Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
. 'I CA 02669261 2014-03-18
,
PLOW WING BLADE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Field of the Invention¨The present invention
relates generally to material handling equipment, and
more particularly to a plow with a hitch mechanism
configured to be easily and quickly coupled to a
vehicle and the plow including independently moveable
wings, including an interface structure between a
center plow blade and each wing blade.
[0003] It is known that plows, for example snow
plows, are bolted to supports which are typically
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1
welded to the chassis of a vehicle, for example a
= truck. It is also known that a plow support can be
bolted to the chassis of a vehicle.
Since plows
typically weigh hundreds of pounds, positioning the
plow for attachment to the vehicle can be difficult.
It is particularly difficult to maneuver a snow plow
in the cold and snow of winter.
(0004] It
is also known to provide a plow with
wings.
Typically, the wings move in a horizontal
direction to extend the width of the plow working
width. It is also known to provide a plow wings that
move in response to a pivoting movement of the central
plow. In
some cases the movement of the wing is
facilitated by linkage 'such as cables, coupled to the
wing and central plow such that that the wing moves in
response to the central plow movement.
(0005]
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a
plow hitch mounting mechanism which is easy to
maintain and that the process of connecting and
disconnecting the plow to or from the vehicle is
simple and easy to use by one person without
assistance. It is also desirable to provide a plow
including wings that move independently of the main or
central plow.
(00061 The
apparatus of the present disclosure must
also be of construction which is both durable and long
lasting, and it should also require little or no
maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its
operating lifetime. In order to enhance the market
appeal of the apparatus of the present disclosure, it
should also be of inexpensive construction to thereby
afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all
of the aforesaid advantages should be achieved without
incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The
disadvantages and limitations of the
background art discussed above are overcome by the present
invention.
[0008] There
is provided a plow, including a center
blade having a first end and a second end, and a wing blade
coupled to each end of the center blade. Each wing blade
is pivotally connected to the center blade about an axis
and moveable through a range of movement. The
plow
includes a first pair of wear strips, with one wear strip
coupled to the first end of the center blade and the other
wear strip coupled to one wing blade. The
plow also
includes a second pair of wear strips, with one wear strip
coupled to the second end of the center blade and the other
wear strip coupled to the other wing blade. A wing pivot
tube is coupled to one of the wing blades and center blade
at each end of the center blade about the axis. The
orientation of the wing blade, wear strips, and wing pivot
tube at each of the first and second ends of the center
blade minimize a gap defined between each end of the center
blade and the associated wing blade, throughout the range
of movement of each wing blade. The plow may also include
an angled portion defined in each wear strip of the first
and second pair of wear strips, wherein the angled portion
of the wear strips on the center blade and the angled
portion of the wear strip on each of the wing blades, align
with the respective axis at each end of the center blade.
The plow may also include a convex bulge defined at each
end of the center blade in a convex bulge defined at an end
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of each wing blade, with each convex bulge configured to
direct material away from the wing pivot tubes.
[0008a] A
further aspect of the aforementioned invention
of the plow is each wearstrip of the aforementioned first
pair of wearstrips includes an angled portion wherein the
angled portion of the wearstrip on the center blade and the
angled portion of the wearstrip on the wing blade align
with the axis at the first end of the center blade.
Further, each wearstrip of the aforementioned second pair
of wearstrips includes an angled portion wherein the angled
portion of the wearstrip on the center blade and the angled
portion of the wearstrip on the wing blade align with the
axis at the second end of the center blade.
[0008b] A
further aspect of the aforementioned invention
of the plow is each angled portion of the aforementioned
pairs of wearstrips meet in the back side of the plow when
the wing blade is in a folded position and meet in the
front side of the plow when the wing blade is in a straight
position, while maintaining alignment with the respective
axis.
[0009] There
is further provided a snow plow
including a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple
to a vehicle. A plow frame is coupled to the hitch frame.
A center blade, having a first end and a second end is
configured to couple with a wing blade at each end of the
center blade. Each
wing blade is pivotally connected to
the center blade about an axis and moveable through a range
of movement. The
snow plow also includes a first pair of
wear strips, with one wear strip coupled to the first end
of the center blade and the other wear strip coupled to one
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wing blade. There is also provided a second pair of wear
strips, with one wear strip coupled to the second end of
the center blade and the other wear strip coupled to the
other wing blade. A wing pivot tube is coupled to one of
the wing blades and center blade at each end of the center
blade about the axis. The
orientation of the wing blade,
wear strips, and wing pivot tube at each of the first and
second ends of the center blade minimize a gap defined
between each end of the center blade and the associated
wing blade, throughout the range of movement of each wing
blade. The
snow plow may also include an angled portion
defined in each wear strip of the first and second pair of
wear strips, wherein the angled portion of the wear strips
on the center blade and the angled portion of the wear
strip on each of the wing blades align with the respective
axis at each end of the center blade. The
snow plow may
also include a convex bulge defined at each end of the
center blade and a convex bulge defined at an end of each
wing blade, with each convex bulge configured to direct
snow away from the wing pivot tubes.
[0009a] A
further aspect of the aforementioned invention
of the snow plow is each wearstrip of the aforementioned
first pair of wearstrips includes an angled portion wherein
the angled portion of the wearstrip on the center blade and
the angled portion of the wearstrip on the wing blade align
with the axis at the first end of the center blade.
Further, each wearstrip of the aforementioned second pair
of wearstrips includes an angled portion wherein the angled
portion of the wearstrip on the center blade and the angled
portion of the wearstrip on the wing blade align with the
axis at the second end of the center blade.
CA 02669261 2014-03-18
[0009b] Yet a further aspect of the aforementioned
invention of the snow plow is each angled portion of the
aforementioned pairs of wearstrips meet in the back side of
the plow when the wing blade is in a folded position and
meet in the front side of the plow when the wing blade is
in a straight position, while maintaining alignment with
the respective axis.
[0010] There
is also provided a plow, including a
center blade having a first end and a second end, and a
wing blade coupled to each end of the center blade, with
each wing blade pivotally connected to the center blade
about an axis and moveable through a range of movement.
The plow includes a wear strip coupled proximate one end of
the center blade, with the wear strip including an angled
portion, with an edge of the angled portion aligned
perpendicular with the axis. Another wear strip is coupled
proximate one end of the wing blade, the wear strip
including an angled portion, with an edge of the angled
portion aligned perpendicular with the axis. The
two
angled portion edges are further aligned adjacent to each
other through the range of movement of the wing blade
relative to the center blade. When
the center blade and
the wing blade of the plow are aligned horizontally in a
straight line, the angled portions of the two wear strips
are configured to define a right angle with at least one
corner of each angled portion edge at the axis.
[0011] There
is also provided a plow including a
quick connect/disconnect hitch coupled to a plow frame.
The plow includes a central plow blade which couples to the
plow frame. The central plow blade has a first end and a
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second end. A wing blade is coupled to each of the first
and second ends of the central plow blade. Each wing blade
is configured to independently pivot, from a first position
to a second position more than 90 degrees relative to the
central plow blade, about a vertical axis parallel with the
end of the central plow blade. In one embodiment, the wing
blade, in the first position, is longitudinally aligned
with the central plow blade in a straight line. The plow
may include an actuator mechanism coupled to the central
plow blade and at least one of the wing blades. The
actuator mechanism moves the wing blade to one of the first
and second position independent of the position of the
central plow blade.
[0011a] There
is also provided a plow including a center
blade having a first end and a second end. The
center
blade has a plow side and a vehicle side opposite the plow
side. A wing blade is coupled to each end of the center
blade. Each
of the wing blades has a plow side and a
vehicle side opposite the plow side. Each
wing blade is
pivotally connected to the center blade about an axis
located substantially in front of the center blade and
movable through a range of movement between a straight
position and a folded position. The plow includes a first
pair of wearstrips, with one wearstrip coupled to the first
end of the center blade and the other wearstrip coupled to
one wing blade, with each of the first pair of wearstrips
including an angled portion extending therefrom and having
an edge aligned perpendicularly with the axis at the first
end and substantially in front of the center blade, the
angled portion of the wearstrip coupled to the one wing
blade extending in a direction away from the vehicle side
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of the one wing blade. The plow includes a second pair of
wearstrips, with one wearstrip coupled to the second end of
the center blade and the other wearstrip coupled to the
other wing blade, with each of the second pair of
wearstrips including an angled portion extending therefrom
and having an edge aligned perpendicularly with the axis at
the second end of and substantially in front of the center
blade, the angled portion of the wearstrip coupled to the
other wing blade extending in a direction away from the
vehicle side of the other wing blade. The plow includes a
wing pivot tube coupled to each of the wing blades and
center blade at each of the first and second end of the
center blade about the respective axis. The orientation of
the wing blade, the wearstrips and the angled portions
thereof, and the wing pivot tube at each of the first and
second ends of the center blade minimize a gap defined
between each end of the center blade and the associated
wing blade, throughout the range of movement of each wing
blade.
[0011b] There
is also provided a snow plow that includes
a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a
vehicle, a plow frame coupled to the hitch frame, a center
blade having a first end and a second end with the center
blade being supported by the plow frame, wing blades each
coupled to opposite ends of the center blade with each wing
blade pivotally connected to the center blade about an axis
located substantially in front of the center blade and
movable through a range of movement between a straight
position and a folded position. The
snow plow includes a
first pair of wearstrips, with one wearstrip coupled to the
first end of the center blade and the other wearstrip
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coupled to one wing blade, with each of the first pair of
wearstrips including an angled portion extending therefrom
having an edge, wherein the edge of the angled portion of
the wearstrip on the center blade and the edge of the
angled portion of the wearstrip on the wing blade are
aligned with the axis at the first end of the center blade
and wherein the angled portion of the wearstrip coupled to
the first end of the center blade extends in a direction
away from the plow frame. The snow plow includes a second
pair of wearstrips, with one wearstrip coupled to the
second end of the center blade and the other wearstrip
coupled to the other wing blade, with each of the second
pair of wearstrips including an angled portion extending
therefrom having an edge, wherein the edge of the angled
portion of the wearstrip on the center blade and the edge
of the angled portion of the wearstrip on the wing blade
are aligned with the axis at the second end of the center
blade and wherein the angled portion of the wearstrip
coupled to the second end of the center blade extends in a
direction away from the plow frame. The snow plow includes
a wing pivot tube coupled to each of the wing blades and
center blade at each end of the center blade about the
axis. The
orientation of the wing blade, the wearstrips
and the angled portions thereof, and the wing pivot tube at
each of the first and second ends of the center blade
minimize a gap defined between each end of the center blade
and the associated wing blade, throughout the range of
movement of each wing blade.
[0011c] There is also provided a plow, with the plow
including a center blade having a first end and a second
end, and a wing blade coupled to each end of the center
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blade, with each wing blade pivotally connected to the
center blade about an axis and movable through a range of
movement between a straight position and a folded position.
The plow includes a wearstrip coupled proximate one end of
the center blade. The wearstrip includes an angled portion
extending therefrom, with an edge of the angled portion
aligned perpendicularly with the axis at the one end of the
center blade. The
plow includes a wearstrip coupled
proximate one end of the wing blade. The
wearstrip
includes an angled portion extending therefrom, with an
edge of the angled portion aligned perpendicularly with the
axis at the one end of the center blade. The
two angled
portion edges are further aligned adjacent to each other
and with the axis at the one end of the center blade
through the range of movement of the wing blade relative to
the center blade. When the center blade and the wing blade
are aligned horizontally in a straight line, the angled
portions of the two wearstrips are configured to define a
right angle with at least one corner of each angled portion
edge at the axis.
[0012] The
apparatus of the present disclosure is
of a construction which is both durable and long lasting,
and which will require little or no maintenance to be
provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime.
The apparatus of the present disclosure is also of
inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and
to thereby afford it the broadest possible market.
Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages and aspects are
believed to be achieved without incurring any substantial
relative expense.
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=
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(0013] These and other advantages of the present
invention are best understood with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0014] Fig. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of an
exemplary embodiment of a hitch frame nose assembly.
[0015] Fig. 2 is a detail view of an exemplary
embodiment of a chassis coupler of the hitch frame
nose assembly illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0016] Fig. 3 is an isometric rear view of an
exemplary embodiment of a hitch mechanism coupled to a
vehicle.
[0017] Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of a spring biased retaining pin
along the line 3A-3A of Fig. 3.
[0018] Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the hitch
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3 uncoupled from the
hitch frame nose assembly.
[0019] Fig. 5. is a side elevation of the hitch
mechanism illustrated on Fig. 4.
[0020] Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the hitch
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3 with the hitch
mechanism configured to uncouple from the hitch frame
nose assembly.
[0021] Fig. 7 is side elevation of the hitch
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3 with the hitch
mechanism coupled to a chassis coupler of the hitch
frame nose assembly and illustrating the hitch locking
lever in a first lock position.
[0022] Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the hitch
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 7 and illustrating the
hitch locking lever in a second lock position.
[0023] Fig. 9 is a side elevation of another side
of the hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 8.
[0024] Fig. 10 is a detail perspective view of a
chassis coupler engaged with a notched member of the
hitch frame mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3.
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[0025] Fig. 11 is a top view of the chassis coupler
illustrated in Fig. 10.
[0026] Fig. 12 is an isometric rear view of an
exemplary embodiment of a lift bar assembly of the
hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3.
[0027] Fig. 12A is a partial view of the lift bar
assembly illustrated in Fig. 12, illustrating the lift
bar assembly coupled to the rear portion of a plow
frame in one of a plurality height adjustment
orifices.
[0028] Fig. 12B is a partial side elevation of the
hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3.
[0029] Fig. 12C is a partial side elevation of the
hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3 with the lift
bar assembly coupled to the plow frame in an
alternative height adjustment orifice.
[0030] Fig. 13 is an isometric, top, front view of
an exemplary embodiment of an A-frame plow frame
assembly of the hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3.
[0031] Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of the
plow frame illustrated in Fig. 13 along the line 14-
14.
[0032] Fig. 15. is an isometric, front view of an
exemplary embodiment of a swing frame of the hitch
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3.
0033] Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of the
swing frame illustrated in Fig. 15 along the line 16-
16.
[00343 Fig. 17 is bottom view of the swing frame
illustrated in Fig. 15.
[0035] Fig. 17A is a partial cross-sectional top
rear view of a cushion block assembly along the line
17A-17A of Fig. 17.
00363 Fig. 17B is an isometric, rear view of an
exemplary embodiment of a cushion block coupled to the
blade illustrated in Fig. 18, with a portion of the
swing frame in phantom.
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[0037] Fig. 18 is an isometric, back view of an
exemplary embodiment of a blade coupled to the hitch
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3, the blade including a
wing blade on each blade end.
[0038] Fig. 19 is an isometric, front view of the
blade illustrated in Fig. 18, showing one wing blade
in a straight position and another wing blade in a
folded position, the wing blade in the straight
position also includes a blade extension member.
[0039] Fig. 20 is an isometric, bottom rear view of
the blade illustrated in Fig. 18.
[0040] Fig. 21 is an isometric, bottom detail view
of the wing blade in the straight position of the
blade illustrated in Fig. 20.
[0041] Fig. 21A is a partial cross-sectional view
of the wing blade illustrated in Fig. 21 along the
Line 21A-21A.
[0042] Fig. 22 is an isometric, bottom detail view
of the wing blade in the folded position of the blade
illustrated in Fig. 20.
[0043] Fig. 22A is a partial cross-sectional view
of the wing blade illustrated in Fig. 22 along the
line 22A-22A.
[0044] Fig. 23 is an exploded front view of blade
illustrated in Fig. 20, showing one wing blade in the
straight position relative to the plow blade and
another wing blade in the folded position relative to
the plow blade.
[0045] Fig. 24 is an exploded view of an exemplary
embodiment of a wing blade including an actuation
mechanism for the wing blade.
[0046] Fig. 25 is a top view of the blade
illustrated in Fig. 18, showing the wing actuation
mechanism in a straight position.
[0047] Fig. 26 a top view of the blade illustrated
in Fig. 18, showing the wing actuation mechanism in a
folded position.
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[0048] Fig. 27 is a partial cross sectional view of
the bottom of the blade illustrated in Fig. 18 along
the line 27-27, showing how a blade cutting edge, nut
plate, moldboard and wear strip are coupled to a blade
frame member.
[0049] Fig. 28A is a partial cross-sectional view
along the line 23A-23A of Fig. 18 showing the plow
blade in a normal position.
[0050] Fig. 28B is a partial cross-sectional view
the plow blade illustrated in Fig. 28A showing the
plow blade in a rotated position.
[0051] Fig. 29 is an isometric, assembly view of an
exemplary embodiment of the blade illustrated in Fig.
18 and the hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3
coupled together.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0052] There is
disclosed a snow plow 50 for
mounting on a vehicle 60 with a quick
connection/disconnect hitch 70 (more fully described
below). The quick
connect/disconnect hitch 70
facilitates the easy connection, i.e., without tools
and disconnection of the snow plow 50 from the vehicle
60.
[0053] Referring to
Figs. 1 and 2, a hitch frame
nose assembly 100 includes a hitch frame tube having a
first end 104 and a second end 106. Coupled to each
end of the hitch nose tube 102 is a chassis coupler
108. Each chassis coupler 108 mounts to the vehicle
chassis 60. In a typical set up, each of the chassis
couplers 108 will be secured to a frame member of the
vehicle chassis 70 (not shown) by bolting the chassis
coupler 108 to the vehicle chassis 60. It is also
contemplated that the chassis coupler 108 can be
welded to the vehicle chassis 60 as determined by the
user of the quick connect/disconnect hitch 70.
[0054] Each chassis coupler 108 is a formed
U-shaped channel with outward extending flanges. The
flanges 110 are configured to provide a mounting
surface for the chassis coupler 108 to facilitate
coupling of the chassis coupler 108 to the vehicle
chassis 60. Each flange 110 defines a plurality of
apertures 112 to facilitate bolting of the chassis
coupler 108 to the vehicle chassis 60. The apertures
112 may be configured as circles or slots. Each side
114 of each chassis coupler 108 further defines a pair
of slots 116 extending longitudinally along and
through each side 114 of the chassis coupler 108. The
slots 116 facilitate the coupling of the hitch frame
tube 102 to each of the chassis couplers 108
comprising the hitch frame nose assembly 100. Each
chassis coupler 108 may be provided with slots 116 on
each side 114 of the chassis coupler 108 to facilitate
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manufacturing and assembly by providing commonality of
parts. Each chassis coupler 108 is also provided with
an end-stop coupled to each of the flanges 110
proximate the front end 120 of the chassis coupler
108. The end-stop
118 assists in positioning the
chassis coupler 108 on the vehicle chassis 60. Each
chassis coupler 108 also defines a substantially
V-shaped notch 122 to accommodate a lock hook pivot
more fully described below. Each chassis coupler 108
also includes a traverse pin 124 which extends through
both sides 114 of the chassis coupler 108. Traverse
pin 124 is secured to the chassis coupler 108 by a nut
threadingly fastened to the traverse pin 104. The nut
may further be welded to the chassis coupler 108 to
further secure the traverse pin 124. A portion 128 of
the traverse pin extends beyond the side 114 of the
chassis coupler 108 and is configured to engage a
locking hook more fully described below.
[0055] Fig. 3
illustrates an exemplary embodiment
of a quick connect/disconnect hitch 70 assembly. The
hitch frame nose assembly 100 is coupled to a vehicle
chassis 60. Coupled to the
hitch frame nose
assembly 100 is the lift bar assembly 130 which in
turn is coupled to a plow frame 170.
[0056] The lift bar
assembly 130 includes a pair of
lift bar support members 132 maintained in a spaced
apart relationship and coupled to a lift bar
approximate the top of each lift bar support member
132. A light bar brace 136 approximate the lower end
of each lift bar support member 132 facilitates
maintenance of the spaced apart relationship of the
lift bar support member 132. A pair of lift bar lugs
138 are coupled to each lift bar support member 132
approximate the light bar brace 136. (Also see
Figs.
12 and 12a). Coupled to the lift bar 134 are a pair
of upper lift cylinder mounts 140 configured to
operably secure a power mechanism, for example a lift
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cylinder 142. Also coupled to the lift bar assembly
130 is a locking mechanism 144.
(0057] Referring to Fig. 4, there is illustrated a
hitch frame nose assembly 100 coupled to a vehicle
chassis 60 and positioned to receive a locking
mechanism 144 of a quick connect/disconnect hitch 70.
The locking mechanism 144 includes a pair of notched
members 146 coupled to the lift bar assembly 130 and
positioned to correspond for engagement with each of
the chassis couplers 108 of the hitch frame nose
assembly 100.
[0058] Each notch member 146 includes a pair of
tapered side members 148 with each tapered side
member 148 defining a notch 150. Each notch 150 is
configured to engage the traverse pin 124 positioned
between the two sides 114 of each chassis coupler 108.
Each notch member 146 also includes a plate member 152
fastened to the top portion of each of the tapered
side members 148, typically by welding a plate
member 150 to each tapered side member 148. The plate
member provides additional reinforcement for the notch
member 146 and defines with the two tapered side
members 148 an inverted U-shape assembly. With the
notch member 146 engaged with the chassis coupler 108
the pivot for the quick connect/disconnect hitch 70
formed by the engagement of the notch 150 with the
traverse pin 124 is enclosed within the two facing u-
shaped assemblies.
[0059] Each notched member 146 further includes a
locking hook 154 pivotally coupled to a hook pivot
156. The hook pivot 156 extends through each of the
tapered side members 148 of each notch member 146.
The locking hook 154 moves about the hook pivot 156 in
response to movement of the hitch locking lever 158 as
the hitch locking lever 158 moves about a lever pivot
160. The hitch locking lever 158 is coupled to the
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locking hook 154 by a lock linkage 162. The operation
of the locking mechanism 144 will be explained below.
[0060] The
orientation of the locking hook 154 and
the notch member 146 is such that when the notch
member 146 is inserted into the chassis coupler 108
the locking hook is positioned outside of the u-shaped
chassis coupler 108 and positioned to selectively
engage the portion 128 of the traverse pin 124 that
extends beyond the side 114 of the chassis
coupler 108. It should be understood that there is a
locking hook 154 on each of the notch members 146
which engages the traverse pin 124 extending beyond
the side 114 of each of the chassis couplers 108 that
are part of the hitch frame nose assembly 100. The
locking hook 154 locks the lift bar assembly 130 to
the hitch frame nose assembly 100.
[0061] Locking
mechanism 144 also includes a lock
support bracket 164 which is coupled to each of the
lift bar support members 132. A preferred embodiment
provides that a pair of lock support brackets 164 are
coupled to each side of the corresponding lift bar
support member 132. (Figs. 3 and
4). It should be
understood that the locking mechanism 144 includes a
locking hook 154, hook pivot 156, lock linkage 162 on
each outward side of the lift bar assembly 130. On
one side of the lift bar assembly 130, the hitch
locking lever 158 is coupled to the linkage, and on
the other side of the lift bar assembly 130 the lock
linkage 162 is coupled to a lock linkage bracket 166.
(See Fig. 9). The lock linkage bracket 166 and the
hitch locking lever 158 are coupled together by a
hitch lock extension rod 168 extending through each of
the lock support brackets 164 and each of the lift bar
support members 132. The hitch lock lever 158 and the
lock linkage bracket 166 are journaled to the hitch
lock extension rod 168 by a flat face defined on each
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end of the hitch lock extension rod 168. (See Figs. 8
and 9).
(0062] The operation of coupling the quick
connect/disconnect hitch 70 to the vehicle chassis 60
will now be described with reference to Figs. 5
through 9. Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment
of a quick connect/disconnect hitch 70 positioned to
engage the hitch frame nose assembly 100 coupled to a
vehicle chassis 60. The hitch locking lever 158 is in
an unlocked position 174. The movement of the hitch
lock lever 158 to the unlocked position 174 rotated
the locking hook as illustrated in Fig. 5. The
vehicle having a hitch frame nose assembly 100 coupled
to the vehicle chassis 60 is moved towards the quick
connect/disconnect hitch 70 as indicated by the arrow
in Fig. 5.
[0063] Fig. 6 illustrates the quick
connect/disconnect hitch 70 engaged with the hitch
frame nose assembly 100 with each notched member 146
of the lift bar assembly 130 coupled to the traverse
pin 124 in each of the chassis couplers 108. Such
engagement is illustrated at least in Figs. 10 and 11.
In this position, with the hitch locking lever 158
still in the unlocked position 174 the vehicle can be
moved away from the hitch 70 if additional adjustment
maneuvers are necessary.
[0064] Fig. 7
illustrates the locking mechanism 144
in a first locked position 176. In the first locked
position 176, the locking hook has moved to engage the
traverse pin 124 in each of the chassis couplers 108.
In this configuration, the lever pivot 160, the hitch
locking lever linkage attachment 180 and the hook
linkage attachment 182 are substantially in a straight
line as illustrated in Fig. 7.
[0065] To complete
the locking maneuver of the
locking mechanism 144, the hitch locking lever 158 is
moved to a second locked position 178 which forces the
REINHART\2698037JAW:KAB 04/07/09 16
CA 02669261 2009-06-17
hitch locking lever 158 to move over center of the
lever pivot 160 as illustrated in Fig. 8. The hitch
locking lever 158 also is secured in a retaining
bracket 184 coupled to a locked support bracket 164.
The retaining bracket 184 includes a retaining pin 186
which is biased by a spring 188. The retaining pin
186 engages an orifice defined in the hitch lever
locking lever 158 as illustrated in Fig. 3A. It
should be understood that other ways of securing the
locking lever 158 can be used to prevent the locking
lever 158 from inadvertently unlocking the hitch 70.
[0066] As described
above, the locking mechanism
144 includes a lock hook 154 on each side of the lift
bar assembly 130 and are coupled together to
simultaneously operate with movement of the hitch
locking lever 158. Fig. 9 illustrates the other side
of the locking mechanism 144 illustrated in Fig. 8.
[0067] The lift bar
assembly 130 is coupled to a
plow frame 170. The lift bar assembly 130 is provided
with a pair of lift bar lugs 138 coupled to the lift
bar brace 136 and to each of the lock support
brackets 164 on both sides of the lift bar assembly
130 (see Fig. 12).
[0068] A plow frame
170 is configured substantially
in the form of a letter A with the plow frame 170
including a front portion 175 and a rear portion 177.
The plow frame 170 includes two side member 196, 198
which form the sides of the A-shape with a traverse
brace tube 200 coupled to each of the side members
196, 198. The side members 196, 198 and the traverse
brace tube 200 are conventional steel square tubing,
however, it is contemplated that other cross-section
configured tubes, for example circular or triangular,
can be used. Coupled to the front portion 175 of the
plow frame 170 is a swing frame pivot assembly 185.
The swing frame pivot assembly includes a top plate
187 and a bottom plate 189. Each of the plates 187,
REINHART\2698037JAw:KAB 04/07/09 17
CA 02669261 2009-06-17
189 defines an orifice configured to receive a swing
frame pivot pin 190. The swing frame pivot assembly
185 is further coupled to each of the side members
196, 198 of the plow frame 170 by a pair of side
support brackets 192, 194 which are configured to
couple to each of the top plate 187, the bottom plate
189 and one of the side members of the plow frame 170.
[0069] In one
embodiment, a portion of the top
plate 187 is bent downwardly at a 90 degree angle to
extend the top plate 187 to the bottom plate 189 with
that portion of the top plate configured to define an
angled pocket to receive each of the side members 196,
198 of the plow frame 170. See Figs. 13 and 14.
[0070] Coupled to the
traverse brace tube 200 are
lift cylinder mounts 206 and a pair of swing cylinder
mounts 202 and 204. Lift cylinder
mounts 206 are
aligned to couple the lower end of the lift cylinder
142 which is coupled to the upper lift cylinder mount
140 on the lift bar 134.
[0071] Each of the
side members 196, 198 of the
plow frame 170 include an adjustment lug 172 at the
rear portion 177 of the plow frame 170. Each
adjustment lug 172 includes a plurality of orifices
179 aligned vertically and configured to receive a
bolt 232 which will couple the plow frame 170 to the
lift bar lugs 138 on the lift bar assembly 130. As
best seen in Figs. 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C, the
adjustment lug 172 is received between each of the
lift bar lugs 138 of the lift bar assembly 130 and
secured with a bolt 232. In order to adjust the plow
frame height relative to the vehicle, an operator will
select one of the vertical adjustment orifices 179 to
properly align the plow frame 170 with the lift bar
assembly 130 which is in turn coupled with the chassis
couplers 108 of the hitch frame nose assembly 100.
[0072] A swing frame
208 is pivotally coupled to
the swing frame pivot assembly 184 of the plow frame
REINHART\2698037JAW:KAB 04/07/09 18
' --
CA 02669261 2009-06-17
170 (see at least Figs. 15 and 18). The swing frame
208 includes a swing frame tube 209 which has two
swing frame ends 210 and 212. Coupled to each swing
frame end 210, 212 is a pair of trip spring brackets
220. (See Figs. 15 and 17.) Each trip spring bracket
220 includes a trip spring mount 224, a cushion trip
plate 280 and a blade pivot mount 226. Each pair of
trip spring brackets 220 are coupled to the swing
frame tube 209, for example by welding.
[0073] The swing
frame 208 includes a pivot 230
positioned in a center portion 214 of the swing frame
tube 208. The pivot 230 couples to the swing frame
pivot assembly 184 of the plow frame 170 with the
swing frame pivot pin 190.
[0074] The swing
frame tube 109 also supports a
pair of swing cylinder mounts 236 mounted on the swing
frame tube 209 with each swing cylinder mount 236
positioned between the center portion 214 of the swing
frame tube 209 and one end 210, 212 of the swing frame
tube 209. (See Fig. 15.) A swing
cylinder 252 is
coupled at one end to a swing cylinder mount 236 on
the swing frame 208 and on another end on the swing
cylinders mounts 202, 204 of the plow frame 170. The
swing cylinder 252 as selectively operated by a user
of the snow plow 50 can rotate the central plow blade
250 about the pivot 230. The degree of rotation of
the plow blade relative to the plow frame 170 is
established by the extension capabilities of the swing
cylinders 252 as selected by an operator.
[0075] The central
plow blade 250 is coupled to the
swing frame 208 pinning the plow blade to each of the
trip spring brackets 240 at the blade pivot mount 226
on each of the trip spring brackets 220. A pivot pin
is received in a pivot aperture 234 and is typically
secured in place by a cotter pin (not shown). It is
contemplated that other means of fastening the pivot
pin can be used such as a bolt and nut.
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CA 02669261 2009-06-17
[0076] Also coupled
to the trip spring bracket 220
is a cushion trip plate 280. The cushion trip plate
280 is configured with a pair of oversize bolt
apertures 240 to accommodate a socket or other tool
for manipulating a cushion bolt 238 to secure a
cushion block 228 to the cushion mount 222. The
cushion block 228 is substantially a rectangular
shaped block of polyurethane or other high density
resilient material. The cushion block 228 is used to
absorb the impact of the plow blade 250 (see Figs. 28A
and 28B) as the plow blade moves between its limits.
Such movement of the plow blade 250 is caused by the
central plow blade 250 striking an object as the plow
blade 250 is moved by a vehicle. The cushion block
228 is configured to prevent damage to the snow plow
by allowing the snow central plow blade 250 to "trip"
that is, for the bottom of the central plow blade 250
to move rearward and the top of the central plow blade
250 to simultaneously move forward about the blade
pivot pin, resulting in a rotation of plow blade 250
around a horizontal axis. Such a
rotation is
inhibited by springs 284 which act as a shock absorber
mechanism, and which return the central plow blade 250
to a normal or "trip return" position. The springs
284 are relatively strong, since they must prevent the
plow blade from rotating when it is plowing snow and
the metal-to-metal impacts of both a plow trip bracket
and a blade trip return can be substantial. The
cushion block 228 is configured to cushion the impacts
on both the blade and the trip spring bracket 220.
[0077] It is also
contemplated that a back cushion
(not shown) similar to the cushion block 228 can be
coupled, for example by bolting, to a blade stop 282
at a lower end of each of the trip spring brackets
220. The back
cushion is configured to ameliorate
vibration and damage to the central plow blade 250 if
REINHART\2698037JAW:KAB 04/07/09 20
CA 02669261 2009-06-17
the plow blade contacts an obstruction during
operation.
[0078] The cushion
block 228 is rectangular in
shape and provides a relatively large area to
distribute the force exerted upon the cushion block
228 when the blade 250 moves back to its trip return
position by action of the return springs 284. The
relatively large cushion bolt aperture 240 allows a
user to easily access the cushion bolts 238 when
servicing the cushion block. Servicing of the cushion
block 228 can be accomplished, for example, replacing
the cushion block without having to remove the central
plow blade 250 from the swing frame 208. However, a
slight forward rotation of the central plow blade 250
must be provided to remove the cushion block from
between the cushion mount 222 and the cushion trip
plate 280.
0079] A wing wear
strip 304 is coupled to a wing
blade 300. A wear strip 306 is also coupled to the
central plow blade 250. Each of the wear strip 304,
306 are configured with an angled facing portion 305,
307 that that meet in the front side when the wing
blade 300 is in the second or folded position and meet
in the back side when the wing blade 300 is in the
first or straight position. (See Figs. 19-
22A.) The
wear strips 304, 306 are coupled to the wing blade 300
and the central plow blade 250 with bolts or other
suitable fasteners.
[0080] Referring now
to Figs. 18-28B, Fig. 18
illustrates a snow plow 50 with a plow blade assembly
260 coupled to a quick connect/disconnect hitch 70.
Fig. 18 is a bottom, rear isometric view of the snow
plow 50.
[0081] Fig. 20 is an
isometric rear view of the
plow blade assembly 260. The central plow blade 250,
is coupled, for example, by welding, to a plurality of
plow ribs 268. Each of the plow ribs 268 are aligned
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CA 02669261 2009-06-17
vertically and coupled to a bottom plow frame member
262. The plow ribs
268 are positioned at evenly
spaced intervals along the bottom plow frame member
262 and welded to the plow blade 250 and the bottom
plow frame member 262. Each of the plow ribs 268 is
configured in a concave curve to which the central
plow blade 250 conforms and which also facilitates
movement of material such as snow as the plow 50 is
operated. A wear strip
270 is coupled to a
substantial portion of the lower edge of the plow
blade 250 by a plurality of bolts 272 which extend
through the wear strip 270, the central plow blade
250, the bottom plow frame member 262 and a nut plate
274 which is positioned against one of the downward
extending flanges of the bottom plow frame member 262.
(See at least Fig. 20.) Reinforcement members 264 are
positioned between the down facing flanges of the
bottom plow frame member to reinforce the plow blade
assembly 260. The
reinforcement members 264 are
typically welded to the bottom plow frame member 262.
The top edge of the plow blade 250 is bent and
configured to be coupled to the top edge of each of
the plow ribs 268. The top edge of the plow blade 250
is typically welded to each of the plow ribs 268.
[0082] Referring to
Fig. 20, a pair of plow trip
spring brackets 276 are coupled, for example, by
welding, each to two of a plow rib 268. The plow trip
spring brackets 276 are aligned with the spring mounts
224 on each of the spring brackets 220 coupled to the
swing frame 208. A cushion mount 222 is also coupled,
typically by welding, to each of the plow ribs 268
that support the plow trip spring brackets 276 (see
Fig. 24). A cushion block 228 is bolted to each of
the cushion mounts 222 and are configured and aligned
to contact a cushion trip plate 280 coupled to each of
the trip spring brackets 220.
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CA 02669261 2009-06-17
[0083] Fig. 19
illustrates a front perspective view
of a plow blade assembly 260 which includes a central
plow blade 250 and a pair of wing blades 300. A wing
blade 300 is pivotally coupled to each end 290, 292 of
the central plow blade 250. In Fig. 19,
one of the
wing blades 300 is aligned in a straight aspect with
the central plow blade 250 and the other wing blade
300 is in a folded or second position towards the
front of the central plow blade 250 in excess of 90
degrees from the straight or first position.
[0084] Fig. 20 is an
isometric bottom rear view of
the blade assembly 260. Each of the wing blades 300
is coupled to the central plow blade 250 about a
vertical axis 314 which is parallel with each of the
first 290 and second 292 ends of the central plow
blade 250. Each of the wing blades 300 is coupled to
an actuation mechanism 320 mounted at the rear of the
central plow blade 250.
[0085] Referring now
to Figs. 21 and 21A, a wing
blade 300 is illustrated in a first position which is
longitudinally aligned in line or straight with the
central plow blade 250. A wing pivot 308 houses a
wing pivot pin 312 in a wing pivot tube 310. The wing
pivot tube 310 can be coupled to one of the central
plow blade 250 and wing blade 300 or it can be a
separate member (See Fig. 23). The wing pivot
tube
310 can be welded to one of the central plow blade 250
or wing blade 300 or it can be fabricated in
conjunction with the fabrication of either the central
plow blade 250 and wing blade 300.
[0086] As shown in
Fig. 21A, a portion of the
central plow blade 250 and a portion of the wing blade
300 meet at approximately a vertical axis 314 of the
wing pivot 308. Such configuration inhibits movement
of material, such as snow, from moving between the
central plow blade 250 and wing blade 300. As
configured, there is very little gap 315 between the
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CA 02669261 2009-06-17
central plow blade 250 and the wing blade 300
throughout the vertical axis 314 between the central
plow blade 250 and the wing blade 300.
[0087] The gap 315 is further inhibited from
passing material between the central blade 250 and
each wing blade 300 by structure including two pair of
wear strips, a first pair of wear strips and a second
pair of wear strips. The first pair of wear strips,
includes one wear strip 306 coupled to the first end
290 of the center blade 250 and the other wear strip
304 coupled to one wing blade 300. A second pair of
wear strips includes, one wear strip 306 coupled to
the second end 292 of the center blade 250 and the
other wear strip 304 coupled to the other wing blade
300. The orientation of a wing blade 300, the wear
strips 304, 306, and the wing pivot tube 310 at each
of the first and second ends 290, 292 of the center
blade 250 minimize the gap 315 defined between each
end of the center blade 250 and the associated wing
blade 300 throughout the range of movement of each
wing blade 300.
(0088] Each wear strip 304, 306 defines an angled
portion 305, 307 in each of the first and second pair
of wear strips. The angled portion 307 of the wear
strips 306 on the center blade 250 and the angled
portion 305 of the wear strip 304 on each of the wing
blades 300 aligned with the respective axis 314 at
each end 290, 292 of the center blade 250.
(0089) The plow 260 also includes a convex bulge
291 defined at each end 290, 292 of the center blade
250 and a convex bulge 301 defined at an end 299 of
each wing blade 300. Each of the convex bulges 291,
301 are configured to direct material from the wing
pivot tubes 310. It is anticipated that material to
be moved by the plow 260 can be snow, gravel, and soil
as determined by an operator of the plow 260.
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,4 o. = x xr+¨ ==a,*
CA 02669261 2009-06-17
[0090] The wear strip
306 coupled proximate one end
of the center blade 250 includes the angled portion
307, with the angled portion 307 including an edge 309
aligned perpendicular with the axis 314. The wear
strip 304 coupled proximate one end 299 of the wing
blade 300 includes an angled portion 305 having an
edge 311 aligned perpendicular to the axis 314. The
two angled portion edges 309, 311 are further aligned
adjacent to each other throughout the range of
movement of the wing blade 300 relative to the center
blade 250 (See Figs. 21A and 22A). As illustrated in
Fig. 21A when the center blade 250 and the wing blade
300 are aligned horizontally in a straight line, the
angled portions 305, 307 of the two wear strips 304,
306 are configured to define a right angle with at
least one corner 313, 317 of each angled portion edge
309, 311 at the axis 314. When the wing blade 300 is
moved to the second position, the folded position, the
corners 313, 317 of each angled portion edge are still
adjacent to each other at the axis 314. (See Fig.
22A). The corners
313, 317 maintain their position
relative to the axis 314 throughout the range of
movement of the wing blade 300 relative to the center
blade 250.
[0091] The structures
described above minimize or
eliminate material movement through the gap 315
defined between the center blade 250 and a wing blade
300.
[0092] Figs. 22 and
22A illustrate a wing blade 300
moved into a second or folded position about the
vertical axis 314 which is substantially parallel to
the end 290, 292 of the central plow blade 250. As
shown in Fig. 22A, a portion of the central plow blade
250 and a portion of the wing blade 300 maintain their
approximate position on the vertical axis 314 of the
wing pivot 308 throughout the movement of the wing
blade 300 from the first position (straight) to the
REINHART\2698037JAW:KAB 04/07/09 25
CA 02669261 2009-06-17
second position (folded) about the vertical axis 314
which is parallel with each of the first and second
ends 290, 292 of the central plow blade 250.
[0093] Referring now
to Figs. 23, 24 25, and 26, an
actuation mechanism 320 will be described. A pair of
actuation mechanisms 320 are coupled to the plow blade
assembly 260 to facilitate movement of the wing blade
300 from the first position relative to the central
plow blade 250.
[0094] Each actuation
mechanism 320 includes an
actuation bracket coupled to the central plow blade
250 (see Fig. 24). The preferred
embodiment of the
actuator bracket 320 is a steel, u-shaped channel
which defines a guide slot 324 in a portion of
actuator bracket 322 that is approximate an end 290,
292 of the central plow blade 250. Coupled to the
actuator bracket 322 is a wing actuator cylinder 328.
The wing actuator cylinder 328 is coupled to the
actuator bracket 322 at one end by a pivot pin 330 and
at another end with a guide pin 326 slidingly engaged
in the guide slot 324. A return spring 336 is coupled
at one end to the actuator bracket 322 and to a wing
actuator rod 332. The wing actuator rod 332 is also
coupled to the actuator bracket 322 at one end by the
guide pin 326 within the actuator bracket 322 and is
also coupled to the return spring 336 and the wind
actuator cylinder 328. Another end of
the wing
actuator rod 332 is pivotally coupled to the wing
blade 300 by a pivot pin 334.
[0095] Fig. 25
illustrates exemplary embodiment of
an actuator mechanism 320 configured with the wing
blade 300 and the central plow blade 250 in a straight
or first position configuration.
[0096] Fig. 26
illustrates an actuator mechanism
320 with a wing blade 300 and central plow blade 250
configured in a second or folded position. As shown
in Fig. 26, the wing blade in the second position has
REINHART\2698037JAW:KAB 04/07/09 26
CA 02669261 2009-06-17
moved more than 90 degrees about the vertical axis 314
relative to the central plow blade 250 thereby forming
an angle = between the front edge of the wing blade
300 and the front edge of the central plow blade 250
of approximately 60 degrees. In other words, the wing
blade 300 was moved approximately 120 degrees about
the vertical axis 314 by the actuator mechanism 320.
It should be understood that the movement of the wing
blade 300 is infinitely variable.
[0097] Each of the
wing blades 300 can be moved, by
a user of the plow 50 independent of each other and
independent of the central plow blade 250. In other
words, the position of the wing blade 300 is not
dependent upon the position of the central plow blade
250 or the other wing blade on the opposite end of the
plow blade 250. In operation, the user of the plow 50
can configure the plow assembly 260 in any position
suitable for the type of material such as snow and
terrain in which the plow is being operated. One
convenient configuration of the plow blades is to have
each of the wing blades 300 move to their second
position during movement of the plow and hitch to the
worksite. It should also be understood that the wing
blade can be fitted with a blade extension which would
further extend the reach of the wing plow in a typical
horizontal aspect.
[0098] As illustrated
in Fig. 29, a plurality of
trip springs 284 are coupled to each of the plow trip
spring brackets 276 and the trip spring brackets 220.
Fig. 29 also illustrates a light bar 286 coupled to
the lift bar support brackets 132. The light bar 286
supports a plurality of light brackets 288 to which
plow lights (not shown) are coupled. Plow lights are
typically needed since the snow plow 50 typically
obstructs the headlights of the vehicle to which the
snow plow 50 is coupled.
REINHART\2698037JAw:KAB 04/07/09 27
CA 02669261 2014-03-18
[0099] For purposes
of this disclosure, the term
"coupled" means the joining of two components
(electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to
one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved
with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and
any additional intermediate members being integrally
formed as a single unitary body with one another or
the two components and any additional member being
attached to one another. Such adjoining
may be
permanent in nature or alternatively be removable or
releasable in nature.
[0100] Although the
foregoing description of a
quick connect/disconnect hitch and a plow with
independently moveable wings has been shown and
described with reference to particular embodiments and
applications thereof, it has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description and is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to
the particular embodiments and applications disclosed.
It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in
the art that a number of changes, modifications,
variations, or alterations to the hitch or plow as
described herein may be made, none of which depart
from the scope of the present invention.
The particular embodiments and applications were
chosen and described to provide the best illustration
of the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated. All such
changes, modifications, variations, and alterations
should therefore be seen as being within the scope of
the present invention as determined by the appended
claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth
28
CA 02669261 2009-06-17
to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
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