PLOW BLADE GUARD

Abstract

A plow blade guard adapted for attachment to a selected plow blade and method of use is disclosed. The plow blade guard includes an elongated tubular member having an elongated slot formed along its length, the elongated slot is adapted to receive the cutting edge or lower edge of a selected plow blade. The plow blade guard is held place by brackets, chains and clamps. The guard may include handles to facilitate installation and removal.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/526,320, filed 23 Aug. 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to plow blades and particularly to guard attachments for the blade cutting edge. A traditional snow plow blade includes a cutting edge formed or attached at the lower edge of the plow blade. The function of the cutting edge is to scrape or cut through the snow or ice to remove them from the surface being plowed, such as a road or driveway. The cutting edge is traditionally formed from a hardened piece of steel and is typically attached to the lower edge of the plow blade by way of bolts or the like. Since cutting edges wear over time and need to be replaced, the cutting edge is preferably attached to the plow blade in a manner that permits facile removal. Thus the cutting edge can be replaced as needed while the rest of the plow blade, which is subject to much less wear, has a longer life span.

A typical cutting edge is somewhat sharp and therefore will tend to cut or dig into surfaces that are not sufficiently hard. For example, if the snowplow is used on a grassy surface or dirt surface, the cutting edge will cut into the grass or dirt and thereby damage the surface. A similar result may occur when the plow is used on a gravel surface. When used on a gravel surface, a typical cutting edge will tend to push the loose gravel, along with the snow, along the plow path. In these situations, subsequent repair of the grass, dirt or gravel is required due to damage done by a typical plow cutting edge.

Standard cutting edges have also been known to damage surfaces made from brick or paver blocks since the relatively sharp cutting edge has a tendency to chip or break the bricks and blocks. Further, if a surface to be plowed has been coated with paint or an epoxy coating, which is common in parking structures, the plow cutting edge is likely to scrape the paint or coating from the surface. Additional damage may be done to surfaces having speed-bumps or similar structures since the cutting edge is likely to damage these structures as well.

Plow damage to the mentioned environments is costly to repair and further add to annual grounds maintenance since the repairs must be repeated annually after the end of each plowing season. Therefore, there is a need for a device for use in conjunction with a plow blade that will enable the plow to be used in the mentioned plow environments without creating damage to the plowed environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention allows the user to plow a path on diverse paved or non-paved surfaces without causing damage to the plow, vehicle equipment, or to the ground surface. The present invention includes a removable plow blade guard having a unique, rounded cross section to therefore allow it and the attached plow to glide across a variety of terrains or obstacles such as rocks or bumps without damage to the underlying terrain. The invention is adapted to fit most manufactured plows and to be easily attached and removed by one individual.

The invention can be fabricated in a variety of sizes to meet user needs. It may be used in conjunction with residential snowplows, commercial snowplows, split plows, wing plows, all terrain vehicle snowplows, tractor plows, and grader blades.

The blade guard of the present invention preferably includes a tubular member having an elongated open slot formed along its top surface. Optional end caps may be attached at each end of the member. One or more handles may be affixed along the outer surface of the tubular member.

A pair of brackets may be attached to the outer surface of the tubular member with the first end of a chain being connected to each bracket. A buckle or clamp may be connected to the opposite end of each chain.

In use, a plow blade and cutting edge to be used in conjunction with the invention is inserted into the elongated slot. The blade guard is then secured to the plow blade by way of a chain and clamp arrangement which is adapted to attach to an upper portion of the plow blade and/or its frame. The invention can be easily attached by one individual and removed by one individual. One or more handles are attached in locations along the tubular member for easy installation and removal.

The benefit to the user includes the ability to plow a path through the snow using existing plow equipment without causing damage to the plow equipment or the ground surface. This ability allows the user to access areas of property once unavailable during snow cover. Examples of difficult to plow residential areas include: paths to barns or outbuildings during winter months, or access to livestock pens or farm fields. The invention also allows the user to clear snow from the terrain when the ground is not frozen during early winter and spring months by lessening damage to grassy areas and avoiding time-consuming and costly repairs to the property. Some commercial applications of the invention include use on snowplows used to plow lots with speed bumps, or use on municipal plows having wing plows. Use of the invention on wing plows helps avoid moving gravel on the shoulder of the road or damage to grassy shoulder areas. In addition, the invention may be used on gravel or dirt roadways. The novel blade guard can be used on all terrain vehicles as well as garden or lawn tractors to create a variety of paths for a variety of needs. Residential users can use the invention to plow custom driveways, brick driveways or patios. States and governmental agencies can utilize the device in parts of the United States or Canada with unpaved roadways without causing damage to the ground surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention attached to a traditional snow plow.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side perspective view showing the device attached to a plow.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 3 and taken along lines 5-5 thereof.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a method of attaching the device to a plow blade.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment and illustrating a clamp, chain and bracket with the device engaged with a plow blade.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a method of attaching the device illustrated in FIG. 7 to a plow blade.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing an embodiment having an alternative attachment means.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the device in use while in place on a plow blade.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a plow blade guard 10 according to the present invention may be seen. As illustrated, the guard 10 preferably includes a tubular member 12 having a tubular member top surface 14 and a tubular member bottom surface 16. As seen, an elongated open slot 18 may be formed along the tubular member top surface 14. The guard 10 may further include end caps 20 at each end 22 of the tubular member 12, although FIGS. 5, 6, and 8A-10B illustrate the invention with end caps 20 removed for ease of viewing. Further, one or more handles 24 may be affixed along an outer surface 26 of the tubular member 12. The handles 24 aid the user in attaching and detaching the guard 10 from a selected plow blade 28, as will be discussed in detail.

With further reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, it may be seen that the plow guard 10 preferably includes attachment means to further secure the blade guard 10 to a selected plow blade 28. The attachment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6C preferably includes a pair of brackets 30A, 30B. As seen, the brackets 30A, 30B may be attached to the outer surface 26 of the tubular member 12 by welding or other secure means. Each bracket 30A, 30B may include at least one pin aperture 32 for receipt of a link pin 34 therethrough. As seen particularly in the view of FIG. 4, the pin is adapted to engage a first end 36 of a chain member 38. The number of pin apertures 32 may vary according the specific application and as desired to provide a variety of link pin 34 positioning points. The ability to position the chain member 38 at various locations along a selected bracket 30A, 30B allows the user flexibility in the tension adjustment and angle of the chain 38 length.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 4, and 6A-6C, a buckle or clamp 40 may be seen. Clamp 40 is connected to an opposite, second end 42 of each chain 38 by way of a clamp bracket 44. As illustrated, the clamp 40 may be a toggle type clamp, such as the latch action toggle clamp shown. The clamp 40 may include a handle member 46 and U-bolt portion 48. In use, the U bolt portion 48 is adapted to engage an upstanding latch 50 on latch plate bracket 52. Clamps 40 for use with the present invention may include latch action toggle clamps such as those manufactured by Carr Lane Manufacturing Company or De-Sta-Co, by way of non-limiting example. As viewed particularly in FIG. 6A-6C, a latch plate bracket 52 may be attached to an upper edge 54 of plow blade 28 through use of the bolt 56 arrangement shown or other suitable means.

With particular attention to FIGS. 6A-6C, attachment of the blade guard 10 to a selected plow blade 28 may be seen. As illustrated, the plow blade 28, including a cutting edge 58 is inserted into the elongated slot 18 in the direction of arrow A. The blade guard 10 is then secured to the plow blade 28 by way of a chain 38 and clamp 40, each of which is respectively attached to an upper portion 54 of the plow blade 28 by latch plate bracket 52 and upstanding latch 50. As shown, the u-bolt portion 48 of the toggle clamp 40 engages the upstanding latch 50. The handle 46 of the toggle clamp 40 is then rotated in the direction of arrow B wherein a clamping force locks the blade guard 10 on the plow 28 cutting edge 58. The blade guard 10 may be further provided with rod members 60 (see particularly FIG. 5) extending longitudinally along portion of the inside surface 62 of tubular member 12. The rod members 60 provide further stability and aid in secure attachment of the guard 10 to a plow blade 28. Other stability measures may include the use of additional strapping, such as the bungee cords 64 shown, to thereby prevent plow jostling during use to move the toggle handles 46 to an unlatched position and thereby inadvertently release the guard 10 from the blade 28.

With reference now to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the blade guard 100 may be seen. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6C, the blade guard 100 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a tubular member 12 having a tubular member top surface 14 and a tubular member bottom surface 16. As seen, the blade guard 100 further includes an elongated open slot 18 which is formed along the tubular member top surface 14. One or more handles 24 may be affixed along an outer surface 26 of the tubular member 12 to aid the user in maneuvering and placing the blade guard 100 on a selected plow blade 28. The blade guard 100 shown in FIG. 7 further includes attachment means to secure the blade guard 100 to a selected plow blade 28. The attachment illustrated in FIG. 7, similar to that of the blade guard 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6C, preferably includes a pair of brackets 30A, 30B. The brackets 30A, 30B may be attached to the outer surface 26 of the tubular member 12 by welding or other secure means. As does the blade guard 10, each bracket 30A, 30B of the blade guard 100 may include at least one pin aperture 32 for receipt of a link pin 34 therethrough. The link pin 34 is adapted to engage a first end 36 of a chain member 38, with each chain member 38 being connected to a respective bracket 30a, 30b. As may be further seen, a buckle or clamp 40 is connected to the opposite, second end 42 of each chain 38. As illustrated, the clamp 40 may be a toggle type clamp, such as the latch action toggle clamp shown, and include a handle member 46 and a u-bolt portion 48, the u-bolt portion 48 being attached to a link of the chain 38. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the clamp bracket 144 of clamp 40 includes an angled edge 66 adapted to fit over and engage an upper support edge 70 of blade member 28.

With particular attention to FIGS. 8A-8C, attachment of the blade guard 100 to a selected plow blade 28 may be seen. Similar to the device illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, the plow blade 28, including a cutting edge 58 is inserted into the elongated slot 18 in the direction of arrow A. The blade guard 100 is then secured to the plow blade 28 by chain 38 and clamp 40, each of which is respectively attached to an upper support edge 70 of the plow blade 28 by engagement of the angled edge 66 of clamp bracket 144 and the upper support edge 70. As shown, the u-bolt portion 48 of the toggle clamp 40 engages the second end 42 of chain 38. Unlike the installation shown in FIG. 6A-6C, the handle 46 of the toggle clamp 40 is then rotated in the direction of arrow C wherein a clamping force engages the angled edge 66 and upper support edge 70, thereby locking the blade guard 100 on the plow 28 cutting edge 58. The blade guard 100 may be further provided with rod members 60 extending longitudinally along portion of the inside surface 62 of tubular member 12 to provide further stability and aid in secure attachment of the guard 100 to a plow blade 28.

With reference now to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of the blade guard 200 may be seen. Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8C, the blade guard 200 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a tubular member 12 having a tubular member top surface 14 and a tubular member bottom surface 16. As seen, the blade guard 200 further includes an elongated open slot 18 which is formed along the tubular member top surface 14. One or more handles 24 may be affixed along an outer surface 26 of the tubular member 12 to aid the user in maneuvering and placing the blade guard 200 on a selected plow blade 28. The blade guard 200 shown in FIG. 9 further includes alternative attachment means to secure the blade guard 200 to a selected plow blade 28. The attachment illustrated in FIG. 9 preferably includes a screw 68, or other like device, that is adapted to pinch the tubular member 12 and rod 60 to thereby engage the guard 200 with the plow blade cutting edge 58. The blade guard 200 may be further provided with rod members 60 extending longitudinally along portion of the inside surface 62 of tubular member 12 to provide further stability and aid in secure attachment of the guard 200 to a plow blade 28.

The present invention further includes a method of plowing a selected surface 72 (see FIGS. 10A, 10B) including the steps of attaching a plow guard 10, 100, 200 to the lower edge of a plow blade 28, plowing a surface and removing the plow guard 10, 100, 200. More specifically, a method may include the steps of:

providing a plow blade 28 having an upper edge 54 and a lower edge; providing a plow blade guard 10, the plow blade guard 10 having a tubular member 12, the tubular member 12 including a tubular member top surface 14, a tubular member bottom surface 16, and an inside surface 62, the tubular member top surface 14 further including an elongated open slot 18 formed therein, the tubular member bottom surface including at least one bracket member 30A, 30B, an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism including at least one chain member 38 and at least one clamp member 40;

inserting the lower edge of the plow blade 28 into the elongated slot 18;

attaching at least one latch plate bracket 52 to an upper edge 54 of the plow blade 28;

attaching a first end 36 of the at least one chain member 38 to the at least one bracket member 30A, 30B;

attaching a second end 42 of the at least one chain member 38 to the at least one clamp member 40;

clamping the clamp member 40 to the at least one latch plate bracket 52; and

plowing a selected surface with the plow blade 28 and attached plow blade guard 10.

An alternative method may include the steps of:

providing a plow blade 28 having an upper edge 54 and a lower edge; providing a plow blade guard 100 the plow blade guard 100 having a tubular member 12, the tubular member 12 including a tubular member top surface 14, a tubular member bottom surface 16, and an inside surface 62; the tubular member top surface 14 further including an elongated open slot 18 formed therein; the tubular member bottom surface including at least one bracket member 30A, 30B; an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism including at least one chain member 38, at least one clamp member 40 having a rotatable handle 46, and a least one clamp bracket 144;

inserting the lower edge of the plow blade 28 into the elongated slot 18;

attaching a first end 36 of the at least one chain member 38 to the at least one bracket member 30A, 30B;

attaching a second end 42 of the at least one chain member 38 to the at least one clamp member 40;

attaching the at least one clamp bracket 144 to an upper support edge 70 of the plow blade 28;

rotating the handle 46 of the clamp member 44 to thereby clamp the clamp bracket 144 and tubular member 12 to the plow blade 28; and

plowing a selected surface with the plow blade 28 and attached plow blade guard 100.

A method may further include the step of providing the tubular member 14 with at least one handle.

A method may further include the step of providing the tubular member 14 inside surface 62 with at least one rod member 60 extending longitudinally along portion of the inside surface 62.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A plow blade guard adapted for attachment to a selected plow blade, the plow blade guard including:

a tubular member, said tubular member including a tubular member top surface, a tubular member bottom surface, and a tubular member inside surface;

an elongated open slot, said elongated open slot being formed in said tubular member top surface;

at least one bracket member, said bracket member being attached to said tubular member bottom surface;

at least one chain member, said at least one chain member having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said at least one bracket member; and

at least one clamp member, said at least one clamp member being attached to said second end of said at least one chain member.

2. The plow blade guard of claim 1 wherein said at least one clamp member is a toggle clamp having a handle member and a u-bolt member.

3. The plow blade of claim 2 further including at least one latch plate bracket, said at least one latch plate bracket being attached to an upper edge of said plow blade.

4. The plow blade guard of claim 3 wherein said at least one latch plate bracket includes a latch member, said latch member adapted for engagement by said u-bolt member.

5. The plow blade guard of claim 2 further including a clamp bracket, said clamp bracket including an angled edge portion, said angled edge portion conforming in shape with at least a portion of an upper support edge of said plow blade and for engaged contact with at least a portion of said upper support edge.

6. The plow blade guard of claim 5 wherein said clamp member is attached to said clamp bracket.

7. The plow blade guard of claim 1 wherein said tubular member further includes at least one handle member.

8. The plow blade guard of claim 1 further including at least one rod member extending longitudinally along portion of an inside surface of said tubular member.

9. A method of plowing a selected surface including the steps of:

providing a plow blade having an upper edge and a lower edge;

providing a plow blade guard, said plow blade guard having a tubular member, said tubular member including a tubular member top surface, a tubular member bottom surface, and a tubular member inside surface;

providing said tubular member top surface with an elongated open slot formed therein;

providing said tubular member bottom surface with at least one bracket member;

providing said plow blade guard with an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism including at least one chain member and at least one clamp member;

inserting the lower edge of said plow blade into the elongated slot;

attaching at least one latch plate bracket to said upper edge of said plow blade;

attaching a first end of said at least one chain member to said at least one bracket member;

attaching a second end of said at least one chain member to said at least one clamp member;

clamping said clamp member to said at least one latch plate bracket;

plowing said selected surface with said plow blade and attached plow blade guard.

10. The method of claim 9 further including the step of providing said tubular member with at least one handle member.

11. The method of claim 9 further including the step of providing at least one rod member, said at least one rod member extending longitudinally along portion of said tubular member inside surface.

12. A method of plowing a selected surface including the steps of:

providing a plow blade having an upper edge and a lower edge;

providing a plow blade guard, said plow blade guard including a tubular member;

providing said tubular member with a tubular member top surface and a tubular member bottom surface;

providing said tubular member top surface with an elongated open slot formed therein;

providing said tubular member bottom surface with at least one bracket member;

providing said plow blade guard with an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism including at least one chain member, at least one clamp member having a rotatable handle, and a least one clamp bracket attached to said clamp member;

inserting the lower edge of said plow blade into said elongated slot;

attaching a first end of said at least one chain member to said at least one bracket member;

attaching a second end of said at least one chain member to said at least one clamp member;

attaching said at least one clamp bracket to an upper support edge of said plow blade;

rotating said handle of said clamp member to thereby clamp the clamp bracket and tubular member to the plow blade; and

plowing a selected surface with the plow blade and attached plow blade guard.

13. The method of claim 12 further including the step of providing said tubular member with at least one handle.

14. The method of claim 12 further including the step of providing at least one rod member, said at least one rod member extending longitudinally along portion of said tubular member inside surface.

15. A plow blade guard adapted for attachment to a selected plow blade, the plow blade guard including:

a tubular member, said tubular member having a tubular member top surface, a tubular member bottom surface, and a tubular member inside surface;

an elongated open slot, said elongated open slot being formed in said tubular member top surface;

at least one rod member, said at least one rod member, extending longitudinally along portion of said tubular member inside surface; and

an attachment mechanism for attaching said blade guard to said selected plow.

16. The plow blade guard of claim 13 further including at least one handle member affixed to said tubular member.

17. The plow blade guard of claim 13 wherein said attachment mechanism includes a screw adapted to pinch said tubular member and attached rod member to thereby engage said guard with said plow blade.

18. A method of plowing a selected surface including the steps of:

providing a plow blade having an upper edge and a lower edge;

providing plow blade guard, said plow blade guard having a tubular member, said tubular member having a tubular member top surface, a tubular member bottom surface, and a tubular member inside surface;

providing said tubular member top surface with an elongated open slot formed therein;

providing at least one rod member, said at least one rod member, extending longitudinally along portion of said tubular member inside surface;

providing said plow blade guard with an attachment mechanism for attaching said blade guard to said selected plow;

inserting said lower edge of said plow blade into said elongated slot;

manipulating said attachment mechanism to thereby engage said lower edge with said tubular member inside surface; and

plowing said selected surface with said plow blade and attached plow blade guard.

19. The method of claim 18 further including the step of providing said tubular member with at least one handle.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein said attachment mechanism includes a screw member.