U.S. patent application number 11/942501 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-21 for portable mortar hopper.
This patent application is currently assigned to LYCON INC.. Invention is credited to G. R. Lyons, III.
Application Number | 20090129903 11/942501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40642142 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090129903 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lyons, III; G. R. |
May 21, 2009 |
PORTABLE MORTAR HOPPER
Abstract
A mobile hopper assembly is towable by a vehicle and includes a
frame, a hopper that is fixedly attached to the frame, a leg that
is attached to the frame, and a wheel that is coupled to the frame.
The leg includes a movable portion that is movable with respect to
the frame between a retracted position and an extended position,
and the wheel at least partially supports the mobile hopper
assembly when the leg is in the retracted position.
Inventors: |
Lyons, III; G. R.;
(Janesville, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE, Suite 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
LYCON INC.
Janesville
WI
|
Family ID: |
40642142 |
Appl. No.: |
11/942501 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/332 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/14 20130101;
B65D 90/18 20130101; B65D 2590/0091 20130101; B65D 90/0033
20130101; B60P 1/56 20130101; B65D 88/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/332 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/30 20060101
B65D088/30 |
Claims
1. A mobile hopper assembly towable by a vehicle, the assembly
comprising: a frame; a hopper fixedly attached to the frame; a leg
attached to the frame, the leg including a movable portion that is
movable with respect to the frame between a retracted position and
an extended position; and a wheel coupled to the frame to at least
partially support the mobile hopper assembly when the leg is in the
retracted position.
2. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
trailer assembly removably coupled to the frame and the vehicle
that at least partially supports the hopper when the leg is in the
retracted position.
3. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
dispensing device coupled to the hopper.
4. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 3, wherein the dispensing
device has multiple open positions.
5. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 1, wherein the leg includes
a stationary portion having a first aperture, and wherein the
movable portion includes a plurality of second apertures.
6. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 5, further comprising a
securing device coupled to the leg and operable to inhibit movement
of the movable portion with respect to the stationary portion.
7. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 6, wherein the securing
device includes a peg engageable with the first aperture and one of
the plurality of second apertures.
8. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 1, further comprising an
axle, a first wheel, and a second wheel.
9. A mobile hopper assembly towable by a vehicle, the assembly
comprising: a frame; a hopper fixedly attached to the frame; a
plurality of legs attached to the frame, each leg including a
movable portion that is movable to move the hopper between a
portable position, a partially raised position, and a raised
position; and a wheel coupled to the frame that at least partially
supports the hopper when the hopper is in the portable
position.
10. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 9, further comprising a
trailer assembly removably coupled to the frame and the vehicle
that at least partially supports the hopper when the hopper is in
the portable position.
11. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of
legs includes four legs.
12. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 9, wherein each leg
includes a stationary portion having a first aperture, and wherein
the movable portion includes a plurality of second apertures.
13. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 12, wherein the movable
portion of each of the plurality of legs is individually
movable.
14. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 12, further comprising a
securing device coupled to each of the plurality of legs and
operable to inhibit movement of the movable portion with respect to
the stationary portion.
15. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 14, wherein each securing
device locks each of the plurality of legs to position the hopper
in one of the portable position, the partially raised position, and
the raised position.
16. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 14, wherein each securing
device includes a peg engageable with the first aperture and one of
the second apertures.
17. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 9, further comprising a
dispensing device coupled to the hopper.
18. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 17, wherein the dispensing
device has multiple open positions.
19. A mobile hopper assembly towable by a vehicle, the assembly
comprising: a frame; a hopper fixedly attached to the frame, the
hopper including a converging portion and a dispensing device; a
plurality of legs each including a stationary portion attached to
the frame and a movable portion that is movable with respect to the
stationary portion between a retracted position and an extended
position; a plurality of locking devices each associated with one
of the plurality of legs to selectively inhibit the movement of the
movable portions with respect to the stationary portions; a wheel
coupled to the frame to at least partially support the hopper when
the movable portions are in the retracted position; and a trailer
assembly coupled to the frame and the vehicle that at least
partially supports the hopper when the movable portions are in the
retracted position.
20. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 19, wherein the plurality
of legs includes four legs.
21. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 19, wherein each movable
portion is individually movable.
22. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 19, wherein the dispensing
device has multiple open positions.
23. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 19, wherein the movable
portions are movable to position the hopper in one of a portable
position, a partially raised position, and a raised position.
24. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 19, wherein each of the
stationary portions includes a first aperture, and each of the
movable portions includes a plurality of second apertures.
25. The mobile hopper assembly of claim 24, further comprising a
securing device coupled to one of the plurality of legs, the
securing device engageable with the first aperture and one of the
plurality of second apertures to inhibit movement of the movable
portion with respect to the stationary portion.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to hoppers. Specifically, the
invention relates to hoppers for dispensing mortar.
[0002] Mortar is used in masonry work to bind and support bricks,
block, and other building materials together and is most often
composed of an aggregate (e.g. sand), a binder (e.g. cement), and
water. The aggregate, binder, and water are mixed together in a
mixer to form wet mortar which may be used as a construction
material.
[0003] Aggregate and binder are generally mixed and bagged for use
on job sites. The bags are transported to the job site and mixed
with water to form the wet mortar.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one construction, the invention provides a mobile hopper
assembly that is towable by a vehicle and includes a frame, a
hopper that is fixedly attached to the frame, a leg that is
attached to the frame, and a wheel that is coupled to the frame.
The leg includes a movable portion that is movable with respect to
the frame between a retracted position and an extended position,
and the wheel at least partially supports the mobile hopper
assembly when the leg is in the retracted position.
[0005] In another construction, the invention provides a mobile
hopper assembly that is towable by a vehicle and includes a frame,
a hopper that is fixedly attached to the frame, a plurality of legs
that are attached to the frame, and a wheel that is coupled to the
frame. Each leg includes a movable portion that is movable to move
the hopper between a portable position, a partially raised
position, and a raised position. The wheel at least partially
supports the hopper when the hopper is in the portable
position.
[0006] In still another construction, the invention provides a
mobile hopper assembly that is towable by a vehicle and includes a
frame, a hopper that is fixedly attached to the frame and includes
a converging portion and a dispensing device, and a plurality of
legs that each include a stationary portion that is attached to the
frame and a movable portion that is movable with respect to the
stationary portion between a retracted position and an extended
position. A plurality of locking devices are each associated with
one of the plurality of legs to selectively inhibit the movement of
the movable portions with respect to the stationary portions. A
wheel is coupled to the frame to at least partially support the
hopper when the movable portions are in the retracted position, and
a trailer assembly is coupled to the frame and the vehicle such
that the trailer assembly at least partially supports the hopper
when the movable portions are in the retracted position.
[0007] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable mortar hopper in
a partially raised position.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a securing device and a
portion of a leg of the portable mortar hopper of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the portable mortar hopper of FIG.
1 in a raised position.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
portable mortar hopper of FIG. 1 in a mobile position and connected
to a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a portable hopper assembly 10. The
portable hopper assembly 10 will be described herein with reference
to the distribution of mortar, although it is conceivable to use
the portable hopper assembly 10 for other products such as food
stuffs, paper pulp, dry concrete, and various other materials.
[0014] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the portable hopper
assembly 10 includes a frame 14, four legs 18, a distribution
assembly 22, and an axle assembly 26. The portable hopper assembly
10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 in a partially raised position and is
movable into a raised position (shown in FIG. 3) or a portable
position (shown in FIG. 4) as well as the partially raised
position. In addition, the partially raised position may include
multiple partially raised positions, such that the portable hopper
assembly 10 is movable to any number of partially raised positions
with differing heights. Furthermore, the raised position may be at
a different height than is shown in FIG. 3 such that while in the
raised position the portable hopper assembly 10 is in a higher
position than is shown or a lower position than is shown.
[0015] The distribution assembly 22 includes a hopper 30, a top
cover 34, a grate (not shown), and a dispensing device 38. The
hopper 30 includes a straight portion 42 that has a cylindrical
shape and a converging portion 46 that has a conical shape. In
other constructions, the hopper 30 may have different shapes, such
as pyramidal, conical, cylindrical, or other shapes that are well
known by those skilled in the art. In addition, one of ordinary
skill in the art would recognize that the angles of the converging
portion 46 may be varied to best accommodate the material passing
through the hopper 30.
[0016] The top cover 34 connects to a top 50 of the hopper 30 with
a hinge 54 and is movable between an open position and a closed
position. When in the open position material can be placed in the
hopper 30 via a top opening (not shown). When in the closed
position, the top cover 34 inhibits access to the top opening of
the hopper 30 to inhibit the unwanted addition of material to the
hopper 30. The grate is positioned in the top opening below the top
cover 34 such that when the top cover 34 is in the closed position
the grate is hidden. When the top cover 34 is in the open position
and material is being added to the hopper 30, the grate inhibits
contaminants from entering the hopper 30 and breaks large clumps of
dry material into smaller pieces. In other constructions, one or
both of the top cover 34 and the grate may be removed. In addition,
the top cover 34 and grate may be disposed in the side of the
straight portion 42 of the hopper 30 so as to allow side loading of
the hopper 30. In these alternate constructions, the top 50 would
be closed or covered.
[0017] The dispensing device 38 is positioned at the bottom of the
converging portion 46 such that it receives a flow of material from
the hopper 30. The dispensing device 38 is movable between an open
position in which material may flow through the dispensing device
38, and a closed position in which material is inhibited from
flowing through the dispensing device 38. In some constructions,
the dispensing device 38 may have multiple open positions which
allow for variable flow rates of material through the dispensing
device 38. These constructions allow users to efficiently dispense
mortar to various containers while reducing spillage. In other
constructions, while in the open position, the dispensing device 38
allows material to pass through such that the amount of material
exiting the portable hopper assembly 10 can be accurately
measured.
[0018] The four legs 18 attach to the frame 14 and support the
distribution assembly 22, the frame 14, and in some positions, the
axle assembly 26. Each of the legs 18 includes a stationary portion
58 and a movable portion 62. The stationary portion 58 directly
connects to the frame 14 and defines a first aperture or single
round position hole 66. The movable portion 62 is disposed within
the stationary portion 58 and is movable with respect to the
stationary portion 58 between a retracted position and an extended
position. The movable portion 62 defines a plurality of second
apertures or round adjustment holes 70 spaced along the length of
the movable portion 62 such that each adjustment hole 70
selectively aligns with the position hole 66 as the movable portion
62 is moved with respect to the stationary portion 58. Each movable
portion 62 includes a foot 74 that, in some positions, contacts the
ground and supports the leg 18 such that the portable hopper
assembly 10 is stable. In other constructions, more than four or
less than four legs 18 are conceivable. In addition, the adjustment
holes 70 may be defined in the stationary portion 58 and the
position hole 66 defined in the movable portion 62 if desired.
[0019] In the retracted position, the movable portions 62 are
positioned such that the feet 74 do not contact the ground and the
hopper 30 is in the portable position. In the extended position,
the movable portions 62 are substantially extended with respect to
the stationary portions 58 such that the feet 74 contact the ground
and the hopper 30 is in one of the partially raised position and
the raised position.
[0020] To lock the legs 18 at a desired height or position a
securing device such as a securing peg 78 is removably inserted
through the aligned position hole 66 and adjustment hole 70 (see
FIG. 2). The illustrated securing peg 78 is cylindrical and
includes a handle portion 82. The securing peg 78 may include a
retention device that inhibits unintentional removal of the
securing peg 78 from the position hole 66 and the adjustment hole
70. The retention device may be a clevis pin, a ball and spring
detent, a cotter pin, or other such retention devices as are well
known in the art. In other constructions, the securing peg 78,
adjustment holes 70, and position hole 66 may be square or other
shapes as well as different sizes.
[0021] The axle assembly 26 includes an axle 86, two wheels 90, a
tire 94 attached to each wheel 90, and a fender 98 positioned over
each wheel 90. Axle support members 102 that are rigidly connected
to the frame 14 provide rigid support to the axle assembly 26 such
that in the raised position the axle assembly 26 is lifted with the
frame 14. In other constructions, the axle support members 102
support the axle assembly 26 to ensure free rotation of a least a
portion of the axle assembly 26. In addition, more than one axle
assembly 26 may be supported by one or more axle support members
102.
[0022] In the portable position shown in FIG. 4, the axle assembly
26 supports at least a portion of the portable hopper assembly 10
and the wheels 90 roll over the ground and allow the portable
hopper assembly 10 to be moved with a vehicle 106. While in the
partially raised position and the raised position the axle assembly
26 does not support a significant portion of the portable hopper
assembly 10. In other constructions, the axle assembly 26 may be in
constant contact with the ground and the axle assembly 26 may
support a portion of the portable hopper assembly 10 in all
positions.
[0023] The frame 14 includes a plurality of structural members 110
(e.g. beams) that attach to one another and connect the legs 18 to
the distribution assembly 22. The frame 14 also includes a ladder
114, a platform 118, the axle support members 102, and lift members
122. The ladder 114 is movable between a lowered position and a
stored position. While the portable hopper assembly 10 is in the
raised position, the ladder 114 is in the lowered position such
that an operator may use the ladder 114 to move between the ground
and the platform 118. The ladder 114 may be moved to the stored
position when the portable hopper assembly 10 is in the portable
position.
[0024] The platform 118 includes a metal grate that is attached
(e.g. welded) to the frame 14. The platform 118 provides the
operator with access to the top 50 of the distribution assembly 22.
In other constructions, the platform 118 may be fastened to the
frame 14 with fasteners, or may be formed as a single piece with
the frame 14. In addition, the platform 118 may be a solid member
and may be constructed from various materials, such as wood or
plastic if desired.
[0025] The lift members 122 are attached to the frame 14 and
receive a lifting device (not shown), such as the forks of a fork
truck, to position the portable hopper assembly 10 in the raised
position. The lifting device may also be used to position the
portable hopper assembly 10 in the other positions, as desired by
the operator. In other constructions, the lift members 122 may
receive or include other lifting devices such as jacks, scissor
mechanisms, or vertical winches.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the portable hopper assembly 10 is
shown in the partially raised position in which the legs 18 have
been adjusted to a length shorter than the fully extended length in
the raised position (FIG. 3). In the partially raised position, the
portable hopper assembly 10 may be prepared for transportation (as
illustrated in FIG. 4). In addition, it may be desirable to
configure the portable hopper assembly 10 in the partially raised
position to accommodate other equipment. For example, while in the
partially raised position the portable hopper assembly 10 fits
under a bulk hopper for filling. In this way, the portable hopper
assembly 10 is adaptable to a number of different equipment
arrangements and operator demands.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the portable hopper assembly 10 in the
portable position. In this position, the movable portions 62 are in
the retracted position such that the feet 74 do not come into
contact with the ground and the wheels 90 support at least a
portion of the weight of the portable hopper assembly 10.
[0028] A trailer assembly 130 is removably coupled to the frame 14
and includes a connecting portion 134, a locking device, a hitch
point 138, and an electrical connection (not shown). The connecting
portion 134 is inserted into a receiving portion 142 on the frame
14 and is locked in place with the locking device, which in the
illustrated construction is a fastening peg 146 similar to the
securing pegs 78 used on the legs 18. In other constructions, the
trailer assembly 130 may be permanently connected to the frame 14.
In addition, other methods of removably coupling the trailer
assembly 130 to the frame 14 exist and could be employed if
desired.
[0029] The hitch point 138 connects to the vehicle 106 such that
the trailer assembly 130 at least partially supports the portable
hopper assembly 10 and transfers a portion of the load to the
vehicle 106. The vehicle 106, such as a pick-up truck, is then able
to pull the portable hopper assembly 10 to a desired location.
[0030] The electrical connection connects to an indicator wiring
harness on the vehicle 106 and provides power to indicator lights
(not shown) on the rear of the portable hopper assembly 10. The
indicator lights indicate when the vehicle 106 is braking, turning,
or performing other such maneuvers. In other constructions, the
electrical connection may be placed on a different component or may
be configured differently.
[0031] In operation, the portable hopper assembly 10 is positioned
under the bulk hopper in the partially raised position such that
the legs 18 support the portable hopper assembly 10. The top cover
34 is moved to the open position and mortar enters into the hopper
30 from the bulk hopper through the grate. When the hopper 30 is
filled to the desired level, the top cover 34 is moved into the
closed position, the trailer assembly 130 is coupled to the
portable hopper assembly 10, and the portable hopper assembly 10 is
attached to the vehicle 106 via the hitch point 138.
[0032] The portable hopper assembly 10 is transported to a work
site while in the portable position, after it has been filled. When
the portable hopper assembly 10 is in the desired location, the
hitch point 138 and electrical connection are removed from the
vehicle 106 and the lifting device lifts the portable hopper
assembly 10 into the partially raised position. The securing pegs
78 are then removed from the position holes 66 and the adjustment
holes 70 such that the movable portions 62 are free to move within
the stationary portions 58. Each movable portion 62 is extended
such that the adjustment hole 70 that corresponds with the
partially raised position aligns with the position hole 66 and the
securing peg 78 is inserted through the position hole 66 and the
corresponding adjustment hole 70 such that the portable hopper
assembly 10 is held in the partially raised position by the legs
18. At this point the trailer assembly 130 is removed.
[0033] The portable hopper assembly 10 may be used in the partially
raised position wherein the lifting device would be removed and the
ladder 114 lowered to allow the operator to access the top 50 of
the hopper 30. The partially raised position may be any of a number
of different heights depending on the requirements set by the
operator. This height is often dependant on the other components
being used in the system.
[0034] In the preferred construction, the securing pegs 78 would
not be inserted and the lifting device would lift the portable
hopper assembly 10 to the raised position. As the lifting device
lifts the portable hopper assembly 10, the movable portions 62
continue to extend until the desired height is reached. When the
portable hopper assembly 10 has reach the desired raised position,
the securing pegs 78 are inserted and the lifting device removed.
The plurality of adjustment holes 70 may be used to position the
portable hopper assembly 10 on uneven ground by locking the legs 18
at different positions such that the legs 18 are different lengths
while the hopper 30 is substantially level.
[0035] Once in the raised position, the ladder 114 is lowered to
the ground such that the operator may use the ladder 114 to stand
on the platform 118 and access the top 50 of the hopper 30.
[0036] To dispense material to a receiver such as a bucket or
wheelbarrow, the dispensing device 38 is moved to the open position
or one of the different open positions, and material exits the
hopper 30 at a desired rate. To stop the flow of material the
dispensing device 38 is moved to the closed position.
[0037] When the portable hopper assembly 10 is no longer needed,
the lifting device lifts the portable hopper assembly 10, the
securing pegs 78 are removed, and the lifting device lowers the
portable hopper assembly 10 to the partially raised position where
the securing pegs 78 are inserted. The trailer assembly 130 is
installed and attached to a vehicle 106 and the securing pegs 78
are again removed. The lifting device continues to lower the
portable hopper assembly 10 until the wheels 90 contact the ground
and the hitch point 138 engages the vehicle 106. At this point the
trailer assembly 130 and the wheels 90 are supporting a portion of
the load. The movable portions 62 are moved to the retracted
position and secured in place with the securing pegs 78 to allow
the vehicle 106 to transport the portable hopper assembly 10 away
from the work site.
[0038] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a portable
hopper assembly. Various features and advantages of the invention
are set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *