CA2960639A1

CA2960639A1 - End dump and other containers with baffles, roof locks, and splash guards

Info

Publication number: CA2960639A1
Application number: CA2960639A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Ian Kallay; Tyler Kjorlien; Mitch Kjorlien; Kody Kjorlien
Original assignee: Mk Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Mk Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-14
Filing date: 2017-03-14
Publication date: 2018-09-14

Abstract

Various container technologies are described, including such for end dump and open top containers used to transport oil and gas industry-related fluids or solid/fluid mixtures. In one case a swing baffle is provided in the container, with a locking part to restrict and permit baffle swinging. In another case the baffle may be at least partially removed prior to dumping. In other cases a splash guard may be provided to direct fluids into the container during loading.

Description

END DUMP AND OTHER CONTAINERS WITH BAFFLES, ROOF LOCKS, AND
SPLASH GUARDS
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This document relates to end dump and other styles of containers with one or more of baffles, roof locks, and splash guards.
BACKGROUND

[0002] End dump containers are known in the oil patch to contain baffles connected to a tail gate by a rod, to permit swinging of the baffles and tail gate in unison during dumping. Manual locks are used to secure a roof over the open top of the container.
SUMMARY

[0003] An apparatus is also disclosed comprising: an end dump container with a base and a perimeter wall that collectively define an interior storage cavity; a dump gate in the end dump container; a baffle mounted to swing within the interior storage cavity; a baffle locking part configured to: secure the baffle in an upright position; and disengage the baffle to permit the baffle to swing while dumping.

[0004] A method is also disclosed comprising: transporting an end dump container to a dumping site, the end dump container containing a baffle secured by a baffle locking part against relative movement within an interior storage cavity of the end dump container;
actuating a baffle locking part to disengage the baffle to permit the baffle to pivot; and dumping the contents of the interior storage cavity through a gate in the end dump container.

[0005] An apparatus is also disclosed comprising: an end dump container with a base and a perimeter wall that collectively define an interior storage cavity, which contains flowable material; a dump gate in the end dump container; a baffle mounted in an upright position within the interior storage cavity; and in which the end dump container has a pre-dump position where the baffle is at least partially removed from within the interior storage cavity.

[0006] A method is also disclosed comprising: transporting an end dump container to a dumping site, the end dump container containing a baffle within an interior storage cavity of the end dump container, the interior storage cavity containing a flowable material; at least partially removing the baffle from the end dump container; and dumping the flowable material from the interior storage cavity through a gate in the end dump container.

[0007] An apparatus is also disclosed comprising: an open top container with a base and a perimeter wall that collectively define an interior storage cavity, the open top container having a top perimeter rim that bounds a top opening into the interior storage cavity; a roof mounted to open and close over the top opening; and a splash guard that moves into a deployed position to direct material through the top opening and down into the interior storage cavity.

[0008] A method is also disclosed comprising: opening a roof of an open top container to expose a top opening into an interior storage cavity defined by the open top container; and moving a splash guard into a deployed position at least partially over an edge of a top perimeter rim, which bounds the top opening.

[0009] An apparatus is disclosed comprising: an open top container with a base and a perimeter wall that collectively define an interior storage cavity, the open top container having a top perimeter rim that bounds a top opening into the interior storage cavity; a roof mounted by a hinge along a first side of the open top container to open and close over the top opening; a plurality of locking parts spaced along a second side of the open top container;
and an actuator connected to operate the plurality of locking parts to secure and release the roof.

[0010] A method is disclosed comprising: closing a roof, of an open top container, to cover a top opening into an interior storage cavity defined by the open top container; and using an actuator to operate a plurality of locking parts, which are spaced along a side of the open top container, to secure the roof.

[0011] In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: The baffle locking part comprises an arm that has: an extended position to secure the baffle; and a retracted position to disengage the baffle. The arm comprises a piston. The baffle locking part comprises a push-type spring brake. A source of pressurized air connected to actuate the baffle locking part to disengage the baffle. The source of pressurized air is connected to actuate a dump gate locking part to release the dump gate from a locked position. A control device connected to control the supply of air pressure from the source of pressurized air to actuate both the baffle locking part and the dump gate locking part. The source of pressurized air is part of an air suspension system of one or both a tractor truck or the end dump container. The source of pressurized air is an air suspension bag. A source of fluid that is connected to actuate: the baffle locking part to disengage the baffle; and actuate a dump gate locking part to release the dump gate from a locked position.
The baffle locking part secures the baffle in the upright position between the baffle locking part and a stop formed in the interior storage cavity. The baffle locking part is mounted to or within the base of the end dump container. The interior storage cavity contains invert fluid and drill cuttings from an oil or gas well drilling operation. Interior surfaces of the base and perimeter wall comprise a hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic coating comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A structural frame supporting the end dump container; and a hydraulic power assembly connected to tilt the end dump container relative to the structural frame. Retracting a piston of the baffle locking part. Actuating comprises pressurizing an air supply line to the baffle locking part to actuate the baffle locking part to disengage the baffle.
Actuating comprises pressurizing the air supply line to a gate locking part to actuate the gate locking part to unlock a gate in the end dump container. Air pressure is supplied to the air supply line via an air suspension system on a tractor truck or the container.
While dumping, before dumping, or during and before dumping, tilting a first end, higher than a second end, of the end dump container, the gate being located at or near the second end.
The first end is tilted: to a first height above the second end prior to dumping; and to a second height above the first height while dumping. While dumping, before dumping, or during and before dumping, opening a roof of the end dump container. Stops to restrict the baffle from relative movement within the end dump container. The stops form a track along which the baffle is mounted to slide into and out of the interior storage cavity between the upright position and the.pre-dump position. The track is formed by a set of bars that are spaced to define a groove that receives a side edge of the baffle when in the upright position. The stops include stops that extend along a base of the baffle. A lift bar connected to the baffle. A
locking part that secures the baffle in the upright position. Tilting a first end above a second end of the end dump container, in which the gate is at or near the second end. At least partially removing comprises entirely removing the baffle from the interior storage cavity of the end dump container. The baffle is removed by lifting the baffle out of the end dump container using an excavator, backhoe, or crane. Reinserting the baffle within the end dump container after dumping. The splash guard is mounted to swing between: a stowed position inside the interior storage cavity; and the deployed position. The splash guard is mounted to an interior surface of the perimeter wall to swing between the stowed position and the deployed position. When in the stowed position, an upper fluid diverter surface of the splash guard sits at or above a top surface of working materials stored in the interior storage cavity. The splash guard comprises a stop that, when in the stowed position, rests against the interior surface to retain the upper fluid diverter surface of the splash guard at or above the top surface of the working materials. The splash guard is connected to move into the deployed position simultaneous with the opening of the roof. The splash guard is connected by a cable to the roof to pull a part of the splash guard to move the splash guard into the deployed position. The roof is pivotally mounted to a first edge of the top perimeter rim; and the splash guard is mounted to swing upward and deploy at least partially over a second edge, of the top perimeter rim, opposite the first edge. The splash guard is structured to return to the stowed position by gravity upon release of tension in the cable. The roof is pivotally mounted to a first edge of the top perimeter rim, and the splash guard is mounted to deploy at least partially over a second edge, of the top perimeter rim, opposite the first edge. The splash guard is shaped such that, when in the deployed position, an upper fluid diverter surface of the splash guard is sloped downward to funnel fluids into the interior storage cavity. A roof lock for locking the roof in a closed position, in which the splash guard at least partially covers the roof lock when in the deployed position. Loading material into the open top container through the top opening. The splash guard is moved from a stowed position, within the interior storage cavity, into the deployed position.
Moving the splash guard from the deployed position into the stowed position; and closing the roof. The splash guard is mounted to an interior surface of the perimeter wall to move by swinging between the stowed position and the deployed position. When the interior storage cavity is filled with working material to a top fill level adjacent the top opening, and the splash guard is in the stowed position, an upper fluid diverter surface of the splash guard sits at or above a top surface of the working material. The splash guard is connected to be moved into the deployed position simultaneous with the opening of the roof. When the splash guard is in the deployed position, the splash guard at least partially covers a roof lock for locking the roof in a closed position. The plurality of locking parts are mounted on a shaft, which runs along the second side. The actuator is connected to rotate the shaft to operate the plurality of locking parts. The shaft is a cam shaft and the plurality of locking parts are a plurality of cam arm locking parts. The actuator is connected to rotate the shaft by being connected to rotate a cam arm, which is connected to the shaft. The actuator is a hydraulic actuator.
The plurality of locking parts are mounted along the top perimeter rim. The hinge is mounted along the top perimeter rim. Using the actuator to operate the plurality of locking parts to release the roof;
and opening the roof. Moving a splash guard into a deployed position at least partially over the plurality of locking parts. The plurality of locking parts comprise cam arm locking parts mounted on a cam shaft; and the actuator is connected to rotate the cam shaft to operate the plurality of locking parts.

[0012] These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims, which are incorporated here by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

[0014] Fig. 1 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of an end dump container mounted to a tractor truck.

[0015] Fig. IA is an exploded view, partially in section, of a rear gate locking part engaging the rear gate in a locked position.

[0016] Fig. 1B is an exploded view of a base of a baffle secured between a stop and a baffle locking part.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of Fig. tin which the front end of the dump container is tilted to a first height above the rear end of the end dump container to begin dumping the contents of the container.

[0018] Fig. 2A is an exploded view, partially in section, of the rear gate locking part of Fig. 2 in an unlocked position to release the rear gate.

[0019] Fig. 2B is an exploded view of the baffle locking part of Fig. 2 retracted to disengage the baffle to permit the baffle to swing toward the rear gate.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in which the front end dump container is tilted to a second height above the first height and the rear end of the end dump container to accelerate the dumping of the contents of the container at a dumping site.

[0021] Fig. 3A is a schematic of a pneumatic control system for releasing the rear gate and baffle locking pins.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the rear end of the end dump container of Fig. 1, illustrating a front side of the rearmost baffle.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a cross section view of end dump container of Fig. 4 illustrating the front side of the baffle, with dashed lines used to indicate the extended locking position of the baffle locking part.

[0024] Figs. 6A-6B are section views of a baffle locking part in an extended position and a retracted positioned, respectively.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a push-type spring brake used as a baffle locking part in the apparatus of Fig. 1.

[0026] Fig. 8 is a rear end view of an end dump container with a rear gate and a hydraulically-actuated roof

[0027] Fig. 9 is a rear end view of the apparatus of Fig. 8, illustrating a) the rear gate omitted for clarity, b) the roof in an open position, and c) the baffle shown in both an installed position (solid lines) and a removed position (dashed lines) where the baffle is suspended above the end dump container by a crane.

[0028] Fig. 10A is a top plan view of the baffle secured between a plurality of stops, which are positioned within the end dump container to form tracks along which the baffle may be slid into and out of the end dump container.

[0029] Fig. 10B is a section view taken along the 10B-10B section lines of Fig. 10A.

[0030] Figs 11 - 13 are a sequence of rear end views of an open top container with a splash guard and roof illustrating the transition of the splash guard from a stowed position (Figs. 11 and 12) to a deployed position (Fig. 13), with each of the rear gate, the rear and front actuators for the roof lock, and the rear actuator for the roof, omitted for clarity.

[0031] Fig. 14A is a perspective view of the container in the configuration shown in Fig. 11 with the roof closed and secured by a hydraulically actuated roof lock.

[0032] Fig. 14B is a perspective view of the container in the configuration shown in Fig. 13 with the splash guard in the deployed position, and with each of the roof lock, front and rear actuators for the roof lock, and the hydraulic lines to the roof lock and roof actuators, omitted for clarity.

[0033] Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of the container in the configuration shown in Fig. 13, with each of the roof lock and front and rear actuators for the roof lock, omitted for clarity.

[0034] Figs. 16 - 17 are a sequence of rear end views that illustrate the container in the configurations shown in Figs. 11 and 13, respectively, with the splash guard omitted for clarity, and a cam locking part of the roof lock shown in dashed lines.

[0035] Fig. 18 is a side elevation view of an end dump container illustrating hydraulic control lines for the roof lock and the roof actuators.
=

[0036] Fig. 19 is a hydraulic schematic of an example control methodology for the hydraulic system illustrated in Fig. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

[0038] An end dump container, an example of which is known as a dump truck, may be used to transport various fluids from location to location. Example fluids transported by such units include fluids from an oil and gas site, such as water and oil-based drilling fluids, slurries, muds, and emulsions. An end dump container may be towed by a suitable power unit, for example a tractor truck unit. The power unit and end dump container may be provided as separate units that connect together, or the power unit may be integrally connected to the end dump container forming a single vehicle. A common arrangement is that of a tractor truck and a semi-trailer, which mounts the end dump container. The semi-trailer may lack a front axle and may attach to the tractor at a point adjacent to a rear-most axle of the tractor such that a portion of the weight of the trailer is carried by the tractor. An end dump container may allow flowable material in the container, such as a sludge or slurry, to be quickly and conveniently unloaded. During unloading, the container may be tilted such that one side or end of the container lifts up and a gate opens on the opposite side or end to allow the material to flow out of the container through the gate.

[0039] When a container is used to transport liquid or other flowable materials, the material may slosh or splash around within the container, in some cases spilling over the sides. A roof may be used to close the container and keep the material in the container.
However, movement of the contents within the container during transport may make it difficult for the driver to handle the truck under various driving conditions.
For example, material can accumulate at one end of the container when the driver accelerates or decelerates, or when the truck is driving up or down a hill or making a turn.
Driving uphill may be problematic, as material may amass at the rear end of the container, moving the center of load to the rear of the trailer, reducing the load over the drive axle, potentially causing the driven wheels to spin out and prevent the truck from ascending the hill. In extreme cases, sloshing fluids may carry sufficient force as to cause the container and tractor unit to tip over, spilling environmentally toxic materials and causing injuries and property damage. Such issues may be exacerbated when transporting fluids to and from remote oil and gas sites, which are typically accessible only by steep hills and rough, undeveloped roads.

[0040] One or more baffles may be positioned in a fluid container to reduce or eliminate sloshing, splashing, and shifting of contents within the container.
A baffle acts as a divider or barrier that segregates the material into discrete compartments within the container. Compartmental segregation within the container may reduce or prevent unbalanced buildup of the bulk of the material at a given location within the container during transport. A baffle may take a suitable form such as a thin wall or plate to minimize the footprint within the container while retaining barrier functionality. As an alternative to using baffles, some operators add thickeners such as sawdust to limit the flowability of the fluids transported in the tub.

[0041] Referring to Fig. 1, an apparatus 10 is disclosed comprising a container, such as an end dump container 12, with a base 14, and a perimeter wall 16. One or both a dump gate and a baffle 22 may be present. Base 14 and perimeter wall 16 may collectively define an interior storage cavity 18. Perimeter wall 16 may be formed by a plurality of walls, such as a front wall 16A, a rear wall 16B, and side walls I6C, that connect end to end to one another. The dump gate, for example a rear gate 20, may be mounted to perimeter wall 16, for example at or near a rear end 12B of container 12. Rear gate 20 may be mounted to cover a dump opening 21 in rear end 12B. In the example shown the rear gate 20 forms the rear wall 16B of the container 12. Baffle 22 may be mounted within interior storage cavity 18, for example connected to an interior surface of perimeter wall 16 as shown. Baffle 22 may comprise a plurality of baffles, such as baffles 22' and 22". Referring to Fig. 3, apparatus 10 may be transported to and from a dumping site 15 in use. Cavity 18 may be filled with material 13, for example flowable material, working material, solids such as sand or gravel, liquids such as water, oil, mixtures of immiscible components, or suspensions, and liquid-solid mixtures such as slurries, invert drilling fluids, cuttings, tailings, or mixtures thereof.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, baffle 22 may be structured to provide a barrier that prevents or restricts substantial movement of the material 13 within cavity 18 when the container 12 is either stationary or in transport. Baffles 22 may be spaced and located to segregate the cavity 18 into discrete compartments, such as compartment I8A, 18B and 18C
in the case of two baffles 22' and 22". Other numbers of baffles and associated compartments may be used.

[0043] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 each baffle 22 may define openings such as apertures or perforations. The baffle 22 and the end dump container 12 may collectively define openings, such as openings 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D, for example a) in the case of openings 23A and 23B - defined between a side edge 22G of the baffle 22 and a side wall 16C or 16D, respectively, orb) in the case of openings 23C and 23D - defined between tapered base edges 22H on a base 12E of baffle 22 and base 14. Apertures, perforations, and openings may permit limited transfer or exchange of material 13 between compartments 18A-C to equalize fluid distribution throughout the compartments 18A-C. In other cases the edges 22G and 22H of baffle 22 may be shaped to abut one or more of the side walls 16C, 16D, and the base 14, respectively. In some cases an outer edge profile of the baffle 22 corresponds with an inner surface profile of the end dump container 12 to isolate adjacent compartments and in extreme cases to produce a seal between compartments. Each of the base 14 and the base edges 22H of baffle 22 may have a suitable shape, for example as shown.

[0044] Referring to Figs. 1, 4 and 5 each baffle 22 may have a suitable shape. In some cases the baffle 22 is formed by a plate, which includes a structure with opposed faces and a relatively thin width between the faces. Each face may be planar in shape. Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, an example of baffle 22 is provided as a corrugated plate, for example formed by a corrugated bent sheet 100 with vertical corrugations 104, reinforced by a base plate 102 that extends along and defines a base edge 22H of baffle 22. Other suitable shapes and structures may be used. In some cases the baffle 22 is provided by a hollow box structure.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 1 and 9, the baffle 22 may be configured to assume a suitable orientation within the end dump container 12 at various stages of operation.
Referring to Fig. 1, at certain times, for example during transport or storage, the baffle 22 may retain an upright orientation within the interior cavity 18. An upright position may include a vertical position when the container 12 is in a horizontal position.
The baffle 22 may effectively bisect the container 12, for example along a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal container axis 106. In other cases nominal deviations from vertical may be used, including examples where the upright position includes positions where the baffle 22 is angled relative to vertical.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, baffle 22 may be mounted in a suitable fashion to swing within the interior storage cavity 18. Referring to Fig. 2, the baffle 22 may swing while dumping, for example by swinging toward the rear gate 20 to permit increased fluid transfer between adjacent compartments 18A-C, and hence to improve the dumping process.
Swinging may be by gravity (shown) or by using a mechanical actuation process (not shown) to swing the baffle 22. Baffle 22 and container 12 may be pivotally connected, for example via a hinged connection 22B, whose axis may be perpendicular to axis 106.
Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, in the example shown a pair of pivot axles or pins 22B' and 22B" may be used and that mate with corresponding hubs 108' and 108", respectively, adjacent or on opposed side edges 22G of baffle 22. The hinged connection or connections 22B
may be located at or near a top 22F of the baffle 22. In the example shown hub 108' mounts to side wall 16C of container 12, while pivot pin 22B' mounts to or extends from a hub mounted to baffle 22. Hub 108" may mount to baffle 22, while pivot pin 22B" projects from side wall 16D of container 12. In the example shown at least hub 108' may comprise upper and lower arcuate parts 110 and 112, which may secure together around pivot pin 22B' using a lock or fasteners such as bolts 114. Other types and structures of connections may be used to permit swinging motion, including motion about a single axis as shown, and motion about plural axes, for example in the case of a pivot pin that slides around a curved track (not shown).

[0047] Referring to Figs. 1, 1B, 2 and 2B, apparatus 10 may comprise a baffle locking part 24 to secure the baffle 22 in place. Baffle locking part 24 may be configured to secure baffle 22 in an upright transport position. Baffle locking part 24 may lock baffle 22 against relative movement, for example against movement toward one or both the front end 12A and rear end 12B of container 12. Baffle locking part 24 may be configured to disengage baffle 22 to permit relative movement, such as swinging, during dumping, such as shown in Fig. 2B. Referring to Figs. 2 and 2B, as the baffles 22 pivot, the respective openings defined between the edges of the baffles 22 and the base 14 increase and the contents of the interior storage cavity 18 pass the baffles 22 to exit the container 12 through rear gate 20. Permitting the baffle 22 to pivot during dumping may allow the contents of container 12 to move relatively more freely through the baffles 22 towards rear gate 20 than in the case where the baffles 22 are not permitted to pivot.

[0048] Referring to Figs. 1, 1B, 2, and 2B, baffle locking part 24 may have a suitable structure. Baffle locking part 24 may comprise an arm 26. Arm 26 may be positioned to engage the baffle 22, for example to contact a rear face 22D of baffle 22, to block the baffle 22 from moving past arm 26 in a suitable direction, for example, direction 29 toward rear end 12B of container 12. Referring to Figs. 1B and 2B, locking part 24 may extend arm 26 between an extended position (Fig. 1B) that secures or contacts the baffle 22 and a retracted position (Fig. 2B). Referring to Fig. 2B, the retracted position may be a position in which the arm 26 moves out of contact with, or out of a patch of travel of, baffle 22.

[0049] Referring to Figs. 1, 1B, 2, 2B, and 4, the baffle locking part 24 may cooperate with a stop or stops 32 to restrict movement of the baffle 22 in the locked position.
Baffle locking part 24 may secure baffle 22 in the upright position between the part 24 and stop 32. Stop 32 may be formed in the interior storage cavity 18, such as by mounting a block on an interior surface of perimeter wall 16 or base 14. Referring to Fig. 1, stop 32 may be formed on or adjacent a face of baffle 22, for example in the swing path of a front face 22C of the baffle 22, the front face 22C being opposite rear face 22D of the baffle 22, the rear face 22D facing rear gate 20. Referring to Figs. 1, 1B, 2, and 2B, stop 32 may prevent relative movement or swinging of the baffle 22 in a direction past stop 32, for example direction 33 towards a front end 12A of container 12. Stop 32 may comprise a block, bump, metal brace, wedge, flange, or other structure with a suitable baffle contact or abutment surface. Arm 26 may be positioned, while in the extended position, to permit nominal play for the baffle 22 to move back and forth between the arm 26 and stop 32. In some cases, arm 26 pushes the baffle 22 against the stop 32, providing constant contact between baffle 22 when arm 26 is in the extended position.

[0050] Referring to Figs. 6A and 6B, baffle locking part 24 may incorporate a fluid-based, such as a pneumatic, actuation mechanism. Arm 26 may comprise a piston 28, which extends out of and retracts at least partially into a housing 30. In the example shown, the baffle locking part comprises a push-type spring brake, such as a MAXIBRAKE R-series brake. A push-type spring brake may operate under the principle that under relatively neutral or low pressure within an internal fluid chamber 30B defined within housing 30, a compressible element such as a spring 36 operates to extend the piston 28, and when chamber 30B is pressurized, the biasing force of the spring 36 is overcome and the piston 28 retracts into the housing 30. Piston 28 may seal to an inner wall 31 of the housing 30, for example via a diaphragm 38, to define fluid chambers 30A and 30B within housing 30.

Diaphragm 38 may be configured to extend and retract to expand and contract, respectively, chamber 30B by virtue of the force balance across diaphragm 38 from pressure and spring 36. When retracted piston 28 may disengage baffle 22 (Fig. 2B). Pressurization of chamber 30B may be achieved by pumping fluid, such as air, into chamber 30B, for example via a supply line 158. A push-type spring brake is shown but in other cases a pull-type spring brake may be used. Other suitable actuators, such as a screw jack, lever, or a liquid hydraulic piston may be used.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 2B and 7, baffle locking part 24, for example housing 30 may be mounted to or within the base 14 of container 12, or in the example shown to an exterior, such as an underside 14A, of the base 14. Referring to Fig. 7, locking part 24 may be mounted to underside 14A via a suitable mechanism, such as a bracket 34 mounted to underside 14A, for example located to depend from base 14 into a gap between structural members that make up a structural frame 47 supporting the container 12. The bracket may have openings 37A and 39A on top and bottom ends 37 and 39, respectively, for passing the arm 26 (not shown) upward through the base 14. A sleeve 35 may depend from the underside 14A of the base 14, and pass through opening 37A. A threaded locking wheel 39 may thread into the sleeve 35 to draw an arm housing sleeve 43 and housing 30 up to secure same to the base 14.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 5, the baffle locking part 24 may have a variety of different structural features and methods of operation. In some cases, arm 26 inserts into an aperture (not shown) defined by baffle 22 to lock the baffle 22 in the upright position. Arm 26 may comprise a swing arm (not shown) that swings into and out of the extended position. Arm 26 may be formed by a pin or a structure of another suitable shape. Arm 26 may be released upon actuation from a locked state into a state where contact by the baffle 22 causes the arm 26 to flex or swing once to permit the baffle 22 to swing into a disengaged position

[0053] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, pressurized air may be used to actuate baffle locking part 24. For example, a source of pressurized air 40, such as one or more of an air bladder or bag 66, an air tank 91, air tank 140, compressor or air pump, may be connected, via air supply lines, such as one or more of lines 42, 44, 154, 156, and 158, to actuate baffle locking part 24. Source of air 40 may actuate locking part 24 to disengage baffle 22, for example by pressurizing chamber 30B (Fig. 6A) of the push-type spring brake.

[0054] Referring to Figs 1, 1A, 2, 2A, and 3, source of air 40, such as air tank 140, may be connected to actuate a rear gate locking part 46 for example to release the dump gate 20 from a locked position (Fig. 1) into an unlocked position (Fig. 2). Rear gate locking part 46 may cooperate with a gate part, such that one of the parts functions as a gripping part, and the other as a gripped part, when in the locking position. In some cases one gripping part may grip another gripping part, or male and female or other connections may be used. In the example shown locking part 46 comprise a gripping part 48, such as a hinged jaw. Gripping part 48 may grip or otherwise contact and retain a part of tail gate 20, such as bar 50.
Gripping part 48 may prevent relative movement of tail gate 20 while in a locked position, such as the position depicted in Fig. 1A. The locked position of gripping part 48 may be understood as any position in which the gripping part 48 is preventing the opening of gate 20. Referring to the sequence from Figs. IA - 2A, air pressure from supply line 160 may actuate rear gate locking part 46 by a suitable mechanism, such as by compressing a compressible and expandable part, such as fluid or mechanical spring 52. In a neutral locked position spring 52 may be biased to retract a piston 54 to pivot gripping part 48 about a hinged connection, such as provided by hinges 58A and 58B, to grip the bar 50.
When line 160 and chamber 56 are pressurized to compress spring 52, piston 54 is extended to pivot gripping part 48 into the unlocked position, for example, Fig. 2A. Referring to Fig. 8, at a suitable point in the process, for example before release of bar 50, various other gate locks, such as hand-tightened threaded locks 53, may be released such that upon release of bar 50 the gate 20 swings open under fluid pressure from the contents within the container 12.

[0055] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 a control device, such as one or both of devices 60A and 60B, may be connected to control the supply of air pressure from the source of pressurized air 40 to one or both baffle locking part 24 and rear gate locking part 46.
Referring to Fig. 3A, control device 60 may comprise or control, for example via control line 162, one or more valves, such as an electric over air valve system with a solenoid valve 146 connected to regulate flow in one or more of lines 158 and 160, and that can be opened or closed to supply or exhaust pressurized air to and from one or both of baffle locking part 24 and/or rear gate locking part 46, respectively. Control device 60 may be operated from a suitable location, for example from the front end 12A of the container 12, or in some cases adjacent or within a cabin 62A (control device 60A) of a tractor truck 62 connected to tow the container 12.

[0056] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the source of pressurized air 40, such as air tank 91, may form part of an air suspension system 64 of a tractor truck 62. Air suspension system 64 may be connected to air tank 91, which may comprise a compressor, via one or more air supply lines, such as lines 41 and 45. Air tank 91 may supply pressurized air to one or more air suspension bags 66. Each air suspension bag 66 may be located in support of the weight of the cabin 62A or front end 12A of the container 12, near a respective plurality of ground-engaging members, such as wheels 68, to act as shock absorbers for the truck 62. In some cases, the air suspension bag or bags 66 provide the source of pressurized air that supplies air pressure to one or both of baffle locking part 24 and rear gate locking part 46. A
dump valve may be connected to release air pressure from one or more bags 66 to supply air pressure to parts 24 and 46. Thus, once at a dump site an operator may initiate the dump valve to simultaneously release the air pressure in bags 66 and actuate both the baffle locking part 24 and the rear gate locking part 46 to release. In other cases the source of pressurized air 40, such as air tank 91, may be connected to actuate parts 24 and 46 independent of the bags 66, for example via a valved supply line, such as line 44, from the air tank 91 to the parts 24 and 46.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 3A, the source of pressurized air 40 may form part of an air suspension system 65 of the container 12. Air suspension system 65 may be connected to air source of air 40, such as air tank 140, via one or more air supply lines, such as lines 152. Air tank 140 may supply pressurized air to one or more air suspension bags 144.
Each air suspension bag 144 may be located in support of the weight of the container 12, near a respective plurality of ground-engaging members, such as wheels 49, to act as shock absorbers for the trailer or container 12. A ride height control valve 155 may be connected to adjust pressure to each of bags 144. In some cases, the air suspension bag or bags 144 provide the source of pressurized air 40 that supplies air pressure to one or both of baffle locking part 24 and rear gate locking part 46. A dump valve may be connected to release air pressure from one or more bags 144 to supply air pressure to parts 24 and 46.
In the example shown one or both of air tanks 140 and 142 are connected to supply pressurized air to a suitable valve, such as a solenoid valve 146, which may be operated via control line 162 via a suitable control device such as device 60A in the tractor cabin. Once activated, the valve 146 may supply air pressure to one or all of the rear gate locking part 46 and the baffle locking part or parts 24.

[0058] Interior surfaces of base 14 and perimeter wall 16 may comprise a bearing material, such as a hydrophobic coating, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), to improve transfer of viscous fluids out of container 12 and reduce or prevent the adhesion of material 13 to the inside of the container 12. The coating may form a bearing material, for example that has a coefficient of kinetic friction that is less than or equal to 0.2, for example less than or equal to 0.1, in relation to steel. Other suitable materials may be used.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 1-3, end dump container 12 may be emptied via a suitable mechanism, such as a hydraulic tilting mechanism. Apparatus 10 may have a structural frame 47, for example formed of beams or other members mounting wheels 49, and supporting end dump container 12. The structural frame 47 may mount to the tractor truck 62 via a fifth wheel coupling 51, which provides the link between a semi-trailer (container 12) and the towing truck 62. A lifting mechanism, such as a hydraulic power assembly or tilting part 76 may be connected to tilt end dump container 12 relative to the structural frame 47.
Referring to Fig. 3, hydraulic tilting part 76 may comprise a telescopic cylinder assembly 76A.

[0060] Referring to Figs. 1-3, a method of use may proceed as follows. An end dump container 12 may be filled, for example at a well site, and transported to a dumping site. In some cases the interior storage cavity 18 may be filled with a suitable material such as flowable material 13, for example invert or other drilling fluids/mud from an oil or gas well drilling operation. In some cases raw invert with cuttings may be transported.
In most conventional hauling, drilling fluids are separated from cuttings, and the fluids and cuttings are hauled by separate respective trailers. Invert may be classified as a water and oil emulsion and in some cases comprises diesel fuel and brine.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 2, during dumping, before dumping, or during and before dumping, front end 12A may be positioned, for example tilted, vertically higher than rear end 12B of the end dump container 12. Referring to Fig. 2, in an initial tilting phase of a dumping process front end 12A may be tilted to a first height 78 above rear end 12B prior to dumping. Referring to Fig. 3, in a subsequent tilting phase front end 12A may be tilted to a second height 80 above rear end 12B during dumping, with height 80 greater than height 78.
Referring to Fig. 2, rear gate 20 may be opened before or during lifting /
tilting of end dump container 12. In the example shown, rear gate 20 is opened after lifting or tilting end dump container 12 commences.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 2, the tilting part 76 may be activated to tilt the container 12 into the initial tilting phase as shown. The baffle locking part 24 and rear gate locking part 46 may be actuated by dumping the air suspension pressure into lines 158 and 160 to disengage the baffle 22 and rear gate 20, respectively, causing baffle pivoting and dumping, respectively, of the contents of the interior storage cavity 18 through gate 20. As the baffles 22 are released, such baffles are free to pivot toward the gate 20 to improve the flow of fluids out of the gate 20. Referring to Fig. 3, during dumping the container 12 may be continued to be tilted to the subsequent tilting phase to more completely and efficiently empty the container 12 than via tilting to a relatively lower front end height. In some cases the container 12 may form an angle with a ground surface of thirty, forty, or more degrees when in a fully tilted phase.

[0063] Referring to Figs. 14A and 14B, the container 12 may comprise a roof 82.
Roof 82 may mount to container 12 via a hinge 186 along a first side 182 of container 12.
The hinge 186 may be a single axis hinge, or a multi-axis hinge such as an articulating hinge or a swing hinge that is able to pivot around a curved or multi-directional guide, and the hinge 186 may comprise a single hinge shaft or plural axially aligned hinge shafts. During dumping, before dumping, or during and before dumping, a roof 82 of the end dump container 12 may be opened. Referring to Fig. 3, material 13 may be dumped at a suitable dumping site 15, for example in a pit or pond with an impermeable liner 71. A
washing wand (not shown) or other suitable washing tool may be used post-dump to clean end dump container 12 and / or roof 82, for example after opening or removing roof 82 from container 12. A washing wand may expel suitable cleaning fluids such as steam.

[0064] Referring to Figs. 9, 10A and 10B, an embodiment is shown where baffle 22 is structured to be removable from container 12 to facilitate dumping. Baffle 22 may be mounted to the interior cavity 18 by a mechanism that permits the baffle 22 to be reversibly removed and re-installed. In the example shown the baffle 22 is installed and removed via a sliding action. Apparatus 10 may have a pre-dump position (baffle 22 shown in dashed lines in Fig. 9) where the baffle 22 is at least be partially removed from the interior storage cavity 18. A pre-dump position may be when the container is next to a dump site and is ready to evacuate the contents of the cavity 18 through dump gate 20. Partially or fully removing baffle 22 may reduce friction and other resistance on the flow of materials 13 (not shown) within the container 12, thus improving the movement of materials 13 out of container 12 while dumping. Referring to Figs. 9 and 10A while the baffle is in an upright position (baffle 22 shown in solid lines), stops, such as front stops 72A and rear stops 72B, may act to restrict baffle 22 from movement, such as movement toward a rear end 12B and a front end 12A of container 12.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 9, 10A and 10B, stops 72A and 72B may form a track or tracks 72 along which the baffle is mounted to slide into and out of the interior storage cavity 18 between the upright and pre-dump positions. Referring to Fig. 10A, one channel or track 72' may be located adjacent a first side edge 22G' of the baffle 22 while the other track 72"
may be located adjacent a second side edge 22G" of the baffle 22, the second edge opposite the first edge. Referring to Figs. 10A-B, each track 72 may be formed by a respective set of bars. One set of bars, for example bars 72A', 72B', may be spaced to define a groove that receives adjacent side edge 22G' in the upright position. Another set of bars, for example bars 72A" and 72B" may be spaced to define a groove that receives adjacent side edge 22G" in the upright position. Bars 72A' and 72A" may be adjacent a front face 22C of the baffle 22, while bars 72B' and 72B" may be adjacent a rear face 22D of the baffle 22.
Referring to Fig. 10B, the stops may include stops, for example a base stop, which extends along a base of the baffle 22. The base stop may be formed by bars 72C' and 72C" spaced to define a groove that receives base edge 22E of the baffle 22 in the upright position. The base stop and/or tracks 72 may hinder or prevent movement of baffle 22 toward the front and rear ends of the container 12. In other cases the baffle 22 may be permitted to pivot while in the upright position.

[0066] Referring to Figs. 8-9, a method of use may operate as follows.
Referring to Fig. 8, apparatus 10 may be transported to a dumping site containing a flowable material, such as a liquid, a mixture of liquid and solids, or a particulate material such as sand, within interior storage cavity 18. Referring to Fig. 9, a roof 82 may be opened to expose a top opening 118 and baffle 22. A locking part 90, such as a latch or clamp may secure baffle 22 in the upright position. Thus, to remove the baffle 22 the locking part 90 may be unlocked.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 9, baffle 22 may be at least partially removed from end dump container 12, for example by lifting the baffle 22 out of the cavity 18 using lift bar 74.
A suitable lifting device such as a crane 86 with a crane hook 88 may be used to hook lift bar 74 and raise the baffle 22. Crane 86 may be used to lift the baffle 22, from a transport position (solid lines) in a direction, such as direction 89, to a removed position (dashed lines). Other suitable lifting devices may be used, such as those incorporating winches, chains, pulleys, hydraulics and others, and including a hoe and loader that clamps on to the baffle to remove and reinsert the baffles.

[0068] Once the baffle is in a pre-dump position partially or entirely removed from the container 12, the material 13 of the interior storage cavity 18 may be dumped through rear gate 20 in the end dump container 12, for example via a suitable method such as described elsewhere in this document. In one case front end 12A may be tilted above rear end 12B of the end dump container 12 and rear gate 20 opened to carry out dumping. Baffle 22 may be reinstalled or reinserted after dumping, for example by lowering baffle 22 via lift bar 74 and crane 86. Upon reinstallation the locking part 90 may be relocked to secure the baffle 22 in place.

[0069] Referring to Fig. 13, apparatus 10 may incorporate a splash guard 120 to direct material into the interior storage cavity 18 during loading of container 12. Container 12 may comprise a top perimeter rim 116 formed by various parts of container 12, such as a top edge of perimeter wall 16. Top perimeter rim 116 may bound or enclose a top opening 118 into the interior storage cavity 18. Referring to Fig. 11 and 13, a roof 82 may be mounted to open (Fig. 13) and close (Fig. 11) over top opening 118. Top opening 118 may be provided to receive material 13 loaded or dumped into cavity 18, for example via loading equipment such as a bucket 126 of a backhoe. Referring to Figs. 11 - 13, splash guard 120 may in use be moved into a deployed position to direct material through the top opening 118 and down into the interior storage cavity 18. Splash guard 120 may be shaped to funnel and guide material into cavity 18.

[0070] Referring to Figs. 11 - 14B, roof 82 may be opened via a suitable mechanism such as a hydraulic arm 130, in some cases arms 130 (Figs. 14A and 14B) at each end 12A
and 12B of the container 12, to expose top opening 118. Referring to Figs. 13 and 14B, during loading splash guard 120 may be in a deployed position, for example the position shown in Figs. 13 and 14B, and in such position may at least partially cover an edge 116B of the top perimeter rim 116. Material 13 may be dumped into the container 12 through opening 118. After material 13 has been dumped, splash guard 120 may move from the deployed position into the stowed position. Once dumping is complete, roof 82 may be closed over opening 118.

[0071] Referring to Figs. 11 - 13, splash guard 120 may be mounted to deploy from a stowed position to a deployed position. In some cases, splash guard 120 is mounted to swing between positions inside the cavity 18. Splash guard 120 may be mounted to an interior surface 128, of the perimeter wall 16, to swing between the stowed position (Figs. 11 and 12) and the deployed position (Fig. 13). Splash guard 120 may be mounted by a suitable mechanism, for example a hinge 121 or other pivotal connection, including a connection where the guard 120 moves along a track in a multi-axis swinging movement.
Roof 82 may be mounted on a first edge 116B of rim 116 and splash guard 120 may be mounted on a second edge 116C. First edge 116B and second edge 116C may comprise discrete edges in an adjacent or opposed relationship. Referring to Fig. 14B, side edges 116B
and 116C, and end edges 116A and 116D, may collectively form part of a continuous edge that makes up the top perimeter rim 116.

[0072] Referring to Figs. 11 - 13, splash guard 120 may have a suitable shape. In some cases, splash guard 120 comprises a panel 120A that extends along edge 116C when deployed. Splash guard 120, for example panel 120A, may define an upper fluid diverter surface 120C that is oriented to face, for example oriented upward, to contact and direct fluid during dumping. Splash guard 120 may be shaped such that the upper fluid diverter surface 120C is sloped downward when in the deployed position. The downward slope of panel 120A may act to funnel fluids into the interior storage cavity 18. The slope may be described as the surface 120C moves toward base 14 with decreasing distance to edge 116B.

[0073] Splash guard 120 may be formed by a plurality of panels, for example first panel 120A and second panel 120B. Second panel 120B may depend, for example vertically, from first panel 120A in the deployed position. Second panel 120B may extend from panel 120A in a plane that forms a non-zero angle with a plane defined by the first panel 120A.
First panel 120A and second panel 120B may be collectively formed by a bent panel. In some cases, guard 120 may comprise a plurality of guards. Guards may sit longitudinal end to longitudinal end, or may sit longitudinal edge to longitudinal edge. Guards may form gaps between guards or may overlap one another. A brace 120E or braces may connect to reinforce the panels 120A and 120B.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 11, splash guard 120 may at times be stowed within container 12, for example during transport or while the roof 82 is closed.
When in the stowed position, upper fluid diverter surface 120C of the splash guard 120 may sit at or above a top surface 13A of material 13. In some cases, the surface 120C may sit above a maximum fill level 13B, which may for example correspond to 90%, 95%, or another suitable proportion, of the volume of the cavity 18. Structuring and orienting guard 120 to sit above top surface 13A may reduce the chance of or prevent the panel 120A from scooping materials out of the container 12 while deploying.

[0075] Referring to Figs. 11 - 13, one or more guards 120 may each have a part that forms a stop, such as a stop member 132 that supports the guard 120 in the stowed position.
Referring to Fig. 11, while stowed, stop member 132 may rest against interior surface 128 to retain diverter surface 120C at or above top surface 13A. In the example shown the stop member 132 restricts the range of swinging motion to about ninety degrees from stowed to deployed. Stop member 132 may connect to guard 120 via a support member 134.
Support member 134 may extend from the first panel 120A. Referring to Fig. 14B, a plurality of support members 134 may be provided, for example spaced along a longitudinal length of guard 120, the longitudinal length of which may extend from the front end to the rear end of the container 12 as shown, or some shorter distance. In some cases, support members 134 and stop members 132 connect to the second panel 120B of guard 120.

[0076] Referring to Fig. 11, stop members 132 may connect to respective support members 134 via a pivotal connection, such as pivot hinge 133. Pivot hinge 133 may permit stop member 132 to pivot with respect to support member 134 about a range of motion that is limited by a further stop (not shown) that ensures that stop member 132 does not rotate past the position shown in Fig. 11 to retain the guard 120 in a suitable stowed position, such as a substantially horizontal position, for example to retain the guard 120 at or above the top surface 13A of material 13 in the container 12.

[0077] Referring to Figs. 11 - 13, splash guard 120 may be connected to move into the deployed position with the opening of roof 82, for example simultaneously with the roof 82. Splash guard 120 may be connected to roof 82 by a part, such as a cable 122, to mechanically move the splash guard 120 with at least a portion of the range of motion of the roof 82. Other mechanisms may be used, including independent actuators that each move either the splash guard 120 or the roof 82. Cable 122 may connect to support member 134.
Support member 134 may comprise apart, for example a bar 136, that connects to cable 122 and acts as a lever to provide a force advantage to facilitate the swinging motion of the splash guard 120 relative to if the cable 122 connected to panel 120A. When roof 82 moves from a closed position to an open position, cable 122 may act as a tether to pull bar 136 and move splash guard 120 into the deployed position.
. [0078] Referring to Figs. 11- 13, bar 136 may be offset from, for example below a horizontal plane defined through, a hinge axis 120D (Fig. 14) between the splash guard 120 and the interior surface 128. The connection point of cable 122 to bar 136 may be offset and below (in the stowed position) splash guard 120 and diverting surface 120C, in order to permit a torque to the right of the hinge 121 on bar 136 to impart a rotational motion up and to the left on the surface 120C when a suitable pulling force is exerted on cable 122 by roof 82 moving to the right. The use of right and left in the preceding sentence is relative to the example shown and the orientation of the roof 82 and splash guard 120 may be reversed so that the guard 120 is on the right and the roof 82 is on the left, and other configurations are =

possible. Pulling on cable 122 towards first edge 116B may lift the guard 120 away from second edge 116C and pull bar 136 and guard 120 towards first edge 116B. This may cause guard 120 to swing about hinge 121 into the deployed position (Fig. 13) around second edge 116C.
[0079] Movement from deployed to stowed may be carried out by a suitable procedure, for example the reverse of the sequence from Figs. 11-13. Splash guard 120 may be structured to return from the deployed position to the stowed position by gravity. A center of gravity 131 of splash guard 120 may be spaced to the side of the hinge axis 121D, for example the right closer to edge 116B than axis 121D. The location and weight of support member 134, stop member 132 and bar 136 may be selected to position center of gravity 131 as such. Thus, when tension in cable 122 is released, for example by the roof 82 beginning to swing down into a closed position, guard 120 begins to swing by gravity from the deployed position (Fig. 13) back into the stowed position (Fig. 12). Referring to Fig.
14B, a plurality of cables 122 may be used, such as cables at the front and rear ends 12A and 12B of the container 12 as shown, to provide torque on splash guard 120 from multiple points, for example on the front and rear end of guard 120. Support member 134 may be formed by a plurality of supports that are spaced along a longitudinal length of guard 120 and are connected to one another via a structural part, such as a bar or rod (not pictured).
[0080] Referring to Figs. 11-15, a tensioner 138 may be used to maintain and adjust tension along cable 122. Tensioner 138 may extend from roof 82 to connect to cable 122.
Tensioner 138 may act to reduce slack in cable 122 created by the opening and closing of roof 82. Referring to Fig. 15, tensioner 138 may comprise a spring. Tensioner 138 may be biased to pull cable 122 towards a center axis 82A of roof 82, the center axis 82A defining a vertical plane that bisects the container 12 into two halves as shown.
Unwanted slack in the cable 122 may limit or prevent the proper deployment of guard 120.
[0081] Referring to Figs. 11 - 13, splash guard 120 may protect a roof lock 123 on or adjacent perimeter rim 116. When in the deployed position (Fig. 13), splash guard 120 may extend to at least partially cover perimeter rim 116, for example second edge 116C. Guard 120 may reduce the amount of material 13 contacting the lock 123 during loading through opening 118. Referring to Fig. 11, roof lock 123 may secure roof 82 to rim 116 when roof 82 is in the closed position. In the example shown a latch is used, but other roof locks may be used including hydraulic and mechanical actuated locking systems. Plural roof locks 124 may be used.
[0082] Referring to Figs. 14A, 16 and 17, as above a roof lock 123, such as provided by a single locking part or a plurality of locking parts 124 (shown), may be spaced along a second side 184 of container 12 to secure and release roof 82 over the top opening 118. Roof 82 may mount to container 12 via a hinge 186 positioned along a first side 182 of container 12, while roof lock 123 may run along the second side 184. First side 182 and second side 184 may be opposing sides of container 12. The roof lock 123 and roof 82 may be mounted at suitable respective locations on the container 12, for example on walls 16A-C, or along top perimeter rim 116 as shown. Referring to Fig. 14A, the top perimeter rim 116 is understood as including, in the example shown, the surface area of the top 117 of the container 12.
[0083] Referring to Figs. 14A, 16 and 17 the roof lock 123, such as the plurality of locking parts 124, may be mounted on a shaft 168, which runs along the second side 184.
Shaft 168 may effectively gang the locking parts 124 together such that movements of the shaft 168 move each of the locking parts 124. The shaft 168 may operate the locking parts 124 by a suitable motion, such as by rotating or reciprocating to move locking parts 124 between a locked position, such as the position shown in Figs. 11 and 16, and an unlocked position, such as the position shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 17. Referring to Figs. 11, 13, and 14A, in the example shown, shaft 168 rotates to operate locking parts 124 and bring locking parts 124 into and out of contact with roof 82, for example into and out of contact with strike plates 176 mounted on roof 82. Referring to Fig. 14A, shaft 168 may be mounted in a suitable fashion, for example via one or more shaft retainer guides, such as a series of plates 170 that are spaced along the shaft 168 and that mount the shaft 168 via respective slots or apertures 171 defined by the plates 170. The axial ends 173 of the shaft 168 may be mounted or otherwise retained in place by suitable retainer guides, such as bearing plates 172. Plates 170 and 172 cooperate to align the shaft 168 in place during use, and to anchor the shaft 168 along the length of the edge 116A.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 14A, shaft 168 and locking parts 124 may form a camming mechanism to release and secure the roof 82. Shaft 168 may form a cam shaft, and locking parts 124 may each form respective cam arm locking parts mounted along the shaft 168.
Each locking part 124 may rotate to advance a respective cam surface 177, which is radially offset from the shaft 168, into contact with a part of roof 82, such as a respective strike plate 176. Each locking part 124 may be advanced to apply pressure against the plates 176 to compress roof 82 for example in a direction 188, against the rim 116 to close top opening 118. Top rim 116 may be lined by a compressible seal (not pictured) that contacts the roof 82 upon closing to form a seal between the roof 82 and the rim 116.
[0085] Referring to Figs. 14A, 16 and 17, a suitable actuator 178 may be connected to operate the locking part or parts 124 to secure and release the roof 82.
The actuator 178 may be powered by a non-human drive, such as a hydraulic power source in the example shown where the actuator 178 is a hydraulic actuator. Referring to Figs. 16 and 17, actuator 178 may be connected to rotate shaft 168 to operate the plurality of locking parts 124.
Actuator 178 may connect to rotate shaft 168 via a lever such as a cam arm 180. In the example shown, actuator 178 extends and retracts arm or piston I 79 to rotate cam arm 180 about shaft axis 181, to rotate shaft 168 to, in the example shown, release and secure, respectively the roof 82.
[0086] Referring to Figs. 14A, 18, and 19, power for the actuators 130, 178, or 130 and 178 may be supplied via a suitable mechanism. Hydraulic power may be provided by a common hydraulic system, such as a system supplied by a hydraulic tank 224 and pump (not shown) on the tractor truck 62. In other cases, each of the sets of actuators 130 or 178 may have independent hydraulic power systems. In the example shown, the hydraulic system is also be connected to operate the container tilting part 76, Referring to Fig.
14A, two or more actuators 178 may be used, such as a pair of actuators 178, each associated with, for example connected at or near, a respective axial end 173 of the shaft 168. In the example shown the actuators 178 are connected to operate in unison. Two or more actuators 130 may be used, such as a pair of actuators 130, each associated with, for example connected at or near, a respective axial end 175 of the roof 82. In the example shown the actuators 130 are connected to operate in unison.

[0087] Referring to Figs. 14A, 18, and 19, the hydraulic power and control system may be connected in a suitable fashion. The hydraulic tank 224 may feed and return, via supply and return lines 198 and 200, a control unit, such as control device 60B on the container 12. The control device 60B may include one or more diverter valve 190, for example for permitting the user to switch between hoist (tilting) operation or roof operation.
When a user wishes to tilt the container 12, cab control device 60A may be set to neutral, the diverter valve 190 is set, for example depressed, to switch to hoist operation, and the control device 60A used to raise or lower the container 12 via supply and return lines 202 and 204 to the tilting part 76. One or both of devices 60A or 60B may control any part or all of the operations of the container 12, including tilting, roof opening/closing, and roof locking/unlocking.
[0088] Referring to Figs. 14A, 18, and 19, when the user wishes to operate the roof 82, the diverter valve 190 may be set, for example pulled out, to switch to roof operation.
The valve 190 may feed a roof lock control valve 192 via supply and return lines 206 and 208. The diverter valve 190 in the example feeds a roof control valve 194 via supply and return lines 210 and 212. In the example shown the valve 190 feeds the valves 192 and 194 in parallel, but other arrangements may be used, including an arrangement where a failsafe system prevents simultaneous operation of the roof lock and roof, or where the roof is prevented from closing or opening while the roof lock is closed. One or both of valves 192 and 194 may be structured to have two or more positions, for example including two positions that each reverse the flow relative to the other position in respective supply and return lines 214, 216, 218, and 220.
[0089] The hydraulic circuit may be set up in a suitable fashion. The hydraulic lines 214, 216, 218, and 220 may receive fluid from valves 192 and 194 as shown and may run along the structural frame 47 to the rear end 12B of the container 12, passing up to the top of the container 12, where each respective line splits into front and rear lines for example in parallel to supply the respective actuators 130 and 178 at the front and rear ends 12A and 12B of the container 12. The hydraulic lines may be protected from the elements by a suitable mechanism such as by embedding the lines in the container 12 or by running the lines along the top of the container but protecting same using a protective shroud 222. In the example shown, only the hydraulic supply and return line connections to the actuators 130 and 178 are shown, but it should be understood that the connections to the actuators 130 and 178 at the front end 12A are identical in this example. While the roof 82 is closed, the user may switch the valve 192 into the open position to unlock the roof 82. The user may then open the valve 194 into the open position to open the roof 82. Once the container 12 is unloaded, the user may switch the valve 194 into the closed position to close the roof 82, and after closing, may switch the valve 192 into the closed position. Roof opening, closing, locking, and unlocking may be carried out at any stage in the tilting process, either when the container 12 is horizontal, fully tilted, or anywhere in between.
[0090] Examples of suitable actuators 130 and 178 include: a chain actuator, a screw jack, a winch, a gear and sprocket, an electric motor, and others. The actuator 178 may comprise a suitable torque enhancement part such as a gear reducer (not shown). Shaft 168 and roof lock 123 may be operated by a manual actuator in some cases, such as a hand crank.
Plural roof locks 124 may be used, such as locks on plural sides of the container 12.
[0091] Referring to Figs. 11 - 13, a method of closing and opening roof 82 is depicted. Referring to Fig. 11, roof 82 may be in a closed position over top opening 118 and secured by a plurality of locking parts 124 that contact roof 82 and prevent rotation about hinge 186. Referring to Figs. 12-13, actuator 178 may operate locking parts 124 by rotating cam arm 180 and shaft 168 to release roof 82. Roof 82 may be then opened by rotating about hinge 186. Referring to Fig. 13, during rotation of roof 82, splash guard 120 may move into the deployed position at least partially over locking parts 124. In some cases the roof locking parts 124 may prevent the opening or leaking of the roof 82 during a rollover.
[0092] Splash guard 120, for example panel 120A, may be made of a suitable material. For example, guard 120 may comprise a hydrophobic coating, such as TEFLONTm, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and others, to reduce interactions between material 13 and guard 120. In some cases guard 120 is coated, for example steel or aluminum coated with paint. Container 12 may be a type of container other than an end dump container, for example an open top bin. The dump gate may be located in the side or front walls of the container 12. The container 12 may be formed of four discrete walls or may have more or less than four walls. A spring includes a mechanical and fluid device unless context dictates otherwise. Up, down, above, below, under, over, and other such words are relative and should not be limited to definitions based on the direction of gravitational acceleration on the Earth unless context dictates otherwise. A container with an open top or a removeable /
openable roof may allow material to be loaded through a roof access opening, for example using an auger or a backhoe, and also permits access to the container for cleaning and maintenance purposes. In some cases the baffle 22 may slide from the upright position into a pre-dump position along the tracks 72, with a stop or stops provided to prevent the baffle 22 from being fully removed from the tracks. Once dumping is complete the baffles 22 may then be slide back into the upright position. The container 12 may incorporate features not described such as a vibrator mounted underneath the container 12 to facilitate dumping.
[0093] In the claims, the word "comprising" is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles "a" and "an"
before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus comprising:
an end dump container with a base and a perimeter wall that collectively define an interior storage cavity;
a dump gate in the end dump container;
a baffle mounted to swing within the interior storage cavity;
a baffle locking part configured to:
secure the baffle in an upright position; and disengage the baffle to permit the baffle to swing while dumping.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the baffle locking part comprises an arm that has:
an extended position to secure the baffle; and a retracted position to disengage the baffle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the arm comprises a piston.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which the baffle locking part comprises a push-type spring brake.

5. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 - 4 further comprising a source of pressurized air connected to actuate the baffle locking part to disengage the baffle.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the source of pressurized air is connected to actuate a dump gate locking part to release the dump gate from a locked position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a control device connected to control the supply of air pressure from the source of pressurized air to actuate both the baffle locking part and the dump gate locking part.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the source of pressurized air is part of an air suspension system for a tractor truck or the end dump container.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 in which the source of pressurized air is an air suspension bag.

10. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 - 9 further comprising a source of fluid that is connected to actuate:
the baffle locking part to disengage the baffle; and actuate a dump gate locking part to release the dump gate from a locked position.

11. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 - 10 in which the baffle locking part secures the baffle in the upright position between the baffle locking part and a stop formed in the interior storage cavity.

12. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 - 11 in which the baffle locking part is mounted to or within the base of the end dump container.

13. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 - 12 in which the interior storage cavity contains invert fluid and drill cuttings from an oil or gas well drilling operation.

14. The apparatus of any one of claim 1 - 13 in which interior surfaces of the base and perimeter wall comprise a hydrophobic coating.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 in which the hydrophobic coating comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 - 15 further comprising:
a structural frame supporting the end dump container; and a hydraulic power assembly connected to tilt the end dump container relative to the structural frame.

17. A method comprising:
transporting an end dump container to a dumping site, the end dump container containing a baffle secured by a baffle locking part against relative movement within an interior storage cavity of the end dump container;
actuating a baffle locking part to disengage the baffle to permit the baffle to pivot;
and dumping the contents of the interior storage cavity through a gate in the end dump container.

18. The method of claim 17 in which disengaging further comprising retracting a piston of the baffle locking part.

19. The method of claim 18 in which the baffle locking part comprises a push-type spring brake.

20. The method of any one of claim 17 - 19 in which actuating further comprises pressurizing an air supply line to the baffle locking part to actuate the baffle locking part to disengage the baffle.

21. The method of claim 20 in which actuating further comprises pressurizing the air supply line to a gate locking part to actuate the gate locking part to unlock a gate in the end dump container.

22. The method of any one of claim 20 - 21 in which air pressure is supplied to the air supply line via an air suspension system on a tractor truck or the end dump container.

23. The method of any one of claim 17 - 22 further comprising, while dumping, before dumping, or during and before dumping, tilting a first end, higher than a second end, of the end dump container, the gate being located at or near the second end.

24. The method of claim 23 in which the first end is tilted:
to a first height above the second end prior to dumping; and to a second height above the first height while dumping.

25. The method of any one of claim 23 - 24 further comprising, while dumping, before dumping, or during and before dumping, opening a roof of the end dump container.

26. An apparatus comprising:
an end dump container with a base and a perimeter wall that collectively define an interior storage cavity, which contains flowable material;
a dump gate in the end dump container;
a baffle mounted in an upright position within the interior storage cavity;
and in which the end dump container has a pre-dump position where the baffle is at least partially removed from within the interior storage cavity.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising stops to restrict the baffle from relative movement within the end dump container.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 in which the stops form a track along which the baffle is mounted to slide into and out of the interior storage cavity between the upright position and the pre-dump position.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 in which the track is formed by a set of bars that are spaced to define a groove that receives a side edge of the baffle when in the upright position.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 in which the stops include stops that extend along a base of the baffle.

31. The apparatus of any one of claim 26 - 30 further comprising a lift bar connected to the baffle.

32. The apparatus of any one of claim 26 - 31 further comprising a locking part that secures the baffle in the upright position.

33. A method comprising:
transporting an end dump container to a dumping site, the end dump container containing a baffle within an interior storage cavity of the end dump container, the interior storage cavity containing a flowable material;
at least partially removing the baffle from the end dump container; and dumping the flowable material from the interior storage cavity through a gate in the end dump container.

34. The method of claim 33 in which dumping further comprises tilting a first end above a second end of the end dump container, in which the gate is at or near the second end.

35. The method of any one of claim 33 - 34 in which at least partially removing comprises entirely removing the baffle from the interior storage cavity of the end dump container.

36. The method of any one of claim 33 - 35 in which the baffle is removed by lifting the baffle out of the end dump container using a crane.

37. The method of any one of claim 33 - 36 further comprising reinserting the baffle into the end dump container after dumping.

38. An apparatus comprising:
an open top container with a base and a perimeter wall that collectively define an interior storage cavity, the open top container having a top perimeter rim that bounds a top opening into the interior storage cavity;
a roof mounted to open and close over the top opening; and a splash guard that moves into a deployed position to direct material through the top opening and down into the interior storage cavity.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 in which the splash guard is mounted to swing between:
a stowed position inside the interior storage cavity; and the deployed position.

40. The apparatus of claim 39 in which the splash guard is mounted to an interior surface of the perimeter wall to swing between the stowed position and the deployed position.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 in which, when in the stowed position, an upper fluid diverter surface of the splash guard sits at or above a top surface of working materials stored in the interior storage cavity.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 in which the splash guard comprises a stop that, when in the stowed position, rests against the interior surface to retain the upper fluid diverter surface of the splash guard at or above the top surface of the working materials.

43. The apparatus of any one of claim 40 - 42 in which the splash guard is connected to move into the deployed position simultaneous with the opening of the roof.

44. The apparatus of claim 43 in which the splash guard is connected by a cable to the roof to pull a part of the splash guard to move the splash guard into the deployed position.

45. The apparatus of claim 44 in which:

the roof is pivotally mounted to a first edge of the top perimeter rim; and the splash guard is mounted to swing upward and deploy at least partially over a second edge, of the top perimeter rim, opposite the first edge.

46. The apparatus of any one of claim 44 - 45 in which the splash guard is structured to return to the stowed position by gravity upon release of tension in the cable.

47. The apparatus of any one of claim 39 - 44 in which the roof is pivotally mounted to a first edge of the top perimeter rim, and the splash guard is mounted to deploy at least partially over a second edge, of the top perimeter rim, opposite the first edge.

48. The apparatus of any one of claim 38 - 47 in which the splash guard is shaped such that, when in the deployed position, an upper fluid diverter surface of the splash guard is sloped downward to funnel fluids into the interior storage cavity.

49. The apparatus of any one of claim 38 - 48 further comprising a roof lock for locking the roof in a closed position, in which the splash guard at least partially covers the roof lock when in the deployed position.

50. A method comprising:
opening a roof of an open top container to expose a top opening into an interior storage cavity defined by the open top container; and moving a splash guard into a deployed position at least partially over an edge of a top perimeter rim, which bounds the top opening.

51. The method of claim 50 further comprising loading material into the open top container through the top opening.

52. The method of any one of claim 50 - 51 in which the splash guard is moved from a stowed position, within the interior storage cavity, into the deployed position.

53. The method of claim 52 further comprising:
moving the splash guard from the deployed position into the stowed position;
and closing the roof.

54. The method of any one of claim 52 - 53 in which the splash guard is mounted to an interior surface of the perimeter wall to move by swinging between the stowed position and the deployed position.

55. The method of claim 54 in which, when the interior storage cavity is filled with working material to a top fill level adjacent the top opening, and the splash guard is in the stowed position, an upper fluid diverter surface of the splash guard sits at or above a top surface of the working material.

56. The method of any one of claim 50 - 55 in which the splash guard is connected to be moved into the deployed position simultaneous with the opening of the roof.

57. The method of any one of claim 50 - 56 in which, when the splash guard is in the deployed position, the splash guard at least partially covers a roof lock for locking the roof in a closed position.

58. An apparatus comprising:
an open top container with a base and a perimeter wall that collectively define an interior storage cavity, the open top container having a top perimeter rim that bounds a top opening into the interior storage cavity;
a roof mounted by a hinge along a first side of the open top container to open and close over the top opening;
a plurality of locking parts spaced along a second side of the open top container; and an actuator connected to operate the plurality of locking parts to secure and release the roof.

59. The apparatus of claim 58 in which the plurality of locking parts are mounted on a shaft, which runs along the second side.

60. The apparatus of claim 59 in which the actuator is connected to rotate the shaft to operate the plurality of locking parts.

61. The apparatus of claim 60 in which the shaft is a cam shaft and the plurality of locking parts are a plurality of cam arm locking parts.

62. The apparatus of any one of claim 60 - 61 in which the actuator is connected to rotate the shaft by being connected to rotate a cam arm, which is connected to the shaft.

63. The apparatus of any one of claim 58 - 62 in which the actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

64. The apparatus of any one of claim 58 - 63 in which the plurality of locking parts are mounted along the top perimeter rim.

65. The apparatus of any one of claim 58 - 64 in which the hinge is mounted along the top perimeter rim.

66. A method comprising:
closing a roof, of an open top container, to cover a top opening into an interior storage cavity defined by the open top container; and using an actuator to operate a plurality of locking parts, which are spaced along a side of the open top container, to secure the roof.

67. The method of claim 66 further comprising:
using the actuator to operate the plurality of locking parts to release the roof; and opening the roof.

68. The method of claim 67 further comprising moving a splash guard into a deployed position at least partially over the plurality of locking parts.

69. The method of any one of claim 66 - 68 in which:
the plurality of locking parts comprise cam arm locking parts mounted on a cam shaft; and the actuator is connected to rotate the cam shaft to operate the plurality of locking parts.