Paver hopper flap suspension system

Abstract

A paver hopper flap suspension system has a number flaps attached to the hopper frame. A cable restraint line is attached to the flaps. A tensioning system is attached to the cable restraint line. The tensioning system allows the flaps to distort as the loading truck body engages the hopper entrance. Once the truck exits the hopper entrance the hopper flap suspension system causes the flaps to spring back to their original shape. The suspension system may include a torsion spring biasing the flaps into a vertical position. The tensioning system may include a tension adjuster. Using this system the flaps are not torn and hold the asphalt in place as the loading trucks dump asphalt into the hopper.

1 . A hopper flap suspension system, comprising:
 a plurality of flaps attached to a hopper frame of a paver;   a cable restraint line attached to each of the plurality of flaps; and   a tensioning system attached to the cable restraint line.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of flaps are made of a stiff rubbery material. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , further including a torsion spring attached to the hopper frame and biasing one of the plurality of flaps in a predetermined position. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the cable restraint line is attached to a top portion of the plurality of flaps. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioning system is attached to the hopper frame. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the tensioning system has a tension adjuster. 
   
   
       7 . A hopper flap suspension system, comprising:
 a flap attached to a hopper frame; and   a flap biasing system biasing the flap into a predetermined position.   
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the flap is made of a stiff rubbery material. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the flap biasing system includes a cable restraint line attached to the flap. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the flap biasing system includes a cable tensioner attached to the cable restrain line. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the cable tensioner includes a tension adjuster. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the flap biasing system includes a torsion spring attached to the hopper frame and biasing one of the plurality of flaps in a predetermined position. 
   
   
       13 . A paver, comprising:
 a chassis;   a hopper frame attached to the chassis;   a flap suspension system attached to the hopper frame.   
   
   
       14 . The paver of  claim 13 , wherein the flap suspension system comprises:
 a plurality of flaps attached to a hopper frame of a paver;   a cable restraint line attached to each of the plurality of flaps; and   a tensioning system attached to the cable restraint line.   
   
   
       15 . The paver of  claim 14 , further including a torsion spring attached to the hopper frame and biasing one of the plurality of flaps in a predetermined position. 
   
   
       16 . The paver of  claim 14 , wherein the cable restraint line is attached to a top portion of the plurality of flaps. 
   
   
       17 . The paver of  claim 14 , wherein the tensioning system is attached to the hopper frame. 
   
   
       18 . The paver of  claim 17 , wherein the tensioning system has a tension adjuster.