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.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to hoppers. Specifically, the invention relates to hoppers for dispensing mortar.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable mortar hopper in a partially raised position.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a securing device and a portion of a leg of the portable mortar hopper of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the portable mortar hopper of FIG. 1 in a raised position.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.