Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
ELASTOMERIC PLOW EDGE
BACKGROUND
[0001] [Intentionally left blank].
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to devices for improving the
durability,
performance, and operation of plow blades. Specifically, the present
disclosure provides
an improved plow blade edge, for example, snow plow edge and method for
replacing.
[0003] Rough terrain and cold weather conditions have caused problems for snow
plow
blades for as long as there have been snow plows. Although many modifications
and
alternative designs have been made to snow plow blades in attempts to improve
the life,
durability, and performance of snow plow blades, in particular, the life,
durability and
performance of snow plow blade edges, most of these modifications and
alterations did
not provide sufficient durability and ride improving capabilities to deal
with, among other
things, the rough terrain and cold weather that snow plow blades are typically
exposed
to. Typically, prior art snow plow edges are metallic, for example, steel, and
are
excessively damaged or even destroyed due to wear from contact between the
plow
edge and the terrain and corrosion (which is exacerbated by road salt). Such
prior art
blade edges must frequently be repaired or replaced.
[0004] In addition, rigid prior art snow plow blade edges typically can damage
the
surface over which they are moved, for example, asphalt or concrete. Due to
their
rigidity, snow plow blade edges typically transmit loads, for example, shock
loads to the
vehicle, and vehicle mounting components to which the plow blade is attached.
The
aforementioned shock loads, in turn, are then transmitted to the driver of the
vehicle.
These loads can damage or incapacitate the vehicle or vehicle mounting
components.
In addition, the shock loads exacerbate a driver's dissatisfaction with the
task of
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plowing. Furthermore, metallic prior art blade edges are not effective in
plowing fluid-like
or finely granulated media, for example, slush, water, and other fluids or
powders. There
is a need in the art to provide a snow plow blade edge which avoids these
limitations of
prior art plow blade edges, in particular, limitations in prior art snow plow
blade edges.
00051 The present disclosure describes a resilient construction material and
method of
mounting which can be used to provide new plow blade edges or replace worn
plow
blade edges, in particular, snow-plow blade edges or other surface plows, that
overcome many of the limitations of the prior art.
SUMMARY
[00061 One aspect of the present disclosure provides for a plow blade edge
system
which can be mounted to a mold board of a plow. The plow blade system includes
an
adapter blade including a bottom edge having a carbide insert along a portion
of the
bottom edge. The blade system further includes an elastomeric blade
selectively
reversible to present first and second edges. Furthermore, the blade system
includes a
clamp bar wherein the clamp bar is mounted to the adapter blade with the
elastomeric
blade therebetween.
100071 Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for
replacing an
existing plow edge with an elastomeric plow edge. The method comprises
mounting at
least one adapter blade to a mold board; attaching at least one planar
elastomeric plow
edge segment to the at least one adapter blade; and, connecting at least one
clamp bar
to the at least one adapter blade wherein the at least one planar elastomeric
plow edge
segment is secured between the at least one adapter blade and the at least one
clamp
bar in a first position.
[00081 Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a plow blade edge
kit for
mounting to a mold board of a plow. The edge kit comprises an adapter blade
including
mounting holes for mounting to a mold board. The adapter blade further
includes
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mounting bushings. The edge kit further provides for a rubber plow blade
including
holes for placing on the mounting bushings selectively in a first position or
a second
position, a clamp bar having holes aligned with the mounting bushings, and a
plurality of
fasteners passing through the mounting bushings for securing the clamp bar to
the
adapter bar whereby the rubber plow blade is mounted between the clamp bar and
the
adapter blade.
100091 Still yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a plow
blade edge
system for mounting to a mold board of a plow comprising: an adapter blade
including a
bottom edge; an elastomeric blade selectively rotatable to present a first
edge in a first
orientation and a second edge in a second orientation to a plow surface; and,
a clamp
bar wherein the clamp bar is mounted to the mold board with the elastomeric
blade and
the adapter blade secured therebetween. The elastomeric blade is secured
selectively
in the first orientation or the second orientation. The elastomeric blade is
reversed to
present the second edge in the second orientation to a plow surface after the
first edge
in the first orientation is worn to a wear line. Each of the first and the
second
orientations centers the elastomeric blade about a mounting axis.
100101 The present disclosure further provides for a method for replacing an
existing
plow edge with an elastomeric plow edge comprising: mounting at least one
adapter
blade to a mold board; positioning and attaching at least two planar
elastomeric plow
edge segments to the at least one adapter blade; and, connecting at least one
clamp
bar to said mold bold with a plurality of fasteners wherein the at least two
planar
elastomeric plow edge segments is secured between the at least one adapter
blade and
the at least one clamp bar in a selected first orientation.
100111 The present disclosure still further provides for a plow blade edge kit
for
mounting to a mold board of a plow comprising an adapter blade including
mounting
holes for mounting to a mold board. The adapter blade further includes
mounting
bushings. The plow edge kit further comprises an elastomeric plow blade
including
holes for placing on the mounting bushings wherein the elastomeric plow blade
is
selectively mounted in a first position or a second position. The plow edge
kit further
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comprises a clamp bar having holes aligned with the mounting bushings. A
plurality of
fasteners passes through the holes of the clamp bar, the holes of the
elastomeric plow
blade, and the mounting bushings of the adapter blade for securing the plow
edge kit to
the mold board whereby the elastomeric plow blade is mounted between the clamp
bar
and the adapter blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100121 The subject matter which is regarded as the disclosure is particularly
pointed out
and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The
present
disclosure, however, both as to organization and method of practice, together
with
further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to
the
following detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments and the
accompanying
drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plow blade according to one aspect of the
present
disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along section lines 2-2 in FIG. 1
according to a
first mounting arrangement;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an adapter blade;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an elastomeric blade;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a clamp bar;
FIG. 6 is an exploded cross sectional view according to the first mounting
arrangement;
FIG. 7 is an exploded cross sectional view according to a second mounting
arrangement;
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FIG. 8 is an exploded cross sectional view according to a third mounting
arrangement;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a plow blade according to a second embodiment
of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along section lines 10-10 in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a scarifier bar;
FIG. 12 is an exploded cross sectional view of a plow blade according to a
third
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plow blade according to a fourth embodiment
of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along section lines 14-14 in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken along section lines 15-15 in FIG. 13;
FIG. 16 is a side view (partial cross section) of another version of an
adapter blade;
FIG. 17 is a plan view of another version of an elastomeric blade; and,
FIG. 18 is a side view (partial cross section) of another version of a clamp
bar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
100131 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plow assembly 10 displaying one
aspect of the
present disclosure. The plow assembly 10 includes a plow body 12 which is
typically of
hemispherical and funnel shaped steel construction for deflecting snow or
other media.
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Plow assembly 10 is typically attached to a vehicle (not shown) by means of an
appropriate frame or housing (also not shown). The vehicle may be any vehicle
ranging
from a standard car or pickup truck to a sand and salt-carrying dump truck to
a road
grader having a belly-mounted blade, to huge earth-moving or snow-moving
plows. The
means of attaching the plow body 12 to a vehicle may also typically include
some form
of hydraulic mechanism for positioning plow body 12 as desired, as is typical
in the art.
The plow assembly 10 may also include one or more reinforcing members to
provide
strength and rigidity to plow body 12. Reinforcing members are typically
standard
structural angles which are attached to the back of plow body 12, for example,
by
means of welding.
100141 The plow assembly 10 can include at least one replaceable (or non-
replaceable)
plow body edge or mold board 16 mounted to the base of plow body 12 where edge
18
will contact the plowed surface, for example, a road surface. Mold board 16 is
usually
replaceable since its rigid construction is typically prone to damage due to
abrasive
contact with the surface being plowed or to obstacles, for example, pot holes,
sewer
covers, trees, mail boxes, and the like, encountered while plowing. Mold board
16 is
typically of metallic construction, for example, steel construction, and is
mounted to
body 12 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners, for example, a plurality of
nuts, bolts,
and washers (not shown). Mold board 16 typically includes slotted perforations
to allow
for adjustment of the mounting of the mold board 16 during initial
installation or for
adjustment of the mounting of the mold board 16 after use and wear.
100151 Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a plow blade edge system 20 is therein
displayed.
Namely, an adapter blade 22 can be mounted to the mold board 16 of the plow
body 12.
The mold board 16 can be in a damaged or used condition. FIG. 3 illustrates a
detailed
plan view of adapter blade 22 according to one aspect of the present
disclosure. The
adapter blade 22 includes mounting holes 24 aligned along a top edge 26 for
securing
to the mold board 16. The adapter blade 22 can be from about 1/4 inch thick to
about 1
1/4 inch thick and can be made from steel or similar materials. A bottom edge
28 along
the adapter blade 22 can include high grade imbedded carbide inserts 30 along
at least
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a portion thereof. To be described in more detail hereinafter, as a rubber
blade 40
wears, or is damaged, the adapter blade 22, specifically the carbide inserts
30 along the
bottom edge 28, act as a backup to resist wear until the rubber blade 40 can
be flipped
or replaced. It is to be appreciated that the adapter blade 22 can turn a
damaged mold
board 16 into a solid mounting surface for the rubber blade 40 or to protect a
new mold
board 16. In addition, the adapter blade 22 includes a series of bushings 34
aligned
proximal to the bottom edge 28. The bushings 34 can be welded 35 to the front
face 25
of the adapter blade 22. The bushings 34 provide a mounting arrangement for
the
rubber or elastomeric plow blade or edge segments 40. The bushings 34 provide
a
stable mounting platform that holds the plow edge segment 40 in a fixed
position for
ease of attachment between the adapter blade 22 and a clamp bar 60.
100161 The dimensions of adapter blade 22 will vary depending upon the size of
plow
body 12 used, for example, the length of blade 22 is limitless, but
reinforcing blade 22
typically will have a length from about 3 to about 12 feet. The width or
height of blade 22
can be between about 3.0 to about 12.0 inches. For some exemplary embodiments,
the
length of individual segments of the adapter blade 22 can be 3, 4, 5, and/or 6
feet. In
this manner, any combination of two, or three, blade segments can be combined
to
extend across plow blade 12 having a length of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 feet.
100171 Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown, plow edge segments mounted
to the
adapter blade 22, a planar elastomeric plow blade member 40 (FIG. 4). The
elastomeric plow edge segment(s) 40 can comprise styrene butadiene rubber
(SBR),
polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, and rubber. The elastomeric plow edge
segment 40 can be pre-drilled including apertures 42 aligned with the bushings
34 of
the adapter blade 22. The elastomeric plow edge segment 40 includes two
mounting
positions such that when first installed in a first position, a first edge 44
is presented to
the road surface below. After the first edge 44 has worn to wear line 41, the
elastomeric
plow edge segment 40 can be dismounted from the plow blade edge system 20,
reversed, and remounted such that the elastomeric plow edge segment 40 now is
in a
second position which presents a second edge 45 to the road surface below.
Although
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not shown, it is to be appreciated that the second edge 45 can wear to a
second wear
line. Each wear line can be up to about 25% of the overall width or height of
edge
segment 40. More particularly, the distance 43 from the initial edge 44 to
wear line 41
can be about 25% of the overall initial width 47 of plow edge segment 40. In
this
manner, the overall wear of edge segment 40 can be up to about 50% of the
initial
width. In one embodiment, the overall wear (i.e. width reduction) of edge
segment 40 is
from about 28% to about 50% after both edges 44, 45 have worn to their
respective
wear lines. Thus, the elastomeric plow edge segment 40 enables an extended
life for
improved performance and a decrease in material cost.
100181 It is to be appreciated, that the elastomeric plow edge segment 40 can
comprise
any variety of heights and a variety of lengths. The dimensions of elastomeric
blade 40
will vary depending upon the size of plow body 12 used, for example, the
length of plow
edge segment 40 is limitless, but edge segment 40 typically will have a length
from
about 3 feet to about 12 feet. The width or height of blade 40 can be from
about 4.0
inches to about 12.0 inches. The thickness of blade 40 can be from about 0.50
inches
to about 3.0 inches. Exemplary embodiments include elastomeric plow blade
segments
40 of 3, 4, 5, and 6 foot lengths. In this manner, any combination of two, or
three, blade
segments 40 can be combined to extend across mold board 16 of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, and
12 foot lengths. The aforementioned lengths of plow edge segments 40 provide
ease of
handling and ease of mounting to the adapter blade 22. The plow edge segments
40
can be easily handled and mounted by one person. The plow edge segments 40 can
be planar or linear in orientation. In this manner the plow edge segments 40
retain a flat
and planar orientation for ease of mounting. Elastomeric plow blade members
heretofore known typically comprise segments cut off from a coiled storage
means. A
coiled configuration presents difficulties in trying to straighten and mount a
curled or
curved elastomeric plow blade segment.
100191 As shown in Figs. 6-8, the plow blade edge system 20 can be attached to
the
plow body 12 in a number of arrangements. A means of mechanical fastening, for
example, a plurality of nuts 71 and bolts 64, 70 as shown in Figs. 6-8 can be
provided to
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fasten the clamp bar 60 (FIG. 5) to the adapter blade 22. The clamp bar 60
includes a
series of holes 62 that align with the holes 42 and bushings 34 in the
elastomeric plow
edge segments and adapter blade segments, respectively. The clamp bar 60 gives
support to the elastomeric plow edge segment 40 when plowing and provides a
mechanism for keeping the elastomeric plow blade 40 firmly in place. It is to
be
appreciated that the clamp bar 60 can be reusable and provides a quick and
easy
method for changing or flipping the elastomeric blade 40 from the first
position to the
second position. The dimensions of the clamp bar 60 will vary depending upon
the size
of plow edge used, for example, the length of clamp bar 60 is limitless, but
clamp bar 60
typically can have a length from about 3 to about 12 feet. The width or height
of clamp
bar 60 can be from about 3.0 to about 7.0 inches. The thickness of clamp bar
60 can
be from about 0.250 inches to about 1.250 inches. Exemplary lengths include 3,
4, 5,
and 6 foot segments. As described above, any number of combinations of these
exemplary lengths can be used to accommodate varying sizes of the plow body
12.
100201 Referring to FIG. 6, a first mounting arrangement kit 20 is therein
shown and can
include a plow bolt 64 extending through a countersunk hole 66 in a first side
68 of the
clamp bar 60. As shown, the first side 68 of the clamp bar includes
countersunk holes
66 about the mounting holes 62. The plow bolt 64 and nut 71 secures the clamp
bar 60
with the adapter blade 22.
100211 Referring to FIG. 7, a second mounting arrangement kit 20A is therein
shown
and includes a carriage bolt 70 and nut 71, or similar, which can be used for
mounting
the clamp bar 60 in a second position to the adapter blade 22. In this
arrangement, the
carriage bolt 70 extends through a square side of hole 62 provided onto a
second side
69 of the clamp bar 60.
(0022( Referring to FIG. 8, a third mounting arrangement kit 20B is therein
shown and
includes the carriage bolt 70 and nut 71 which can be used for mounting the
clamp bar
60 to the adapter blade 22. In this arrangement, the carriage bolt 70 extends
through a
rear side 27 of the adapter blade 22 and is secured with nut 71 wherein the
clamp bar
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60 is in the second position.
100231 The aforementioned plow blade edge system 20, 20A, 20B simplifies
mounting
thereby reducing maintenance time. The mounting method also eliminates the
annoying time consuming adjustments needed with prior art slotted mounting
hole
designs. The method for replacing an existing plow edge with the elastomeric
plow
edge system or plow blade edge kit 20, 20A, 20B comprises mounting the adapter
blade 22 to the mold board 16, attaching the elastomeric plow edge 40 to the
adapter
blade 22 in one of a first position or a second position, and then connecting
the clamp
bar 60 to the adapter blade 22 wherein the elastomeric plow edge 40 is secured
between the adapter blade 22 and the clamp bar 60. Once the first edge 44 has
worn,
the elastomeric plow edge 40 can be reversed by disconnecting the clamp bar 60
from
the adapter blade 22, flipping the elastomeric blade 40 from the first
position to the
second position. The second position exposes the unworn edge or second edge 45
of
the elastomeric plow blade 40. Once the elastomeric plow blade 40 has been
reversed, the clamp bar 60 can be reconnected to the adapter blade 22. After
the
second edge 45 has worn, the used plow edge segment 40 can be replaced with a
new
plow edge segment.
100241 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, plow blade edge kit
20, 20A,
20B can be attached to mold board 16 via adapter blade 22 by means of
mechanical
fasteners, for example, a plurality of bolts 76 and nuts 77, as shown in FIGS.
6-8. Plow
blade edge kit 20, 20A, 20B can include a plurality of slotted mounting holes
(not
shown) or a plurality of mounting holes 24. The mounting holes 24 will
typically have a
diameter from about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches. Slotted mounting holes
will typically
have a width from about 0.5 inches to about 3.5 inches and a length from about
2
inches to about 6 inches. The mounting holes 24 and slotted mounting holes are
typically equally-spaced along the plow component segments, for example,
equally-
spaced on about 10-inch, 12-inch, or 14-inch centerlines.
100251 In another embodiment 20C (Fig. 9), an elastomeric plow edge segment
140 can
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comprise a 'z' shaped, or similar, configuration. One leg 141 of the plow
segment 140
can extend below adapter blade 22 and another leg 142 can extend above a clamp
or
scarifier bar 160. The dimensions of elastomeric blade 140 will vary depending
upon
the size of plow body 12 used, for example, the length of plow edge segment
140 is
limitless, but edge segment 140 typically will have a length from about 3 feet
to about 12
feet. The width or height of blade 140 can be from about 4.0 inches to about
12.0
inches. The thickness of blade 140 can be from about 0.50 inches to about 3.0
inches.
Exemplary embodiments include elastomeric plow blade segments 140 of 3, 4, 5,
and 6
foot lengths. In this manner, any combination of two, or three, blade segments
140 can
be combined to extend across mold board 16 of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 foot
lengths.
The aforementioned lengths of plow edge segments 140 provide ease of handling
and
ease of mounting to the adapter blade 22. The plow edge segments 140 can be
easily
handled and mounted by one person. The plow edge segments 140 can be stacked,
and staggered, one upon the other in a storage orientation. In this manner,
the
mounting faces of the plow edge segments 140 retain a generally planar
orientation for
ease of mounting.
100261 A means of mechanical fastening, for example, similar to Figs. 6-8 can
be
provided to fasten a scarifier bar 160 (Fig. 9) to the adapter blade 22. The
scarifier bar
160 includes a series of holes 162 that align with the holes and bushings in
the
elastomeric plow edge segments 40, 140 and adapter blade segments,
respectively.
The scarifier bar 160 gives support to the elastomeric plow edge segment 40,
140 when
plowing and provides a mechanism for keeping the elastomeric plow blade 40,
140
firmly in place. It is to be appreciated that the scarifier bar 160 can be
turned or flipped
over which provides a quick and easy method for changing or flipping the
elastomeric
blade 40, 140 from a first position to a second position, and also providing
another
mounting position for bar 160. The dimensions of scarifier bar 160 will vary
depending
upon the size of plow edge used, for example, the length of scarifier bar 160
is limitless,
but scarifier bar 160 typically can have a length from about 3 to about 12
feet. The
width or height of scarifier bar 160 can be from about 3.0 to about 7.0
inches. The
thickness of scarifier bar 160 can be from about 0.250 inches to about 1.250
inches.
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Exemplary lengths include 3, 4, 5, and 6 foot segments. As described above,
any
number of combinations of these exemplary lengths can be used to accommodate
varying sizes of the plow body 12.
100271 It is to be appreciated, that in use, elastomeric blade 140, and/or
legs 141, 142
will wear to the point that a bottom edge 143 of blade 140 will generally be
aligned with
a bottom edge 165 of bar 160 and the bottom edge 28 of adaptor blade 22 (in
one
mounting arrangement). In this manner, edges 165, 143, and 28 will generally
be
aligned and proximal to, or in contact with, the road or underlying surface.
On one side,
a lengthwise scarified edge 161 can include an interrupted edge surface
including a
plurality of teeth 164 having edges 165 proximal to the road or underlying
surface. On
another opposing side, and in another mounting orientation, a lengthwise
scarified edge
163 can include an interrupted edge surface including a plurality of teeth 166
having
edges 167 proximal to the road or underlying surface (Figs. 9-11).
100281 It is to be appreciated that bar 160 can be mounted in four different
orientations
(not shown). A first orientation includes face 168 facing outward and edge 165
in a
downward position. A second orientation includes face 168 facing outward and
edge
167 in a downward position. A third orientation includes face 169 facing
outward and
edge 165 in a downward position. And a fourth orientation includes face 169
facing
outward and edge 167 in a downward position. The bar 160 can thus be rotated
(i.e.
superimposed) lengthwise and rotated widthwise to position each edge 165, 167
in two
different directions (orientations) in order to enable even wear and to extend
the life of
bar 160.
100291 Edge surfaces 165, 167 engaging, or proximal to, the underlying surface
represent a minority of the overall length of edge surfaces 161, 163. In one
embodiment , the overall edge surfaces 165, 167 comprise less than one-half of
the
overall length of edge surfaces 161, 163, respectively. In another embodiment
, the
overall edge surfaces 165, 167 comprise less than one-third of the overall
length of
edge surfaces 161, 163, respectively. The edges 165, 167 provide a hardened
surface
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for engaging and disturbing hardened material (i.e. packed snow and ice) that
are in the
path (i.e. upstream) of the moving plow. The aforementioned arrangement
provides the
benefits of having hardened edges 165, 167 for breaking up material, an
elastomeric
blade edge 143 for moving fluids and quieting the plow, and a carbide
reinforced edge
28 for wear resistance. The combination of edge surfaces 165, 28 sandwiching
edge
143 provides the functional advantages of improving the movement of solid and
fluid
materials in the path of the plow blade while quieting and reducing the impact
forces
therefrom. Edge surfaces 165, 167, 28 provide hardened edges upstream and
downstream from edge 143 thus providing the benefits of durability and wear
resistance, while maintaining the benefits of an elastomeric edge.
100301 Referring to Fig. 12, another embodiment for a plow blade edge kit 20D
is therein
shown. Mold board or skid shoes 200 can be added to reduce the extensive
vibration
and the abrasive action between the bottom edges of blades 22, 40 and the road
bed
over which the snow plow travels. In one mounting arrangement (not shown), a
pair of
mold board shoes 200 can be mounted on opposing ends of a plow blade or
portions of
a blade. The skid shoes 200 can include a mounting face 202 which can be
secured to
the rear side 27 of adapter blade 22 with plow bolt 64 and nut 77. The
moldboard
shoes 200 can be mounted close to the cutting edges of the snow plow blade
system.
The mold board shoes 200 can be bolted to the adapter blade 22 such that the
adapter
blade 22, moldboard shoes 200, elastomeric member 40, and clamp bar 60 can be
combined in a plow blade edge system unit wherein individual components can be
replaced, added, and/or removed as desired.
100311 The mold board shoes 200 can include generally lateral skid or wear
surfaces
206. At least one cavity 208 can be cast into the mold board shoes 200 at the
time of
casting. The mold board shoes 200 can be cast from steel for greater strength
and
resiliency. A carbide matrix wear pad 210 can be welded into the cavity 208 to
provide
improved impact performance, wear resistance, and longer life to the plow
blade edge
system.
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100321 In one mounting arrangement (not shown), the skid shoes 200 can be
bolted
proximal to opposing ends of the adapter blade 22 (i.e. for a 4 foot length
adapter
blade). In another mounting arrangement (not shown), a single skid shoe 200
can
reside proximal to the center of an adapter blade 22 (i.e. for a 3 foot length
adapter
blade). The skid shoes 200 reside close to the blade cutting edges and are
thus a
more integral part of the blade system and therefore, capable of absorbing
more of the
undesirable abrasive wear and vibration, and capable of providing support to
the
'working' edge of elastomeric segment 40. It is to be appreciated that in the
mounted
position, a front edge 209 of shoe 200 is proximal to a backside of
elastomeric blade 40
thereby providing support thereto.
100331 The steel casting of the mold board shoes 200 can take on the following
analysis
(balance iron).
Mn Si Cr B Hardness Bhn
x100 x100 x1000 x1000 x100 x100 x100 363/401
16 140 16 16 525 26 0.4
100341 Subsequent to casting, the cavities 208 can be filled and/or overfilled
by welding
therein a layered carbide matrix or weldment 210. The layered carbide matrix
210 can
be composed of a series of layered deposits one on top another until the
cavity 208 is
filled or overfilled. Overfilling the cavity 208 can result in a convex or
bulbous layer 212
of carbide matrix 210 terminating beyond, i.e. extending below, the wear
surface 206 of
the mold board shoes 200. The matrix provides a reconstitutable embedded
weldment
or resistor for increased wear resistance of the wear surface 206. In one
exemplary
embodiment, one longitudinal cavity extends along substantially the length of
the wear
surface 206.
100351 The weldments can comprise a weight of between 0.5 and 2 pounds. The
weldments can increase the weight of each shoe 200 from about 2% to about 10%.
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The weldments can be aligned with the wear surface 206 such that when the plow
is in
use and traveling along the road surface, the weldments are transverse to the
direction
of travel. Alternatively, the weldments can be aligned with or canted to, the
direction of
travel.
100361 The weld deposits 210 can have the following analysis (balance iron):
Cr Mc Si Mn Hardness/Rc 55-
X100 X100 X100 X100 X100
2.60 12.00 0.62 1.37 .77
100371 Conventional hard-facing or wear-facing weldments can be used for the
deposits.
So-called chrome carbide steels are the most common, e.g., Stoody Company No.
121,
although vanadium carbide (Stoody No. 134) and tungsten carbide ones also can
be
used very effectively. It is to be appreciated that the weldment material 210
deposited
in the cavity 208 has a higher hardness than the steel casting.
100381 The weldment metal 210 must be abrasion-resistant. Generally, it is a
high
chrome ferrous metal weld. It is reconstitutable in the sense that it can be
repaired or
replaced by redeposition of carbide matrix by welding.
100391 The wear surface 206 and the embedded or integrated weldments 210 help
to
support the cutting edges of the blade such that the abrasive action and
impact from the
roadbed works on the wear surfaces 206 and weldments 210 of the skid or
moldboard
shoes 200 instead of the other component edges, thereby substantially
prolonging the
life of the cutting edges. In addition, the weldments 210 substantially
prolong the life of
the associated shoe 200 due to the wear surface 206 being a combination of
carbide
matrix and steel casting.
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100401 The surface area of the weldments 210 can comprise from about 10% to
about
20% of the total surface area of the bottom wear surface 206.
100411 The present disclosure provides an elastomeric, plow blade edge kit 20,
20A,
20B, 20C, 200 for use in a plow on any form of media. The present disclosure
may be
used for moving dirt, snow, slush, gravel, sand, blacktop, sawdust, manure,
and fluids
(including water, paint, petroleum-based fluids, food products, among other
fluids),
among other materials. The plow blade edge according to the present disclosure
is
more durable and less prone to damage and require less frequent replacement
than
prior art plow blade edges. The resilient construction of the present
disclosure also
transmits less load to vehicles, vehicle mounting equipment, and vehicle
operators than
prior art plow blade edges. In addition, the resilient plow blade edges
according to the
present disclosure is more effective when plowing non-rigid media, for
example, slush
and water, compared to rigid metallic prior art plow blade edges. The
sandwiched
elastomeric blade reduces 'chatter' from the other mated bars and blades
mounted
thereto in the plow blade edge system, and reduces 'chatter' from the road
surface
below. Impact forces from the road surface are also dampened with the
aforementioned edge system.
100421 Yet still another embodiment of a plow blade edge kit assembly, or
system 20E
is shown in Figures 13-18, wherein an elastomeric plow edge or blade segment
240 can
comprise a rectilinear shaped, or similar, configuration. The dimensions of
elastomeric
blade 240 will vary depending upon the size of plow body 12 used, for example,
the
length of plow edge segment 240 is limitless, but edge segment 240 typically
will have a
length from about 3 feet to about 12 feet. The width or height of blade 240
can be from
about 4.0 inches to about 12.0 inches. The thickness of blade 240 can be from
about
0.50 inches to about 3.0 inches. Exemplary embodiments include elastomeric
plow
blade segments 240 of 3, 4, 5, and 6 foot lengths having 6.0 to 8.0 inch
height, and 1.0
to 2.0 inch thickness. In this manner, any combination of two or more blade
segments
240 can be combined to extend across plow bodies 12 having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
and 12
(et. al.) foot lengths. To be described in more detail hereinafter, the
aforementioned
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lengths of plow edge segments 240 provide ease of handling and ease of
mounting with
an adapter blade 222 to mold board 16. The components in the plow edge kit 20E
can
be easily handled and mounted by one person. The plow edge segments 240 can be
stacked, and staggered, one upon the other in a storage orientation. In this
manner, the
mounting faces of the plow edge segments 240 retain a generally planar or flat
orientation for improved storage arrangements, ease and efficiency of
mounting, and
improved performance.
[00431 A means of mechanical fastening can be provided to fasten a clamp bar
260
(Figs. 13-15), the elastomeric blade 240, and the adapter blade 222 to the
mold board
16. The clamp bar 260 (Fig. 18) can include a series of holes 272 that align
with the
holes and bushings in the elastomeric plow edge segments 240, adapter blade
222
segments (Fig. 16), and the mold board 16, respectively. The bar 260 gives
support to
the elastomeric plow edge segment 240 when plowing and provides a mechanism
for
keeping the elastomeric plow blade 240 firmly in place. During mounting the
clamp bar
260 can be held in place adjacent to elastomeric bar 240 by mounting tabs 274,
275.
Opposing mounting tabs 274, 275 located on distal ends of the bar 260 provide
a
temporary holding mechanism by placing tabs 274, 275 in corresponding mounting
holes 284, 285 in elastomeric bar 240.
100441 Plow blade edge or assembly kit 20E can be attached directly to mold
board 16
as a complete system by means of mechanical fasteners, for example, a
plurality of
bolts 276 and nuts 277, as shown in FIGS. 13-14. Adapter blade 222 can include
a
plurality of slotted mounting holes (not shown) or a plurality of mounting
holes 232. The
mounting holes 232 will typically have a diameter from about 0.5 inches to
about 2.0
inches. Slotted mounting holes will typically have a width from about 0.5
inches to about
3.5 inches and a length from about 2 inches to about 6 inches. The mounting
holes 232
are typically equally-spaced along the plow component segments. Mounting holes
232,
252, 272 are aligned along their respective bars 222, 240, 260 for receiving
bolts 276
and for mounting to mold board 16. The elastomeric bar 240 can be held
temporarily in
place by mounting bushings 233 which are aligned with corresponding mounting
holes
17
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252 in elastomeric bar 240. The mounting bushings 233 are retained inside
corresponding mounting holes 252 in elastomeric bar 240 for temporary
retention of
elastomeric bar 240 adjacent to adapter blade 222 . It is to be appreciated,
that during
mounting, bolts 276 can be passed (in turn) through clamp bar 260, elastomeric
blade
240, adapter blade 222, and mold board 16. A nut 277 can then be fastened to
bolt 276
for securing components 260, 240, 222 to mold board 16.
100451 It is to be appreciated that the clamp bar 260 can be turned or flipped
over which
provides a quick and easy method for changing or flipping the elastomeric
blade 240
from a first position to a second position, and also providing another
mounting position
for bar 260. The dimensions of bar 260 will vary depending upon the size of
plow edge
used, for example, the length of bar 260 is limitless, but bar 260 typically
can have a
length from about 3 to about 12 feet. The width or height of bar 260 can be
from about
3.0 to about 7.0 inches. The thickness of bar 260 can be from about 0.250
inches to
about 1.250 inches. Exemplary lengths include 3, 4, 5, and 6 foot segments. As
described above, any number of combinations of these exemplary lengths can be
used
to accommodate varying sizes (i.e. 5 to 12 feet) of the plow body 12.
100461 It is to be appreciated, that in use, elastomeric blade 240, and leg
241, will wear
to the point that a bottom edge 243 of blade 240 will generally be aligned
with a bottom
edge 228 of adaptor blade 222 (in one mounting arrangement). In this manner,
edges
243 and 228 will generally be aligned and proximal to, or in contact with, the
road or
underlying surface. On one side, a lengthwise edge can comprise edge 243
proximal to
the road or underlying surface. On another opposing side, and in another
mounting
orientation, a lengthwise edge can comprise edge 245 proximal to the road or
underlying surface (not shown).
100471 It is to be appreciated that bar 240 can be mounted in four different
orientations
and assembled with the clamp bar 260 and adapter blade 222, and then mounted
on
mold board 16. A first orientation includes face 247 facing outward and edge
243 in a
downward position. A second orientation includes face 247 facing outward and
edge
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245 in a downward position. A third orientation includes face 249 facing
outward and
edge 243 in a downward position. And a fourth orientation includes face 249
facing
outward and edge 245 in a downward position. The bar 240 can thus be rotated
(i.e.
superimposed) lengthwise and rotated widthwise to position each edge 243, 245
in two
different directions (orientations) in order to enable even wear and to extend
the life of
bar 240.
[0048] The adapter blade 222 can be pre-mounted to mold board 16 and the
assembly
of plow blade edge kit 20E can to simplify the rotation of elastomeric bar 240
from a
worn edge to an unworn edge.
100491 The edges 265 or 267 provide a hardened surface for engaging and
disturbing
hardened material (i.e. packed snow and ice) that are in the path (i.e.
upstream) of the
moving plow. The aforementioned arrangement provides the benefits of having a
hardened edge 265 or 267 for breaking up material, an elastomeric blade edge
243 or
245 for moving fluids and quieting the plow, and an edge 228 for wear
resistance. The
combination of edge surfaces 265 or 267, and 228 sandwiching edge 243 provides
the
functional advantages of improving the movement of solid and fluid materials
in the path
of the plow blade while quieting and reducing the impact forces therefrom.
Edge
surfaces 265 or 267, and 228 provide hardened edges upstream and downstream
from
edge 243 thus providing the benefits of durability and wear resistance, while
maintaining
the benefits of an elastomeric edge.
100501 In one mounting position, one portion 241 of the plow segment 240 can
extend
below clamp bar 260 and adapter blade or plate 222, and another portion 242
can
extend above the clamp bar 260 and adapter blade 222. The sandwiched
elastomeric
blade 240, i.e. sandwiched between clamp bar 260 and adapter blade 222,
associated
with the alternative mounting arrangement detailed in Figs. 13-14, reduces the
'skipping'
of the elastomeric blade 240 as the blade assembly 20E is pushed across a
surface. It
is to be appreciated that the clamp bar 260 is generally centered on the
elastomeric
blade 240, whereas the adapter blade 222 is offset relative to the elastomeric
blade
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240. For example, nearly twice the cross sectional area 224 of the adapter
blade 222
falls below a mounting axis 290 relative to the cross sectional area 226 of
the adapter
blade 222 above the mounting hole. In this mounting arrangement, the edge
surface
265 is mounted higher (i.e. away from the ground surface) than both edges 243
and
228. Adapter blade 222, and in particular adapter blade section 224, provides
additional support to the backside of elastomeric blade 240 as the blade
assembly 20E
is pushed across a surface. The alternative mounting arrangement, detailed in
Figures
13-14, reduces the 'moment arm' of the elastomeric blade 240 about the
mounting axis
290 while the assembly 20E is engaged with and pushed along a surface. This
reduction in 'moment arm' further reduces skipping of the elastomeric blade
240 while
the edge 243 (or 245) is engaged with and pushed along a surface.
10051] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described
with
reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that
various changes in form and details may be made to the present disclosure
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the
following
claims.
