Patent Publication Number: US-2006006726-A1

Title: Height adjustable dumping apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      1. Field  
      The embodiments relate height adjustable dumping apparatus, and more particularly to dumping apparatus that can manually or automatically be lifted to dump contents in a dumpster.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      In commercial or residential settings that include a horse or horses, to keep the environment safe and clean the corals/barn/stalls need to be cleaned often to remove manure. Trash removal companies typically provide large dumpsters for the removal of horse manure.  FIG. 1  illustrates a typical trash dumpster provided for manure removal.  
      Manure is typically collected first by raking/shoveling and placing it in a wheel barrel or similar device. FIGS.  2 A-B illustrate typical collection holding devices. Once the manure is collected and placed in a wheeled holding device (such as illustrated in FIGS.  2 A-B), the manure must then be placed in a dumpster (such as the dumpster illustrated in  FIG. 1 ).  
      FIGS.  3 A-B illustrate how a typical manure holding device is used to move the manure into a dumpster. As illustrated in FIGS.  3 A-B, if the manure holding devices are filled, it typically takes two persons to lift and dump the contents into a dumpster. Also, depending on the weight of the contents, more trips may be necessary. Besides lifting the manure holding device so contents can be dumped in a dumpster, many individuals simply move the device to a dumpster and use a shovel to empty contents from the device into a dumpster.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates another way for assisting in moving manure from a holding device into a dumpster. A ramp can be built that is either at the level of a dumpster&#39;s top opening or just below. A person can then roll the holding device up the ramp and then dump the contents into the dumpster. A problem with this method is the ramp takes up space and some environments may not have room for a ramp.  
     SUMMARY  
      One embodiment includes a holding container hingably connected to a platform. Many expanding arm pairs are connected to the platform and a frame. Wheels are attached to the frame. The frame has a support portion and a handle portion. A motor is linked to the expanding arm pairs to raise and lower the holding container. A rechargeable power source is included to drive the motor. A controller is connected to the motor and the rechargeable power source to control the motor. The holding container can rotate from the platform to dump contents within the holding container.  
      Another embodiment includes a holding container hingably connected to a platform. Many expanding arm pairs are connected to the platform and a frame. Wheels are attached to the frame. The frame has a support portion and a handle portion. A jack is connected to the expanding arm pairs to raise and lower said holding container. The holding container can rotate from the platform to dump contents within the holding container.  
      Still another embodiment is a wheel barrel including a holding container hingably connected to a platform. Many expanding arm pairs are connected to the platform and a frame. A wheel set is connected to the frame. The frame has a support portion and a handle portion. The support portion to rest on a surface. A motor is linked to the expanding arm pairs to raise and lower the holding container. A rechargeable power source drives the motor. A controller is connected to the motor and the rechargeable power source to control the motor. The holding container can rotate from the platform to dump contents within the holding container.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” embodiment of the invention in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a typical trash dumpster.  
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a typical collection holding device.  
       FIG. 2B  illustrates another typical collection holding device.  
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a typical way to empty contents of a holding device into a dumpster.  
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a typical way to empty contents of a holding device into a dumpster.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a ramp for assisting in moving content from a holding device into a dumpster.  
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a dumping apparatus.  
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a dumping apparatus.  
       FIG. 5C  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a dumping apparatus in a raised position.  
       FIG. 5D  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a dumping apparatus in a dumping position.  
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an embodiment of a dumping device having two sets of expanding arm pairs on each side of the dumping device.  
       FIG. 6B  illustrates an embodiment of a dumping device having three sets of expanding arm pairs on each side of the dumping device.  
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a dumping device including a jack.  
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a dumping device including a jack.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The Embodiments discussed herein generally relate to a height adjustable dumping apparatus. Referring to the figures, exemplary embodiments will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate the embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments.  
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a dumping apparatus.  FIG. 5B  illustrates a front view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5A . Dumping apparatus  500  includes holding container  506  that is hingably connected to platform  511 . In one embodiment holding container  506  is shaped as typical wheel barrel containers. In other embodiments, holding container  506  is shaped as a dumping portion in a dump truck. One should note that different shapes can be implemented for holding container  506  without changing the scope of the embodiments.  
      In one embodiment platform  511  has a plurality of rubber stoppers attached to its top that contact with holding container  506  when holding container  506  is in the filling position (i.e., at rest on top of platform  511  and not in the dumping position). The number of stoppers (illustrated as  501   a - 501   c ) can vary, such as three stoppers, four stoppers, six stoppers, etc. The rubber stoppers cushion holding container  506  from platform  511  in case of holding container  506  being slammed down on platform  511 .  
      In one embodiment pairs of expanding arms  514  and  515  (i.e., there are opposing pairs of expanding arms  514  and  515  on each side of dumping apparatus  500 , therefore four expanding arms total) are connected to platform  511  and frame  510  at opposing sides of holding container  506 . It should be noted that other embodiments can have more sets of expanding arm pairs coupled to ends of each other to increase the maximum height holding container  506  can be lifted (e.g., 2 sets, three sets, etc.; see FIGS.  6 A-B illustrating two sets and three sets of expanding arm pairs, respectively). In one embodiment, at least two wheels  505  are attached to frame  510  and have an axle  512  and standard connection means, such as nuts and bolts, pins, clips, etc.  
      In one embodiment frame  510  has support portion  521  and handle portion  522 . Support portion  521  comes in contact with a surface (e.g., the ground) when apparatus  500  is not being moved from one place to another. It should be noted that holding container  506  is angled such that the portion closest to the wheels is elevated over the portion closest to handle  522  when apparatus  500  is at rest. This is so when a person moves apparatus  500  by lifting on handle  522  holding container  506  will be level. In another embodiment, support portion  521  is modified with an axle and a set of wheels coupled to the axle (not shown). In this embodiment, two sets of wheels are used to move dumping apparatus  500 . Also included in this embodiment are wheel locks coupled to each wheel to prevent movement when necessary. In another embodiment a small electrical motor is coupled to the rear axle, rechargeable power source  504  and controller  502 . In this embodiment, power is supplied to the motor to drive the rear wheels. This assist a person in moving dumping apparatus  500 . Note that the motor is gear driven and will only supply enough power to the rear axle to move dumping apparatus between two to four miles per hour.  
      In one embodiment motor  503  is linked to expanding arms  514  and  515  to raise and lower holding container  506 . Motor  503  can have standard linking to expanding arms  514  and  515 , such as screw drive, gears, etc. In one embodiment motor  503  is a standard electric motor sized to lift a full holding container  506  with contents, such as manure, dirt, sand, etc. In another embodiment, motor  503  is a hydraulic motor having an electric pump sized to lift a full holding container  506  with contents, such as manure, dirt, sand, etc. In one embodiment rechargeable power source  504  is wired to motor  503  to drive motor  503 . Rechargeable power source  504  is a rechargeable battery sized to power motor  503  multiple times without having to be recharged. In one embodiment controller  502  is wired to motor  503  and rechargeable power source  504  to control motor  503 . In one embodiment controller  502  includes a key switch to control on/off and switches to control lifting of holding container  506 . In another embodiment controller  502  as a keypad for entering a code to prevent unauthorized use of apparatus  500 . In one embodiment, controller  502  has a display readout and sound chip to inform a user of status, such as maximum weight, maximum lift, unbalanced load, power source status, etc. Standard means for measuring weight are connected to platform  511  or base  513  and a predetermined maximum weight is stored in a memory in controller  502 . A processor in controller  502  compares the measured weight with the predetermined maximum weight to alert users of content status. In one embodiment, the predetermined weight is given a buffer of five or ten percent for safety reasons in case an over-limit point is reached.  
      In one embodiment the unbalanced load alert is given when weight measured at one portion of platform  511  is greater than a predetermined ratio when compared with a weight measurement at least one other portion of platform  511 . Two or more weight sensing elements can be compared to determine if the load in holding container  506  is unbalanced or not. A processor than compares the measured weights and calculates a weight ratio among the measured areas. The processor than retrieves a predetermined ration from a memory and compares the measured ratio with the predetermined ratio. If the predetermined ratio is exceeded an alert is given (sound/light) to inform users. In one embodiment, a balanced signal is given when the load is properly balanced (e.g., light, words in a display, etc.). This makes it safer for holding container  506  to be raised with a tip-over condition being minimized.  
      In another embodiment, controller  502  has a switch to control locking of wheels  505  by conventional means, such as an electric lever, friction means to come in contact with wheels  503 , etc. In another embodiment, a mechanical wheel lock is located at wheels  505  to prohibit wheel rotation.  
      In one embodiment holding container  506  can rotate from platform  511  to dump contents within holding container  506 . In one embodiment holding container  506  has one or more handles  509  attached to allow a place for a person to grip holding container  506  to rotate holding container  506  away from platform  511  for dumping of contents. In one embodiment holding container  506  has a quick release mechanism to allow holding container  506  to lock into place with/release from platform  511 . In this embodiment, the quick release mechanism can be standard components, such as spring locks, locking pins, clips, clasps, etc. In one embodiment, the quick release mechanism is located toward the rear of holding container  506  (i.e., portion closest to handle  522 ).  
      In one embodiment expanding arms  514  and  515  are slidably connected to platform  511  and base  513 , which is connected to frame  510 . In this embodiment expanding arms  514  and  515  have a pivoting pin  520  that allows expanding arms  514  and  515  to slide by one another. Expanding arms  514  and  515  each have an end ( 517  and  516 , respectively) connected to base  513 . Expanding arms  514  and  515  each have an another end ( 519  and  518 , respectively) connected to platform  511 . In one embodiment one of the ends of expanding arms  514  and  515  ( 516 ,  517 ,  518 ,  519 ) are connected with a pivoting pin (i.e., immobile but allowed to change the angle of an expanding arm) while the opposing ends are allowed to slide for expansion and contraction. In this embodiment, the expanding arms operate in a scissors type of action.  
      In one embodiment an “arm blocked” sensor is attached to apparatus  500  to stop motor  503  if an overstrain condition is sensed, such as something stuck between the expanding arms, a persons hand/arm is in the way, etc. In one embodiment an optical sensor is used to determine if any of the expanding arms have an obstruction. Standard sensors are used in this embodiment that are similar to those used in elevators and automatic garage doors with electric openers.  
      In one embodiment holding container  506  is able to rotate between 90° and 135° in relation to platform  511 . In another embodiment holding container is able to rotate between and 90° and 225° in relation to platform  511 . That is holding container  506  is first released from at least one end of platform  511  and holding container can rotate via hinge  507  (connected to platform  511 ) that has a pin  508  that can rotate within hinge  507 . The rotation limits are controlled by means, such as a brake pin connected to either hinge  507  or holding container  506 , by holding container  506  coming into contact with platform  511 , etc.  FIG. 5C  illustrates apparatus  500  in the raised position before holding container  506  is rotated into dumping position. As illustrated, expanding arm pair  514  and  515  (and opposing expanding arm pair) are fully expanded where the top portions and bottom portions of each pair of expanding arms are at their closest position toward each other.  FIG. 5D  illustrates apparatus  500  with holding container  506  rotated away from platform  511  and in the dumping position.  
      In one embodiment, counterbalance holder  530  is coupled to frame  510 . In this embodiment, weights can be loaded onto counterbalance holder  530  to counterbalance a load when dumping so apparatus  500  does not tip over when in the dumping position. In another embodiment, trap door  535  allows content within holding container  506  to rapidly exit when a locking pin is removed. This embodiment does not include counterbalance holder  530 , as there is not a need since content will empty upon holding container  506  being rotated to a dumping position. That is, upon initial rotation, content within holding container  506  will exit, thus relieving the weight within holding container  506 .  
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.  5 A,B- 6 B including jack  710  connected expanding arm pairs  514  and  515  to raise and lower holding container  506 . In one embodiment jack  710  is a hydraulic jack that is pumped mechanically with a jack handle (not shown) inserted into handle insertion portion  720 . In another embodiment a foot pedal is connected to jack  710  and is pumped by a user with a foot to raise platform  511 . A release valve controls the release of pressure to allow platform  511  to be lowered from a raised position.  
      In another embodiment jack  710  is a scissor jack (i.e., screw drive) that is raised by rotating a handle. Jack  710  is similar to standard jacks used to raise and lower objects, such as cars, motorcycles, etc.  
      In the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 7 , jack  710  replaces motor  503  and there is no need for a controller with switches connected to motor  503  and power source  504 . In these embodiments a smaller rechargeable battery is used to power alerts and sensors, e.g., unbalanced load sensor and alerts, overweight condition sensor and alert, a processor connected with memory, and blocked expanding arm sensor and alert.  
      Holding container  506  can be made by typical processes, such as pultrusion, injection molding, etc. Holding container  506  can be made from materials, such as hardened plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, metal alloys, etc. Frame  510  and platform  511  can be made from aluminum, metal alloys, hardened fiberglass, etc.  
      The above embodiments have holding container  506  positioned with platform  511  and base  513  such as not to be overloaded above wheels  505  when holding container  506  is rotated to dump its contents. That is, the above embodiments will be balanced so as not to tip over when dumping contents.  
      One embodiment includes a lifting means for lifting the rear end of holding container  506  (i.e., the end closest to handle portion  522 ). In one embodiment, the means includes a jack (hydraulic or scissor type) that raises holding container  506  to at least a 45° in relation to platform  511  when a person mechanically pumps the jack with a handle/foot pedal or turns a handle. With the holding container raised it is easier for a person to dump the contents into a dumpster by themselves, as they will have more leverage as opposed to holding container not being raised. In another embodiment, the lifting means has an electric motor with either a screw drive or hydraulic pump. The jacks/motors in these embodiments do not need to be capable of lifting as much as the jacks/motors connected to the expanding arms as the holding container is only lifted a minimum distance at one end. In the case of the electric motor/electric hydraulic pump, these are connected to power source  504  and controlled by controller  502 .  
      The above embodiments make it easier for a person(s) to unload contents in a holding container into a dumpster. By using the above embodiments, a person can easily dump contents by themselves without needing another person to raise the holding container to be able to dump contents in a standard dumpster. By simply pressing a button/moving a switch or jacking up the holding container, a person can raise the holding container to position it above a dumpster. The holding container then can be rotated to dump the contents.  
      While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.