MXPA98000567A - Apparatus to seal automatically an articulated hopper - Google Patents

Abstract

Se proporciona un dispositivo mecánico para colocar automáticamente una placa de cierre para sellar la abertura creada por el pliegue de segmentos adyacentes de una tolva articulada para evitar de esta manera la descarga indeseada o fuga de la tolva. El dispositivo, el cual es particularmenteútil en camiones de cemento, incluye una placa de cierre unida giratoriamente a un segmento de la tolva y dispuesta para articularse bajo un segmento adyacente de la tolva de tal manera que la placa de cierre sella la abertura cuando la tolva estáen una configuración plegada y, cuando los segmentos están sin plegar para suministrar una carga, gira a una posición de despeje de la trayectoria de descarga. El dispositivo también incluye un medio para desviar de forma sellante la placa de cierre a distancia de la trayectoria de descarga cuando los segmentos están en una posición desplegada o extendida.

Description

APPARATUS TO AUTOMATICALLY SEAL A ARTICULATED HOPE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to means and methods for articulated sealant and non-sealant supply chutes such as those used to deliver concrete from a truck or container to a specific site and particularly with devices and methods that prevent the unwanted discharge of excess or insufficient material from the articulated supply hoppers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Concrete mixers, and particularly those mounted on vehicles, are very important for the t-industry of construction since they are necessary for mixing concrete and for the timely transportation of concrete to construction sites to pour into shapes or cavities. Many concrete mixers discharge the mixed concrete down the discharge path "from an articulated hopper of two or more sections to near the desired specific location. Many concrete mixers on the site employ similar articulated hoppers or tubes to deliver mixed concrete to a specific desired location. A necessary part of the supply and shedding process is the cleaning of the supply hopper to avoid the accumulations of hardened concrete in the mixer and on the discharge surfaces of the hopper. In the past, after unloading the charge from the mixer, the hopper was cleaned with water, and the resulting residue was pumped into a field or vacant fields. This concrete residue created environmental problems, when it hardened, making the soil non-working. In addition, soil contamination by liquids and concrete solids killed plant life, preventing future plant growth, contaminated water routes and a source of harm to humans and animals. Due to these disadvantages of the concrete pouring process, many jurisdictions now prohibit the washing of concrete waste from concrete hoppers. Since these disadvantages became more well-known, it is expected that many cities and towns have such prohibitions in the near future. As a result of such current laws, the hoppers are now only scraped after supplying the concrete, as can be best achieved with a scraper, shovel or similar device. The amount of concrete residue remaining in the hopper varies greatly, depending on the consistency of the slurry, the skills and motivation of the operator, and the time allowed to achieve cleaning of the concrete waste from the hopper after delivery. Such concrete waste can be a major safety hazard, because concrete supply vehicles travel on public highways and highways in order to return to their fixed base or remittance plant. During such a trip, lost particles, aggregates of rocks and concrete lumps sometimes fall out of the hopper, which often results in damage such as broken windshields, dents, and damaged paint from other vehicles on the highway. In addition, the unwanted discharge of concrete can also result in damage or death to people hit by such particles, aggregate rocks and lumps. Undesired discharge can also result in vehicular accidents. As a consequence of these dangers, it is illegal to throw or unload anything on public highways and highways. U.S. Patent No. 5,354,128 issued to Lewis discloses dust covers, configured to be manually stretched, by the operator of a cement truck, on the end of a folded hopper, and fastened thereto by multiple elastic cords. This Lewis canvas device is not substantially. enough to withstand the load and wear and tear that is encountered during the normal operation of a cement truck. Due to these deficiencies, the canvas develops tear and holes through which cement or cement aggregate leaks onto the streets, highways and other locations to create inconveniences and hazards. In addition, these tarpaulin devices sometimes fly out of vehicles while they travel at high speed on the highway. An additional problem with tarpaulin covers is that they need the intervention of the drivers of the cement vehicle in the placement and securing of the cover in the hopper after each operation. As a result, cement truck drivers frequently discard the die, leading to a loss of protection, potential undesired discharge tendency over others. vehicles and on the highway and conflict between drivers and company managers. These deficiencies result in the problems and hazards listed above. U.S. Patent No. 5,186,299 issued to Stimson shows another device, which attempts to solve the common problems of cement truck hoppers but fails to be close to doing so. The Stimson device is a manually installed rigid closure, which locks the discharge path from the truck to the end of a cement hopper but only in the extrude of a deployed hopper. Thus, the Stimson device does not seal the opening created by the folded segments of a hopper and therefore does not work to prevent unwanted discharge of concrete when a supply vehicle to which it is attached is traveling on roads and highways. In addition, the Stimson closure is not permanently attached to the hopper. Due to this, the use of the device presents the additional problem of accidents due to the loss of the closure during transit, that is, the possibility that the Stimson device falls off the truck while it is moving. Consequently, there is an important and urgent need for an apparatus, which is robust, reliable, and favored by drivers of cement supply vehicles, which automatically places itself to cover the opening formed by the ends of the vehicles. segments of a folded concrete hopper to prevent debris from leaking out of concrete vehicle hoppers, while vehicles are on roads and highways, or in environmentally or restricted areas. CHARACTERISTICS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a hopper closure apparatus suitable for use in concrete supply vehicles, concrete mixers and other containers of flowable materials, such as cement, uncured cement , gunite, and gravel, which apparatus prevents unwanted discharge of material from an articulated hopper and prevents debris from leaving such a vehicle while on roads or highways, thereby avoiding property damage, injury, or death. A further object of this invention is to provide a hopper closure apparatus that is fully automatic with respect to self-positioning of the hopper closure door to the extent that its operation does not require extra action by a driver or operator. A further objective of this invention is to provide a hopper closure apparatus that is robust and reliable and which can be operated safely, without having sharp points that could injure an operator. Another object of this invention is to provide a hopper closure apparatus that can be permanently attached to a hopper, that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, that has a long service life and that can be installed quickly and easily. It is still a further object of the invention to provide a combined hopper-with a closure apparatus that provides full access to the top of the hopper when the hopper segments are deployed or extended one with respect to each other to interfere with the actions of the hopper. and normal operator procedures during concrete discharge. . Still another object of the invention is to provide a hopper closure apparatus that fits properly and operates on conventional hoppers in the art., while also accommodating all the manufacturing-inadequacies and misalignments that exist in the hoppers. In accordance with these and other objects of the invention, an articulated barrel having at least two segments and a self-positioning closure is provided to prevent unintentional discharge of material from the hopper. The hopper comprises a main segment having a loading end and a connecting end. The loading end is suitable for a source of flowable material, such as fluid concrete, cement, shotcrete or gravel, wherein the connector ends form a connector end ring where the main segment comprises means for rotatably connecting a supply segment. A supply segment adjacent to and rotatably connected to the main segment, wherein the supply segment has a coupling end and a discharge end, and wherein the coupling end forms a coupling ring (i) to connect the Reversible and sealable form to the ring of the main segment connecting segment to thereby form a continuous discharge path for the flowable material when the hopper is in an unfolded position, (ii) to form with the round end rings, the end rings connectors, as a sealable opening when the main segment and the supply segment rotate with respect to each other in a folded position. The hopper is also; provided with a bracket with closure plate, for rotationally joining a closure plate, wherein the closure plate bracket is disposed on the connector end of the supply segment in a position that is distal to the means for rotatably connecting the segment of supply with the main segment. In addition, the hopper comprises a closure plate, rotatably attached to a closure plate bracket, wherein the closure plate has a sealing face, an external face, and at least one attachment point for attaching at least one diverter means. with the closure plate, such that the sealing face of the closure plate is brought into contact with the sealable opening when the main segment and the supply segment rotate with respect to each other in a folded position. at least one means for deflecting the closure plate i) towards the sealable opening when the main segment and the supply segment rotate with respect to each other in a folded position, to thereby seal the opening, and ii) at a distance from the discharge path when the main segment and the supply segment rotate with respect to each other in an unfolded position, to clear the discharge path in such a way that the hopper can be articulated form a controllable between the folded position and the deployed position. According to other objects of the invention, the flowable material can be a cement material such as Portland cement, cement and limestone aggregate, and gunite. In accordance with yet other objects of the invention, the means for deflecting the closure plate can be disconnected from the plate so that the latter can freely rotate to any position and the plate can rotate to clear the sealable opening and the discharge path when the hopper segments rotate with respect to each other in a folded position. In accordance with still other significant objects of the invention, the hopper comprises a latch for securing the closure plate in a sealing position on the sealable opening when the main segment and the supply segment rotate with respect to each other in a folded position. Suitable means for deflecting the closure plate include one or more selected from the group consisting of compression springs, tension springs, torsion springs, springs formed of composite materials, rubber cords, synthetic rubber cords, elastic cords, pistons. hydraulic, and cable systems that include pulleys, cables and weights. In addition, the closure plate may comprise one or more materials from the group consisting of metals, hard rubber, plastics, composite materials and wood. According to further objectives of the invention, the closure plate comprises a step or displacement to provide space for the fingers between the plate and the coupling ring of the end segment when the main segment and the supply segment rotate with respect to each other in a folded position, and can comprise at least one handle. The means for deflecting the closure plate may comprise a tensioned elastic cord or a tensioned elastic cord disposed within a tube of sufficient length for the tube to comprise a stop for the plate when the segments are in an unfolded position to maintain This way the plate in a predetermined position. In accordance with further additional objects of the invention, means for attaching the hopper to a cement supply vehicle can be provided. Also, the segments of the hopper may be rotatably connected to one another by means of a hinge, and a knocker may be provided to secure the closure plate over the sealable opening when the segments are in a folded position. In addition, the sealing surface of the closure plate may comprise a deformable ring arranged to couple the coupling ring and the connecting ring when the segments are in a folded position. According to other "significant objectives of the invention, a self-positioning closure is provided to seal an articulated hopper where the hopper has at least two segments. A self-positioning closure according to the invention is adaptable to hoppers where a main segment has a load end suitable for communication with a source of pumpable material, and a connector end, the connector end forms a connector end ring and comprises means for rotatably connecting with the supply segment, and the supply segment is disposed adjacent to the main segment and is rotatably connected thereto and has a matching end, the matching end forms a coupling ring to reverse connect to the ring of the the main segment connector end, and the main segment and the supply segment form a discharge path for the flowable material when the segments rotate with respect to each other in an unfolded position. A self-positioning closure according to the invention comprises a closure plate bracket for rotatably holding a closure plate, wherein the closure plate bracket is disposed at the connector end of the supply segment in a position which is distal to the medium to connect. Turning the supply segment to the main segment rotatably, the closure plate is rotatably connected to the bracket of the closure plate, the closure plate has a sealing face, an outer face, and at least one attachment point for joining at least one half diverter to the closure plate, and the sealing face of the closure plate is pulled into contact with the sealable opening when the main segment and the supply segment rotate with respect to each other in a folded position, and includes at least one means for deflecting the closure plate i) towards the sealable opening when the main segment and the supply segment rotate with respect to each other in a folded position, and ii) at a distance from the discharge path when the main segment and the segment of supply rotate one with respect to the other in an unfolded position, wherein the hopper can be controllably articulated between the folded position and the unfolded position. In summary, the present invention achieves all of the foregoing by providing a very substantial hopper closure door, made of, for example, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or other rigid plastics or composite materials, which pivot preferably from a cantilever. steel, which is permanently welded to output toivas. The hopper closure plate can be maintained against the hopper by means of elastic cords, springs, hydraulic pistons, or by other means for deflecting a plate towards a ring or opening in a sealable manner. The hopper and bracket closure plate are geometrically arranged to cause the hopper closure door to automatically cover the opening formed by the rings of the respective segments when the adjacent segments rotate with respect to each other in a folded position. In addition, the hopper closure plate is automatically articulated through the rim of the supply segment to be disposed of the discharge path when the adjacent segments of the hopper segments rotate in an un-folded position. Also, when necessary, the diverter means, such as for example elastic cords, may be disconnected to allow the closure plate to rotate away from the brazing path when the segments of the hopper are in an unfolded position, if desired, as needed when freshly mixed concrete is discharged into a concrete pump or otherwise. The above and other features of the invention will be more fully explained and explained in the description of the preferred embodiment and the following drawings: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description of a embodiment of the invention wherein the above-listed objects and other objects will be more apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention in the deployed or extended position as it would be used in a typical concrete supply vehicle; Figure 2 is a side view showing the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 wherein the adjacent segments of the hopper have been rotated with respect to one another in a folded position; Figure 3 is a longitudinal view of the invention shown in Figure 1, wherein the closure plate is offset in a sealed manner over the opening formed by the rings of the adjacent segments of the folded hopper; Figures 4 (A) to (D) sequentially show the rotation of the adjacent segments of the invention as shown in the previous figures from the folded position in Figure 4 (A) to the position shown in Figure 4 (D). ); Figure 5 shows the adjacent segments of the hopper of the invention folded and where the closure plate has been rotated to clear the discharge path as it might be needed in the shedding, of material in a closed or confined space. Figure 6 is a view. side of the embodiment of the invention shown in figure 2 and further comprising a knocker. Figure 7 is a longitudinal view of the invention as shown in Figure 3 and - further comprising the knocker as shown in Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring now to Figures 1 to 7 an apparatus is shown of hopper closure according to the present invention as installed in a typical concrete supply vehicle or other fluid concrete container or similar flowable materials. All the drawings refer to the same embodiment of the present invention, and therefore, the reference numerals in all the drawings refer to corresponding structures in other drawings. Figures 6 and 7 show the embodiment of the invention of Figures 1 to 5, and further comprise a self-positioning knocker. Figure 1 is a side view showing one embodiment of the invention in the deployed position as it could be used in a typical concrete truck. The main segment 1, which is formed of steel, has the load end 3, the connector end 5, and the ring of the connector end 7, and is rotatably attached to the adjacent supply segment 11 by hinges 9. The supply segment 11, which is also formed of steel, has the discharge end 15, the matching end 13, and matching end ring 17. The relative dimensions of the coupling ring 17 and the connecting end ring 7 are such that they are coupled narrowly to substantially seal the gasket formed therebetween when the adjacent segments are in a deployed position with respect to the outer face 25 and the sealing face 23. The closing plate 21 is rotatably connected to the coupling end 13 of the supply segment 11 by means of the bracket of the closing plate 19, which is positioned distal to the hinges 9. The closing plate 21 is provided with the finger fastening 27 for joining a first end. rowing 26 of, the elastic cord 29, which is disposed within the positioning tube 24, in the plate 21. The main segment '11 is provided with fastening loops 31 for joining a second end 26 of the elastic cord 29 with the loading end 3 of the main segment 1 for thereby diverting the plate 21 away from the discharge path formed by the coupling of the main segment 1 and the discharge segment 11. The positioning tube 24 is provided to fix the distance to : wherein the closure plate 21 is held away from the loading end 3 to thereby provide space between the closure plate 21 and the cement truck spacer 33. The spacer of the cement truck 33 and the spacer bracket 38 they are shown to represent the relative position of various elements of the invention with respect to a vehicle "of cement supply attached. Means other than elastic cord 29 are suitable for deflecting closure plate 21. For example, a hydraulic piston or tension spring may be attached in a manner similar to that shown for the elastic cord 29. Another means for deflecting the closure plate 21 is to use a torsion spring about a connector pin 34 of the closure plate 21. A means for providing additional deflection force on the plate 21 when the adjacent segments of the hopper are in the folded position is the knocker 41, as detailed below in figures 6 and 7. Figure 2 is a side view showing the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 wherein the hopper has been hinged in the folded position and the closure plate 21 has been modified to include the spoke 32 to provide rim flange space 37 of the connector end when the supply segment 11 rotates with respect to the main segment causing the closure plate 21 to slide through connecting the connector ring 7 to arrive at the folded position. In the folded position, adjacent segments of the hopper have been rotated relative to each other around the hinges 9 so that the discharge end 15 of the supply segment 11 rests against a portion of the main segment 1 which is close to the load end 3: of the main segment 1, and the sealing face 23 of the closure plate 21 is deflected against the rim of the connector end 7 by the elastic cord 29 to thereby seal the opening created within the rim of the connector end 7 and the coupling ring 17. Figure 3 is a longitudinal view facing the outer face 25 of the closure plate 21 of the invention as shown in Figure 1 where the closure plate 21 is deflected over the opening - formed by the rings of the adjacent segments 1 and 11 of the folded hopper. The plate 21 is provided with cutouts 39 to provide space for the plate around the hinges 9 and is also provided with clamping fingers 27 for holding the ends of the elastic cords to the plate 21 in order to deflect the sealing face 23 from the plate 21 towards the ring of the connector end 7 and the coupling ring 17 of the folded segments 1 and 11. Figures 4 (A) to (D) sequentially show the rotation of the adjacent segments of the invention from the folded position in Figure 4 (A) to the position shown in Figure 4 (D). In Figure 4 (A), the closure plate 21 is positioned to seal the opening created by the adjacent folded hopper segments. In Figure 4 (B), the supply segment 11 is rotated partially with respect to the main segment 1. In Figure 4 (C), the supply segment 11 is further rotated with respect to the main segment 1. In Figure 4 (D), the supply segment 11 is rotated fully to form a seal with the main segment 1 and the closure plate 21 is kept clear of the discharge path for the fluid concrete. Figure 5 shows the adjacent segments 1 and 11 of the invention in the folded position and where the closure plate 21 has been disconnected from the elastic cords 29 and rotated to clear the discharge path as it might be necessary in the emptying of material in a closed or confined space. In this way, the present invention can be easily adapted to conform to conventional cement supply vehicles and for use in a confined space. Figure 6 is a side view showing the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 and further comprising the knocker 41, preferably made of steel plate and provided with curved surfaces as is known in the art. The knocker 41 is connected to the closing clamp 21 by clamping bolts 45, or by rivets, or any means in the metal clamping technique. The knocker 41 has arms 43 and knocker fingers 47. When the main segment 1 and the supply segment 11 rotate in the folded position, the knocker fingers 47 engage the flange of the ring of the connector end 37 to thereby drive the closure plate 21 towards the connector end 7. of the main segment 1 and thus seal the opening created by folding the segments -r adjacent 1 and 11. Figure 7 is a longitudinal view of the invention as shown in Figure 6. The knocker 41 is connected to the closure plate 21 by fastening bolts 45 through longitudinal fastening openings in the knocker 41 , or by rivets, welding, or any other means in the technique of metal fastening. The knocker 41 has arms 43 which are contiguous with the latch fingers 47. The latch fingers 47 are sufficiently arched to engage the rim of the rim of the connector end 37 when the main segment 1 and the supply segment 11 rotate in the position folded The knocker 41 is provided with longitudinal fastening openings for fastening bolts 45 such that the position of the knocker 41 with respect to the locking plate 21 and the edge or flange 37 of the connecting end can be adjusted to provide a tight seal with the ring 7.

It should be appreciated that the unique design, geometry, and ease of construction of the present invention provide the features and fully automatic operation. Thus, plate 21 can open without interfering with any portion of the hopper, hopper hardware or any portion of the truck. The position of the door 21 under the segments 1 and 11, provides full access to the top of both the hoppers for the material discharge, as well as keeps the plate 21 completely free of obstructions for the activities of the operator. Also, by providing the knocker of 41, which automatically positions itself to the safety lock plate 21 in a sealing configuration when the hopper segments rotate in a folded position, a hopper operator does not need to put on or take off the knocker during any phase of your operation. The isolation of the. The closure plate and related apparatus of the present invention with the segmented supply hopper of a conventional concrete delivery vehicle is extremely easy as will be recognized by one skilled in the art. Specifically, the bracket 19, being attached to the closure plate 21 by the pivot 34 of the closure plate, is positioned in a position on the hopper distal to the hinges 9. The closure plate 21 rotates as necessary to ensure spacing suitable with respect to the interior of the segments and hinges 9. The bracket 19 is then welded to the main segment 1. To complete the installation, then elastic cords 29 are attached to the closure plate and the points in the main segment. The present invention has been described in what is considered to be a preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit and scope. As one skilled in the art understands, the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components disclosed in the foregoing description and drawings. The invention is capable of several other modalities and of being practiced and carried out in various forms. One of skill in the art will also understand that the terminology and phraseology used herein to describe the present invention are illustrative and not limiting. In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept on which the present invention is based can easily be used as a basis for the design of other structures, methods and configurations to carry out various purposes of the present invention. Accordingly, it is important that the claims be considered to include such equivalent embodiments in view of the fact that they do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (44)

1. CLAIMS 1. An articulated hopper for concrete vehicles which is automatically placed to prevent accidental discharge of concrete, comprising: a) a main segment that has an end for communication with a flowable concrete source in said vehicle, b) a supply segment rotationally attached to the main segment, which form a discharge path when they are in a discharge position and which form an opening when they are in a storage position, c) a bracket disposed in the supply segment in a position distal to the rotary connection, d) a unit plate rotatably to the bracket, and e) diverter means connected to the plate which automatically position the plate, i) against the opening "in a sealable manner when the supply segment is in the stored position, and ii) under said main segment when the supply segment is in the unloaded position. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein the collapsible material is a cementitious material. 3. The hopper according to claim 2, wherein the cementitious material is selected from the group consisting of cement, cement and aggregate of lime and gunite. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein the diverter means can be disconnected from the plate in such a manner that the plate can rotate freely to any position. The hopper according to claim 4, wherein the plate is under the main segment when the supply segment is in the unloading position. The hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a knocker to secure the plate in said opening when the supply segment is in the folded position. The hopper according to claim 6, wherein the latch bolts and unlocks said plate automatically when the segment gives "supply rotates without the need for extra action by an operator." 8. The hopper according to the claim 1, wherein the diverter means is selected from the group consisting of elastic cords, compression springs, tension springs, torsion springs, springs formed of composite materials, rubber cords, synthetic rubber cords, hydraulic cylinders, weights, and cable systems and pulleys 9. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein the diverting or guiding means comprises one or more elastic cords in tension. 10. The hopper according to claim 9, wherein the elastic cord is disposed within a tube of sufficient length for said tube to comprise a stop for the plate when the segments are in the unloading position to maintain the plate in this manner. a predetermined position. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein the plate is made of materials selected from the group consisting of metal, rubber, plastic, composite material and wood. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein said closure plate comprises a step for providing finger spacing between the plate and the hopper when the supply segment is in the storage position. The hopper according to claim 12, wherein said plate comprises a step for providing finger spacing between the plate and the end of the supply segment when the latter is in the storage position. The hopper according to claim 12, wherein said plate comprises at least one handle. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the plate comprises a deformable ring for sealing against one or both segments when the supply segment is in the stored position. 16. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein the main segment and the supply segment are rotatably joined to one another by means of one or more hinges. 17. The hopper according to claim 1, further comprising means for joining the hopper to a concrete vehicle. 18. An articulated hopperfor concrete vehicles which is placed automatically to avoid accidental discharge of concrete, having at least two segments, comprising: a) a main segment that communicates at one end with a source of flowable concrete in said vehicle, b) a supply segment rotationally attached to the main segment at its other end, where the main segment and the discharge segment. it forms a discharge path when the discharge segment is in a discharge position and the discharge segment can rotate to a storage position to form an opening, c) a bracket disposed in the supply segment, in a position distal to the rotary connection, d) a plate rotatably attached to the bracket, and e) diverter means which deflect the plate against the opening when the supply segment is in the storage position and which deflect said plate under the main segment when the segment of supply is in the supply position, and f) one or more latches which secure the plate to said opening when the supply segment is in the storage position. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the diverting or orienting means is selected from the group consisting of elastic cords, compression springs, tension springs, torsion springs, springs formed from composite materials, rubber cords. , synthetic rubber cords, hydraulic cylinders, weights, cable systems and pulleys. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein said plate is formed to comprise a step to provide spacing between the plate and other portions of the hopper when the supply segment is in the storage position. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein said plate comprises a step for providing finger spacing between the plate and the end of the supply segment when the latter is in the storage position. 22. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein said plate comprises a deformable ring for sealing against one or more segments when the supply segment is in the stored position. 23. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the latch bolts and automatically deactivates said plate when the supply segment rotates without the need for extra action by an operator. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the knocker comprises non-moving parts. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein a portion of the knocker is an integral portion of the plate. 26. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the knocker can be adjusted to provide a seal between the plate and the hopper. 27. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the knocker is comprised of metal. 28. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the knocker secures the plaqp. to the main segment in a sealable position on the opening when the supply segment is in the storage position. 29. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the latch is automatically locked when the supply segment rotates to the supply position without the extra need by an operator. The hopper according to claim 18, further comprising a handle, wherein said handle is an integral portion of the plate. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the diverter means is selected from the group consisting of elastic cords, compression springs, tension springs, torsion springs, springs formed from composite materials, rubber cords, ropes. of synthetic rubber, hydraulic cylinders, weights, and cable and pulley systems. 32. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the diverter means can be disconnected from the plate such that the plate can rotate to clear said opening when the supply segment is in the stored position. 33. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the plate is made of materials selected from the group consisting of metal, rubber, plastic, composite material and wood. 34. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein said plate comprises at least one handle. 35. The hopper according to claim 18, wherein the elastic cord is disposed within a tube of sufficient length for said tube to comprise a stop for the plate when the segments are in the unloading position to thereby maintain the plate in a predetermined position. 36. The hopper according to claim 18, further comprising means for attaching the hopper to a concrete vehicle. 37. A method for providing an automatic hopper mechanism for concrete vehicles to prevent accidental discharge of concrete, said hopper is attached to the vehicle and includes at least two segments rotatably joined and includes a main segment and a supply segment, the segment of supply has a storage position and a supply position, which forms an opening with the main segment when the supply segment is in the storage position and said segments form a discharge path for the flowable concrete material when the segment The unloading position is in the unloading position, the improvement comprising: a) joining a bracket to the supply segment, b) rotatingly attaching a plate to said bracket c) attaching a diverter means to said plate, which i) deflects the plate against said opening in a sealable manner when it is in the storage position, ii) which also deflects the pla under the main segment when it is in the unloading position. 38. The method according to claim 37, further including the step of attaching a latch to said plate to further secure the latter against the opening in a sealable manner when in the stored position. 39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the knocker automatically locks said plate against the opening in a sealable manner when the supply segment is in the stored position and automatically unlocks said plate when the supply segment is in the supply position. . 40. The method according to claim 38, wherein the knocker can be adjusted to provide a seal between the plate and the hopper. 41. The method according to claim 37, further comprising the steps of disconnecting the deviator means from said plate when the supply segment is in the storage position and rotating said plate so that it is cleared from the opening and the discharge path. in such a way that the flowable concrete material can be discharged while the discharge segment is in the storage position. 42. The method according to claim 37, further comprising the step of arranging the diverter element within a tube such that the tube comprises a stop for said plate when the supply segment is in the unloading position to maintain this way to said plate in a predetermined position. 43. The method according to claim 37, wherein said latch is an internal part of the plate. 44. The method according to claim 41, further including the step of using a handle on said plate to rotate the plate. EXTRACT A mechanical device is provided to automatically place a closure plate to seal the opening created by the folding of adjacent segments of an articulated hopper to thereby prevent unwanted discharge or leakage of the hopper. The device, which is particularly useful in cement trucks, includes a closure plate rotatably connected to a segment of the hopper and arranged to articulate under an adjacent segment of the hopper in such a manner that the closure plate seals the opening when the The hopper is in a folded configuration and, when the segments are unfolded to supply a load, rotates to a clearing position of the discharge path. The device also includes a means for sealingly diverting the closure plate remotely from the discharge path when the segments are in an unfolded or extended position.