U.S. patent application number 13/591508 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for connection system and method for a vehicle tool, e.g., plow.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jean Despres. Invention is credited to Jean Despres.
Application Number | 20130212913 13/591508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47751947 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130212913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Despres; Jean |
August 22, 2013 |
CONNECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE TOOL, E.G., PLOW
Abstract
A connection system for a vehicle tool such as a plow,
comprising: a vehicle structure unit adapted to be secured to an
underside of a vehicle. A tool connector unit is adapted to be
secured to a vehicle tool. A male and female connector system is
between the vehicle structure unit and the tool connector unit for
the mating engagement therebetween. A latch unit latches at least
one male connector of the connector system into a corresponding
female connector for releasable engagement, the latch unit
comprising at least one biasing element to bias the latch unit into
the releasable engagement. An interface connected to the latch unit
for operating the latch unit in disengaging the male and female
connector system.
Inventors: |
Despres; Jean; (St-Antonin,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Despres; Jean |
St-Antonin |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
47751947 |
Appl. No.: |
13/591508 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61528885 |
Aug 30, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/231 ;
37/196 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 5/06 20130101; E02F
3/7631 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
37/231 ;
37/196 |
International
Class: |
E01H 5/06 20060101
E01H005/06 |
Claims
1. A connection system for a vehicle tool, comprising: a vehicle
structure unit adapted to be secured to an underside of a vehicle;
a tool connector unit adapted to be secured to a vehicle tool; a
male and female connector system between the vehicle structure unit
and the tool connector unit for the mating engagement therebetween;
a latch unit latching at least one male connector of the connector
system into a corresponding female connector for releasable
engagement, the latch unit comprising at least one biasing element
to bias the latch unit into the releasable engagement; and an
interface connected to the latch unit for operating the latch unit
in disengaging the male and female connector system.
2. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one female connector is a laterally-oriented U-shaped plate.
3. The connection system according to claim 2, comprising two of
the U-shaped plate, and wherein the latch unit comprises a latch
selectively closing access to each said U-shaped plate.
4. The connection system according to claim 3, wherein the latches
are integrally connected to one another to be concurrently biased
by the at least one biasing element.
5. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one male connector is a pin.
6. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle
structure unit comprises a structural plate adapted to be secured
to the underside of the vehicle, with brackets projecting from the
structural plate, the at least one male connector being connected
to the brackets.
7. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the
interface is an arm projecting sideways from the latch unit.
8. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the arm is a
telescopic arm.
9. The connection system according to claim 8, wherein the arm has
a pedal surface at an actuatable end thereof.
10. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the latch
unit and the at least one female connector are on the tool
connector unit.
11. An assembly of a plow and a connection system, comprising: a
plow; and a connection system comprising: a vehicle structure unit
adapted to be secured to an underside of a vehicle; a tool
connector unit secured to the plow; a male and female connector
system between the vehicle structure unit and the tool connector
unit for the mating engagement therebetween; a latch unit latching
at least one male connector of the connector system into a
corresponding female connector for releasable engagement, the latch
unit comprising at least one biasing element to bias the latch unit
into the releasable engagement; and an interface connected to the
latch unit for operating the latch unit in disengaging the male and
female connector system.
12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the at least one
female connector is a laterally-oriented U-shaped plate, and
wherein the latch unit comprises a latch selectively closing access
to each said U-shaped plate.
13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the latches are
integrally connected to one another to be concurrently biased by
the at least one biasing element.
14. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle
structure unit comprises a structural plate adapted to be secured
to the underside of the vehicle, with brackets projecting from the
structural plate, the at least one male connector being connected
to the brackets.
15. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the interface is an
arm projecting sideways from the latch unit.
16. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the arm has a pedal
surface at an actuatable end thereof.
17. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the latch unit and
the at least one female connector are on the tool connector
unit.
18. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the tool connector
unit comprises at least one elongated member, with the plow being
at one end of the elongated member, and part of the male and female
connector system being at the other end of the elongated
member.
19. A method for connecting a vehicle tool to a vehicle,
comprising: aligning a tool connector unit connected to the vehicle
tool with a vehicle structure unit on the vehicle; manually raising
the tool connector unit by handling an arm unit of the tool
connector unit; moving the vehicle forward to cause the latching
engagement of the tool connector unit with the vehicle structure
unit; and releasing the arm unit.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: actuating
the arm unit to disengage a latching of the tool connector unit
with the vehicle structure unit; and simultaneously moving the
vehicle away from engagement with the tool.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority on U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/528,885, filed on Aug. 30, 2011,
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE APPLICATION
[0002] The present application generally relates to a connection
system and method for releasably connecting a tool to a vehicle for
subsequent hauling or driving, such as the connection of a plow to
a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
[0003] It is often desired to releasably connect tools to vehicles
to perform specific occasional tasks. For instance, plows, such as
snowplows, may be used on a temporary basis on a vehicle. However,
if the vehicle is a domestic vehicle such as a pick-up truck or an
all-terrain vehicle, it may be desired to disconnect the plow after
use, as the plow may be cumbersome.
[0004] Existing systems often require the user to move out of the
vehicle to align the tool with the vehicle. The vehicle must then
be driven forward to engage the tool to the vehicle, etc. The
release of the tool from the vehicle may also be cumbersome, and
may often require that the user step out of the vehicle and attend
to the tool under the vehicle. It is, therefore, desirable to
provide a connection system that simplifies the temporary
connection of the vehicle tool to the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION
[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present disclosure to provide
a connection system for vehicle tools that addresses issues
associated with the prior art.
[0006] It is a further aim of the present disclosure to provide a
method for releasably connecting a tool to a vehicle.
[0007] Therefore, in accordance with the present application, there
is provided a connection system for a vehicle tool, comprising: a
vehicle structure unit adapted to be secured to an underside of a
vehicle; a tool connector unit adapted to be secured to a vehicle
tool; a male and female connector system between the vehicle
structure unit and the tool connector unit for the mating
engagement therebetween; a latch unit latching at least one male
connector of the connector system into a corresponding female
connector for releasable engagement, the latch unit comprising at
least one biasing element to bias the latch unit into the
releasable engagement; and an interface connected to the latch unit
for operating the latch unit in disengaging the male and female
connector system.
[0008] Further in accordance with the present application, there is
provided an assembly of a plow and a connection system, comprising:
a plow; and a connection system comprising: a vehicle structure
unit adapted to be secured to an underside of a vehicle; a tool
connector unit secured to the plow; a male and female connector
system between the vehicle structure unit and the tool connector
unit for the mating engagement therebetween; a latch unit latching
at least one male connector of the connector system into a
corresponding female connector for releasable engagement, the latch
unit comprising at least one biasing element to bias the latch unit
into the releasable engagement; and an interface connected to the
latch unit for operating the latch unit in disengaging the male and
female connector system.
[0009] Still further in accordance with the present application,
there is provided a method for connecting a vehicle tool to a
vehicle, comprising: aligning a tool connector unit connected to
the vehicle tool with a vehicle structure unit on the vehicle;
manually raising the tool connector unit by handling an arm unit of
the tool connector unit; moving the vehicle forward to cause the
latching engagement of the tool connector unit with the vehicle
structure unit; and releasing the arm unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connection system for a
tool such as a plow;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the connection system of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connection system of
FIG. 1, with latches in position for the disengagement of the
vehicle tool;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connection system of
FIG. 1, with a vehicle structure unit moved out of engagement with
a tool connector unit;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the connection system of
FIG. 1, with a tool connector unit thereof in alignment with a
vehicle structure unit thereof; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is an assembly view of components of the connection
system for vehicle tool of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1
and 2, there is illustrated a connection system for a vehicle tool
at 10. The connection system for vehicle tool may be used with any
appropriate type of vehicle, such as trucks, cars, all-terrain
vehicles, etc. The vehicle tool may be any appropriate tool that is
pushed (e.g., driven) or pulled (e.g., hauled) by the vehicle. For
instance, the vehicle tool may be a plow, such as a snowplow.
[0017] The connection system 10 has a vehicle structure unit 12
that may become an integral or temporary part of the vehicle, and a
tool connector unit 13.
[0018] The vehicle structure unit 12 is the structural component of
the connection system 10 and attaches to the vehicle or is integral
with the vehicle.
[0019] The tool connector unit 13 attaches to the tool, and is
releasably connectable to the vehicle structure unit 12. The tool
connector unit 13 is therefore the interface between the vehicle
structure unit 12 and the vehicle tool.
[0020] In FIG. 1, there is illustrated an example of a vehicle tool
in plow 14. The plow 14 is of the type that is pushed by a vehicle
to plow away loose matter, such as snow, gravel, etc.
[0021] To provide context, the plow 14 is secured to the tool
connector unit 13 by a pair of structural members 15 or any
appropriate structural configuration. An interface 16 interrelates
the plow 14 to the structural member 15. The interface 16 may be a
pivot mount by which the plow 14 is pivotally mounted to the
structural member 15. The pivot mount is one possible configuration
among others for the connection between the plow 14 and the
structural members 15. For instance, there may be a rigid
connection (i.e., no degree of freedom) between the structural
members 15 and the tool. Moreover, it is observed from FIG. 1 that
a biasing unit(s) may be used as well to ensure the plow 14
maintains a given orientation when possible. As mentioned
previously, any appropriate vehicle tool may be used with the
connection system 10, and the description of the plow 14 given
above is for illustrative purposes only.
[0022] Referring concurrently to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle
structure unit 12 is shown in greater detail. The vehicle structure
unit 12 consists of a body 20. In an illustrated embodiment, the
body 20 is a rigid plate having a top planar surface. However, any
other appropriate shape for the body 20 is considered, for instance
to customize the vehicle structure unit 12 to an underside of a
vehicle. The vehicle structure unit 12 is illustrated as supporting
four different U-bolts, i.e., U-clamps. Therefore, by way of the
U-bolts 21, the vehicle structure unit 12 may be secured to an
undersurface of the vehicle. Accordingly, once U-bolts 21 secure
the body 20 to the vehicle, the vehicle structure unit 12 is
integral with the vehicle. The U-bolts 21 typically connect to the
structural parts of the vehicle, such as the chassis. It is
understood that any other appropriate configuration or connection
means may be used to secured the vehicle structure unit 12 to the
vehicle. For instance, the vehicle structure unit 12 may be bolted
directly to the vehicle or welded directly thereto, among numerous
other possible configurations.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the vehicle structure unit 12
features a pair of brackets 22 (one of which is shown). The
brackets 22 each have a portion that projects downwardly from the
body 20, upon which portion is a male connector 23. The male
connector 23 may be a pin, a bolt, or any other projecting
component. The pin may be molded or cast directly with the bracket
22, may be bolted thereto, welded thereto, etc. In any selected
embodiment, the brackets 22 and the male connectors 23 of the
vehicle structure unit 12 must have the necessary strength to
sustain the forces applied thereon by the driving/hauling of the
vehicle tool. The male connectors 23 may be opposed ends of a
single rod, etc. The male connectors 23 may have a circular section
as illustrated, or any other appropriate sectional shape.
[0024] Referring concurrently to FIGS. 1-3, the tool connector unit
13 is shown having a structural base 30. The structural base 30 is
connected to the vehicle tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the
structural base 30 is integral with the vehicle tool. More
specifically, the structural base is a bar that is connected to the
free ends of both the structural members 15 of the vehicle tool.
Female connectors 31 are positioned at opposed ends of the bar and
are thus part of the structural base 30. The female connectors 31
are laterally oriented U-shaped plates, each defining a slot 32
oriented away from the tooling end of the vehicle tool.
[0025] A latch 33 is pivotally mounted to the structural base 30.
The latch 33 therefore moves between the position of FIG. 3, in
which the latch 33 is away from the slots 32 to allow entry and
exit of the male connectors 23. The other position of the latch 33
is shown at FIG. 2, in which the latch 33 maintains the male
connectors 23 captive therein. A push bar 34 may interrelate the
latches 33 such that they move concurrently. Therefore, in an
embodiment, the latches 33 may move concurrently in their pivoting
motion relative to the structural base 30. Other configurations are
possible, for instance with the latches 33 moving independently
from one another. The latches 33 are shaped and oriented to expose
a contact surface or contact edge (i.e., a ramp surface or ramp
edge, sliding surface/edge) to the incoming male connectors 23.
Hence, when the male connectors 23 contact the contact surfaces of
the latches 33, the latches 33 move away to the position of FIG.
3.
[0026] A biasing unit 35, partially visible in FIG. 3, biases the
latches 33 to the position of FIG. 2, namely the position by which
the slots 32 are closed off by the latches. The biasing unit 35 may
be a helical spring, a leaf spring, or any other appropriate
biasing component. Moreover, the tool connector unit 13 may feature
more than one biasing unit 35, for instance to increase biasing
forces or if the latches 33 are independent.
[0027] An interface, in the form of an arm unit 36, is integrally
connected to the push bar 34 and may be used to displace the latch
33 away from the biased position of FIG. 2. In the illustrated
embodiment, the arm unit 36 features a telescopic arm 37. The
telescopic arm 37 projects laterally from the tool connector unit
13. The telescopic arm 37 is manually handled by the user to
operate the connection system 10. The telescopic arm 37 is in a
telescopic relation with a square-section tube 38, although other
sectional shapes are possible as well. The tube 38 is fixedly
secured to the push bar 34. As shown in FIG. 6, a pin 39 may be
used with appropriate holes in both the telescopic arm 37 and tube
38, so as to adjust the length by which the telescopic arm 37
projects out of the housing 38. While the telescopic arm 37 is
inserted in the tube 38 in the illustrated embodiment, other
configurations are also possible.
[0028] Now that the various components of the connection system 10
have been described, an installation of the vehicle tool to the
vehicle is set forth.
[0029] Firstly, the vehicle structure unit 12 must be secured
appropriately to the vehicle or must be integral with the vehicle.
This is typically done, for instance, before the vehicle tool is
used for the first time. The vehicle structure unit 12 may be
permanently secured to the vehicle, or may be removed once the
vehicle tool is no longer required, for instance after a season, in
the event that the vehicle tool is of the seasonal-use type (e.g.,
snowplow). The tool connector unit 13 is connected to the vehicle
tool for the method of installation of the tool to be
performed.
[0030] The vehicle and the vehicle tool are then aligned with one
another. In the illustrated example, FIG. 5 shows a suitable
alignment, with the vehicle being illustrated by the vehicle
structure unit 12 on the left-hand side of the page. The vehicle
then moves towards the tool connector unit 13, with a forward
movement of the vehicle being in a direction generally collinear
with a longitudinal axis of the structural members 15. The vehicle
is stopped when in close proximity to the tool connector unit
13.
[0031] The telescopic arm 37 is arranged so as to project laterally
beyond a side of the vehicle, such that it may be manually handled
from the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle bends over to grasp the
telescopic arm 37 and subsequently raises the tool connector unit
13. It may be required that the vehicle roll over the telescopic
arm 37 once aligned as described above. Alternatively, the
telescopic arm 37 may be installed once the vehicle is in close
proximity to the tool connector unit 13. In the latter case, all
necessary precautions must be taken to ensure that the installation
is performed safely (e.g., vehicle turned off, park brake actuated,
etc.). The illustrated arm 37 is on the right-hand side of the
vehicle, and may thus be used with an all-terrain vehicle, etc. For
standard left-driving side vehicles, the arm 37 may project on the
left-hand side instead. Moreover, as some vehicles are higher above
the ground (e.g., pick-up truck), the arm 37 may have an
upwardly-projecting component to be readily grasped by the driver
of the vehicle from the driver's seat.
[0032] In raising the tool connector unit 13, its female connectors
31 are generally aligned with the male connectors 23 of the vehicle
structure unit 12. The vehicle is at that point driven forward
further, whereby the male connectors 23 contact the latches 33. The
latches 33 therefore latch away from the position of FIG. 2 by this
engaging action, making way for the male connectors 23 to fit
inside the slots 32. The biasing unit 35 then biases the push bar
34 and latches 33 back to the position of FIG. 2, whereby the male
connectors 23 are held captive in the female connectors 31. At that
point, the vehicle tool may be used. The tool connector unit 13 is
connected to the vehicle structure unit 12 in the manner shown in
FIG. 2.
[0033] In order to release the tool from the vehicle, the user
applies a force A on the arm unit 36, as shown in FIG. 3. In doing
so, the latches 33 move out of the way of the slots 32. The
pivoting motion is illustrated by arrow B.
[0034] The vehicle is then moved in the opposite direction, as
shown by arrows C in FIG. 4. In moving away from the vehicle tool,
the male connectors 23 move out of the slots 32, and the tool
connector unit 13 falls to the ground.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, once the force on the arm unit 36 is
released, the latches 33 are biased back to the latched position
illustrated in FIG. 5, but with the vehicle structure unit 12
separated therefrom.
[0036] It is pointed out that the latching mechanism may be part of
the vehicle structure unit 12 instead of the tool connector unit
13. In such a case, an alternate way to raise the tool connector
unit 13 would be required, for the vertical alignment of the
vehicle structure unit 12 with the tool connector unit 13. For
instance, the arm 37 could be connected to other parts of the
structural base 30.
* * * * *