U.S. patent application number 11/014038 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for material pusher with improved structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to JRB ATTACHMENTS, LLC. Invention is credited to Fatemi, Ray S..
Application Number | 20050126051 11/014038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34657798 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050126051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fatemi, Ray S. |
June 16, 2005 |
Material pusher with improved structure
Abstract
A pusher for snow or other material includes a blade including a
front surface for moving material and an opposite rear surface, and
upper and lower edges. A wiper is secured to the lower edge of the
blade. Left and right sidewalls are connected to opposite sides of
the blade. The sidewalls are each arranged transverse to the blade
and define chain-engaging apertures. Left and right skid-shoe
assemblies are connected respectively to the left and right
sidewalls and slidably support the blade above a surface to be
cleared. A plurality of cross-supports are connected to the rear
surface of the blade and extending between the left and right
sidewalls. A coupler structure is connected to the rear face of the
pusher and defines a pick-up location adapted to be engaged by an
associated pusher-moving machine for operative connection of the
blade to the pusher-moving machine.
Inventors: |
Fatemi, Ray S.; (Fairlawn,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven M. Haas
Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
1100 Superior Avenue, Seventh Floor
Cleveland
OH
44114-2518
US
|
Assignee: |
JRB ATTACHMENTS, LLC
|
Family ID: |
34657798 |
Appl. No.: |
11/014038 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60529801 |
Dec 16, 2003 |
|
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60578169 |
Jun 9, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
37/266 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 5/06 20130101; E01H
5/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
037/266 |
International
Class: |
E01H 005/06 |
Claims
1. A pusher comprising: a blade including a front surface for
moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and lower
edges; a wiper secured to the lower edge of the blade; left and
right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade, said
sidewalls each arranged transverse to the blade; left and right
skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the left and right
sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies cooperating
with each other to slidably support the blade above a surface to be
cleared; a plurality of cross-supports connected to the rear
surface of the blade and extending between the left and right
sidewalls; a coupler structure comprising: (i) a plurality of
coupler ribs that are connected to and extend between at least some
of the cross-supports; and, (ii) a pick-up location adapted to be
engaged by an associated pusher-moving machine for operative
connection of the blade to the associated pusher-moving
machine.
2. The pusher as set forth in claim 1, wherein said coupler
structure comprises a plurality of coupler ribs that extend between
and interconnect at least two of the cross-supports wherein said
pick-up location comprises an open slot defined by said coupler
ribs, said slot adapted to receive a bucket lip.
3. The pusher as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of chain-engaging apertures defined in each of the left
and right sidewalls, each chain-engaging aperture adapted to
receive and selectively retain an associated chain used for
retaining the pusher to an associated pusher-moving machine.
4. The pusher as set forth in claim 2, wherein said cross-supports
comprise first, second and third cross-supports, and wherein: said
coupler ribs each extend between and interconnect the first and
second and third cross-supports.
5. The pusher as set forth in claim 4, wherein: said first, second
and third cross-supports are arranged parallel to each other; and,
said coupler ribs are arranged parallel to each other and
perpendicular to said first, second and third cross-supports.
6. The pusher as set forth in claim 4, wherein the coupler ribs are
interconnected to each other by a first and second cross-bars each
spaced outwardly from the rear surface of the blade, and wherein
said first and second cross-bars are located on opposite sides of
said open slot.
7. The pusher as set forth in claim 6, wherein the coupler ribs are
each defined from planar sections of steel plate.
8. The pusher as set forth in claim 4, further comprising: a first
set of reinforcement ribs each connected to and extending between
the first and second cross-supports; and, a second set of
reinforcement ribs each connected to and extending between the
second and third cross-supports.
9. The pusher as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: left and
right sidewall gussets connected between the front surface of the
blade and the left and right sidewalls, respectively, said sidewall
gussets each comprising a chisel-shaped body comprising a sloped
face and first and second sidewalls.
10. The pusher as set forth in claim 9, wherein the left and right
sidewall gussets are each defined as a one-piece construction from
a bent steel plate.
11. The pusher as set forth in claim 1, wherein the left and right
sidewalls comprise respective sidewall flanges projecting outwardly
therefrom and wherein said left and right skid-shoe assemblies each
comprise a rib and a wear-shoe connected to the rib, said ribs of
said left and right skid-shoe assemblies connected to and abutted
with the sidewall flanges of the left and right sidewalls,
respectively.
12. The pusher as set forth in claim 11, wherein the rib of each
skid-shoe assembly comprises an upper edge that lies parallel to a
primary portion of the wear-shoe connected to the rib, said primary
wear-shoe portion adapted to lie flat on and slidably support the
blade above a surface being cleared, wherein said sidewall flanges
of the left and right sidewalls are abutted with the upper edge of
the ribs of the left and right skid-shoe assemblies,
respectively.
13. The pusher as set forth in claim 12, wherein, for both the left
and right skid-shoe assemblies, the primary wear-shoe portion
extends rearwardly outward relative to the rear surface of the
blade to a terminal location that is spaced from said wiper
sufficiently so that said terminal location is vertically with or
outwardly beyond the pick-up location of the coupler structure.
14. The pusher as set forth in claim 13, wherein the terminal
location of the wear-shoe of each of the left and right skid-shoe
assemblies is spaced at least 12 inches from the wiper.
15. The pusher as set forth in claim 1, wherein said left and right
skid-shoe assemblies each comprise a wear-shoe having a primary
portion that slidably supports the blade above a surface to be
cleared, and wherein the sidewalls comprise upper edges that are
parallel to the primary wear-shoe portions of the left and right
skid-shoe assemblies, respectively, to provide a visual indication
to an operator as to the orientation of the primary wear-shoe
portions.
16. The pusher as set forth in claim 1, wherein said blade
comprises first, second and third blade sections, said first blade
section pivotally connected to a first lateral side of the second
blade section and the third blade section pivotally connection to a
second lateral side of the second blade section, wherein said left
and right sidewalls are connected respectively to the first and
third blade sections and said coupler structure is connected to
said second blade section.
17. The pusher as set forth in claim 16, further comprising: a
first fold-lock for holding the first blade section in a first or
second position relative to the second blade section, wherein said
first and second blade sections are aligned with each other in the
first position and angled relative to each other in the second
position; and, a second fold-lock for holding the third blade
section in a first or second position relative to the second blade
section, wherein said second and third blade sections are aligned
with each other in the first position and angled relative to each
other in the second position.
18. The pusher as set forth in claim 17, wherein: the first
fold-lock comprises a first lock bar connected to the second blade
section and movable between raised and lowered positions, said
first lock bar, when in said lowered position, engaging and
preventing pivoting movement of the first blade section relative to
the second blade section, said lock bar allowing pivoting movement
of the first blade section relative to the second blade section
when in its raised position; and, the second fold-lock comprises a
second lock bar connected to the second blade section and movable
between raised and lowered positions, said second lock bar, when in
said lowered position, engaging and preventing pivoting movement of
the third blade section relative to the second blade section, said
lock bar allowing pivoting movement of the third blade section
relative to the second blade section when in its raised
position.
19. The pusher as set forth in claim 16, further comprising: first
and second open-locks connected to the second blade section and
adapted for selectively capturing the first and third blade
sections, respectively, when the first and third blade sections are
pivoted into alignment with the second blade section; and, a
fold-lock having a first portion connected to the left sidewall and
a second portion connected to the right sidewall, wherein said
first and second portions of the fold-lock are selectively
engageable with each other when said first and third blade sections
are pivoted relative to the second blade section into opposed
facing relation with each other.
20. The pusher as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
coupler ribs comprise first and second JRB-style coupler ribs that
are connected to and extend between at least some of the
cross-supports, wherein the first and second JRB-style coupler ribs
cooperate to define said pick-up location as a female portion of a
JRB-style quick coupler.
21. The pusher as set forth in claim 1, wherein said coupler
structure comprises three separate coupler structures and wherein
said pick-up location comprises three different pick-up locations
defined respectively by said three separate coupler structures,
wherein said three separate coupler structures are each defined by
at least three of said plurality of coupler ribs
22. A fixed-angle pusher for moving material laterally when said
pusher is moved forwardly in an operative direction of movement,
said pusher comprising: a blade including a front surface for
moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and lower
edges; a wiper secured to the lower edge of the blade; left and
right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade and
arranged parallel to the direction of operative movement, said
sidewalls each arranged transverse to the blade, wherein said
second sidewall trails said first sidewall with respect to the
direction of operative movement, and wherein said first sidewall
projects outwardly from said front surface of said blade more than
said second sidewall projects outwardly from said front surface of
said blade; left and right skid-shoe assemblies connected
respectively to the left and right sidewalls, said left and right
skid-shoe assemblies cooperating with each other to slidably
support the blade above a surface to be cleared; a plurality of
cross-supports connected to the rear surface of the blade and
extending between the left and right sidewalls; a coupler structure
comprising: (i) at least one wedge-shaped coupler plate connected
to and projecting outwardly from one of said cross-supports; (ii) a
plurality of first and second coupler ribs that are connected to
said at least one wedge-shaped coupler plate, said first and second
coupler ribs defining a pick-up location adapted to be engaged by
an associated pusher-moving machine for operative connection of the
blade to the associated pusher-moving machine, wherein a distance
between said pick-up location and said blade decreases as a
distance between said pick-up location and said second sidewall
decreases.
23. The fixed-angle pusher as set forth in claim 22, wherein the
left and right sidewalls comprise respective sidewall flanges
projecting outwardly therefrom and wherein said left and right
skid-shoe assemblies each comprise a rib and a wear-shoe connected
to the rib, said ribs of said left and right skid-shoe assemblies
connected to and abutted with the sidewall flanges of the left and
right sidewalls, respectively.
24. The fixed-angle pusher as set forth in claim 23, wherein the
rib of each skid-shoe assembly comprises an upper edge that lies
parallel to a primary portion of the wear-shoe connected to the
rib, said primary wear-shoe portion adapted to lie flat on and
slidably support the blade above a surface being cleared, wherein
said sidewall flanges of the left and right sidewalls are abutted
with the upper edge of the ribs of the left and right skid-shoe
assemblies, respectively.
25. The fixed-angle pusher as set forth in claim 22, further
comprising a plurality of chain-engaging apertures defined in each
of the left and right sidewalls, each chain-engaging aperture
adapted to receive and selectively retain an associated chain used
for retaining the pusher to an associated pusher-moving
machine.
26. A pusher comprising: a blade including a front surface for
moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and lower
edges; a wiper secured to the lower edge of the blade; left and
right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade, said
sidewalls each arranged transverse to the blade; left and right
skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the left and right
sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies cooperating
with each other to slidably support the blade above a surface to be
cleared; a plurality of cross-supports connected to the rear
surface of the blade and extending between the left and right
sidewalls; a coupler structure comprising: (i) a plurality of
coupler ribs that are connected to and extend between at least two
of the cross-supports; and, (ii) a pick-up location adapted to be
engaged by an associated pusher-moving machine for operative
connection of the blade to the associated pusher-moving machine,
said pick-up location comprising an open slot adapted to receive a
bucket lip.
27. A pusher comprising: a blade including a front surface for
moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and lower
edges; a wiper secured adjacent the lower edge of the blade; left
and right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade, said
sidewalls each arranged transverse to the blade; left and right
skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the left and right
sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies cooperating
with each other to slidably support the blade above a surface to be
cleared; a coupler structure projecting outwardly from the rear
surface of the blade and defining a pick-up location adapted to be
engaged by an associated pusher-moving machine for operative
connection of the blade to the associated pusher-moving machine;
and, at least one chain-engaging aperture defined in each of the
left and right sidewalls, said at least one chain-engaging aperture
of each sidewall comprising a first region adapted to receive and
allow passage of an associated chain and a second region adapted to
engage and retain the associated chain for selectively fixedly
securing the pusher to an associated pusher-moving machine.
28. A pusher comprising: a blade including a front surface for
moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and lower
edges; a wiper secured adjacent the lower edge of the blade; left
and right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade; left
and right skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the left
and right sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies
cooperating with each other to slidably support the blade above a
surface to be cleared; a coupler structure operatively connected to
the blade and defining a pick-up location adapted to be engaged by
an associated pusher-moving machine for operative connection of the
blade to the associated pusher-moving machine; and, wherein the
left and right sidewalls comprise respective left and right
sidewall flanges projecting outwardly therefrom and wherein said
left and right skid-shoe assemblies are abutted with the left and
right sidewall flanges and are connected to the left and right
sidewalls by bolts, respectively, so that at least some impact
forces on said left and right skid-shoe assemblies are transferred
to said left and right sidewalls through said left and right
sidewall flanges, respectively, to protect said bolts from shearing
forces.
29. A pusher comprising: a blade including a front surface for
moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and lower
edges; a wiper secured adjacent the lower edge of the blade; left
and right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade, said
sidewalls each arranged transverse to the blade; left and right
skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the left and right
sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies cooperating
with each other to slidably support the blade above a surface to be
cleared; a coupler structure operatively connected to the blade and
defining a pick-up location adapted to be engaged by an associated
pusher-moving machine for operative connection of the blade to the
associated pusher-moving machine; wherein said left and right
skid-shoe assemblies each comprise a wear-shoe having a primary
portion that slidably supports the blade above a surface to be
cleared, and wherein the sidewalls comprise upper edges that are
parallel to the primary wear-shoe portions of the left and right
skid-shoe assemblies, respectively, to provide a visual indication
to an operator as to the orientation of the primary wear-shoe
portions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from and benefit of the
filing date of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/529,801
filed Dec. 16, 2003 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No.
60/578,169 filed Jun. 9, 2004.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pusher devices for clearing snow and other materials (e.g.,
manure, mud, etc.) from a roadway, runway, parking lot or-other
surface are well-known and in widespread use. These known devices
include a blade that is fixed or foldable and some means for
operatively and temporarily securing the blade to a wheel-loader,
skid-steer tractor, wheel-loader backhoe, or other machine used to
move the pusher.
[0003] Known pushers are deficient for a wide variety of reasons.
In many cases, the pushers have a structure that is difficult to
manufacture, high-weight, and prone to damage during use, with weak
spots and stress-concentration zones. Known pushers have not used
vertical ribs cut from plates to tie the horizontal structural
members together. Known pushers also have not used such vertical
ribs to define the coupler portion of the pusher and, instead, have
used posts that are merely connected to the pusher without being
integrated into the overall structure.
[0004] Some pushers use bolts to connect the skid-shoe assemblies
to the blade without providing any shear protection for the bolts.
Many known pushes include deficient sidewall support gussets that
trap material and/or that are not robustly attached to the sidewall
and/or blade. Known pushers include coupler portions defined from
hollow post structures that are not integrated into the overall
structure of the pusher and that decrease visibility.
[0005] Known pushers are prone to tip rearward when not in use
(e.g., during a decoupling operation) which renders storage unsafe
and unsightly and that complicates re-coupling.
[0006] Conventional pusher devices also are designed for the wiper
to contact and clear the underlying surface even when the pusher is
not properly oriented on the surface, which leads to uneven wear of
the skid-shoe assemblies without any indication to the operator
that the pusher is not properly oriented.
[0007] Known folding pushers have been deemed suboptimal for a wide
variety of reasons. Some require complex hydraulic systems for the
folding and/or locking operations. Others rely on locking
mechanisms that are overly complex or that are prone to damage
and/or loss of components.
SUMMARY
[0008] In accordance with the present development, a pusher
includes: a blade including a front surface for moving material and
an opposite rear surface, and upper and lower edges; a wiper
secured to the lower edge of the blade; left and right sidewalls
connected to opposite sides of the blade, said sidewalls each
arranged transverse to the blade; left and right skid-shoe
assemblies connected respectively to the left and right sidewalls,
said left and right skid-shoe assemblies cooperating with each
other to slidably support the blade above a surface to be cleared;
a plurality of cross-supports connected to the rear surface of the
blade and extending between the left and right sidewalls; a coupler
structure comprising: (i) a plurality of coupler ribs that are
connected to and extend between at least some of the
cross-supports; and, (ii) a pick-up location adapted to be engaged
by an associated pusher-moving machine for operative connection of
the blade to the associated pusher-moving machine.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present
development, a fixed-angle pusher for moving material laterally
when said pusher is moved forwardly in an operative direction of
movement comprises: a blade including a front surface for moving
material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and lower edges; a
wiper secured to the lower edge of the blade; left and right
sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade and arranged
parallel to the direction of operative movement, said sidewalls
each arranged transverse to the blade, wherein said second sidewall
trails said first sidewall with respect to the direction of
operative movement, and wherein said first sidewall projects
outwardly from said front surface of said blade more than said
second sidewall projects outwardly from said front surface of said
blade; left and right skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively
to the left and right sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe
assemblies cooperating with each other to slidably support the
blade above a surface to be cleared; a plurality of cross-supports
connected to the rear surface of the blade and extending between
the left and right sidewalls; a coupler structure comprising: (i)
at least one wedge-shaped coupler plate connected to and projecting
outwardly from one of said cross-supports; (ii) a plurality of
first and second coupler ribs that are connected to said at least
one wedge-shaped coupler plate, said first and second coupler ribs
defining a pick-up location adapted to be engaged by an associated
pusher-moving machine for operative connection of the blade to the
associated pusher-moving machine, wherein a distance between said
pick-up location and said blade decreases as a distance between
said pick-up location and said second sidewall decreases.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present
development, a pusher comprises: a blade including a front surface
for moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and
lower edges; a wiper secured to the lower edge of the blade; left
and right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade, said
sidewalls each arranged transverse to the blade; left and right
skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the left and right
sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies cooperating
with each other to slidably support the blade above a surface to be
cleared; a plurality of cross-supports connected to the rear
surface of the blade and extending between the left and right
sidewalls; a coupler structure comprising: (i) a plurality of
coupler ribs that are connected to and extend between at least two
of the cross-supports; and, (ii) a pick-up location adapted to be
engaged by an associated pusher-moving machine for operative
connection of the blade to the associated pusher-moving machine,
said pick-up location comprising an open slot adapted to receive a
bucket lip.
[0011] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
development, a pusher comprises: a blade including a front surface
for moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and
lower edges; a wiper secured adjacent the lower edge of the blade;
left and right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade,
said sidewalls each arranged transverse to the blade; left and
right skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the left and
right sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies
cooperating with each other to slidably support the blade above a
surface to be cleared; a coupler structure projecting outwardly
from the rear surface of the blade and defining a pick-up location
adapted to be engaged by an associated pusher-moving machine for
operative connection of the blade to the associated pusher-moving
machine; and, at least one chain-engaging aperture defined in each
of the left and right sidewalls, said at least one chain-engaging
aperture of each sidewall comprising a first region adapted to
receive and allow passage of an associated chain and a second
region adapted to engage and retain the associated chain for
selectively fixedly securing the pusher to an associated
pusher-moving machine.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present
development, a pusher comprises: a blade including a front surface
for moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and
lower edges; a wiper secured adjacent the lower edge of the blade;
left and right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade;
left and right skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the
left and right sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies
cooperating with each other to slidably support the blade above a
surface to be cleared; a coupler structure operatively connected to
the blade and defining a pick-up location adapted to be engaged by
an associated pusher-moving machine for operative connection of the
blade to the associated pusher-moving machine; and, wherein the
left and right sidewalls comprise respective left and right
sidewall flanges projecting outwardly therefrom and wherein said
left and right skid-shoe assemblies are abutted with the left and
right sidewall flanges and are connected to the left and right
sidewalls by bolts, respectively, so that at least some impact
forces on said left and right skid-shoe assemblies are transferred
to said left and right sidewalls through said left and right
sidewall flanges, respectively, to protect said bolts from shearing
forces.
[0013] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
development, a pusher comprises: a blade including a front surface
for moving material and an opposite rear surface, and upper and
lower edges; a wiper secured adjacent the lower edge of the blade;
left and right sidewalls connected to opposite sides of the blade,
said sidewalls each arranged transverse to the blade; left and
right skid-shoe assemblies connected respectively to the left and
right sidewalls, said left and right skid-shoe assemblies
cooperating with each other to slidably support the blade above a
surface to be cleared; a coupler structure operatively connected to
the blade and defining a pick-up location adapted to be engaged by
an associated pusher-moving machine for operative connection of the
blade to the associated pusher-moving machine; wherein said left
and right skid-shoe assemblies each comprise a wear-shoe having a
primary portion that slidably supports the blade above a surface to
be cleared, and wherein the sidewalls comprise upper edges that are
parallel to the primary wear-shoe portions of the left and right
skid-shoe assemblies, respectively, to provide a visual indication
to an operator as to the orientation of the primary wear-shoe
portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The development comprises various structures and components
and arrangements of same, preferred embodiments of which are
disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of a material pusher formed
in accordance with the present development;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the pusher shown in FIG.
1;
[0017] FIGS. 3 and 4 are respective front and rear elevational
views of the pusher shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIGS. 5 and 6 are respective top and bottom plan views of
the pusher shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view of the pusher shown
in FIG. 1 (the left side elevational view is substantially
identical);
[0020] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate operation and use of the
chain-engaging apertures;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 4
and showing the pusher resting on a surface to be cleaned
thereby;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view that is similar to
FIG. 7 that shows the pusher located in an undesired position that
renders the pusher less effective;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of the left and right
skid-shoe assemblies of the pusher of FIG. 1, and shows connection
of an adapter bracket to same to allow for use of the skid-shoe
assemblies with a popular conventional pusher device;
[0024] FIGS. 11A and 11B are rear and front isometric views of a
skid-steer version of a pusher formed in accordance with the
present development;
[0025] FIG. 11C is an isometric view of a pusher including a
JRB-style female coupler portion for mating with a JRB-style male
coupler portion;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a rear isometric view of an offset pusher
structured in accordance with the present development;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a rear isometric view from above of a folding
pusher formed in accordance with the present development, in its
opened configuration;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a front isometric view of the folding pusher
shown in FIG. 13 in its opened configuration;
[0029] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the pusher of FIG. 13 with
one blade section in a folded and locked position, and the other
blade section in the open and locked position;
[0030] FIG. 16, shows the pusher of FIG. 13 in its fully folded and
locked configuration;
[0031] FIGS. 17 and 18 are enlarged views of the right one of the
two fold-locks of the pusher shown in FIG. 13;
[0032] FIG. 19 shows the left fold-lock;
[0033] FIG. 20 shows another folding pusher formed in accordance
with the present development;
[0034] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of one of the two open-locks for
the pusher of FIG. 20;
[0035] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the fold-lock of the pusher
shown in FIG. 20;
[0036] FIGS. 23-25 show the sidewall gusset structure for the
pushers of FIGS. 1-22;
[0037] FIGS. 26 and 27 are front and rear isometric views of a
fixed-angle pusher formed in accordance with the present
development;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the fixed-angle pusher of
FIGS. 26 and 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a pusher P formed in accordance with
the present development. Unless otherwise specified, all components
of the pusher P are defined from a suitable metal such as steel
and/or various alloys thereof. The pusher comprises a body B and a
coupling structure C connected to the body. The body B comprises a
main blade portion D having a front or forwardly facing operative
pushing surface DF that is preferably concavely curved and an
opposite rear or rearward facing surface DR to which the coupling
structure C is connected by welding or other means such as bolts or
other fasteners. Blade D is formed by one or more curved
plates.
[0040] First and second (left and right) sidewalls S1,S2 are
located at opposite lateral ends of the blade D and project
forwardly outward from the front surface DF thereof and also
project in the rearward direction outwardly from rear surface DR of
blade D. In the illustrated example, the sidewalls S1,S2 are
parallel to each other and are vertically oriented, assuming the
pusher P is operatively resting on a horizontal surface. The blade
also D includes upper and lower edges DU,DL that extend laterally
between the sidewalls parallel to each other.
[0041] The first and second sidewalls S1,S2 include respective
first and second (left and right) removable skid-shoe assemblies
H1,H2 that support the pusher P for sliding movement on a surface Z
(FIG. 7) to be cleared, such as a parking lot, airport runway,
etc., with the lower edge DL of the blade adjacent but not in
contact with the surface. A wiper W such as a rubber strip or other
durable and resilient means (e.g., a spring-loaded metal blade) is
secured adjacent the blade lower edge DL and is intended to contact
the surface Z being cleared by the pusher P. In the illustrated
embodiment, the wiper W is coextensive with the blade lower edge DL
and, thus, extends substantially from sidewall S1 to sidewall S2 to
the fullest extent possible as limited by the skid shoes H1,H2. The
wiper W is secured using a metal facing strip WS and a plurality of
bolts T advanced into the blade D through both the strip WS and
wiper W. The wiper W is reversible when worn to lengthen its useful
life.
[0042] First and second gussets G1,G2 (FIGS. 2, 3) are respectively
used to reinforce the connection of the sidewalls S1,S2 to the
blade. The gussets are shaped for maximum strength, ease of
assembly, weight savings and to prevent accumulation of snow or
other material between themselves and the blade D and/or sidewalls
S1,S2 as described in further detail below.
[0043] The rear surface DR of the blade D is reinforced with a
plurality of parallel cross-supports such as a first (top), second
(middle) and third (lower) cross-supports X1,X2,X3 (see e.g., FIGS.
1, 8). The first cross-support X1 is shown as a rectangular tube
member that is welded to the rear surface DR or blade D adjacent
the upper edge DU and coextensive therewith between sidewalls
S1,S2. The second cross-support X2 is shown as an L-shaped angle
member welded to the rear face DR of blade D between the upper and
lower edges DU,DL and that extends continuously to and between the
sidewalls S1,S2. The third cross-support X3 is shown as a plate
stock member that is located adjacent the blade lower edge DL and
that is coextensive therewith between the sidewalls. The
cross-supports X1,X2,X3 are preferably parallel with each other and
with the upper and lower blade edges DU,DL. The rear surface DR of
the blade D is also reinforced with a first set of vertical
reinforcement ribs R1 defined from plate steel sections that are
welded to and extend vertically between the first and second
cross-members X1,X2 for structural integration of the cross-members
X1,X2. A second set of vertical reinforcement ribs comprises a
plurality vertical ribs R2 defined from plate steel are welded to
and extend between the second and third cross-supports X2,X3 and
provide additional stiffness to the lower edge DL of the blade D
and to tie the cross-members X2,X3 together.
[0044] With particular reference now to FIGS. 1 and 7, the coupler
structure C of the pusher P is used to connect the pusher P
operatively to a wheel-loader, skid-steer tractor, wheel-loader
backhoe, or other machine used to move the pusher (pusher-moving
machine) and comprises a first (upper) set of coupler ribs
comprising a plurality of laterally spaced-apart ribs CR1,CR2,CR3,
each defined from a planar section of steel plate, and each
connected to and extending vertically between the first (upper)
cross-support X1 and the second (middle) cross-support X2. The
upper ribs CR1-CR3 are interconnected by a first cross-bar CB1 that
is spaced outwardly from the rear surface DR of blade D for added
strength. The coupler C further comprises a second (lower) set of
coupler ribs comprising a plurality of laterally spaced-apart lower
ribs CR1',CR2',CR3', each defined from a planar section of steel
plate, and each connected to and extending vertically between the
central (middle) cross-support X2 and the third (lower)
cross-support X3, and that are preferably in alignment with the
upper ribs CR1,CR2,CR3, respectively. These ribs CR1'-CR3' are
interconnected by a cross-bar CB1' that is spaced outwardly from
the rear surface DR of blade D for added strength. The upper ribs
CR1-CR3 and lower ribs CR1'-CR3' are conformed and arranged
relative to each other so that a narrow, laterally-extending open
slot L (easily seen in FIG. 7) is defined therebetween and provides
a pick-up location for connection of the pusher P to an associated
pusher-moving machine. In particular, the slot L is adapted to
receive the lower lip of a material-handling bucket connected to a
front-end loader, backhoe or other pusher-moving machine so that
the loader or other machine can be used to move the pusher P
slidably across the surface Z to be cleaned, with the forward face
DF of blade D oriented forward in the direction of movement and
with the rear face DR oriented toward the pusher-moving machine. In
the illustrated embodiment, each upper coupler rib CR1,CR2,CR3 is
defined as a one-piece construction with the respective lower rib
CR1',CR2',CR3' from a single steel plate CR that defines a rib slot
LR. The ribs slots LR cooperate to define the slot L when aligned
with each other. In such case, each coupler rib plate CR extends
between and is connected to at least two and preferably all of the
first, second and third cross-supports X1,X2,X3.
[0045] Chains are secured between the bucket or other part of the
associated pusher-moving machine and the sidewalls S1,S2 by
insertion of the chains into one or more of the chain-engaging
apertures N1,N2,N3 of sidewalls S1,S2 of pusher. At least some of
the coupler rib plates CR define plain apertures N that allow
respective chains or chain strands or hooks to pass therethrough to
facilitate use of the chains to connect the pusher P to the
associated pusher-moving machine. As shown separately in FIGS.
7A,7B, with reference to the chain-engaging aperture N1, each of
the chain-engaging apertures N1,N2,N3 is keyhole-shaped and able to
capture the links of a chain CN therein in a secure fashion. Each
aperture N1,N2,N3 is defined by an enlarged portion KE and a
narrowed portion KN. An associated conventional link chain CN is
able to move freely through the enlarged portion KE (FIG. 7A), but
the chain CN is unable to pass through the narrowed portion KN and,
instead, is captured therein by the sidewall S1,S2. Multiple
chain-engaging apertures N1,N2,N3 are preferably defined in each
sidewall for two purposes: (i) the varied locations allow for
adjustment of chain position; and, (ii) damage to one of the
chain-engaging apertures N1,N2,N3 simply requires that the chain be
moved to another, undamaged chain-engaging aperture. Alternatively,
each sidewall S1,S2 can include only a single chain-engaging
aperture N1,N2,N3.
[0046] With brief reference to FIG. 8, it is preferred that the
innermost region of slot L of the coupler C be defined by an insert
member L1 that is wear resistant as compared to the material from
which ribs CR1-CR3 and CR1'-CR3' are defined to prevent undue wear
from the lip of the bucket that is received into the slot L. Owing
to its rib structure, it can be seen that the coupler structure C
is integrated into and forms part of the overall structure of the
pusher P for added strength. Loads from exerted on the coupler
structure C are transferred to and dispersed throughout the pusher
structure owing to the connection between the upper and lower
coupler ribs CR1-CR3, CR1'-CR3' and the cross-supports X1,X2 and
X2,X3, respectively.
[0047] FIGS. 11A and 11B show an alternative embodiment of a pusher
100P that is substantially similar to the pusher P except as
otherwise shown and/or described and, as such, the same reference
characters are used except for new components. The pusher 100P
differs from the pusher P in that it includes a coupler structure
100C that comprises a female coupler portion QC of a male/female
quick-coupler as the pick-up location instead of the slot L
described above for the coupler structure C of pusher P, where the
mating male portion (not shown) is pinned-on or otherwise
operatively connected to the pusher-moving machine to which the
pusher 100P is to be connected for use. The quick coupler portion
QC shown is a conventional female skid-steer quick-coupling portion
but can alternatively be defined by any other quick-coupler known
in the art. The coupler structure 100C comprises a plurality of
vertical ribs CR4,CR5,CR6 each defined from steel plate that extend
between and that are connected to all of the cross-supports
X1,X2,X3 so as to integrate the coupler structure 100C into the
overall structure of pusher 100P for added strength. The quick
coupler portion QC is connected to the coupler ribs CR4,CR5,CR6 by
welding or by bolts or other fasteners.
[0048] FIG. 11C shows an alternative embodiment of a pusher 100P'
that is substantially similar to the pusher P except as otherwise
shown and/or described and, as such, the same reference characters
are used except for new components. The pusher 100P' differs from
the pusher P in that it includes a coupler structure 100C' that
comprises a female coupler portion QC' of a male/female
quick-coupler as the pick-up location instead of the slot L
described above for the coupler structure C of pusher P, where the
mating male portion (not shown) is pinned-on or otherwise
operatively connected to the pusher-moving machine to which the
pusher 100P' is to be connected for use. The quick coupler portion
QC' shown is a conventional female JRB-style quick-coupling
portion. As such, the coupler structure 100C' and quick coupler
portion QC' thereof comprises first and second parallel vertical
coupler ribs J1,J2, each including a hook and an eye, that
cooperate to define the well-known JRB-style female coupler
portion. Each coupler rib J1,J2 is defined from a single steel
plate that extends between and is connected to at least two and,
preferably, all of the cross-supports X1,X2,X3 so as to integrate
the coupler structure 100C' into the overall structure of pusher
100P' for added strength.
[0049] FIG. 12 shows an offset pusher 200P that is substantially
similar to the pusher P except as otherwise shown and/or described
and, as such, the same reference characters are used except for new
components. The pusher 200P differs from the pusher P in that it
includes a coupler structure 200C that encompasses the coupler
structure C (except for the cross-bars CB1,CB1'), including coupler
ribs CR1,CR2,CR3 and CR1',CR2',CR3' as described above. The coupler
structure 200C further comprises additional coupler ribs CR0,CR0'
and CR4,CR4' that are identical to the ribs of coupler structure C,
but that are located on opposite sides of the coupler structure C.
The coupler ribs CR0 and CR4 preferably have the same structure
ribs CR1,CR2,CR3 and the ribs CR0' and CR4' preferably have the
same structure as ribs CR1',CR2',CR3'. In the illustrated
embodiment, the upper coupler ribs CR0,CR1,CR2,CR3 are defined as
respective one-piece constructions with the lower ribs
CR0',CR1',CR2',CR3', each from a single steel plate CR that defines
a rib slot LR. The ribs slots LR cooperate to define the slot L
when aligned with each other. In such case, each coupler rib plate
CR preferably extends between and is connected to at least two and
most preferably all of the first, second and third cross-supports
X1,X2,X3.
[0050] The coupler structure 200C of the pusher 200P comprises
three separate coupler structures, each defined by at least three
spaced-apart upper coupler ribs CR0,CR1,CR2,CR3 and three
corresponding lower coupler ribs CR0',CR1',CR2',CR3'. As shown, the
coupler structure comprises: (i) a main coupler structure C; (ii) a
left coupler structure LC; and, (iii) a right coupler structure RC;
each defining its own pick-up location such as a portion of slot L.
Each coupler structure C,LC,RC is adapted to be engaged by an
associated pusher-moving machine. The coupler structure C allows
the pusher 200P to be symmetrically coupled to the pusher-moving
machine; the coupler structure LC allows the pusher 200P to be
coupled to the pusher-moving machine with a right offset relative;
and the coupler structure RC allows the pusher 200P to be coupled
to the pusher-moving machine with a left offset. The offset
coupling is often desired when the pusher 200P must be used to
clear snow or other material from beneath an overhang that will not
accommodate the pusher-moving machine.
[0051] Referring again to the pusher P shown in FIGS. 1-9, the left
and right skid-shoe assemblies H1,H2 are identical to each other
and can be interchangeably mounted to either sidewall S1,S2 as
desired using bolts or other fasteners HB. With reference to the
shoe assembly H2 and FIGS. 1 and 7, the shoe assemblies H1,H2
comprise a vertical rib HR and a transverse wear-shoe HS that is
welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the rib HR. The wear-shoe HS
preferably includes a flat primary (central) portion HS1 that is
adapted to abut a surface Z to be cleared. With particular
reference now to FIG. 7, the wear-shoe HS comprises upturned ends
HS2,HS3 that facilitate sliding movement of the shoe HS over
obstacles of surface Z in forward and reverse directions. The
vertical rib. HR includes an upper edge HR1 that is preferably
parallel to the central portion HS1 of the wear-shoe. The vertical
ribs HR of the shoe assemblies H1,H2 are partially overlapped with
the sidewalls S1,S2 and fastened thereto by bolts or other
fasteners. The sidewalls S1,S2 of the pusher P include respective
outwardly projecting flanges SF1,SF2 (see also FIG. 3) that extend
parallel to primary wear-shoe portions HS1 and that abut the upper
edge HR1 of the shoe assembly rib HR when the skid-shoe assemblies
H1,H2 are operatively secured to the sidewalls S1,S2. As such, the
bolts HB by which the shoe assemblies H1,H2 are secured to the
sidewalls S1,S2 are protected from shearing forces that would
otherwise act on the bolts HB as the pusher P moves slidably across
the surface Z and impacts obstacles, i.e., forces from the shoe
assemblies H1,H2 are transferred to sidewalls S1,S2 through the
ribs HR and flanges SF1,SF2, respectively, rather than solely
through the bolts HB as could lead to shearing of the bolts. The
flanges SF1,SF2 also add strength and stiffness to the sidewalls
S1,S2 and, to this end, the flanges SF1,SF2 are preferably defined
as rectangular one-piece members that project transversely outward
from the sidewalls S1,S2 a greater extent as compared to the extent
with which they abut the sidewalls S1,S2, respectively.
[0052] With reference to FIGS. 7-9, it is also preferred that the
sidewalls S1,S2 each include an upper edge SU that is parallel to
the primary portion HS1 of the wear-shoe, i.e., the upper edges SU
are horizontal when the pusher P is supported on a horizontal
surface Z. As such, for reasons that are important as will become
apparent below, the upper edges SU of sidewalls S1,S2 provide a
guide to an operator as to the relationship between the central
portion HS1 of the wear shoe and the surface Z being cleared.
[0053] It is intended that the central portion HS1 of each skid
shoe assembly H1,H2 be positioned flat on the surface Z being
cleaned as shown in FIG. 7 to minimize wear and to ensure uniform
wear of the shoe components HS thereof. With particular reference
now to FIGS. 8 and 9, it can be seen that the central portion HS1
of each shoe assembly H1,H2 intersects the upturned rear portion
HS3 or otherwise terminates well aft of the lower edge of wiper W
in a terminal location HT that is at least vertically aligned with
the slot L of the coupler structure C, if not farther rearward. As
shown in FIGS. 11A,11B the terminal location HT is rearward of the
entire coupling structure 100C. If no upturned surface HS3 is
provided, the terminal location HT is simply the rear edge of the
surface HS1. In the event an operator improperly orients the pusher
P during use by reclining the pusher as shown in FIG. 9, the pusher
P pivots relative to the surface Z on the shoe terminal location HT
so that the wiper W is lifted away from the surface Z being cleared
to prevent effective surface clearing. In such case, an operator
will immediately realize that he/she has not properly oriented the
pusher P when the wiper W fails to clear the surface Z adequately.
Conventional pushers allow the wiper to contact the surface being
cleared even when the wear-shoe is not positioned flat on the
surface. Furthermore, with a pusher P formed in accordance with the
present development, the upper edge SU of each sidewall S1,S2 is
parallel to the central portion HS1 of the wear shoe HS and an
operator can thus use the upper edge SU as a visual proxy or guide
for the position of the central portion HS1 of wear shoe HS. In
use, an operator will strive to maintain the upper edges SU of
sidewalls S1,S2 parallel to the surface Z being cleared (which is
typically in a horizontal orientation when a "flat" horizontal
surface is being cleared) which indicates that the central portion
HS1 of each wear shoe HS is flat on the surface Z. It is most
preferred that the terminal location HT of the wear-shoes HS be
spaced sufficiently from and behind the lowermost edge of wiper W
so that if the central shoe portion HS1 is inclined even 5 degrees
or more relative to surface Z, the wiper W will be lifted away from
the surface Z a sufficient amount so that snow or other material
being cleared will remain on the surface Z and noticed by an
operator. Preferably the terminal location HT is positioned at
least twelve inches and as much as fifteen inches or more behind
the point where the wiper W contacts the surface Z. This structure
and relationship also inhibits rearward tipping movement of the
pusher P when a bucket lip is withdrawn from slot L during a
decoupling operation. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also
recognize from FIGS. 1 and 7 that the shoe assemblies H1,H2 project
rearward from the rear surface DR of blade D a significant distance
so as to be visible to an operator during use of the pusher as also
facilitates proper orientation during use. It is preferred that the
overall rearmost tip of the shoe assemblies H1,H2 be located at
least twenty inches behind the wiper W for this added visibility by
an operator. The structure of the skid-shoe assemblies H1,H2 as
just described is complimented by the sidewalls S1,S2 having
respective trailing fins TF1,TF2 that begin at a point aligned with
the innermost region of coupler slot L and that project rearward
away from rear surface DR of pusher blade D to a rearward point
that is vertically aligned with the coupler slot L as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 7. In this manner, the skid-shoe assemblies H1,H2 and
sidewalls S1,S2 approximately correspond in length at the
connection thereof.
[0054] If desired, the skid shoe assemblies H1,H2 can be used as
part of another, conventional pusher as a replacement part by
connection respective adapter brackets K1,K2 thereto as shown in
FIG. 10. The adapter brackets K1,K2 are identical, mirror images of
each other and each comprise an inner plate Ki, an outer plate Ko
and a central spacer plate Kc (see adapter bracket K2). The plates
Ki,Ko,Kc are welded together so as to define a slot Ks into which
the rib HR of the shoe assembly H1,H2 is closely and slidably
received. The inner plate Ki is conformed and dimensioned to
cooperate with the wear shoe portion HS to define a space that
receives a pusher sidewall SW (of a competitive or other pusher and
shaped differently from sidewalls S1,S2) as shown in broken lines
with minimal clearance. The brackets K1,K2 include elongated
mounting holes Km that are easily aligned with holes Kr of the ribs
HR so that the bolts Kb are used to fixedly secure the brackets
K1,K2 to the ribs HR. The sidewall SW is bolted to the shoe
assemblies H1,H2 in the same manner as described above in relation
to FIGS. 1-7 (except sidewalls SW do not include the
shear-protecting flanges SF1,SF2).
[0055] FIGS. 13-19 show a folding pusher P' and/or components
thereof formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present development. Except as otherwise shown and/or described,
the pusher P' is identical to the pusher P and, as such, like
components share like reference characters. The pusher P' is
defined by dividing the blade D of the non-folding pusher P into
three blade sections D1,D2,D3. The first (left) section D1 is
bounded by the first sidewall S1 and a first inner wall V1a; the
second (center) section D2 is bounded by first and second lateral
walls V2a,V2b; and, the third (right) section D3 is bounded by the
second sidewall S2 and a second inner wall V1b. The walls V1a and
V2a are pivotally interconnected via first hinge HG1, and the walls
V1b and V2b are pivotally interconnected via second hinge HG2.
[0056] As noted, the blade sections D1,D2,D3 are defined by
dividing the blade D of pusher P into three separate sections. As
such, each section comprises the relevant portion of the structure
of the blade D described above. Thus, for example, the coupler C
(or 100C) is connected to the second (central) section D2. Each
section D1-D3 comprises an upper edge DU, a lower edge DL, and the
first, second and third cross-supports X1,X2,X3, along with ribs
R1,R2 as shown. Because the blade sections D1,D2,D3 are defined by
dividing the blade D of pusher P as described, the wiper W' (FIG.
14) varies somewhat from wiper W described above in that it is
defined by three separate wipers W1,W2,W3 connected respectively
adjacent the lower edges DL of the blade sections D1,D2,D3 using
three separate wiper retaining strips WS1,WS2,WS3 and bolts T. The
three separate wipers W1,W2,W3 cooperate to define a continuous,
substantially uninterrupted wiper W' that extends from sidewall S1
to sidewall S2 when the pusher P' is in the opened (unfolded)
position as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the hinges HG1,H2 are
structured and located so that the left and right blade sections
D1,D3 pivot forwardly and inward toward each other, in an
independent fashion, so that their front faces DF move into opposed
facing relation to each other (FIG. 16). During this folding
operation, the walls V1a,V2a move from a first position, where they
are abutted (or at least closely adjacent) and substantially
parallel when the pusher P' is in the unfolded (opened) operative
position, to a second position where they define an obtuse angle
having its vertex at hinge HG1 when pusher P' is folded or closed.
Likewise, during the folding operation, the walls V1b,V2b move from
a first position, where they are abutted (or at least closely
adjacent) and substantially parallel when the pusher P' is in the
unfolded or opened position, to a second position where they define
an obtuse angle having its vertex at hinge HG2 when pusher P' is
folded. It is also preferred that the blade sections D1,D3 pivot
inwardly toward each other sufficiently so that the sidewalls S1,S2
and shoes H1,H2 thereof move close to or into contact with each
other. When one (FIG. 15) or both (FIG. 16) of the blade sections
D1,D3 are folded, the pusher P' has a reduced size as is often
deemed desirable for storage or transport or for temporarily
reducing its width during use to fit between obstacles.
[0058] The pusher P' comprises first and second fold-locks FL1,FL2
to retain the first and third blade sections D1,D3, respectively,
in either their opened or closed positions independently from each
other. The structure and operation of the fold-locks FL1,FL2 is
easily understood with reference to FIGS. 17-19. The fold-lock
mechanisms FL1,FL2 are identical but the components are arranged in
a mirror-image fashion.
[0059] The fold-lock FL2 is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. There, it can
be seen that the second lateral wall V2b of the central blade
section D2 comprises a slot 200. An arcuate lock bar 202 extends
through the slot 200. An inner end 202a of the lock bar 202 is
secured to a retainer pin 204 that is, in turn, secured to the
second lateral wall V2b (or other portion of central blade section
D2) by a yoke structure 204y. As indicated by the arrow 210v (FIG.
18), the lock bar 202 is slidably movable on the pin 204 in a
vertical fashion within the confines of slot 200 from a lowered
(lock) position as shown to a raised unlock position (not shown).
The lock bar 202 is preferably held in the lowered (lock) position
by gravity but can be spring-biased into the lowered position.
[0060] The inner wall V1b of the right blade section D3 defines a
T-shaped slot 210 having an upper enlarged portion 210e and a
reduced portion 210r. The enlarged portion 210e is dimensioned and
conformed so as to slidably accommodate the lock bar 202 when the
blade section D3 pivots from the unfolded to the folded position
and when the lock bar 202 is in the raised position. The lock bar
202 defines first and second reduced-width neck portions
202n1,202n2 that are dimensioned for close receipt in the reduced
portion 210r of the T-shaped slot 210. As shown in FIG. 17, when
the inner wall V1b is located adjacent lateral wall V2b of the
central section D2 (when section D3 is unfolded), the first neck
portion 202n1 of lock bar 202 is aligned with the reduced portion
210r of T-shaped slot 210 and, thus, the lock bar 202 is movable
vertically downward into the first neck portion 202n1. When the
lock bar 202 is so positioned, the inner wall V1b is captured owing
to fact that the lock bar 202 cannot be slidably accommodated
through the reduced portion 210r of the T-shaped slot 210. As such,
the right blade section D3 is locked in the unfolded position.
[0061] To fold the right blade D3 relative to the central blade D2,
the lock bar 202 is raised vertically on pin 204 to its unlocked
position so that it is moved into the enlarged portion 210e of
T-shaped slot 210 of wall V1b where it is slidably accommodated so
as to allow pivoting movement of the right blade section D3 via
hinge HG2. Upon full folding movement of the blade section D3, the
T-shaped slot 210 is moved into alignment with the second neck
portion 202n2 of the lock bar 202 so that the lock bar can be
lowered vertically with its second neck portion 202n2 received into
the reduced-width portion 210r of the T-shaped slot 210. In this
case, the wall V1b is unable to move in either direction (toward or
away from wall V2b) so as to lock the blade section D3 in its
folded position.
[0062] The inner end 202a of the lock bar protrudes from yoke
structure 204y a distance sufficient to facilitate manual grasping
of the inner end 202a by a user for purposes of lifting/lower the
lock bar. The outer end 202b of the lock bar 202 defines an
enlarged head 202h for the same purpose and, also, the head 202h is
unable to pass through the T-shaped slot 210 in wall V1b for any
possible vertical position of the lock bar 202 so that the head
202h provides a stop for folding movement of the blade section
D3.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, it can be seen that the
reduced-width section 210r of T-shaped slot 210 of wall V1b is
deeper than the thickness of the lock bar 202 so that the lock bar
202 lies beneath or inward from a shoulder 210s of the T-shaped
slot 210 when in the locked position. This arrangement inhibits
undesired vertical movement of the lock bar 202 out of the
reduced-width section 210r of the T-shaped slot 210 during use of
the pusher P'.
[0064] As noted, the fold-lock FL1 is structured and operates in a
corresponding fashion. As such, corresponding components shown in
FIG. 19 are identified with like reference characters, and further
discussion of the structure and function of the fold-lock FL1 is
not required here for those of ordinary skill in the art. The
independent operation of the fold-locks FL1,FL2 is deemed highly
desirable in that operator's will sometimes desire to fold, and
lock in the folded position, only one of the blade sections D1,D3
without the other.
[0065] FIG. 20 shows a folding pusher P" that is identical to the
pusher P' except as otherwise shown and/or described. The pusher P"
does not include fold-locks FL1,FL2. Instead, the pusher P"
comprises first and second open-locks OL1,OL2 and a single
fold-lock FL". The open-lock OL1 is used to retain the left blade
section D1 in its unfolded (opened) position as shown; the
open-lock OL2 is used to retain the right blade section D3 in its
unfolded (opened) position as shown.
[0066] The open-lock OL2 is shown in FIG. 21 and comprises a base
LB connected to the second lateral sidewall V2b (or any other
suitable portion) of central blade section D2. A pin LP is
connected to the base LB and moves between extended and retracted
positions. When extended, as shown, the pin LP captures the inner
wall V1b of right blade section D3 adjacent the second lateral
sidewall V2b to prevent movement of the right blade D3 from its
unfolded position to its folded position. Of course, when the pin
LP is retracted (moved upward in FIG. 21) it is moved to a position
where it no longer captures the inner wall V1b so that folding
movement of the right blade section D3 is possible. Preferably, the
pin LP is spring-biased to the extended position. The open-lock OL1
is structured and operates in the same fashion as the open-lock OL2
to engage and retain the inner wall V1a of the left blade section
D1 in order to hold the left blade section D1 in its unfolded
position. In that case, the base LB is connected to the first
lateral sidewall V2a or other portion of the central blade section
D2, and the pin LP selectively captures the inner wall V1a of the
left blade section D1 to prevent folding movement of the blade
section D1.
[0067] The sidewalls S1,S2 are locked to each other to maintain the
pusher P" in its folded position as desired for storage and/or
transport as shown in FIG. 22. When the left and right blade
sections D1,D3 of pusher P" are folded relative to the central
blade D2 into opposed facing relation, the tips of sidewalls S1,S2
move adjacent each other, and the fold-lock FL" is used to secure
the sidewalls S1,S2 to each other. In the illustrated embodiment,
the fold-lock FL" comprises a tab T1 that projects from first
sidewall S1 and that defines an aperture A1. The sidewall S2
comprises at least one tab that has an aperture and, preferably,
comprises first and second tabs T2a,T2b having respective aligned
apertures A2a,A2b. When the left and right blades D1,D3 are
completely folded, the tab T1 is received between the tabs T2a,T2b
and the apertures A1,A2a,A2b move into registration with each
other. A lock pin KP is then inserted through the aligned apertures
A1,A2a,A2b to secure the sidewalls S1,S2 to each other in their
folded positions. The pin KP preferably comprises a protruding
spring-biased ball KB or the like that inhibits accidental
dislodgement of the pin KP.
[0068] The pushers P,P',P",100P comprise sidewall gussets G1,G2 for
strengthening the connection between the sidewalls S1,S2 and blade
D or, in the case of the folding pushers P',P", between the
sidewalls S1,S2 and the respective blade sections D1,D3. Sidewall
gussets G1,G2 can vary in size depending upon the size and type and
expected application for the pusher.
[0069] The gusset G2 is shown in FIGS. 23-25 (the gussets G1,G2 are
mirror images of each other and thus have a corresponding
structure). It can be seen that the gusset G2 comprises a
chisel-shaped body GB, preferably defined as a one-piece
construction from a steel plate folded at locations F1,F2 (other
portions of the pusher are illustrated in broken lines to emphasize
the structure of the gusset). As such, the gusset body GB comprises
three main sections: a sloped face GF and first and second
triangular sidewalls GS1,GS2 that taper moving outwardly away from
the blade front DF. As best seen in FIG. 25, it is preferred that
the sidewalls GS1,GS2 be arranged so that their outermost edges
GS1e,GS2e lie parallel to each other or diverge away from each
other as they extend forwardly away from the blade front surface
DF.
[0070] It should also be noted that the folding pusher P'
preferably also comprises gussets G3,G4,G5,G6 (FIG. 14) each
defined from plate steel. The gussets G3 and G6 are used to
strengthen the connections of the left and right blade sections
D1,D3 to their inner walls V1a,V1b, respectively; the gussets G4
and G5 are used to strengthen the connections between the central
blade D2 and its lateral sidewalls V2a,V2b, respectively.
[0071] FIGS. 26-28 show a fixed-angle pusher 300P that is
substantially similar to the pusher P except as otherwise shown
and/or described and, as such, the same reference characters are
used except for new components. The fixed-angle pusher 300P is
designed to direct snow or other material being moved laterally as
indicated by arrow L when the pusher is moved forwardly in a
direction of operative movement as indicated by arrow F. As such,
the blade D is angled relative to the direction of movement F, and
the sidewall S2' differs from sidewall S2 described above in that
the sidewall S2' projects outwardly from front surface DF of blade
not at all or only the minimal amount required for welding the
sidewall S2 to the blade D (sidewall S1 is structured as described
above). Substantially all of the sidewall S2' is located on the
opposite side of the blade, i.e., projecting outwardly from rear
face DR. Therefore, even if a minimal portion of the sidewall S2'
projects outwardly from front face DF, the sidewall S1 projects
outwardly from front face DF much more than sidewall S2' to allow
for snow or other material to overflow the blade D adjacent
sidewall S2'. A gusset G2' extends between the rear face DR of
blade D and the sidewall S2' to reinforce the connection
therebetween. As such, the sidewall S1 projects outwardly from
front face DF of blade more than sidewall S2', and sidewall S2'
does not obstruct snow or other material flowing laterally L across
front face DF of the blade away from the sidewall S1. The sidewalls
S1,S2' are arranged parallel to each other and, owing to the angled
relationship of blade D relative to direction of movement F, the
sidewall S2' trails the sidewall S1 in the direction of movement
F.
[0072] The pusher 300P comprises a coupler structure C' that is
adapted to be engaged by an associated pusher-moving machine. In
the illustrated embodiment, the coupler structure 300C comprises a
plurality of upper (first) ribs 302 and lower (second) ribs 304
that define therebetween a slot 300L adapted for insertion of a
bucket lip or other part of the associated pusher-moving machine to
thus define a pick-up location. Chains are then used to secure the
pusher 300P to the machine, by engagement of the chains in the
keyhole-shaped chain-engaging apertures N1,N2,N3 defined in
sidewalls S1,S2'.
[0073] The blade D is connected to coupler structure 300C at an
angle to encourage lateral movement of the snow or other material
being pushed. In the illustrated embodiment, this is accomplished
by use of at least one and preferably first and second parallel
wedge-shaped coupler plates 306a,306b that are welded to an project
outwardly from the second cross-support X2. The upper and lower
coupler ribs 302,304 are connected respectively to the wedge-shaped
coupler plates 306a,306b so that the distance from the slot 300L
(or other pick-up location) to the blade D is reduced closer to
sidewall S2' and increased closer to sidewall S1. First braces 308
extend between and interconnect the upper coupler ribs 302 to the
first cross-support X1, and second braces 310 extend between and
interconnect the lower coupler ribs 304 to the third cross-support
X3.
[0074] The present development has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to
those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains,
and it is intended that the claims be construed as encompassing all
such modifications and alterations to the maximum possible extent
according to the following claims as construed literally and/or
according to the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *