LEVELING/SPREADING ATTACHMENT

Abstract

Devices, methods, and systems for a leveling/spreading attachment are described herein. One system includes a body attachable to a push block portion of a trailer and a leveling blade coupled to the body. In some examples, a leveling blade trailer attachment system includes an adapter plate to replace a push block of a trailer, a body coupled to the adapter plate comprising a number of cylinders connected to an air supply of the trailer, and a leveling blade coupled to the body and the number of cylinders.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/264,247, filed Dec. 7, 2015, which is incorporated by reference.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/374,581, filed Aug. 12, 2016, which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for a leveling/spreading attachment.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Trailers can be utilized to transport material to and from different locations. Trailers can be coupled and decoupled from tractor trailers or semis. Trailers can be utilized to transport gravel for maintaining or creating a roadway. In some examples, belly dump type trailers can be utilized to drive over the roadway and deposit the gravel in a relatively center area of the roadway. The deposited gravel from the trailer can result in gravel buildup, which can result in closing the road until the deposited gravel is leveled or spread across a width of the roadway, among other issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is an example of a system for a leveling/spreading attachment according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is an example of a system for an adapter plate for a leveling/spreading attachment according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 is an example of a system for a leveling/spreading attachment with an adapter plate according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 4 is an example of a system for a leveling/spreading attachment attached to a trailer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Leveling/spreading attachment devices, methods, and systems are described herein. For example, one or more embodiments can include a body attachable to a push block portion of a trailer and a leveling blade coupled to the body. In some examples, a leveling/spreading attachment system includes an adapter plate to replace a push block of a trailer, a body coupled to the adapter plate comprising a number of cylinders connected to an air gate of the trailer, and a leveling blade coupled to the body and the number of cylinders.

[0010] The leveling/spreading attachment described herein can be attached to a rear end of a material trailer (e.g., end opposite of an end coupled to a truck or semi, etc.). In some examples, the material trailer can be a belly dump type trailer (e.g., bottom dump trailer, trailer with a clam shell type dump gate in the belly of the trailer, etc.).

[0011] In various examples, the material trailer can be utilized to transport a variety of material from a first location to a second location. The material trailer can receive the material at the first location via a top portion of the trailer and deposit the material at the second location via a bottom portion of the trailer. For example, the material trailer can include an open top portion to receive the material and a dump gate on the bottom portion to deliver the material.

[0012] In some examples, the material trailer can be utilized to transport gravel and/or aggregate (e.g., construction gravel, class 5 gravel, sand, crushed stone, etc.). In various examples, the material trailer can be utilized to deposit the gravel and/or aggregate to utilize it for a roadway for automobiles, bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and/or other types of vehicles.

[0013] Previous systems could utilize the material trailer to deposit the gravel and/or aggregate within an area to be used for the roadway.

[0014] These previous systems could utilize a road grader to follow the material trailer and spread the gravel and/or aggregate across the roadway.

[0015] In these previous systems the gravel and/or aggregate could be deposited by the material trailer at a first time and the road grader could spread the gravel or aggregate at a second time. This could cause the roadway to be temporarily closed or in a condition not suitable for all types of vehicles, in some instances.

[0016] The leveling/spreading attachment described herein can be constructed from a variety of materials based on the attachment's utilization. For example, the elements of the leveling/spreading attachment can be constructed of steel or a comparable alloy when the leveling/spreading attachment is utilized to spread or level gravel behind a material trailer, as described herein. In some examples, the leveling/spreading attachment can be utilized to spread or level gravel behind a material trailer moving at a relatively slow speed (e.g., approximately 1-15 miles per hour, etc.).

[0017] The leveling/spreading attachment described herein can be attached to the material trailer to spread the gravel and/or aggregate while the material trailer is delivering the material. For example, the material trailer can open a dump gate on a bottom portion of the material trailer and the leveling/spreading attachment attached to the rear of the material trailer can spread gravel and/or aggregate released from the dump gate.

[0018] One benefit of the leveling/spreading attachment as described herein is that when attached the material trailer with attachment can simultaneously spread the gravel and/or aggregate as it is released from the material trailer. Thus, the leveling/spreading attachment can reduce time that the roadway is closed or in a condition not suitable for vehicles.

[0019] In addition, the leveling/spreading attachment can reduce a need for additional roadway equipment such as a road grader, which can reduce equipment cost and/or human operator cost by utilizing a material trailer with the attached leveling/spreading attachment as described herein.

[0020] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. The drawings show by way of illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced.

[0021] These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of this disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, combined, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0023] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by the use of similar digits.

[0024] As used herein, "a" or "a number of" something can refer to one or more such things. For example, "a number of users" can refer to one or more users. Additionally, the designator "N", as used herein, particularly with respect to reference numerals in the drawings, indicates that a number of the particular feature so designated can be included with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an example of a system for a leveling/spreading attachment according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 includes a number of orientations 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 (e.g., visual orientation, etc.) for a leveling/spreading attachment. For example, orientation 100-1 includes a front view of a leveling/spreading attachment, orientation 100-2 includes an angled side view of the leveling/spreading attachment, and orientation 100-3 includes a rear view of the leveling/spreading attachment.

[0026] The orientation 100-1 illustrates an attachment plate 102-1 coupled to a body 104-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment. In some examples, the attachment plate 102-1 can be utilized to connect or attach the body 104-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment to a material trailer and/or to an adapter plate as described herein. In some examples, the leveling/spreading attachment can be connected to a push block of a material trailer.

[0027] In some examples, a push block of a material trailer can be removed and replaced with the leveling/spreading attachment described herein. A push block can be positioned at a rear end of a material trailer. The push block can protect the material trailer when contacting another object. For example, a tractor-trailer or semi coupled to the material trailer can utilize the push block when being pushed by another vehicle such that the material trailer is not damaged while being pushed. In this example, the push block can protect elements of the material trailer (e.g., lights, air gate, etc.).

[0028] In some examples, the body 104-1 can replace the push block of the material trailer. In these examples, the push block portion 108-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment can be utilized in a similar manner as the push block of the material trailer.

[0029] In some examples, the attachment plate 102-1 can include a bolt pattern 118-1. The bolt pattern 118-1 (holes in which bolts can be placed) can be utilized to attach the attachment plate 102-1 to the material trailer and/or the adapter plate. For example, the bolt pattern 118-1 can correspond to a bolt pattern of a push block attached to the rear end of the material trailer such that the bolt pattern 118-1 can align with a bolt pattern of the material trailer.

[0030] In some examples, the bolt pattern 118 can correspond to a bolt pattern of a first side of an adapter plate to be coupled to the attachment plate 102-1. In these examples, a second side of the adapter plate can include a bolt pattern that corresponds to a bolt pattern of the material trailer.

[0031] In some examples, the body 104-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment can include a number of connector arms 113-1 to connect a corresponding number of connector arms 115-1 of the leveling blade 106-1 via a number of corresponding pins 114-1. In some examples, a number of pins 114-1 can be utilized to connect the number of connector arms 113-1 to the number of connector arms 115-1, as described herein. The number of connector arms 113-1, 115-1 can be utilized to connect the leveling blade 106-1 to the body 104-1 such that the leveling blade 106-1 can rotate on corresponding pins 114-1 from an activated position (e.g., position where the blade can interact with material deposited on the ground) to a deactivated position (e.g., position where the blade cannot interact with material deposited on the ground).

[0032] In some examples, the deactivated position can provide a department of transportation (DOT) bumper for the material trailer. For example, the DOT can have particular specifications for a material trailer bumper. The specifications can include a number of symbols that are positioned on the bumper and/or particular structural requirements. In this example, the number of symbols can be positioned on a bottom portion of a gusset 120-3 and the structural requirements can be provided by the leveling blade 106-1, 106-2, 106-3.

[0033] In some examples, the leveling/spreading attachment can include a removable cover 101-1. The removable cover 101-1 can be utilized to shield a number of cylinders positioned within the body 104-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment. For example, the removable cover 101-1 can be utilized to prevent excess debris from interacting with the number of cylinders within the body 104-1 and/or a number of air connectors that connect the number of cylinders to an air gate of the material trailer.

[0034] In some examples, the removable cover 101-1 can include an aperture 103-1 to allow access to a chain cradle adjustment feature within the body 104-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment. In some examples, the chain cradle adjustment feature can be utilized to adjust a length of chain (e.g., chain 112-2, etc.) that may be exposed when the leveling blade 106-1 is in an active position. As described further herein, the length of the chain can affect the position of the leveling blade 106-1 when in an activated position. For example, the length of the chain can affect an angle (e.g., angle 119-2) of the leveling blade 106-1 when in an activated position.

[0035] As described herein, the number of connector arms 113-1, 115-1 can be utilized to connect the leveling blade 106-1 to the body 104-1 via a number of pins 114-1. The number of connector arms 113-1, 115-1 can include an aperture to receive a pin 114-1.

[0036] The pin 114-1 can pass through the first side of the connector arm 113-1, through an aperture of the connector arm 115-1 connected to the leveling blade 106-1, and received from a second side of the connector arm 113-1 to connect the leveling blade 106-1 to the body 104-1. In some examples, a plurality of connector arms 113-1, 115-1 can be utilized to connect corresponding portions of the leveling blade 106-1 to the body 104-1.

[0037] The orientation 100-2 of the leveling/spreading attachment can be a side view of the leveling/spreading attachment described herein. The orientation 100-2 illustrates the leveling/spreading attachment such that the attachment plate 102-2 is on a right side of the body 104-2. The orientation 100-2 includes the number of connector arms 113-2, 115-2 to connect the leveling blade 106-2 to the body 104-2 via a number of corresponding pins 114-2.

[0038] As described herein, the number of connector arms 113-2, 115-2 can utilize pins 114-2 to allow the leveling blade 106-2 to be adjusted as described herein. For example, the number of connector arms 113-2, 115-2 can allow the leveling blade 106-2 to be rotated from the illustrated position (e.g., activated position) to a different position (e.g., another activated position or deactivated position) by moving the leveling blade 106-2 in the direction of arrow 109-2.

[0039] As described herein, the body 104-2 can include a push block portion 108-2 that can be utilized as a push block for the material trailer when the leveling blade attached is coupled to a material trailer as described herein. That is, the push block of a material trailer can be removed and replaced with the leveling/spreading attachment such that the push block portion 108-2 can be utilized as a push block.

[0040] The leveling blade 106-2 can include an attachment arm 115-2 to couple to the attachment arm 113-2 of the body 104-2. In addition, the leveling blade 106-2 can include a cylinder attachment arm 110-2. In some examples, the cylinder attachment arm 110-2 can be coupled to a pneumatic cylinder (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, air-hydraulic cylinder, etc.) that can pivot the leveling blade 106-2 on the pins 114-2 from an activated position to a deactivated position as described herein. For example, a first end of a pneumatic cylinder (e.g., barrel portion of the cylinder) can be coupled to within the body 104-2 and a second end of the pneumatic cylinder (e.g., piston portion of the cylinder) can be coupled to an aperture of the cylinder attachment arm 110-2. In this example, the body 104-2 can be utilized to protect the cylinder when the push block portion 108-2 of the body 104-2 is utilized as a push block for a material trailer as described herein.

[0041] In some examples, the leveling/spreading attachment can include a chain 112-2 or other type of support device. The chain 112-2 can be utilized to prevent the leveling blade 106-2 from extending beyond the activated position illustrated in orientation 100-2. For example, the chain 112-2 can be adjusted such that the leveling blade 106-2 does not extend beyond the angle 119-2 with the ground. In some examples, the chain 112-2 can prevent the cylinder from being over extended if pressure were to be applied to the back end of the leveling blade 106-2.

[0042] In some examples, the chain 112-2 can be utilized with the cylinder to adjust a height and/or angle 119-2 of the leveling blade 106-2 based on a weight of the material trailer. In some examples, the weight of the material trailer can change as material is deposited through the gate as described herein. In some examples, the weight of the material trailer can affect the pressure needed to maintain the angle 119-2 of the leveling blade 106-2. The angle 119-2 of the leveling blade 106-2 can provide consistent leveling of the gravel and/or aggregate material deposited by the material trailer. That is, if the angle 119-2 alters beyond a particular threshold angle, the gravel and/or aggregate material may not be spread to a desired level (e.g., distributed substantially even across the face of the leveling blade 106-2, distributed at a substantially even height across the face of the leveling blade 106-2, etc.).

[0043] In some examples, the cylinder can increase a pressure applied to the cylinder connector 110-2 and thus increase a pressure applied to the leveling blade 106-2 when the weight of the material trailer decreases. In some examples, the cylinder can increase a pressure when the piston portion of the cylinder moves into the barrel.

[0044] In various examples, the piston moving into the barrel can result in an increase of pressure to ensure the angle 119-2 is maintained. In these examples, the chain 112-2 can prevent the cylinder from over extending and altering the angle 119-2 of the leveling blade 106-2 when a quantity of gravel and/or aggregate material deposited by the material trailer decreases and a pressure on the leveling blade 106-2 decreases.

[0045] Orientation 100-3 is an angled a rear view of the leveling/spreading attachment. The leveling/spreading attachment illustrated in orientation 100-3 can include the same or similar elements as orientation 100-1 and orientation 100-2 as described herein.

[0046] For example, the leveling/spreading attachment can include an attachment plate 102-3 coupled to a body 104-3 with a push block portion 108-3. As described herein, the leveling/spreading attachment can include a number of connector arms 113-3, 115-3 that can be coupled together with a number of corresponding pins 114-3 to connect the leveling blade 106-3 to the body 104-3.

[0047] The leveling/spreading attachment also includes a chain 112-3 to connect the leveling blade 106-3 to the body 104-3. As described herein, the chain 112-3 can be utilized to prevent the leveling blade 106-3 from extending past a particular predetermined angle. In addition, the leveling blade 106-3 can include a cylinder attachment arm 110-3 that can be coupled to a piston side of a cylinder when a barrel side of the cylinder is attached within the body 104-3. In some examples, the cylinder can be a pneumatic cylinder that can be coupled to an air gate of the material trailer to alter a position of the leveling blade 106-3 as described herein. As used herein, an air gate can include a number of connectors to couple pneumatic devices to an air tank of the material trailer.

[0048] The air tank of the material trailer can be filled via a compressor coupled to a tractor or semi connected to the material trailer. In some examples, the air tank can be filled by a number of additional methods (e.g., filled by a shop compressor prior to use, etc.). In various examples, the air gate can be connected to the material trailer by a control valve bracket.

[0049] In some examples, the air gate can allow the leveling/spreading attachment to be controlled independently of other pneumatic devices connected to the material trailer. That is, the leveling/spreading attachment can be controlled without having to disconnect other pneumatic devices or have other pneumatic devices operating while the leveling/spreading attachment is operating.

[0050] The orientation 100-3 illustrates a rear end of the leveling blade 106-3. In some examples, the leveling blade 106-3 can include a gusset 120-3 to strengthen the leveling blade 106-3. The gusset 120-3 can be positioned near a bottom portion of the leveling blade 106-3 since relatively more stress may be applied to the bottom portion of the leveling blade 106-3. In some examples, the gusset 120-3 can be replaced or removed depending on the application.

[0051] The leveling/spreading attachment as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be utilized to replace a push block of a belly dump style material trailer to allow the material trailer to deposit material and spread the material simultaneously across an area. In some examples, the leveling/spreading attachment can allow the material trailer to be pulled at a relatively slow speed while depositing material and leveling the material as the trailer is moving. As described herein, the leveling/spreading attachment can reduce the time needed to complete the task of spreading and/or leveling, the cost of extra machinery and/or extra human capital, among other benefits.

[0052] FIG. 2 is an example of a system for an adapter plate for a leveling/spreading attachment according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The system for the adapter plate is shown in a number of orientations 230-1, 230-2. The number of orientations includes an orientation 230-1 that illustrates a front end of the adapter plate and an orientation 230-2 that illustrates a side view of the adapter plate.

[0053] The orientation 230-1 includes an attachment plate 232-1. In some examples, the attachment plate 232-1 can be connected to a push block of a material trailer as described herein.

[0054] In some examples, the attachment plate 232-1 can replace the push block of the material trailer. For example, a push block of the material trailer can be connected to the material trailer via a number of bolts positioned in a bolt pattern.

[0055] In this example, a bolt pattern 238-1 on the attachment plate 232-1 can correspond to the bolt pattern utilized to connect the push block to the material trailer. In this manner, the same bolts removed to remove the push block (or their bolt holes) can be utilized to connect the adapter plate to the material trailer.

[0056] In some examples, the attachment plate 232-1 can be connected to the material trailer with a fusion technique. For example, the attachment plate 232-1 can be welded to the material trailer in a location to replace the push block as described herein. In this example, the push block of the material trailer can be removed and the attachment plate can be aligned and welded to replace the push block of the material trailer.

[0057] The orientation 230-1 can include an attachment plate 234-1. The attachment plate 234-1 can be coupled to a corresponding attachment plate of a leveling/spreading attachment. In some examples, the attachment plate 234-1 can include a bolt pattern 240-1 that can correspond to a bolt pattern of an attachment plate coupled to a body of the of the leveling/spreading attachment (e.g., attachment plate 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 couple to body 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 as referenced in FIG. 1).

[0058] In some examples, the adapter plate can include a number of spacers 236-1 positioned between the attachment plate 232-1 and the attachment plate 234-1. In various examples, the number of spacers 236-1 can be utilized to position the leveling/spreading attachment at a particular height above the ground and/or at a particular angle from the ground.

[0059] In some examples, the adapter plate can position the leveling/spreading attachment at an angle of 21 degrees from a ground position. In various other examples, the adapter plate can position the leveling/spreading attachment at a height of 36 inches above the ground position.

[0060] The adapter plate can be configured based on a model and/or make of the material trailer. For example, different material trailers can have different types of push blocks, different heights from the ground, different bolt patterns, among other differences that may require different configurations of the adapter plate.

[0061] In such embodiments, the bolt pattern 238-1 can, for example, be configured to match the bolt pattern of a specific material trailer. In another example, an angle of the attachment plate 234-1 can be configured based on a height of the material trailer such that the configured adapter plate positions the leveling/spreading attachment as described herein.

[0062] The orientation 230-2 of the adapter plate can illustrate a side view of the adapter plate. The orientation 230-2 can include the same elements as the orientation 230-1. For example, the adapter plate can include an attachment plate 232-2 and an attachment plate 234-2.

[0063] In some examples, the attachment plate 232-2 can be positioned at an angle 233-2. In various examples, the angle 233-2 can position the height of the attachment plate 234-2 such that the height of the leveling/spreading attachment is at a desired height (e.g., 30-40 inches above the ground position, etc.). The angle 235-2 of the attachment plate 234-2 can be utilized to position a leveling/spreading attachment at a desired angle (e.g., such that the leveling/spreading attachment is between 15-25 degrees above a ground position).

[0064] The adapter plate as illustrated in FIG. 2 can be utilized to replace a push block of a belly dump style material trailer. This can be beneficial in some instances as the adapter plate can be utilized as a push block for the material trailer when an attachment (e.g., leveling/spreading attachment as described herein, etc.) is not connected to the adapter plate. In various examples, the adapter plate can be utilized to connect a plurality of different attachments to the rear end of the material trailer, which can be beneficial, in many applications.

[0065] FIG. 3 is an example of a system for a leveling/spreading attachment with an adapter plate according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a number of orientations 350-1, 350-2. The orientation 350-1 illustrates a front view of the leveling/spreading attachment with an adapter plate and orientation 350-2 illustrates a side view of the leveling/spreading attachment with an adapter plate.

[0066] In some examples, the number of orientations 350-1, 350-2 can include the same or similar elements as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. For example, FIG. 3 can include the leveling/spreading attachment as illustrated in FIG. 1 coupled to an adapter plate as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0067] The orientation 350-1 illustrates a front end of the leveling/spreading attachment coupled to an adapter plate 330-1. As described herein, the attachment plate 334-1 of the adapter plate 330-1 can be connected to an attachment plate 302-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment.

[0068] In some examples, a bolt pattern of the attachment plate 334-1 of the adapter plate 330-1 can correspond to a bolt pattern of the attachment plate 302-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment. In various examples, the adapter plate 330-1 can include a number of spacers 336-1 that can position the body 304-1 and/or leveling blade 306-1 at a particular height and/or particular angle when the attachment plate 332-1 is connected to a material trailer.

[0069] In some examples, the leveling/spreading attachment can include a removable cover 301-1. The removable cover 301-1 can be utilized to shield a number of cylinders positioned within the body 304-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment.

[0070] For example, the removable cover 301-1 can be utilized to prevent excess debris from interacting with the number of cylinders within the body 304-1 and/or a number of air connectors that connect the number of cylinders to an air gate of the material trailer. In some examples, the removable cover 301-1 can include an aperture 303-1 to allow access to a chain cradle adjustment feature within the body 304-1 of the leveling/spreading attachment.

[0071] In various examples, the chain cradle adjustment feature can be utilized to adjust a length of chain (e.g., chain 312-2, etc.) allowed to be exposed when the leveling blade 306-1 is in an active position. As described further herein, the length of the chain can affect the position of the leveling blade 306-1 when in an activated position. For example, the length of the chain can affect an angle of the leveling blade 306-1 when in an activated position.

[0072] The orientation 350-1 illustrates a push block portion 308-1 of the body 304-1. As described herein, the leveling/spreading attachment can replace a push block of a material trailer and the push block portion 308-1 can be utilized as a push block for the material trailer. The leveling blade 306-1 can be connected to the body 304-1 via a number of attachment arms 313-1, 315-1 and a number of corresponding pins 314-1. The leveling blade 306-1 can be positioned at a particular angle from the ground and/or a particular height above the ground. In some examples, the leveling blade 306-1 can include a gusset 320-1 for added support.

[0073] The orientation 350-2 illustrates a side view of the leveling/spreading attachment connected to the adapter plate 330-2. The orientation 350-2 can illustrate how the angle and/or spacing of the adapter plate 330-2 can position the body 304-2 and/or leveling blade 306-2 as described herein.

[0074] The orientation 350-2 illustrates the body 304-2 and the push block portion 308-2 of the leveling/spreading attachment. As described herein, the push block portion 308-2 of the body 304-2 can be utilized as a push block for the material trailer. The leveling blade 306-2 can be connected to the body 304-2 with a number of attachment arms 313-2, 315-2 and a number of corresponding pins 314-2.

[0075] The orientation 350-2 illustrates a chain 312-2 that can be connected to the body 304-2 and an attachment arm of the leveling blade 306-2. In some examples, the chain 312-2 can be utilized to prevent the leveling blade from extending beyond a threshold angle. In some examples, the chain 312-2 can allow a cylinder connected to the body 304-2 and a cylinder attachment arm 310-2 to apply a relatively large quantity of pressure without extending the leveling blade 306-2 beyond a threshold angle.

[0076] For example, the combination of forces from the cylinder and the chain 312-2 can allow the leveling blade 306-2 to maintain a desired angle even when the pressure applied to the leveling blade 306-2 and/or weight of the material trailer changes over time. In this example, the weight of the material trailer can change as material is deposited and the pressure applied to the leveling blade 306-2 can change with different quantities of material interacting with a face of the leveling blade 306-2.

[0077] In some examples, the cylinder can be coupled to the cylinder attachment arm 310-2 and apply a force or pressure such that the leveling blade 306-2 is directed to the right as illustrated in orientation 350-2. In these examples, the chain 312-2 can allow the leveling blade 306-2 to be positioned at a particular angle when the cylinder places the leveling blade 306-2 in an activated position (e.g., position where leveling blade 306-2 can interact with deposited material, etc.).

[0078] Further, in these examples, the chain 312-2 can prevent the leveling blade 306-2 from extending past the desired angle even when the force applied by the cylinder would extend the leveling blade 306-2 beyond the desired angle without the opposing force of the chain 312-2. Thus, the cylinder can apply a greater force than is needed to position the leveling blade 306-2 so that an increase in force from the material or a decrease in a weight of the material trailer will not affect the desired angle of the leveling blade 306-2.

[0079] The leveling/spreading attachment as illustrated in FIG. 3 can be utilized to replace a push block of a belly dump style material trailer to allow the material trailer to deposit material and spread the material simultaneously across an area. In some examples, the leveling/spreading attachment can allow the material trailer to be pulled at a relatively slow speed while depositing material and leveling the material as the trailer is moving. As described herein, the leveling/spreading attachment can reduce cost of extra machinery and/or extra human capital.

[0080] FIG. 4 is an example of a system 460 for a leveling/spreading attachment attached to a trailer 462 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a material trailer 462 as described herein. For example, the material trailer 462 can be a belly dump style trailer that can be utilized to deposit gravel and/or aggregate material from a bottom portion of the trailer. FIG. 4 illustrates the leveling/spreading attachment without a top cover to illustrate the cylinder 466 and a number of braces 468, 472 to support the use of a push block portion 408 without risking damage to the cylinder 466 within the leveling/spreading attachment.

[0081] In some examples, the leveling/spreading attachment can include a leveling blade 406 connected to a body 402 with a number of attachment arms (e.g., attachment arms 113-1, 115-1 as referenced in FIG. 1, etc.) and a number of corresponding pins (e.g., pin 114-1 as referenced in FIG. 1, etc.). In addition, the leveling blade 406 can be connected to the cylinder 466 at a cylinder attachment arm (e.g., cylinder attachment arm 110-2 as referenced in FIG. 1, etc.).

[0082] As described herein, the cylinder 466 can be a pneumatic cylinder. In various examples, the cylinder 466 can be connected to an air gate such as a control vale and control valve bracket 470 of the material trailer 462. The cylinder 466 can be coupled to the leveling blade 406 to adjust a height of the leveling blade 406.

[0083] In some examples, the cylinder 466 can be utilized to maintain a height and angle of the leveling blade 406 during operation of the leveling blade 406. The cylinder 466 can provide pressure to the leveling blade 406 such that the leveling blade 406 provides a corresponding pressure to material below the body 402 and/or below the material trailer 462. As described herein, the cylinder 466 can adjust a height of the leveling blade 406 based on a weight of the material trailer 462.

[0084] In some examples, the control valve bracket can be utilized to mount the control valve to the material trailer 462. In these examples, the control valve can include a number of pneumatically operated control valves and/or spring actuators for controlling the functions provided by the cylinder 466. The cylinder 466 can be coupled to the air gate of an existing air supply of the material trailer 462.

[0085] As used herein, an air gate can include a number of connectors to couple pneumatic devices to an air tank of the material trailer 462. In some examples, the air gate can be connected to the material trailer 462 by a control valve and control valve bracket 470.

[0086] In some examples, the air gate can allow the leveling/spreading attachment to be controlled independently of other pneumatic devices connected to the material trailer 462. That is, as discussed above, the leveling/spreading attachment can be controlled without having to disconnect other pneumatic devices or have other pneumatic devices operating while the leveling/spreading attachment is operating.

[0087] In some examples, the body 402 of the leveling/spreading attachment can include a number of braces 468, 472. The braces 468 can be positioned from a corner of the body 402 (e.g., corner illustrated as upper right or upper left in FIG. 4) to a position of the push block portion 408. In some examples, the braces 472 can be triangular or substantially triangular braces positioned within each corner of the body 402. In some examples, the leveling blade 406 can include a gusset 420 to increase the strength of the leveling blade 406 as described herein.

[0088] In some examples, the body 402 can be connected to the material trailer 462 at a push block attachment plate 464. As described herein, an attachment plate of the body 402 can be coupled to the material trailer 462 and/or an adapter plate that can be coupled to the material trailer 462.

[0089] In various examples, the attachment plate of the body 402 can be connected to the push block attachment plate 464 of the material trailer 462. For example, a bolt pattern of the attachment plate of the body 402 can correspond to a bolt pattern of the push block attachment plate 464 of the material trailer 462. As described herein, the leveling blade 406 can be positioned to level material when the material trailer 462 is moving at a speed between 1 mile per hour and 15 miles per hour.

[0090] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0091] It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0092] The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes any other applications in which the above elements and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0093] In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the disclosure require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.

[0094] Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A leveling/spreading attachment system, comprising: a body attachable to a push block portion of a trailer; and a leveling blade coupled to the body.

2. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 1, wherein the body is attachable to the push block portion of the trailer with an adapter plate.

3. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 2, wherein the adapter plate positions the leveling blade at a particular angle.

4. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 1, wherein the body includes a cylinder coupled to the leveling blade to adjust a height of the leveling blade.

5. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 4, wherein the cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder coupled to an air system connected to the trailer.

6. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 5, wherein the pneumatic cylinder maintains a height and angle of the leveling blade.

7. A leveling/spreading attachment system, comprising: an adapter plate to replace a push block of a trailer; a body coupled to the adapter plate comprising a number of pneumatic cylinders connected to an air supply of the trailer; and a leveling blade coupled to the body and the number of pneumatic cylinders.

8. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 7, wherein the number of pneumatic cylinders utilize the air supply to adjust the leveling blade.

9. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 7, wherein the trailer is a belly dump style trailer.

10. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 7, wherein the leveling blade is positioned to level material deposited at a belly of the trailer.

11. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 10, wherein the leveling blade is positioned to level material when the trailer is moving at a speed between 1 mile per hour and 15 miles per hour.

12. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 7, wherein the number of pneumatic cylinders provide pressure to the leveling blade such that the leveling blade provides a corresponding pressure to material below the body.

13. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 7, wherein the adapter plate acts as a push block of the trailer.

14. The leveling/spreading attachment system of claim 7, wherein the adapter plate positions the body and leveling blade at an angle of 21 degrees from a ground position and at a height of 36 inches above the ground position.

15. A leveling/spreading attachment, comprising: an adapter plate to replace a push block of a belly dump trailer; a body coupled to the adapter plate of the belly dump trailer; a cylinder comprising a first connector coupled to the body and an air connector coupled to an air supply of the belly dump trailer; and a leveling blade coupled to the body and a second connector of the cylinder.

16. The leveling/spreading attachment of claim 15, wherein the cylinder adjusts a height of the leveling blade via the air supply of the belly dump trailer.

17. The leveling/spreading attachment of claim 15, wherein the cylinder adjusts a height of the leveling blade from an activated position and a deactivated position.

18. The leveling/spreading attachment of claim 15, wherein the body acts as a push block for the belly dump trailer.

19. The leveling/spreading attachment of claim 15, wherein the cylinder adjusts a height of the leveling blade based on a weight of the belly dump trailer.

20. The leveling/spreading attachment of claim 15, wherein the cylinder is coupled to an air gate of an existing air supply of the belly dump trailer.

Images