Folding ejector linkage for material handling machinery

A material handling container adapted for receiving loose material such as earth, minerals or the like and for positively removing material therefrom, comprising

• a relatively fixed structural element,
• another element forming a portion of the container and being movable relative to the structural element, the movable element having a first operating position suitable for the loading of material into the container, the movable element being movable from its first position for conditioning the container
• motor means for effecting relative movement between the movable element and the fixed structural element,
• an ejector element arranged within the container and having a retracted position therein when the movable element is in its first position,
• jack means including an extendable and retractable element, and
• a folding link pivotably connected with the jack means,
• the jack means and folding link each being pivotably connected with one of the structural elements and movable container element respectively,
• the jack means and folding link being extended toward a parallel alignment with each other as the movable container element is moved from its first position, a portion of the jack means thereupon entering into engagement with a bracket means mounted upon the ejector element thereby conditioning the jack means to subsequently operate the ejector element for completing removal of material from the container.

In a material handling machine of a type including a relatively fixed structural element, a movable element, motor means for effecting relative movement between the fixed element and movable element, a powered element and a jack means for operating the powered element, the jack means being adapted for compact arrangement within the material handling machine and for delayed operation following positioning of the movable element by the motor means, the combination comprising

• bracket means mounted upon the powered element, the jack means comprising a relatively fixed component and an extendable and retractable component, and
• a folding link pivotably connected with one component of the jack means,
• the other component of the jack means being pivotably connected with one of the fixed and movable elements, the folding link being pivotably connected with the other of the fixed and movable elements,
• the jack means and folding link being extended toward a parallel alignment with each other and one component of the jack means entering into engagement with the bracket means as the movable element is shifted relative to the fixed element by the motor means in order to condition the jack means for subsequently operating the powered element.