U.S. patent application number 10/886482 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-12 for snow plow having reversible wings.
Invention is credited to Robert N. II Gamble, Lynn W. Schultz, Terry C. Wendorff.
Application Number | 20060005435 10/886482 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35539806 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060005435 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gamble; Robert N. II ; et
al. |
January 12, 2006 |
Snow plow having reversible wings
Abstract
An improved apex snow plow having reversible wings is disclosed
in which each wing frame is constructed to be used on either side
of the snow plow to eliminate the need for two separately designed
and constructed snow plow wings. The reversible wings are easily
secured to the center portion of the snow plow and are removable to
facilitate replacement. The reversible wings of the snow plow of
the present invention can be arranged into any desired
configuration via a hydraulic system positioned near the bottom of
each wing, thereby allowing each wing to be lighter than and more
effective than conventional apex snow plow blade designs.
Inventors: |
Gamble; Robert N. II;
(Watertown, WI) ; Schultz; Lynn W.;
(Campbellsport, WI) ; Wendorff; Terry C.;
(Slinger, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN S.C.;ATTN: LINDA KASULKE, DOCKET COORDINATOR
1000 NORTH WATER STREET
SUITE 2100
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
35539806 |
Appl. No.: |
10/886482 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/281 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 5/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
037/281 |
International
Class: |
E01H 5/06 20060101
E01H005/06 |
Claims
1. A snow plow wing for use in either the right or the left side
wing position of an articulated snow plow assembly, said wing
comprising: a frame having front and rear sides, and top and bottom
portions including: (a) a first horizontal member having first and
second ends and a plurality of apertures formed therein; (b) a
second horizontal member having first and second ends and a
plurality of apertures formed therein, wherein said apertures in
said second horizontal member are arranged in a mirror image
configuration to said apertures in said first horizontal member;
(c) a first vertical member connecting said first horizontal member
to said second horizontal member at said first ends thereof,
respectively; and (d) a second vertical member connecting said
first horizontal member to said second horizontal member at said
second ends thereof, respectively, said second vertical member
including a connecting member used to pivotally connect said second
vertical member to either right or the left side wing position of
an articulated snow plow assembly; wherein said top and bottom
portions of said frame are structurally symmetrical about an axis
extending from said first vertical member to said second vertical
member such that said can be used on either the right or the left
side wing position of an articulated snow plow assembly by
inverting said top and bottom portions of said frame.
2. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
horizontal member is a U-shaped channel configured with the U
facing upwardly, and wherein said second horizontal member is a
U-shaped channel configured with the U facing downwardly.
3. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 2, wherein said first
horizontal member includes first, second, third and fourth sets of
apertures formed therein and said second horizontal member includes
first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures formed therein,
wherein said first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures
formed in said second horizontal member are arranged in a mirror
image configuration to said first, second, third and fourth sets of
apertures in said first horizontal member.
4. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 3, further comprising at
least one shoe support removably attached to said frame at said
bottom portion thereof using at least one of said first, second,
third and fourth sets of apertures formed in one of said first and
second horizontal members.
5. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 3, further comprising
mounting hardware removably attached to said rear side of said
frame at said bottom portion thereof using at least one of said
first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures formed in one of
said first and second horizontal members, said mounting hardware
being used to attach a movement mechanism to said frame.
6. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 3, further comprising a
rear scraper extending along one of said first and said second
horizontal members and removably attached to said rear side of said
frame at said bottom portion thereof using at least one of said
first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures formed in the one
of said first and second horizontal members.
8. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 3, further comprising a
wearstrip extending and removably attached to said front side of
said frame at said bottom portion thereof using at least one of
said first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures formed in
one of said first and second horizontal members.
9. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
vertical member is an arcuate-shaped rib member extending from said
first end of said first horizontal member to said first end of said
second horizontal member.
10. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 1, wherein said second
vertical member is a rectangular support member having front and
rear faces and opposing side edges and wherein said connecting
members including a plurality of tubular hinge pieces secured to
one of said side edges.
11. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
moldboard section secured to said front side of said frame
extending from said first horizontal member to said second
horizontal member and from said first vertical member to said
second vertical member.
12. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and
second horizontal members and said first and second vertical
members are all made of steel and are welded together to form said
frame of said snow plow wing.
13. A reversible wing for use in a hinged snow plow system
comprising: a frame including a first U-shaped channel member
having first and second ends and front and rear portions, a second
U-shaped channel member having first and second ends and front and
rear portions, an outside vertical support member extending from
said first end of said first U-shaped channel member to said first
end of said second U-shaped channel member and an inside vertical
support member extending from said second end of said first
U-shaped channel member to said second end of said second U-shaped
channel member, said inside vertical support member including a
connection mechanism; wherein said frame is symmetrical about a
horizontal axis extending from said inner vertical member to said
outer vertical member, said frame having a first position wherein
said first U-shaped channel member is configured U-shape facing
upwards and a second, mirror-image position wherein said first
U-shaped channel member is configured U-shape facing downwards.
14. A reversible wing as defined in claim 13, wherein said first
U-shaped channel member includes first, second, third and fourth
sets of apertures formed therein and said second U-shaped channel
member includes first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures
formed therein, wherein said first, second, third and fourth sets
of apertures formed in said second U-shaped channel member are
arranged in a mirror image configuration to said first, second,
third and fourth sets of apertures in said first U-shaped channel
member.
15. A reversible wing as defined in claim 14, further comprising at
least one shoe support removably attached to one of said first and
said second U-shaped channel members at said rear portion thereof
using one of said first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures
formed therein.
16. A reversible wing as defined in claim 14, further comprising
mounting hardware removably attached to one of said first and said
second U-shaped channel members at said rear portion thereof using
one of said first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures
formed therein, said mounting hardware being used to attach a
movement mechanism to the reversible wing.
17. A reversible wing as defined in claim 14, further comprising a
rear scraper extending along one of said first and second U-shaped
channel members and removably attached to said rear portion of the
one of said first and said second U-shaped channel members using at
least one of said first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures
formed therein.
18. A reversible wing as defined in claim 16, further comprising a
wearstrip extending along one of said first and second U-shaped
channel members and removably attached to said rear portion of the
one of said first and said second U-shaped channel members using at
least one of said first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures
formed therein.
19. A reversible wing as defined in claim 13, wherein said first
and second U-shaped channel members and said outside and inside
vertical members are all made of steel and are welded together to
form said frame of said snow plow wing.
20. A reversible wing as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
moldboard section secured to said frame extending from said front
portion of said first U-shaped channel member to said front portion
of said second U-shaped channel member and from said outside
vertical member to said inside vertical member.
21. A snow plow wing for use in either the right or the left side
wing position of an articulated snow plow assembly, said wing
comprising: a generally rectangular wing frame having top and
bottom portions and left and right vertical sides, said wing frame
having a first horizontal member located at one of said top and
said bottom portions and a second horizontal member located at the
other of said top and said bottom portions, said frame having a
first position wherein said first horizontal member is located at
said top portion thereof and a second position wherein said second
horizontal member is located at said top portion thereof; wherein
said bottom portion of said frame is substantially a mirror image
of said top portion of said frame taken across a horizontal plane
extending from a midpoint of said left vertical side to a midpoint
of said right vertical side.
22. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, wherein one of said
left and said right sides include a hinge connection for removably
attaching said wing to the right or the left side wing position of
the articulated snow plow assembly.
23. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, wherein said first
horizontal member is a U-shaped channel configured with the U
facing upwardly when said frame is in said first position, and
wherein said second horizontal member is a U-shaped channel
configured with the U facing downwardly upwardly when said frame is
in said first position.
24. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, wherein said first
horizontal member contains a first set of apertures formed therein
and said second horizontal member contains a first set of apertures
formed therein and wherein said frame further comprises a shoe
support removably attached one of said first and second horizontal
members using said first set of apertures formed therein.
25. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, wherein said first
horizontal member contains a second set of apertures formed therein
and said second horizontal member contains a second set of
apertures formed therein and wherein said frame further comprises
mounting hardware removably attached to one of said first and
second horizontal members using said first set of apertures formed
therein, said mounting hardware being used to attach a movement
mechanism to said frame.
26. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, wherein said first
horizontal member contains a third set of apertures formed therein
and said second horizontal member contains a third set of apertures
formed therein and wherein said frame further comprises a rear
scraper extending removably attached to said frame at said bottom
portion thereof using said third set of apertures in one of said
first and second horizontal members.
27. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, wherein said first
horizontal member contains a fourth set of apertures formed therein
and said second horizontal member contains a fourth set of
apertures formed therein and wherein said frame further comprises a
wearstrip extending and removably attached to said frame at said
bottom portion thereof using said fourth set of apertures formed in
one of said first and second horizontal members.
28. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, wherein said left
vertical member is an arcuate-shaped rib member extending from said
first horizontal member to said second horizontal member.
29. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 28, wherein said right
vertical member is a rectangular support member having front and
rear faces and opposing side edges including a plurality of tubular
hinge pieces secured to one of said side edges.
30. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, further comprising a
moldboard section secured to said frame extending from said first
horizontal member to said second horizontal member and from said
right vertical member to said left vertical member.
31. A snow plow wing as defined in claim 21, wherein said first and
second horizontal members and said left and right vertical members
are all made of steel and are welded together to form said frame of
said snow plow wing.
32. In a snow plow assembly having a snow plow frame for detachable
installation at the front of a vehicle, a blade mounting structure
which is mounted onto the snow plow frame which supports a snow
plow blade therefrom, said snow plow blade comprising: a blade
center component having first and second mounting surfaces; and a
first wing component having first and second horizontal members and
opposing first and second vertical sides, said first wing component
being structurally symmetrical about an axis extending from
substantially a midpoint of said first vertical side to
substantially a midpoint of said second vertical side allowing said
first wing component to be pivotally secured to either said first
or said second mounting surfaces of said blade center component at
one of said first and said second vertical sides thereof.
33. A snow plow blade according to claim 32, wherein said first
wing component further comprises a moldboard section extending from
said first horizontal member to said second horizontal member and
from said first vertical side to said second vertical side.
34. A snow plow blade according to claim 32, wherein said first
wing component further comprises mounting hardware for a shoe
support removably mounted to one of said first and said second
horizontal members.
35. A snow plow blade according to claim 32, wherein said first
wing component further comprises mounting hardware for a hydraulic
cylinder removably mounted to one of said first and said second
horizontal members.
36. A snow plow blade according to claim 32, wherein said first
wing component further comprises a wearstrip removably mounted to
one of said first and said second horizontal members, said
wearstrip used to remove snow from a ground level surface.
37. A snow plow blade according to claim 32, wherein said first
wing component furthers comprises a rear scraper removably mounted
to one of said first and said second horizontal members, said
wearstrip used to remove snow from a ground level surface.
37. A snow plow blade according to claim 32, wherein one of said
first and said vertical sides includes a plurality of hollow
tubular members mounted thereto for pivotally securing said first
wing component to said blade center component.
38. A snow plow blade according to claim 32, further comprising a
second wing component substantially identical to said first wing
component, said second wing component including first and second
horizontal members and opposing first and second vertical sides,
wherein said second wing component is structurally symmetrical
about an axis extending from substantially a midpoint of said first
vertical side to substantially a midpoint of said second vertical
side allowing said second wing component to be pivotally secured to
either said first or said second mounting surfaces of said blade
center component at one of said first and said second vertical
sides thereof.
39. A snow plow blade assembly comprising: a blade center component
having right and left mounting sides; a first reversible wing
pivotally secured to said blade center component at one of said
right and said left sides thereof; and a second reversible wing
pivotally secured to said blade center component at the other of
said right and said left sides thereof; wherein each of said
reversible wings includes a frame having a first horizontal member,
a second horizontal member, a first vertical member connecting said
first horizontal member to said second horizontal at respective
ends thereof and a second vertical member connecting said first
horizontal member to said second horizontal member at opposite ends
thereof, wherein said frame is structurally symmetrical about an
axis extending from substantially a midpoint of said first vertical
member to substantially a midpoint of said second vertical member
allowing each of said first and second reversible wings to be
pivotally secured to either of said right and said left sides of
said blade center component.
40. A snow plow blade assembly as defined in claim 39, wherein said
first and said second horizontal members are U-shaped channels,
said second horizontal member being a mirror image of said first
horizontal member in said frame.
41. A snow plow blade assembly as defined in claim 39, wherein said
first horizontal member contains a first set of apertures formed
therein and said second horizontal member contains a first set of
apertures formed therein and wherein said frame further comprises a
shoe support removably attached one of said first and second
horizontal members using said first set of apertures formed
therein.
42. A snow plow blade assembly as defined in claim 39, wherein said
first horizontal member contains a second set of apertures formed
therein and said second horizontal member contains a second set of
apertures formed therein and wherein said frame further comprises
mounting hardware removably attached to one of said first and
second horizontal members using said first set of apertures formed
therein, said mounting hardware being used to attach a movement
mechanism to said frame.
43. A snow plow blade assembly as defined in claim 39, wherein said
first horizontal member contains a third set of apertures formed
therein and said second horizontal member contains a third set of
apertures formed therein and wherein said frame further comprises a
rear scraper extending removably attached to said frame at said
bottom portion thereof using said third set of apertures in one of
said first and second horizontal members.
44. A snow plow blade assembly as defined in claim 39, wherein said
first horizontal member contains a fourth set of apertures formed
therein and said second horizontal member contains a fourth set of
apertures formed therein and wherein said frame further comprises a
wearstrip extending and removably attached to said frame at said
bottom portion thereof using said fourth set of apertures formed in
one of said first and second horizontal members.
45. A snow plow blade assembly as defined in claim 39, wherein said
first and said second wing reversible wings further comprise a
moldboard secured to each of said frames respectively.
46. A snow plow blade for use in a hinged snow plow system having
right and left side snow plow blade components, said snow plow
blade comprising: a center section having first and second mounting
surfaces; and first and second blade wings, each of said wings
including a frame having a top portion and a bottom portion,
wherein said top portion of said frame is structurally a mirror
image of said bottom portion of said frame; said first blade wing
pivotally attached to said center section at either of said first
and second mounting surfaces and said second blade wing pivotally
attached to said center section at the other of said first and
second mounting surfaces.
47. A method for constructing a reversible wing assembly for use on
either the left or the right side of a hinged snow plow blade
assembly, said method comprising: providing a first horizontal
member having first and second ends and a plurality of apertures
formed therein; providing a second horizontal member having first
and second ends and a plurality of apertures formed therein wherein
said second horizontal member is a mirror image of said first
horizontal member with each of said apertures on said second
horizontal member being in mirror image symmetry with said
apertures on said first horizontal member; connecting said first
end of said first horizontal member to first end of said second
horizontal member using a first vertical member; and connecting
said second end of said first horizontal member to second end of
said second horizontal member using a second vertical member,
wherein said reversible wing is structurally symmetrical about an
axis extending from substantially a midpoint of said first vertical
member to a midpoint of said second vertical member.
48. A method for constructing a hinged snow plow blade assembly
comprising: providing a blade center section having first and
second mounting surfaces; providing first and second reversible
wing components, each of said wing components having first and
second horizontal members and first and second vertical sides, each
of said wings being structurally symmetrical about an axis
extending from substantially a midpoint of said first vertical side
to a midpoint of said second vertical side; providing each of said
second vertical sides of said first and second wing components with
a hinge connection mechanism; pivotally attaching said first wing
component at said second vertical side to said first mounting
surface of said blade center component using said hinge connection
mechanism; and pivotally attaching said second wing component at
said second vertical side to said second mounting surface of said
blade center component using said hinge connection mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to snow plows
typically used with light and medium duty trucks, and particularly
to an improved V-shaped snow plow having reversible wings.
[0003] Once the exclusive domain of municipality-operated heavy
trucks, snow plows have been used with light and medium duty trucks
for decades. As would be expected in any area of technology which
has been developed for that period of time, snow plows for light
and medium duty trucks have undergone tremendous improvement in a
wide variety of ways over time, evolving to increase both the
usefulness of the snow plows as well as to enhance the ease of
using them. The business of manufacturing snow plows for light and
medium duty trucks has been highly competitive, with manufacturers
of competing snow plows differentiating themselves based on the
features and enhanced technology that they design into their
products.
[0004] One of the most important design features of a snow plow is
the type of blade or moldboard used to plow the snow. The first
type of snow plow design includes a straight, single snow plow
blade that is not hinged or V-shaped. These types of blades can be
operated in a straight position or can be pivoted left or right
about a central axis to push snow to either side of the vehicle.
The second type of snow plow design includes a hinged or pivotable
snow plow blade. A hinged snow plow blade contains two wings or
arms that are hinged about a central axis in order to permit
several different blade configurations.
[0005] A hinged plow blade or moldboard (sometimes referred to as
an "apex type" plow blade, "articulated plow blade" or a "V-plow"
because the hinge is at the apex of the V formed when the arms or
wings of the plow are in a swept back position) allows the operator
of the vehicle a greater mechanical advantage since the plow
moldboard, with its wings in the swept back V-shaped position, will
act like a wedge into the snow. Each wing of the snow plow blade
acts like an inclined plane depositing the snow to either side of
the vehicle. In addition, the wings of a V-plow can be individually
positioned into any configuration--allowing the snow to be pushed
to either side of the snow plow.
[0006] A plow with a straight blade or moldboard also has
difficulty in pushing a mound of snow to an out of the way
location. For example, with a straight moldboard, snow spills out
the sides of the plow while a hinged plow that can be articulated
about a central axis can have its wings or arms swept forward to
form a V-shaped scoop between the moveable wings/arms of the
moldboard. This swept forward position allows for better
containment of the snow so that the snow may be moved out of the
way without significant spillage.
[0007] However, there are several disadvantages to conventional
hinged snow plow designs. First, hinged snow plow designs include
two distinct moldboard wing sections with each section specifically
designed to be located on a particular side of the snow plow (i.e.
there is a right side wing section and a left side wing section).
Thus, each wing section of the snow plow must be separately
designed and manufactured, increasing the overall cost of the wing
sections and decreasing efficiency of production of the wing
sections. Further, wing replacement and on-hand part storage is
more difficult with conventional hinge snow plow designs because
the plow owner must retain both a right and a left side wing
replacement--resulting in increased cost and storage requirements
for the plow owner.
[0008] Further, many hinged snow plow blades contain wings that are
hinged together at a single center hinge, causing the plow vehicle
and the plow blade to undergo significant stress if the plow blade
encounters rocks, manhole covers, curbs or other objects. A single
hinge construction can easily damage the snow plow wings/moldboard
if the plow hits such objects--rendering replacement of the wings
and center section of the plow expensive and time consuming.
[0009] Even where alternative constructions are utilized, hinged
plows are generally not able to trip effectively when a curb or
another object is encountered by the plow blade--especially when
the plow's wings are in the V-shaped (swept back) or inverted
V-shaped (swept forward) positions. Thus, when objects are hit, the
snow plow blade is unable to effectively move, causing damage to
the blade as well significant strain on the snow plow vehicle. In
conventional constructions, even where the blade is designed to
move when an object is encountered, the blade trips with a jerking
or forceful effect and returns to plowing position in a similar
manner causing significant strain on the snow plow vehicle.
[0010] In addition, snow plow blade designs typically include
hydraulic systems for moving the blade/wings into position. In
conventional snow plow designs, these systems are located near the
middle or upper portions of the wing section, away from the ground
to provide maximum leverage and force for movement and retention of
the plow blade into position. However, such a location for the
hydraulic system, requires extra force to move the wings, lending
to the use of larger and heavier hydraulic cylinders/systems. In
addition, this type of configuration requires a heavier snow plow
blade in order to keep the blade/scrapers of the snow plow in
contact with the road surface in order to effectively remove snow.
Clearly, additional weight or mass of the snow plow adversely
affects fuel economy, handling of the snow plow and the useful life
of the snow plow vehicle.
[0011] It is accordingly the primary objective of the present
invention that it provide a snow plow having reversible wings that
are hinged about a center section, wherein the reversible snow plow
wing of the present invention may be easily positioned on either
side of the snow plow's center section, eliminating the need for
two separately designed and manufactured wing sections. It is a
related object of the present invention to provide a reversible
snow plow wing that is easily positioned on to and removed from the
center section of the snow plow blade, wherein the reversible snow
plow wing can be removed from one side and rotated 180 degrees for
use on the other side of the snow plow's center section. It is a
further object of the present invention to provide a snow plow
having wings positionable in a variety of configurations for the
effective removal of snow.
[0012] It is a further objective to provide a snow plow having
reversible wings including a trip spring and dampening cushion
design in which the snow plow wings and center section are
permitted to tip forward when the plow encounters an object and
return back into position in a controlled manner without
significant stress on the mechanical structure of the snow plow or
the snow plow vehicle.
[0013] In addition, it can be another objective of the present
invention to provide a lighter weight snow plow system in which the
hydraulic system utilized in positioning the reversible wings of
the present invention is configured in a manner that increases the
force and stability of the snow plow blade when in contact with
heavy snow, and which requires a lighter hydraulic system. It is a
related objective of the present invention to provide snow plow
wings, and hence, a lighter snow plow blade that can effectively
remove snow and that is less expensive to produce, easier to
transport and that causes less mechanical stress on the snow plow
vehicle than other conventional snow plow blade configurations.
[0014] The snow plow of the present invention must also be of
construction which is both durable and long lasting, and it should
also require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user
throughout its operating lifetime. In order to enhance the market
appeal of the snow plow of the present invention, it should also be
of inexpensive construction to thereby afford it the broadest
possible market. Finally, it is also an objective that all of the
aforesaid advantages and objectives of the snow plow having
reversible wings of the present invention be achieved without
incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The disadvantages and limitations of the background art
discussed above are overcome by the present invention. With this
invention, a snow plow having reversible wings is presented. It
will be at once appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
reversible wing design and configuration of the snow plow of the
present invention not only provides a lighter, more effective snow
plow than conventional hinged snow plow designs, but also provides
a snow plow blade having reduced manufacturing costs compared to
other, conventional snow plow blade designs.
[0016] The snow plow of the present invention includes a snow plow
blade assembly, an intermediate frame section, a main frame
section, and additionally includes hitch pieces for mounting the
snow plow onto the snow plow vehicle. The hinged snow plow blade
assembly includes two reversible wings or arms and a center
section. The reversible wing of the present invention has opposing
vertical sides, with one side hinged to the center section and the
opposite side extending away from the center section of the snow
plow blade. Like typical plow blade constructions, the reversible
wing is slightly curved or arcuate-shaped when viewed from either
side, similar to that of a snow shovel.
[0017] The reversible wing of the present invention includes a
generally rectangular-shaped frame having a top horizontal member,
a bottom horizontal member, a first vertical side portion that is
pivotally connected to the center section of the snow plow blade
and a second vertical side portion that extends away from the
center section of the snow plow blade. The reversible wing is
symmetrical about an axis extending from the first vertical side
portion to the second vertical side portion, such that top and
bottom halves of the reversible wing of the present invention are
mirror images of each other.
[0018] The top horizontal member of the frame of the reversible
wing is a three sided U-shaped channel member having a wide channel
bottom and side edges/legs of the "U" extending upwardly and
outwardly therefrom. When configured as part of the frame, the top
horizontal member will be upright i.e., U-shaped with the side
edges/legs of the "U" pointing up). The side edge of the U-shaped
channel member that will be orientated towards the front of the
snow plow when assembled in the wing frame is the front side edge
of the channel member, and the side edge of the channel member that
will be orientated towards the snow plow vehicle/rear of the snow
plow blade when assembled in the wing frame is the rear side edge
of the channel member.
[0019] The top horizontal member contains four sets of apertures
for adding additional components to the wing frame. The first and
second sets of apertures are located in a spaced-apart fashion
along both side edges of the U-shaped channel member. The apertures
are located at substantially parallel locations, across from each
other, and are spaced-apart along the length of each side edge of
the channel member. The first and second sets of apertures can be
used to secure the plow blade moldboard, a plow wearstrip, and/or a
rear scraper on to the wing frame.
[0020] The third set of apertures is formed within the channel
bottom of the top horizontal member near the middle of the
horizontal member. The third set of apertures is used to secure the
mounting hardware for a hydraulic, pneumatic or other movement
system to the wing frame for moving the wing into different
positions. The fourth set of apertures is provided near the outer
end of the top horizontal member and can be used to secure mounting
hardware for a shoe or support device that will ultimately bear the
weight of the snow plow blade during use of the snow plow.
[0021] The bottom horizontal member of the wing frame of the
present invention is also a U-shaped channel member and is the
mirror image of the top horizontal member. Accordingly, when
configured as part of the frame, the bottom horizontal member will
be inverted "U" i.e., with the side edges/legs of the "U" extending
downwardly. In addition, the bottom horizontal member contains four
set of apertures having substantially symmetrical or mirror image
placement on the U-shaped channel member as the top horizontal
member. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
that the symmetry of the apertures on the top and bottom horizontal
members permit the wing of the present invention to be reversible,
i.e. to be rotated 180 degrees, with the top horizontal member
being located in the position of the bottom horizontal member and
vice versa, while permitting the wing components (such as the
moldboard, wearstrip, support shoe, and cylinder hardware) to be
mounted in the proper location on the wing frame.
[0022] The top horizontal member and the bottom horizontal member
are joined at their respective outer ends by a vertical end rib,
located at the second vertical side portion of the frame. The end
rib is mounted to and overlies each of the ends of top horizontal
member and the bottom horizontal member and has an arcuate shape
when viewed from the side, providing the reversible wing with its
overall shape. A curved face plate is located adjacent to the end
rib and is mounted to the top and bottom horizontal members near
the front side edges, respectively, to add additional support to
the wing frame.
[0023] The top horizontal member and the bottom horizontal member
are joined at their respective inner ends by a rectangular-shaped
wing support member that extends from the front side edges of the
top to the bottom horizontal members, respectively, to the rear
side edges of the top to the bottom horizontal members--adding
substantial strength to the wing frame. A vertical rib is mounted
adjacent to the wing support member and extends from the top to the
bottom horizontal member. A curved face plate is located adjacent
to the vertical rib and is mounted to the top and bottom horizontal
members near the front side edges, respectively, to add additional
support to the inner vertical side of the wing frame.
[0024] A plurality of hollow tubular hinge pieces are welded to the
wing support member along a side thereof to permit the first
vertical portion of the reversible wing to be hinged to the center
section of the snow plow blade. An L-shaped blade stop that extends
from the top horizontal member to the bottom horizontal member is
also joined to the wing support member along the side thereof, to
provide a limit to the pivot movement of the wing.
[0025] Completing the wing frame is an additional vertical rib that
is positioned between the outer and inner vertical ends of the wing
frame. The vertical rib is joined at its top and bottom to the top
and bottom horizontal members, respectively, to add support to the
mid-section of the wing frame.
[0026] As previously described, complete assembly of the reversible
wing of the present invention includes securing several additional
components to the wing frame. For example, a skin or moldboard is
mounted to the wing frame using retainer members and the apertures
formed on the front side of the top and bottom horizontal members.
In addition, the snow plow wearstrip, having approximately the same
length as the top and bottom horizontal members, is removably
bolted on to the bottom horizontal member at the front side edge
thereof using the apertures provided therein. Optionally, a rear
scraper blade having approximately the same length as the top and
bottom horizontal members can be removably bolted on to the bottom
horizontal member at the rear side edge thereof using the apertures
provided therein.
[0027] The assembled wing also includes mounting hardware for
retaining a hydraulic cylinder or other mechanism used for moving
the snow plow wing into the desired position. The mounting hardware
is removably attached to the bottom horizontal member of the wing
frame using the third set of apertures formed therein.
[0028] Finally, the assembled reversible wing of the present
invention also includes a support shoe for supporting the weight of
the wing during use of the snow plow. The support shoe is removably
mounted to the bottom horizontal member of the wing frame using the
fourth set of apertures formed therein.
[0029] As described above, the frame of the reversible wing of the
present invention is symmetrical about a horizontal axis at
approximately the midpoint of the first vertical side portion and
the second vertical side portion of the assembled wing frame. In
this way, regardless of the components or accessories removably
mounted to the wing frame, the wing may be removed from one side of
the center section, rotated 180 degrees and remounted to the
opposite side of the center section.
[0030] Likewise, the symmetry of the wing frame permits production
of a single wing frame for use in the hinged snow plow of the
present invention, rather than requiring two distinct wings to be
manufactured--thus, reducing the manufacturing time and cost
associated with production of a snow plow and reducing the
maintenance time and cost in operating the snow plow.
[0031] The center section of the snow plow blade of the present
invention is a substantially triangular-shaped tower and is
oriented within the snow plow blade such that two slanted sides and
one edge of the triangle tower formed at the intersection thereof
project towards the rear of the snow plow blade and the snow plow
vehicle, and with the flat side of the triangle and the other two
edges of the triangle tower facing the front of the snow plow
blade.
[0032] The top rear portion of the center section includes a flat
plate that extends outwardly from the rear edge and sides of the
triangle tower. The flat plate includes two spring retainer bolts
for mounting a trip spring thereto--permitting the center section
and wings to tip forward if the snow plow blade encounters an
object.
[0033] The bottom portion of the front side of the center section
includes apertures formed therein for mounting a center blade onto
the center section. The two forward edges of the front side of the
center section contain a plurality of hollow tubular hinge pieces
for pivotally attaching two snow plow wings to the center section
of the snow plow. The tubular hinge pieces are arranged along each
of the forward edges of the center section in a manner that permits
the tubular hinge pieces to coaxially interfit with the tubular
hinge pieces located on each snow plow wing.
[0034] The hinged snow plow blade assembly of the present invention
is assembled by removably attaching each reversible wing to the
center. A first wing is pivotally attached at its first vertical
side portion to the center section by interfitting the hollow
tubular hinge pieces of the wing with the hollow tubular hinge
pieces located on one side of the center section. The tubular hinge
pieces form one elongated tube in which a pin may be fit, joining
the wing to the center section. Likewise, a second wing is
pivotally attached at its first vertical side portion to the center
section by interfitting the hollow tubular hinge pieces of the wing
with the hollow tubular hinge pieces located on the opposite side
of the center section. The tubular hinge pieces form one elongated
tube in which a pin may be fit, joining the wing to the center
section.
[0035] The bottom rear portion of the center section includes two
mounting brackets for retaining the end of the hydraulic cylinders
which will be secured at the other end to each bottom horizontal
member of the wings of the snow plow. It will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art that because the location of the
cylinder is located at the bottom of the center section and each of
the snow plow wings and substantially parallel to each of the snow
plow wings, the cylinders will be able to deliver a larger, more
effective amount of force to the wings provide the wings with
greater stability and resistance to heavy load conditions over
other more traditional cylinder positions.
[0036] The bottom rear portion of the center section also includes
two apertures that will receive the intermediate frame section of
the snow plow. Importantly, the bottom rear portion of the center
section further includes a stop plate which will act as a limit to
prevent the snow plow blade from tipping beyond a certain point
when the snow plow blade encounters an object.
[0037] The intermediate frame section of the present invention is
provided with apertures that will receive the opposite ends of the
trip springs and a cushion which will engage the stop plate of the
center section. When the snow plow blade hits an object, the trip
springs permit the top blade to tip forward, preventing potential
damage to the snow plow. When the object is no longer an impediment
or when the snow plow vehicle backs away, the cushion and the stop
plate prevent the snow plow blade from forcefully snapping back
into position--elevating stress on both the snow plow blade and the
snow plow vehicle.
[0038] Finally, assembly of the snow plow is completed by mounting
the main frame section onto the intermediate frame section, and
using hitch pieces to mount the snow plow onto a snow plow
vehicle.
[0039] It may therefore be seen that the present invention teaches
a snow plow having reversible wings wherein the snow plow blade may
be more efficiently and more economically manufactured than other
snow plow blade designs. The hinged snow plow blade of the present
invention eliminates the need for wing designs that are
specifically intended for the "right" side or the "left" side of
the snow plow.
[0040] It may also be seen that the hinged snow plow blade of the
present invention is provided with a hydraulic system that is
located at the very bottom of each wing of the present invention,
in order to more effectively transfer force to the snow plow blade,
utilizing minimal hydraulic power. It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that this configuration provides the hinged snow
plow of the present invention a mechanical advantage over hydraulic
mechanisms located further up on the snow plow blade, such that the
reversible wing of the present invention may be lighter in weight
while still retaining the structural strength and effectiveness of
heavier snow plow wings.
[0041] The snow plow having reversible wings of the present
invention is of a construction which is both durable and long
lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be
provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. The snow
plow having reversible wings of the present invention is also of
inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to
thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the
aforesaid advantages and objectives are achieved without incurring
any substantial relative disadvantage.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] These and other advantages of the present invention are best
understood with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wing frame for use in a
reversible wing of a snow plow blade assembly present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 2 is a front view of the wing frame of the reversible
wing illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0045] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the wing frame of the
reversible wing illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0046] FIG. 4a is an exploded view of the wing frame of the
reversible wing illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, showing the
assembly of a moldboard and a wearstrip onto the wing frame as well
as various other snow plow blade components;
[0047] FIG. 4b is a partial cross-sectional view of the top of the
reversible wing illustrated in FIG. 4a, showing how the top of the
moldboard is retained by the plow frame;
[0048] FIG. 4c is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom of
the reversible wing illustrated in FIG. 4a, showing how the bottom
of the moldboard is retained by the plow frame;
[0049] FIG. 5 is perspective view of the rear side of the
reversible wing illustrated in FIGS. 4a through 4c;
[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a center section for use in
the snow plow blade assembly of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the center section illustrated
in FIG. 6;
[0052] FIG. 8 is a side view of the center section illustrated in
FIGS. 6 and 7;
[0053] FIG. 9 is a front view of the center section illustrated in
FIGS. 6 through 8;
[0054] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the center section illustrated in
FIGS. 6 through 9;
[0055] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the center section
illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 11;
[0056] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an intermediate section for
use in a snow plow frame assembly of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the intermediate section
illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0058] FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of the intermediate section
illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 taken along the line 14-14;
[0059] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a front portion of the
intermediate section illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 14;
[0060] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a main frame for use in the
snow plow frame assembly of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the main frame illustrated in
FIG. 16;
[0062] FIG. 18 is a right side view of the main frame illustrated
in FIGS. 16 and 17;
[0063] FIG. 19 is a front view of the main frame illustrated in
FIGS. 16 and 17;
[0064] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the main frame illustrated in
FIGS. 16 through 19;
[0065] FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of the main frame
illustrated in FIG. 16, taken along the line 21-21 of FIG. 17, with
the intermediate section shown in shadow;
[0066] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a pivoting lift bar which
will be pivotally mounted at the rear end of the main frame
illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 21;
[0067] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a hitch frame nose piece
which will be mounted on a truck under the front bumper
thereof;
[0068] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a bellcrank which is used
to operate the pivoting lift bar illustrated in FIG. 22;
[0069] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a lift link which connects
the bellcrank illustrated in FIG. 24 to the pivoting lift bar
illustrated in FIG. 22;
[0070] FIG. 26 is a cutaway view of the various components of the
snow plow frame assembled together, showing the hydraulic cylinder
used to pivot the lift bar;
[0071] FIG. 27 is a partial view from the top showing the hitch
mounting mechanism on one side of the snow plow illustrated in FIG.
26 prior to installation;
[0072] FIG. 28 is a partial view from the top showing the
components illustrated in FIG. 27 in a mounted position;
[0073] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the snow plow of the
present invention, showing the snow plow blade assembly
exploded;
[0074] FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the snow plow of the
present invention, showing the snow plow blade assembly
exploded;
[0075] FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the assembled snow
plow of the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 32 is a side view of the center section illustrated in
FIGS. 6 through 11 and the intermediate section illustrated in
FIGS. 12 through 15, showing the connection thereof;
[0077] FIG. 33 is a partial rear view of the assembled center
section and the intermediate section illustrated in FIG. 32;
[0078] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional partial side view of the
assembled center section and the intermediate section illustrated
in FIGS. 32 and 33, taken along the line 34-34 of FIG. 33, showing
the center section in its normal position;
[0079] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional partial side view of the
assembled center section and the intermediate section illustrated
in FIGS. 32 through 34, taken along the line 34-34, showing the
center section in its tripped position;
[0080] FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the intermediate section
illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 15 and the main frame illustrated
in FIGS. 16 through 21, showing the connection thereof;
[0081] FIG. 37 is a side view of the assembled intermediate section
and the main frame illustrated in FIG. 35;
[0082] FIG. 38 is a partial cross-sectional view from the front
showing the components illustrated in FIGS. 29 through 31 in a
mounted position with the retaining pin inserted;
[0083] FIG. 39 is a side view of the snow plow illustrated in FIGS.
29 through 31 as the hitch frame nose piece is brought into
engagement with a mounting pin on the pivoting lift bar;
[0084] FIG. 40 is a schematic depiction of the engagement of the
mounting pin with a slot in the hitch frame nose piece;
[0085] FIG. 41 is a side view similar to that of FIG. 39, with the
pivoting lift bar beginning to pivot to bring the mounting pin into
engagement with the slot in the hitch frame nose piece;
[0086] FIG. 42 is a side view similar to that of FIGS. 39 and 41,
with the pivoting lift bar pivoted to bring the mounting holes in
the pivoting lift bar into alignment with the mounting holes in the
hitch frame nose piece;
[0087] FIG. 43a is a top plan view of the snow plow of the present
invention illustrated with each of the reversible wings in a swept
back position; and
[0088] FIG. 43b is a top plan view of the snow plow of the present
invention illustrated with each of the reversible wings in a swept
forward position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0089] The snow plow having reversible wings of the present
invention comprises, in its simplest form, a snow plow blade
assembly 46 including a center section 48 and reversible wings 50
and 51 removably attached at opposite sides thereto, as best shown
in FIG. 29. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated in a series of figures, of which FIGS. 1
through 5 are components of the reversible wing 50. FIGS. 6 through
25 include components of the snow plow of the present invention and
FIGS. 26 through 43 illustrate the manner in which the snow plow
having reversible wings is assembled and attached to a snow plow
vehicle.
[0090] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a frame 52 for the
reversible wing 50 of the present invention is illustrated. The
frame 52 has a top portion indicated generally at 54, a bottom
portion indicated generally at 56, and substantially parallel
vertical side portions indicated generally at 58 and 60. The frame
52 also has a front side indicated generally at 62 that will face
away from the snow plow vehicle when the reversible wing 50 is
positioned on to a snow plow blade, and a rear side indicated
generally at 64 that will face towards the snow plow vehicle when
the reversible wing 50 is positioned on to a snow plow blade.
[0091] The top portion 54 of the frame 52 includes a top horizontal
member 66 that is constructed of a three sided channel member
resembling a wide "U", having a channel bottom 68, front and rear
legs 70 and 72 which angle upward and outward from the channel
bottom 68 and having first and second ends 74 and 76. A notch 78 is
cut out of the front leg 70 on the second end 76 of the top
horizontal member 66 for accommodating a hinge mechanism, as will
be described below. The top horizontal member 66 is preferably
constructed of steel.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 3 in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2, the top
horizontal member 66 of the frame includes several sets of
apertures for securing several snow plow components to the frame 52
of the reversible wing 50. A first set of apertures 80 is located
on the front leg 70 of the top horizontal member 66. The apertures
80 are substantially equally spaced in the longitudinal direction
along the front leg 70 of the top horizontal member 66 and are
linearly arranged with respect to each other. Preferably the first
set of apertures 80 includes five equally spaced apertures.
Apertures 80 are provided for securing a moldboard (or skin) to the
frame 52 of the reversible wing 50, as will be described in more
detail with respect to FIGS. 4a-4c and 5.
[0093] A second set of apertures 82 is located on the rear leg 72
of the top horizontal member 66. The apertures 82 are substantially
equally spaced in the longitudinal direction along the rear leg 72
of the top horizontal member 66 are linearly arranged with respect
to each other. Preferably the second set of apertures 82 includes
five equally spaced apertures. Apertures 82 are provided for
securing a rear scraper to the frame 52 of the reversible wing 50
when the is in an inverted position, as will be described in more
detail herein.
[0094] A third set of apertures 84 is located within the channel
bottom 68 of the top horizontal member 66. The apertures 84 are
located along the channel bottom 68 at approximately the midpoint
of the top horizontal member 66, slight towards the second end 76
of the top horizontal member 66. Preferably, the third set of
apertures 84 includes four apertures arranges substantially in a
rectangular arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Apertures 84 are
provided for securing the hardware and/or support mechanism for a
hydraulic system to the frame 52 of the reversible wing 50 when the
snow plow blade is completely assembled, as will be described in
more detail with respect to FIG. 5.
[0095] A fourth set of apertures 86 is provided for securing
additional components, such as a shoe support to the frame 52 of
the reversible wing 50, as will be described in more detail with
regard to FIG. 5. The fourth set of apertures is located both
within the channel bottom 68 and on the rear leg 72 of the top
horizontal member 66.
[0096] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
first, second, third and fourth sets of apertures 80-86 may contain
any number and any size of apertures required to secure the
required snow plow components to the frame 52 of the reversible
wing 50.
[0097] The bottom portion 56 of the frame 52 includes a bottom
horizontal member 88 that is substantially the mirror image of the
top horizontal member 66. Accordingly, the bottom horizontal member
88 is constructed of a three sided channel member resembling a wide
inverted "U", having a channel bottom 90, front and rear legs 92
and 94 which angle upward and outward from the channel bottom 90
and first and second ends 96 and 98. A notch 100 is cut out of the
front leg 92 on the second end 98 of the bottom horizontal member
88 for accommodating a hinge mechanism, as will be described more
fully herein. The bottom horizontal member 88 is preferably
constructed of steel.
[0098] The bottom horizontal member 88 of the frame 52 includes
several sets of apertures for securing snow plow components to the
frame 52 of the reversible wing 50. A first set of apertures 102 is
located on the front leg 92 of the bottom horizontal member 88. The
apertures 102 are substantially equally spaced in the longitudinal
direction along the front leg 92 of the bottom horizontal member 88
and are linearly arranged with respect to each other. Preferably
the first set of apertures 102 includes five equally spaced
apertures. Apertures 102 are provided for securing a wearstrip
and/or the moldboard to the frame 52 of the reversible wing 50, as
will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 5.
[0099] A second set of apertures 104 is located on the rear leg 94
of the bottom horizontal member 88. The apertures 104 are
substantially equally spaced in the longitudinal direction along
the rear leg 94 of the bottom horizontal member 88 are linearly
arranged with respect to each other. Preferably the second set of
apertures 104 includes five equally spaced apertures. Apertures 104
are provided for securing a rear scraper to the frame 52 of the
reversible wing 50, as will be described in more detail with
respect to FIG. 5.
[0100] A third set of apertures 106 is located within the channel
bottom 90 of the bottom horizontal member 88. The apertures 106 are
located along the channel bottom 90 at approximately the midpoint
of the bottom horizontal member 88, slightly towards the second end
98 of the bottom horizontal member 88. Preferably, the third set of
apertures 106 includes four apertures arranges substantially in a
rectangular arrangement (not all apertures 106 are visible in FIG.
1). Apertures 106 are provided for securing the hardware and/or
support mechanism for a hydraulic system to the frame 52 of the
reversible wing 50, as will be described elsewhere herein.
[0101] A fourth set of apertures 108 is provided for securing
additional components, such as a shoe support to the frame 52 of
the reversible wing 50, as will be described in more detail with
regard to FIG. 5. The fourth set of apertures 108 is located both
within the channel bottom 90 and on the rear leg 94 of the bottom
horizontal member 88. The first, second, third and fourth sets of
apertures 102-108 may contain any number and any size of apertures
required to secure the required snow plow components to the frame
52 of the reversible wing 50.
[0102] It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that
the top horizontal member 66 and the bottom horizontal member 88
may be provided pre-drilled with each of the sets of apertures
80-86 and 102-108, respectively, before complete assembly of the
frame 50, or that the top horizontal member 66 and the bottom
horizontal member 88 may be provided without such sets of apertures
and drilled after assembly of the frame 52. Consistent with the
broader aspects of the present invention, however, the top
horizontal member 66 and the bottom horizontal member 88 may be
completely absent the sets of apertures 80-86 and 102-108,
respectively, with additional snow plow components of the
reversible wing 50 being mounted to the frame 52 by welding or
securing such components by other methods known to those skilled in
the art.
[0103] Importantly, however, when arranged within the frame 52, the
top horizontal member 66 and the bottom horizontal member 88 are
substantially the mirror image of each other. In particular, in
highly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
configuration and placement of the first through fourth sets of
apertures 102-104 in the bottom horizontal member 88 will be the
mirror image of the first through fourth sets of apertures 80-86 in
the top horizontal member 66 in order to permit the frame 52 of the
reversible wing 50 to be utilized on either side of the center
section 48 of the hinged snow plow blade assembly 46.
[0104] The vertical side portion 58 of the frame 52 of the
reversible wing 50 of the present invention includes an end rib
110. The end rib 110 is mounted to the first end 74 of the top
horizontal member 66 and the first end 96 of the bottom horizontal
member 88, thereby overlying them as best shown in FIG. 1. The end
rib 110 is preferably made of steel and preferably welded to each
of the top horizontal member 66 and the bottom horizontal member
88, although any other method of attachment known to those skilled
in the art is contemplated by the present invention. As illustrated
in FIG. 1, the end rib 110 has an arcuate shape when viewed from
the side.
[0105] A middle rib 112 is located between each of the vertical
side portions 58 and 60 of the frame 52 of the reversible wing 50.
The middle rib 112 extends between the top horizontal member 66 and
the bottom horizontal member 88 and is mounted at each end thereto.
To mount the middle rib 112 in place on the frame 52, the middle
rib 112 may be provided with a length that permits each end of the
middle rib 112 to extend through apertures in the channel bottom 68
and 90 of the top horizontal member 66 and the bottom horizontal
member 88, respectively. The middle rib 112 is preferably made of
steel and preferably welded to each of the top horizontal member 66
and the bottom horizontal member 88, although any other method of
attachment known to those skilled in the art is contemplated by the
present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the middle rib 112 has
an arcuate shape when viewed from the side.
[0106] The vertical side portion 60 of the frame 52 of the
reversible wing 50 of the present invention is the side of the
frame 52 that will be hinged in place to the center section 48 of
the snow plow blade assembly 46. Accordingly, the vertical side
portion 60 includes a generally rectangular wing support member
114. As best viewed from FIG. 3, the wing support member 114 has a
front face 116, a rear face 118 and sides 120 and 122. The wing
support member 114 is mounted at its top end to the channel bottom
68 of the top horizontal member 66 whereby the front face 116 of
the wing support member 114 is mounted in substantial alignment
with the channel bottom 68 near the front leg 70 thereof and the
rear face 118 of the wing support member 114 is mounted in
substantial alignment with the channel bottom 68 near the rear leg
72 thereof. Likewise, the wing support member 114 is mounted at its
bottom end to the channel bottom 90 of the bottom horizontal member
98 whereby the front face 116 of the wing support member 114 is
mounted in substantial alignment with the channel bottom 90 near
the front leg 92 thereof and the rear face 118 of the wing support
member 114 is mounted in substantial alignment with the channel
bottom 90 near the rear leg 94 thereof. Preferably, the wing
support member 114 is constructed of steel and welded to the top
horizontal member 66 and the bottom horizontal member 88.
[0107] A support rib 124 is located adjacent to the wing support
member 114 near the side 122 thereof. The support rib 124 extends
between the top horizontal member 66 and the bottom horizontal
member 88, is mounted at each end thereto and is mounted at one
side to the side 122 of the wing support member 114. Like the
middle rib 112, the support rib 124 may be provided with a length
that permits each end of the support rib 124 to extend through
apertures in the channel bottom 68 and 90 of the top horizontal
member 66 and the bottom horizontal member 88, respectively. The
support rib 124 is preferably made of steel and preferably welded
to each of the top horizontal member 66 and the bottom horizontal
member 88, although any other method of attachment known to those
skilled in the art is contemplated by the present invention. The
support rib 124 has an arcuate shape when viewed from the side.
[0108] As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4b and 4c, the frame 52 includes
two retainer plates 126 and 128 for supporting the skin/moldboard
on the reversible wing 50. The retainer plate 126 extends from the
vertical side portion 58 to the vertical side portion 60 of the
frame 52 and is mounted to the top horizontal member 66 on the
channel bottom 68 near the front leg 70 thereof. The retainer plate
126 is preferably constructed of steel and welded to the top
horizontal member 66, the end rib 110, the middle rib, the support
rib 124 and any other portion of the frame 52 required to secure
the retainer plate 126 in place.
[0109] Likewise, the retainer plate 128 extends from the vertical
side portion 58 to the vertical side portion 60 of the frame 52 and
is mounted to the bottom horizontal member 88 on the channel bottom
90 near the front leg 92 thereof. The retainer plate 126 is
preferably constructed of steel and welded to the bottom horizontal
member 88, the end rib 110, the middle rib, the support rib 124 and
any other portion of the frame 52 required to secure the retainer
plate 126 in place.
[0110] A curved support plate 130 is located adjacent to the end
rib 110 and is mounted at one side thereto. The curved support
plate 130 extends from the retainer plate 126 on the top horizontal
member 66 to the retainer plate 128 on the bottom horizontal member
88 and is mounted at one end to the retainer plate 126 and is
mounted at the other end the retainer plate 128. The curved support
plate 130 is preferably constructed of steel and preferably mounted
in place on to the frame 52 by welding.
[0111] A curved support plate 132 is located adjacent to the
support rib 124 and is mounted at one side thereto. The curved
support plate 132 extends from the retainer plate 126 on the top
horizontal member 66 to the retainer plate 128 on the bottom
horizontal member 88 and is mounted at one end to the retainer
plate 126 and is mounted at the other end the retainer plate 128.
The curved support plate 132 is preferably constructed of steel and
preferably mounted in place on to the frame 52 by welding.
[0112] A plurality of hollow, tubular hinge pieces 134 are mounted
onto the vertical side portion 60 of the frame 52 in order to
permit the reversible wing 50 to hingedly attach to the center
section 48 of the snow plow blade assembly 46. Preferably, four
tubular hinge pieces 134 are used in the present invention.
However, any number of tubular hinge pieces 134 may be used to
secure the reversible wing 50 to the center section 48. Further,
any other pivotable connection mechanism know to those skilled in
the art may also be used to attach the reversible wing 50 to the
center section 48.
[0113] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the tubular hinge pieces 134
are mounted to the wing support member 114 along a corner 136
thereof at substantially the intersection of the front face 116 and
the side 120 of the wing support member 114. The tubular hinge
pieces 134 are mounted spaced-apart in axial alignment on the
corner 136 of the wing support member 112 from a position on the
wing support member 114 just below the notch 78 on the second end
76 of the top horizontal member 66 to a position on the wing
support member 114 just above the notch 100 on the second end 98 of
the bottom horizontal member 88. The tubular hinge pieces 134 are
preferably constructed of steel and are mounted to the wing support
member 114 by welding.
[0114] A blade stop 138 is mounted to the side 120 of the wing
support member 114 to provide a limit to the hinged movement of the
reversible wing 50. The blade stop 138 is substantially L-shaped
and is mounted to the wing support member 114 extending from the
top to the bottom of the wing support member 114 at a position just
adjacent to the tubular hinge pieces 134. The blade stop 138 is
preferably constructed of steel and is mounted to the wing support
member 114 by welding.
[0115] Before additional snow plow components are attached to the
frame 52 of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art that the frame 52 is substantially
symmetrical about a horizontal axis extending from approximately
the midpoint of the vertical side portion 58 to approximately the
midpoint of the vertical side portion 60. Accordingly, the frame 52
may be hingedly attached to either side of the center section of
the snow plow of the present invention by simply inverting the
frame 52 (i.e. rotating the frame 180 degrees about that horizontal
axis). Thus, the frame 52 can be used to construct the reversible
wing 50 of the present invention, as described below, for use on
one side, i.e. the left side, of the center section 48 of the snow
plow blade assembly 46, as shown in FIG. 29. It will also be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the frame 52 may be used
to construct the reversible wing 51 to be pivotally attached to the
opposite side, i.e. the right side, of the center section 46,
depending on the position of the additional components mounted to
the frame 52, as shown in FIG. 29.
[0116] Referring to FIGS. 4a through 4c and 5, in addition to FIGS.
1 through 3, the frontmost portions of the top horizontal member
66, the retainer plate 126, the curved support plate 130, the end
rib 110, the bottom horizontal member 88, the retainer plate 128,
the curved support plate 132 and the support rib 124 together
define a curved support surface which will support a moldboard 140
thereupon. The moldboard 140 may be made of steel, or alternatively
may be constructed of a man-made material such as polycarbonate,
which may be clear, or other man-made materials such as ultra-high
molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene.
[0117] Extending across the front side 62 of the frame 52 is a
moldboard retainer strip 142 into which the top edge of the
moldboard 140 fits and is retained. The moldboard retainer strip
142 contains a plurality of apertures 144 formed therein matching
the pattern of the first set of apertures 80 formed in the top
horizontal member 66. (It will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the apertures 144 formed in the moldboard retainer
strip 142 also substantially match the pattern of the first set of
apertures 102 formed in the front leg 92 of the bottom horizontal
member 88 as the bottom horizontal member 88 is the mirror image of
the top horizontal member 66). The moldboard retainer strip 142 is
removably attached to the top horizontal member 66 using bolts 146
that secure the moldboard retainer strip 142 to the top horizontal
member 66. The moldboard retainer strip 142 is preferably
constructed of steel, however, any rigid material known to those
skilled in the art may be used.
[0118] Alternately, if the apertures 144 and 80 are not tapped,
bolts and nuts could be used to mount the moldboard retainer strip
142 onto the top horizontal member 66. Optionally, the apertures
144 in the moldboard retainer strip 142 may be countersunk to
recess the heads of the bolts 146 to the level of the surface of
the wearstrip moldboard retainer strip 142.
[0119] The bottom edge of the moldboard 140 comes just to the top
of the bottom horizontal member 88, as shown in FIG. 4c. A
wearstrip 148 which is approximately the same width as the bottom
horizontal member 88 has a plurality of apertures 150 formed
therein that substantially match the pattern of the first set of
apertures 102 formed in the front leg 92 of the bottom horizontal
member 88. (It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the apertures 150 formed in the wearstrip 148 also substantially
match the pattern of the first set of apertures 80 formed in the
front leg 70 of the top horizontal member 66, as the top horizontal
member 66 is the mirror image of the bottom horizontal member
88).
[0120] The wearstrip 148 is bolted on to the bottom horizontal
member 88 with a plurality of bolts 152. Alternately, if the
apertures 150 and 102 are not tapped, bolts and nuts could be used
to mount the wearstrip 148 onto the bottom horizontal member 88.
Optionally, the apertures 150 in the wearstrip 148 may be
countersunk to recess the heads of the bolts 152 to the level of
the surface of the wearstrip 148. The front leg 92 of the bottom
horizontal member 88 is arranged and configured such that the
wearstrip 148 will be mounted with its bottom edge angled forwardly
with respect to the ground at angle of between approximately zero
and forty-five degrees, with between approximately fifteen and
thirty degrees being preferred, and an angle of approximately
twenty-five degrees being most preferred.
[0121] When the wearstrip 148 is bolted to the bottom horizontal
member 88, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
it extends well below the bottom horizontal member 88, so that as
it is worn down, the bottom horizontal member 88 will not be
damaged by contact with the ground. The wearstrip 148 is preferably
constructed of a high carbon steel such as AISI 1080 high carbon
steel. However, the wearstrip may be constructed of any strong,
rigid material known to those skilled in the art able to withstand
the force necessary for moving a substantial amount of snow.
[0122] The wearstrip 148 retains the bottom of the moldboard 140 in
place, and it will at once be appreciated that the moldboard 140
may be replaced by merely removing the wearstrip 148, making the
replacement substantially easier than in earlier snow plow blade
designs.
[0123] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, mounting hardware 154 for
mounting a hydraulic system or other system for moving the
reversible wing 50 is removably attached to the frame 52 on the
bottom horizontal member 88. The mounting hardware 154 has a
plurality of apertures 156 formed therein that substantially match
the pattern of the third set of apertures 106 formed in the channel
bottom 90 of the bottom horizontal member 88. (It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the apertures 156
formed in the mounting hardware 154 also substantially match the
pattern of the third set of apertures 84 formed in the channel
bottom 68 of the top horizontal member 66, as the top horizontal
member 66 is the mirror image of the bottom horizontal member
88).
[0124] The mounting hardware 154 is removably bolted on to the
bottom horizontal member 88 with a plurality of bolts (not shown in
FIG. 5). Alternately, if the apertures 156 and 106 are not tapped,
bolts and nuts could be used to secure the mounting hardware 154
onto the bottom horizontal member 88.
[0125] Support shoe mounting hardware 160 for mounting a support
shoe assembly 162 onto the frame 52 is secured to the bottom
horizontal member 88. The support shoe mounting hardware 160 has a
plurality of apertures 164 formed therein that substantially match
the pattern of the fourth set of apertures 108 formed in the bottom
horizontal member 88. (It will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the apertures 164 formed in the support shoe mounting
hardware 160 also substantially match the pattern of the fourth set
of apertures 86 formed in the top horizontal member 66, as the top
horizontal member 66 is the mirror image of the bottom horizontal
member 88).
[0126] The support shoe mounting hardware 160 is removably bolted
on to the bottom horizontal member 88 with a plurality of bolts
(not shown in FIG. 5). Alternately, if the apertures 164 and 108
are not tapped, bolts and nuts could be used to mount the support
shoe mounting hardware 160 on to the bottom horizontal member
88.
[0127] Optionally, the reversible wing 50 of the present invention
includes a rear scraper blade 168, which is approximately the same
length as the bottom horizontal member 88. The rear scraper blade
168 has a plurality of apertures 170 formed therein that
substantially match the pattern of the second set of apertures 104
formed in the rear leg 94 of the bottom horizontal member 88. (It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the apertures
170 formed in the rear scraper blade 168 also substantially match
the pattern of the second set of apertures 82 formed in the rear
leg 74 of the top horizontal member 66, as the top horizontal
member 66 is the mirror image of the bottom horizontal member
88).
[0128] The rear scraper blade 168 is removably bolted on to the
bottom horizontal member 88 with a plurality of bolts 172.
Alternately, if the apertures 170 and 104 are not tapped, bolts and
nuts could be used to mount the rear scraper blade 168 onto the
bottom horizontal member 88. Optionally, the apertures 170 in the
rear scraper blade 168 may be countersunk to recess the heads of
the bolts 172 to the level of the surface of the rear scraper blade
168. The rear leg 94 of the bottom horizontal member 88 is arranged
and configured such that the rear scraper blade 168 will be mounted
with its bottom edge angled forwardly with respect to the ground at
angle of between approximately zero and forty-five degrees, with
between approximately fifteen and thirty degrees being preferred,
and an angle of approximately twenty-five degrees being most
preferred.
[0129] Consistent with the broader aspects of the present
invention, the reversible wing 51 of the present invention, which
is hingedly attached to the center section 48 of the snow plow
blade assembly 46 opposite of the reversible wing 50, is easily
constructed using the frame 52 and removable snow plow components
as described above. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that in order to provide the reversible wing 51, the frame 52
is provided and is rotated 180 degrees so that the bottom
horizontal member 88 and the top horizontal member 66 are inverted
with respect to the reversible wing 50. The moldboard retainer
strip 142, the wearstrip 148, the mounting hardware 154, the
support shoe mounting hardware 160 and the rear scraper 168 are
then removably secured to the frame 52 in the manner described
above, using the apertures provided therein.
[0130] Turning next to FIGS. 6 and 7, the center section 48 of the
snow plow blade assembly 46 of the present invention is described.
The center section 48 includes a tower indicated generally at 174
that is a hollow, substantially triangular elongated member formed
from a front plate indicated generally at 176 which is the front
side of the tower 174 and two angled side plates indicated
generally at 178 and 180 which angle away from the front plate 176,
towards the rear of the snow plow. Together the front plate 176 and
the side plates 178 and 180 form three corner edges 182, 184 and
186 of the tower 174. The tower 174 has a top indicated generally
at 188 and a bottom indicated generally at 190.
[0131] The tower 174 is preferably constructed of steel, and is
constructed by welding the front plate 176 and the side plates 178
and 180 together at the corner edges 182, 184 and 186. However, any
rigid metal material known to those skilled in the art may be used
to construct the tower 174. Further, the tower 174 may be
constructed of a triangular member that requires no assembly.
[0132] The internal perimeter of the tower 174 is reinforced with
four reinforcing plates 192 that are spaced apart along the length
of the tower 174 from the top 188 to the bottom 190. Reinforcing
plates 192 are provided to supplement the structural strength of
the tower 174. The reinforcing plates 192 are preferably
constructed of steel and welded to the tower 174.
[0133] Referring next to FIGS. 8 through 10, in addition to FIGS. 6
and 7, the top of the front plate 176 includes a forwardly
projecting angled portion 194 that extends upwardly toward the
front side of the snow plow. The angled portion 194 includes
apertures 196. The front plate 176 also includes two tabs 198
located on either side of the front plate 176 near each of the
corner edges 182 and 184. The tabs 198 project slightly above the
top of the side plates 178 and 180 and each include an aperture 200
that will be used to secure the reversible wings 50 and 51 to the
center section 48, as will be described further below.
[0134] The edges of the front plate 174 angle slightly rearwardly
to the corner edges 182 and 184, forming mounting surfaces 202 and
204 located near each of the corner edges 182 and 184 of the tower
174, respectively (as best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9). Each
mounting surface 202 and 204 extend from the top 188 to the bottom
190 of the tower 174.
[0135] Mounting surface 202 contains a plurality of hollow, tubular
hinge pieces 206 secured thereto. Preferably, four tubular hinge
pieces 206 are used in the present invention. However, any number
of tubular hinge pieces 206 may be used. The tubular hinge pieces
206 are mounted spaced-apart in axial alignment on the mounting
surface 202 of the tower 174 from a position just below the tab 198
near the top 188 of the tower 174 to the bottom 190 of the tower
174. The tubular hinge pieces 206 are arranged in a manner that
will permit the tubular hinge pieces to interfit with the tubular
hinge pieces 134 on the reversible wing 50. The tubular hinge
pieces 206 are preferably constructed of steel and are secured to
the mounting surface 202 by welding.
[0136] Likewise, mounting surface 204 contains a plurality of
hollow, tubular hinge pieces 208 secured thereto. Preferably, four
tubular hinge pieces 208 are used in the present invention.
However, any number of tubular hinge pieces 208 may be used. The
tubular hinge pieces 208 are mounted spaced-apart in axial
alignment on the mounting surface 204 of the tower 174 from a
position just below the tab 198 near the top 188 of the tower 174
to the bottom 190 of the tower 174. The tubular hinge pieces 208
are arranged in a manner that will permit the tubular hinge pieces
to interfit with the tubular hinge pieces 134 on the reversible
wing 51. The tubular hinge pieces 208 are preferably constructed of
steel and are secured to the mounting surface 204 by welding.
[0137] A trip spring retainer plate 210 is mounted near the top 188
of the tower 174 and extends outwardly from the sides 178 and 180.
Preferably, the trip spring retainer plate 210 is constructed of
steel and is secured to the tower 174 by welding. Two apertures 212
are formed within the trip spring retainer plate 210 towards the
rear portion of the trip spring retainer plate 210. As best
illustrated in FIG. 10, two spring retainer eye bolts 214 are
secured to the trip spring retainer plate 210. Each eye bolt passes
through one of the apertures 212 and is retained in place by a nut
216.
[0138] Referring next to FIG. 11, in addition to FIGS. 6 through
10, a blade mounting plate 218 is attached to the front plate 176
at the bottom 190 of the tower 174. The blade mounting plate 218
extends from the corner edge 182 to the corner edge 184 and angles
forwardly towards the front of the snow plow. The blade mounting
plate 218 is preferably constructed from steel and welded into
place on the tower 174. The blade mounting plate 218 includes two
sets of apertures 220 and 222, a first set of three apertures 220
for securing a center blade 224 thereto. The second set of two
apertures 222 are provided for securing a cushion block 226
thereto.
[0139] The center blade 224 is substantially trapezoidal in shape,
having a top portion that is narrower than the bottom portion, as
illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The center blade 224 is wider than
the tower 174 is its bottom portion in order to prevent snow from
getting past the snow plow in any configuration of the reversible
wings 50, 51. The center blade 224 contains a plurality of
apertures matching the pattern of the apertures 220 formed in blade
mounting plate 218.
[0140] A securing section 228 containing apertures 230 matching the
pattern of the apertures 220 formed in blade mounting plate 218
removably secures the center blade 224 to the front side of the
blade mounting plate 218. Bolts 231 passing through the apertures
230 in the securing section 228, the apertures in the center blade
and the apertures 220 in the blade mounting plate 218 are used to
retain the center blade 224 onto the tower 174, as illustrated in
FIG. 8. The center blade 224 is preferably constructed of rubber,
urethane, or a rubberized material. However, the center blade 224
can alternatively be a steel material, a polycarbonate material,
thermoplastic material or any other suitable material known to
those skilled in the art.
[0141] The center blade 224 will be mounted with its bottom edge
angled forwardly with respect to the ground at angle of between
approximately zero and forty-five degrees, with between
approximately fifteen and thirty degrees being preferred, and an
angle of approximately twenty-five degrees being most
preferred.
[0142] The cushion block 226 is provided to absorb the impact of
the plow blade as it moves between its limits, i.e. when the blade
trips during an encounter with an object as will be described in
more detail herein. The cushion block 226 is generally rectangular
in shape and has apertures matching the pattern of the apertures
222 formed in blade mounting plate 218 (apertures not visible in
the figures). The cushion block 226 is secured to the rear side of
the blade mounting plate 218 using a smaller reinforcing plate 234
also having apertures 236 matching the pattern of the apertures 222
formed in blade mounting plate 218. Bolts 238 passing through the
apertures 222 in the blade mounting plate 218, the apertures in the
cushion block 226 and the apertures 236 in the reinforcing plate
234 and nuts 240 are used to removably secure the cushion block 226
in place on the tower 174. In addition, washers may be used to
ensure that the cushion block 226 and reinforcing plate 234 are
tightly secured to the blade mounting plate 218.
[0143] As best illustrated in FIG. 10, an opening 242 is formed
within in the tower 174 wherein portion of each of the side plates
178 and 180 is removed therefrom, providing access to the rear side
of the front plate 176. A substantially square stop plate 280 is
located just underneath the corner edge 186 where the side plates
178 and 180 meet, at the top of the opening 242. The stop plate 280
is preferably constructed of steel and welded to the tower 174.
[0144] Trip plates 252 and 254 are vertically located on the rear
side of the tower 174. Trip plates are identical to each other and
each includes a triangular top portion 256, a middle portion 260
and a bottom portion 264 (as shown in FIG. 8 for the trip plate
252. Trip plate 254, not shown, has a corresponding top portion
256, a middle portion 260 and a bottom portion 264). The trip plate
252 is preferably made of steel and is welded at its triangular top
portion 256 and middle portion 260 to the side plate 178 and is
welded at its bottom portion 264 to the blade mounting plate 218.
Likewise, the trip plate 254 is preferably made of steel and is
welded at its triangular top portion 256 and middle portion 260 to
the side plate 180 and is welded at its bottom portion 264 to the
blade mounting plate 218.
[0145] As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, the trip plates 252
and 254 each contain an aperture 267 and 269, respectively. The
apertures 267 and 269 are located in horizontal coaxial alignment
with each other on the trip plates 252 and 254 such that a pin or
another elongated member may be passed through both apertures 267
and 269.
[0146] A U-shaped cylinder mount bracket 268 is mounted on trip
plate 252 for securing the end of a hydraulic cylinder (or other
mechanism for moving the reversible wings 50, 51 into position).
Each leg of the U-shaped cylinder mount bracket 268 includes an
aperture 270. The apertures 270 are in vertical coaxial alignment
with each other so as to permit a pin 272 to pass therethrough.
Likewise, a U-shaped cylinder mount bracket 274 is mounted on trip
plate 254 for securing the end of a hydraulic cylinder (or other
mechanism for moving the reversible wings 50, 51 into position).
Each leg of the U-shaped cylinder mount bracket 274 includes an
aperture 276. The apertures 276 are in vertical coaxial alignment
with each other so as to permit a pin 278 to pass therethrough.
[0147] Turning next to FIGS. 12 through 15, an intermediate section
282 is illustrated. The intermediate section 282 has a top side
indicated generally at 284, a bottom side indicated generally at
286, a front side indicated generally at 288, which will face
towards the tower 174, and a rear side indicated generally at 290,
which will face the snow plow vehicle.
[0148] The intermediate section 282 includes a top plate 292 and a
bottom plate 294. The top plate 292 includes a substantially square
aperture 296 and three securing apertures 298 for securing a
cushion thereto, which will be described in further detail with
reference to FIGS. 34 and 35 herein. The top plate 292 also
contains a larger, round aperture 300 for securing a support shoe
or another support mechanism to the intermediate section 282, which
will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 through 35 also
herein.
[0149] The bottom plate 294 is identical in configuration as the
top plate 292 and, accordingly, contains a substantially square
aperture 302 and three securing apertures 304 for securing a
cushion thereto, which will be described in further detail with
reference to FIGS. 32 through 35 herein. The bottom plate 294 also
contains a larger, round aperture 306 for securing a support shoe
or another support mechanism to the intermediate section 282, which
will also be described with reference to FIGS. 32 through 35
herein.
[0150] The intermediate section 282 is arranged and configured such
that the top and bottom plates 292 and 294 are positioned
horizontally parallel to each other with the square apertures 296
and 302, securing apertures 298 and 304, and round apertures 300
and 306 substantially aligned. Both the top and bottom plates 292
and 294 are preferably constructed of steel.
[0151] Referring next to FIGS. 13 through 15, the top and bottom
plates 292 and 294 are secured together by first and second sides
308 and 310, respectively. The first side 308 includes a first
circular aperture 312 located near the rear side 290 of the
intermediate section 282 and a second circular aperture 314 located
near the front side 288 of the intermediate section 282. The first
side 308 also includes an upwardly projecting tab 316 including an
aperture 318 for securing the end of a trip spring thereto. The
first side 308 also contains a downwardly projecting fin 320
located near the front side 288 of the intermediate section
282.
[0152] The second side 310 of the intermediate section 282 is
substantially the mirror image of the first side 308 and thus
includes a first circular aperture 322 located near the rear side
290 of the intermediate section 282 and a second circular aperture
324 located near the front side 288 of the intermediate section
282. The second side 310 also includes an upwardly projecting tab
326 including an aperture 328 for securing the end of the trip
spring thereto. The second side 310 also contains a downwardly
projecting fin 330 located near the front side 288 of the
intermediate section 282.
[0153] The first and second sides 308 and 310 are positioned such
that the first circular apertures 312 and 322, the second circular
apertures 314 and 324, the tabs 316 and 326, and the fins 320 and
330 are vertically aligned, as shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 15. The
first and second sides 308 and 310 are preferably constructed of
steel and welded into position.
[0154] The intermediate section 282 also includes a hollow, pivot
tube 332 having ends 334 and 336. The pivot tube 332 extends
through the second circular aperture 314 in the first side 308 of
the intermediate section 282 and through the second circular
aperture 324 in the second side 310 of the intermediate section
282, with ends 334 and 336 extending out from the first and second
sides 308 and 310, respectively. The pivot tube 332 may optionally
include a grease fitting 338 that will permit lubrication of the
pivoting element when the snow plow blade is completely assembled,
as will be described in more detail herein. The pivot tube 332 is
preferably steel and is secured in place on the intermediate
section 282 by welding.
[0155] Turning next to FIGS. 16 through 21, a main frame 344 of the
snow plow of the present invention is illustrated. The main frame
344 will be mounted to the intermediate section 282, as will be
described in detail with respect to FIGS. 21, 36 and 37. The main
frame 344 has a front end 346 and a rear end 348 and contains right
and left sides 350 and 352, respectively, that are symmetric around
an axis running from the front end 346 to the rear end 348 thereof.
The main frame 344 tapers from a narrower width at the front end
346 to a wider width at the rear end 348 thereof.
[0156] The basic shape of the main frame 344 is formed by a top
plate 354 and a bottom plate 356, which are essentially parallel
and are spaced apart from each other. There is a large aperture
extending through each of the top plate 354 and the bottom plate
356 which resembles an isosceles trapezoid. The top plate 354 and
the bottom plate 356 are preferably made of steel.
[0157] Portions of all four sides of the top plate 354,
substantially around the perimeter of the main frame 344, are bent
downwardly at a ninety degree angle to extend to the top of the
bottom plate 356 (as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18 through 21).
For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 16, the top plate 354 is
bent downwardly and welded to the top of the bottom plate 356
forming the left side 352 of the main frame 344. The front end 346,
the rear end 348 and the right side 350 are similarly formed from
the top plate 354 and are welded to the top side of the bottom
plate 356, respectively.
[0158] Mounted between the sides of the top plate 354 and the
bottom plate 356 and extending rearwardly from the rear end 348 of
the main frame 344 are lugs 358 and 360. The lugs 358 and 360 are
preferably made of steel and are welded onto the sides of the top
plate 354 and the bottom plate 356. The portion of the lug 358
which extends upwardly and rearwardly from the top plate 354 and
the bottom plate 356 has an aperture 362 extending therethrough,
and the portion of the lug 360 which extends rearwardly from the
top plate 354 and the bottom plate 356 has an aperture 364
extending therethrough.
[0159] Mounted adjacent to each of the lugs 358 and 360 are lug
gusset plates 366 and 368 for adding additional support to lugs 358
and 360. The lug gusset plates 366 and 368 are preferably made of
steel and each are welded to the top plate 354 and to the lugs 358
and 360, respectively.
[0160] Mounted at substantially the center of the rear end 348 of
the top plate 354 and the bottom plate 356 are two lift cylinder
mounts 370 and 372. The lift cylinder mounts 370 and 372 are
parallel both to each other and to the plane which divides the main
frame 344 into left and right sides thereof. The lift cylinder
mounts 370 and 372 each extend from slots 374 and 376,
respectively, in the bottom plate 356 to the slots 378 and 380,
respectively, in the top plate 354. The lift cylinder mounts 370
and 372 are also preferably made of steel and their ends are welded
into the slots 374 and 376, respectively, in the bottom plate 356
and the slots 378 and 380, respectively, in the top plate 354. The
lift cylinder mounts 370 and 372 each have an aperture 382 and 384,
respectively, located therein which are coaxial to each other.
[0161] An inner support plate 386 is mounted between the top plate
354 and the bottom plate 356 near the top of the aperture in the
main frame 344, near the front end 346. Located at the top of the
trapezoidal aperture in the main frame 344, are two spaced-apart
pivot mount plates 388 and 390. The pivot mount plates 388 and 390
are also preferably made of steel and are welded onto the inner
support plate 386, the portion of the top plate 354 adjacent
thereto, and the portion of the bottom plate 356 adjacent thereto.
The pivot mount plates 388 and 390 are mounted on opposite sides of
the centerline of the main frame 344, and extend rearwardly and
upwardly from the inner support plate 386, and extend downward from
the bottom plate 356. Located near the rearmost and uppermost ends
of the pivot mount plates 388 and 390 are apertures 392 and 394,
respectively, which are coaxial to each other.
[0162] As best illustrated in FIGS. 18 through 21, a platform 396
is mounted on to the topmost edges of the pivot mount plates 388
and 390 for securing hydraulic and/or electrical equipment to the
main frame 344. The platform 396 is preferably constructed of
steel. To secure the platform 396 to the main frame 344, a portion
of each of the pivot mount plates 388 and 390 extends through slots
in the platform 396 and the pivot mount plates 388 and 390 are
welded therein.
[0163] Hinge brackets 402 and 404 are mounted near the front end
346 on each of the left and right sides 352 and 350 of the main
frame 344. Hinge brackets 402 and 404 are secured to the ends of
the left and right sides 352 and 350, respectively, and extend
beyond the front end 346 of the top and bottom plates 354 and 356.
The hinge brackets 402 and 404 are also preferably made of steel
and are preferably secured in place onto the main frame 344 by
welding.
[0164] The hinge brackets 402 and 404 are substantially L-shaped
having a rear portion that extends outwardly from left and sides
352 and 350, respectively, of the main frame 344 and that curves
inwardly near a front portion thereof, as best illustrated in FIG.
17. The rear portion of each hinge bracket 402 and 404 extends
above the top plate 354 and contains an aperture 406 and 408,
respectively. The rear portion of each hinge bracket 402 and 404
also extends below the bottom plate 356 and contains an aperture
410 and 412, respectively. Nuts 414, 416, 418 and 420 are welded
onto the apertures 406, 408, 410, and 412, respectively, so that
the opening in each nut is coaxial with each respective aperture.
The front portion of each hinge bracket 402 and 404 contain
apertures 422 and 424, respectively, that are coaxial with each
other.
[0165] A hollow tube 426 extends from the hinge bracket 402 to the
hinge bracket 404 having an end 428 that extends through the
aperture 422 in the hinge bracket 402 and an end 430 that extends
through the aperture 424 in the hinge bracket 404.
[0166] Referring next to FIG. 22, a lift bar 432 is illustrated
which forms part of the hitch mechanism of the snow plow. The lift
bar 432 has two lift bar support members 434 and 436, which are
located on the left and right sides, respectively, of the lift bar
432. Each of the lift bar support members 434 and 436 has a
configuration consisting of three segments: rear mounting supports
438 and 440, respectively, which extend upward vertically; central
support arms 442 and 444, respectively, which extend forwardly and
upwardly from the top of the rear mounting supports 438 and 440,
respectively; and front light bar supports 446 and 448,
respectively, which extend upwardly from the forwardmost and
upwardmost ends of the central support arms 442 and 444,
respectively. The lift bar support members 434 and 436 are
preferably made of steel plate.
[0167] Extending inwardly from the rear sides of rear mounting
supports 438 and 440 are segments of angled stock 450 and 452,
respectively. It should be noted that the angle defined by each of
the segments of angled stock 450 and 452 is less than ninety
degrees, as, for example, approximately seventy degrees. The reason
for this angle will become apparent below in conjunction with the
discussion of FIGS. 27 and 28. The angled stock segments 450 and
452 are also preferably made of steel, and are welded onto rear
mounting supports 438 and 440, respectively, so that the rear
mounting supports 438 and 440 and the angled stock segments 450 and
452 together form vertically-oriented channels which are
essentially U-shaped. Referring for the moment to FIG. 16 in
addition to FIG. 22, the space between the rear mounting support
438 and the angled stock segment 450 of the lift bar 432 is
designed to admit the lug 358 of the main frame 344 with space
between the lug 358 and the inside of the angled stock segment 450,
and similarly the space between the angled stock segment 452, and
the rear mounting support 440 of the lift bar 432 is designed to
admit the lug 360 of the main frame 344 with space between the lug
360 and the inside of the angled stock segment 452.
[0168] Referring again solely to FIG. 22, a rectangular reinforcing
segment 454 (preferably also made of steel) is located at the
bottom of the U-shaped channel formed by the rear mounting support
438 and the angled stock segment 450, and is welded to the bottoms
of the rear mounting support 438 and the angled stock segment 450.
Similarly, a rectangular reinforcing segment 456 (preferably also
made of steel) is located at the bottom of the U-shaped channel
formed by the rear mounting support 440 and the angled stock
segment 452, and is welded to the bottoms of the rear mounting
support 440 and the angled stock segment 452.
[0169] Not illustrated in the figures but used to reinforce the
construction of the lift bar 432 are two additional rectangular
reinforcing segments which are respectively located above the
reinforcing segments 454 and 456. On the left side of the lift bar
432, the first of these additional reinforcing segments (preferably
also made of steel) is located near the top of the U-shaped channel
formed by the rear mounting support 438 and the angled stock
segment 450, and is welded to the tops of the rear mounting support
438 and the angled stock segment 450. Similarly, the other of these
reinforcing segments (preferably also made of steel) is located at
near the top of the U-shaped channel formed by the rear mounting
support 440 and the angled stock segment 452, and is welded to the
tops of the rear mounting support 440 and the angled stock segment
452.
[0170] Extending between the lift bar support members 434 and 436
are a larger diameter hollow round upper pin support tube 458 and a
smaller diameter round light bar brace 460. The upper pin support
tube 458 and the light bar brace 460 are both also preferably made
of steel. One end of the upper pin support tube 458 extends through
an aperture 462 located in an intermediate position in the central
support arm 442 of the lift bar support member 434, and the other
end of the upper pin support tube 458 extends through an aperture
464 located in an intermediate position in the central support arm
444 of the lift bar support member 436. The ends of the upper pin
support tube 458 are welded onto the central support arms 442 and
444. One end of the light bar brace 460 is welded onto the lift bar
support member 434 at the intersection of the central support arm
442 and the light bar support 446, and the other end of the light
bar brace 460 is welded onto the lift bar support member 436 at the
intersection of the central support arm 444 and the light bar
support 448.
[0171] Two upper pin hanger plates 466 and 468 are mounted on the
upper pin support tube 458 in spaced-apart fashion near the middle
of the upper pin support tube 458. The upper pin hanger plates 466
and 468 have apertures 470 and 472, respectively, extending
therethrough near one end thereof, and the upper pin support tube
458 extends through these apertures 470 and 472. The upper pin
hanger plates 466 and 468 are both also preferably made of steel,
and are welded onto the upper pin support tube 458 in a manner
whereby they are projecting forwardly. A tubular upper pin 474
extends through apertures 476 and 478 in the upper pin hanger
plates 466 and 468, respectively, near the other end thereof. The
upper pin 474 is also preferably made of steel, and is welded onto
the upper pin hanger plates 466 and 468.
[0172] Located in the rear mounting support 438, the angled stock
segment 450, the angled stock segment 452, and the rear mounting
support 440 near the bottoms thereof are apertures 480, 482, 484,
and 486, respectively, which are aligned with each other and which
together define a pivot axis about which the lift bar 432 will
pivot when it is mounted onto the main frame 344 (illustrated in
FIG. 26). Located in the rear mounting support 438, the angled
stock segment 450, the angled stock segment 452, and the rear
mounting support 440 nearer the tops thereof than the bottoms
thereof are apertures 488, 490 (not shown in FIG. 22), 492, and
494, which are also aligned with each other.
[0173] The apertures 488 and 490 define a first location into which
a retaining pin (not shown in FIG. 22) will be placed to mount the
snow plow of the present invention onto a truck, and the apertures
492 and 494 define a second location into which another retaining
pin (not shown in FIG. 22) will be placed to mount the snow plow of
the present invention onto the truck. Located in the light bar
support 446 are three apertures 496, and located in the light bar
support 448 are three apertures 498. The apertures 496 and 498 will
be used to mount a light bar (not illustrated in FIG. 22) onto the
lift bar 432.
[0174] Referring now to FIG. 23, a hitch frame nose piece 500 which
will be mounted onto a truck under the front bumper (not
illustrated in FIG. 23) thereof is illustrated. The hitch frame
nose piece 500 has a square hitch frame tube 502 which is
horizontally oriented. Four hitch brackets 504, 506, 508, and 510
are mounted on the square hitch frame tube 502 in spaced-apart
pairs located nearer the ends of the square hitch frame tube 502
than the center thereof. The hitch brackets 504, 506, 508, and 510
have square apertures 512, 514, 516, and 518, respectively,
extending therethrough to receive therein the square hitch frame
tube 502. Both the square hitch frame tube 502 and the hitch
brackets 504, 506, 508, and 510 are preferably made of steel, and
the hitch brackets 504, 506, 508, and 510 are welded onto the
square hitch frame tube 502.
[0175] Referring for the moment to FIG. 22 in addition to FIG. 23,
the space between the hitch bracket 504 and the hitch bracket 506
of the hitch frame nose piece 500 is designed to admit the rear
mounting support 438 and the angled stock segment 450 of the lift
bar 432, and similarly the space between the hitch bracket 508 and
the hitch bracket 510 of the hitch frame nose piece 500 is designed
to admit the angled stock segment 452 and the rear mounting support
440 of the lift bar 434. The hitch brackets 504, 506, 508, and 510
have rectangular notches 520, 522, 524, 526, respectively, cut into
the front sides thereof.
[0176] Located in the hitch brackets 504, 306, 508, and 510 in the
bottoms of the rectangular notches 520, 522, 524, and 526,
respectively, are slots 528, 530, 532, and 534, respectively. The
slots 528, 530, 532, and 534 have rounded bottoms, and are axially
aligned. Also located in the hitch brackets 504, 506, 508, and 510
above the tops of the rectangular notches 520, 522, 524, and 526,
respectively, are apertures 536, 538, 540, and 542, respectively.
The apertures 536, 538, 540, and 542 are also axially aligned.
[0177] Unlike the hitch brackets 506 and 508 which are flat, the
hitch brackets 504 and 510 have their forward-most portions flanged
outwardly to act as guides to direct the lift bar 432 (illustrated
in FIG. 22) into engagement with the hitch frame nose piece 500.
Thus, the portions of the hitch brackets 504 and 510 at the front
of the rectangular notches 520 and 526, respectively, extend
outwardly, both on the top of the rectangular notches 520 and 526
and on the bottom of the rectangular notches 520 and 526. It should
be noted that, if desired, the hitch brackets 504 and 510 may also
be flat. The ramifications of having them flat instead of flanged
will eliminate the utility of the left and right sides of the lift
bar 432.
[0178] The respective ends of the square hitch frame tube 502 are
mounted onto mounting plates 544 and 546. The mounting plates 544
and 546 are also preferably made of steel, and the ends of the
square hitch frame tube 502 are welded onto the mounting plates 544
and 546. Located in the mounting plates 544 and 546 are a plurality
of apertures 548 and 550, respectively, which will be used to mount
the hitch frame nose piece 500 onto the frame of a truck (not shown
in FIG. 23) using mounting brackets (not shown in FIG. 23) in a
manner which is conventional.
[0179] Referring next to FIG. 24, a bellcrank 560 is illustrated.
The bellcrank 560 has parallel, spaced apart triangular pivot
plates 562 and 564. One of the sides of the triangle is shorter
than the other two in each of the pivot plates 562 and 564. A
gusset plate 566 is mounted between the pivot plates 562 and 564
with one side thereof near the shortest side of the triangle to
support the pivot plates 562 and 564 in their spaced-apart
configuration. In the preferred embodiment, both the pivot plates
562 and 564 and the gusset plate 566 are made of steel, and are
welded together.
[0180] The pivot plates 562 and 564 have apertures 570 and 572,
respectively, located therein near a first corner of the triangle
which will be used to mount the bellcrank 560 for pivotal movement
from the apertures 392 and 394 of the pivot mount plates 388 and
390, respectively (illustrated in FIG. 16). The pivot plates 562
and 564 have apertures 574 and 576, respectively, located therein
near a second corner of the triangle which will be connected via
the element to be discussed in FIG. 25 below to drive the upper pin
474 of the lift bar 432 (illustrated in FIG. 22). The pivot plates
562 and 564 have apertures 578 and 580 (not shown in FIG. 24),
respectively, located therein near the third corner of the triangle
will be connected to a hydraulic cylinder (not shown in FIG. 24).
The short side of the triangle is between the first and third
corners of the triangle. The side of the gusset plate 566 adjacent
this short side will act as a lift stop to limit pivotal movement
of the gusset plate 566 when this side of the gusset plate 566
contacts the pivot mount plates 388 and 390 (illustrated in FIG.
16).
[0181] Referring now to FIG. 25, a lift link 590 is illustrated.
The lift link 590 has parallel, spaced apart arms 592 and 594. A
gusset plate 596 is mounted between the arms 592 and 594 in their
spaced-apart configuration. The side of the gusset plate 596 which
is oriented toward one end of the arms 592 and 594 has a notch 598
cut therein. In the preferred embodiment, both the arms 592 and 594
and the gusset plate 596 are made of steel, and are welded
together. The one end of the arms 592 and 594 have apertures 600
and 602, respectively, located therein, and the other ends of arms
592 and 594 have apertures 604 and 606, respectively, located
therein.
[0182] Referring next to FIG. 26, the linkage used to attach the
snow plow of the present invention to the hitch frame nose piece
500 is illustrated. The components which are linked together are
the main frame 344, the lift bar 432, the bellcrank 560, and the
lift link 590. Accordingly, reference may also be had to FIGS. 16
and 22 through 26 as well as to FIGS. 27 and 28 in the following
description of the interconnection of these components. The lift
bar 432 is pivotally mounted on the main frame 344 using two pins
608 and 610 (the pin 610 is not shown in FIGS. 16, 27 and 28) which
are each of a length longer than distance between the
opposite-facing sides of the pairs of the hitch brackets 504 and
506, or 508 and 510 (illustrated in FIG. 28). The pins 608 and 610
are preferably made of steel.
[0183] In the preferred embodiment, a hollow cylindrical collar 612
(shown in FIGS. 27 and 28) having a setscrew 614 (also shown in
FIGS. 27 and 28) is used with the pin 608 as a spacer. A similar
collar which a setscrew (not shown in the drawings) is used with
the pin 610 as a spacer. The collar 612 will be located
intermediate the lug 358 on the plow main frame 344 and the angled
stock segment 450 on the lift bar 432. The setscrew 614 on the
collar 612 may be used to lock the collar 612 in place on the pin
608. The other collar will be located intermediate the lug 360 on
the main frame 344 and the angled stock segment 452 on the lift bar
432, with a setscrew in that collar being used to lock that collar
in place on the pin 610.
[0184] The pin 608 will thus extend sequentially through the
aperture 480 in the rear mounting support 438 of the lift bar 432,
the aperture 362 in the lug 358 of the main frame 344, the collar
612, and the aperture 482 in the angled stock segment 450 of the
lift bar 432. The pin 608 will be retained in place by the setscrew
614 on the collar 612, which will contact the pin 608 when it is
screwed into the collar. Approximately equal lengths of the pin 408
extend outwardly beyond the rear mounting support 438 and the
angled stock segment 450 at each end of the pin 608. Alternately,
the pin 608 may be welded in place on the rear mounting support 438
and the angled stock segment 450 of the lift bar 432, or C-clips
(not shown herein) could be installed in annular groves (not shown
herein) in the pin 608 at locations which correspond to the ends of
the collar.
[0185] Likewise, the pin 610 will thus extend sequentially through
the aperture 484 in the angled stock segment 452 of the lift bar
432, the other collar, the aperture 364 in the lug 360 of the main
frame 344, and the aperture 486 in the rear mounting support 440 of
the lift bar 432. The pin 610 will be retained in place by the
setscrew on the collar, which will contact the pin 610 when it is
screwed into the collar. Equal lengths of the pin 610 extend
outwardly beyond the angled stock segment 452 and the rear mounting
support 440 at each end of the pin 610. Alternately, the pin 610
may be welded in place on the angled stock segment 452 and the rear
mounting support 440 of the lift bar 432, or C-clips (not shown
herein) could be installed in annular groves (not shown herein) in
the pin 610 at locations which correspond to the ends of the
collar.
[0186] It will thus be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the lift bar 432 is pivotally mounted onto the main frame 344 using
the pins 608 and 610. When the snow plow of the present invention
is mounted onto a vehicle using the hitch frame nose piece 500, the
ends of the pins 608 and 610 will be received in the pairs of slots
528 and 530, and 532 and 534 in the hitch frame nose piece 300
(illustrated in FIG. 23). Thus, the pins 608 and 610 function both
to pivotally mount the lift bar 432 onto the main frame 344, and to
help to mount the snow plow onto the hitch frame nose piece
500.
[0187] The bellcrank 560 is pivotally mounted on the main frame 344
using two bolts 620 and two nuts 622. The pivot plates 562 and 564
of the bellcrank 560 will fit outside of the pivot mount plates 388
and 390 of the main frame 344, respectively. One of the bolts 620
will extend through the aperture 392 in the pivot mount plate 388
of the main frame 344 and the aperture 570 in the pivot plate 562
of the bellcrank 560, and one of the nuts 622 will be mounted on
that bolt 620 to retain it in place. The other one of the bolts 620
will extend through the aperture 394 in the pivot mount plate 390
of the main frame 344 and the aperture 572 in the pivot plate 564
of the bellcrank 560, and the other one of the nuts 622 will be
mounted on that bolt 620 to retain it in place.
[0188] The bolts 620 allow the bellcrank 560 to pivot on the main
frame 344. In the preferred embodiment, a spacer and two washers
(not shown) may be used with each of the bolts 620, the spacer
going through the apertures in the parts being pivotally joined and
being longer than the combined thickness of the apertures in the
parts, and a washer being located on either end of the spacer to
facilitate free rotation of parts, here movement of the bellcrank
560 with reference to the main frame 344. It will be understood by
those skilled in the art that a spacer and two washers will
preferably be used at other points of relative movement between two
elements of linkage of the snow plow described herein, although the
spacer and two washers will not be specifically mentioned in
conjunction with each of these pivoting connections made between
two elements using a bolt. In addition, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that a pin retained by a cotter pin (not
shown herein) could be used instead of a bolt and nut in many of
the applications for a fastener used in the linkage discussed
herein.
[0189] A hydraulic lift cylinder 624 is mounted at one end to the
cylinder mounts 370 and 372 of the main frame 344 using a bolt 626
which extends through the aperture 382 in the cylinder mount 370
and the aperture 384 in the cylinder mount 372, with a nut 628
being used to retain the bolt 626 in place. The other end of the
hydraulic cylinder 624 drives the third corner of the triangular
pivot plates 562 and 564 of the bellcrank 560, with a bolt 630
extending between the aperture 578 in the pivot plate 562 of the
bellcrank 560 and the aperture 580 in the pivot plate 564 of the
bellcrank 560. A nut 632 is used to retain the bolt 630 in place.
The bolts 626 and 630 allow the hydraulic cylinder 624 to move as
it drives the bellcrank 560. Spacers (not shown herein) may be used
on each side of the other end of the hydraulic cylinder 624 on the
insides of the pivot plates 562 and 564 to center the hydraulic
cylinder 624.
[0190] The lift link 590 is used to connect the bellcrank 560 to
pivot the lift bar 432. A bolt 634 is used to connect the lift link
590 to the lift bar 344, with the bolt 634 extending sequentially
through the aperture 604 in the arm 592 of the lift link 590, the
upper pin 474 from the end extending through the upper pin hanger
plate 466 to the end extending through the upper pin hanger plate
468 of the lift bar 432, and the aperture 606 in the arm 594 of the
lift link 590. A nut 636 is used to retain the bolt 634 in place.
The bolt 634 allows the lift link 590 to pivot on the lift bar 432,
and a spacer and two washers may also be used as mentioned
hereinabove.
[0191] The second corner of the triangle formed by the pivot plates
562 and 564 of the bellcrank 560 drives the ends of the arms 592
and 594 of the lift link 590 which are not connected to the lift
bar 432. Two bolts 638 are used to connect the bellcrank 560 to the
lift link 590, with one of the bolts 638 also being used to mount a
stand 640. The stand 640 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,688,
to Struck et al., which patent is assigned to the assignee of the
inventions described herein. U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,688 is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
[0192] One bolt 638 extends through the aperture 600 in the arm 692
of the lift link 590 and the aperture 574 of the pivot plate 562 of
the bellcrank 560, with a nut 642 being used to retain the first
bolt 638 in place, and a spacer and two washers may also be used as
mentioned hereinabove. The other bolt 638 (not shown) extends
sequentially through an aperture (not shown) in the upper portion
of the stand 640, the aperture 576 of the pivot plate 564 of the
bellcrank 560, and the aperture 602 in the arm 594 of the lift link
590, with a nut 642 being used to retain the second bolt 638 in
place. The second bolt 638 allows the lift link 590 to pivot on the
bellcrank 560, and a spacer and two washers may again be used as
mentioned hereinabove. A removable pin (not shown) extending
through an aperture near the top of the stand 640 and apertures
located in the lift link 590 is used to link the stand 640 with the
lift link 590.
[0193] The hydraulic cylinder 624 is shown in FIG. 26 nearly in its
fully retracted position. When the hydraulic cylinder 624 is fully
extended, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the lift bar 432 will rotate counterclockwise from the position in
which it is shown in FIG. 26, and the stand 640 will be lowered to
engage the ground (not shown) and thereby tend to lift the rear end
of the main frame 344 upwardly. It will also be appreciated that
once the pins 608 and 610 are in engagement with the slots 528,
530, 532, and 534 in the hitch brackets 504, 506, 508, and 510,
respectively, of the hitch frame nose piece 500, the hydraulic
cylinder 624 may be used to align the apertures 488, 490, 492, and
494 on the lift bar 432 with the apertures 536, 538, 540, and 542,
respectively, in the hitch brackets 504, 506, 508, and 510,
respectively, of the hitch frame nose piece 500.
[0194] Turning next to FIGS. 29 and 30, in addition to FIGS. 1
through 6, installation of the reversible wings 50 and 51 onto the
center section 48 of snow plow of the present invention is
illustrated. The reversible wing 50 is arranged on the tower 174 so
that the tubular hinge pieces 134 on the reversible wing 50
coaxially interfit with the tubular hinge pieces 206 on the tower
174, as best illustrated in FIG. 29. An elongated pin 650 passes
through both the tubular hinge pieces 134 on the reversible wing 50
and the tubular hinge pieces 206 on the tower 174, forming a
pivotable hinge. To secure the pin 650 in place, a bolt 652 passes
through the aperture 200 in one of the tabs 198 of the tower 174
and through apertures 654 in the top of the pin 650 and is secured
in place by a nut 656.
[0195] Likewise, the reversible wing 51 is arranged on the tower
174 so that the tubular hinge pieces 134 on the reversible wing 51
coaxially interfit with the tubular hinge pieces 208 on the tower
174, as best illustrated in FIG. 29. An elongated pin 658 passes
through both the tubular hinge pieces 134 on the reversible wing 51
and the tubular hinge pieces 208 on the tower 174, forming a
pivotable hinge. To secure the pin 658 in place, a bolt 660 passes
through the aperture 200 in the other tab 198 of the tower 174 and
through apertures (not shown in FIGS. 29 and 30) in the top of the
pin 658 and is secured in place by a nut (not shown).
[0196] Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
the reversible wing 50 is hingedly attached to the tower 174 and
can move forward and back accordingly. In addition, in case of
damage to either reversible wing 50 or 51, the reversible wings 50
and 51 are easily removed from the center section 48 by simply
removing the nuts and bolts and removing the elongated pins 650 and
658, respectively. Accordingly, replacement wings are easily
mounted to the center section 48 as described above.
[0197] Turning next to FIG. 31, in addition to FIGS. 1-6 and 29 and
30, installation of hydraulic swing cylinders 670 and 672 is shown.
The swing cylinder 670 is secured at one end to the cylinder mount
bracket 268 on the trip plate 252 of the center section 48 using
the pin 272 (shown in FIG. 16) which passes consecutively through
the top aperture 270 in the cylinder mount bracket 268, through the
end of swing cylinder 670, and through the bottom aperture 270 of
the cylinder mount bracket 268. The swing cylinder 670 is secured
at its other end to the mounting hardware 154 on the reversible
wing 50 with a pin 674.
[0198] Likewise, the swing cylinder 672 is secured at one end to
the cylinder mount bracket 274 on the trip plate 254 of the center
section 48 using the pin 278 which passes consecutively through the
top aperture 276 in the cylinder mount bracket 274, through the end
of swing cylinder 672, and through the bottom aperture 276 of the
cylinder mount bracket 274 (not shown in FIG. 31). The swing
cylinder 672 is secured at its other end to the mounting hardware
154 on the reversible wing 51 with a pin 676. It will be understood
that the pins 272, 276, 674 and 676 are all retained in place with
cotter pins (not shown) as is well known to those skilled in the
art. However, any securing mechanism known to those skilled in the
art may be used to retain the swing cylinders 670 and 672 in place
on the snow plow blade assembly 46.
[0199] As best illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, in addition to FIGS.
1 through 5, installation of support shoes 162 onto the support
shoe mounting hardware 160 on each reversible wing 50 and 51,
respectively, is shown. The shoes 162 are designed to ride in
sliding contact with the surface to be plowed and are particularly
useful on gravel or during spring when the ground may not be fully
frozen. The shoes are mounted to each reversible wing 50 and 51
using the support shoe mounting hardware 160 thereupon.
[0200] Each of the shoes 162 includes a post 680 which are received
by the support shoe mounting hardware 160. The shoes 162 are
adjusted using a combination of washers and tubular spacers, which
are placed on the posts 680 either above or below the support shoe
mounting hardware 160 to adjust the height of the shoes 162. The
position of the shoes 162 relative to the reversible wings 50 and
51 (and the plow blade assembly 46) may be adjusted to adjust the
height of the reversible wings 50 and 51 relative to the surface to
be plowed. This allows the degree to which the wearstrip 148
scrapes the surface to be plowed to be controlled. Retaining pins
682 are used on the posts 680 to retain them in the support shoe
mounting hardware 160. The support shoes 162, however, may be
removably attached to the support shoe mounting hardware 160 using
any means known to those skilled in the art that will permit easy
replacement of the support shoe if it becomes worn or damaged.
[0201] The shoes 162 are typically made of cast iron. It should be
noted that although the rear scraper 168 is not shown in FIGS. 30
and 31, it can optionally be used with the shoes 162 in place, so
long as the support shoe mounting hardware 160 extends sufficiently
back on the reversible wings 50 and 51 to clear the rear scraper
168.
[0202] Referring next to FIGS. 32 through 33, in addition to FIGS.
6, 13, 15 and 29 through 31, assembly of the tower 174 and
intermediate section 282 is illustrated. The pivot tube 332 of the
intermediate section 282 is inserted between the trip plates 252
and 254 of the tower 174, with the pivot tube 332 being brought
into alignment with the apertures 262 and 269 of the trip plates
252 and 254 of the tower 174. An elongated pivot member 686 is
inserted sequentially through the aperture 267 in the trip plate
252, the pivot tube 332 of the intermediate section 282 and the
aperture 269 in the trip plate 254, as best shown in FIG. 13. Each
end of the elongated pivot member 686 can be secured in position
using a locking pin 688, or other similar locking device.
Optionally, washers may also be used. Accordingly, the pivot member
686 permits the tower 174 to pivot with respect to the intermediate
section 282, as will be discussed in more detail in regard to FIG.
35.
[0203] Referring next to FIGS. 34 and 35, in addition to FIGS. 32
and 33, the intermediate section 282 includes a cushion 690 that is
positioned within and projects upwardly from the square aperture
296 on the top plate 292. The cushion 690 is provided to absorb the
impact of the plow blade and tower 174 as it moves between its
limits, i.e. when the snow plow blade trips during an encounter
with an object. The cushion 690 may be secured into place using the
apertures 296 formed in the top plate 292 and bolts (not shown).
However, the cushion 690 may be removably secured to the
intermediate section 282 using silicone adhesive (or any suitable
type of adhesive) or by any mechanical means known to those skilled
in the art. For example, an alternative retaining mechanism would
be to have the cushion 690 held in place with an interference
fit.
[0204] The intermediate section 282 also includes a support shoe
692. The shoe 692 will bear at least a portion of the overall
weight of the snow plow frame and is designed to ride in sliding
contact with the surface to be plowed. The shoe 692 is preferably
constructed of cast iron. The shoe 692 is mounted on a post 694 to
secure the shoe 692 to the intermediate section 282. The post 694
of the shoe 692 is inserted consecutively through both the aperture
306 in the bottom plate 294 and through the coaxial aperture 300 in
the top plate 292 of the intermediate section 282.
[0205] Like the shoes 162 on each reversible wing 50 and 51, the
shoe 692 is adjusted using a combination of washers and tubular
spacers, which are placed on the post 694 either below or above the
bottom plate 294 and/or top plate 292 to adjust the height of the
shoe 301. The position of the shoe 692 relative to the snow plow
blade may be adjusted relative to the surface to be plowed. The
shoe 692 is secured in place using a retaining pin 696. Optionally,
washers may also be inserted onto the post 694 to ensure the shoe
692 is tightly secured in place. It will be readily apparent to one
skilled in the art that more than one shoe may be located on the
intermediate section 282 and such shoes may be located in any
position in which it would be convenient to secure a support shoe
for support of the snow plow blade. For example, support shoes may
be secured to one or both of the first and second sides 308 and 310
of the intermediate section 282 for adding additional support to
the snow plow blade assembly 46.
[0206] Trip springs 700 and 702 are connected at one end to the
eyebolts 214 on the tower 174 and to the tabs 316 and 326 on the
intermediate section 282, respectively. The trip springs 700 and
702 will be used to bias the tower 174 and the reversible wings 50
and 51 into a trip return position and to resist movement of the
tower 174 and the reversible wings 50 and 51 into the tripped
position. Thus, the intermediate section 282 is pivotally mounted
onto the tower 174 such that the trip springs 700 and 702 permit
the tower 174 to move between a tipped forward position (as shown
in FIG. 35) when an obstruction is encountered and a release
position (as shown in FIG. 34) when the obstruction is removed.
[0207] Accordingly, when the plow blade encounters and object, the
trip springs 700 and 702 permit the top 188 (see FIG. 6) of the
tower 174, and thus the reversible wings 50 and 51 of the snow plow
blade assembly 46, to tip forward to a maximum (or tripped)
position where the fins 320 and 330 on the intermediate section 282
contact the cushion block 226 on the tower 174, as illustrated in
FIG. 35. Thus, the cushion block 226 not only provides a limit for
movement of the snow plow blade, the cushion also absorbs the
impact of the obstruction and abrupt movement of the snow plow
blade, shielding the snow plow and snow plow vehicle from
significant force.
[0208] As illustrated in FIG. 34, when the object no longer
interferes with the snow plow blade, the tower 174 tips back into
the release position and movement of the tower 174 is limited by
the stop plate 280. The force of the retraction of the trip springs
700 and 702 on the snow plow and the snow plow vehicle is dampened
by the cushion 690 which absorbs the impact of the movement of the
tower 174 when the stop plate 280 makes contact with the cushion
690.
[0209] In the preferred embodiment, the cushions 226 and 690 are
made of polyurethane, such as, for example, Quazi formulated
methylenebisdiphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) polyester-based 93
durometer (Shore A scale) polyurethane, available commercially from
Kryptonics, Inc. under the trademark Kaptane 93 black.
[0210] Referring next to FIGS. 36 and 37, in addition to FIGS. 12,
16 and 29 through 31, assembly intermediate section 282 onto the
main frame 344 is illustrated. The hollow tube 426 of the main
frame 344 is inserted between the top and bottom plates 292 and 294
of the intermediate section 282, with the hollow tube 426 being
brought into alignment with the apertures 312 and 322 in each of
the first and second sides 308 and 310, respectively, of the
intermediate section 282. An elongated pivot member 706 is inserted
sequentially through the aperture 312 in the intermediate section
282, the hollow tube 426 of the main frame 344 and the aperture 322
in the intermediate section 282. Each end of the elongated pivot
member 706 can be secured in position using a locking pin 708, or
other similar locking device. Optionally, washers may also be used.
Accordingly, the pivot member 706 permits intermediate section 282
to pivot with respect to the main frame 344 to account for
variation in height in the surface of the road and to permit some
blade flow during operation of the snow plow.
[0211] In addition, bolts 710 are provided in each of the apertures
406, 408, 410, and 412 of the hinge brackets 402 and 404,
respectively. The bolts 708 are secured into place by nuts 414,
416, 418 and 420 secured onto the apertures 406, 408, 410, and 412,
respectively. The bolts 708 are adjustable to permit movement of
the intermediate section 282 and act as limits to such
movement.
[0212] Referring back to FIGS. 30 and 31 for the moment, support
towers 712 and 714, respectively, are mounted on the light bar
supports 446 and 448, respectively, of the lift bar 432, and a
light support bar 716 is mounted on the top ends of the light
support towers 712 and 714. Lights (not shown herein) would be
mounted on the light support bar 716, in a manner well known to one
skilled in the art.
[0213] Also not shown or discussed herein is the hydraulic system
to operate the snow plow, the construction and operation of which
is also well known to those skilled in the art. The swing cylinders
670 and 672 are used to pivot reversible wings 50 and 51,
respectively. The hydraulic cylinder 624 (shown in FIG. 26) is used
to operate the stand 640 (also shown in FIG. 26) prior to the snow
plow being mounted onto a truck, to facilitate the mounting of the
snow plow onto the truck (as will become apparent below in
conjunction with the discussion of FIGS. 38 through 42), and to
raise and lower the plow main frame 344, the intermediate section
282, the tower 174 and the reversible wings 50 and 51 after the
snow plow has been mounted onto the truck. Preferably, the
hydraulic system for the snow plow may be mounted on the platform
396 on the main frame 344, and if so mounted would have a hydraulic
system cover mounted thereupon to protect it (not shown).
[0214] Turning next to FIGS. 38 through 42, and with reference to
FIGS. 27 and 28, the operation of the mounting system used to mount
the snow plow on the hitch frame nose piece 500 is shown. Referring
first to FIGS. 27, 28 and 38, in conjunction with FIGS. 16, 22, 23,
and 26, the mechanism used to connect the snow plow to the hitch
frame nose piece 500 is shown. In the discussion herein, all
references are to the left side of the snow plow and the hitch
frame nose piece 500, but those skilled in the art will understand
that the principles thereof are equally applicable to the right
side of the snow plow and the hitch frame nose piece 500.
[0215] The snow plow is mounted onto the hitch frame nose piece 300
with the plow standing on the stand 640 (shown in FIG. 10). In this
position, the pin 608 which extends laterally at the rear of the
snow plow on the left side will be at a height such than when the
truck having the hitch frame nose piece 500 mounted thereon moves
forward, the pin 608 will fit into the rectangular notches 520 and
522 at the front of the hitch brackets 504 and 506, respectively.
The pin 608 is brought fully into the rectangular notches 520 and
522 by moving the truck forward. It will be noted that the flange
at the front of the hitch bracket 528 as well as the approximately
seventy degree bend in the angled stock segment 450 will assist in
guiding the rear mounting support 438 and the angled stock segment
450 of the lift bar 432 into position intermediate the hitch
bracket 504 and 506.
[0216] A this point, the hydraulic cylinder 624 (shown in FIG. 26)
is actuated to begin to retract it to raise the stand 640 (also
shown in FIG. 10), causing the pin 608 to drop into the slots 528
and 530 in the hitch brackets 504 and 506, respectively. By
continuing to actuate the hydraulic cylinder 624 to retract it, the
lift bar 432 is pivoted to bring the apertures 488 and 490 in the
rear mounting support 438 and the angled stock segment 450,
respectively, of the lift bar 432 into alignment with the apertures
536 and 536 in the hitch brackets 504 and 506, respectively, of the
hitch frame nose piece 500. At this point, a retaining pin 730
having a handle 732 may be inserted sequentially through the
aperture 536 in the hitch bracket 504, the aperture 488 in the rear
mounting support 438, the aperture 490 in the angled stock segment
450, and the aperture 538 in the hitch bracket 506. The retaining
pin 730 has an aperture 734 extending through near the distal end
thereof, and a retaining spring pin 736 is used to retain the
retaining pin 730 in place.
[0217] Turning next to FIGS. 39 through 42, and with reference to
FIGS. 27, 28 and 38, the installation of the snow plow onto the
hitch frame nose piece 500 mounted on a truck 800 (shown in phantom
lines in FIG. 42) is illustrated. In FIG. 39, the snow plow is
shown in its stored position, supported on the stand 640. In this
position, the hydraulic cylinder 624 is in its fully extended
position, and the rear end of the snow plow is raised. In this
position, the pin 610 (not shown in FIGS. 39 through 42) at the
right rear of the snow plow will be received by the rectangular
notches 524 and 526 (not shown in FIGS. 39 through 42) at the front
of the hitch brackets 508 and 510 (not shown in FIGS. 39 through
42), respectively, at the right side of the hitch frame nose piece
500. Similarly, the pin 608 at the left rear of the snow plow will
be received by the rectangular notches 520 and 522 (not shown in
FIGS. 39 through 42) at the front of the hitch brackets 504 and 506
(not shown in FIGS. 39 through 42), respectively, at the left side
of the hitch frame nose piece 500. The truck 800 may be driven
forward to fully engage the pins 608 and 610 with the hitch frame
nose piece 300 as shown in FIG. 39.
[0218] Next, as shown in FIG. 41, as the hydraulic cylinder 624
begins to retract, the main frame 344 will lower at the rear end
thereof as the stand 640 begins to move upwardly relative to the
main frame 344. This causes the pin 610 (not shown in FIGS. 39
through 42) to drop into the slots 532 and 534 (not shown in FIG.
41) in the hitch brackets 508 and 510 (not shown in FIG. 41),
respectively, at the right side of the hitch frame nose piece 500.
Similarly, the pin 608 drops into the slots 528 and 530 (not shown
in FIG. 41) in the hitch brackets 504 and 506 (not shown in FIG.
41), respectively, at the left side of the hitch frame nose piece
500. This initial retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 624 also
causes the lift bar 432 to begin to rotate counterclockwise as
viewed from the left side of the snow plow, as is evident from the
movement of the right light support towers 712 and 714 and the
light support bar 716.
[0219] As shown in FIG. 42, as the hydraulic cylinder 624 continues
to retract, the lift bar 432 rotates counterclockwise until the
light support towers 712 and 714 are oriented nearly vertically. As
this further rotation occurs, the pin 610 (not shown in FIG. 42)
remains in the slots 532 and 534 in the hitch brackets 508 and 510,
respectively (none of which are shown in FIG. 42). Similarly, the
pin 608 remains in the slots 528 and 530 (not shown in FIG. 42) in
the hitch brackets 504 and 506 (not shown in FIG. 42),
respectively. On the right side of the lift bar 432 and the hitch
frame nose piece 500 (best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23), the apertures
492 and 494 in the angled stock segment 452 and the rear mounting
support 440, respectively, of the lift bar 432 move into engagement
with the apertures 540 and 542 in the hitch brackets 508 and 510,
respectively, of the hitch frame nose piece 500. Likewise, on the
left side of the lift bar 432 and the hitch frame nose piece 500
(portions of which are also best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23,
respectively), the apertures 488 and 490 in the rear mounting
support 438 and the angled stock segment 450, respectively, of the
lift bar 432 move into alignment with the apertures 536 and 538 in
the hitch brackets 504 and 506, respectively, of the hitch frame
nose piece 500.
[0220] At this point, one of the retaining pins 730 is inserted
sequentially through the aperture 542 in the hitch bracket 510, the
aperture 494 in the rear mounting support 440, the aperture 492 in
the angled stock segment 452, and the aperture 540 in the hitch
bracket 508 (all of which are best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23). The
other one of the retaining pins 730 is inserted sequentially
through the aperture 536 in the hitch bracket 504, the aperture 488
in the rear mounting support 438, the aperture 490 in the angled
stock segment 450, and the aperture 538 in the hitch bracket 506
(many of which are also best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23). The
retaining spring pins 736 are then inserted into the apertures 734
near the distal ends of the retaining pins 730 to retain the
retaining pins 730 in place. At this point, the stand 640 may also
be moved to a stowed position by disconnecting it from the lift
link 590 (by removal of the pin (not shown) and rotating it to the
stowed position as is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,688, which was
incorporated by reference above.
[0221] Turning next to FIGS. 43a and 43b, operation of the
reversible wings 50 and 51 of the present invention is shown.
Accordingly, the swing cylinders 670 and 672 may be used to pivot
the reversible wings 50 and 51 into any position required by the
snow plow operator.
[0222] It may therefore be appreciated from the above detailed
description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention
that it teaches a snow plow having reversible wings wherein the
snow plow wing frame may be used on either side of a
hinged/articulated snow plow. Thus, the reversible wing of the
present invention completely eliminates the need for manufacture,
assembly and purchase snow plow blade wings specifically designed
for either the "left" or the "right" side of the hinged snow plow
blade assembly. Accordingly, the reversible wing of the present
invention is less expensive to manufacture than conventional hinged
snow plow wings.
[0223] The reversible wing of the present invention is of high
strength, yet it is light of weight. Accordingly, the present
invention provides a lighter weight snow plow system in which the
hydraulic system utilized in positioning each reversible wing is
configured in a manner that increases the force and stability of
the snow plow blade when in contact with heavy snow, and which
requires a lighter hydraulic system. Thus, the snow plow wings, and
hence, the snow plow blade can be of a lighter weight construction
and yet can effectively remove snow. Such a light snow plow blade
construction is light/easier to transport and causes less
mechanical stress on the snow plow vehicle than other conventional
hinged snow plow blade configurations.
[0224] The snow plow having reversible wings of the present
invention is of a construction which is both durable and long
lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be
provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. The snow
plow having reversible wings of the present invention is also of
inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to
thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the
aforesaid advantages and objectives of the snow plow having
reversible wings of the present invention are achieved without
incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.
[0225] Although the foregoing description of the snow plow having
reversible wings of the present invention has been shown and
described with reference to particular embodiments and applications
thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed.
It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that
a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations to
the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart
from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular
embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide
the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its
practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and
alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of
the present invention as determined by the appended claims when
interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are
fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
* * * * *