DIRT SCOOPING, MOVING, AND DUMPING APPARATUS FOR ATTACHMENT TO A TRACTOR

Abstract

A dirt scooping, moving, and dumping apparatus for attachment to a tractor, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dirt scoop defining a volume, a frame pivotably supporting the dirt scoop for rotation of the dirt scoop between a scooping angle and a dumping angle, and an interconnection assembly cooperative with the dirt scoop and the frame. When the dirt scoop is at a scooping elevation, the interconnection assembly is configured to maintain the dirt scoop at the scooping angle while the tractor moves to scoop a material into the volume of the dirt scoop. The interconnection assembly is further configured to automatically release the dirt scoop to allow the dirt scoop to pivot from the scooping angle to the dumping angle when the frame reaches a dumping elevation, thereby automatically dumping the material from the volume upon reaching the dumping elevation.

Description

BACKGROUND

Although they can be found in various forms, a tractor, generally stated, is an engineering vehicle designed to deliver a high tractive effort (or torque) at slow speeds, and may be configured with mechanisms used in agriculture, landscaping, or construction. Often, the mechanisms may be removable and replaced with other mechanisms that serve specific purposes (i.e., tillers, mowers, planters, reapers, and earth movers). One such mechanism is a dirt scoop.

A dirt scoop apparatus is a tractor attachment that can be driven by the tractor to move items such as dirt (e.g. soil, rocks, mulch, garbage, debris, and the like). The tractor drives the dirt scoop against the dirt that is to be removed until it is within the volume of a shovel-like element known as a dirt scoop. Once within the volume, the dirt is lifted and moved to a dumping location.

At the dumping location, the dirt is dumped from the dirt scoop. Typically, dumping occurs during a manual operation in which a rope is pulled by the tractor operator. This operation can be physically taxing on individuals, particularly if they must operate the dirt scoop for long periods of time, or if they have a physical impairment that limits their ability to execute the manual operation. It is desirable to have a dirt scoop apparatus that is effectively and easily operated by a wide range of users in a wide range of circumstances.

SUMMARY

One general aspect is directed to a dirt scooping, moving, and dumping apparatus for attachment to a tractor, the apparatus including: a dirt scoop defining a volume; a frame pivotably supporting the dirt scoop for rotation of the dirt scoop between a scooping angle and a dumping angle; and an interconnection assembly cooperative with the dirt scoop and the frame, where, when the dirt scoop is at a scooping elevation, the interconnection assembly is configured to maintain the dirt scoop at the scooping angle while the tractor moves to scoop a material into the volume of the dirt scoop, and where the interconnection assembly is further configured to automatically release the dirt scoop to allow the dirt scoop to pivot from the scooping angle to the dumping angle when the frame reaches a dumping elevation, thereby automatically dumping the material from the volume upon reaching the dumping elevation.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus where the interconnection assembly includes: a pivot joint pivotably connecting the dirt scoop with the frame; a latch mechanism disposed between the dirt scoop and the frame; and a spring-loaded pulley assembly fixed with the frame, where the spring-loaded pulley assembly has a first end connected to operate the latch mechanism, and a second end configured for attachment to a fixed portion of the tractor, where tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly as the frame is lifted by the tractor automatically unlatches the latch mechanism when the frame reaches the dumping elevation, thereby allowing the dirt scoop to pivot with respect to the frame and dump dirt from the volume of the dirt scoop. The apparatus where the latch mechanism includes: a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, the lever arm having a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection. The apparatus where the dumping elevation at which the dirt scoop pivots with respect to the frame to dump the dirt occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold. The apparatus where the interconnection assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the dumping elevation at which the latch mechanism is unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes: a pulley wheel fixed to an upper portion of the frame; and a cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel. The apparatus where the dumping elevation at which the latch mechanism is automatically unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold, and where the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus further including: a counterbalance mechanism configured to bias the latch mechanism to a latched state. The apparatus where the latch mechanism further includes: a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, where the lever arm has a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection. The apparatus further including: a counterbalance mechanism connected at the second end of the lever arm to act against the spring-loaded pulley assembly so as to bias the latch mechanism to a latched state. The apparatus where the frame supports the dirt scoop at a pivot connection, and where unlatching the latch mechanism causes the dirt scoop to pivot about the pivot connection so as to dump the material from the volume. The apparatus where the given elevation at which the latch mechanism is automatically unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes: a pulley wheel fixed to the upper member of the frame; and a cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel, and where the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold. A cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel, and where the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the latch mechanism includes: a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, the lever arm having a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection.

Another general aspect is directed to a dirt scooping, moving, and dumping apparatus for attachment to an tractor, the apparatus including: a dirt scoop having a volume and an open front portion for scooping material into the volume; a frame pivotably supporting the dirt scoop; a latch mechanism disposed between the dirt scoop and the frame; and a spring-loaded pulley assembly attached to the frame, where the spring-loaded pulley assembly has a first end connected to operate the latch mechanism, and a second end configured for attachment to a fixed portion of the tractor, where, as the frame is lifted tension increases along the spring-loaded pulley assembly so as to unlatch the latch mechanism when the frame reaches a dumping elevation, thereby allowing the dirt scoop to pivot with respect to the frame so as to dump dirt in the volume of the dirt scoop out the open front portion.

Implementations of this other general aspect may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus where the dumping elevation at which the latch mechanism is unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes: a pulley wheel fixed to an upper portion of the frame; and a cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel. The apparatus where the dumping elevation at which the latch mechanism is automatically unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold, and where the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus further including: a counterbalance mechanism configured to bias the latch mechanism to a latched state. The apparatus where the latch mechanism further includes: a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, where the lever arm has a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection. The apparatus further including: a counterbalance mechanism connected at the second end of the lever arm to act against the spring-loaded pulley assembly so as to bias the latch mechanism to a latched state. The apparatus where the frame supports the dirt scoop at a pivot connection, and where unlatching the latch mechanism causes the dirt scoop to pivot about the pivot connection so as to dump the material from the volume. The apparatus where the given elevation at which the latch mechanism is automatically unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes: a pulley wheel fixed to the upper member of the frame; and a cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel, and where the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold. A cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel, and where the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the latch mechanism includes: a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, the lever arm having a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection.

A further general aspect is directed to a dirt scooping, moving, and dumping apparatus for attachment to a tractor, the apparatus including: a dirt scoop having a volume defined by a plurality of walls, the dirt scoop having an open front portion for scooping material into the volume, and a rear wall opposite the open front portion; a frame having an upper member supporting the dirt scoop at a pivot connection, where the frame has a first end configured for attachment to a lift drive of the tractor so that operation of the lift drive results in a generally vertical movement of the frame while maintaining the frame in a generally level state; a latch mechanism disposed between the rear wall of the dirt scoop and the frame; and a spring-loaded pulley assembly having a pulley wheel in fixed relationship with the upper member of the frame, where the spring-loaded pulley assembly has a first end connected to operate the latch mechanism, and a second end configured for attachment to a fixed portion of the tractor, where operation of the lift drive increases tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly as the frame is raised so as to automatically unlatch the latch mechanism when the frame reaches a given elevation, thereby allowing the dirt scoop to rotate about the pivot connection and dump material in the volume of the dirt scoop out the open front portion.

Implementations of this further general aspect may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus where the given elevation at which the latch mechanism is automatically unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes: a pulley wheel fixed to the upper member of the frame; and a cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel, and where the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold. A cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel, and where the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold. The apparatus where the latch mechanism includes: a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, the lever arm having a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a dirt scooping apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dirt scooping apparatus with the dirt scoop positioned at a scooping elevation.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dirt scooping apparatus with the dirt scoop raised to an intermediate elevation for transport of its contents.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dirt scooping apparatus with the dirt scoop apparatus raised to a dumping elevation.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dirt scooping apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the components and operation of one embodiment of the latch mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view showing an alternative manner in which the dirt scooping apparatus may be attached to the tractor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a dirt scooping apparatus 10 that is configured for attachment to a lift mechanism 20 of a vehicle, such as a tractor 30. The dirt scooping apparatus 10 includes a dirt scoop 40 defining a volume. The dirt scoop 40 is pivotally supported at pivot connection 45 by a frame 50. This allows the dirt scoop 40 to pivot on the frame 50 between a scooping angle and a dumping angle.

The dirt scooping apparatus 10 also includes an interconnection assembly 60. The interconnection assembly 60 includes a spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 and a latch mechanism 70. The spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 extends between a rear portion 80 of the frame 50 and is attached, for example, to a fixed portion of the body 85 of the tractor 30. The latch mechanism 70 extends from the rear portion 80 of the frame 50 and is releasably connected to a rear portion 100 of the dirt scoop 40. A counterbalance spring 110 is used to bias the latch mechanism 70 toward a closed position in which the dirt scoop 40 is retained at the scooping angle. In this embodiment, the counterbalance spring 110 extends from latch mechanism 702 a projection 53 extending from the rear of the frame 50.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dirt scooping apparatus 10 with the dirt scoop 40 driven by the lift mechanism 20 in the direction of arrow 75 to a scooping elevation. At the scooping elevation, the tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 is below a given threshold thereby allowing the latch mechanism 70 to engage the rear portion 100 and retain the dirt scoop 40 at the scooping angle. As the tractor 30 is driven in the direction shown by arrow 115, dirt is scooped into the volume of the dirt scoop 40.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dirt scooping apparatus 10 with the dirt scoop 40 raised by the lift mechanism 20 to an intermediate elevation. As the lift mechanism 20 elevates the dirt scoop 40 in the direction of arrow 77, the tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 increases. However, at the intermediate elevation shown in FIG. 3, the tension on the spring-loaded poorly assembly is still below the given threshold, and the latch mechanism 70 remains engaged with the rear portion 100 of the dirt scoop 40. At this intermediate elevation, the tractor 30 may be driven to a location at which the contents of the dirt scoop 40 is to be dumped.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dirt scooping apparatus 10 where it has been raised by the lift mechanism 20 to a dumping elevation. As the lift mechanism 20 raises the dirt scoop 40 from the intermediate elevation to the dumping elevation, the tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 increases.

When the dirt scoop apparatus 10 reaches the dumping elevation, the tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 gets to a point at which it exceeds the given threshold. When the given threshold is exceeded, the latch mechanism 70 releases the rear portion 100 of the dirt scoop 40 to allow the dirt scoop 40 to pivot between the scooping angle and the dumping angle.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the dirt scooping apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the dirt scoop 40 includes a volume defined by a pan 120, a plurality of sidewalls 130, and a rear wall 140. The sidewalls 130 slant toward an open front 133 of the dirt scoop 40 to define a digging edge with the front portion of the pan 120. This digging edge configuration allows the dirt scoop 40 to cut into the dirt as it is moved by the tractor 30 at the scooping elevation.

The frame 50 includes frame elements used to support the dirt scoop 40 and the latch mechanism 70, as well as to connect the dirt scooping apparatus 10 to the lift mechanism 20 of the tractor 30. In this embodiment, the frame 50 includes arch supports 150 connected at their lower ends by a pair of lower crossbar supports 160 and at their upper ends by a pair of upper crossbar supports 170. Each of the lower crossbar supports 160 is connected to the dirt scoop 40 at a respective pivot joint 180 to allow the dirt scoop 40 to rotate on the frame 50 between the scooping angle and the dumping angle.

The frame 50 of the dirt scooping apparatus 10 is configured to engage the arms of the lift mechanism 20 of the tractor 30. Here, the lift mechanism 20 includes an active arm 190 connected to the upper crossbar supports 170 at a pivot joint 200, and a pair of passive arms 210 connected to the lower crossbar supports 160 at respective pivot joints 220. The active arm 190 may include, for example, a pneumatic drive, a hydraulic drive, etc., that operates to lengthen and retract the arm with respect to the tractor 30. The frame 50 is raised and lowered using the active arm 190 and passive arms 210 while maintaining the frame 50 in a generally level state.

As shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the interconnection assembly 60 may include a spring-loaded pulley assembly 65. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring-loaded poorly assembly 65 includes a pulley cable 230 extending over a pulley wheel 240, where the pulley wheel 240 is in fixed relationship with the upper crossbar supports 170. A first end of the pulley cable 230 is configured to engage a first end of a tension adjustment mechanism 250, shown here as a turnbuckle. A second end of the pulley cable 230 is configured to engage a first end of a tension spring 260. The tension spring 260 is secured (i.e., welded) at its second end to the latch mechanism 70. A further cable 270 extends from a second end of the tension adjustment mechanism 250 and is affixed to the body 85 of the tractor 30.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the components and operation of the latch mechanism 70. In this embodiment, the latch mechanism 70 includes a lever arm 290 having a fulcrum 300 in fixed relationship with the frame 50. An opening 310 is used to connect the tension spring 260 and counterbalance spring 110 to a first end 315 of the lever arm 290. A second end 320 of the lever arm 290 is configured to releasably engage a projection 325 extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop 40.

In operation, the total force applied to the first end 315 of the lever arm 290 depends on the tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 and the tension on the counterbalance spring 110. More particularly, the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 applies a force in the direction of arrow 330, while the counterbalance spring 110 applies a force the direction of arrow 340. There also may be frictional forces between the projection 325 and the second end 320 of the lever arm 290. For this discussion, such frictional forces have been ignored.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the force in the direction of arrow 340 applied by the counterbalance spring 110 is greater than the force in the direction of arrow 330 applied by the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65. As such, the second end 320 is engaged with the projection 325 (dotted outline) so that the dirt scoop 40 is retained at the scooping angle.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the dirt scooping apparatus 10 has been raised to an intermediate elevation to transport the material in the dirt scoop 40 to another location for dumping. At this elevation, the tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 is increased, and the corresponding force in the direction of arrow 330 is likewise increased. However, the force in the direction of arrow 340 applied by the counterbalance spring 110 remains greater than the force in the direction of arrow 330 applied by the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65. Therefore, the second end 320 is engaged with the projection 325 so that the dirt scoop 40 is still maintained at the scooping angle.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the dirt scooping apparatus 10 has been raised to the dumping elevation. At the dumping elevation, the tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly 225 has increased further, and the force in the direction of arrow 330 is greater than the force in the direction of arrow 340 applied by the counterbalance spring 110. Therefore, the second end 320 disengages from the projection 325 so that the dirt scoop 40 may pivot about the frame 50 at pivot joint 45 to the dumping angle.

The dumping elevation may be adjusted by increasing and decreasing the resting tension of the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension adjustment mechanism 250, in the form of a turnbuckle, is adjusted effectively to alter the length of the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65. To raise the dumping elevation, the tension adjustment mechanism 250 is loosened to lengthen the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65. To lower the dumping elevation, the tension adjustment mechanism 250 is tightened to shorten the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an alternative manner in which the dirt scooping apparatus 10 may be attached to the tractor 30. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the tractor 30 drives the dirt scoop apparatus 10 in the direction shown at arrow 350 to scoop dirt into the dirt scoop 40, the tractor 30 drives the dirt scoop apparatus 10 in the direction shown at arrow 360 to scoop the dirt. Here, the active arm 190 is connected to the upper crossbar supports 170 at a pivot joint 370, and the pair of passive arms 210 are connected to the lower crossbar supports 160 at respective pivot joints 380. In this arrangement, the spring-loaded pulley assembly 65 is connected in a different manner than that shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, both ends of the pulley cable 230 extend away from one another over the pulley wheel 240. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, both ends of the pulley cable 230 extend in the same general direction (i.e., toward the tractor 30) over the pulley wheel 240. In other respects, the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 7 is similar to the operation of the other embodiments discussed above.

In one embodiment of the dirt scooping apparatus 10, both the front and the rear portion of the frame 50 are provided with projections for connection to the active arm 190 and passive arms 210 of the lift mechanism 20. As such, a single dirt scooping apparatus 10 may be connected in either the configuration shown in FIG. 1 or the configuration shown in FIG. 7.

Claims

1. A dirt scooping, moving, and dumping apparatus for attachment to a tractor, the apparatus comprising:

a dirt scoop defining a volume;

a frame pivotably supporting the dirt scoop for rotation of the dirt scoop between a scooping angle and a dumping angle; and

an interconnection assembly cooperative with the dirt scoop and the frame,

wherein, when the dirt scoop is at a scooping elevation, the interconnection assembly is configured to maintain the dirt scoop at the scooping angle while the tractor moves to scoop a material into the volume of the dirt scoop, and

wherein the interconnection assembly is further configured to automatically release the dirt scoop to allow the dirt scoop to pivot from the scooping angle to the dumping angle when the frame reaches a dumping elevation, thereby automatically dumping the material from the volume upon reaching the dumping elevation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interconnection assembly comprises:

a pivot joint pivotably connecting the dirt scoop with the frame;

a latch mechanism disposed between the dirt scoop and the frame; and

a spring-loaded pulley assembly fixed with the frame, wherein the spring-loaded pulley assembly has a first end connected to operate the latch mechanism, and a second end configured for attachment to a fixed portion of the tractor, wherein tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly as the frame is lifted by the tractor automatically unlatches the latch mechanism when the frame reaches the dumping elevation, thereby allowing the dirt scoop to pivot with respect to the frame and dump dirt from the volume of the dirt scoop.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the latch mechanism comprises:

a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and

a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, the lever arm having a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the dumping elevation at which the dirt scoop pivots with respect to the frame to dump the dirt occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the interconnection assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold.

6. A dirt scooping, moving, and dumping apparatus for attachment to an tractor, the apparatus comprising:

a dirt scoop having a volume and an open front portion for scooping material into the volume;

a frame pivotably supporting the dirt scoop;

a latch mechanism disposed between the dirt scoop and the frame; and

a spring-loaded pulley assembly attached to the frame, wherein the spring-loaded pulley assembly has a first end connected to operate the latch mechanism, and a second end configured for attachment to a fixed portion of the tractor, wherein as the frame is lifted tension increases along the spring-loaded pulley assembly so as to unlatch the latch mechanism when the frame reaches a dumping elevation, thereby allowing the dirt scoop to pivot with respect to the frame so as to dump dirt in the volume of the dirt scoop out the open front portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the dumping elevation at which the latch mechanism is unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the spring-loaded pulley assembly comprises:

a pulley wheel fixed to an upper portion of the frame; and

a cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the dumping elevation at which the latch mechanism is automatically unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold, and wherein the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold.

11. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

a counterbalance mechanism configured to bias the latch mechanism to a latched state.

12. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises:

a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and

a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, wherein the lever arm has a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

a counterbalance mechanism connected at the second end of the lever arm to act against the spring-loaded pulley assembly so as to bias the latch mechanism to a latched state.

14. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the frame supports the dirt scoop at a pivot connection, and wherein unlatching the latch mechanism causes the dirt scoop to pivot about the pivot connection so as to dump the material from the volume.

15. A dirt scooping, moving, and dumping apparatus for attachment to a tractor, the apparatus comprising:

a dirt scoop having a volume defined by a plurality of walls, the dirt scoop having an open front portion for scooping material into the volume, and a rear wall opposite the open front portion;

a frame having an upper member supporting the dirt scoop at a pivot connection, wherein the frame has a first end configured for attachment to a lift drive of the tractor so that operation of the lift drive results in a generally vertical movement of the frame while maintaining the frame in a generally level state;

a latch mechanism disposed between the rear wall of the dirt scoop and the frame; and

a spring-loaded pulley assembly having a pulley wheel in fixed relationship with the upper member of the frame, wherein the spring-loaded pulley assembly has a first end connected to operate the latch mechanism, and a second end configured for attachment to a fixed portion of the tractor, wherein operation of the lift drive increases tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly as the frame is raised so as to automatically unlatch the latch mechanism when the frame reaches a given elevation, thereby allowing the dirt scoop to rotate about the pivot connection and dump material in the volume of the dirt scoop out the open front portion.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the given elevation at which the latch mechanism is automatically unlatched occurs when tension on the spring-loaded pulley assembly reaches a given tension threshold.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the spring-loaded pulley assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the given tension threshold.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the spring-loaded pulley assembly comprises:

a pulley wheel fixed to the upper member of the frame; and

a cable assembly disposed in operational relationship with the pulley wheel, the cable assembly including a tension spring disposed between the latch mechanism and the pulley wheel, and wherein the cable assembly further includes a turnbuckle configured to adjust the given tension threshold.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the latch mechanism comprises:

a projection extending from a rear portion of the dirt scoop; and

a lever arm having a fulcrum in fixed relationship with the frame, the lever arm having a first end connected with the spring-loaded pulley assembly, the lever arm further having a second end configured to releasably engage the projection.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising:

a counterbalance mechanism connected at the second end of the lever arm to act against forces generated by the spring-loaded pulley assembly so as to bias the latch mechanism to a latched state.