US3770253A

US3770253A - Truck mounted telescopable conveyor system and method of stowing same

Info

Publication number: US3770253A
Application number: US00154895A
Authority: US
Inventors: C Arndt; B Cross
Original assignee: Harsco Corp
Current assignee: Enviri Corp
Priority date: 1971-06-21
Filing date: 1971-06-21
Publication date: 1973-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 1990-11-06
Also published as: CA956592A

Abstract

A telescopable conveyor system is mounted to a truck by a vertical column mounting arrangement which permits the telescopable conveyor system to be pivoted in both a vertical and horizontal direction. The mounting arrangement also permits the telescopable conveyor system to be pivoted about vertical axis and elevated to permit stowage of the conveyor system during transit in a position to one side of the truck and extending towards the front of the truck. The telescopable conveyor system is extendable from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position and pop up rollers are provided on the extendable portion of the conveyor system to support the conveyor belt when the conveyor system is in an extended position.

Description

United States Patent 1 Arndt et al. I I

[ 11 3,770,253 4 1 Nov. 6, 1973 TRUCK MOUNTED TELESCOPABLE CONVEYOR SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STOWING SAME [75] Inventors: Charles J. Arndt; Budd David Cross, both of Marion, Ohio [73] Assignee: Harsco Corporation, Camp Hill, Pa.

[22] Filed: June 21,197]

[21] Appl. No.: 154,895

[52] US. Cl 259/172, 198/115, 214/8326 [5]] Int. Cl 860p 1/00, B65g 21/12 [58; Field 01 Search ..l98/l13ll5, 118-120,

139, 233, 126; 2 4/8316, ills. 25 9/ [56] References Cited v v UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,402,805 9/1968 Spellman 198/139 Primary ExaminerEdward A. Sroka AttorneyRonald L. Engel et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A telescopable conveyor system is mounted to a truck by a vertical column mounting arrangement which permits the telescopable conveyor system to be pivoted in both a vertical and horizontal direction. The mounting arrangement also permits the telescopable conveyor system to be pivoted about vertical axis and elevated to permit stowage of the conveyor system during transit in a position to one side of the truck and extending towards the front of the truck. The telescopable conveyor system is extendable from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position and pop up rollers are pro- .vided on the extendable portion of the conveyor system to support the conveyor belt when the conveyor syste is in an extended position.

12 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures ilih ' PATENTED am 5 I975 sum 2 or a l/VVE/VTORS. CHARLES JJIRNDT BUDD D. CROSS SHEET &0? 8

' INVENTORS.

CHARL E S J. A RNDT FLH- PATENTEDHUV 61973 3770.253 SHEET 50F 8 llllh IN VE N TORS. CHARLES .J. ARNDT /02' BUDD'D. CROSS Q 45 4. By FEM.

PATENTEDHuv sums 3.770.253 SHEET 8 OF 8 f i/6 I /00 uvvsmrms H CHARLES .1. ARNDT BUDD 0. 09055 TRUCK MOUNTED TELESCOPABIJE CONVEYOR SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STOWING'SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention This invention relates to telescopable conveyor systerns for concrete mix and the like and more particularly to a truck mounted telescopable conveyor system which permits utilization of the conveyor system to convey materials from the truck to a remote position.

2. Description of the Prior Art Systems heretofore known to the art to convey aggregate materials such as concrete mix and the like from a truck to a remote point of delivery have comprised either telescopic gravity flow chutes or conveyor systerns which have had the disadvantage of extending from the exterior of the truck during transit thus limiting the extendable length of the conveyor system and causing safety hazards for vehicles.

Truck mounted conveyor systems heretofore known to the art have typically been mounted along the center line of the truck immediately below the discharge point of the truck. This position of mounting the conveyor system limits the possible positions for stowage of the conveyor and typically requires the conveyor to be pivoted upwardly to reduce the hazard to following vehicles. However, stowage in such a position still creates a traffic hazard for following vehicles and also makes it extremely difficult for the conveyor to be securely fastened down during transit to prevent the conveyor from breaking loose and swinging out into 'the path of oncoming vehicles during transit. Further, such an elevated stowage position limits the possible length of the conveyor to avoid contacting low underpasses and bridges when the truck is'in transit.

Further, prior art truck mounted conveyor systems having the conveyor mounted immediately'below the dischargepoint of the truck have the disadvantage of limiting the methods of discharge from the truck to only use of the conveyor. Thus, in situations where the conveyor cannot be used because of space limitations or other reasons,-no other method of discharge is available because of the placement of the conveyor. Thus, the flexibility of operation of the truck is'limited by the prior art conveyor mounting structures.

Systems of mounting conveyor systems to obviate the aforementioned stowage problems have been extremely complex and expensive without providing the support necessary for the conveyor system when conveying heavy materials such as concrete mix. Fu'rrhe'r, prior art mounting structures which permit stowage of the conveyor system along the side of the truck have not provided a means for moving the receiving end of the conveyor system immediately below the discharge point of the truck to facilitate supplying materials to the conveyor system.

Telescopable conveyor systems heretofore known to the art have had the disadvantage of not providing proper support to the conveyor belt when the telescopable conveyor system is ina fully extended position. Typically, prior art telescopable conveyor systems have utilized movable rollers which slide along a track to provide support for the conveyor belt as the conveyor assembly is extended. Such movable rollers are not en-. tirely satisfactory since they tend to bind under load and also do not'provide maximum support for the belt when completely separated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a truck mounted telescopable conveyor system for conveying concrete mix and the like from the discharge point of a truck to a remote area comprises a vertical column rotably mounted at each end-to the concrete mixer truck at one side of the end of the truck and adjacent the discharge point of the truck. A first mounting membet is slidably mounted to the vertical column and elevating means, is provided to move the first mounting member vertically along the column. A second mounting member is pivotably mounted to the first mounting member to permit pivotable movement of the second mounting member about a vertical axis. A first support frame is pivotably mounted at one end to the second mounting member'to permit pivotable movement of the first support frame about a horizontal axis. A second support frame is provided in slidable engagement with the first support frame to permit relative telescopic movement. Supported by first roller means and secondelevatable roller means on the first and second support'framesrespectively is an endless conveyor belt which is driven in continuous movement across the first and second support frames by a power means. Extending means is provided to move the second support frame telescopically with respect to the first support frame to extend the conveyor system; Jack means is attached to the second mounting member and the first support frame to pivot the first and second support frames. about the horizontal axis, and thus elevate or lower the free discharge end of the second support frame. The discharge end of the second support frame can also be moved horizontally about the vertical axis of pivotable attachment between the first and second mounting members. Thus, the free discharge end of the second support frame can be moved toa desired position for discharge of the materials from the truck.

The problem of providing continuous support for the conveyor belt as the second support frame is moved telescopably with respect to the first support frame has been substantially eliminated by the present invention.

The first roller means provide necessary support for the conveyor belt, when the second support frame is in a retracted position with respect to the first support frame. As the second support frame is extended outwardly relative to the first support frame, the second elevatable roller means on the second support frame rise from a retracted to an elevated position to provide support for the endless conveyor belt. When the second support frame is retracted relative to the first support frame, the second elevatable roller means retractsaway from the endless conveyor belt to a position underneath the first supjport rollers. Thus, as the second support frame is extended out wardly relative to the first support frame continuous support for the conveyor belt is provided by the second elevatable roller means.

,The problems involved in methods of stowing of the prior art truck mounted conveyor systems have been substantially, solved by the present invention. When it is desired to move the truck mounted telescopable conveyor system of the present invention from one location to another, the conveyor system is pivoted around the vertical axis of the rotably mounted vertical column, pivoted about the vertical axis of rotation of the second mountingmember, and elevated by the elevating means until the conveyor system is raised to the upper end of the vertical column and extending in a direction towards the front of the truck. In this position, the conveyor system is essentially parallel to and above the side of the truck and the free end of the conveyor system is placed on a support bracket mounted at the front of the truck. Thefree end can then be firmly strapped down to prevent the conveyor system from bouncing loose during transit. Thus, the conveyor system is firmly stowed in a position to avoid hazard to following vehicles. Alternately, the situation may be modified to permit a method of stowage whereby the conveyor system is pivoted until it is extending away from the rear of the truck and essentially parallel to the side of the truck and then pivoted around the horizontal azis until the conveyor extends towards the front of the truck. In this position the free end can be strapped down for transit.

Further, the present invention provides maximum flexibility in operation of the truck. In situations where the conveyor system cannot be used, the conveyor system is stowed along the side of the truck away from the discharge point of the truck. Thus, the trucks gravity feed chute can be used to discharge materials when the conveyor is stowed. This feature permits far greater flexibility of operation over he prior art truck mounted conveyor systems.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a truck mounted telescopable conveyor system which permits safe and rapid stowage of the conveyor system during transit inan elevated position essentially parallel to and along the side of the truck.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a truck mounted telescopable conveyor system which permits the free discharge end of the conveyor system to be moved vertically and horizontally to permit the discharge end to be positioned over a desired area.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a truck mounted telescopable conveyor system which permits the conveyor to be extended telescopably to extend the length of the conveyor system.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a truck mounted telescopable conveyor system having .elevatable roller means on the telescopable portion of the conveyor system to provide support for the conveyor belt when the conveyor system is in an extended position.

I An even further object of the present invention is to provide a truck mounted telescopable conveyor system having a mounting structure which permits the conveyor system to be stowed in a position such that an alternate means of discharge may be utilized.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the subject invention will hereinafter appear, and for the purposes of illustration but not of limitation, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational partially fragmentary view of the mounting structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end elevational partially fragmentary view of the mounting structure illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side partially fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the telescopable conveyor system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side partially fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the telescopable conveyor system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 6-6 in FIG. 3.

- FIG. 7 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 7-7 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line"'9--9 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 11-11 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 12-12 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 1313 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of the mounting structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the mounting structure as illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 1616 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the mounting structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention'as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a portion of the mounting structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the mounting structure illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a sectional partially fragmentary view taken substantially along line 2020 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, on concrete mix truck 10 is conveyor mounting structure 12. Concrete mix truck 10 comprises rotable mixer drum 11 for mixing. concrete and conventional extendable discharge chute 13 mounted immediately below the discharge pointof mixer drum 11. Conveyor mounting structure 12 comprises bottom support bracket 14 attached to truck frame 16 by flange 18.

Supported by bottom support bracket 14 is vertical column 20. Vertical column 20 is rotably mounted to bottom support bracketl4 by pin 22 and supported off of support bracket 14 by thrust bearing 24. Vertical column 20 is supported at its top by upper support bracket 26 which is mounted to cross member 28 on truck l0.'Vertical column 20 is rotably attached to upper support bracket 26 by pin 30. Thus, vertical column 20 can be rotated about

pins

22 and 30. Cross member 28 is supported by

members

32 and 34 which are afiixed to frame 16 of truck 10.

Slidably mounted to vertical column 20 is first mounting assembly 36 which comprises first plate member 38 and second plate member 40 positioned on each side of vertical column 20. First roller 42 and second roller 44 are rotably mounted between first and

second plates

38 and 40.

With reference to FIG. 16, vertical column comprises first and

second channel members

46 and 48 respectively welded to separator strips 50 to form an essentially hollow member having a square cross section. First roller 42 rolls along one side of vertical column 20, and second roller 44 rolls along the opposite side of vertical column 20.

First and

second plates

38 and 40 are rigidly separated at one end by spacer 52. The opposite ends of first and

second plates

38 and 40 are separated by support member 54. First and

second plates

38 and 40 are rigidly affixed to support member 54 by pins 56 inserted through holes 58 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) in support member 54. Formed on support member 54 is a lower support flange 60 and an upper support flange 62 having therein circular openings 64 in vertical alignment (see FIGS. 18 and 19). Eyelet 63 is provided on upper support flange 62.

Pivotally attached at one end of support member 54 by shaft 66 through circular openings 64 is second mounting assembly 68 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 14 and 15). Second mounting assembly 68 comprises horizontally disposed box member 70 having affixed to each end

thereof yoke members

72 and 74. At the upper ends of

yoke members

72 and 74 are circular openings 75. Box member70 is supported by plate 76 which is rigidly attached to vertically disposed square column 78. Formed at the bottom of plate 76 is jack receiving opening 80. Second mounting assembly 68 is pivotally mounted to support member 54 by shaft 66 through circular openings 79, in square column 78. Thrust bearing 82 is provided around shaft 66 on lower support flange 60 of support member 54 to provide frictionless support for second mounting assembly 68. Similar bearing 83 is provided on top of flange 62 to hold shaft 66 in vertical position.

Pivotally attached to

yoke members

72 and 74 by pins 84 through circular opening is telescopable conveyor assembly 100. Telescopable conveyor system comprises first stationary support frame 102 and second telescoping support frame 104. Second support frame 104 is slidably supported on first support frame 102 by rollers 106 on second support frame 104 which engage track flanges 108 on first support frame 102 (see FIG. 13). Rollers 106 are positioned at the end of second support frame 104 to provide continuous support for the end of second telescoping support frame 104 as it moves relative to first support frame 102. At the unsupported end of first support frame 102 are individual support rollers 110 rotably attached to support bracket 112 mounted on each side of first support frame 102 (see FIG. 20). When second support frame 104 is extended individual support rollers 110 roll along flanges 111 on second support frame 104 to provide continuous support for second support frame 104. Thus, when second support frame 104 is extended relative to first support frame 102, it is supported by

rollers

106 and 110 throughout its range of travel.

Attached to the unsupported end of first support frame 102 adjacent roller 110 is extend and retract motor 114 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) which engages with second support frame 104 to move second support frame 104 relative to first support frame 102 on

rollers

106 and 110. Extend and retract motor 114 is reversible and adapted to move second support frame 104 in either direction.

An endless conveyor belt is supported by first roller assemblies 122 on first support frame 102 and second elevatable roller assemblies 124 on second support frame 104. At the receiving end of first support frame 102 is first belt drum 126 which provides drive force tothe conveyor belt 120. First belt drum 126 is powered by belt motor 128 which is operably connected to first belt drum 126 by chain 127. At the discharge end of second conveyor frame 104 is second belt drum 130 over which is stretched conveyor belt Since support frame 104 can be moved relative to support frame 102, to extend the length of the conveyor assembly 100, conveyor belt 120 is long enough to wrap around

drum

126 and 130 and take-up rollers 134 and 132.

Since drum 130 and take-up roller 134 are essntially a part of support frame 104 and drum 126 and take-up roller 132 are essentially a part of support frame 102, the center distances of these elements remain in a fixed relation to each other as they move in unison. Thus, the effective distance around drums 1'26 and 130 and take up rollers 132 and 134 does not change as support frame 104 moves, and thus, belt 120 is maintained in a taut condition throughout the range of motion of support frame104. First take-up roller 132 is attached to roller assembly 123 which is mounted on take-up frame 150. Take-up frame 150 is mounted on first support frame 102 and second take-up roller 134 is attached to second support frame 104. Thus, when second support frame 104 is moved relative to first support frame 102, first and second take-up rollers 132 and 134 also move relative to one another to maintain conveyor belt 120 in a taut condition throughout the range of telescopable motion of the telescopable conveyor assembly 100. With reference to FIG. 4, the numeral134' illustrates the position of second take-up roller 134 when second support frame 104 is in an extended position. When in a retracted position, take-up roller 134 is in a position adjacent first belt drum 126 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, second take-up roller 134 is rotably attached to second support frame 104 by mounting assembly 140. Mounting assembly comprises belt training adjust bolt 142 which may be adjusted to move slidable bearing 144 to move shaft 146 of second take-up roller 134. Mounting assembly 140 therefore provides a means of adjusting second take-up roller 134 to assure that it is essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel of belt 120 to assure that belt 120 does not ride off either end of second take-up roller 134. First take-up roller 132 is similarly mounted. (See FIG. 4).

To take up major amounts of slack in conveyor belt 120, take-up frame 150 is provided in slidable engagement with first support frame 102. With reference to FIGS. 4, 9 and 10, first take-up roller 132 is attached to the bottom of take-up frame 150. Take-up frame 150' is in'slidable engagement with first support frame 102 and may be moved relative to first support frame 102 until first take-up roller 132 stretches endless conveyor belt 120 into a taut condition. I-Ioles 151 are provided through first support frame 102 and aligning holes 153 are provided in take-up frame 150 and lockingplate 154. When the slack in conveyor belt 120 has been taken up, pin 152 may be inserted through holes 151 and 153 to lock take-up frame 150 to first support frame 102.

With reference to FIG. 5, roller assembly 122 comprises rollers 160 positioned on shaft 162. Shaft 162 is supported at each end by arm members 164 which are affixed to first support frame 102. Rollers 160 form a V-shaped trough which supports conveyor belt 120 and prevents conveyed materials from spilling off the sides of conveyor belt 120.

With reference to FIG. 6, second roller assembly 124 comprises rollers 170 rotably mounted on shaft 172. Shaft 172 is supported by arm brackets 174, and arm brackets 174 are rigidly affixed to separator shaft 176. Separator shaft 176 is pivotably mounted to second support frame 104 by brackets 178. Also mounted to i arm brackets 174 by pins 180 are rollers 182. Second roller assembly 124 pivots about separator shaft 176 to elevate roller assembly 124 from a retracted position to an elevated position (as illustrated in FIG. 6). With reference to FIGS. and 11, provided on each side of first support frame 102 are flange members 184. Flange members 184 contact rollers 182 when second support frame 104 is in a retracted position to pivot second roller assembly 124 around separator shaft 176 until roller assembly 124 is in a retracted position and no longer in contact with belt 120. In this position, second roller assembly 124 is in the position as illustrated by the dotted lines in FIG. 3 and thus can travel under first roller assembly 122 to a position as illustrated by the solid lines in the break away view shown in FIG. 4. Flange member 184 extends to the unsupported end of To stow conveyor assembly 100 during transit, second support frame 104 is retracted to its fully retracted position and conveyor assembly 100 is brought to a horizontal position by hydraulic jack 210. Hydraulic 5 jack 200 is then actuated to raise conveyor assembly first support frame 102 so that as second support frame 104 is extended by extended and retract motor 114, rollers 182 will disengage flange members 184 allowing second roller assembly 124 to pivot upward under the urging of spring 186 until second roller assembly 124 contacts conveyor belt 120 and provides support for conveyor belt 120. Second roller assembly 124 pivots until the bottom of arm brackets 174 contact stop blocks 188 which are affixed to second support frame 104.

Provided on the bottom of first support frame 102 is return roller 190 which is rotably attached to flanges 192 (see FIG. 5) which are affixed to the bottom of first support frame 102. Return roller 190 provides rolling support for conveyor belt 120 as it is returned to first belt drum 126.

Provided in the interior cavity of vertical column 20 is hydraulic jack 200 which is attached at its bottom to vertical column 20 by pin 202. At the top of jack 200 is pulley assembly 204, and positioned in an opening 21 in the upper portion of vertical column 20 is pulley 206. Cable 208 is attached to the top interior portion of vertical column 20, threaded through pulley assembly 204, pulley 206, and attached to eyelet 63 on support member 54. Actuation of hydraulic jack 200 raises and lowers first mounting assembly 36 along vertical column 20 thus raising and lowering the entire conveyor assembly 100. I V

Pivotally attached at jack receiving opening 80 in plate 76 by pin 81 is one end of hydraulic jack 210. Bydraulic jack 210 is pivotably attached at its opposite end to first support frame 102. Actuation of hydraulic jack 210 pivots conveyor assembly 100 about pins 84 on first support frame 122, thus raising and lowering the discharge end of conveyor assembly 100.

to the top of vertical column 20. Conveyor assembly 100 is then rotated around the vertical axis of rotation of vertical column 20 and second mounting assembly 68 is pivoted with respect to support member 54 (see FIG. 17) until conveyor assembly 100 is in the position illustrated by the dotted lines designated by the numeral 100 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 17. In this position, the free end of conveyor assembly 100 is placed on support bracket 212 (partially illustrated in FIG. 2) and firmly strapped down. In this position, conveyor assembly 100 is essentially parallel with the center line of the truck 10 (see FIG. 17) and no portion of conveyor assembly 100' extends past the side of the truck.

Another method of stowing conveyor assembly 100 which involves little modification of the structure of the preferred embodiment is to raise conveyor assembly 100 to the top of vertical column 20, pivot first mounting assembly 36 about vertical column 20 until it is parallel to the center line of truck 10, and extending toward the rear of the truck 10, pivot second mounting assembly until conveyor assembly 100 is parallel to the center line of truck 10 and extending away from the back of truck 10. In this position, conveyor assembly 100 can be pivoted upwardly in a vertical plane 180 until conveyor assembly 100 extends toward the front of the truck. Conveyor assembly 100 can then be strapped to support bracket 212. I

To operate the truck mounted telescopable conveyor system of the present invention, conveyor assembly 100 is lifted off of support bracket 212 and rotated about the vertical axis of rotation of vertical column 20 and lowered by actuating hydraulic jack 200 till the conveyor assembly 100 is in the position illustrated by the solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this position, conveyor assembly 100 can be pivoted vertically with hydraulic jack 210 and manually moved in a horizontal direction about the vertical axis through shaft 66. Conveyor assembly 100 may be telescopably extended to a desired length by actuation of extend and retract motor 114 and endless conveyor belt can be driven across conveyor assembly 100 by belt motor 128 to convey materials from the truck 10 to the discharged end of the conveyor assembly 100.

Alternately, the present invention allows the conventional extendable discharge chute 13 to be utilized where it is not desired to use the conveyor assembly 100. In this case, conveyor assembly 100 is stowed along the side of the truck away from the discharge point of the mixer drum 11 and thus, permitting chute 13 to be used to discharge concrete to a desired area. Thus, the mounting structure of the present invention permits flexible utilization of the capabilities of the truck 10 and both the chute 13 and conveyor assembly 100.

The embodiment described above is directed towards a specific embodiment illustratedherein, but it should be expressly understood that various changes, modifications, and variations in the structure and function of the present invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

l. A truck mounted conveyor system for conveying materials from the discharge point of the truck to a remote area comprising: i

a vertical column rotably mounted at each end for rotation about a vertical axis to and adjacent the discharge point of the truck;

a first mounting member slidably mounted at a first end to said vertical column; 1 elevating means for moving saidfirst mounting member vertically along said vertical column;

a second mounting member pivotally mounted to a second end of said first mounting member, said second mounting member being adapted to pivot about a vertical axis through the second end of the said first mounting member;

a first support frame pivotally mounted at a first end to, said second mounting member, said first support frame being adapted to pivot about a horizontal axis;

a second support frame in slidable engagement with said first support frame, said second support frame being adapted for translational movement with respect to the first support frame;

an endless conveyor belt supported by said first and said second support frames;

power means to drive said belt in continuous movement over said first and said second support frames;

extending means to move said second support frame outwardly and inwardly in translational movement relative to said first support frame; and

first jack means to pivot said first and said second support frames about the horizontal axis;

whereby said first mounting supporting member may be elevated along said vertical column by said elevating means and pivoted about the vertical axis of rotation of said rotably mounted vertical column to stow said first and said second support frames along one side of the truck essentially parallel to a side of the truck.

2. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

first roller means rotably mounted on said first support frame for providing relatively frictionless support for said endless conveyor belt; and

second elevatable roller means rotably mounted on said second support frame, said second elevatable roller means adapted to be raised to an elevated position to provide relatively frictionless support for said endless conveyor belt when said second support frame is moved outwardly relative to said first support frame and said second elevatable roller means further adapted to be retracted away from said belt when said second support frame is moved inwardly relative to said first support frame.

3. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second elevatable roller means pivot control rollers mounted on said first and said second arm members; and

spring means attached to said first andsecond arm members, said spring means tending to urge said first and 'said second arm members to pivot to a vertical position. I

4. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 3, comprising:

flange members mounted on said first support frame,

said flange members positioned to contact said pivot control rollers when said second support frame is moved inwardly with respect to said first support frame to pivot said first and second arm members to a horizontal position.v

' 5. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

belt take-up means positioned on said first and second support frames to maintain said conveyor belt in a taut condition when said second support frame is moved relative to said first support frame.

6. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said belt take-up means comprises:

a take-up frame mounted to said first support frame;

a first take-up roller rotably attached to said take-up frame;

a second take-up roller rotably attached to ond support frame;

wherein said conveyor belt is positioned over said first and said second take-up rollers so that said conveyor belt is maintained in a taut condition as said second support frame is moved relative to said first support frame,

7. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said take-up frame is slidably mounted to said first support frame and locking means are provided to lock said take-up frame to said first support frame;

whereby said conveyor belt may be stretched to remove slack by sliding said take-up frame relative to said first support frame until the slack is removed and then locking said take-up frame to said first support frame with said locking means.

8. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 6, comprising:

take-up roller adjust means mounted on said second support frame, said take-up roller adjust means rotably supporting a first and a second end of said second take-up roller, said take-up roller adjust means adapted to move said first and said second ends of said second take-up roller to align said second take-up roller essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel of said conveyor belt:

9. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vertical column has a hollow interior cavity and said vertical column'has an opening to the hollow interior cavity at the upper end of said vertisaid seccal column, and wherein said elevating means coma second pulley means rotably mounted in the opening in the upper end of said vertical column;

a cable means attached at a first end to the upper end of said vertical column, said cable means positioned under said first pulley means and positioned over said second pulley means, and said cable means attached at a second end to said first support member;

whereby said first support member is moved vertically when said jack means is actuated.

10. A mounting structure for mounting a conveyor system to a truck comprising:

a lower support bracket attached to the truck;

an upper support bracket attached to the truck;

a vertical column rotably attached for rotation about a vertical axis, said vertical column rotably attached at a first end to said lower support bracket and rotably attached at a second end to said upper support bracket;

a first mounting memberslidably mounted at a first end to said vertical column;

elevating means for moving said first mounting member vertically along said vertical column;

a second mounting member pivotally mounted to a second end of said first mounting member, said second mounting member adapted to pivot about a vertical axis; and

yoke arms provided on said second mounting member, said yoke arm adapted to pivotally support the conveyor system so that said conveyor system may be pivoted about a horizontal axis.

11. A mounting structure, as claimed in claim 10,

wherein said first support member comprises:

a first and a second plate member positioned on opposite sides of said vertical column;

a first roller and a second roller rotably attached between said first and second plate members; said first and second rollers positioned on opposite sides of and in rolling contact with said vertical column.

- 12. A mounting structure for mounting a conveyor system to a concrete mixer truck, the concrete mixer truck comprising a mixer drum for mixing concrete mounted on the truck and a discharge chute mounted immediately below a discharge point of the mixer drum for channeling the concrete mix to a desired point; said mounting structure comprising:

a vertical column rotably attached to the truck for rotation about a vertical axis, said vertical column positioned to one side of and adjacent the discharge point of the mixer drum;

a first mounting member slidably mounted at a first end to said vertical column;

a second mounting member pivotally mounted to a second end of said first mounting member, said second mounting member being adapted to pivot about a vertical axis, and said second mounting member being further adapted to pivotally support the conveyor system so that said conveyor system can pivot about a horizontal axis,

whereby the conveyor system may be positioned immediately below the discharge point of the mixer drum to receive concrete mix channeled by the discharge chute and said conveyor system may move away from below the discharge point of the mixer drum by pivoting the conveyor system about the vertical axis of rotation of the vertical column so that the discharge chute may alternately be used to channel concrete mix from the mixer drum to a desired point. I

Claims

1. A truck mounted conveyor system for conveying materials from the discharge point of the truck to a remote area comprising: a vertical column rotably mounted at each end for rotation about a vertical axis to and adjacent the discharge point of the truck; a first mounting member slidably mounted at a first end to said vertical column; elevating means for moving said first mounting member vertically along said vertical column; a second mounting member pivotally mounted to a second end of said first mounting member, said second mounting member being adapted to pivot about a vertical axis through the second end of the said first mounting member; a first support frame pivotally mounted at a first end to said second mounting member, said first support frame being adapted to pivot about a horizontal axis; a second support frame in slidable engagement with said first support frame, said second support frame being adapted for translational movement with respect to the first support frame; an endless conveyor belt supported by said first and said second support frames; power means to drive said belt in continuous movement over said first and said second support frames; extending means to move said second support frame outwardly and inwardly in translational movement relative to said first support frame; and first jack means to pivot said first and said second support frames about the horizontal axis; whereby said first mounting supporting member may be elevated along said vertical column by said elevating means and pivoted about the vertical axis of rotation of said rotably mounted vertical column to stow said first and said second support frames along one side of the truck essentially parallel to a side of the truck.

2. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: first roller means rotably mounted on said first support frame for providing relatively frictionless support for said endless conveyor belt; and second elevatable roller means rotably mounted on said second support frame, said second elevatable roller means adapted to be raised to an elevated position to provide relatively frictionless support for said endless conveyor belt when said second support frame is moved outwardly relative to said first support frame and said second elevatable roller means further adapted to be retracted away from said belt when said second support frame is moved inwardly relative to said first support frame.

3. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second elevatable roller means comprises: a separator shaft pivotally mounted to said second support frame; a first and a second arm member affixed to opposite ends of said separator shaft; a roller shaft attached at a first end to said first arm member and attached at a second end to said second arm member; conveyor belt support rollers rotably mounted on said roller shaft; pivot control rollers mounted on said first and said second arm members; and spring means attached to said first and second arm members, said spring means tending to urge said first and said second arm members to pivot to a vertical position.

4. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 3, comprising: flange members mounted on said first support frame, said flange members positioned to contact said pivot control rollers when said second support frame is moved inwardly with respect to said first support frame to pivot said first and second arm members to a horizontal position.

5. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 1, comprising: belt take-up means positioned on said first and second support frames to maintain said conveyor belt in a taut condition when said second support frame is moved relative to said first support frame.

6. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said belt take-up means comprises: a take-up frame mounted to said first support frame; a first take-up roller rotably attached to said take-up frame; a second take-up roller rotably attached to said second support frame; wherein said conveyor belt is positioned over said first and said second take-up rollers so that said conveyor belt is maintained in a taut condition as said second support frame is moved relative to said first support frame.

7. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said take-up frame is slidably mounted to said first support frame and locking means are provided to lock said take-up frame to said first support frame; whereby said conveyor belt may be stretched to remove slack by sliding said take-up frame relative to said first support frame until the slack is removed and then locking said take-up frame to said first support frame with said locking means.

8. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 6, comprising: take-up roller adjust means mounted on said second support frame, said take-up roller adjust means rotably supporting a first and a second end of said second take-up roller, said take-up roller adjust means adapted to move said first and said second ends of said second take-up roller to align said second take-up roller essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel of said conveyor belt.

9. A truck mounted conveyor system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vertical column has a hollow interior cavity and said vertical column has an opening to the hollow interior cavity at the upper end of said vertical column, and wherein said elevating means comprises: a second jack means positioned within the hollow interior cavity of said vertical column and attached at a first end to the lower end of said vertical column; a first pulley means rotably mounted to a second end of said second jack means; a second pulley means rotably mounted in the opening in the upper end of said vertical column; a cable means attached at a first end to the upper end of said vertical column, said cable means positioned under said first pulley means and positioned over said second pulley means, and said cable means attached at a second end to said first support member; whereby said first support member is moved vertically when said jack means is actuated.

10. A mounting structure for mounting a conveyor system to a truck comprising: a lower support bracket attached to the truck; an upper support bracket attached to the truck; a vertical column rotably attached for rotation about a vertical axis, said vertical column rotably attached at a first end to said lower support bracket and rotably attached at a second end to said upper support bracket; a first mounting member slidably mounted at a first end to said vertical column; elevating means for moving said first mounting member vertically along said vertical column; a second mounting member pivotally mounted to a second end of said first mounting member, said second mounting member adapted to pivot about a vertical axis; and yoke arms provided on said second mounting member, said yoke arm adapted to pivotally support the conveyor system so that said conveyor system may be pivoted about a horizontal axis.

11. A mounting structure, as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first support member comprises: a first and a second plate member positioned on opposite sides of said vertical column; a first roller and a second roller rotably attached between said first and second plate members; said first and second rollers positioned on opposite sides of and in rolling contact with said vertical column.

12. A mounting structure for mounting a conveyor system to a concrete mixer truck, the concrete mixer truck comprising a mixer drum for mixing concrete mounted on the truck and a discharge chute mounted immediately below a discharge point of the mixer drum for channeling the concrete mix to a desired point; said mounTing structure comprising: a vertical column rotably attached to the truck for rotation about a vertical axis, said vertical column positioned to one side of and adjacent the discharge point of the mixer drum; a first mounting member slidably mounted at a first end to said vertical column; elevating means for moving said first mounting member vertically along said vertical column; a second mounting member pivotally mounted to a second end of said first mounting member, said second mounting member being adapted to pivot about a vertical axis, and said second mounting member being further adapted to pivotally support the conveyor system so that said conveyor system can pivot about a horizontal axis, whereby the conveyor system may be positioned immediately below the discharge point of the mixer drum to receive concrete mix channeled by the discharge chute and said conveyor system may move away from below the discharge point of the mixer drum by pivoting the conveyor system about the vertical axis of rotation of the vertical column so that the discharge chute may alternately be used to channel concrete mix from the mixer drum to a desired point.