly mounted to the linkage shaft206as is the clip214. The clip214is pivotally mounted to the linkage216which is pivotally mounted to the shaft of the solenoid218. The second rail assembly includes a clip212mounted to the shaft206and a linkage210pivotally coupled to the clip212and to the link arm of the dawg164. Reciprocal movement of the shaft of the solenoid induces pivotal movement of the linkage shaft206, which induces pivotal movement of the dawgs164. Retraction of the shaft of the solenoid218induces release of the teeth of the dawgs164from the teeth of the jaws162. The teeth are only actually released if the discharge end has been raised three degrees upward relative to its previously locked position as explained above. This provides a safety feature that reduces the likelihood of undesirable downward rotation of the discharge end of the conveyor.

As shown for example, inFIG. 19the fold actuator19may be a hydraulic cylinder pivotally mounted at one end to a bracket242welded to and extending downwardly from one rail of the load end component36and pivotally mounted at the other end to a bracket244welded to and extending downwardly from one rail discharge end component38. An identical cylinder240, bracket242and bracket244are mounted to the opposite rails of the end components36,38. The pivot axes246,248about which the cylinder is pivotally mounted to the brackets242,244are displaced downwardly from the bottoms of the rails. In one embodiment both pivot axes246,248are displaced downwardly from the rails by approximately two inches. The pivot axis246is displaced toward the load end from the distal end42of the load end component36by a displacement250. In one embodiment, the displacement250is approximately forty-two inches. The pivot axis248is displaced toward the discharge end from the proximal end44of the discharge end component36by a displacement252. In one embodiment, the displacement252is approximately twelve inches. As shown, for example, in phantom lines inFIG. 19, when the piston of the hydraulic cylinder240is fully retracted, the conveyor frame14assumes the transport configuration. When the piston of the cylinder is fully extended, the conveyor frame14assumes an aligned transfer configuration.

Once the piston has extended sufficiently to allow the two teeth193of the dawg164to fall into the two closest valleys191of the jaw162, further extension of the piston can be stopped and the conveyor frame can assume a transfer configuration wherein the discharge end component forms an obtuse angle with the load end component. Due to the arrangement of the teeth this obtuse angle would be approximately 160 degrees. The obtuse angle can be increased in five degree increments until the discharge and load end components are aligned (when the teeth193of the dawg164are in the farthest valleys191of the jaw162). The locking mechanism160, as described above acts to lock the end components in any of the above described transfer configurations thereby relieving the cylinder240from maintaining the configuration and preventing the discharge end from pivoting downwardly in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure.

As shown, for example, inFIGS. 1,3,4,8,24-26, the material-receiving device18includes a hopper94and a pair of lateral conveyors96,98. The hopper94is configured with a bottom opening and sloped side walls which urges material dumped therein either onto the lateral conveyors96,98or directly onto the main conveyor belt16. The hopper walls include a first set of walls coupled to the sliding frame2410of the first lateral conveyor96, a second set of walls coupled to the sliding frame2420of the second lateral conveyor98, and a third load end wall rigidly mounted to the load end of the conveyor10. The sliding frames2410and2420are slidably mounted via members rigidly secured to the conveyor frame14as shown in the drawings for reciprocal movement in the direction of arrows2415and2425, respectively between a transport configuration (shown in phantom lines inFIG. 25) and a transfer configuration, shown in solid lines inFIGS. 24 and 25.

In the transfer configuration, the distance2440between opposite ends of lateral conveyors96,98is at maximum. In one embodiment, the distance2440is preferably at least as wide as the widest dumping mechanism that will be delivering materials to the work site. In the transport configuration, the distance2450between opposite ends of lateral conveyors96,98is at a minimum, the adjacent end may be touching, as shown, inFIG. 25. In one embodiment, the distance2450is equal to or less than the maximum width for a towed vehicle without the need to acquire permits, signage and or lead or chase vehicles. In one specific embodiment the distance2450is less than eight feet six inches.

In the illustrated embodiment each lateral conveyor96,98is a mirror image of the other, therefore, only one will be described. Lateral conveyor96includes a load end slide frame member2450, an opposite slide frame member2452, a drive roller2454, an idler roller2456, a belt2458, a load end slide tube2460, an opposite end slide tube2462, a stationary frame assembly2464and a cylinder2466(FIG. 5). The slide tubes2460,2462are mounted in a fixed position to the stationary frame assembly2464which is mounted to the conveyor frame14. The load end slide frame member2450is slidably received within the load end slide tube2460and the opposite slide frame member2452is slidably received in the opposite slide tube2462. The drive roller2454and idler roller2456are mounted parallel to each other and perpendicular to the slide frame members2450,2452to rotate relative to their axes of rotation. The conveyor belt2458is disposed around the drive roller2454and idler roller2456. The drive roller2454is driven by a hydraulic motor2468(FIGS. 1-4and5) the cylinder2466(FIG. 5) is mounted at one end to the to the slide frame2410and at the other end to the conveyer frame14or another stationary location so that extension and retraction of the piston of the cylinder induces the reciprocal liner lateral movement of the slide frame2410depicted by arrow2415. While a specific slid mechanism has been described it is within the scope of the disclosure for other unknown means to be used to cause the lateral reciprocal linear movement of the side conveyors.

The tow hitch assembly28is mounted to the load end of the trailer frame24of the conveyor10, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 1,2,5, and26-30. The tow hitch assembly28includes two frame member2610,2620, upper and lower frame member joining plates2630, four frame member to trailer coupling plates2640, four trailer to frame member coupling plates2650, two frame member pivot pins2660, two frame member to trailer locking pins2670and a frame member to frame member locking pin2680.

One end of each frame member2610,2620has a frame member to trailer coupling plate welded to the top and bottom of the frame member arranged and configured, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 1,2,5,27,26. The frame member2610has upper and lower frame member joining plates2630welded to the opposite end. Frame member2620has a pin-receiving hole extending through it adjacent the other end from the top to the bottom. Opposite sides of the trailer frame24have trailer to frame member coupling plates2650welded to the top and bottom of a frame side and end component arranged and configured, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 1,2,5,27,26. The upper and lower frame member joining plates2630are configured in the manner shown inFIG. 30and is formed to include a pin-receiving hole3010.

In one embodiment, frame member to trailer coupling plates2640are configured as shown inFIG. 28and are formed from ⅜″ steel plate and are formed to include a pivot pin-receiving hole2810sized to receive the shaft of a frame member pivot pin2660and a lock pin-receiving hole2820sized to receive the shaft of a frame member locking pin2670. In one embodiment, trailer to frame member coupling plates2650are configured as shown inFIG. 29and are formed from ¾″ steel plate and are formed to include a pivot pin-receiving hole2910sized to receive the shaft of a frame member pivot pin2460and a lock pin-receiving hole2920sized to receive the shaft of a frame member locking pin2470.

The shaft of a frame member pivot pin2660is received in the pivot pin-receiving holes2910and in pivot pin-receiving hole2810. If the frame member pivot pins are the only pins received in the hitch assembly28, the frame members2610and2620are free to pivot about their respective pivot pins2660so that the frame members2610,2620can be pivoted to a location where they will not interfere with a delivery truck dumping material into the material receiving mechanism.

During towing or preparation therefore, the frame members are pivoted back to the position shown inFIG. 26(during which the opposite end of the frame member2620pivots between the upper and lower frame member joining plates2630welded to frame member2610). The shafts of the frame member to trailer locking pins2670are received in the lock pin-receiving holes2820,2920to prevent the frame members from rotating about their respective pivot pins2660. Additionally, the shaft of frame member to frame member locking pin2680is received in the pin-receiving hole in the opposite end of frame member2620and in the pin-receiving holes3010of the upper and lower frame member joining plates2630.

After the conveyor10has been transported to the job site or to a storage location, hydraulic cylinders300, as shown for example inFIGS. 1-4,6coupled to the trailer frame24and to the bogie302may be extended to lower the wheels304of the bogie302into contact with the ground. In one embodiment the wheels304are mounted to the bogie302with casters to allow the conveyor to be more maneuverable. Lowering the bogie302allows the conveyor to be more easily disconnected from the transport vehicle8and allows the conveyor10to be free standing. Alternatively, the conveyor can be coupled to the spreader/slinger to be pulled along thereby (as shown, for example, in the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 31) or to be pushed along thereby, (as shown, for example, in the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 6,32,33) to form a reload conveyor/spreader combination. As mentioned previously, while the conveyor is a component of the conveyor/spreader combination, pins may be removed from the tow hitch assembly to allow the frame members of the hitch to be pivoted to positions wherein they do not interfere with delivery vehicles discharging their loads of material into the hopper94.

As shown, for example, inFIGS. 31-33, brackets3110may be attached to a rear end member25of the frame24of the trailer to facilitate coupling a pull frame3120(FIGS. 7,31) or push frame3200(FIGS. 6,32,33) or any other coupling device configured for connecting the rear end of the conveyor to a spreader/slinger or other material-receiving vehicle which may be loaded with material utilizing the conveyor10. While specific embodiments of push frames and pull frames are illustrated, it is within the scope of the disclosure for any other properly configured push frame or pull frame to be utilized to couple the conveyor10to the spreader/slinger.

When so attached to the vehicle3100, the conveyor frame will be locked in one of the transfer configurations with the discharge end of the conveyor disposed over the material receiving component of the vehicle3100(e.g. a bed or a hopper on a spreader/slinger). In combination with a spreader/slinger, the conveyor10can be pulled along by the spreader/slinger as it moves around the job site. So long as their is room for more material in the hopper of the spreader/slinger, a delivery vehicle can back up to the load end of the conveyor10and discharge its load into the material-receiving mechanism18fro transfer by the conveyor belt16to the spreader/slinger.

FIG. 31illustrates a reload conveyor/spreader pull combination3150.FIGS. 32 and 33illustrate a reload conveyor/spreader push combination3250. One advantage to the a reload conveyor/spreader push combination3250is that during roadway work, a delivery vehicle traveling along the road in the same direction as the conveyor/spreader combination3250pull into the same lane, or onto the same been and back into position to discharge its load into the hopper of the conveyor10.

Many safety features, including but not limited to hooks, pins, and or locks are depicted in the drawings but are not described in writing herein. Nevertheless, the depiction of such safety features should be considered as part of the written description as if a full description of the depicted items is included herein. The components and manner of operation of various systems and mechanisms has been described herein. To the extent that any system or mechanism described herein is depicted differently in the drawings utilized as figures herein, the depicted systems and mechanisms should be considered alternative embodiments to the systems and mechanisms described in the written description.