Patent Publication Number: US-7913931-B2

Title: Combination dump and spreader apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/212,599 filed Aug. 5, 2002, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/362,565, filed Mar. 7, 2002, entitled “Combination Dump and Spreader Apparatus.” The contents of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/212,599 and 60/362,565 are incorporated in their entireties herein by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a combination dump and spreader apparatus which, when mounted onto a vehicle chassis, provides for selective dumping and spreading of material from the apparatus, advantageously granular material such as sand, salt and the like, onto surfaces such as roadways. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many types of vehicles are available with an apparatus mounted thereon which provide for both the dumping and spreading of material, such as sand, salt, gravel, asphalt and the like, onto a surface. One type of apparatus which provides this dual functionality is commonly referred to as a combination body. Combination bodies are so named because they provide, in combination, both dumping and spreading functions. Examples of combination bodies are provided by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,400,974 and 5,772,389. 
     In general, combination bodies are pivotally mounted onto the chassis of a vehicle, typically a truck chassis. Although the bodies can be mounted so as to pivot in one or more directions, the most common mounting arrangement provides a hinge mechanism on the rear of the body and a hydraulic cylinder on the front or the rear of the body, wherein movement of the cylinder causes the body to pivot about the rear hinge mechanism. This pivoting movement provides the bodies with the ability to dump material from the rear of the bodies. 
     Conventional combination bodies further include a conveyor system that transports material residing within the body out of the body and into one or more spreaders mounted on the exterior of the vehicle. Such conveyor systems typically include a longitudinal endless conveyor located within the body that transports the material from the front to the rear of the body or, alternatively, from the rear to the front of the body. The former situation typically results in a deposit of the material into a conventional spreader mounted on the rear of the vehicle. In the latter situation, however, the material is transported out of the front of the body, through a gate, and onto another part of the conveyor system—a cross conveyor—mounted on the chassis, and located adjacent the front of the body. The cross conveyor in turn transports the material laterally to the sides of the vehicle, and deposits the material into conventional side-mounted spreaders. 
     Conventional combination bodies also include a tailgate that covers the rear of the body. As the tailgate is pivotally mounted at the upper corners of the body, the tailgate can pivot into an open position when it is desired to utilize the dumping functionality of the body. Certain tailgates are also pivotally mounted at the lower corners of the bodies, allowing the tailgate to be lowered to assist in cleaning and rear loading. 
     The tailgates of those conventional bodies further include at least one opening therethrough, with a second opening often provided in the front of the body. The openings provide a means by which the material, upon transport by the endless conveyor, can be expelled from the front and the rear of the body. When spreading is desired, one or both of the openings can be selectively opened or closed by operation of a feed gate mounted so as to cover the opening. The feed gate further provides a means for metering the flow of material through the opening, and into the cross conveyor or the rear-mounted spreader. Upon being expelled from the body through the tailgate opening, the material is directed into the rear spreader at least in part by a cover affixed to the tailgate. 
     Various cover designs have been utilized in combination bodies. One common type extends forward, into the body itself, and is designed to collapse when the tailgate is lowered. This type of cover, however, has heretofore only been used in bodies wherein the conveyor resides completely within the confines of the body. Another type of cover extends rearwardly from and is affixed to the tailgate. This cover, utilized in bodies wherein the endless conveyor extends rearward of the tailgate, is located above and adjacent to the tailgate opening, and is permanently affixed in this position. 
     While existing combination dump and spreader bodies provide many desirable features and advantages, there remain certain problems with these combination bodies. For example, spreaders are often provided to complement the spreading feature available in a combination body. The spreaders are typically mounted to the chassis. The mounting of the spreaders can be cumbersome for a dealer to perform. Furthermore, the spreader can be difficult to adjust once it has been mounted. In addition, a feed gate assembly can be provided to selectively control the movement of materials from the body. In use, the feed gate assembly undergoes considerable stress, which can cause deformation in the assembly. 
     In view of the foregoing, there exist various needs in the art. One such need is for a combination body which provides an easily mounted and readily adjustable spreader. Another need is for a combination body having a stronger feed gate assembly that can more ably withstand the forces to which it is subjected during operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses the foregoing and other needs by providing a combination body for selectively dumping and spreading materials. There is provided a vehicle including, at least, a chassis and a combination body for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The body is pivotably secured to the chassis at a hinge and is comprised of front and rear ends and first and second side walls. A hoist is provided which extends between the body and the chassis for pivoting the body about the hinge. A conveyor assembly is also included, which comprises an endless conveyor disposed between the side walls and extending beyond the rear end of the body. A tailgate is pivotably connected to the rear end of the body and has an opening therein to permit material to be transported therethrough by the endless conveyor. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a feed gate assembly for selectively covering the opening of the tailgate is provided. The feed gate assembly comprises first and second support members mounted to the tailgate. A handle is rotatably mounted to the first and second support members. A bailment depends from the handle. The bailment is pivotally mounted to a cover plate, which is movable between a closed position and an open position. The bailment has first and second arms “in close proximity” to the first and second support members, respectively. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, the conveyor assembly further comprises a cross conveyor located adjacent the front end of the body. The endless conveyor is operable to selectively transport material from the body through the opening of the front end of the body to the cross conveyor. A feed gate assembly for selectively covering the opening of the front end of the body is provided. The feed gate assembly comprises first and second support members mounted to the front end of the body. A handle is rotatably mounted to the first and second support members. A bailment depends from the handle. The bailment is pivotally mounted to a cover plate, which is movable between a closed position and an open position. The bailment has first and second arms in close proximity to the first and second support members, respectively. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, the vehicle includes a tailgate pivotably connected to the rear end of the body. The tailgate has an opening therein to permit material to be transported therethrough by the endless conveyor. A conveyor cover assembly is provided that includes a cover and a mounting member. The cover has front and rear ends. The front end of the cover is removably mounted to the front end of the body. The rear end of the cover extends rearwardly from the tailgate. The mounting member is secured to the body adjacent the rear end of the body. The rear end of the cover is removably mounted to the mounting member. The cover is configured to completely cover the endless conveyor along the length thereof. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the vehicle includes a diverter chute that is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials from the conveyor assembly. The chute includes a body that defines a passageway and a panel that is movable between a first position and a second position. The panel allows material to move through the chute to the spreader when the panel is in the first position. The panel prevents material from moving through the chute when the panel is in the second position. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, the vehicle includes a spreader for selectively spreading materials that is adjustably mounted to the vehicle and cooperatively arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials. The spreader is selectively movable along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. The hoist can pivot the body about the hinge between first and second positions. The spreader can include a disk, which defines a first spreader plane when the body is in the first position. Advantageously, the spreader can be pivotally mounted with respect to the body such that the disk defines a second spreader plane when the body is in the second position wherein the second spreader plane is substantially parallel to the first spreader plane. 
     Advantageously, a recess is defined by at least one of the first and second side walls. The recess is configured to accommodate at least one of a storage box and a storage tank. The recess has a recess length at least over fifty percent of the body length. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, the vehicle includes a spreader for selectively spreading materials. The spreader is mounted to the chassis. A chute is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials and direct materials to the spreader. The chute is mounted to the body. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the conveyor assembly includes a cross conveyor located adjacent the front end of the body. A spreader for selectively spreading materials is cooperatively arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials. The spreader is adjustably mounted to the chassis such that the spreader is rotatable about a first axis. 
     These and other objects and advantages, as well as additional inventive features, of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provided herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a first side elevational view of a vehicle including a combination body in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  generally from the rear and a second side; 
         FIG. 3  is a second side elevational view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  showing the body in an inclined position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a tailgate, a feed gate assembly, and a cover assembly of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the feed gate assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the feed gate assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the body of  FIG. 1  generally from the rear and the first side; 
         FIG. 8  is a front end elevational view of a portion of a front feed gate assembly of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the front feed gate assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a handle of the front feed gate assembly of  FIG. 8   
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view generally from the rear and the first side of a body including a conveyor cover assembly; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged fragmentary rear end perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view from the bottom and the rear of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  showing the body in a normal position; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  showing the body in the inclined position; 
         FIG. 16  is a second side elevational view of the body of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view from the second side of the body of  FIG. 7  showing a tool box that is interchangeable with a storage tank; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view from a second side of a body showing a cross tube fluidly connected with a storage tank; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged fragmentary front end perspective view of the body of  FIG. 7  generally from the bottom and the first side of the body; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged fragmentary first side elevational view of the body of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged fragmentary front end perspective view of the body of  FIG. 7  generally from the bottom and the second side of the body; and 
         FIG. 22  is a rear end elevational view of the body of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in  FIG. 1  an illustrative vehicle  20  including a combined dump and spreader apparatus, also known as a combination body, for dumping and spreading materials in accordance with the present invention. The present inventive vehicle shown and described herein improves upon the vehicle shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/256,053, filed Feb. 23, 1999, and entitled “Combination Dump And Spreader Apparatus,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the vehicle  20  includes a chassis  22  and a combination body  24  for holding materials and for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The body  24  is pivotally mounted to the chassis  22  at a hinge  26 . The body  24  includes a front end  30  having an opening  32 , a rear end  34 , and first and second side walls  36 ,  38 . A hoist  40  is provided which extends between the body  24  and the chassis  22  for pivoting the body about the hinge  26 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a conveyor assembly  50  for selectively conveying materials from the body  24  is also included. The conveyor assembly  50  includes an endless conveyor  52  disposed between the side walls  36 ,  38  of the body  24  and extending along the length of the body  24  beyond the rear end  34  of the body  24 . The endless conveyor  52  can selectively transport material from the body  24  out the rear end  34  and from the body  24  out the opening  32  of the front end  30 . The endless conveyor  52  is similar in construction and operation to the endless conveyor shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/256,053. It will be understood that the endless conveyor  52  can be provided in a variety of configurations, including, for example, but not limited to, an auger. 
     A tailgate  60  is pivotally connected to the rear end  34  of the body  24  and has an opening  62  therein to permit material to be transported therethrough by the endless conveyor  52 . A rear feed gate assembly  70  for selectively covering the opening  62  of the tailgate  60  is provided. A rotatable tailgate cover  71  is provided to assist in properly positioning the material on the endless conveyor  52  as it leaves the opening  62  of the tailgate  60  and in directing the material downwardly onto a rear diverter chute  72 . The cover  71  is pivotally mounted to the tailgate  60 . The cover  71  extends at least partially over the portion of the endless conveyor  52  that extends beyond the tailgate  60 . 
     The rear diverter chute  72  is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly  50  to receive materials from the endless conveyor  52  and to direct the materials to a rear spreader  74  for selectively spreading materials. A first spreader mounting assembly  76  adjustably mounts the rear spreader  74  to the vehicle  20 . The rear spreader  74  is cooperatively arranged with the conveyor assembly  50  to receive materials. 
     The conveyor assembly  50  further includes a cross conveyor  82  located adjacent the front end  30  of the body  24  and extending generally perpendicular to the endless conveyor  52 . The cross conveyor  82  is arranged to selectively transport material received from the endless conveyor  52  to the first side wall  36  and the second side wall  38 . The cross conveyor  82  is preferably mounted to the chassis  22 . The cross conveyor  82  is illustrated in these figures in its preferred form as an auger. 
     The cross conveyor  82  is similar in construction and operation to the cross conveyor shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/256,053. It will be understood that the cross conveyor  82  can be provided in a variety of configurations, including, for example, but not limited to, a conventional conveyor belt or chain system with the top surface of the belt or chain defining the upper outer surface of the cross conveyor. 
     A front feed gate assembly  90  for selectively covering the opening  32  of the front end  30  of the body  24  is provided. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a first side chute  92  is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly  50  to receive materials and direct materials to a side spreader  94  for selectively spreading materials. The first side chute  92  is mounted to the body  24  adjacent the first side wall  36 . A second spreader mounting assembly  96  adjustably mounts the side spreader  94  to the chassis  22 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a second side chute  102  is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly  50  to receive materials and direct materials to a surface, such as a roadway shoulder. The second side chute  102  includes a burming ramp  104  for depositing materials remotely from the vehicle  20 . The second side chute  102  is mounted to the body  24  adjacent the second side wall  38 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cross conveyor  82  is arranged to receive materials through the opening  32  of the front end  30  of the body  24  from the endless conveyor  52  and to transport selectively the materials to first and second side discharge ports  110 ,  112 , which are mounted to the first and second side walls  36 ,  38 , respectively. The ports  110 ,  112  can be arranged to deposit materials into the first and second side chutes  92 ,  102 , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the body  24  is secured to the chassis  22  about a pivot axis  114 . More specifically, the body  24  is pivotably secured to the chassis  22  at the hinge  26  which allows for pivotal movement about the pivot axis  114 . The hoist  40  includes a hydraulic cylinder  120  connected between the body  24  and the chassis  22  at a selected point  122  forward the pivot axis  114  of the body  24 . The hoist  40  is operable to act upon the front end  30  of the body  24  to rotate the body  24  as indicated by an arrow  123  in  FIG. 1  on the hinge  26  about the pivot axis  114  from a normal, horizontal position, as seen in  FIG. 1 , to a fully inclined position, as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , to facilitate the storage and the selective dumping of materials in the body, the tailgate  60  is provided at the rear end  34  of the body  24  and extends transversely between the side walls  36 ,  38 . The tailgate  60  is releasably and pivotably connected to the rear end  34  of the body  24 . The tailgate  60  is selectively pivotable with respect to the body  24  about an upper pivot axis  140  disposed adjacent a top edge  142  of the tailgate  60  and about a lower pivot axis  144  disposed adjacent a lower edge  146  of the tailgate  60 . Upper and lower pins  148 ,  150  extending from the tailgate  60  can be releasably secured to mounts  152 ,  154  on the body  24  to provide for selective pivotal movement about the upper and lower pivot axes  140 ,  144  of the tailgate  60 . 
     When the tailgate  60  is secured at both axes  140 ,  144 , the tailgate  60  generally prevents material in the body  24  from exiting the rear end  34  thereof. The tailgate  60  includes the opening  62  therein to permit material to be selectively transported therethrough by the endless conveyor  52  such that the tailgate  60  can remain secured during spreading. The tailgate  60  can be selectively released from the upper pivot axis  140  by releasing the upper pins  148  and pivoted about the lower pivot axis  144 , thereby providing for ease in cleaning and rear loading of the body. The tailgate  60  can be released from the lower pivot axis  144  by releasing the lower pins  150  and pivoted about the upper pivot axis  140  when dumping is desired. If desired, the tailgate  60  may also be removed from the rear end  34  of the body  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a rear exposed portion  160  is provided, which includes an asphalt lip  162  that extends generally substantially horizontally rearward and below the tailgate  60  and a portion of the endless conveyor  52  that projects out beyond the rear end  34  of the body  24  and beyond the tailgate  60 . Advantageously, the lip  162  extends at least six inches rearward of the body, preferably at least about 12 inches, and most preferably at least about 18 inches. It is further preferred that the asphalt lip  162  extend rearward to at least the same extent as the endless conveyor  52 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the rear feed gate assembly  70  is provided to selectively cover the opening  62  of the tailgate  60 . The feed gate assembly  70  includes first and second support members  170 ,  171  mounted to the tailgate  60 , a handle  172  rotatably mounted to the first and second support members  170 ,  171 , a bailment  174  depending from the handle  172 , and a cover plate  175  pivotally mounted to the bailment  174 . The cover plate  175  is slidably mounted to the tailgate  60  to selectively cover the opening  62 . The cover plate  175  is movable between a closed position and a range of open positions. The handle  172  positions the cover plate  175 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the first and second support members  170 ,  171  are in spaced relation to each other and flank the opening  62  of the tailgate  60 . The support members  170 ,  171  support the handle  172  such that the handle  172  can rotate. The handle  172  includes a shaft  176  and a gripping portion  177  depending therefrom. The handle  172  is cooperatively arranged with the bailment  174  to selectively move the bailment  174 . 
     The bailment  174  includes a frame  178  and depending first and second pivotable links  182 ,  183 . The frame  178  is generally U-shaped and is mounted to the shaft  176 . The links  182 ,  183  are pivotally mounted to the frame  178  and to the cover plate  175 . 
     The frame  178  includes first and second arms  184 ,  185  “in close proximity” to the first and second support members  170 ,  171 , respectively. “In close proximity” means that the arm and the support member are within about two inches of each other, preferably within one inch of each other. The arm and the support member can be disposed with respect to each other such that the shaft does not deflect more than a predetermined value in operation. The close proximity of the arms  184 ,  185  to the support members  170 ,  171  places the load on the shaft  176  adjacent to the support members,  170 ,  171 , thereby reducing the tendency of the shaft  176  to bend when opening or closing the cover plate  175 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in the closed position, the plate  175  covers the opening  62  wherein a bottom edge  186  of the plate  175  rests on or is disposed just above the endless conveyor  52 . The cover plate  175  can be moved to any of the range of open positions to control the size of the opening  62  in the tailgate  60 . The cover plate  175  is adjustable to meter the flow of material through the opening  62  of the tailgate  60 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in operation, the handle  172  can be moved by operating the gripping portion  177 , which in turn rotates the frame  178 . The frame  178  acts upon the links  182 ,  183  which pivot with respect to the frame  178  and raise and lower the cover plate  175  according to the movement of the handle  172 . 
     An indexing member in the form of a circular indexing plate  189  is cooperatively arranged with the first support member  170  and the shaft  176  to provide a retaining mechanism for holding the handle  172 , and thereby the cover plate  175 , in a selected position. The indexing plate  187  is mounted to the shaft  176  of the handle  172 . The indexing plate  187  includes a plurality of holes  188  which provide incremental adjustment of the handle  172 . A pin  190  can extend through a bore  192  in the first support member  170  and a selected one of the holes  188  in the indexing plate  189  to retain the handle  172 , and consequently the cover plate  175 , in the selected position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the feed gate assembly  70  further includes a plurality of guide members  195  which guide the cover plate  175  during movement thereof relative to the guide members  195 . The guide members  195  are mounted to the tailgate  60 . The cover plate  175  includes first and second surfaces  196 ,  197 . It is preferred that at least one guide member  195  is disposed on the first surface  196  of the cover plate  175  and at least one guide member  195  is disposed on the second surface  197  of the cover plate  175 . The illustrative feed gate assembly  70  includes four guide members  195  in spaced relation to each other such that the cover plate  175  fits between the guide members  195 . Two of the guide members  195  are disposed adjacent the first support member to guide the cover plate  175  from the first and second surfaces  196 ,  197  thereof. The other two guide members  195  are disposed adjacent the second support member  171  to guide the cover plate  175  from, respectively, first and second surfaces  196 ,  197  thereof. 
     Each guide member  195  is mounted to the tailgate  60 . The illustrative guide members  195  each comprise a rod having a diameter of about ¼ inch and a length substantially equal to the height of the cover plate  175 . The guide members  195  each include a curved contact surface which engages the cover plate  175 . The configuration of the guide members reduces the amount of surface contact between the guide members and the cover plate  175 , therefore reducing the amount of friction. By using rods, the chance for granular material to become lodged between the flat surface of the cover plate  175  and the guide members it rides on is greatly reduced. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the tailgate cover  71  can be pivoted from a down position to an elevated position. The cover  71  includes a tab  202  for latching the cover in the elevated position to an ear  204  of the tailgate  60  by a pin and hole mechanism  206 . In the down position, shown in  FIG. 7 , the cover  71  is generally held in place by gravity but could also be latched in place if desired. 
     When in the down position, the cover  71  prevents someone from stepping on the endless conveyor  52 , which can be moving, and is allowed to float when material is conveyed out the rear, thereby creating little or no flow restriction. 
     The rotational capability of the cover  71  allows the operator to pivot the tailgate  60  about the lower pivot axis  144  without the cover  71  interfering. The cover  71  can be rotated to the elevated position and retained therein out of the way such that the tailgate  60  can be readily pivoted about the lower pivot axis  144  from the closed position to an open position without interference between the cover  71  and the endless conveyor  52 . During movement of the tailgate  60 , the cover  71  can pivot out of the way of the endless conveyor  52 . 
     The front feed gate assembly  90  is provided at a panel  209  of the front end  30  of the body  24  to selectively cover the opening  32  therein to provide a degree of control over the expulsion of material from the front of the body  24  and onto the cross conveyor  82 . The front feed gate assembly  90  is of similar function and construction as the rear feed gate assembly  70 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 11 , the front feed gate assembly  90  includes first and second support members  210 ,  211  mounted to the panel  209  of the front end  30  of the body  24 , a handle  212  rotatably mounted to the first and second support members  210 ,  211 , a bailment  214  depending from the handle  212 , and a cover plate  215  pivotally mounted to the bailment  214 . The cover plate  215  is slidably mounted with respect to the front end  30  to selectively cover the opening  32 . The cover plate  215  is movable between a closed position and a range of open positions. The handle  212  positions the cover plate  215 . 
     The bailment  214  is similar to the bailment of the rear feed gate assembly and includes a frame  220  and first and second pivotable links. The frame  220  of the bailment  214  has first and second arms  224 ,  225  “in close proximity” to the first and second support members, respectively. “In close proximity” means . . . . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the front feed gate assembly  90  includes guide members  230  similar in construction and function to those guide members described herein with respect to the rear feed gate assembly. In the illustrative embodiment, two guide members  230  are mounted to the front panel  209  adjacent the first and second support members  210 ,  211 , respectively. Two other guide members  230  are mounted to the first and second support members  210 ,  211 , respectively to establish a cooperating pair of guide members  230  adjacent each of the first and second support members  210 ,  211 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the handle  212  includes a shaft  216  having a coupling  218  for a slot and tang arrangement. The shaft  216  includes a first rod  240  having an end  242  with a slot  244  and a second rod  246  having a first end  248  with a tang  250  and a second end  252 . The slot  244  and the tang  250  provide for the mounting of the first and second rods  240 ,  246  to each other. The “slot and tang” arrangement provides strength to the coupling  218  that readily avoids problems with tolerances and fit during manufacture as well as with field repairs and replacements. To allow the operator to use the handle  212 , the second end  252  of the second rod  246  extends beyond one of the first and second side walls of the body. The front feed gate assembly  90  is similar in other respects to the rear feed gate assembly  70  shown and described herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a conveyor cover assembly  260  can be provided that includes a cover  261  configured to completely cover the endless conveyor  52  along the length thereof. The cover  261  includes a front end  262  and a rear end  264 . The front end  262  of the cover  261  is removably mounted to a front knee brace  266  of the front end  30  of the body  24  with a bracket  268 , for example, that is bolted to the cover  261  and the knee brace  266 . The rear end  260  of the cover extends rearwardly from the tailgate  60 . 
     Mounting members  270 ,  272  are secured to the body  24  adjacent the rear end  264  of the cover  261 . The illustrative mounting members  270 ,  272  are a pair of mounting tubes mounted to the body  24  at the rear end  34  of the body  24 . The rear end  264  of the cover  261  includes a pair of tabs  274 ,  276  which is respectively removably mounted to the pair of mounting members  270 ,  272 . The rear end  264  is secured with the tabs  274 ,  276  which are respectively inserted into the pair of mounting tubes  270 ,  272 . 
     The cover  261  is configured to completely cover the endless conveyor  52  along the length thereof. With the front end  262  and the rear end  264  being removably mounted to the body  24 , the cover  261  is easily removable. On the other hand, the cover  261  is mounted such that it is prevented from shifting around or detaching when the body  24  is in a dumping position. 
     The conveyor cover assembly  260  is particularly advantageous when the body  24  is used as a dumping body for extended periods of time. The operator can load the body  24  with materials, such as, large rocks or boulders, or broken sections of concrete containing steel reinforcement bar, for example. The cover assembly  260  protects the endless conveyor from damage that it might otherwise sustain from such materials. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the rear diverter chute  72  is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly  50  to receive materials from the endless conveyor  52  of the conveyor assembly  50 . The rear spreader  74  is operably arranged with the rear diverter chute  72  to selectively receive materials from the chute  72 . The diverter chute  72  is mounted to the asphalt lip  162  adjacent the rear end  34  of the body  24 . In other embodiments, the diverter chute  72  can be mounted to one of the first and second side walls of the body  24  to cooperate with a side spreader. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the rear chute  72  includes a body  290  and a panel  292 . The body  290  defines a passageway  294 . The panel  292  is configured to direct selectively material from the endless conveyor  52  through the passageway  294 . The panel  292  of the diverter chute  72  is movable between an open position, as shown in  FIG. 12 , and a closed position. The panel  292  allows materials to move through the chute  72  to the spreader  74  when the panel  292  is disposed in the first position, i.e., the open position. The panel  292  helps direct material that is being conveyed from the conveyor assembly  50  from the body  24 . The panel  292  prevents materials from moving through the diverter  72  to the spreader  74  when the panel  292  is disposed in the second position, i.e., the closed position. When the panel  292  is in the closed position, it is possible to dump material out of the body  24  and still protect the spreader  74 . This protection feature is very beneficial when stock-piling material after finished spreading because the spreader  74  and the chute  72  need not be removed before dumping materials from the body  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the rear spreader  74  is adjustably mounted to the vehicle  20  and cooperatively arranged with the endless conveyor  52  of the conveyor assembly  50  to receive and selectively spread materials. The spreader  74  is selectively movable along a first axis  300 , a second axis  302 , and a third axis  304 . The three axes  300 ,  302 ,  304  are mutually perpendicular to each other. The first axis  300 , the second axis  302 , and the third axis  304  are a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a vertical axis, respectively. The spreader  74  is adjustable along the first, second, and third axes  300 ,  302 ,  304  relative to the conveyor assembly  50  for assisting in the receipt of materials therefrom and for creating a desired spread pattern. 
     The spreader mounting assembly  76  mounts the spreader  74  to the body  24 . The first spreader mounting assembly  76  can be provided to allow the rear spreader  74  to have three degrees of adjustment, namely along the longitudinal axis  300 , the transverse axis  302 , and the vertical axis  304 . The spreader mounting assembly  76  is mounted to the body  24 . The spreader  74  is adjustably mounted to the spreader mounting assembly  76 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the spreader mounting assembly  76  includes a pair of support members  310 ,  312  and an adjustment mechanism  314 . The support members  310 ,  312  are secured to the body  24 . The adjustment mechanism  314  is secured to the support members  310 ,  312 . The adjustment mechanism  314  allows the spreader  74  to selectively move along the first, second, and third axes  300 ,  302 ,  304 . 
     The adjustment mechanism  314  includes a pair of first adjustment members  320 ,  321 , a pair of second adjustment members  322 ,  323 , and a third adjustment member  324 . The first adjustment members  320 ,  321  are respectively movably mounted to the support members  310 ,  311  such that the first adjustment members  320 ,  321  are selectively movable along the first axis  300 . The second adjustment members  322 ,  323  are respectively movably mounted to the first adjustment members  320 ,  321  such that the second adjustment members  322 ,  323  are selectively movable along the second axis  302 . The third adjustment member  324  is mounted to the second adjustment members  322 ,  323 . The spreader  74  is adjustably mounted to the third adjustment member  324  such that the spreader  74  is selectively movable along the third axis  304 . 
     Fore and aft adjustment along the longitudinal axis  300  is achieved by moving the longitudinal adjustment members  320 ,  321  along the longitudinal axis  300  in and out, respectively, of the support members  310 ,  311 . The longitudinal adjustment members  320 ,  321  each include a plurality of holes  326  in spaced relation to each other. The spacing of the holes  326  allows for incremental adjustment of the longitudinal adjustment members  320 ,  321 , for example, in 1-inch increments. The longitudinal adjustment members  320 ,  321  can be mounted to the support members  310 ,  311  with bolts  327 , for example, by aligning a selected pair of holes  326  of the each longitudinal adjustment member  320 ,  321  with a pair of holes  328  in each support member  310 ,  311 , respectively. 
     Vertical adjustment along the vertical axis  302  can be achieved by bolting, for example, the vertical adjustment members  322 ,  323  to a respective bracket  330  at the distal end of each first adjustment members  320 ,  321 . The vertical adjustment members  322 ,  323  each include a plurality of holes  332  in spaced relationship to each other. The spacing of the holes  332  allows for incremental adjustment of the vertical adjustment members  322 ,  323 , for example, in 1-inch increments. The vertical adjustment members  322 ,  323  can be mounted to the longitudinal adjustment members  320 ,  321  with bolts  333 , for example, by aligning a selected pair of holes  332  of the each vertical adjustment members  322 ,  323  with a pair of holes in each bracket  330  of the longitudinal adjustment members  320 ,  321 , respectively. The spreader  74  can be incrementally movable along at least one of the first, second, and third axes  300 ,  302 ,  304 . 
     Side to side adjustment along the transverse axis  302  is achieved by sliding the spreader  74  along the transverse adjustment member  324  that extends between the second adjustment members  322 ,  323 . The spreader  74  can be selectively secured in place to prevent for the further side-to-side movement by a setscrew  334 , for example. 
     Each second adjustment member  322 ,  323  includes a lug  335 . The transverse adjustment member  324  is mounted to the lugs  335  of the second adjustment members  322 ,  323  and is free to pivot in the lugs  335  about the transverse axis  302 . The spreader mounting assembly  76  can include a leveling mechanism  336  to prevent the spreader  74  from rotating. The illustrative leveling mechanism  336  includes a leveling rod  337  and a linkage  338 . The linkage  338  is mounted to the third adjustment member  324  and pivotally mounted to the leveling rod  337 . The leveling rod  337  is pivotally mounted to the chassis  22 . The spreader  74 , which is mounted to the third adjustment member  324 , is kept from rotating by the leveling rod  337  attached to the truck chassis  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the leveling mechanism  336  keeps the spreader  74  level over the range of travel of body  24  between the normal position and the fully inclined position. The hinge  26 , the third adjustment member  324 , the linkage  338 , and the leveling rod  337  define a four-bar linkage system which maintains the spreader  74  in a substantially uniform orientation. Referring to  FIG. 14 , the body  24  is in the normal position. The spreader  74  includes a disk  340  which defines a first spreader plane  350  when the body  24  is in the normal position. Referring to  FIG. 15 , the body  24  is in the fully inclined position. The spreader  74  is pivotally mounted with respect to the body  24  by the spreader mounting assembly  76  such that when the body  24  is in the fully inclined position, the disk  340  defines a second spreader plane  352 , which is substantially parallel to the first spreader plane  350 . The first spreader plane  350  and the second spreader plane  352  are both substantially horizontal. The illustrative leveling mechanism  336  provides this leveling feature over the entire range of travel of the body  24  with the spreader plane remaining substantially horizontal at any selected position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the front and rear ends  30 ,  34  of the body  24  define a body length  360 . The second side wall  38  defines a recess  362 . The first side wall  36  defines a similar recess. Each recess  362  is configured to accommodate a storage tank  364 . Each recess  362  has a recess length  366  at least over fifty percent of the body length  360 . In some embodiments, the recess length  366  can be as large as about the difference of the body length  360  subtracted by about two feet. The illustrative storage tank  360  is a tank for holding pre-wetting liquid. The recess  362  is configured such that it can accommodate the storage tank  360  wherein more of the liquid in the tank  360  is stored below the vertical midpoint of the side walls  36 ,  38 , and preferably below the center of mass of the body  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the recess  362  of the second side wall  38  is configured to accommodate at least one of a storage box  368  and the storage tank  364 . The illustrative storage box  364  is a toolbox. The tank  364  and the toolbox  368  are mounted the same way, thereby allowing them to be interchangeable. Either a single toolbox or a single tank can be provided. The first side wall has a sill  369  mounted to it, as shown in  FIG. 18 . The sill  369  covers the recess defined by the first side wall  36 . The sill  369  can be removed and a toolbox or a tank can be mounted to the first side wall. In other embodiments a pair of toolboxes, a pair of tanks, or a single tank and a single toolbox can be mounted to the first and second side walls  36 ,  38 , respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , in embodiments of the vehicle where the recesses  62  of the side walls  36 ,  38  each accommodate the pre-wetting tank  364 , a cross tube  376  can be provided to provide a convenient means for the tanks  364  to cooperate together. The cross tube  376  extends between the first and second side walls  36 ,  38  of the body  24 . The cross tube  376  is configured to accommodate a balancing tube  378 . The balancing tube  378  extends through the cross tube  376 . The balancing tube  378  can be fluidly connected to the tanks  364  to assist in maintaining substantially equal amounts of pre-wetting liquid in the tanks  364 . The balancing tube  378  can be disposed in the cross tube  376  to prevent the balancing tube  378  from being damaged. The cross tube  376  can also be used to conveniently house electrical wiring, for example. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the first side chute  92  is pivotally mounted to the body  24 , thereby reducing the items a vehicle dealer must mount to the chassis  22 . The side chute  92  is rotatably mounted to the first discharge port  110 . The chute  92  is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials from the cross conveyor  82  and direct materials to the side spreader  94 . The chute  92  is rotatable over a selected range of travel about the vertical axis  304  and a selected range of travel about a chute axis  382 . The ability to rotate the chute allows the user to focus the material on the spreader to obtain a desired spread pattern. Preferably the vertical axis  304  and the chute axis  382  are generally perpendicular to each other. 
     The side chute  92  includes a mounting ring  390 , first and second fins  392 ,  393  depending from the mounting ring  390 , and a ramp  396  supported by first and second pins  398 ,  399  extending between the fins  392 ,  393 . The mounting ring  390  is mounted to a mouth  404  of the first discharge port  110  by bolts  405 , for example. The ring  390  includes a plurality of holes  406  to allow the ring  390  to be mounted to the mouth  404  of the port  110  in any of a plurality of mounting positions, thereby allowing the side chute  92  to be rotatable about the vertical axis  304 . The illustrative range of travel over which the first chute  92  can rotate about the vertical axis  304  is defined by the interference of the first chute  92  with the chassis  22 . 
     The illustrative side chute  92  is incrementally movable about the chute axis  382  over the selected range of travel. The chute axis  382  is defined by the second pin  399 . Each fin  392 ,  394  includes a plurality of detents  410  in substantially uniform spaced relation to each other. To position the chute  92  relative to the chute axis  382 , the first pin  398  can be disposed within a selected detent  410  in the first fin  392  and the aligning detent  410  in the second fin  393 . The chute  92  can be moved about the chute axis  382  by selecting another pair of detents  410  and moving the first pin  398  thereto. The illustrative range of travel over which the first chute  92  can rotate about the chute axis  382  is defined by the location of the outermost detents  410  on the fins  392 ,  393 . The spacing between adjacent detents  410  can be varied. 
     The second spreader mounting assembly  96  is provided to adjustably mount the side spreader  94  to the chassis  22  to provide three degrees of available adjustment allowing for the fine tuning of material application. In the illustrated embodiment of the vehicle  20 , the spreader  94  is arranged to receive materials from the cross conveyor  82 . The spreader  94  is adjustably mounted to the chassis  22  such that the spreader  94  is rotatable about, and movable along, the vertical axis  304  and is movable along a spreader axis  418 . 
     The second spreader mounting assembly  96  includes a support member  420  and an arm  422 . The support member  420  is mounted to the chassis  22 . The support member  420  is configured to receive and support the arm  422 . The illustrative arm  422  is L-shaped and includes a mounting portion  424  and a spreader portion  426 . The mounting and spreader portions  424 ,  426  are substantially perpendicular to each other. The mounting portion  424  is substantially parallel to the vertical axis  304 . The mounting portion  426  of the arm  422  is movably mounted to the support member  420 , which is mounted to the chassis  22 . The side spreader  94  is adjustably mounted to the spreader portion  426  of the arm  422 . The arm  422  is rotatable about, and movable along, the vertical axis  304 . The L-shaped arm  422  is able to pivot in the support member  420  to rotate the spreader  94  and is able to translate relative to the support member  420  to adjust the height of the spreader  94  vertically. 
     The spreader  94  is movably mounted to the spreader portion  426  of the arm  422  such that the spreader  94  can move along the spreader axis  418 , which is defined by the spreader portion  426 . The spreader  94  is able to move along the spreader portion  426  of the arm  422 . The spreader  94  can be selectively secured in place to prevent further movement along the second axis  382  by a set screw  428 , for example. 
     The ability of the second spreader mounting assembly  96  to adjust the position of the second spreader  94  along the spreader axis  418  and about the vertical axis  304  effectively allows the position of the second spreader  94  to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis  300  and the transverse axis  302 . In conjunction with the ability to adjust the position of the second spreader  94  along the vertical axis  304 , the second spreader mounting assembly  96  thereby provides three degrees of adjustment for the second spreader  94 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the second side chute  102  is pivotally mounted to the body  24 . The second side chute  102  is rotatably mounted to the second discharge port  112 . The chute  102  is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to receive materials from the cross conveyor and to direct materials to the surface, such as a shoulder of a roadway. The second side chute  102  includes the elongated burming ramp  104  to facilitate the deposit of materials remotely from the vehicle  20 . The burming ramp  104  can be used to deposit materials in a shoulder of a roadway to thereby increase the size of the shoulder. Advantageously, the burming ramp  104  allows for the convenient deposit of materials in the shoulder of the roadway while the vehicle  20  is located in an adjacent driving lane. The second side chute  102  is similar in other respects to the first side chute  92  shown and described herein. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.