1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a combined dump truck and spreader apparatus for selectively dumping and spreading materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combined dump truck and spreader apparatus for spreading salt and sand and the like on roadways.
2. Background Information
In a typical prior art spreader apparatus, a V-box type spreader is mounted within the body of a dump truck.
The aforementioned V-box spreader includes a longitudinally extending conveyor disposed adjacent to the base of the V-box. The arrangement is such that the conveyor conveys materials along the V-box towards the back of the truck in a controlled manner. The materials which typically include sand and salt are dispensed by the conveyor through a guide chute and are dispersed by means of a rotary spinner which spreads the materials across the roadway being treated. However, such V-box spreaders have certain inherent disadvantages. More particularly, in adverse weather conditions with ice and snow covering a roadway, a problem exists when there is insufficient traction between the truck carrying the V-box spreader and the road.
Various relatively complex arrangements have been proposed in order to supply a quantity of sand and salt ahead of the rear wheels of the truck in order to increase the traction thereof.
Another problem with the prior art arrangements is that the considerable capacity of a typical dump truck body is not utilized when fitted with a V-box spreader.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a unique combination of a dump truck and a spreader. In its basic concept, the present invention includes a truck body having a conveyor means disposed at the base of the dump body which is of a generally semi-circular cross sectional configuration. The conveyor means conveys the materials selectively through a rear opening and/or a front aperture for spreading thereof. Additionally, the materials can be dumped through a tail gate at the rear end of the dump body.
The present invention provides an apparatus that not only permits the dispensing of sand and salt from the rear of the truck for normal spreading operations but also provides means for spreading the materials ahead of the rear wheels thereby enhancing the traction thereof.
Furthermore, in the present invention, the apparatus enables the rapid unloading of the materials from the truck body by a dumping operation which includes hoisting the dump body so that the materials flow from the body past the tailgate.
Also, the aforementioned hoisting is accomplished by means of a hoist cylinder disposed between the dump body and the cab. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder is located in front of the dump body so that the customary dog box for the reception of the cylinder is not required. Additionally, the forward location of the hoist permits the conveyor means to extend forwardly through the front end of the dump body for permitting spreading in front of the rear wheels to increase traction in icy conditions.
According to the present invention, the combined unit is able to move safely, economically and quickly, thereby allowing the user thereof to spread sand, salt or a variety of other products without having to raise or tilt the body or add additional equipment to perform the aforementioned functions.
Additionally, the apparatus according to the present invention doubles as a regular dump truck without having to remove bulky add-on spreading equipment.
The aforementioned apparatus according to the present invention permits spreading of the materials with up to four spinners. The conveyor runs forward or backward thereby allowing the dumping of materials to the rear only or front only. Such an arrangement allows the operator to spread sand mixed with salt ahead of the drive tires for traction on slippery surfaces or when going up steep hills or inclines.
On most prior art front discharge sander spreaders, it is necessary to raise the body to move the materials forward or tilt the body sideways to accomplish front spreading. Such tilting of the body introduces safety problems because changing either the vertical or horizontal center of gravity of the body tends to make the truck less stable.
Also, when the body of the prior art truck arrangement is raised for spreading, there exists the danger of hitting trees, bridges, powerlines and the like.
The apparatus according to the present invention enables complete operation and control of the spreading and dump modes so that the apparatus can be converted from the spreading mode to the dumping mode from inside the cab. Most prior art arrangements having front discharge spreaders make it necessary for the operator to exit the cab in order to change a series of levers and latches to convert the apparatus.
Also, with the apparatus according to the present invention, the center of gravity is lower than with the prior art V-box spreader arrangement. The dump body according to the present invention has a greater capacity than the capacity of a V-box spreader mounted in a dump body because with the V-box spreader, the walls thereof are inclined at 45 degrees whereas with the dump body according to the present invention, the walls are curved, thereby increasing the capacity thereof.
Also, the curved side walls of the semi-circular dump body according to the present invention, guide the materials contained therein towards the centrally disposed conveyor means.
Furthermore, usually in the prior art arrangements, the V-box spreader is located in the truck body and thus the truck is designated for long periods as a spreader unit only with no dump capability.
In essence, the apparatus according to the present invention permits spreading to the front or rear with a better center of gravity, with less weight and more capacity while easily converting to a dump mode.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,112 to the Applicant of the present application enables simultaneous delivery of materials to both the front and rear of the dump body.
Therefore, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a combined dump truck and spreader apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art arrangements and which makes a considerable contribution to the art of dumping materials from a truck and for spreading sand, salt and the like materials on a roadway to the front or rear.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings.
The present invention relates to a combined dump truck and spreader apparatus. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a dump body for receiving and dispensing materials. The dump body has a first end, a second end, a first side wall and a second side wall, the dump body being pivotally secured to the chassis about a pivotal axis. A hoist device extends between the dump body and the chassis for selectively pivoting the dump body about the pivotal axis. A tailgate is pivotally secured to the first end of the dump body about a further pivotal axis for selectively permitting dumping of the materials therethrough when the dump body is pivoted about the pivotal axis. A conveyor device is disposed substantially at a bottom of the dump body and extends substantially between the first end and the second end thereof for conveying the materials along the dump body. A spreader device cooperates with the conveyor device for spreading the materials. Also, the first side wall and the second side wall curve downwardly and inwardly toward the conveyor device such that the dump body defines a substantially semi-circular cross sectional configuration for guiding and deflecting the materials within the dump body toward the conveyor device.
More specifically, the spreader means includes a spreader provided adjacent the second end of the dump body.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the spreader means includes a spreader provided adjacent the first end of the dump body.
More particularly, the conveyor means includes at least one chain which is disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall of the dump body. A first sprocket means drivingly co-operates with the chain and is disposed adjacent to the first end of the dump body for guiding the chain.
A second sprocket means drivingly co-operates with the chain and is disposed adjacent to the second end of the dump body for guiding the chain.
Additionally, a drive means is operably connected to at least one of the sprocket means for driving the conveyor means, the drive means including a drive motor associated with at least one of the first and second sprocket means, the conveyor means being arranged for moving the materials toward the second end of the dump body.
Furthermore, the conveyor means includes at least one chain which is disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall of the dump body. A first sprocket means drivingly co-operates with the chain and is disposed adjacent to the first end of the dump body for guiding the chain.
Also, a second sprocket means drivingly co-operates with the chain and is disposed adjacent to the second end of the dump body for guiding the chain.
A drive means is operably connected to at least one of the sprocket means for driving the conveyor means. The drive means includes a drive motor associated with at least one of the first and second sprocket means, the conveyor means being arranged for moving the materials toward the first end of the dump body.
Moreover, the spreader means includes a first spreader provided adjacent to the first end of the dump body and a second spreader provided adjacent to the second end of the dump body.
The conveyor means includes at least one chain disposed between the side walls of the dump body.
The first sprocket means drivingly co-operates with the chain and is disposed adjacent to the first end of the dump body for guiding the chain.
The second sprocket means drivingly co-operates with the chain and is disposed adjacent to the second end of the dump body for guiding the chain.
The drive means is operably connected to at least one of the sprocket means for driving the conveyor means, the drive means including a drive motor associated with at least one of the first and second sprocket means, the conveyor means being arranged for moving the materials selectively toward the first end of the dump body or toward the second end of the dump body.
Furthermore, the first side wall and the second side wall guide the materials downwardly toward the conveyor means, the arrangement being such that when the materials are received within the dump body, the first side wall and the second side wall deflect the materials toward the conveyor means.
The first side wall and the second side wall guide the materials downwardly toward the conveyor means, the arrangement being such that when the materials are received within the dump body, the first side wall and the second side wall deflect the materials toward the conveyor means.
The conveyor means includes a first and second chain, the chains being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other between the first side wall and the second side wall of the body.
Also, a plurality of materials moving slats are arranged with each slat extending between the chains. The first sprocket means drivingly co-operates with the chains and is disposed adjacent to the first end of the dump body for guiding the chains. The second sprocket means drivingly co-operates with the chains and disposed adjacent to the second end of the dump body for guiding the chains. The drive means is operably connected to at least one of the sprocket means for driving the conveyor means.
The drive means includes a drive motor associated with at least one of the first and second sprocket means.
Additionally, means are operatively connected between the drive motor and the associated sprocket means, the arrangement being such that movement of the conveyor means for moving the materials in either direction between the ends of the body is permitted.
Further, the conveyor means includes an auger and drive means operably connected to the auger for driving the auger. The drive means includes a drive motor, the conveyor means being arranged for moving the materials toward the second end of the dump body.
Also, according to the present invention, the spreader means includes a first spreader provided adjacent to the first end of the dump body and a second spreader provided adjacent to the second end of the dump body.
The conveyor means includes an auger and drive means operably connected to the auger for driving the auger. The drive means includes a drive motor. The conveyor means is arranged for moving the materials selectively toward the first end of the dump body or toward the second end of the dump body.
The first side wall and the second side wall guide the materials downwardly toward the conveyor means, the arrangement being such that when the materials are received within the dump body, the first side wall and the second side wall deflect the materials toward the conveyor means.
Furthermore, the first side wall and the second side wall guide the materials downwardly toward the conveyor means, the arrangement being such that when the materials are received within the dump body, the first side wall and the second side wall deflect the materials toward the conveyor means.
Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a careful consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Included in such modifications would be the provision of a hydraulic motor for driving the conveyor means. Also, the present invention envisages the provision of a variable speed motor so that rapid dumping of the materials through the opening is permitted.
Also, although specific dumping means are disclosed herein, any arrangement for raising the body could be used including those hoists endorsed by the National Truck Equipment Association for performing within specified performance ranges for particular truck body dimensions.
The present invention provides a multitude of combinations each suitable for a particular application. For example, the present invention includes an arrangement in which no hoist is provided for the dump body and in which the materials can alternatively be spread or dumped through the opening.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
A tailgate 28 is secure to the first end 18 of the body 16 about a further pivotal axis 30 which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the pivotal axis 26. The arrangement is such that when the tailgate 28 is in a closed disposition thereof as shown in
However, when the tailgate 28 is pivoted about the further pivotal axis 30 to an open disposition thereof as shown in
More specifically,
The sloping side walls 22 and 24 guide the materials 12 towards the auger means 34 as indicated by the arrows 48 and 50.
The curved side walls 22 and 24 of the body 16 as shown in
The tailgate 28 extends from the first to the second side wall 22 and 24 respectively of the body 16 as shown
The tailgate 28 includes locking means generally designated 66 for releasably locking the tailgate 28 in the closed disposition thereof as shown in
The hoist means 32 includes hydraulic cylinder means 90 shown in
The first auger 94 includes a first elongate shaft 98 and a first spiral flight 100 welded or otherwise secured to the first elongate shaft 98 such that when the first elongate shaft 98 is rotated, the first spiral flight 100 interacts with the materials 12 for feeding the materials 12 towards the first end 18 of the body 16 as indicated by arrow 42.
The second auger 96 includes a second elongate shaft 102 and a second spiral flight 104 welded or otherwise secured to the second elongate shaft 102 such that when the second elongate shaft 96 is rotated, the second spiral flight 104 interacts with the materials 12 for feeding the materials 12 towards the second end 20 of the body 16 as indicated by arrow 43.
Drive means generally designated 106 shown in
Additionally, a gear box 110 is operatively connected between the drive motor 108 and associated shafts 98 and 102. The arrangement is such that movement of the auger means 34 for moving the materials 12 in either direct n as indicated by the arrows 42 and 43 between the ends 18 and 20 of the body 16 is permitted.
Also, as shown in
As shown in
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various control arrangements can be used in order to control the driving of the auger means 34. Also, the movement of the gate 118 can be controlled remotely as is well known in the art.
As shown in
In operation of the apparatus, materials 12 are loaded into the body 16. Normally, the materials are fed through the opening 38 so that spreading by the rear spinners is accomplished. However, if traction difficulties are encountered on an incline, The second auger 96 is rotated so that sand and salt are spread through aperture 134 ahead of the rear tires towards the front spinners.
When the truck is required for moving materials, the hoist means 32 is operated remotely from within the cab when the locking means 66 has been released also from within the cab so that the load is dumped.
Also, if blacktop is being transported, a cover can be installed in order to prevent clogging of the auger means as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,112. All the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,112 is incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention also incorporates herein all of the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,239 as follows:
The apparatus 10′ includes a truck chassis generally designated 14′ and a dump body generally designated 16′ for receiving and dispensing the materials 12′. The body 16′ has a first and second end 18′ and 20′ respectively, that is a rear end 18′ and a front end 20′. The body 16′ also includes a first and second side wall 22′ and 24′ respectively particularly as shown in the plan view of
A tailgate 28′ is secure to the first end 18′ of the body 16′ about a further pivotal axis 30′ which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the pivotal axis 26′. The arrangement is such that when the tailgate 28′ is in a closed disposition thereof as shown in
However, when the tailgate 28′ is pivoted about the further pivotal axis 30′ to an open disposition thereof as shown in
More specifically,
The sloping side walls 22′ and 24′ guide the materials 12′ towards the conveyor means 34′ as indicated by the arrows 48′ and 50′.
The curved side walls 22′ and 24′ of the body 16′ as shown in
The tailgate 28′ extends from the first to the second side wall 22′ and 24′ respectively of the body 16′ as shown
The tailgate 28′ includes locking means generally designated 66′ for releasably locking the tailgate 28′ in the closed disposition thereof as shown in
The hoist means 32′ includes hydraulic cylinder means 90′ shown in
A plurality of materials slats 98′, 99′, and 100′ are arranged such that the slats 98′ to 100′ extend between the chains 94′ and 96′.
A first sprocket means 102′ co-operates with the chains 94′ and 96′ and is disposed adjacent to the first end 18′ of the body 16′ for guiding the chains 94′ and 96′.
A second sprocket means 104′ co-operates with the chains 94′ and 96′ and is disposed adjacent to the second end 20′ of the body 16′ for guiding the chains 94′ and 96′.
Drive means generally designated 106′ are connected to at least one of the sprocket means 102′, 104′ for driving the conveyor means 34′. More specifically, as shown in
Additionally, a gear box 110′ is operatively connected between the drive motor 108′ and associated sprocket means 102′ or 104′. The arrangement is such that movement of the conveyor means 34′ for moving the materials 12′ in either direction as indicated by the arrow 42′ between the ends 18′ and 20′ of the body 16′ is permitted.
Also, as shown in
As shown in
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various control arrangements can be used in order to control the driving of the conveyor means 34′. Also, the movement of the gate 118′ can be controlled remotely as is well known in the art.
As shown in
In operation of the apparatus, materials 12′ are loaded into the body 16′. Normally, the materials are fed through the opening 38′ so that spreading by spinners 154′ and 155′ is accomplished. However, if traction difficulties are encountered on an incline, conveyor means 34′ is reversed so that sand and salt are spread through aperture 134′ ahead of the rear tires towards spinners 156′ and 157′.
When the truck is required for moving materials, the hoist means 32′ is operated remotely from within the cab when the locking means 66′ has been released also from within the cab so that the load is dumped.
Also, if blacktop is being transported, cover 130′ can be installed in order to prevent clogging of the sprocket and chain mechanism.
The present invention provides a combined dump truck and spreader apparatus in which materials can be quickly dumped from a body through the tailgate. Alternatively, the materials can be spread on both sides of the truck by the conveyor means either behind the truck or ahead of the truck in order to increase traction in adverse weather conditions.
The present invention is a continuation of copending patent application Ser. No. 10/096,343 filed Mar. 12, 2002 which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/103,822 filed on Jun. 24, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,786 which is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 08/717,511 filed on Sep. 20, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,389. All of the subject matter of U.S. Ser. No. 10/096,343 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,354,786 and 5,772,389 is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10096343 | Mar 2002 | US |
Child | 11072760 | Mar 2005 | US |
Parent | 09103822 | Jun 1998 | US |
Child | 10096343 | Mar 2002 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 08717511 | Sep 1996 | US |
Child | 09103822 | Jun 1998 | US |