Abstract: In combination a mount frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle and a snowplow assembly. The mount frame comprises a pair of detachable receivers which receive a pair of horns extending rearwardly from the snowplow assembly. The snowplow assembly comprises an A-frame, a trunnion and a lift frame. A blade is attached to the front of the A-frame. A pair of spaced stand assemblies, each including a latching mechanism, support the snowplow assembly when the mount frame is separated from the snowplow assembly. The latching mechanisms secure the snowplow assembly to the mount frame.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly comprises a lift frame and A-frame operably pivotally connected together and an actuator operably connected between the lift frame and A-frame for effecting relative pivotal movement between the lift frame and A-frame. A plow blade includes a blade frame. The blade frame includes a tube of circular cross section which is operably pivotally connected to the A-frame. The tube is pivotally received by a quadrant, which is operably connected to the A-frame. A resilient element is operable between the blade frame and A-frame normally biasing a lower edge of the plow blade forwardly. The resilient element is an elastomeric loop. The pivotal connection of the plow blade to the A-frame in combination with the resilient element provides a trip function of the plow blade. The plow blade is a composite. The circular tube of the blade frame provides torsional stiffness to the composite blade.

Abstract: In combination a mount frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle and a snowplow assembly. The mount frame comprises a pair of detachable receivers which receive a pair of horns extending rearwardly from the snowplow assembly. The snowplow assembly comprises an A-frame, a trunnion and a lift frame. A blade is attached to the front of the A-frame. A pair of spaced stand assemblies, each including a latching mechanism, support the snowplow assembly when the mount frame is separated from the snowplow assembly. The latching mechanisms secure the snowplow assembly to the mount frame.

Abstract: In combination a mount frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle and a snowplow assembly. The mount frame comprises a pair of detachable receivers which receive a pair of horns extending rearwardly from the snowplow assembly. The snowplow assembly comprises an A-frame, a trunnion and a lift frame. A blade is attached to the front of the A-frame. A pair of spaced stand assemblies, each including a latching mechanism, support the snowplow assembly when the mount frame is separated from the snowplow assembly. The latching mechanisms secure the snowplow assembly to the mount frame.

Abstract: In combination a mount frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle and a snowplow assembly. The mount frame comprises a pair of detachable receivers which receive a pair of horns extending rearwardly from the snowplow assembly. The snowplow assembly comprises an A-frame, a trunnion and a lift frame. A blade is attached to the front of the A-frame. A pair of spaced stand assemblies, each including a latching mechanism, support the snowplow assembly when the mount frame is separated from the snowplow assembly. The latching mechanisms secure the snowplow assembly to the mount frame.

Abstract: In combination a mount frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle and a snowplow assembly. The mount frame comprises a pair of detachable receivers which receive a pair of horns extending rearwardly from the snowplow assembly. The snowplow assembly comprises an A-frame, a trunnion and a lift frame. A blade is attached to the front of the A-frame. A pair of spaced stand assemblies, each including a latching mechanism, support the snowplow assembly when the mount frame is separated from the snowplow assembly. The latching mechanisms secure the snowplow assembly to the mount frame.

Abstract: An hydraulic and electrical control system are provided for an accessory unit such as a vehicle mounted V-plow blade snowplow.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted accessory unit assembly is provided that is removably mountable to a vehicle, the accessory assembly including a support frame having a first and second portion that are connected at a pivot point, with the pivot point enabling forces to be directed in such a way as to minimize the stresses on the vehicle to which the accessory unit assembly is attached. The accessory unit assembly further includes a wheel assembly to further minimize the stresses on the vehicle. The wheel assembly preferably includes a ground engaging wheel, a mounting member, a spring assembly and a dampener. A steering dampener is also utilized.

Abstract: A snowplow for selective attachment to a vehicle, comprising a frame, a blade attached to the frame, and a latching mechanism that is movable to first and second positions to allow selective engagement or disengagement of the snowplow with the vehicle. The latching mechanism is operable by a user from a location point remote from underneath the vehicle.

Abstract: An hydraulic and electrical control system are provided for an accessory unit such as a vehicle mounted V-plow blade snowplow.

Abstract: A snowplow (20) adapted for being attached or detached from a vehicle (22) having a frame (24). The snowplow includes a mount frame (26) for connection to the vehicle frame, a support frame (32), a lift assembly (38) and a blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a blade (30), a blade cutting edge (31) and a wheel support assembly (56). The support frame includes a forward end (33) for supporting the blade and a rearward end (36) for connection to the vehicle. When detached from the vehicle as a single unit, the resultant weight on the rearward end of the support frame is supported on a ground surface (46) by a jack stand (48). The wheel support assembly is mounted adjacent to or slightly ahead of a center of gravity (58).

Abstract: A snowplow (20) adapted for being attached to or detached from a vehicle (22) having a frame (24). The snowplow includes a mount frame (26) for connection to the vehicle frame, a support frame (32), a lift assembly (38) and a blade assembly. The blade assembly of the invention includes a blade (30), a blade cutting edge (31) and a wheel support assembly (56). The support frame includes a forward end (33) for supporting the blade and a rearward end (36) for connection to the vehicle. When detached from the vehicle as a single unit, the resultant weight on the rearward end of the support frame may be supported on a ground surface (46) by a jack stand (48).

Abstract: This invention relates to a storage container (26) having a security system for mounting within a bed (22) of a vehicle (20). The security system my be operated by a vehicle battery (34) and include an alarm system utilizing the safety equipment of the vehicle such as a horn (36) and a parking light (38). The container includes a lower portion (30) and an upper portion (28) containing a security system (64). Lower portion 30 includes a pair of spaced end walls (42) connected together by a pair of side walls (43). The security system includes an alarm including plunger switches (66, 68) connected to an alarm control module (70), a key operated entry lock (76) and a remotely operated solenoid lock release (78). Unless disarmed, the alarm becomes activated whenever the lid of the storage container is opened.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for spreading granular material such as salt or sand. The dispenser apparatus includes a hopper that funnels the granular material down to a discharge spout for discharge onto a rotating spreader to broadcast the material onto a roadway. The hopper defines a generally downwardly converging chute that has intermittent radially enlarged sections to minimize "bridging" of the granular material within the hopper. An agitator arrangement provided in the hopper also assists in eliminating any blockage near the base of the hopper.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an automatic headlamp switching system that enables an operator to use an existing vehicle headlamp switch to operate a secondary light source on an accessory unit attached to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a primary circuit having a primary light source, an energy source, and a parking/headlamp switch for connecting the energy source and the primary light source so that the primary light source is selectively energizable. A secondary circuit includes the secondary light source. A pair of relays are connectable in circuit with the primary and secondary light sources. When the accessory unit is electrically connected to the vehicle, the relays are operative to interrupt the primary circuit from the energy source to the primary light source and simultaneously complete the secondary circuit from the energy source to the secondary light source.

Abstract: Detachably connecting a snow plow assembly (20) to a vehicle (22). The snow plow assembly includes a vehicle mount frame (28) and a lift assembly (30). The mount frame is for connecting to a vehicle frame (26) behind a front bumper (24). The lift assembly includes an A-frame (42) and a lift frame (44) with the forward end (70) of the A-frame for supporting a snow blade (40). Means (75) is provided for pivotally connecting a rear end (74) of the A-frame to the lift frame so that the A-frame is free to rotate relative to the lift frame. Additional means (82) is provided for releasably connecting the lift frame to the mount frame whereby the lift assembly can be attached to or detached from the mount frame as a single unit while leaving the mount frame connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: A detachable snowplow blade lift assembly including a mount frame permanently connected to the vehicle frame. A snowplow assembly including an A-frame and a snowplow blade mounted on the A-frame is pivotally connected to the mount frame. A lift frame assembly including a lift actuator mechanism for raising and lowering the A-frame and snowplow blade is pivotally connected to the A-frame for rotation about a pivot axis. The snowplow blade lift assembly also includes a mounting arrangement for releasably connecting the A-frame and lift frame as a unit to the vehicle for pivotable movement of the A-frame relative to the vehicle and to the lift frame about the pivot axis. The A-frame mount affording pivotal movement of the A-frame and the lift frame about a common pivot axis provides a snowplow blade lift assembly which can be attachhed to, and detached from, the mounting frame as a unit and which has the capacity to stack snow.

Abstract: This patent relates to a hydraulic system for a vehicle mounted, power operated plow blade. The power unit attached to the vehicle in the front bumper area includes a fluid reservoir, a pump in the reservoir and the lift cylinder for producing vertical movement of the blade. The hydraulic system includes four way, three way, and two way valves, all along with the necessary passages and ports provided in a unitary, manifold block attached directly to the side of the power unit. The four way valve controls flow to and from the reservoir relative to the three way valve and one of the angling cylinders for the blade. The three way controls flow to and from the four way valve relative to the other angling cylinder and the lift cylinder. The two way valve controls fluid flow to and from the lift cylinder relative to the three way valve.

Abstract: A log splitter comprising a frame generally in the shape of a right triangle having three legs lying in a vertical plane. The frame includes an elongated horizontal member forming the first leg of the right triangle, the elongated horizontal member including a first end, a second end, and an upper surface adapted to support a log. The frame also includes an elongated second member forming the hypotenuse of the right triangle and being positioned below the elongated horizontal member, the elongated second member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongated second member is fixedly attached to the first end of the elongated horizontal member. The second end of the elongated second member is adapted to rest on a supporting surface.

Abstract: A detachable snowplow blade lift assembly including a .?.mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame permanently connected to the vehicle frame. A snowplow assembly including an A-frame and a snowplow blade mounted on the A-frame is pivotally connected to the .?.mount.!. .Iadd.mounting .Iaddend.frame. A lift frame assembly including a lift actuator mechanism for raising and lowering the A-frame and snowplow blade is pivotally connected to the A-frame for rotation about a pivot axis. The snowplow blade lift assembly also includes a mounting arrangement for releasably connecting the A-frame and lift frame as a unit to the vehicle for pivotable movement of the A-frame relative to the vehicle and to the lift frame about the pivot axis. The A-frame mount affording pivotal movement of the A-frame and the lift frame about a common pivot axis provides a snowplow blade lift assembly which can be attached to, and detached from, the mounting frame as a unit and which has the capacity to stack snow.