Abstract: A multiple purpose dump unit designed to be mounted on a vehicle for hauling, dumping, spreading and the collection of refuse as well as for distributing salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit has a single dump body with a sloping, fixed endgate and a longitudinally extending conveyor along the open bottom of the dump body, and the unit is provided with a spreader mechanism at the exit gate from the conveyor to facilitate spreading of salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit is pivotally mounted near its rear end so that it can be lifted by hydraulic cylinders for dumping, spreading aggregate, asphalt, etc. The dump unit can be sized so that the vehicle can navigate narrow streets and alleys and is mounted at a height and with sides of a height to meet the requirements for manual refuse loading.

Abstract: A modular cargo system for a truck-style vehicle includes a cargo box having demountable pivot points on opposite sides near the front and bottom. Translating drives move along opposite sides of the truck bed and carry translating pivot blocks. Each translating pivot block has a pivotally-connected dual-link mechanism also pivotally connectable at the opposite ends to the demountable pivot points on the cargo box. The dual link mechanisms are of a length to allow the cargo box to sit on the ground behind the truck bed with the translating blocks moved near the tail end of the truck bed. By moving the translating blocks toward the cab end of the truck bed, the dual-link mechanisms articulate at an approximate end point, and the lower links are adapted to guide over the tail end of the truck bed while raising the front end of the cargo box in a manner that the front end of the cargo box clears the tail end of the truck bed. Further movement toward the cab end pulls the cargo box up into the truck bed.

Abstract: A hinge for enabling the bed of a pick up truck to pivot is comprised of a lower hinge member having a first pin receiving portion and an inwardly extending portion adapted for connection to a truck frame. An upper hinge member has a second pin receiving portion, an inwardly extending portion adapted for connection to a truck bed, and an outwardly extending portion adapted for connection to a bumper. A pin is sized to fit within the first and second pin receiving portions for pivotally connecting the upper and lower hinge members. A portion of the upper hinge member forms a pseudo-frame to which the truck's bumper can be connected. A method of installing a hinge between a truck frame and a truck bed is also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment mounting structure is provided for cargo bed and sprayer assembly attachments usable on a utility vehicle adapted for use in turf related applications. The structure includes pivotable supports between each attachment and the vehicle frame that permit them to be interchangeably mounted on the vehicle. The structure further includes a connection on each attachment that permits it to be secured to a hydraulic cylinder carried by the vehicle, thereby allowing the attachment to be tilted upward and rearwardly so as to provide access to the engine and/or related drive components carried beneath the attachment. The mounting structure also permits the two attachments to be quickly and easily interchanged so that the vehicle could be better utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for bale lifting and load dumping, including a support frame; a truck bed overlying the support frame, the rearward end of the truck bed being pivotally attached to the rearward end of the support frame; a lift arm articulating beam, the lift arm articulating beam being pivotally attached to the rearward end of the truck bed; a pair of bale lifting arms extending substantially perpendicularly from the lift arm articulating beam; an actuator having an alternately extendable and retractable shaft, the actuator having a first end and a second end, the first end of the actuator being pivotally attached to the support frame; and a linkage interconnecting the second end of the actuator and the lift arm articulating beam; the connection of the linkage to the lift arm articulating beam being positioned so that upon alternate restraint of pivotal motion of the truck bed about the pivotal attachment to the support frame, and restraint of pivotal motion of the lift arm articulating beam about the pivotal at

Abstract: An auxiliary dump box accessory is provided for combining with a conventional flatbed bale (of hay) loader, for effectively converting the flatbed bale loader and the underlying conventional truck into a dump truck. Thus the dump box accessory gives the flatbed bale loader alternative utility(ies) besides the standard utility of loading and transporting large cylindrical bales of hay, including among others all the utilities typically provided by dump trucks. The dump box rests on the flatbed for use in a conventional upright position. However, when the dump box is unloaded for storage during non-use, it is deposited onto a base support surface such as the ground in a position in which it is substantially inverted.

Abstract: A detachable stabilized intermodal container dumping apparatus for removable mounting on an intermodal container transport vehicle includes a container support frame having forward and rearward ends, a lower frame section and an upper frame section. The upper frame section is constructed of at least two upper section long sill members and at least two upper section crossbeam members mounted on the upper section long sill members. The lower frame section is constructed of at least two lower section long sill members and at least two lower section crossbeam members mounted on the lower section long sill members. The upper frame section is hingedly connected to the lower frame section adjacent the rearward end of the container support frame along a hinge pivot axis extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container support frame such that the upper frame section may pivot relative to the lower frame section, thus permitting dumping of an intermodal container situated thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a miniature, portable, self-contained power machine for handling materials, comprising, a rigid frame providing the base structure for all components of said machine, a means of electrical power supply for said machine, means for regulating the motion of said machine, two endless roller chains forming a traction system and serving as the means to move said machine over various types of terrain, means for readily receiving and rigidly securing a variety of miniature, hydraulically powered material handling implements to said machine, and a central hydraulic system which is powered by said power supply means and which supplies power to said attachable material handling implements. The machine has a diversity of applications in numerous industries. The machine accepts any of a variety of attachable implements through an assembly socket and a torque arm socket, and then links the implement to the central hydraulic system with hydraulic hoses leading to a hydraulic power manifold.

Abstract: A detachable dumping apparatus comprises a frame including a pair of spaced-apart elongate rails. A rearwardly disposed hitch is attached to the frame and adjustably attachable to the rear bumper of the pickup truck. A plurality of adjustable biasable stabilizer legs are attached to the frame for exerting an outwardly biasing force against each side of the bed of the pickup truck. A bucket having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section is pivotally connected to the frame. At least one arm having first and second ends, wherein the first end is slidably attached to one of the rails and the second end is attached to the bucket. A cable is connected to the first end of the arm for sliding the arm along one of the rails to cause the bucket to pivot with respect to the frame and a winch is operatively connected to the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a miniature, portable, self-contained power machine for handling materials, comprising, a rigid frame providing the base structure for all components of said machine, a means of electrical power supply for said machine, means for regulating the motion of said machine, two endless belts forming a belt traction system and serving as the means to move said machine over various types of terrain, means for readily receiving and rigidly securing a variety of miniature, hydraulically powered material handling implements to said machine, and a central hydraulic system which is powered by said power supply means and which supplies power to said attachable material handling implements. The machine has a diversity of applications in numerous industries. The machine accepts any of a variety of attachable implements through an assembly socket and a torque arm socket, and then links the implement to the central hydraulic system with hydraulic hoses leading to a hydraulic power manifold.

Abstract: A pickup truck conversion dumping body comprises two separate assemblies; one comprising of an open cargo box (Dumper) configured to accommodate pickup truck cargo bed; a companion assembly comprising of a track system with a movable carriage (Shuttle) which may be manuevered back and forth with a chain drive. The two assemblies are attached to one another with the cargo box body riding upon the carriage and attached to the carriage with connecting links. The carriage is arranged into the track system with caster means allowing it to ride in a horizontal position under normal operation. An escape pattern is provided with the track system, which allows the cargo box to be easily tilted. When the carriage has traveled a predetermined distance, the cargo box is then tilted downward by the force of gravity, causing its contents to be dumped.

Abstract: A U-shaped multi-purpose uni-body digging service vehicle particularly adapted for transport and hauling comprising: a U-shaped frame having opposing sides and front ends connected by a front piece, and rear ends defining an open interior space in communcation with an open front end; an open top earthmover digging and carrying module structured to fit within and mounted within the interior of the opening of the U-shaped frame to carry loads, wheel mounts capable of pivoting attached to the opposing sides; a plurality of wheels independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts; pivot means associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel in a desired direction; independent drive means associated with each wheel to rotate said wheels forward and backward; a power source operably associated with the pivot means and independent drive means; and control means mounted to the frame and associated with the drive means, pivot means, and power source to selectively activate the drive means

Abstract: An inflatable bag (17) for use in exhaust powered tippers is constructed from blanks of flexible air tight material using a side wall template (10) and end wall templates (11, 12). The blanks are made so that the finished bag when fully inflated assumes an oblique cone-like shape (17) with rounded ends (19, 20). The side wall material is preferably a fabric having waft and weft fibres of uniform tensile strength so that the tension in the side wall is in the longitudinal direction as the bag inflates in order to reduce the tendency of the bag to rotate on its couplings. The invention can be provided in kit form where the bag is coupled for limited movement to load transmitting end plate (21, 22) for retro fitting the bag to a vehicle.

Abstract: A large round bale handling apparatus has a mobile frame with a pair of laterally-spaced longitudinal beams which can receive and support large round bales end-to-end in a row with their axes generally aligned and extending parallel to the beams. The apparatus also has a bale pickup mechanism, a bale pushing mechanism, and a bale unloading mechanism, each mounted to the mobile frame. The bale pickup mechanism is pivotally mounted adjacent the front and along one side of the mobile frame for movement between horizontal bale-engaging and upright bale-discharging positions.

Abstract: A lightweight salt and sand spreader dump truck box having a first sub-frame with elongated longitudinal channel members formed from sheet metal and a conveyor frame on which a conveyor is mounted longitudinally of the dump box at the floor thereof near a side wall of the dump box, wherein the conveyor frame is integral with the sub-frame. A second sub-frame is pivoted about a longitudinal axis adjacent the conveyor frame on the opposite side from the first side frame member and includes a wall member which, when in a down position, is flush with a side frame member of the first sub-frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading materials onto and from a truck bed includes a corner-mounted swivel hoist mechanism which is releasably clamped to the walls of the truck bed and includes an upper swivel boom member and a lower winch assembly having a cable which can be passed either upwardly over the boom member or rearwardly along the truck bed; and a dump body can be placed on the truck bed and lifted at its front end by the hoist in dumping materials contained in the body. The dump body has an open frame and an inner flexible liner with a rear flap portion of the liner being releasable to an open or lowered position to facilitate removeal of the contents from the body when tilted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating snow traction-improving material contained in a bin mounted on a motor vehicle, such as a truck. Panels are attached to the side of the bin to form a sealed cavity surrounding the bin. Hot exhaust from the motor vehicle engine is then piped into and flows through the cavity so as to heat the cavity, whereby heat from the cavity warms the contents of the bin. The exhaust then flows out an exit portal from the cavity to permit continued flow-through. Provision is made to form holes in any buttress supports, supporting the bin on the truck, which might obstruct the flow of hot exhause. Finally, a drain is provided, allowing any condensation formed in the cavity to escape.

Abstract: End dumping semitrailer having an elongated frame supported toward the rear by ground engaging wheels, a bed substantially shorter than the frame mounted on the frame for movement between a travelling position in front of the wheels and a drawn back position toward the rear of the frame, and means for tilting the bed for dumping to the rear of the frame when the bed is in the drawn back position.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated dumping bin for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a floor, a left side wall, a right side wall and a rear wall. The pneumatic piston and cylinder is pivotably connected only to the bin at the rear wall portion with the cylinder being substantially vertical when the bin is horizontal. Compressed air selectively actuates the piston and cylinder to raise the bin at the rear wall portion when the bin substantially overhangs a rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A dumper of the type that attaches to the bed of a pick-up, trailer or the like, and adds the dumping feature to the fixed-bed locomotive, and comprises a bin riding over a set of rollers secured to a framework affixed to the bottom of the pick-up bed.

Abstract: A cargo retaining and dumping device for mounting to a load-bearing platform is disclosed, comprising a cargo bin slidably mounted through a retaining guide connection to a track which is bifurcated in the lengthwise direction, the rearmost portion of which is upwardly pivotable about its rear end.

Abstract: A dump apparatus comprising a base frame removably mounted on a rear body of a truck etc., a loading box rotatably mounted on the base plate, an inflatable bag provided between the loading box and the base plate and a hose for feeding exhaust gas from an engine into the bag to inflate the same and tip the loading box by the inflation of the bag.

Abstract: A loading and support rack is provided for support from the rear of a pickup truck load bed and with the rack overlying and extending forwardly of the tailgate of the pickup truck when the tailgate is in a horizontal position. A horizontal transverse winch mounting structure is provided for support from the upper marginal edge portion of the forward wall of the truck bed and includes a winch supported from the mid-portion thereof and vertical stakes supported from the opposite ends thereof snugly downwardly receivable in the upwardly opening stake sockets of the side walls of a pickup load bed closely adjacent the forward end of the bed. An elongated support frame is also provided and includes front and rear ends, dependingly supported ground engageable wheels supported from opposite side portions of its rear end, slightly dependingly supported opposite side forward support wheels and a center rear roller as well as opposite side rollers spaced centrally intermediate the opposite ends of the frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitary tilting container assembly of the portable type adapted to be mounted and demounted on a truck, which includes, in combination, a T-shaped bracing structure adapted to be bolted to the truck, there being hinged, at a first pivot axis, to the bar of the T a box-like load bearing tilting container. There is a hydraulic ram pivotally connected on the one hand, at a second pivot axis, to the end of the leg of the T-shaped bracing structure and, at a third pivot axis, to a trunnion carried on the underside of the container. The ram is extensible and pivotal about the second pivot axis from a closed position in which the floor of the container is alongside and substantially parallel to the leg of the T-shaped bracing structure to an open position of the ram in which the floor of the container is inclined to the leg of the T-shaped bracing structure by an angle of at least 25.degree.. All said first, second and third pivot axes are substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: A self-dumping self-retracting cargo bin adapted for installation in a conventional pickup truck without need for tools or alteration of the truck. The bin has front and rear roller means for supporting the bin on a loading dock or the like when not in a truck. When mounted in a truck, the rear end of the bin is supported on fulcrum rollers carried by a latching sub-assembly extending crosswise of the truck body with latch means positively embracing the truck's rear stake sockets. The bin is self-dumping when its rear doors are unlocked and it is released from its travel mode merely by starting the truck forward abruptly. Energy stored in heavy duty retraction springs during the dumping cycle is effective to restore the bin toward its travel mode.

Abstract: A portable trailer equipped with a rotatable bed plate hinged to the rear of the trailer and normally located within the confines of the trailer sides with a telescopic hydraulic cylinder mounted to the underside of the front of the bed plate and to the trailer frame so as to elevate the bed plate for dumping the contents of the bed. A gasket is mounted along the side and front edges of the bed plate so as to prevent material on the bed plate from falling off the side and front edges of the bed plate.