Bulk handling, loading, and dumping system

Abstract

A bulk handling system for collecting, loading, transporting and dumping of yard waste and landscape materials such as grass clippings, yard debris, soil, mulch, stone and other dry and / or wet substances. The functions for controlling and operating the mechanical bulk handling system include a titling lift platform for filling and dumping and a gate that when open acts as a lift to move materials into the bulk container and when closed functions as a closed door. In addition to the bulk container operating in a horizontal position for transporting, the back end of the bulk container can be angled downward to move the materials away from the gate opening when filling as well as front end of the bulk container being lowered close to the ground for loading. As an elevated structure, vitally no floor space is used providing space for lawn mowers and other equipment.

Description

[0001] BULK HANDLING, LOADING, AND DUMPING SYSTEM

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Field of Invention

[0004] 1.) The concept concerns the loading, transporting and dumping of landscape materials such as grass clippings when using a commercial mower (Exmark™) having more storage capacity than a typical riding lawn mower (Cub Cadet™). Also, the manual labor of handling and lifting, as well as the operator contact with possible tick involved with handling grass clippings, is virtually eliminated. As a result, the chance of suffering physical injuries and contracting LYME disease infested grass clippings is greatly reduced.

[0005] 2.) Description of Related Art

[0006] To date, the vast majority of landscape professionals use a 2 ton pick-up truck equipped with a heavy weight dump insert while pulling a landscape trailer loaded with one or more professional lawnmowers, weed eaters, rollers, supplies and tools. After a lawnmowers' grass collections bags are full from mowing, the operator drives the mower to the pick-up truck whereby the operator lifts each collection bag over the high rail system on the dump insert (on both sides) for emptying or has to position his body between the tail gate of the truck and trailer frame and trailer hitch and actually heave the contents of the collection bags over the dump system s tail gate towards the dump inserts rear wall. After a day of mowing, going from job to job, it's not unusual for the dump insert to be loaded with about 1,200 lbs. or more of grass clippings. The concept of the side discharge dump system mounted directly on a trailer or other platform, which can be elevated several feet above the trailer floor to maintain the usable floor space on the trailer, provides significant help with the lifting and loading of the grass clippings, transport and emptying via dumping.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a landscape trailer with space provided for a lawnmower to be parked and secured under a side unloading dump system.

[0009] FIG.2 is an end view of dump system with its bulk container elevated and in a raised and horizontal position above the floor of a landscape trailer.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an end view of dump system mounted to the floor of a trailer with its bulk container pivoted downward at about a negative 45- angle prior to filling.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an end view of dump system mounted to the floor of a trailer with the front gate section of the bulk container lowered while the back wall of the bulk container remains angled downward and in close proximity too trailer floor.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an end view of dump system mounted to trailer floor with the front gate opened to receive more grass clippings while the bulk container is partially filled.

[0013] FIG. 6 is an end view of dump system with bulk container filled with grass clippings and raised back to its horizontal position for transport with lawnmower stowed underneath.

[0014] FIG. 6a is an end view of dump system equipped with interior legs that are partially contained within base legs and bolted to the trailer floor.

[0015] FIG. 6b is a close up end view of a lift cable routed under the trailer floor, around a bottom pulley attached to the floor plate of interior leg running upwards inside base leg around a top pulley and then back down near the bottom of base leg where it is secured to the base leg.

[0016] FIG. 6c is a close up view of a lift cable raising the base leg of dump system whereby the end of lift cable is secured to a bolt that extends through base leg as well as a slot in the interior for the bolt to move.

[0017] FIG. 6d is a top view of a landscape trailer showing the lift cable routing for each base leg that have the four cable ends (one for each leg) culminate at a pulley plate whereby they are attached to a hydraulic cylinder via a turnbuckle.

[0018] FIG. 6e is a detailed end view of a chain driven axle screw raising the base leg of a dump system via a screw nut secured to the base leg via a bolt.

[0019] FIG. 6f is a detailed end view of base leg of dump having been raised via a chain driven axle screw. FIG, 6g is a top view of a single drive chain interfaced with four sprockets fixed four axle screw drive to raise and lower a dump system via a main drive sprocket and motor.

[0020] FIG. 6h is an end view of dump system lowered over a commercial mower parked under a dump frame.

[0021] FIG. 6i is an end view showing dump frame of dump system equipped with proximity switches to limit downward movement of dump system when a commercial mower is parked underneath.

[0022] FIG. is a side view of gate of dump system showing a spring to help push away gate from gate frame.

[0023] FIG. 6k is a side view of trailer equipped with dump system showing the installation of a small jib crane that can be used for filling dump container.

[0024] FIG. 6L is an end view of trailer equipped with dump system showing dump frame lowered to the trailer floor about to be filled with grass clippings from a commercial mower.

[0025] FIG. 6m is an end view of dump system on a trailer with gate lowered to the ground to accept a load of grass clippings from a commercial mower.

[0026] FIG. 6n is an end view of the gate assembly of dump system loaded with grass clippings dumped out of the storage container of a commercial mower.

[0027] FIG. 6o is an end view of dump system partially loaded with grass clippings after gate on dump frame is closed.

[0028] FIG. 6p is a side view of a two piece gate assembly folded for the dumping and empty process of dump system.

[0029] FIG. 6q is a side view of a two piece gate assembly folded while dump frame of dump system is inclined for emptying.

[0030] FIG. 6qa is a front view of gate assembly secured to a drive axle and base frame which is powered by a gear system and motor.

[0031] FIG. 6r is and view of a trailer (wheels missing) showing base legs of dump system mounted outside of trailer guard rails to provide more space on trailer floor. FIG. 6s is a side view of dump system mounted on the cargo bed of a truck.

[0032] FIG. 6t is a front view of a base leg of dump system equipped with a separate track assembly to handle the up and down motion of the gate end of dump frame.

[0033] FIG. 6u is a top view of a hydraulic system mounted within dump frame which can be operated and programmed via a programmable controller and pendant switch.

[0034] FIG. 6v is a side view of dump system equipped with a large top enclosure for handling leaves.

[0035] FIG. 6w is an end view of dump system with an extendable gate assembly that has been converted for use as a high platform and receptacle for handling the removal of shingles from the roof of a building.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an end view of dump system mounted on trailer with lawnmower stowed beneath with front gate of filled bulk container open to start the emptying process.

[0037] FIG. 8 is an end view of dump container mounted to trailer floor in the process of emptying grass clippings as bulk container is inclined via cable system to an angle of about 30 degrees.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an end view of dump system mounted to trailer floor with bulk container emptied as it transitions to complete the side discharge dumping cycle to about a 65 degree angle.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a top view of the dump systems hydraulic pump, 3 hydraulic cylinders and the hydraulic hose and hose connections between each hydraulic cylinder contained within the lift frame extending to the hydraulic pump and reservoir mounted to the base frame.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a top view of lift frame hydraulic cylinder retracted fully, cable and block and tackle type pulley system causing the bulk container and lift frame to angle upward to a maximum dump angle of about 65-.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a top view of lift frame hydraulic cylinder extended about half way which causes lift frame and bulk container to rest in a horizontal position for transport.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a top view of the lift frame hydraulic cylinder extended completely which causes lift frame and bulk container to pivot downwards to about a -45 degree angle for filling.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a top view of the gate hydraulic cylinder retracted completely using a cable and pulley arrangement for raising and keeping gate closed.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a top view of the gate hydraulic cylinder extended using a cable and pulley arrangement for lowering and maintaining gate in an open position for filling.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a top view of the gate elevation hydraulic cylinder completely retracted using a cable and pulley arrangement for raising the gate of bulk material container to its maximum height.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a top view of the gate elevation hydraulic cylinder extended using a cable and pulley arrangement to lower front end of bulk container with gate for easier loading by the operator because of a lower lifting height of grass clippings and / or other bulk materials.

[0047] FIG. 18 is an end view of dump system secured to trailer floor with bulk container having a -45 degree angle from horizontal for filling equipped with a pair of rails for the collapsible, lift container to ride on.

[0048] FIG. 19 is an end view of dump system with bulk container angled to about a -45 degree angle for filling with lift container secured to tracks open and resting on ground ready to be filled with grass clippings from a commercial lawnmower.

[0049] FIG. 20 is an end view of lawnmower dumping grass clippings into lift container to, requiring no manual lifting and exposure to ticks by an operator.

[0050] FIG. 21 is an end view of dump system secured to trailer floor with lift container filled with grass clippings ready for loading into the bulk container via the tracks as lawn mower returns to cut more grass.

[0051] FIG. 22 is an end view of dump system equipped with tracks mounted to trailer floor with lift container filled with grass clipping nearing the top section of tracks.

[0052] FIG. 23 is an end view of dump system equipped with track components with lift container positioned partially inside bulk container after grass clippings slide towards rear wall of bulk container.

[0053] FIG. 24 is a front view of dump system mounted on a landscape trailer equipped with a perimeter rail assembly with the gate of the bulk container open for filling via the track and lift container assembly.

[0054] FIG. 25 is a a side view of landscape trailer equipped with 3 dump systems, the dump system at the front of the trailer having a lawnmower stowed beneath it.

[0055] FIG. 26 is a side view of a landscape trailer equipped with 3 dump systems, the dump system at the front of the trailer has its lift frame and bulk container lowered and resting on trailer floor.

[0056] FIG. 27 is an end view of dump system mounted to landscape trailer floor equipped with a flexible container supported by a rigid and collapsible framework consisting of posts and rails.

[0057] FIG. 28 is an end view of dump system mounted to landscape trailer floor with the rigid container framework collapsed with the flexible container protected inside .

[0058] Description of Drawings

[0059] FIG. 1 is a side view of the of a landscape trailer 5 equipped with a dump system 9 mounted to a trailer floor 14. The dump frame container 44 is supported on a base frame 10 with a set of adjustable base legs 12a, 12b and 12c and 12d (see also Fig. 6u). Dump Frame 11 is connected to base frame 10 via a set of axle brackets 20a and 20b placed inside a set of 19Xa and 19Xb respectively. Dump frame 11 is held in a horizontal position to provide storage area 26 for mower(s) 37 and other yard equipment to be stowed during transport. Also shown is a set of pulley posts 16a and 16b fixed to the base frame 10 to provide the lifting movement using a set of lift cables 7a and 7b 7, a set of cable guides 17a and 17b, a cable and pulley assembly and a primary hydraulic cylinder lift cylinder 64 (Fig. 6u). A gate 24 is shown attached to dump frame 11 via a set of hinges 67a and 67b shown parked on the shoulder side of the trailer 5.

[0060] FIG. 2 is an end view dump system 9 with base legs 12a and 12b and 12c and 12d (Fig. 6u) of base frame 10 secured to the trailer floor 14. The primary lift hydraulic cylinder 64 (Fig. 6u) is secured inside lift frame 11 with the cables 7a and 7b (Fig. 1 ) that remain inside of the lift frame 11 and exiting the lift frame 11 via a set of guide pulleys 18a and 18b (Fig. 11 ) respectively and then up and around a set of cable guides 17a and 17b (Fig. 1) connecting to a set of turnbuckles 75a and 75b (Fig. 24) fixed to a set of lift posts 16a and 16b (Fig. 24).

[0061] FIGS. 3, 4, 5 6, 7, 8 and 9 are end views of dump system 9 in various modes of operation on the trailer 5 to load, store, transport and then dump a load of grass clippings 25G and / or dry and / or wet materials. In FIG. 3, mower storage area 26 is left open for storing mowers and other lawn equipment to and from a job site as well as leaving space for the lifting frame 11 to slope downward for loading the dump frame container 44. Base legs 12a, 12b and 12c and 12d (Fig. 6u) are adjustable so base frame 10 can be adjusted up or down. Base legs 12a to 12d can be fixed to trailer floor 14 and / or trailer rails 89a and 89b (Fig. 2). While gate 24 and axle stub 20b (axle stub 20a shown in Fig. 6u) remain at a fixed elevation and secured to base frame 10 via axle bracket 19Xa, dump frame 11 is allowed to form a negative angle of approximately 45 degrees from horizontal to allow bulk materials such as the grass clippings 25G to slide easily down dump frame floor 11 F from gate 24 to rear wall 90 of the dump frame container 44. By loading the dump frame container 44 through a gate opening 91 on the dump frame 11 angled back and downwards, bulk material such as grass clippings will easily slide and somewhat be thrown down the dump frame floor 11 F and begin accumulating first against from the rear wall 90. As bulk material begins filling the back end of the dump frame container 44, it may also pile up above top of the dump frame container 44 while an expandable cover 38 creates extra storage volume above the dump frame container 44 to increase storage capacity. Also, while compaction of grass clippings 25G and / or other materials may occur and cause flow problems, the grass clippings 25G last to be loaded with be first to be discharged to improve flow during the dumping sequence. In FIG. 4, cable 80 is extended downward from hydraulic cylinder 76 (Fig. 6u) to allow the gate 24 to be opened at a lower level to the ground 92 for easier loading, requiring less lifting of the grass clippings 25G. In FIG. 5, the front end of the lift frame 11 has been lowered via operating front lift hydraulic cylinder 76 (Fig. 6u) to lower the axle stubs 20b and 20a (Fig. 6u) within the axle brackets 19Xb and 19Xa (Fig. 1 ) causing gate 24 to be closer the ground 92. As shown, the dump frame container 44 has been partially loaded with the grass clippings 25Ga that have accumulated against the rear wall 90 of dump frame container 44. As loading of the dump frame container 44 continues, the gate 24 has been lowered via the extension of a gate cable 73 from hydraulic cylinder 71 (Fig. 6u) to act as a dumping platform for the grass clippings 25Gb to be placed on. The dump frame container 44, with an expandable cover 38 can be sized to handle a day or more worth of the grass clippings 25G. Prior to lifting and leveling the dump frame container container 44 and the dump frame 11 for transport, the gate cable 73 is retracted via the hydraulic cylinder 71 which causes the grass clippings 25Gb on the gate 24 to be dumped and partially thrown towards the rear wall 90. In FIG. 6, the dump frame 11 and dump frame container 44 have been lifted to their transport position while also providing the mower storage area 26 space underneath for transporting lawn mowers, supplies and other equipment. As shown, dump system 9 on trailer 5 does not take up any usable trailer floor space. In FIG. 7, the dump frame container 23 is almost full of the grass clippings resulting from a full day of mowing and other yard work. Once trailer 5 arrives at a dump site and / or transfer station for emptying the dump frame container 44, which is loaded with about 1 ,200 pounds of the grass clippings 25G, the gate 24 is opened to a more horizontal position by extending the cable 73 from the hydraulic cylinder 71 (Fig. 6u). The gate 24 provides an extension to the dump frame floor 11 F so that the grass clippings 25G are deposited on the ground 92 away from and not directly on a wheel 62b. In FIG. 8, the hydraulic cylinder 64 (Fig. 6u) retracts, pulling the cable 7a to tilt / dump dump frame container 44 container 44 to about 30 degree angle, causing the grass clippings 25G to begin flowing out of dump frame container 44 onto the gate 24 to the ground 92. In FIG. 9, the dump container 44 is shown as being empty of the grass clippings 25G after the dump frame floor 11 F reaches a dumping angle of approximately 45 degrees or more and / or the grass clippings 25G angle of repose. The angle of repose of the grass clippings 25G can vary according to the moisture content, compaction, storage time, etc... The dump frame 11 has an adjustable, maximum dump angle of up to 90 degrees. The cable lift posts 16b and 16a (Fig. 1) may be moved laterally, lowered and / or raised to accommodate the maximum dump angle of the dump frame container 44. The emptying / dumping sequence of dump system 9 can be operated without detaching the trailer 5 from a truck as well as leaving the lawn mower 37 stowed on the trailer floor 14. FIG. 10 is a top view of the hydraulic cylinders 64, 76 and 71 installed within the lift frame assembly 6. The hydraulic cylinder 64 is connected to a hydraulic pump 84 via a set of hydraulic hoses 81a and 81b and controlled by activating a hydraulic outflow valve 82a for lifting or a hydraulic return valve 83a. The hydraulic cylinder 76 is connected to the hydraulic pump 84 via the hydraulic hoses 81c and 81 d and controlled by activating the outflow valve 82b or the hydraulic return valve 83b. The hydraulic cylinder 71 is connected to the hydraulic pump 84 via the hydraulic hoses 81 e and 81f and controlled by activating the outflow valve 83b and the return valve 83. Because the cable and pulley system 101 reduces the load to be moved, other power components such as air cylinders, linear actuators, winches and rotary actuators may be used in place of the hydraulic cylinders 64, 76 and 71 . Other sensing and switching devices may be incorporated into the cable and pulley system 101 such as a scale, a read out display, a load cell, a set of limit switches, a pressure control regulator, power inverters, air tanks and valves, etc... may also be used in place of hydraulics.

[0062] FIG. 6a is an end view of trailer 5 with dump system 9 installed on trailer floor 14. While the majority of components remain the same on dump system 9, a new feature using interior legs with a powered lift system allow the dump system 9 to raise up and down to allow more headroom room for an operator to park a lawn mower underneath. As shown, interior legs 110a and 110b and 110c and 110d (opposite side) are equipped with mounting plates 8a and 8b and 8c and 8d (opposite side) respectively which are bolted to trailer floor via mount plate bolts 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d and 111e, 111f, 111g and 111 h (opposite side). Also, as shown interior legs 110a and 110b and 110c 11 Od (opposite side) fitted inside base legs 12a and 12b as well as 12c and 12d (opposite side). This new feature provides an operator a higher level of safety and convenience when removing and / or parking a mower underneath dump system 9. Crouching over and reducing the chance of one banging their head on the bottom of dump system 9 during these procedures is virtually eliminated. And with a with hydraulic system already installed on trailer 5 to operate the movements of dump system 9, adding another hydraulic valve and set of hydraulic hoses is inexpensive and simple.

[0063] FIG. 6b and 6c are end views of interior leg 110 equipped with top pulley 115 held in place inside towards the top of interior leg 110 via top pulley bracket 117. Also shown is bottom pulley 116 fixed to the bottom of mounting plate 8 via bottom pulley bracket 118. In FIG. 6b, to raise and lower base leg 12 from trailer floor 14, lift cable 119 extends from a motor drive assembly to bottom pulley 116 and upward through trailer floor opening 112 upward to top pulley 115 and then downward to lift bolt 114 which is secured through base leg 12. Notice slot opening 113a in interior leg 110 provides a space or channel for lift bolt 114 to move up and down within interior leg 110. As cable 119 moves up and down, so will base leg 12. In this configuration, 1 / 8 inch X 4 inch x 4 inch square metal tubing is used while interior leg may be made of 1 / 8 inch X 3.5 inch X 3.5 inch square tubing leaving a cap between them of approximately % inch. To reduce friction and provide a more precise fit between the inner surface of base leg 12 and outer surface of interior leg 110, wear strip such as UHMW 128 may be used. In FIG. 6c, lift cable 119 is pulled further to raise base leg 12 higher from trailer floor 14. Note that the height of slot opening 113a limited the maximum height base leg 12 can be lifted. In this configuration, the length of slot opening is approximately 1 / 16 inch which is the maximum added lift height to dump frame 11 (FIG. 6a).

[0064] FIG. 6d is a top view of of trailer 5 showing the relative locations of base legs 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d on trailer floor 14 (FIG. 6a). To prevent the jamming and possible damage to the operation of base legs 112a, 12b, 12c and 12d moving up and down on interior legs 110a, 110b, 10c and 110d (FIG. 6a), all base legs 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d must move together by a single power source. If for example, each leg 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d were powered by their own individual linear actuator and one failed, the up and down movement of dump system 9 would fail. As a result, lift cables 119a, 119b, 119c and 119d are routed around guide pulleys 132a, 132b, 132c and 132d respectively, which are mounted to guide pulley plate 133 so that lift cables 119a, 119b, 119c and 119d connect to turnbuckles 136a, 136b, 136c and 136d respectively to provide adjustment of each cable before they connect to hydraulic cylinder 134 and hydraulic rod 135. When hydraulic rod 135 moves in and out of hydraulic cylinder 134, lift cables 119a, 119b, 119c and 119d will function as a single lift system. Note that for smooth, precise and efficient operation, slot openings 113a and 113b, 113c and 113d (opposite sides) will be be equal to or longer than the stroke length of hydraulic cylinder 134. For example, if the stroke length of hydraulic cylinder 134 is 16 inches then the length of slot openings 113a, 113b, 113c and 113d (not shown) should be at least 16 inches in length or greater.

[0065] FIGS. 6e and 6f are end views of interior leg 110 with bottom of mount plate 8 equipped with screw bearing bracket 127Z which holds screw bearing 127. Also shown is exterior leg 12 equipped with screw bracket 126 which holds screw nut 122 in place. Ends of screw bracket 126 extends through slot openings 113a and 113b (FIG. 6b) on interior leg 110 and placed through openings on exterior leg 12 and fixed in place. As shown, lift screw 121 has been inserted upward through screw bearing 127 so it interfaces with screw nut 122. Because screw nut is fixed to exterior leg 12 via screw bracket 126, as lift screw turns, base leg 12 with either move up or down. At the bottom of lift screw 121 , chain sprocket 123 is attached so that when chain 120 moves, lift screw will turn. Also shown are UHMW wear strips 128a and 128b secured to the exterior surface of interior leg 110 as well as 128c, 128d, 128e, 128f, 128g and 128g (opposite sides). In FIG. 6f, chain sprocket 123 has been turned via movement of lift chain120 which causes lift screw 121 to turn that lifts base leg 12 upward. Mention other options like using drive shafts with right angled gear boxes, etc...

[0066] FIG. 6g is a top view of trailer 5 showing the locations of base legs 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d on trailer floor 14 (FIG.6a). As shown as motor shaft 129 of a motor rotates, it causes drive sprocket 124 to rotate causing lift chain 120 to move which in turn causes lift screws 121a, 121b, 121c and 121 d to rotate as chain sprockets 123a, 123b, 123c and 123d rotate respectively. Note that drive sprocket 124 is mounted and held firmly in place on drive sprocket plate 137. Also shown is idler sprocket assembly 138 that may be adjusted to tighten or loosen lift chain 120. One or more idler sprocket assemblies 138 may be used to add or reduce tension of lift chain 120 to chain sprockets 123a, 123b, 123c and 123d.

[0067] FIGS, 6h and 6i are end views of dump system 9 shown at different heights above trailer floor 14 of trailer 5 with commercial mower 37 parked underneath. In FIG. 6h, dump system 9 is lowered just above commercial mower 37 for transport to keep the center of gravity lowest while on a road or highway. In FIG. 6i, dump system 9 is raised upward to allow the operator easy and safe access to and from the commercial mower 37. Also shown are proximity switches 139a and 139c which are fixed to the bottom of dump frame 11 to stop any movement of dump system up or down if an obstruction occurs. Proximity switch 139b is fixed the base frame 10 which also can signal and switch off the up and down movement of dump system 9 if an obstruction and / or unsafe condition occurs. Also, because there are of number of hydraulic cylinders and hoses located below the dump frame floor 11 F, dump frame bottom cover 149 may be used to enclose and protect these components as well as protect the operator from the same.

[0068] FIG. 6j is a side view of gate frame 25 equipped with compression spring 147 contained and anchored within spring hub 146 to push against gate 24 as gate cable 73 is released for lowering gate 24. It is important to note that all of the hydraulically powered cable systems of dump system 9 do not apply any downward pressure, but instead rely on gravity for safer operation.

[0069] FIG. 6k is a side view of trailer 5 equipped with dump system 9 in a full down position, resting on trailer floor 14 in position for loading using jib crane 140 assembly also mounted to trailer 5. Jib crane 140 may also be attached to dump system 9 as an accessory component. Jib crane 140 is equipped with extension post 141 which can swivel up to 360- as well as extension arm 142 that allows for greater reaching ability. Jib crane 140 can be operated manually with a manual hand winch or with a fully motorized system using hydraulic and / or electrical motors to control all of the functions. Jib pulley 143, jib cable 144, and jib hook 145 may be attached to a variety of rigid and / or flexible walls containers with open top access, side discharge and / or bottom discharge apparatuses. For applications that may require dump frame 11 to be lowered onto trailer floor 14, a momentary button / switch may be added to disable proximity switches 139a, 139b and 139c (FIG. 6i).

[0070] FIG. 6L, 6m, 6n and 6o are end views of trailer 5 equipped with dump system 9 showing dump frame 11 lowered onto trailer floor 14 positioned next to commercial mower 37. Notice that a section of right trailer rail 89b has been removed from trailer 5 to allow L gate 24X assembly to open and close without any interference. Also, please note that the right wheel of trailer 5 has been removed from the drawing to show the loading sequence of grass clippings 25G. In FIG. 6L, L gate 24X is locked into position for lifting materials on or near the ground into dump frame container 44 via gate support 152. In FIG. 6m, L gate 24X has been lowered to ground 92 adjacent to commercial mower 37 to accept load of grass clippings 25G in grass container 93. In FIG. 6o, L gate 24X has been activated to lift and dump grass clippings 25G into dump container 44 via gate axle 153 and gate motor 154 (FIG. 6qa).

[0071] FIGS. 6p and 6q are partial side views of L gate assembly 24X being operated without gate support 152 so that gate floor panel 24F can be folded against gate back panel 24Q via floor back panel hinge 24W. While not shown, gate floor panel 24F may also be folded under gate back panel 24Q. With gate floor panel 24F folded and held in place against gate back panel 24Q, dump frame 11 may now be dumped to allow the dumping and emptying action of dump frame container 44. In FIG. 6q, gate back panel 24Q has been folded under gate floor panel 24F and held in place via a lock pin and held in parallel with dump frame floor 11 F as dump frame container 44 is angled for dumping.

[0072] FIG. 6qa is a front view of L gate 24X secured to dump frame 11 which is equipped with L gate hinges 24Za, 24Zb and 24Zc that hold gate axle 153. Gate axle 153 is secured to L gate 24X via axle collars 157a and 157b. Typically, axle collars 157a and 157b are welded to both drive axle 153 and L gate 24X. As shown, drive axle 153 is equipped with axle gear 156 which is turned and / or rotated via drive gear 155 which is powered by gate motor 154. Gate motor 154 may be an electric or hydraulic motor. Also, instead of using drive gear 155 and axle gear 156, gate axle 153 by a chain drive and / or other power transmission systems.

[0073] FIG. 6r is an end view of trailer 5 equipped with dump system 9. As shown, in this configuration, base legs 12a and 12b and 12c and 12d (opposite side) are located outside of trailer rails 89a and 89b to allow more floor space on trailer floor 14. Mounting plates 8a and 8b, and 8c and 8d (opposite side) are fixed to interior legs 110a and 110b , and 110c and 110d (opposite side) and bolted to trailer floor 14. FIG. 6s is a side view of truck 150 equipped with a flat cargo bed 151. Dump system 9 may be installed on a cargo bed 151 of trucks, trains and for that matter any flat surface, even a warehouse floor or outside area on the ground.

[0074] FIG. 6t is a partial front view of right front base leg 12a equipped with dump frame track 158. Also, as shown, interior leg 110a is placed inside base leg 12a of dump system 9 for the purpose of lifting and lowering dump system 9. To allow dump frame 11 to also be raised and lowered independently from dump system 9, to and from trailer floor 14, base leg 12a has been equipped with dump frame track 158. Please note that a frame beam has been removed from dump system 9 so that gate 24 (FIG. 6r) will not obstruct the opening and closing of gate 24 at a low level. Also, to provide more support between base leg 12a and 12b (FIG. 6r), dual wheel assembly 159 is secured to axle bracket 19X. Wheels 161a and 161b mounted on dual wheel assembly 159 to help maintain dump frame 11 in a horizontal position while moving up and down within dump frame track 158. Also secured to dual frame assembly 159 is vertical pulley 70v that will cause front lift cable 80 to transition from a horizontal position to a vertical position with the end of front lift cable 80 being secured to vertical lift cable anchor 79. Also, to provide more support for base legs 12a and 12b (FIG. 6r) to remain vertical and in a rigid position, interior legs 110a and 110b (FIG. 6r) are welded to mount plate 8, which in this case is a length of heavy duty steel which extends between interior legs 110a and 110b (not shown) that is fastened to trailer floor 14. As front lift cable 80 moves, so will dump frame 11 move up and down via dump frame track 158. Notice that dump frame track 158 is equipped with track slot opening 160 so that axle bracket 19X can move up and down within dump frame track 158.

[0075] FIG. 6u is a top view of lift frame assembly 6 equipped with primary lift hydraulic platform cylinder 64, front lift hydraulic cylinder 76 and gate hydraulic cylinder 71. To provide a more automatic operation system for the operator, control enclosure 163 has been added to house hydraulic pump system 84 as well as programmable logic controller 162, which can combine different movements of lift frame assembly 6 into a single command via a single button. For example, rather than having the operator push several buttons on pendant switch 164 to operate their respective hydraulic cylinders, a single button can be pushed or activated to operate several hydraulic cylinders to act according to a program of the programmable logic controller 162. These programmed movements of lift frame assembly 6 may include the use of proximity switches 139 (FIG.6i) and limit switches 108 (FIG. 29) as well as timers as part of the programmable logic controller 162. To offer the operator an even more efficient and convenient method of operating dump system 9 (FIG. 6i), a hand-held remote control pendant switch 164 (FIG. 61) may be used so the operator won't have to get off commercial mower 37.

[0076] FIG. 6v is a side view of trailer 5 equipped with dump system 9 which is equipped with top enclosure 165 that may be used for the collection of leaves and leaf debris. Top enclosure 165, which can be made out of canvas or PVC coated fabric as well as a breathable fabric to help filter the air being exhausted, can be secured to top enclosure frame 166, is equipped with filling opening 167 so that leaves and / or leaf debris (chopped leaves) can be blown into top enclosure 165 while vent sock 168, also placed on top enclosure 165, may exhaust the incoming stream of air to atmosphere. Top enclosure frame 166, which can be made out metal or other rigid materials is fastened to dump frame 11 . To use dump system 9 in this configuration, a section of guard rail 89 in front of gate 24 has been removed so that it will not prevent gate 24 from opening. For emptying ground up of leaves inside dump system 9, which can become very compacted and poor flowing, closure means 169a and 169b may be opened to allow front panel 170 to open fully so that the top portion of ground up leaves may flow first (less compacted than leaves at the bottom) as the dumping process begins. Closure means may include zippers, buttons, snaps, Velcro ™ hook and loop fasteners, and lacing and grommets.

[0077] Instead of using to zippers 169a and 169b to open and close front panel 170, other types of fastening components such as button snaps, Velcro ™ and lacing and grommets. For complete the complete emptying of ground up leaves from dump system 9, gate 24 and zippers 169a and 169b, and front panel 170 can be opened completely. Also, because of the unusually large load of ground up leaves in dump system 9, dump frame 11 may be raised off of trailer floor 14 during the dumping / emptying process to create more room above the ground 92 for the leaves to pile up. It may also be necessary to move trailer 5 to a more open area to dump the remaining leaves from dump system 9. In this configuration, dump system 9 may be placed on the end of trailer 5 and positioned to dump over the end of trailer 5. Dump system 9 may also be placed on a flat bed truck and positioned as desired on the flat bed to dump off the rear or sides.

[0078] FIG. 6w is an end view of trailer 5 equipped with dump system 9 which is located and parked next to building 172. As shown, dump frame 11 and dump container 44 have been raised up up from trailer floor 14 to an elevation near the bottom edge of roof 173. In this configuration, dump system 9 may be used for performing all types of work above ground 92 such as shingle removal, new roof construction, chimney repair, gutter maintenance and house painting. Also, dump system 9 may be mounted on any type of vehicle having a flat cargo bed. As shown, dump system 9 is equipped with gate 24 that is equipped with gate extension 24E and gate guards 24Ga and 24Gb (not shown). In this scenario, gate extension 24E may be extended outward until it makes contact with roof 173. Gate extension 24E may be equipped with gate bumper 24B so that shingles on roof 173 are not damaged. To stabilize dump system 9 when gate extension 24E is extended and may be used for handling foot traffic and / or building supplies to and from roof 173, outrigger post 175 is connected to dump system 9 via outrigger post anchor 177 and ground 92 via outrigger post foot 176. As an added level of safety, outrigger post support 180 may be attached between base leg 12B and outrigger post 175. Outrigger posts 175 is equipped with outrigger inner post 178 and outrigger post lock 181 so that the length of outrigger post 175 may be adjusted and locked in place. For other applications that do not require roof access, such as house painting, bricklaying and gutter maintenance, gate extension 24E may be extended outward as desired. A counterweight may be secured to trailer 5 and / or dump system 9 to provide more balance to trailer 5 and dump system 9 when gate 24E is extended with the use of outrigger post and / or other support posts connected to gate extension 24E. Ladder 179 may be secured to dump system 9 if desired. Dump system 9 may include all functions of raising, gate dumping and the changes in slope angles of dump frame 11 and dump container 44.

[0079] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are top views of the lift frame assembly 6 positioned between base frame 10a and base frame 10b with the hydraulic cylinder 64 installed. In FIG. 11, so that the lift platform assembly 6 can be raised, lowered and angled freely, the axle brackets 19a and 19b are fixed to the base frame 10 and can move freely within axle brackets 19a and 19b to extend from top of base frame 10a and 10b to the trailer floor 14 (Fig. 1 ). The hydraulic cylinder 64 is connected to the lift frame assembly 6 via a bracket. In this configuration, a cylinder rod 65 is fully extended from the hydraulic cylinder 64 so that the lift cable 7 is fully extended to allow the lift frame assembly end 6Z to pivot downward towards the ground 92 (Fig. 6v) which position can be used for filling. As shown, a set of cable anchors 3a and 3b are equipped to the ends of the lift cable 7 while the cable 7 is secured to pulley post 16a via cable anchor 3a while the other end of lift cable 7 is secured to the pulley post 16b via the cable anchor 3b. The cable 7 is fixed to the cable anchor 3a, it is further routed through a guide pulley 18a, a set of fixed pulley assemblies 70a and 70b, then around a rod pulley 69a, then to a fixed pulley 70c, then around a rod pulley 69b and then through a another set of fixed pulleys 70d, 70e and finally around the guide pulley 18b to end at the cable anchor 3b on the pulley post 16b. Any movement of the cylinder rod 65 will result in either an up or down movement of the end of lift frame end 6Z. Since the stroke length of the cylinder rod 65 is only about 20 inches in length and the movement of lift frame assembly 6Z requires about 80 inches of length for the lift frame 11 to move from a negative 45 degree angle from horizontal to a positive 75 degree angle for dumping, the rod pulleys 69a and 69b, in conjunction with the fixed pulley assemblies 70b and 70d, functions similar to a block and tackle pulley arrangement. In FIG. 12, the cylinder rod 65 with rod pulleys 69a and 69b installed is retracted which will raise lift frame end 6Z by the change in distance from the length moved of lift cable 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e. As a result, if cylinder rod 65 is retracted about 10 inches, the length of the usable cable 7 change will be about 4 X 10 which is 40 inches. This 40"of retracted lift cable 7 will allow the lift frame assembly 6 to move upwards to a horizontal position which is the angle for transport. In FIG. 13, the rod pulleys 69a and 69b are retracted further via the cylinder rod 65 so that more of the lift cable 7 is collected such that lift cables 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e has quadrupled from 30 inches to 120 inches. The block and tackle arrangement created by having the fixed pulleys 70b, 70c and 70d work in conjunction with the moving pulleys 69a and 69b not only create a mechanical advantage resulting in a lighter load for the hydraulic cylinder 64 to handle (allowing for a smaller bore cylinder or less powerful linear actuator), the 1 inch to 4 inch ratio provides the 120 inches of the cable 7 length required to provide each side of the lift frame 11 with 60 inches of the cable 7 for the maximum up and down movement of the lift frame assembly 6. In this configuration, the lift frame assembly 6 now has a positive dump angle in the range of about 45 to 90 degrees. During the operation of the lift frame assembly 6, which can be angled according to the desired function, the axle stubs 20a and 20b remain stable within the axle bracket 20a and 20b. Also shown are the gate hinges 67a and 67b which allow the gate 24 to open and close for filling and emptying. A gate spring 68 helps the gate 24 open easily since it opened via gravity. To provide an advanced level of safety, the hydraulic cylinders 64, 71 (Fig. 6u) and 76 (Fig. 6u) are only used for lifting functions with force. Any time one of the components of the dump system 9 needs to be lowered, gravity is relied upon so that any downward motion caused by the hydraulic cylinder 64 and can't push down under power and cause damage or injury.

[0080] FIGS. 14 and 15 are top views of the lift frame assembly 6 equipped with the hydraulic cylinder 71 for opening and closing the gate 24. In FIG. 14, the gate 24 is closed and in a vertical position because the gate cable 73 is taught. As shown, a cylinder rod 65 is retracted fully so that with one end of the gate cable 73 is secured to the gate 24 via a cable anchor 74a while the other end is secured to the gate 24 via the cable anchor 74b. Notice how the use of the rod pulleys 69a and 69b, in conjunction with a set of gate pulleys 72b, 72c and 72d, create a type of block and tackle arrangement. It is possible to use a single rod pulley 69 if the hydraulic cylinder 71 has a longer range of extension and / or retraction than the gate cable 73. Cable 73 is routed from cable anchor 74a on gate 24 over gate pulley 72h mounted on gate frame post 85a down through gate frame post 85a to gate pulley 72f and then is routed horizontally around gate pulleys 72a and 72b. As shown, the other end of gate cable 73 is secured to gate 24 via cable anchor 74b. The gate cable 73 runs from the cable anchor 74 over the gate pulley 72i down through a gate frame post 85b to a gate pulley 72g and then to a horizontal position. As the cylinder rod 65 moves in out from the hydraulic cylinder 71, the gate 24 may open and close. In this configuration, with the cylinder rod 65 fully retracted, the gate 24 is closed. In FIG. 15, the gate 24 is shown open and in a relatively horizontal position with the cylinder rod 65 fully extended.

[0081] FIGS. 16 and 17 are top views of the lift frame assembly 6 equipped with the front lift hydraulic cylinder 76 to lower and raise the gate 24 end of the the lift frame assembly 6 via front the front lift cable 80 via the fixed pulley assemblies 70Va, 70Vb, 70Vc, 70vb and 70vd. In FIG. 16, because the range of lifting the front end of the lift frame assembly 6 is small (10” to 18” and a relatively light load), a block and tackle pulley arrangement may not be required. In this configuration, an 8 inch long hydraulic cylinder 76 can be used with the vertical pulleys 70Vd and 70e. With the front lift hydraulic cylinder 76 shown as fully retracted, the lift frame assembly 6 is at its maximum height. In FIG. 17, the front lift hydraulic cylinder 76 is fully extended to allow the lift frame assembly 6 to be lowered as desired. Range of motion is about 18 inches for the length of the cylinder rod 65.

[0082] FIGS. 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22 and 23 are end views of the trailer 5 with the dump system 9 pivoted downward from the axle stubs 20b and 20a (Fig. 6u) with the lift frame container 44 empty at a negative angle of approximately 45 degrees for loading via a lift track assembly 27 and a fold-able lift container 29. Awheel 62b is removed. When not in use, the fold-able lift container 29 remains closed and folded so it doesn't stick out beyond the location of the tire 62b (Fig. 1) and cause a hazard while driving. Also shown is the gate 24 in a closed position. The track assembly 27 is secured to the base frame 10 via a set of track supports 28a and 28b and track supports 28c and 28d (Fig. 24). In FIG. 19, the fold-able lift container 29 is open and ready for filling. A grass container 93 on the lawnmower 37 is loaded with the freshly cut grass clippings 25G and in position for dumping its' load. By equipping the trailer 5 and the dump system 9 with the lift track 27a and 27b (Fig. 24) and the fold-able lift container 29, the lawnmower 37 can even be operated with robotic mowers resulting in the automated cutting, handling, transport and disposal of the grass clippings 25G. In FIG. 20, fold-able lift container 29 has been filled with the grass clippings 25G after the grass container 93 on the lawnmower 37 has been dumped and emptied. In FIG. 21, the gate cable 73 has been unfastened from gate 24 and attached to the lift container 29 to provide the up and down motion of fold-able lift container 29 on track assembly 27. In FIG. 22, fordable the lift container 29, filled with about 100 lbs. of the grass clippings 25G, has been lifted up to the top of the lift track assembly 27 via a cable 73 and the gate hydraulic cylinder 71 (Fig. 6u).

[0083] In FIG. 23, the fold-able lift container 29 is shown partly inside the dump frame container 44 after dumping load of the grass clippings 25G. As shown, to prevent a block up the grass clippings 25G inside the dump frame container 44 and / or to eliminate the operator from interrupting his mowing and risk a tick bite by having to push the grass clippings 25G into the dump frame container 44, the negative 45 degree angle of the lift frame 11 helps move and / or slide to the rear wall 90 of the dump frame container 44. After the operator dumps the load of the grass clippings 25G, he can simply press a button to start and complete an automatic lifting and dumping cycle using the fold-able lift container 29 and the lift track assembly 27 to save time and keep mowing.

[0084] FIG. 24 is a front view of the dump system 9 mounted on the trailer floor 14 via a set of mounting plates 8a, 8b and 8c and 8d (8c and 8d are on the opposite side of 8a and 8b). As shown, the gate 24 is manually opened and hanging downward in a vertical position via the gate hinges 67a and 67b. Notice that the track lift assembly 27 is positioned inside a trailer rail 89 so that the up and down movement of the lift container 29 can travel freely from the ground 92 to the gate frame 25. The lift container 29 is attached to a container wheel beam 87 as well as a lift container cable 94a and 94b while a set of container wheels 31 a, 31 b, 31 c and 31 d are held in track assembly 27. Because the gate cable 73 is relatively short and not long enough, it has been replaced by the lift container cables 94a and 94b.

[0085] FIGS. 25 and 26 are side views of the trailer 5 with the dump systems 9a, 9b and 9c installed. Also shown is the lawnmower 37 parked under the dump system 9c illustrating that virtually no floor space on the trailer 5 has been lost for carrying landscape equipment. For certain landscape operators, having the dump system 9a filled with mulch, dump system 9b filled with soil and using the dump system 9c for the removal of grass clippings 25G from a job site provides many obvious advantages, efficiencies and savings such a reduced need to deliver materials via a separate dump trailer, truck and driver. In FIG. 26, lift frame container 44c on the dump system 9c has been lowered to the floor 14 of the trailer 5 to haul loads of heavy weight materials such as sand at 90 pounds / cubic foot compared to the grass clippings 25G at 20 pounds / cubic foot. Hauling a heavy load above trailer floor 14 level like sand could create a 'top heavy condition' which could make the trailer 5 unstable as well as a hazard on the highway.

[0086] FIGS. 27 and 28 are end views of the dump system 9 equipped with a flexible container 99 attached to the lift frame 11 . In FIG. 27, the flexible container 99 is shown in an open position and supported via a container framework assembly 100 installed on the lift frame 11 . The container framework assembly 100 is fold-able and / or collapsible consisting of a set of container posts 97a, 97b and 97c and container posts 97d, 97e and 97f (opposite side) along with a set of container rails 98a, 98b and 98c and 98d (opposite side). Also shown is the expandable cover 38 and the gate 24. In FIG. 28, the container framework assembly 100 of the dump system 9 is shown in a collapsed position with the flexible container 99 (Fig. 27) protected inside, providing the user with a more aerodynamic shape for transporting trailer 5 in a partially or empty condition.

[0087] FIG. 29 is a top view of the lift frame assembly 6 with a linear actuator 102 installed with an extension rod 106 capable of acting as a brake as well as moving back and forth to change the position of a dual pulley bracket 107 which in turn moves the lift frame assembly 6 up and down on the base frame 10. Attached to the linear actuator 102 is a load cell 103 which is used to weigh the load placed on the dual pulley bracket 107. Also shown are a set of limit switches 108a and 108b which can help control the end point movements of the extension rod 106 which in turn controls the positions of the lift frame 6. The linear actuator 102, the load cell 103, a weight display 104, a weight adjustment dial selector 109 and a controller 105 are connected via control wiring. To prevent damage, potential hazards and dangerous operation from over loading the lift frame 6, a set weight limit can shut the linear actuator 102 off when an overweight load condition is reached.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A dump system (9) for loading and discharging bulk material (25G), the dump system comprising: a lift frame assembly (6) hingedly secured to a base frame assembly (10); the lift frame assembly (6) comprising an open top container (23, 44) having a gate (24) on a vertical side; the base frame assembly (10) comprising: base legs (12a - 12d) for supporting the lift frame assembly (6) and defining a storage space therebetween (26); and a pulley support (16); at least one hydraulic cylinder (64, 76, 71); at least one cable (7, 73, 80); and at least one pulley (18, 70); wherein operating the at least one hydraulic cylinder: opens and closes the gate (24) to load and empty the container (23, 44); rotates the lift frame assembly (6) below horizontal by at least 45 degrees for filling the container (23, 44); and rotates the lift frame assembly (6) above horizontal by at least 75 degrees for emptying the container (23, 44).

2. The dump system of claim 1 , wherein the pulley support (16) is either a pulley post or an overhead frame.

3. The dump system of claim 1 , further comprising: a track assembly (27) secured to the base frame assembly (10); a foldable lift container (29) configured to fold flat against the track assembly and that engages the track assembly in a sliding relationship, wherein the track assembly (27) extends sufficiently low so that the foldable lift container (29) accepts bulk material (25G) from a lawnmower (37), andextends upwardly and rearwardly sufficiently to dump the bulk material into the open top container (23, 44) via a gate opening (25) of the gate (24).

4. The dump system of claim 1, wherein the storage space (26) is sized to hold a lawnmower (37) within and the dump system (9) is sized to be removably installed on a vehicle trailer (5) such that the dump system is configured to dump the bulk material (25G) off to a side of the trailer.

5. The dump system of claim 1 , the container comprising: a flexible container (99); and a container framework assembly (100) that maintains the flexible container in an expanded state.

6. The dump system of claim 1 , the lift frame assembly (6) further comprising an expandable cover (38) for covering the open top of the container (23, 44), the expandable cover capable of expanding when the container is filled with bulk material (25G).

7. The dump system of claim 1 , the at least one hydraulic cylinder comprising a primary lift hydraulic cylinder (64) and the at least one cable is a lift cable (7), the primary lift hydraulic cylinder in operative communication with the lift cable such that the lift frame assembly (6) can be raised, lowered, and angled freely by operation of the primary lift hydraulic platform cylinder.

8. The dump system of claim 1 , the at least one hydraulic cylinder comprising: a linear actuator (102); an extension rod (106) extending from the linear actuator; a load cell (103) sensing a load on the extension rod; and limit switches (108a, 108b) limiting the travel of the extension rod.

9. The dump system of claim 8, further comprising: a weight display (104); a weight adjustment dial selector (109); anda controller (105); the controller in communication with the linear actuator, load cell, limit switches, weight display, and weight adjustment dial selector.

10. The dump system of claim 1, the at least one hydraulic cylinder comprising a gate hydraulic cylinder (71) and the at least one cable is a gate cable (73), the gate cable in operative communication with the gate hydraulic cylinder such that the gate (24) is opened and closed by operation of the gate hydraulic cylinder.

11. The dump system of claim 1 , the at least one hydraulic cylinder comprising a front lift hydraulic cylinder (76) and the at least one cable is a front lift cable (80), the front lift cable in operative communication with the front lift hydraulic cylinder such that an end of the lift frame assembly (6) nearest the gate (24) can be raised and lowered by operation of the front lift hydraulic cylinder.

12. A dump system (9) for loading and discharging bulk material (25G), the dump system comprising: a lift frame assembly (6) and a base frame assembly (10); the lift frame assembly (6) comprising: a container (23, 44), the container comprising: a gate opening (91) on a vertical side of the container; a gate (24) rotatably attached to the container by a gate hinge (67a, 67b) secured proximate to a lower end of the gate opening (91); and an axle (19a, 19b) secured on vertical sides of the container (23, 44) proximate the gate (24); a dump frame (11), the dump frame comprising: a frame floor (11 F), the container (23, 44) disposed on the frame floor (11 F); and a guide pulley (18a, 18b) secured to the dump frame (11) between a middle of the container (23, 44) and an end opposite the gate (24); a fixed pulley (70c) secured to the dump frame (11) between the middle of the container (23, 44) and an end closest to the gate (24); and axle stubs (20a, 20b) secured to the end of the dump frame (11)closest to the gate (24) sized to receive axles (19a, 19b); a gate cable (73) secured at one end to the gate (24) capable of lifting the gate loaded with bulk material (25G) and closing the gate to transport the bulk material into the container; a gate hydraulic cylinder (71), the gate cable (73) in operative communication with the hydraulic cylinder (71), such that the gate (24) is opened and closed by operation of the gate hydraulic cylinder (71); a primary lift hydraulic platform cylinder (64); and a front lift hydraulic cylinder (76); the base frame assembly (10) comprising: a left base frame (10a); a right base frame (10b); base legs (12a - 12d) secured to and supporting the left base frame (10a) and right base frame (10b) and defining a storage area (26) between the base legs; axle brackets (19Xa, 19Xb) vertically secured to base legs (12b, 12c) that are closest to the gate (24), the axle brackets comprising channels sized to receive the axle stubs (20a, 20b) such that they can slide up and down vertically within the channels; a pulley support (16) secured above the left base frame (10a) and right base frame (10b) at a proximal end of the pulley support; a turnbuckle (75a) secured to the pulley support (16); a post pulley (17) secured at a distal end of the pulley support (16); a cable anchor (3a, 3b) secured to the left base frame (10a) and right base frame (10b);and a vertical lift cable anchor (79a, 79b) secured to the left base frame (10a) and right base frame (10b); a lift cable (7) secured at an end to the cable anchor (3a, 3b), routed through the guide pulley (18a, 18b) and in operative communication with the primary lift hydraulic platform cylinder (64) such that the lift frame assembly (6) can be raised, lowered, and angled freely by operation of the primary lift hydraulic platform cylinder (64); and a front lift cable (80) secured at an end to the vertical lift cable anchor (79a,79b) and in operative communication with the front lift hydraulic cylinder (76) such that an end of the lift frame assembly (6) nearest the gate (24) can be raised and lowered by operation of the front lift hydraulic cylinder.

13. The dump system of claim 12, further comprising: a track assembly (27) secured to the base frame assembly (10); a foldable lift container (29) configured to fold flat against the track assembly and that engages the track assembly in a sliding relationship, wherein the track assembly (27) extends sufficiently low so that the foldable lift container (29) accepts bulk material (25G) from a lawnmower (37), and extends upwardly and rearwardly sufficiently to dump the bulk material into the open top container (23, 44) via the gate opening (25) of the gate (24).

14. The dump system of claim 12, wherein the pulley support (16) is either a pulley post or an overhead frame.

15. The dump system of claim 12, wherein the primary lift hydraulic cylinder is a linear actuator (102), and further comprising: an extension rod (106) extending from the linear actuator; a load cell (103) sensing a load on the extension rod; and limit switches (108a, 108b) limiting the travel of the extension rod.

16. The dump system of claim 15, further comprising: a weight display (104); a weight adjustment dial selector (109); and a controller (105); the controller in communication with the linear actuator, load cell, limit switches, weight display, and weight adjustment dial selector.

17. The dump system of claim 12, further comprising adjustable leg inserts (48a - 48d) inserted in respective base legs (12a - 12d) that adjust the height of the base frame.

18. The dump system of claim 12, each of the left base frame beam (10a) and theright base frame beam (10b) comprising: a first base frame beam (10Ba); a second base frame beam (1 OBb); and a base frame extension beam (10E) disposed between the first base frame beam and second base frame beam for adjusting a width of the base frame assembly across a floor (14) of a trailer (5) upon which the dump system (9) is disposed.

19. The dump system of claim 12, the lift frame assembly (6) further comprising an expandable cover (38) for covering the open top of the container (23, 44) capable of expanding when the container is filled with bulk material (25G).

20. The dump system of claim 12, wherein the storage space (26) is sized to hold a lawnmower (37) within and the dump system (9) is sized to be removably installed on a vehicle trailer (5) such that the dump system is configured to dump the bulk material off to the side of the trailer.21 . A dump system (9) for discharging bulk material (25G) configured to be mounted on a trailer (5) and to define a space (26) for a mower (37), the dump system comprising: a lift frame assembly (6); the lift frame assembly (6) comprising a container (44) for containing bulk material (25G), the container having a gate (24) on a vertical side; a base frame assembly (10) hingedly secured to the lift frame assembly (6); the base frame assembly (10) comprising: base legs (12); interior legs (110) sized to fit inside respective base legs in a telescoping relationship; mounting plates (8) configured to secure respective interior legs (110) to a floor (14) of the trailer (5); and adjusting means for adjusting an overall height of the lift frame assembly (6) between a) a first height at which the lift frame is a lowest height that is used for transporting the dump system (9) on the trailer (5) and, b) asecond height that is greater than the first height.

22. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , wherein the base legs (12) are made of 1 / 8” x 4” x 4” square metal tubing, and the interior legs (110) are made of 1 / 8” x 3.5” x 3.5” square metal tubing.

23. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , the adjusting means comprising: a lift bolt (114) attached to each of the base legs (12); a top pulley (115) attached to each of the base legs (12); a bottom pulley (116) attached to the trailer floor (14) beneath each respective interior leg (110); and a lift cable (119) attached at one end to a respective lift bolt (114) and reeved through the respective top pulley (115) and bottom pulley (116).

24. The dump system (9) of claim 23, the adjusting means further comprising: a slot opening (113a) formed in each respective interior leg (110) for providing a channel for a respective lift bolt (114) to move up and down within the interior leg (110); a top pulley bracket (117) attached within each respective interior leg for attaching each respective top pulley (115); and a bottom pulley bracket (118) attaching each respective bottom pulley (116) beneath the trailer floor (14).

25. The dump system (9) of claim 23, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder (134) attached to each of the lift cables (119) configured to raise and lower the base legs (12) in unison.

26. The dump system (9) of claim 25, further comprising: a hydraulic rod (135) attached at a first end to the hydraulic cylinder (134); turnbuckles (136) attached at a first end to a second end of the hydraulic cylinder and attached at a second end each of the of the respective lift cables (119); and guide pulleys (132) configured to guide the lift cables (119) between the baselegs (12) and the turnbuckles (136).

27. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , the adjusting means comprising: a screw bearing bracket (127Z) attached below each respective mounting plate (8); a screw bearing (127) attached beneath each respective screw bearing bracket (127Z); a screw nut (122) attached to each respective exterior leg (12); a lift screw (121) in operative communication with each respective screw bearing (127) and screw nut (122); a chain sprocket (123) attached to each respective lift screw (121); and a lift chain (120) in operative communication with each respective chain sprocket, such that each exterior leg (12) raises or lowers in response to operation of the lift chain (120).

28. The dump system (9) of claim 27, further comprising: a screw bracket (126) attached to each respective exterior leg (12) for holding a respective screw nut (122 in place; and two UHMW wear strips (128a, 128b) secured to exterior surfaces of each respective interior leg (110).

29. The dump system (9) of claim 27, the adjusting means further comprising: a drive sprocket plate (137) attached to the trailer (5); a drive sprocket (124) rotatably attached to the drive sprocket plate (137) and in operative communication with the lift chain (120); a motor (125) in operative communication with the drive sprocket (124); and an idler sprocket assembly (138) configured to tighten or loosen the lift chain (120).

30. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , the lift frame assembly (6) further comprising a dump frame (11); the dump system (9) further comprising dump frame proximity switches (139a, 139) fixed to a bottom of the dump frame (11), configured to stop any movement ofthe dump system up or down if an obstruction is detected; and a base frame proximity switch (139b) fixed to the base frame (10), configured to signal and stop any movement of the dump system up or down if an obstruction is detected.31 . The dump system (9) of claim 21 , further comprising: a gate frame (25); a gate hinge (67) hingedly securing the gate (24) to the gate frame (25); a compression spring (147); a spring hub (146), the compression spring (147) contained within and anchored within the spring hub; and a gate cable (73) configured to be released from the gate (24) for lowering the gate.

32. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , further comprising a jib crane assembly (140), the jib crane assembly comprising: an extension post (141) configured to swivel up to 360 degrees; an extension arm (142); a jib pulley (143); a jib cable (144); and a jib hook (145).

33. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , wherein the gate (24) is an L gate assembly (24X), the L gate assembly comprising: a gate motor (154); a gate axle (153); an L gate hinge (24Z) attached to the dump frame (1) and the gate axle (153); an L gate back panel (24Q) hingely attached to the L gate hinge (24Z); a floor back panel hinge (24W) attached to the L gate back panel (24Q); a gate floor panel (24F) hingedly attached to the floor back panel hinge (24W); and a gate support (152), whereby the L gate assembly (24X) is configured to accept a load of grassclippings (25G) from a grass container (93) on the mower (37) and dump the grass clippings into the dump frame container (44) by operation of the gate motor (154).

34. The dump system (9) of claim 33, wherein the gate floor panel (24F) is configured to fold flat against the gate back panel (24Q) for facilitating dumping the dump frame container (44) when the dump frame container is angled.

35. The dump system (9) of claim 33, further comprising: axle collars (157a, 157b) attached to the L gate assembly (24X); the L gate hinge (24Z) comprising three hinges (24Za, 24Zb, 24Zc) that hold the gate axle (153); an axle gear (156) attached to the gate axle (153); and a drive gear (155) attached to the gate motor (154), and in operative communication with the axle gear (156).

36. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , the trailer (5) comprising trailer rails (89) at a periphery of the trailer floor (14); and the base legs (12) are located outside of the trailer rails (89), thereby allowing more floor space on the trailer floor (14) than when base legs are located inside of the trailer rails.

37. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , the adjusting means comprising: a dump frame track (158) attached to a base leg (12), the dump frame track comprising: a track slot opening (160); and a vertical lift cable anchor (79); a dual wheel assembly (159) secured to an axle bracket (19X), the dual wheel assembly comprising: two wheels (161 a, 161 b) mounted on the dual wheel assembly for helping maintain the dump frame (11 ) in a horizontal position while moving up and down within the dump frame track (158); and a vertical pulley (70V); anda front lift cable (80) attached at one end to the vertical lift cable anchor (79) and reeved through the vertical pulley (70V), whereby moving the lift cable (80) moves the dump frame (11) up and down in the dump frame track (158).

38. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , further comprising: a hydraulic pump system (84); a programmable logic controller (162); a primary lift hydraulic platform cylinder (64); a front lift hydraulic cylinder (76); and a gate hydraulic cylinder (71), the programmable log controller (162) programmed to operate the cylinders according to a predetermined program by activating of a single button.

39. The dump system (9) of claim 38, further comprising: a control enclosure (163) that houses the hydraulic pump system (84) and the programmable logic controller (162); a pendant switch (164); and the primary lift hydraulic platform cylinder (64), the front lift hydraulic cylinder (76); and the gate hydraulic cylinder (71) are each located on the lift frame assembly (6).

40. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , further comprising: a top enclosure frame (166); a top enclosure (165) for collection of leaves and leaf debris, the top enclosure secured to the top enclosure frame (166), the top enclosure comprising: a filling opening (167) for blowing in leaves and leaf debris; a vent sock (168) attached on a top of the top enclosure (165) for exhausting an air stream to atmosphere; a front panel (170) located over the gate (24); and a closure means (169a, 169b) configured to open and close the front panel (170).41 . The dump system (9) of claim 40, wherein the top enclosure (165) is made of canvas, PVC coated fabric, or a breathable fabric.

42. The dump system (9) of claim 40, the closure means comprising at least one of zippers, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and grommets with lacing.

43. The dump system (9) of claim 21 , the base frame assembly (10) further comprising: a left base frame (10a), the left base frame comprising: a first base frame beam (10Ba); and a second base frame beam (1 OBb); a right base frame (10b), the right base frame comprising: a first base frame beam (10Ba); and a second base frame beam (1 OBb); and a base frame extension beam (10E) disposed between each first base frame beam (10Ba) and second base frame beam (10Bb) for adjusting a width of the base frame assembly (10) across the floor (14) of the trailer (5) upon which the dump system (9) is disposed.

44. A dump system (9) configured to be mounted on a vehicle having a flat cargo bed (5), the dump system comprising: a dump frame (11); a container (44) for containing bulk material; a gate (24) disposed a vertical side of the container (44); a horizontal gate extension (24E) configured to extend horizontally from a dump frame floor (11 F); a base frame assembly (10) supporting the dump frame (11) on the vehicle (5); the base frame assembly (10) comprising: base legs (12); and interior legs (110) sized to fit inside respective base legs in a telescoping relationship; and an outrigger post (175) attached to the frame assembly (10) on a same side of the dump system (9) as the gate extension (24E) for stabilizing the dump systemwhen the gate extension (24E) is extended.

45. The dump system (9) of claim 44, further comprising: a vertical gate guard (24G); and a gate bumper (24B) attached to the gate extension (24E) for protecting a roof (173) of a building (172) when the gate extension is extended.

46. The dump system (9) of claim 44, the outrigger post (175) comprising: an outrigger inner post (178) attached in an adjustable telescoping relationship with the outrigger post (175); an outrigger post lock (181) configured to lock the outrigger post and outrigger inner post in place; and a support (180) attachable between one of the base legs (12) and the outrigger post (175).

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