U.S. patent application number 15/477730 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for folding wing plow.
The applicant listed for this patent is CRAIG MANUFACTURING INC.. Invention is credited to Chase BUDROW, Benjamin CRAIG, Max DELONG, Tyler HOW, Tony PELKEY, Mark STAIRS, Mark WAUGH.
Application Number | 20170298583 15/477730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59997567 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170298583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BUDROW; Chase ; et
al. |
October 19, 2017 |
FOLDING WING PLOW
Abstract
The present invention relates to a snow plow assembly for a
vehicle comprising a snow plow frame that is attachable to an
associated vehicle. The snow plow blade is attachable to the snow
plow frame and has a snow plow surface for use in plowing
associated snow. An end gate is pivotally attached to at least one
distal end of the snow plow blade. The end gate has a snow plow
surface for use in plowing associated snow. A hydraulically
operable adjustment mechanism is operatively attached to the snow
plow blade and the end gate. The adjustment mechanism releasably
secures the end gate in at least three different positions relative
to the snow plow blade. A pivotally connected stop assembly means
is operably attached to the snow plow blade and the end gate by a
hydraulically operable adjustment mechanism.
Inventors: |
BUDROW; Chase; (Oakland,
CA) ; STAIRS; Mark; (Jacksontown, CA) ; WAUGH;
Mark; (Waterville, CA) ; PELKEY; Tony;
(Florenceville-Bristol, CA) ; DELONG; Max;
(Florenceville-Bristol, CA) ; HOW; Tyler;
(Centreville, CA) ; CRAIG; Benjamin; (Fredericton,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CRAIG MANUFACTURING INC. |
Hartland |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
59997567 |
Appl. No.: |
15/477730 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 5/066 20130101;
E01H 5/061 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E01H 5/06 20060101
E01H005/06; E01H 5/06 20060101 E01H005/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 4, 2016 |
CA |
2925911 |
Claims
1. A snow plow assembly for a vehicle comprising: a snow plow frame
that is attachable to an associated vehicle; a snow plow blade that
is attachable to the snow plow frame and that has a snow plow
surface for use in plowing associated snow, the snow plow blade
comprising upper and lower edges and first and second ends; an end
gate pivotally attached to at least one distal end of the snow plow
blade and that has a snow plow surface for use in plowing
associated snow; a hydraulically operable adjustment mechanism that
is operatively attached to the snow plow blade and the end gate,
the adjustment mechanism releasably secures the end gate in at
least three different positions relative to the snow plow blade; a
pivotally connected stop assembly means that is operably attached
to the snow plow blade and the end gate by a hydraulically operable
adjustment mechanism.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of excavating and more
particularly to snow and ice removal using a detachable plow
moldboard or blade having articulating wing extensions or end gates
and a wheel protection system for limiting the rotation of the end
gates depending on the plow orientation.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is common practice to remove snow from streets, parking
lots, and other vehicular travelled areas through the use of a
vehicle mounted snow plow blade moveable to different angles to
direct snow from the area in front of the vehicle to either or both
sides of the vehicle.
[0003] Typically, snow plow blades are mounted to a vehicle
transversely of the direction of travel. While plows are sometimes
rear mounted, for example, on tractors, usually snow plow blades
are mounted forwardly of the vehicle such as a front end loader so
that a travel path is cleared for the plow vehicle as the operator
removes the snow. Most snow plow blades are C-shaped in
cross-section about a vertical plane containing the direction of
travel. Each such plow thus follows a contour that is an arcuate
section of a cylindrical shell.
[0004] The mounting structures for the above-described snow plows
include rigid assemblies which position the plow blade at a
selected orientation with respect to the direction of travel.
Mounts may include hydraulic systems that operate to cant or angle
the blade at various obtuse angles with respect to the direction of
travel. Thus, an operator can tilt the blade over a variety of
angles with respect to the direction of travel in order to direct
materials gathered by the plow blade. Thus, the operator can direct
the materials either to the left side of the vehicle or to the
right side of the vehicle depending on how the blade is canted.
[0005] Snow plow blades may also be equipped with moveable wing
extensions or end [swing] gates added to the distal ends of the
snow plow blade to increase plowing effectiveness or change its
performance. The end gates are adapted to provide a wide variety of
blade configurations and angular dispositions of the end gates
relative to the main plow blade. The end gates can typically pivot
through 180 degrees such that each end gate can be positioned at 90
degrees to the main plow blade, either forwards or rearwards, or to
an angle anywhere between.
[0006] The need for wider snow plows to be more efficient is
growing because most areas used to transport heavy equipment are
designed for narrow widths of approximately 11.5 feet (3.5
metres).
[0007] Snow plows with articulating end gates must be configured to
prevent a rearward positioned end gate from contacting the tire of
the vehicle when the plow blade is angled with and an end gate is
positioned rearward the main blade.
[0008] The mechanical linkage stops used with some existing snow
blades having end gates are nonadjustable, prone to buckling due to
their length and can be difficult to set. Other methods include
long struts and linkages that can be complex to set-up and easily
bent.
[0009] The present disclosure provides an adjustable stop assembly
by means of a hydraulic cylinder (per side) that allows multiple
end gate positions, and that can be set from the vehicle. An
adjustable rotating stop assembly allows the vehicle operator to
set the end gate to precise positions as the environs to be plowed
require.
SUMMARY
[0010] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a snow plow
assembly for a vehicle comprising a snow plow frame that is
attachable to an associated vehicle. The snow plow blade is
attachable to the snow plow frame and has a snow plow surface for
use in plowing associated snow, the snow plow blade comprising
upper and lower edges and first and second ends. An end gate is
pivotally attached to at least one distal end of the snow plow
blade. The end gate has a snow plow surface for use in plowing
associated snow. A hydraulically operable adjustment mechanism is
operatively attached to the snow plow blade and the end gate. The
adjustment mechanism releasably secures the end gate in at least
three different positions relative to the snow plow blade. A
pivotally connected stop assembly means is operably attached to the
snow plow blade and the end gate. A hydraulically operable
adjustment mechanism is operatively attached to the snow plow blade
and the stop assembly means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] An embodiment will now be described in detail by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one end of the snow plow
blade and end gate, illustrating the gate in a closed position.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a top view of the plow and gate of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a top view of one end of the snow plow blade and
end gate, illustrating the gate in full rearward position, known as
fully open.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of one end of the snow plow blade and
end gate with the gate open to stop (stop assembly is in fully
extended position).
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of one end of the snow plow blade and
end gate with the gate open to stop (stop assembly is in second
extended position).
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of one end of the snow plow blade and
end gate, with the gate open to stop (stop assembly is in first
extended position).
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of one end of the snow plow blade and
end gate, with the gate open to stop (stop assembly is in standard
position).
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the main plow blade angled left,
with the right gate open 90 degrees and the left gate open to a
stop position.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top view of the main plow blade angled left with
both gates closed.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a top view of the main plow blade angled left,
with gates open to full width.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a top view of the main plow blade angled right,
with the left gate open 90 degrees and the right gate open to a
stop position.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a top view of the main plow blade angled right,
with both gates closed.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a top view of the main plow blade angled right,
with both gates open to full width.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a top view of the main plow blade in a straight
position (perpendicular to vehicle), with both gates closed.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a top view of the main plow blade in a straight
position, with booth gates open to 180 degrees.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a top view of the main plow blade in a straight
position, with the gates open to full width (aligned with main
blade).
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the snow plow blade of the
present disclosure in a straight position.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the snow plow blade of the
present disclosure.in an angled position.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the snow plow blade of the
present disclosure.in an angled position with a rearward opened end
gate.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a close-up view of the stop lug assembly and the
stop slide assembly in a first extended position.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a close-up view of the stop lug assembly is a
close-up view of the stop lug assembly and the stop slide assembly
in a full extended position.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a close-up view of the stop lug assembly is a
close-up view of the stop lug assembly and the stop slide assembly
in a second extended position.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a close-up view of the stop lug assembly is a
close-up view of the stop lug assembly and the stop slide assembly
in a standard position.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a close-up underside view of the stop lug
assembly showing the lynch pins positioned through the adjustment
pins.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The description, which follows, and the embodiments
described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an
example, or examples of particular embodiments of principles and
aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for
the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those
principles and of the invention. In the description that follows,
like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings
with the same respective reference numerals.
[0037] Shown in FIG. 1 is one end of the main blade and end gate 1,
illustrating the configuration of main hinge pins 2, a stop lug
assembly 3, an upper hydraulic cylinder for articulating end gate
1, a hydraulic cylinder 4 for operating the stop assembly, stop
assembly pin 5, adjustable side slide assembly 6, stop assembly
adjustment pins 7, cylinder mount lugs 6 and cylinder mount pin
9.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the end gate 1 is in a fully
closed position facing straight forward. The stop lug assembly 3 is
pulled back and not needed with the plow in this position. With the
plow in the straight forward position the end gate 1 should be
allowed a full 180.degree. of rotation and should not interfere
with a tire.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2B, end gate 1 is in a fully open position
and abuts against the stop lug assembly 3. The compression of the
piston in the upper hydraulic cylinder articulates end gate 1.
[0040] The stop lug assembly has a stop slide assembly disposed
therein. The slide assembly position can be manually adjusted by
means of removing two lynch pins from the bottom of the two slide
adjustment pins, then pulling the two adjustment pins up and out of
both the stop lug assembly and the slide assembly within. The slide
assembly can then be manually pulled to another desired position
within the stop lug assembly, by lining up corresponding holes and
re-inserting the adjustment pins into different hole locations and
in turn returning the lynch pins to the bottom of the adjustment
pins.
[0041] The adjustable slide assembly enables the operator to
further control the angle at which the end gate stops, the stop lug
assembly holes are set to allow intervals of approximately 10
degrees.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows the plow main blade rotated to the right and
the end gate 1 opened up to the stop lug assembly 3 in its fully
extended position. The upper hydraulic cylinder used to rotate the
end gate 1 supplies a pulling force bringing the end gate 1 in
contact with the stop lug assembly 3. A hydraulic cylinder 4 is
used to rotate the stop lug assembly 3. The hydraulic cylinder 4 is
mounted to the main plow blade by two cylinder mount lugs 8 and a
cylinder mount pin 9. The hydraulic cylinder 4 provides a pushing
force transferring to the stop assembly pin 5 which in turn rotates
the stop lug assembly 3 about the main hinge pin 2, interfering
with and limiting the end gate 1 rotation, thereby providing
protection for the tires on the vehicle.
[0043] FIG. 4 depicts the stop lug assembly 3 adjusted to the
second extended position, allowing the end gate 1 to rotate
farther. The stop lug assembly 3 is adjusted by removing the two
stop assembly adjustment pins 7 and setting the adjustable slide
assembly 6 to the desired position.
[0044] Shown in FIG. 5 is the stop lug assembly 3 set in its first
extended position, allowing increased end gate 1 rotation.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows the stop lug assembly 3 in its standard
position. This position allows the end gate 1 to rotate parallel to
the machine, but no farther, thereby preventing interference with
the tires.
[0046] FIGS. 7 to 23 show the snow plow of the present invention in
various operating positions.
[0047] While the principles of the invention have been shown and
described in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be
understood that such embodiments are by way of example and are not
limiting. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain
aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular
details of the mobile stand illustrated in the drawings. Other
modifications and applications, or equivalents, will occur to those
skilled in the art.
[0048] By way of example only, changes that can be made to this
above described embodiment without differing from the principle of
the invention would include, cylinder size and geometry (4), plate
thickness and hardness (1,3,6,8), cylinder connection points (4),
boss sizes (1,3,8), pin sizes (2,5,7,9), size of end gate (1), size
of plow moldboard and stop lug geometry (3,6). Control valves,
proximity sensors and stroke sensors can also vary.
[0049] The terms "having", "comprising" and "including" and similar
terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense
of "optional" or "may include" and not as "required". Many changes,
modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the
present construction will, however, become apparent to those
skilled in the art after considering the specification and attached
drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other
uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is
limited only by the claims that follow. The scope of the disclosure
is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but
is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims,
wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather
one or more.
* * * * *