Mounting assembly for coupling snowplow or the like to a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for coupling a snowplow or other like implement to a motor vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle or the like. The vehicle has a front end, a rear end and a support frame extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the vehicle. The support frame is mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle. The snowplow mounting assembly includes a hollow push frame having a front end and a rear end. The front end of the push frame is adapted to support the snowplow. A first coupling means connects the rear end of the push frame to the support frame. The snowplow mounting assembly also has attachment means for securing the push frame to the support frame at a location intermediate the front and rear ends of the vehicle. A portion of the attachment means is slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof. A second coupling means connects the front end of the push frame to the support frame. The snowplow mounting assembly further includes a linkage assembly that is connected to the push frame. The linkage assembly is operable to urge the snowplow to move selectively between a raised, out-of-use position and a lowered, in-use position. A means for actuating the linkage assembly is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for coupling a snowplow or other like implement to the front end of a motor vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various mounting assemblies have been devised for coupling snowplows to motor vehicles, such as pickup trucks or sport utility vehicles. One type of conventional snowplow mounting assembly has a frame for mounting to the vehicle and a snowplow assembly removably coupled to the frame. The frame attaches to the vehicle chassis and the front bumper thereof. This type of snowplow mounting assembly also typically includes a lifting means for lowering the snowplow to ground level, or raising the snowplow when not in use. The lifting means may be hydraulically actuated or alternatively, it may include a lift cable and winch arrangement.

When using this type of mounting assembly, the front bumper and chassis of the vehicle must often be reinforced to withstand the weight of the snowplow mounting assembly and the stresses applied to the vehicle resulting from the deployment of the snowplow. Substantial modifications requiring drilling and/or welding are sometimes required to attach these types of snowplow mounting assemblies to the vehicle. These modifications can be expensive and may have an adverse impact on the resale value of the vehicle.

Moreover, while this type of mounting assembly may be appropriate for coupling a snowplow to a tractor or other heavy duty vehicle, it may not to be particularly well-suited for use on light all terrain vehicles (ATVs) which have suspension systems. This is due to the fact that the weight of the snowplow and any load supported thereon must be supported by the ATV's front suspension system. If the load carried on the front of the vehicle is excessive, it can cause the front suspension to sag, bottom out, or even collapse.

Another type of known snowplow mounting assembly uses a thrust coupling to mount a snowplow to a vehicle. The thrust coupling has a frame that may be mounted to the underframe of the vehicle. A means in the nature of parallelogram arrangement of links is provided at the rear end of the frame for suspending the frame from the rear end of the vehicle. The front end of the frame is also secured to the front end of the vehicle by chains or cables. The frame is further braced to the vehicle chassis by means of a lateral strut. The height of the thrust frame relative to the ground may be adjusted by hydraulic lifting means. More specifically, the lifting means includes a hinge block securely fastened onto the front end of the thrust frame. The hinge block has a pair of vertically hinged plates mounted on either side thereof. Pivotally attached to each of the hinged plates are a hydraulic piston and cross arm member. Each hydraulic piston is further pivotally connected to its corresponding cross arm member. The ends of the cross arm members are supported by the chains or cables. To urge the snowplow to move between a raised position and a lowered position the hydraulic pistons are selectively retracted or extended thereby raising lowering the cross arms members. The parallelogram arrangement of links and the cables or chains co-operate with each other to allow the thrust frame to move in a generally longitudinal (or horizontal) direction.

While this type of mounting assembly overcomes some of the drawbacks associated with the type of mounting assembly previously described above, by distributing a portion of the snowplow load throughout the vehicle frame, the plurality of moving parts and the complexity of assembly tends to heighten the possibility of malfunction resulting from the build-up of ice and dirt. Additionally, there are concerns that such an assembly could unduly restrict the action of the ATV's suspension system.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a mounting assembly for coupling a snowplow or other like implement to the front of an ATV that is of generally simple construction thereby mitigating the risk of malfunction. It would further be advantageous to have a mounting assembly wherein the load of the snowplow is distributed throughout the vehicle to prevent damage to the ATV's front suspension system. In this regard, there is a need for a snowplow mounting assembly that tends not to interfere and/or hinder the proper functioning of the ATV's suspension system. Furthermore, a snowplow mounting assembly that could be installed onto the ATV quickly and easily would further be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a broad aspect of an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an assembly for mounting a snowplow to a vehicle. The vehicle has a front end, a rear end and a support frame extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the vehicle. The support frame is mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle. The snowplow mounting assembly includes a hollow push frame having a front end and a rear end. The front end of the push frame is adapted to support the snowplow. The snowplow mounting assembly also has a first coupling means for connecting the rear end of the push frame to the support frame and an attachment means for securing the push frame to the support frame at a location intermediate the front and rear ends of the vehicle. A portion of the attachment means is slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof. Further provided is a second coupling means for connecting the front end of the push frame to the support frame. The snowplow mounting assembly further includes a linkage assembly that is connected to the push frame. The linkage assembly is operable to urge the snowplow to move selectively between a raised, out-of-use position and a lowered, in-use position. A means for actuating the linkage assembly is also provided.

In an additional feature, the push frame has a length. The length of the push frame is adjustable to correspond to the length of the vehicle. The push frame includes a front portion and rear portion detachably connected to the front portion. The front portion of the push frame has a first cross-sectional area and the rear portion of the push frame has a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area to thereby permit a part of the front portion to be received within the rear portion.

In a further feature, each of the front and rear portions are defined by a pair of opposed sidewalls, an upper wall and a lower wall. The upper and lower walls extend between the opposed sidewalls. The sidewalls of the front and rear portions have at least one pair of opposed apertures defined therein. The apertures in the sidewalls of the front portion are alignable with the apertures in the sidewalls of the rear portion when the front and rear portions are connected to each other. The apertures are sized to receive a pin for fastening the front portion to the rear portion.

In yet another feature, the first coupling means includes a hitch carried on the rear end of the push frame. The rear end of the push frame has a pair of spaced apart mounting arms for receiving therebetween the hitch. The pair of mounting arms stands proud of the rear end of the push frame to face the undercarriage of the vehicle when the push frame is mounted to the support frame. In still another feature, the hitch is hingedly mounted between the pair of mounting arms.

In yet a further feature, the snowplow mounting assembly has means for adjusting the height of the hitch relative to the rear end of the push frame. The attachment means includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is the portion of the attachment means that is slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof. The second portion is fixed to the support frame. The first portion of the attachment means is a sliding member. The second portion of the attachment means is a clamping device pivotally connected to the sliding member. The push frame includes a front portion and rear portion detachably: connected to the front portion. The sliding member is mounted in substantially surrounding relation to the front portion of the push frame and is adapted to slide longitudinally therealong.

In an additional feature, the clamping device includes a pair of clamping members operatively connected to each other for fastening to the support frame and a pair of spaced apart mounting arms for carrying the clamping members therebetween. Each mounting arm has a first end fastened to the clamping members and a second end attached to the sliding member.

In another feature, the snowplow mounting assembly further includes a snowplow support bracket fixed to the push frame adjacent the front end thereof. The linkage assembly includes at least one linkage rod, at least one bar link, at least one dog-legged link and a generally, L-shaped lever. The at least one linkage rod extends between the front and rear ends of the push frame. The at least one linkage rod has a front end, a rear end and an elongate slot formed therein adjacent the rear end thereof. The at least one bar link has a first end and a second end. The first end of the at least one bar link is connected to the at least one linkage rod. The at least one dog-legged link has a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the at least one bar link and a second end connected to the actuating means. The at least one dog-legged link is mounted to the push frame at a link pivot connection located intermediate the first and second ends of the at least one dog-legged link. The link pivot connection extends into the hollow of the push frame for connection to the at least one linkage rod. The generally L-shaped, lever has a first arm and a second arm joined to the first arm. Each arm has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the first arm being pivotally connected to the second coupling means. The distal end of the second arm is connected to the front end of the at least one linkage rod. The lever is mounted to the snowplow mounting bracket at a lever pivot connection located between the proximal and distal ends of the second arm. The at least one linkage rod is housed within the push frame. The push frame has an elongate slot defined therein. The rear end of the at least one linkage rod is constrained to travel longitudinally along the slot defined in the push frame.

In still another feature, the at least one linkage rod is a first linkage rod and the linkage assembly includes a second linkage rod. The second linkage rod has a front end, a rear end and an elongate slot formed therein between the front and rear ends thereof. The first and second linkage rods are disposed within the push frame side-by-side. The distal end of the second arm of the lever is connected to the front end of the second linkage rod.

In a further feature, the second linkage rod is housed within the push frame. The elongate slot of the push frame is a first slot and the push frame has a second opposed slot defined therein. The rear end of the second linkage rod is constrained to travel longitudinally along the second slot of the push frame.

In yet another feature, the at least one bar link is a first bar link and the at least one dog-legged link is a first dog-legged link. The linkage assembly includes a second bar link spaced apart from the first bar link and a second dog-legged link spaced apart from the first dog-legged link. The second bar link has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second bar link is connected to the second linkage rod. The second dog-legged link has a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second bar link and a second end connected to the actuating means. The second dog-legged link is mounted to the push frame at a second link pivot connection located intermediate the first and second ends of the second dog-legged link. The second link pivot connection extends into the hollow of the push frame for connection to the second linkage rod.

In an additional feature, the actuating means includes manual actuating means. The manual actuating means includes an actuating lever operatively connected to the linkage assembly. The actuating lever is a generally L-shaped, actuating lever with a first arm and a second arm joined thereto. Each arm has a proximal end and a distal end. The first arm is fixedly mounted to the linkage assembly adjacent its distal end. The distal end of the second arm terminates in a handle. The handle of the actuating lever is within reach of a driver of the vehicle. In another feature, the actuating lever is moveable between an engaged position whereat the snowplow is in the lowered, in-use position and a disengaged position whereat the snowplow is in the raised, out-of-use position.

In yet another feature, the snowplow mounting assembly includes means for supporting the snowplow on the front end of the push frame. The snowplow support means includes a bracket fixed atop the push frame adjacent the front end thereof and a snowplow mounting member for attaching to the snowplow. The mounting member is attached to the bracket.

In a further feature, the push frame has a flange member that extends from the front end of the push frame. The snowplow mounting member rests atop the flange member. The snowplow support means further includes fastening means for securing the snowplow mounting member to the flange member.

In yet another feature, the mounting member includes a generally semi-circular plate and a band welded thereto. The semi-circular plate has an arcuate edge and a substantially straight edge. The band extends along the arcuate edge of the semi-circular plate. The straight edge of the semi-circular plate is disposed opposite the snowplow and the arcuate edge is disposed opposite the bracket, when the mounting member is attached to the snowplow. The semi-circular plate is pivotally connected to the flange member. In an additional feature, the fastening means is pivot connection member and each of the flange member and the semi-circular plate has an aperture defined therein. The apertures are aligned one with the other to receive therethrough the pivot connection member.

In still another additional feature, the snowplow mounting assembly further includes an indexed snowplow orientation assembly operable to fix the snowplow in a predetermined angular position selected from a set of discrete angular positions relative to the front end of the push frame.

In a further feature, the band has a plurality of indexing apertures formed therein. Each indexing aperture corresponds to one the predetermined, angular positions selected from the set of discrete angular positions. The bracket includes a pair of opposed, spaced apart, first and second walls standing proud of the push frame. Each of the first and second walls has an opening defined therein. The openings in the first and second walls are alignable with one of the plurality of indexing apertures formed in the band. The indexed snowplow orientation means includes an indexing pin for insertion into the openings and one of the plurality of indexing apertures when aligned. The openings in the first and second walls, the plurality of indexing apertures and the indexing pin define the indexed snowplow orientation means.

In another feature, the indexing pin is supported by the first and second walls and is mounted to extend through the openings defined therein. The indexing pin is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the indexing pin extends through the openings and one of the plurality of indexing apertures in alignment to thereby fix the snowplow in one of the predetermined angular positions selected from the set of predetermined angular positions. In the disengaged position, the indexing pin extends short of any of the plurality of indexing apertures to thereby allowing the semi-circular plate to be rotated about the pivot connection member and the snowplow to be moved to one of the predetermined angular positions selected from the set of predetermined angular positions. Additionally, the indexing pin is spring-loaded and is biased toward the engaged position.

In a broad aspect of an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an assembly for mounting an implement to a vehicle. The vehicle has a front end, a rear end and a support frame extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the vehicle. The support frame is mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle. The implement mounting assembly includes a hollow push frame having a front end and a rear end. The front end of the push frame is adapted to support the implement. The implement mounting assembly also has a first coupling means for connecting the rear end of the push frame to the support frame and an attachment means for securing the push frame to the support frame at a location intermediate the front and rear ends of the vehicle. A portion of the attachment means is slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof. Further provided is a second coupling means for connecting the front end of the push frame to the support frame. The implement mounting assembly further includes a linkage assembly that is connected to the push frame. The linkage assembly is operable to urge the implement to move selectively between a raised, out-of-use position and a lowered, in-use position. A means for actuating the linkage assembly is also provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention shall be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view showing the snowplow mounting assembly operatively connected to an all terrain vehicle shown in stippled lines, the snowplow occupying a raised, out-of-use position;

FIG. 2 is another side elevation view of the snowplow mounting assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 1, with the snowplow occupying a lowered, in-use position;

FIG. 3 is a rear right perspective view of the snowplow mounting assembly of FIG. 1 shown mounted to a support frame of the all terrain vehicle, the support frame being shown in stippled lines and the all terrain vehicle being omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a front left perspective view of the snowplow mounting assembly of FIG. 2 shown mounted to a support frame of the all terrain vehicle, the support frame being shown in stippled lines and the all terrain vehicle being omitted for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded, rear right perspective view of the snowplow mounting assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the snowplow mounting assembly of FIG. 3 with the snowplow occupying the raised, out-of-use position;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the snowplow mounting assembly of FIG. 4, but with the snowplow occupying the lowered, in-use-position;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the snowplow mounting assembly shown in FIG. 7, the snowplow being fixed in a first predetermined angular position relative to the front end of the push frame and having a substantially perpendicular orientation;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the snowplow mounting assembly of FIG. 8 taken along line “9-9”;

FIG. 10 is a magnified, partial cross-sectional view of the snowplow support means shown in encircled portion “10” in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front left perspective view of the snowplow mounting assembly of FIG. 6 with the support frame removed and certain portions of the push frame shown in stippled lines to better reveal the linkage assembly;

FIG. 12 is rear left perspective view of the snowplow mounting assembly of FIG. 7 with the support frame removed and certain portions of the push frame shown in stippled lines to better reveal the linkage assembly;

FIG. 13 is an isolated, front right perspective view of the indexed snowplow orientation assembly shown in FIG. 8, the locking pin of the orientation assembly being retracted to permit the snowplow to be moved from a first angular position to a second predetermined angular position;

FIG. 14 is another isolated perspective view of the indexed snowplow orientation assembly similar to that illustrated in FIG. 13, showing the snowplow fixed in the second predetermined angular position; and

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the snowplow mounting assembly shown in FIG. 4 with the snowplow fixed in the second predetermined angular position and having a skewed orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

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 of the invention. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a snowplow mounting assembly designated generally with reference numeral 20. The snowplow mounting assembly 20 is mounted to a motor vehicle, such as, a four-wheel, recreational all terrain vehicle (ATV) 22 or the like. The ATV 22 has a front end 24, a rear end 26 and a support frame 28 that attaches to its undercarriage 30 for mounting the snowplow mounting assembly 20 thereto. The support frame 28 is secured to the undercarriage 30 by welding, or other conventional fastening techniques.

The support frame 28 is disposed between each pair 32, 34 of front and rear wheels and extends longitudinally between the front and rear ends 24 and 26 of the ATV 22. The support frame 28 includes a pair of spaced apart support members 36a and 36b made of structural steel tubing, joined to each other at generally, U-shaped, front and rear ends 40 and 42, respectively. Each end 40, 42 is adapted for connecting to a portion of the snowplow mounting assembly 20. When viewed in side elevation as shown in FIG. 7, the support members 36a and 36b extend generally horizontally from the rear end 42 toward the front end 40 of the support frame 28. At a location 44 closer to the front end 40 than to the rear end 42, the support members 36a and 36b become generally upturned such that the front end 40 is carried higher from the ground than the rear end 42.

Support frame 28 is an example of the type of support frame with which the snowplow mounting assembly 20 may be used. It will be appreciated that differently configured support frames could be employed instead of support frame 28 and to similar advantage with the appropriate modifications being made to the snowplow mounting assembly 20.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the snowplow mounting assembly 20 has a hollow push beam or frame 50 with a front end 52 and a rear end 54. The front end 52 of the push frame 50 is adapted to support a snowplow 56 or other similar, front-mounted, implement or ATV accessory. The rear end 54 of the push frame 50 is connected to the support frame 28 by way of a first coupling means 58. The snowplow mounting assembly 20 further includes an attachment means 60 for securing the push frame 50 to the support frame 28 at a location intermediate the front and rear ends 24 and 26 of the ATV 22. A second coupling means 62 connects the front end 52 of the push frame 50 to the support frame 28. Connected to the push frame 50 is a linkage assembly 64. The linkage assembly 64 is operable to urge the snowplow 56 to move selectively between a raised, out-of-use position 66 and a lowered, in-use position 68. A means 70 for actuating the linkage assembly 64 is also provided.

In the preferred embodiment, the push frame 50 is of two-piece construction. It has a front portion 72 and a rear portion 74 detachably connected to the front portion 72. The front portion 72 carries snowplow support means 76 at the front end 52 of the push frame 50. In particular, the front portion 72 supports a bracket 78 to which is mounted a portion of the linkage assembly 64.

Each portion 72, 74 is constructed from a generally rectangular hollow structural steel (HSS) member. In alternative embodiments, structural steel members having different shapes in cross-section could also be employed to similar advantage.

The cross-sectional area of the rear portion 74 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the front portion 72 so as to permit an end of the front portion 72 to be received within the rear portion 74. It will thus be appreciated that the length of the push frame 50 may be adjusted to suit the length of the ATV 22 to which the snowplow mounting assembly 20 is being attached. Each of the front and rear portions 72 and 74 has a pair of opposed, relatively short sidewalls 80a and 80b (best shown in FIG. 8) and a pair of opposed, relatively wide, upper and lower walls 82 and 84 (best shown in FIG. 7). Defined in each of the short sidewalls 80a, 80b of the front portion 72 is a series of spaced apertures (not shown). A corresponding pair of these apertures are alignable with a pair of apertures formed within the short sidewalls 80a and 80b of the rear portion 74, when the front and rear portions 72 and 74 are connected to each other. A locking pin 88 inserted within the aligned apertures is used to fasten the front portion 72 to the rear portion 74.

In the preferred embodiment, the coupling means 58 takes the form of a hitch 90 that is carried on the rear end 54 of the push frame 50. The hitch 90 includes an apertured plate 92 and a mounting rod 94 welded thereto. The apertured plate 92 is coupled to a corresponding connection member 96 carried on the U-shaped rear end 42 of the support frame 28 by a conventional fastener, for instance a pin and lock clip. Connection member 96 may be factory installed onto the ATV 22 or alternatively, may be an “aftermarket” mounted hitch accessory. Additionally, while it is preferred that the connection member be onto the rear end of the support frame, in other applications it may be desirable or practical to have the connection member be mounted to another vehicle component disposed at the rear end of the ATV 22.

The hitch 90 is hingedly mounted between a pair of spaced apart mounting arms 98 that stand proud of the rear end 54 of the push frame 50 to face the undercarriage 30 of the ATV 22 when the push frame 50 is mounted to the support frame 28. Each mounting arm 98 has a series of apertures 100 defined therein. Each pair of opposed, aligned apertures 100 in the mounting arms 98 is adapted to receive therein the opposed ends of mounting rod 94. Each pair of aligned apertures 100 corresponds to a particular height. The height at which the hitch 90 is carried relative to the rear end 54 of the push frame 50 may be adjusted to obtain the desired mechanical clearance or suspension characteristics by inserting the mounting rod 94 within that pair of opposed aligned apertures 100 corresponding to the desired height.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 7 and 8 the attachment means 60 includes a sliding member 110 and a clamping device 112 pivotally connected thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the sliding member 110 is a generally rectangular channel or sleeve 114 with a cross-sectional area slightly larger than that of the front portion 72 of the push frame 50. The sleeve 114 is mounted in substantially surrounding relation to the front portion 72 of the push frame 50 and is adapted to slide longitudinally therealong. As will be explained in greater detail below, upon actuation of the linkage assembly 64, the sleeve 114 is urged to slide between the front and rear ends 52 and 54 of the push frame 50.

The clamping device 112 has a pair of releasable, clamping members—an upper clamping member 120 and a lower clamping member 122—operatively connected to each other for fastening to the support frame 28, and a pair of spaced apart mounting arms 124a and 124b for carrying the clamping members 120 and 122 therebetween (best shown in FIG. 8). Each mounting arm 124a, 124b has a first end 126 fastened to the lower clamping member 122 and a second end 128 pivotally attached to a flange member 130 (shown in FIG. 9). The flange member 130 depends downwardly from the sleeve 114 extending below the lower wall 84 of the push frame 50.

The lower clamping member 122 extends between, and is retained by, the first ends 126 of mounting arms 124a and 124b. The upper clamping member 120 is connected to the lower clamping member 122 by way of fasteners in the nature of eyebolts 132. The eyebolts 132 are fixed to the lower clamping member 122 at spaced apart locations and are sized to receive the ends of the upper clamping member 120 within their respective eyes. When the snowplow mounting assembly 20 is operatively connected to the support frame 28, the support members 36a and 36b of support frame 28 are held firmly between the upper and lower clamping members 120 and 122 (as shown in FIG. 9). This arrangement helps the snowplow mounting assembly 20 to resist lateral loads applied thereto during use.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sleeve 114, the mounting arms 124a and 124, and the upper and lower clamping members 120 and 122 cooperate with each other to define an A-frame type mount anchored to the support frame 28. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the hitch 90 and the A-frame type mount allow the push frame 50 to “float” relative to the support frame 28 (i.e. adjust its elevation and travel independently of the support frame 28) to accommodate variances in terrain. Thus configured, the snowplow mounting assembly 20 tends not to interfere or restrict the actions of the ATV's suspension system.

In the preferred embodiment, the second coupling means 62 takes the form of an elongate rigid connecting rod 140. The connecting rod 140 has a first end 142 pivotally attached to a portion of the linkage assembly 64, and an opposed second end 144. The second end 144 of the connecting rod 140 is mounted to a fitting 146 for pivotal motion. The fitting 146 extends frontwardly from the U-shaped front end 40 of the support frame 28.

While it is preferred that the connecting rod 140 be mounted to support frame 28, in certain applications, it may be desirable or practical to attach the connecting rod to the front bumper of the vehicle, or other like vehicle part disposed at the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, the second mounting means 62 need not be a rigid connecting rod. In an alternative embodiment, the second coupling means may take the form of a strap, a cable, a chain, or the like.

It will thus be appreciated that the snowplow mounting assembly 20 employs a three-point, connection system for securing to the support frame 28. This type of connection system better allows the weight of the snowplow and any load supported thereon to be distributed along the support frame, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the ATV's front suspension system.

Referring to FIG. 5, the snowplow mounting assembly 20 is installed onto the ATV 22 by mating the hitch 90 to the corresponding connection member 96 carried by the rear end 42 of the support frame 28. The first end 142 of the connecting rod 140 is attached to lever 156 of the linkage assembly 64, while the second end 144 thereof is secured to the fitting 146 of the support frame 28. The clamping device 112 is then connected to the support members 36a and 36b. The upper clamping member is removed from the clamping device 112 to allow the lower clamping member 122 to be placed against the support frame 28. The clamping device 112 can then be fixed in place by inserting the upper clamping member 120 through the eyes of the eyebolt 132. The upper and lower clamping members 120 and 122 co-operate with each other to fixedly retain the support frame 28 therebetween.

Thus configured, the snowplow mounting assembly 20 may be attached (or detached) from the support frame 28 of the ATV 22 quickly and easily. Moreover, as will be appreciated the attachment of the snowplow mounting assembly 20 to the ATV 22 does not require substantial modifications in the nature of welding or drilling to be made to the ATV 22, its chassis or underframe 30.

With reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 12, the linkage assembly 64 is now described in greater detail. In the preferred embodiment, the linkage assembly 64 includes a pair of linkage rods 150a and 150b, a pair of opposed bar links 152a and 152b, a pair of opposed dog-legged links 154a and 154b and a generally flat, L-shaped lever 156—the foregoing elements being operatively connected to each other as described below.

The linkage rods 150a and 150b are elongate, substantially flat members that extend between the front and rear ends 52 and 54 of the push frame 50. In the preferred embodiment, the linkage rods 150a and 150b are housed side-by-side and in spaced relation to each other, within the hollow of the push frame 50. Each linkage rod 150a, 150b has a front end 158, a rear end 160, a first elongate slot 162 formed therein adjacent the rear end 160 thereof and a second elongate slot 164 formed therein closer to the rear end 160 than to the front end 158. The slots 162 and 164 are provided to allow the linkage rods 150a and 150b to travel longitudinally within the push frame 50.

As will be explained in greater detail below, the linkage rods 150a and 150b are movable between an extended position 166 (shown in FIG. 12) and a retracted position 168 (shown in FIG. 11) when the linkage assembly 64 is actuated. When moved to the extended position 166, the front ends 158 of the linkage rods 150a and 150b are brought closer to the front end 52 of the push frame 50. Correspondingly, the front ends 158 are moved away from the front end 52 of the push frame 50 when the linkage rods 150a and 150b are brought to their retracted position 168.

With reference to FIGS. 4, 11 and 12, the linkage rods 150a and 150b are connected to each other at their respective rear ends 160 by a roller member 170. The roller member 170 is constrained to travel along opposed slots 172 formed in the short sidewalls 80a and 80b of the push frame 50. In effect, the arrangement of roller member 170 and slots 172 acts to limit the travel of the linkage rods 150a and 150b relative to the push frame 50.

In the present embodiment, the linkage rods 150a and 150b are not equally spaced from each other throughout their respective lengths. More specifically and as best shown in FIG. 10, the distance between the respective rear ends 160 of the linkage rods 150a and 150b is greater than the distance separating the respective front ends 158 thereof. The linkage rods 150a and 150b converge towards each other at their respective front ends 158 to connect to the lever 156.

The bar links 152a and 152b are spaced apart from each other and are disposed on either side of the push frame 50. Each of the bar links 152a, 152b has a first end 180 pivotally connected to the roller member 170 and a second end 182 connected to one of the dog-legged links 154a, 154b, as the case may be.

In like fashion, each of the dog-legged links 154a, 154b is spaced from the other and is disposed on one side of the push frame 50. Each of the dog-legged links 154a, 154b also has a first end 184 and second end 186. The first end 184 of each dog-legged link 154a, 154b is pivotally connected to the second end 182 of each bar link 152a, 152b, while the second end 186 of each dog-legged link 154a, 154b is attached to the actuating means 70. Each of the dog-legged links 154a, 154b is mounted to a respective short sidewall 80a, 80b of the push frame 50 at a link pivot connection 190 located intermediate the first and second ends 184 and 186 of each respective dog-legged link 154a, 154b. The link pivot connections 190 extend into the hollow of the push frame through apertures formed within the short sidewalls 80a and 80b, and are ultimately received within the slots 162 defined in the linkage rods 150a and 150b.

While it is preferred that the linkage assembly 64 employ a dual arrangement of opposed linkage rods 150a and 150, bar links 152a and 152b, and dog-legged links 154a and 154b, it should be appreciated that with the appropriate adaptations, a single arrangement could be used to similar advantage. More specifically, in an alternative embodiment, the linkage assembly could be configured with a single linkage rod, bar link and dog-legged link operatively connected to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the lever 156 is operatively connected to the linkage rods 150a and 150b and to the connecting rod 140, and is pivotally mounted to the bracket 78. The generally L-shaped lever 156 has a first lever arm 200 and a second lever arm 202 joined to the first lever arm 200. The second lever arm 202 is relatively shorter than the first lever arm 200. Each lever arm 200, 202 has a proximal end 204, 206 and a distal end 208, 210 respectively. The first and second lever arms 200 and 202 are joined together at their respective proximal ends 204 and 206. The distal end 208 of the first lever arm 200 is pivotally connected to the first end 142 of the connecting rod 140. The second lever arm 202 extends into the hollow of the push frame 50 through a narrow slot 194 defined in the front portion 72. The distal end 210 of the second lever arm 202 is attached to the first and second linkage rods 150a and 150b at their respective front ends 158 via pin connections 212. The fulcrum of the lever 156 is situated at a lever pivot connection 214 located approximately midway between the proximal and distal ends 206 and 210 of the second lever arm 202. Extending from either side of the lever 156 at the lever pivot connection 214 are pivot pins 216 for insertion in apertures defined in the opposed, spaced-apart sidewalls 220a and 220b which partially define the bracket 78.

Upon actuation of the linkage assembly 64, the lever 156 is urged to pivot about the lever pivot connection 214 and may be moved between a raised position 222 (shown in FIG. 7) and a lowered position 224 (shown in FIG. 6). The travel of the linkage rods 150a and 150b between the retracted position 168 and the extended position 166 during actuation of the linkage assembly 64 causes a force (push or pull, as the case may be) to be applied at the distal end 210 of the second lever arm 202. The application of this force creates a moment about the lever pivot connection 214 and causes the lever 156 to pivot between the raised position 222 and the lowered position 224.

In this embodiment, the lever 156 is a unitary component made of structural steel bent to obtain the desired shape. In alternative embodiments, the lever may be manufactured from other metals or like materials exhibiting the required strength characteristics, and may be shaped differently.

In the preferred embodiment, the actuating means 70 includes a manually-actuated lever 230 operatively connected to the linkage assembly 64. With specific reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the lever 230 is generally L-shaped and constructed of structural steel tubing. It has a first lever arm 232 and a second lever arm 234 joined to the first lever arm 232. Each lever arm 232, 234 has a proximal end 236, 238 and a distal end 240, 242 respectively. The first and second lever arms 232 and 234 are joined together at their respective proximal ends 236 and 238. Adjacent its distal end 240, the first lever arm 232 is fixedly secured to the dog-legged links 154a and 154b. More specifically, the first lever arm 232 extends through apertures defined in the second ends 186 of the dog-legged links 154a and 154b to connect to the second lever arm 234. The distal end 242 of the second lever arm 234 terminates in a handle 246 that is within reach of a driver of the ATV 22.

The lever 230 is moveable between an engaged position 250 (shown in FIG. 7) and disengaged, generally upright, position 252 (shown in FIG. 6). Broadly speaking, when the lever 230 is moved to the disengaged position 252, the linkage assembly 64 is actuated and urges the snowplow 56 to move to the raised, out-of-use position 66.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, when the lever 230 is in the disengaged position 252, the bar links 152a and 152b and the dog-legged links 154a and 154b are fully extended. More specifically, the first ends 180 of the bar links 152a and 152b are the furthest away from the link pivot connections 214 of the dog-legged links 154a and 154b. The roller member 170 abuts against the rearward edge of slots 172 formed in the short sidewalls 80a and 80b. The linkage rods 150a and 150b are in their retracted position 168 and the lever 156 is in the lowered position 224. Moreover, in this arrangement, the upper wall 82 of push frame 50 abuts the support frame 28.

To deploy the snowplow 56, the driver of the ATV 22 actuates the linkage assembly 64 by bringing the lever 230 to its engaged position 250. As the lever 230 moves from its disengaged position 252 to its engaged position 250, a moment is applied at the link pivot connection 190 thereby causing the dog-legged links 154a and 154b to rotate thereabout. As the dog-legged links 154a and 154b pivot, the first ends 182 of the bar links 152a and 152b are brought nearer to the link pivot connection 190 as shown in FIG. 10. The roller member 170 is urged to travel along the slot 172 defined in the push frame 50 and the linkage rods 150a and 150b move toward the front end 52 of the push frame 50. As the linkage rods 150a and 150b move to their extended position 166, they exert a force against the distal end of the second lever arm thereby creating a moment about the lever pivot connection 214. The moment causes the lever 156 to pivot from the lowered position 224 to the raised position 222. The distal end 208 of the first lever arm 200 pivots about the first end 142 of the connecting rod 140. As a result, the distance measured between the U-shaped end 40 of the support frame 28 and the front end 52 of the push frame 50 is increased thereby permitting the snowplow 56 to be lowered to ground level. The sleeve 114 slides along the push frame 50 to adjust to the varying geometry.

In the present embodiment, the actuating means 70 is manually actuated. However, this need not be the case in every application. In an alternative embodiment, with the appropriate modifications, the actuating means could be foot-actuated. For instance, in such an embodiment, the manually actuated lever could be replaced with a foot-actuated pedal. In other embodiments, the actuating means could be motorized.

The snowplow mounting means 76 is now described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10. The snowplow support means 76 includes the bracket 78 and a snowplow mounting member 260 releasably attached to the bracket 78. The snowplow mounting member is connected to the snowplow 56.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the bracket 78 is fixed atop the front portion 72 of the push frame 50 adjacent the front end 52. It has a base 262 welded to the upper wall 82 of the push frame 50, a pair of opposed, spaced apart, first and second walls 264 and 266 standing proud of the base 262 and extending transverse of the push frame 50. Each of the first and second walls 264, 266 has a central opening 268 defined therein. Extending rearwardly from the side edges of the first wall 264 are the opposed, spaced-apart sidewalls 220a and 220b between which the lever 156 is carried.

The second wall 266 also has a tab 304 that extends from the top edge thereof toward the front end 52 of the push frame 50, substantially at a right angle. The tab 304 and the base 262 co-operate with each other to retain the snowplow mounting member 260 therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 8, the snowplow mounting member 260 includes a plate 270 and a band 272 welded thereto. The plate 270 has a generally, semi-circular footprint defined by an arcuate edge 274 and a substantially, straight edge 276. The band 272 extends along the arcuate edge 274 of the semi-circular plate 270 and has a plurality of apertures 278 formed therein at spaced apart locations. Grooves 280 corresponding to, and communicating with, the apertures 278 are also defined in the semi-circular plate 270.

Projecting beyond the arcuate edge 274 of the semi-circular plate 270 are a pair of mounting flanges 282a and 282b welded to the end of the band 272. The mounting flanges 282a and 282b are used to secure the snowplow 56 to the snowplow mounting member 260. When the snowplow mounting member 260 is attached to the snowplow 56, the straight edge 276 of the semi-circular plate 270 is disposed opposite the snowplow 56 and the arcuate edge 274 is disposed opposite the second wall 266 of the bracket 78 as best shown in FIG. 8.

A flange member 284 that extends from the front end 52 of the push frame 50 supports the snowplow mounting member 260. In the preferred embodiment, the semi-circular plate 270 is pivotally connected to the flange member 284. More specifically, each of the flange member 284 and the semi-circular plate 270 has an aperture defined therein. The aperture in the semi-circular plate 270 is formed in a small nub 286 (best shown in FIG. 8) that protrudes from the straight edge 276. The apertures in the flange member 284 and plate 270 are aligned one with the other and a fastening means in the nature of a pivot connection member 288 is inserted therethrough thereby securing the semi-circular plate. 270 to the flange member 284.

In this arrangement, the semi-circular plate 270 can be made to rotate about the pivot connection member 288 thereby allowing the orientation of the snowplow 56 to be adjusted relative to the front end 52 of the push frame 50. An indexed snowplow orientation assembly 290 operable to fix the snowplow 56 in a predetermined angular position selected from a set of discrete angular positions relative to the front end 52 of the push frame 50, is further provided.

The indexed snowplow orientation assembly 290 is partially defined by the plurality of apertures 278 defined in the band 272 and the grooves 280 formed in the semi-circular plate 270. Each respective pair of aperture 278 and corresponding groove 280 serves as an indexing aperture 294. Each indexing aperture 294 corresponds to one the predetermined angular positions. The semi-circular plate 270 may be rotated about pivot connection member 288 to place one of the indexing apertures 294 in alignment with the central opening 268 defined in the second wall 266 of the bracket 78. The angular position of the snowplow 56 may be fixed by inserting an indexing pin 296 through the aligned opening 268 and the indexing aperture 294.

The indexing pin 296 is supported by the first and second walls 264 and 266 and is mounted to extend through the openings 268 defined therein. The indexing pin 296 is moveable between an engaged position 298 and a disengaged position 300. In the engaged position 298 (best shown in FIG. 10), the indexing pin 296 extends through the openings 268 and one of the plurality of indexing apertures 294 in alignment to thereby prevent rotation of the semi-circular, plate 270 and lock the snowplow 56 in the selected angular position. Conversely, in the disengaged position 300 (best shown in FIG. 13), the indexing pin 296 is retracted such that it extends short of the indexing aperture 294. The indexing pin 296 does not interfere with rotation of the semi-circular plate 270 thereby allowing the snowplow 56 to be moved to the desired angular position. In the preferred embodiment, the indexing pin 296 is spring-loaded and biased toward the engaged position 298.

FIG. 8 shows the snowplow 56 disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation 306 relative to the front end 52 of the push frame 50. To change the orientation of the snowplow 56, the driver of the ATV 22 grasps the handle 302 of the indexing pin 296 and retracts the indexing pin to its disengaged position 300. The semi-circular plate 270 is rotated until the opening 268 is aligned with the indexing aperture 294 corresponding to the desired angular position of the snowplow 56. Thereafter, the indexing pin 296 is released and urged to move to its engaged position 298 thereby locking the snowplow 56 in a relatively skewed orientation 308 relative to the front end 52 of the push frame 50 (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15).

With reference to FIGS. 4, 6 and 12, the snowplow 56 and its attachment to the snowplow mounting member 260 are now described. The snowplow 56 includes a plowboard 310 with a generally concave profile. The plowboard 310 has a front face 312, a rear face 314 and upper and lower margins 316 and 318. Extending horizontally across the width of the plowboard 310 is a reinforcement member in the nature of an angle iron 320. The angle iron 320 is welded to the rear face 314 of the plowboard 310 along its lower margin 318. A scraper blade 322 with a cutting edge is fastened to the front face 312 of the plowboard 310 and the angle iron 320. Additional reinforcement members in the nature of spaced apart ribs 324a and 324b are connected to the angle iron 316 and extend between the upper and lower margins 316 and 318 of the plowboard 310. Along the upper margin 316, the plowboard 310 has a top return flange 326 which is bent to extend rearwardly for increased strength. The upper margin 316 is further reinforced by a plate 328 fastened thereto.

The plowboard 310 is connected to the snowplow mounting member 260 via the mounting flanges 282a and 282b. More specifically, each mounting flange 282a, 282b is attached to a corresponding rib 324a and 324b using conventional fasteners, such as screws or bolts. To limit the amount of angular displacement of the plowboard 310 relative to the mounting flanges 282a and 282b, stop blocks 330a and 330b are provided. The stop blocks 330a and 330b are welded onto the ribs 324a and 324b at a location above where the mounting flanges 282a and 282b are attached to the ribs 324a and 324b.

In the embodiments described, the mounting assembly 20 is used to couple a snowplow 56 to the front end of an ATV 22. However, it should be appreciated that a mounting assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention could be employed to couple other types of plows such as those used for plowing sand, gravel or dirt to the front end of an ATV, to similar advantage. Moreover, the mounting assembly could be used for connecting other implements (such as, farming or agricultural implements) or ATV accessories to a vehicle. Examples of such implements include snowblowers, bristle brushes and front-end mower decks.

Although the foregoing description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An assembly for mounting a snowplow to a vehicle, the vehicle having a front end, a rear end and a support frame extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the vehicle, the support frame being mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle, the snowplow mounting assembly comprising:

a hollow push frame having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the push frame being adapted to support the snowplow;

first coupling means for connecting the rear end of the push frame to the support frame;

attachment means for securing the push frame to the support frame at a location intermediate the front and rear ends of the vehicle, a portion of the attachment means being slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof;

second coupling means for connecting the front end of the push frame to the support frame;

a linkage assembly connected to the push frame; the linkage assembly being operable to urge the snowplow to move selectively between a raised, out-of-use position and a lowered, in-use position; and

means for actuating the linkage assembly.

2. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the push frame has a length, the length of the push frame being adjustable to correspond to the length of the vehicle.

3. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 2 wherein the push frame includes a front portion and rear portion detachably connected to the front portion.

4. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 3 wherein:

the front portion of the push frame has a first cross-sectional area;

the rear portion of the push frame has a second cross-sectional area; and

the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area to thereby permit a part of the front portion to be received within the rear portion.

5. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 4 wherein:

each of the front and rear portions are defined by a pair of opposed sidewalls, an upper wall and a lower wall; the upper and lower walls extending between the opposed sidewalls; the sidewalls of the front and rear portions have at least one pair of opposed apertures defined therein;

the apertures in the sidewalls of the front portion being alignable with the apertures in the sidewalls of the rear portion when the front and rear portions are connected to each other;

the apertures being sized to receive a pin for fastening the front portion to the rear portion.

6. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the first coupling means includes a hitch carried on the rear end of the push frame.

7. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 6 wherein the rear end of the push frame has a pair of spaced apart mounting arms for receiving therebetween the hitch, the pair of mounting arms standing proud of the rear end of the push frame to face the undercarriage of the vehicle when the push frame is mounted to the support frame.

8. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 7 wherein the hitch is hingedly mounted between the pair of mounting arms.

9. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 8 further comprising means for adjusting the height of the hitch relative to the rear end of the push frame.

10. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment means includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being the portion of the attachment means that is slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof, the second portion being fixed to the support frame.

11. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 10 wherein:

the first portion of the attachment means is a sliding member; and

the second portion of the attachment means is a clamping device pivotally connected to the sliding member.

12. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 11 wherein:

the push frame includes a front portion and rear portion detachably connected to the front portion; and

the sliding member is mounted in substantially surrounding relation to the front portion of the push frame and is adapted to slide longitudinally therealong.

13. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 11 wherein the clamping device includes a pair of clamping members operatively connected to each other for fastening to the support frame and a pair of spaced apart mounting arms for carrying the clamping members therebetween, each mounting arm having a first end fastened to the clamping members and a second end attached to the sliding member.

14. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the second coupling means includes a connecting rod.

15. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the second coupling means includes a connector selected from the group consisting of: (a) a strap; (b) a cable; and (c) a chain.

16. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein:

the snowplow mounting assembly further includes a snowplow support bracket fixed to the push frame adjacent the front end thereof; and

the linkage assembly includes: at least one linkage rod extending between the front and rear ends of the push frame, the at least one linkage rod having a front end, a rear end and an elongate slot formed therein adjacent the rear end thereof; at least one bar link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one bar link being connected to the at least one linkage rod; at least one dog-legged link having a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the at least one bar link and a second end connected to the actuating means, the at least one dog-legged link being mounted to the push frame at a link pivot connection located intermediate the first and second ends of the at least one dog-legged link, the link pivot connection extending into the hollow of the push frame for connection to the at least one linkage rod; and a generally L-shaped, lever having a first arm and a second arm joined to the first arm; each arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the first arm being pivotally connected to the second coupling means, the distal end of the second arm being connected to the front end of the at least one linkage rod, the lever being mounted to the snowplow mounting bracket at a lever pivot connection located between the proximal and distal ends of the second arm.

17. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 16 wherein:

the at least one linkage rod is housed within the push frame; and

the push frame has an elongate slot defined therein, the rear end of the at least one linkage rod being constrained to travel longitudinally along the slot defined in the push frame.

18. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 17 wherein:

the at least one linkage rod is a first linkage rod;

the linkage assembly includes a second linkage rod, the second linkage rod having a front end, a rear end and an elongate slot formed therein between the front and rear ends thereof;

the first and second linkage rods are disposed within the push frame side-by-side; and

the distal end of the second arm of the lever is connected to the front end of the second linkage rod.

19. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 18 wherein:

the second linkage rod is housed within the push frame;

the elongate slot of the push frame is a first slot; and

the push frame has a second opposed slot defined therein, the rear end of the second linkage rod being constrained to travel longitudinally along the second slot of the push frame.

20. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 19 wherein the linkage assembly further includes a roller member joining the rear end of the first linkage rod to the rear end of the second linkage rod.

21. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 19 wherein:

the at least one bar link is a first bar link;

the at least one dog-legged link is a first dog-legged link; and

the linkage assembly includes a second bar link spaced apart from the first bar link and a second dog-legged link spaced apart from the first dog-legged link;

the second bar link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second bar link being connected to the second linkage rod;

the second dog-legged link having a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second bar link and a second end connected to the actuating means, the second dog-legged link being mounted to the push frame at a second link pivot connection located intermediate the first and second ends of the second dog-legged link, the second link pivot connection extending into the hollow of the push frame for connection to the second linkage rod.

22. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 21 wherein:

the lever of the linkage assembly is a first lever; and

the actuating means includes a second generally L-shaped, lever; the second lever having a first arm and a second arm joined to the first arm; each arm of the second lever having a proximal end and a distal end; the first arm of the second lever being fixedly mounted to the second ends of the first and second bar links; the distal end of the second arm terminating in a handle.

23. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the actuating means includes manual actuating means.

24. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 23 wherein the manual actuating means includes an actuating lever operatively connected to the linkage assembly.

25. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 24 wherein:

the actuating lever is a generally L-shaped, actuating lever having a first arm and a second arm joined thereto;

each arm has a proximal end and a distal end;

the first arm is fixedly mounted to the linkage assembly adjacent its distal end; and

the distal end of the second arm terminates in a handle.

26. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 25 wherein the handle of the actuating lever is within reach of a driver of the vehicle.

27. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 24 wherein the actuating lever is moveable between an engaged position whereat the snowplow is in the lowered, in-use position and a disengaged position whereat the snowplow is in the raised, out-of-use position.

28. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 1 further comprising means for supporting the snowplow on the front end of the push frame.

29. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 28 wherein the snowplow support means includes:

a bracket fixed atop the push frame adjacent the front end thereof; and

a snowplow mounting member for attaching to the snowplow, the mounting member being attached to the bracket.

30. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 29 wherein:

the push frame has a flange member that extends from the front end of the push frame; and

the snowplow mounting member rests atop the flange member.

31. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 30 wherein the snowplow support means further includes fastening means for securing the snowplow mounting member to the flange member.

32. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 31 wherein the mounting member includes a generally semi-circular plate and a band welded thereto; the semi-circular plate having an arcuate edge and a substantially straight edge; the band extending along the arcuate edge of the semi-circular plate; the straight edge of the semi-circular plate being disposed opposite the snowplow and the arcuate edge being disposed opposite the bracket, when the mounting member is attached to the snowplow.

33. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 32 wherein the semi-circular plate is pivotally connected to the flange member.

34. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 33 wherein:

the fastening means is pivot connection member; and

each of the flange member and the semi-circular plate has an aperture defined therein, the apertures being aligned one with the other to receive therethrough the pivot connection member.

35. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 34 further comprising an indexed snowplow orientation assembly operable to fix the snowplow in a predetermined angular position selected from a set of discrete angular positions relative to the front end of the push frame.

36. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 35 wherein:

the band has a plurality of indexing apertures formed therein, each indexing aperture corresponding to one the predetermined angular positions selected from the set of discrete angular positions;

the bracket includes a pair of opposed, spaced apart, first and second walls standing proud of the push frame; the each of the first and second walls having an opening defined therein, the openings in the first and second walls being alignable with one of the plurality of indexing apertures formed in the band; and

the indexed snowplow orientation means includes an indexing pin for insertion into the openings and one of the plurality of indexing apertures when aligned;

the openings in the first and second walls, the plurality of indexing apertures and the indexing pin defining the indexed snowplow orientation means.

37. The snowplow assembly of claim 36 wherein:

the indexing pin is supported by the first and second walls and is mounted to extend through the openings defined therein;

the indexing pin being moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position;

in the engaged position, the indexing pin extending through the openings and one of the plurality of indexing apertures in alignment to thereby fix the snowplow in one of the predetermined angular positions selected from the set of predetermined angular positions;

in the disengaged position, the indexing pin extending short of any of the plurality of indexing apertures to thereby allowing the semi-circular plate to be rotated about the pivot connection member and the snowplow to be moved to one of the predetermined angular positions selected from the set of predetermined angular positions.

38. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 37 wherein the indexing pin is spring-loaded.

39. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 38 wherein the indexing pin is biased toward the engaged position.

40. The snowplow mounting assembly of claim 28 further comprising a snowplow carried by the snowplow supporting means.

41. An assembly for mounting a snowplow to a vehicle, the vehicle having a front end, a rear end and a support frame extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the vehicle, the support frame being mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle, the snowplow mounting assembly comprising:

a hollow push frame having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the push frame being adapted to support the snowplow;

first coupling means for connecting the rear end of the push frame to the rear end of the vehicle;

attachment means for securing the push frame to the support frame at a location intermediate the front and rear ends of the vehicle, a portion of the attachment means being slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof;

second coupling means for connecting the front end of the push frame to the first end of the vehicle;

a linkage assembly connected to the push frame; the linkage assembly being operable to urge the snowplow to move selectively between a raised, out-of-use position and a lowered, in-use position; and

means for actuating the linkage assembly.

42. An assembly for mounting an implement to a vehicle, the vehicle having a front end, a rear end and a support frame extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the vehicle, the support frame being mounted to the undercarriage of the vehicle, the implement mounting assembly comprising:

a hollow push frame having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the push frame being adapted to support the implement;

first coupling means for connecting the rear end of the push frame to the support frame;

attachment means for securing the push frame to the support frame at a location intermediate the front and rear ends of the vehicle, a portion of the attachment means being slideably moveable along the push frame between the front and rear ends thereof;

second coupling means for connecting the front end of the push frame to the support frame;

a linkage assembly connected to the push frame; the linkage assembly being operable to urge the implement to move selectively between a raised, out-of-use position and a lowered, in-use position; and

means for actuating the linkage assembly.