Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02669268 2012-06-19
BLADE ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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 position V-plow blades relative to a work surface.
[0002] It is known that plows, for example snow plows,
are bolted to supports which are typically 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.
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[0003] It is also known to provide a V-Plow in
which two blade segments are positioned in a V-shape
with the blade segments swept to the rear. Where the
blade segments come close together a gap exists
through which material, such as snow, can move. it is
known, for example, to overlap the blade segments or
place a flexible covering in front of the gap. Such
configurations are not satisfactory and need
replacement or high maintenance activity.
[0004] 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 V-plow
having a minimum gap between the two V-plow segments
and providing an adjustment apparatus to facilitate
maintaining the blade bottom edges in horizontal
alignment along their length.
[0005] 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
[0006] The disadvantages and limitations of the
background art discussed above are overcome by the
present invention.
[0007] In a broad aspect, the invention pertains to a
V-plow, comprising a first V-plow blade, a second V-plow
blade, the first and second V-plow blades having a
horizontal axis, and a plow tower coupled to each of the
V-plow blades and including a tower adjustment assembly.
The tower adjustment assembly comprises an inner
adjustment tube, partially telescopically inserted into
an outer adjustment tube. The outer adjustment tube is
pivotally coupled to the plow tower of the V-plow and
coupled to a tower adjustment bracket. An adjustment
cushion plug is configured to fit within the inner
diameter of the outer adjustment tube, and the adjustment
cushion plug is positioned within the outer adjustment
tube in operative contact with the inner adjustment tube.
An adjustment bolt is threadingly coupled to the
adjustment cushion plug. Upon compression of the
adjustment cushion plug with the adjustment bolts, a
force is transmitted to the inner adjustment tube,
rotating the plow tower about the horizontal axis and
moving the two V-plow blades to a position.
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[0007A] In another aspect, a lift bar assembly is
coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. The lift
bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each
notched member aligned with a corresponding chassis
coupler and configured to engage the traverse pin in each
of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is
pivotably coupled to the vehicle. In another embodiment,
the tower adjustment assembly includes an adjustment
cushion plug positioned within an outer adjustment tube
in an operative contact with an inner adjustment
positioned within the outer adjustment tube, wherein upon
compression of the adjustment cushion plug a force is
transmitted to the inner adjustment tube and rotates the
plow tower about the horizontal pivot pin.
4a
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[0008] 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
achieved without incurring any substantial relative
disadvantage.
[0009] There is further provided an apparatus to
position V-plow blades relative to a work surface. A V-
plow including a plow frame, a first blade and a second
blade is configured with each blade rotatable about a
horizontal axis. The tower is also coupled to the plow
frame, wherein the tower defines a vertical axis. A
tower adjustment assembly is coupled to the tower and to
the plow frame. The tower adjustment assembly includes
an adjustment cushion plug. The adjustment cushion plug
is configured to transmit a force through the tower
adjustment assembly to rotate the tower about the
horizontal axis and move the first and second blade to a
horizontal position relative to the work surface.
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[0009A] In a further aspect, the invention provides a
tower adjustment assembly for a snow plow. The snow plow
includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple
to a vehicle, the hitch frame nose assembly including a
chassis coupler secured at each end of a chassis tube
with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin and
configured to attach to the vehicle chassis. A plow
frame has a front portion and a rear portion, and a first
V-plow blade and a second V-plow blade, each pivotally
coupled to a plow tower with a horizontal pivot pin. The
plow tower is configured to support each of the V-plow
blades for movement about a blade vertical pivot pin
disposed in each of the first and second V-plow blade and
the plow tower. The tower adjustment assembly comprises
an inner adjustment tube, partially telescopically
inserted into an outer adjustment tube. The outer
adjustment tube is pivotally coupled to the plow tower of
the V-plow and coupled to a tower adjustment bracket. An
adjustment cushion plug is configured to fit within the
diameter of the outer adjustment tube, and the adjustment
cushion plug is positioned within the outer adjustment
tube in operative contact with the inner adjustment tube.
There is a bolt bracket, the bolt bracket being coupled
to the tower adjustment bracket, and an adjustment bolt,
the adjustment cushion plug being positioned between the
inner adjustment tube and the adjustment bolt. The
adjustment bolt is threadingly coupled to the adjustment
cushion plug through the bolt bracket wherein, upon
compression of the adjustment cushion plug, a force is
transmitted to the inner adjustment tube, rotating the
plow tower about the horizontal pivot pin.
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[0009B] In a still further aspect, the invention
comprehends a method for maintaining blades of a V-plow
in a substantially horizontal relationship to a working
surface. The V-plow includes a first V-plow blade and a
second V-plow blade, each pivotally coupled to a plow
tower with a horizontal pivot pin. The method comprises
providing a tower adjustment assembly, the tower
adjustment assembly including an outer adjustment tube
and an adjustment cushion plug, configuring the
adjustment cushion plug within the outer adjustment tube,
coupling the outer adjustment tube to the plow tower, and
compressing the adjustment cushion plug. The compressing
causes the V-plow blades to rotate about the horizontal
pivot pin in a first direction.
5b
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other advantages of the present
invention are best understood with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of an
exemplary embodiment of a hitch frame nose assembly.
[0012] Fig. 2 is a detail view of an exemplary
embodiment of a chassis coupler of the hitch frame
nose assembly illustrated in Fig. 1-
[0013] Fig. 3 is an isometric rear view of an
exemplary embodiment of a hitch mechanism coupled to a
vehicle.
[0014] 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.
[0015] Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the hitch
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3 uncoupled from the
hitch frame nose assembly.
[0016] Fig. 5. is a side elevation of the hitch
mechanism illustrated on Fig. 4.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] Fig. 9 is a side elevation of another side
of the hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 8.
[0021] 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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[0022] Fig. 11 is a top view of the chassis coupler
illustrated in Fig. 10.
[0023] Fig. 12 is an isometric rear view of an
exemplary embodiment of a lift bar assembly of the
hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3.
[0024] 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.
[0025] Fig. 12B is a partial side elevation of the
hitch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3.
[0026] 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.
(0027] 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.
[0028] Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of the
plow frame illustrated in Fig. 13 along the line 14-
14.
[0029] Fig. 15 is a partial rear view of an
exemplary embodiment of a plow tower and tower
adjustment assembly of the hitch mechanism illustrated
in Fig. 3.
[0030] Fig. 16 is an exploded view of the plow
frame, plow tower and portions of first and second V-
blades illustrated in Fig. 15.
[0031] Fig. 17 is a side plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of the plow tower illustrated in Fig. 16.
[0032] Fig. 18 is an isometric, rear view of one
V-plow blade and partial V-plow blade coupled to the
plow tower illustrated in Fig. 17 and illustrating an
exemplary embodiment of a V-blade actuator.
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[0033] Fig. 19 is a detail front view of an
exemplary embodiment of a pivot for the first and
second V-blades illustrated in Fig. 18.
[0034] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional top view of the
lower pivot portion along the line 20-20 in Fig. 19
and illustrating the alignment of the first and second
V-plow blades in a swept-back position.
[0035] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional top view of the
lower pivot portion along the line 20-20 in Fig. 19
and illustrating the alignment of the first and second
V-plow blades in a straight line position.
[0036] Fig. 22. is a cross-sectional top view of
the lower pivot portion along the line 20-20 in Fig.
19 and illustrating the alignment of the first and
second V-plow blades in a swept-forward position.
[0037] Fig. 23 is an isometric, back view of an
exemplary embodiment of a V-plow coupled to the hitch
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3.
[0038] Fig. 24 is an isometric front view of the V-
plow blade illustrated in Fig. 23.
[0039] Fig. 25 is an isometric bottom, rear view of
the V-plow blade illustrated in Fig. 24.
[0040] Fig. 26A is a cross sectional view along the
line 26A-26A in Fig. 15 and illustrating the tower and
tower adjustment assembly for a V-plow blade to
maintain the lower edge of the blades in a horizontal
aspect relative to the surface being cleaned.
[0041] Fig. 26B is a schematic of the tower
adjustment assembly rotating the V-plow blade about a
horizontal blade pivot pin in the plow tower
illustrated in Fig. 26A.
[0042] Fig. 27 is an isometric, assembly top view
of an exemplary embodiment of the blade illustrated in
Fig. 23.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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).
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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
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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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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).
[0059] 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. A tower traverse brace tube 354 is also
coupled to each of the side members 196, 198 and
positioned in a spaced apart distance from the
traverse brace tube 200 proximate the front portion
175 of the plow frame 170. The side members 196, 198,
the tower traverse brace tube 354, and the traverse
brace tube 200 are conventional steel square tubing,
however, it is contemplated that other cross-section
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configured tubes, for example circular or triangular,
can be used. Coupled to the front portion 175 of the
plow frame 170 are a pair of horizontal blade pivot
brackets 350. The brackets 350 are coupled to the
respective side member 196, 198 and the tower traverse
brace tube 354. Each of the brackets 350 defines an
orifice 352 configured to receive a horizontal blade
pivot pin 370.
[0060] A pair of lower tower adjustment brackets
354 are coupled, for example by welding, to the tower
traverse brace tube 354. A lower trip spring bracket
416 is coupled to the lower tower adjustment brackets
354. See Figs. 13, 14 and 23.
[0061] Coupled to the traverse brace tube 200 are
lift cylinder mounts 206. 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] Referring now to Figures 15-18, there is
disclosed a plow tower 362 which is rotatably coupled
to the front portion 175 of the plow frame 170. The
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plow tower 362 is received between the two horizontal
blade pivot brackets 350 and coupled to the plow frame
170 with a horizontal blade pivot pin 370 co-axial
with and inserted through the horizontal pivot orifice
352 defined in each of the horizontal blade pivot
brackets and the orifices 368 defined in the plow
tower 362.
[0064] The plow tower 362 is an assembly of two
side plates 364 which are maintained in a triangular
configuration by a top plate 372, a lower plate 374
and a pair of intermediate plates 376 as best
illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 18. Each of the
side plates 364 further define an upper tower
adjustment bracket 366, a blade stop 384 and the
previously mentioned orifice 368 for the horizontal
blade pivot in 370. Coupled between the upper plate
372 and one of the intermediate plates 376 is a blade
upper vertical pivot tube 380. Coupled between the
lower plate 374 and one of the intermediate blade
plates 376 is a lower vertical pivot tube 382. Each
of the vertical pivot tubes 380, 382 are coaxial and
are positioned at the apex of the triangular-shaped
plates, 372, 374, 376. Each of the intermediate
plates 376 further define a V-blade swing cylinder
bracket 378 which is configured to receive one end of
a V-blade swing cylinder 418 and a V-blade swing
cylinder pin 422. (See Figure 17).
[0065] A first V-plow blade 386 and a second V-plow
blade 388 are coupled together with a blade vertical
pivot pin 390 which is received in each of the blade
upper vertical pivot tube 380 and lower vertical pivot
tube 382. A blade pivot pin tower strap 398 is
coupled to the blade vertical pivot pin 390 and the
top plate 372 of the plow tower 362.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment the blade vertical
pivot pin 390 is welded to the blade pivot pin tower
strap 398. The orientation of the two V-plow blades
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386 and 388 and the vertical pivot tubes 380 and 382
as seen at least in Figures 19 and 24 minimize a gap
formed between the two blade segments 386, 388. This
minimization of the gap inhibits material passing
between the blades without requiring an overlap of the
two blade segments or providing a cover in front of
the hinge formed by the blade vertical pivot pin and
the vertical pivot tubes 380, 382.
[0067] Each of the V-plow blades 386, 388 include a
V-blade actuator 424 which moves each of the V-plow
blades 386, 388 into positions as determined by an
operator of the snow plow 50.
[0068] Each of the V-plow blade actuators 424
include a pair of blade swing cylinder brackets 396
which are coupled to the respective V-plow blades 386,
388. One end of the swing cylinder 418 is coupled to
the blade swing cylinder bracket 396 by a cylinder
pivot pin 420. Another end of the swing cylinder 418
is coupled between each of the intermediate plates 376
by the V-blade swing cylinder pin 422. A fluid supply
system (not shown) is coupled to each of the swing
cylinders and other power actuators related to the
snow plow 50. A preferred embodiment utilizes
hydraulic fluid and cylinders.
[0069] Figure 19 is a detailed view of the front of
the V-plow assembly 360. A V-wearstrip 392 is coupled
to each of the first and second V-plow blades 386, 388
approximate the center portion of the blade assembly.
The V-wearstrip tube 394 is coupled to one of the
V-wearstrips 392. It is contemplated that the
wearstrip coupled to the tube 394 can be fabricated as
part of the V-wearstrip 392 or it can be coupled to a
V-wear 392 by, for example, welding. Each of the
V-wearstrips 392 are bolted to each of the V-plow
blades 386, 388. The blade vertical pivot pin 390
extends into the wearstrip through the tube 394 which
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completes the hinge for the two V-plow blades 386,
388.
[0070] Each of the swing cylinders 418 can move
each of the V-plow blades 386, 388 into various
configurations as determined by an operator of the
snow plow 50. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional top view
through the line 20-20 as illustrated in Figure 19
which shows the V-wearstrips 392 coupled to each of
the V-plow blades 386, 387 with the plow blades in a
swept back relationship.
[0071] Figure 20 is the cross-sectional top view of
the V-plow blades 386, 387 in a straight
configuration. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional top
view of the V-plow blades 386, 388 in a swept forward
configuration.
[0072] It should be noted that in each of the
exemplary illustrated plow blade configurations shown
in Figures 20, 21 and 22 the gap between the plow
blades 386, 388 is minimal and effectively inhibits
passage of material between the blade segments as the
snow plow 50 is moved forward by the vehicle.
[0073] Figure 23 is rear isometric view of simply
the body of a V-plow snow plow 50. Each of the V-plow
blades 386, 388 includes a plurality of plow ribs 268.
Each of the plow ribs 268 are aligned vertically and
coupled to a bottom plow frame member 262. The plow
ribs 268 are positioned in evenly spaced intervals
along the bottom plow frame member 262 and welded to
the plow blade 250 in the bottom plow framed member.
Each of the plow ribs 268 is configured in a concave
curve to which the plow blade rib 286 conforms and
which also facilitates movement of material, such as
snow, as the plow 50 is operated. A wearstrip 270 is
coupled to a substantial portion of the lower edge of
each of the V-plow blades by a plurality of bolts 272
which extends through the wearstrip 270, the plow
blade, the bottom plow frame member 262 and a nut
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plate 274 which is positioned against one of the
downward extending flanges of the bottom plow frame
member 262 (see at least Figure 23). Reinforcement
members 264 are positioned between the down facing
flanges of the bottom plow frame member to reinforce
the plow blade assembly. The reinforcement members
264 are typically welded to the bottom plow frame
member 262. The top edge of the plow blade 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
is typically welded to each of the plow ribs 268. As
illustrated at least in Figures 15, 26b and 27 a tower
adjustment assembly 400 is coupled to the plow tower
362 and the plow frame 170.
[0074] The tower adjustment assembly 400 includes a
tower adjustment bracket 402 which is in a substantial
T-shape. The top portion of the T-shape tower
adjustment bracket 402 is coupled to an outer
adjustment tube 406 at one end of the outer adjustment
tube 406 and the lower portion of the T-shaped tower
adjustment bracket 402 is also coupled to the outer
adjustment tube 406 and is pivotally coupled to the
plow tower 362 at the upper tower adjustment bracket
366 (see Figure 17). A tower adjustment pin 414
secures the T-shape tower adjustment bracket 402 on
each side of the plow tower 362. An inner adjustment
tube 404 is telescopically inserted into the outer
adjustment tube 406 with the lower end of the inner
adjustment tube 404 coupled to the lower tower
adjustment bracket 354 on the tower traverse brace
tube 356. The inner adjustment tube 404 does not
extend throughout the full length of the outer
adjustment tube 406. An adjustment cushion plug 408
is configured to fit within the inner diameter of the
outer adjustment tube 406 and is inserted into the
outer adjustment tube 406 between the inner adjustment
tube 404 and a bolt bracket 410 coupled to the T-shape
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tower adjustment bracket 402. An adjustment bolt 412
is threadingly coupled to the adjustment cushion plug
408 through the bolt bracket 410. An accuator may be
coupled to the adjustment bolt 412 to facilitate the
operation discussed below. The actuator can be manual
or powered. A powered actuator can be a pneumatic
cylinder, hydraulic cylinder or an electric motor.
The power actuator will include appropriate controls
which may be operated from the vehicle. The
adjustment cushion plug 408 is preferably composed of
a high density material such as polyurethane or other
high density material.
[0075] In operation, for example, as the adjustment
bolt 412 is turned, clockwise, into the inner and
outer adjustment tube assembly the adjustment bolt 412
pushes against the adjustment cushion plug 408
transmitting a force that forces the V-plow blades
386, 388 to pivot about the horizontal pivot pin 370
as illustrated schematically in Figure 26b. The
purpose of such adjustment is to position the V-plow
blades relative to the work surface and maintain the
lower edges of each of the V-plow blades 386, 388 in a
substantially horizontal relationship to the surface
which is being cleared of material by the plow 50. As
the two segments of the V-plow are moved to various
configurations (as described above) the outermost ends
of each of the V-plows tend to move vertically
relative to the plow hinge central section. The tower
adjustment assembly counteracts such vertical movement
and facilitates maintenance of a horizontal aspect of
the lower edge of each of the blade segments.
[0076] As illustrated in Figure 27, a plurality of
trip springs 284 are coupled to each of the lower trip
spring brackets 416 and the tower adjustment
bracket 402. Figure 27 also, illustrates a light bar
286 coupled to the lift bar support brackets 132. The
light bar 286 supports a plurality of light brackets
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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 is coupled. The trip springs
284 bias the plow tower 362 during operation of the
plow 50 to return the V-plow blades 386, 388 to their
operative position after the plow blade encounters an
obstruction in the surface being cleared.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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 spirit or 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
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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
to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
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