With Specific Means To Facilitate Connection To, Or Disconnection From, Vehicle Patents (Class 37/231)
  • Patent number: 11828031
    Abstract: A linkage for an implement is provided for connection to a vehicle. The linkage may be configured to allow extension of the linkage along its longitudinal axis, with a spring under tension that urges the linkage toward a primary operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Ricky A. Weihl
  • Patent number: 11708672
    Abstract: A multi-position snowplow blade, a snowplow incorporating the blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings that each having a trip edge pivotally engaged therewith. Each trip edge includes a lower section of a moldboard, a cutting edge, and a snow shield. A biasing assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with an upper section of the moldboard. The trip edges trip when the blade strikes an obstacle on a surface being plowed. When the trip edge trips, it pivots about a horizontal axis and relative to the associated upper section. Each snow shield pivotally engages the lower section of the associated trip edge and pivots relative thereto when the trip edge trips. The pivotal motion of the two snow shields widens a gap therebetween and helps to reduce the possibility of damage to the pivoting trip edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11627702
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower includes a frame, a mowing device mounted to the bottom of the frame, a functional unit attached to the front of the frame, and a motor group together with a power supply mounted to the frame. The riding lawn mower also comprises a connecting device connecting the frame and the functional unit. The connecting device comprises a first connector attached on the front of the frame, a second connector attached to the functional unit, and a third connector adapted for fixedly connecting the first connector and the second connector, the first connector and the second connector respectively defining through-holes thereon, the third connector extending through the through-holes of the first and the second connectors to fixedly connect the first and the second connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Globe (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Qunli Wei, Dongdong Shi, Linchong Wu, Jiafu Xue, Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 11582913
    Abstract: A radio-controlled vehicle includes a supporting structure, an engine unit, a kinetic unit and a remote control for operating the vehicle remotely, The radio-controlled vehicle also has a cab configured to house, in use, a person. The cab and the supporting structure are mutually movable with respect to each other to selectively arrange the cab in a desired position with respect to the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: MDB S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Di Biase
  • Patent number: 11293149
    Abstract: A screed assembly for a paving machine may comprise a main screed having a frame with a fixed width, and an extension screed slidably connected to the main screed and configured to extend laterally from the main screed to a fully-extended position. The extension screed may include a deflector, an inner plate proximate a central axis of the main screed, and an outer plate opposite the inner plate. At least one extender tube may extend between, and may be fixed to, the inner plate and outer plate. Each extender tube may have a shell comprised of a first material with a second material disposed therein, the second material offering increased stiffness to the extender tube so as to restrict flexion of the extender tube when the extension screed is in a fully-extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Schuette
  • Patent number: 10900183
    Abstract: A snow plow and mount assembly has a mount frame, an A-frame, a lift frame, a plow blade, an actuator, arms, receivers, recesses, hitch pins, a latch mechanism, and a latch lever. The elements are arranged such that the vehicle is driven toward the snow plow so that the arms are received in the receivers, the actuator is energized to pivot the lift frame relative to the A-frame so that the hitch pins are received in the recesses, and the lever is moved to move the latch mechanism to the latched position. The snow plow frame is thereby removably secured to the mount frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Chad Thomas Barker, David N. Bloxdorf, Matthew Thoma Curran, Christopher A. Dominguez, Matthew Terran Kaminecki
  • Patent number: 10870966
    Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an implement mounting assembly to a vehicle. The attachment system includes a vehicle attachment component that is fastenable to a front portion of the frame of the vehicle, and a frame attachment component that is removably attachable to the vehicle attachment component on one end via a securing axis, and pivotably attachable to the implement assembly on another end about a pivoting axis. When fastened to the vehicle, the vehicle attachment component is located upward from the underside of the frame. When the frame attachment component is attached to the vehicle attachment component, the securing axis is located upward from the underside portion of the frame, and the pivoting axis is located downward therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jeremie Aubin-Marchand, Karen Provencher, Normand Roy, Michael Bergeron, Yan Roger
  • Patent number: 10801172
    Abstract: A snow plow assembly having a push frame, a lift frame, and a coupling configured to floatably attach the push frame to a lift frame. The coupling may attach the left and right sides of the push frame to the corresponding left and right sides of the lift frame, and each coupling may be independently vertically floatable to allow the push frame to float vertically relative to the lift frame, while also allowing the push frame to rotate relative to the lift frame to accommodate for irregular or uneven ground surfaces. The couplings may each include a retaining member for operatively coupling the push frame to the lift frame, and one or more bearing blocks that facilitate distribution of load between the push frame and retaining member to reduce wear on the push frame. The bearing blocks also may be vertically movable relative to the push frame for common vertical movement with the retaining members to enable such floating movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Buyers Products Company
    Inventor: Scott Moorman
  • Patent number: 10745874
    Abstract: An assembly for releasable attachment to a vehicle. The assembly comprises a frame including a mounting member configured to be mounted onto the vehicle, a plow blade mounted to the frame and a power broom coupled to the frame and disposed between the mounting member and the plow blade. The power broom is configured to be disposed in front of a most forward wheel of the vehicle relative to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The power broom is also configured to rotate to sweep snow away from the power broom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: J.A. LARUE INC.
    Inventor: Denis Larue
  • Patent number: 10179982
    Abstract: This invention relates to the art of removing snow from driveways, walkways, roads, and the like. The snow removing system removes snow from the driveway and disposes it. The system can be operated by a person or by a computer program or by remote controller. The system comprises of components that are relatively small that can be easily assembled and stowed away after use. The system is easy use and does not require manual labor other than an easy setup and dismantle operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Hari Prasad
  • Patent number: 10077542
    Abstract: A demountable implement (10) for a vehicle has a mounting arrangement (16) for mounting the implement onto a vehicle. The implement is selectively jettisonable from the vehicle and jettison members (42) for jettisoning the implement are provided on or by the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: PEARSON ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventor: Graham Emmerson
  • Patent number: 10041225
    Abstract: A drive control system for a work machine. A gradual stoppage command and an operation speed limitation command are calculated and output. A pilot pressure is corrected such that, upon a stoppage operation of a control lever, a drive actuator is stopped gradually; and the pilot pressure is corrected such that an operation speed of the drive actuator is limited. A supply of the pilot hydraulic fluid to the speed increasing unit is interrupted when a failure of a speed increasing solenoid proportional valve of the speed increasing unit is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mariko Mizuochi, Akinori Ishii, Kazuyoshi Hanakawa
  • Patent number: 9994265
    Abstract: Aerodynamic drag on a moving vehicle is reduced by adapting the apparent airflow onto a forward-mounted wing, according to vehicle speed. For example, an angle of the wing is adjusted by a motor or actuator. Alternatively, fans at varying speeds provide pilot airflow onto the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph D'Arcy
  • Patent number: 9885159
    Abstract: The front-mounted debris clearing device is a repositionable push frame mounted on the front of a vehicle that can be used to clear debris off of the travel surface of a road. The device utilizes pyrotechnic bolts at several key locations so that a portion of the device may be jettisoned if necessary for umimpeded use of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Lee Curtis
  • Patent number: 9845581
    Abstract: A personal use plow for pushing, but not limited to, snow and slush from one's driveway by most passenger automobiles and/or ATVs that is attached using a unique strapping and cog bracing system. The plow is made of injected molded structural foam plastic and comes in five (5) separate panels that can be easily assembled into a solid plow blade. This material is lightweight and allows for easy transportation, storage and use. When assembled, the plow can be used either in the front or back of the vehicle. The plow attaches to the vehicle by a special hook, designed as part of this patent, which attaches to the hood, trunk or luggage rack of the vehicle. All parts for the functionality of the plow are contained on the plow itself, so there are no brackets or hitches required to be attached to the bumpers of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Nordic Auto Plow, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Anthony Behan, Paulette Sanders Behan
  • Patent number: 9676315
    Abstract: A support system for loading ramps useful in loading and unloading vehicles and other machinery in truck beds and similar storage and transport structures. The support system includes a horizontal support which couples with a hitch receiver, a vertical support having a central aperture at its top to receive a support bar of a loading ramp system, and an angle brace designed and configured to be removably affixed to the horizontal and vertical supports. The angle brace may extend at an angle of between 20 and 40 degrees or between 50 and 70 degrees from horizontal. In some embodiments the support system is provided with a ramp system including a pair of ladder ramps, each ladder ramp having two ladder ramp segments hingedly connected. In these and other embodiments the support system may be provided with a ramp system including an arced segment near the top portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: William Jason Davis
  • Patent number: 9555746
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory hitch assembly for attaching an accessory to a vehicle. The vehicle may include a frame and a bed mounted to the frame. First and second base rails may be disposed on the bed and coupled to the frame of the vehicle, and the vehicle may include a vehicle trailer hitch with a receiver for accepting a shank. In one embodiment, the vehicle accessory hitch assembly may be mechanically connected to each of the first and second base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch such that the vehicle accessory hitch assembly is immovable or stationary relative to the first and second base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch. In another embodiment, the vehicle accessory hitch assembly may be adaptable to connect to differently-configured base rails and vehicle trailer hitch constructions, including different horizontal and vertical spacing between the base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hurricane, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky A. Weihl
  • Patent number: 9315957
    Abstract: A height adjustable snow plow mounting apparatus includes an elongated member having a snow plow mounting member positioned at each end thereof. A vehicle mounting member positioned on the elongated member engages a receiver on the motor vehicle for the purpose of releasably connecting the snow plow mounting apparatus to the vehicle. A support member comprising an extended sleeve which substantially spans the length of the elongated member functions to secure the vehicle mounting member to the elongated member. By simply reversing the position of the elongated member relative to the support member, the snow plow mounting members may be positioned above or below the horizontal plane of the vehicle mounting member. In turn, the apparatus readily supports two different heights of the vehicle mounting member relative to the motor vehicle, which heights are based upon standard height differences in motor vehicle ground clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Tiercel Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Bruce Edwin Seeley
  • Patent number: 9255370
    Abstract: A snow plow includes a plurality of surface-engaging sections movably carried by the moldboard and depending from the moldboard in side-by-side relationship with one another. The surface-engaging sections are each independently linearly movable relative to the moldboard between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust to the contour of the surface being plowed. Each surface-engaging section comprises a main body portion carried by the moldboard, and a surface-engaging trip blade portion carried by the main body portion and which can pivot between a surface-scraping position and a deflected position and is urged toward the surface-scraping position. The trip blade portion can deflect to accommodate obstacles, and can cooperate with the linear movement of the surface-engaging sections to accommodate larger obstacles than can be accommodated by deflection alone. The snow plow also includes adjustable wear shoes and an adjustable vehicle mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Adepco Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Gino Paonessa
  • Patent number: 9186981
    Abstract: A work vehicle capable of cooling an engine compartment in a simple structure is provided. A partition wall partitions an internal space of an exterior cover into an engine compartment housing the engine and a cooling compartment housing the air blower. The partition wall includes a first wall portion extending at a relatively large inclination with respect to a direction in which an upper side plate of the exterior cover located on the cooling compartment side with respect to the partition wall extends, and a second wall portion extending at a relatively small inclination. An upper opening portion as an air intake port connecting an external space and the internal space of the exterior cover is provided in the upper side plate so as to be located to face the second wall portion. The first wall portion is provided with an opening connecting the engine compartment and the cooling compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Yukihisa Sakai
  • Patent number: 9187139
    Abstract: An attachment mount for the front end of a truck, which can fit trucks with full-width or tapering chassis. The attachment mount may include a front member for supporting a front-end truck attachment, and a distribution member, The distribution member may be attached to the vehicle chassis and to the front member, so that the attachment mount spreads stresses originating from downwardly-directed forces exerted on the front member by the attachment, to the front portion of the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Bill B Cunagin
  • Patent number: 9151007
    Abstract: A quick-release attachment system for connecting a wing plow to the side of a vehicle has a mounting block configured to couple to a conventional structure on the wing plow. A mounting block lifting and securing mechanism has a base element affixed to the vehicle and an extendable and retractable slider controlled by a slider actuator. A lift arm is pivotably mounted to the slider and is raised and lowered by a pivot actuator connected between the slider and the lift arm. When lowered, the lift arm can be positioned such that it engages and raises the mounting block when the lift arm is pivoted back to its raised position. The engagement allows the lift arm to carry the mounting block with it when the slider is retracted, drawing the mounting block into a bracket on the base element to which the mounting block can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ralph L. Osgood, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Osgood
  • Patent number: 9151006
    Abstract: A material pushing apparatus is disclosed that has a central blade, at least one removable side plate attached to the central blade and a segmented scraping edge flexibly attached to the central blade along the bottom longitudinal edge of the blade. A position sensor is attached between the blade and the scraping edge and produces a position signal that is displayed to indicate the relative position between the blade and edge in order to characterize the amount of downward pressure applied to the scraping edge. Other aspects and features of the disclosed apparatus include a tilt sensor and display, and an improved coupler having shock-absorbing features and a cam-type clamping arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Pro-Tech Manufacturing and Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Guggino, Barry Sherman, James Maier, Tom Moran, Samuel Granados, Thomas B. Maier, Dale Keep
  • Patent number: 9145915
    Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting a plow, or another front-mounted implement, on a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is provided. The frame assembly comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is typically raised with respect to the rear portion, allowing the plow to be pivotally attached to the front of the frame assembly at a higher location. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism allowing the frame assembly to be easily mounted to the underside of the vehicle. A releasing mechanism, operatively connected to the locking mechanism, allows for the easy removal of the frame assembly from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Coulombe, Normand Roy, Marc-Andre Patry, Vincent Morin, Jérémie Aubin-Marchand, Erick Bienvenue
  • Patent number: 9080297
    Abstract: An implement including a work assembly for clearing materials on a ground, the work assembly including an edge and at least one dynamic skid shoe. The implement may have a pair of dynamic skid shoes. The dynamic skid shoe includes a surface contact component for contacting a street surface, a dynamic component operably connected to the surface contact component for providing vertical movement of the surface contact component, and a hydraulic fluid circuit including a pressure providing component fluidily connected to the dynamic component. The implement includes a linkage assembly, wherein the linkage assembly and the dynamic skid shoe operate to provide the edge to be elevated above the ground surface in order to pass over an obstruction encountered by the edge even on uneven surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Glenridge, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant Hanson
  • Patent number: 9032650
    Abstract: A removable plow attachment for a snow blower or thrower is provided. A plow attachment includes a plow member and hook-shaped brackets. The plow member is an arcuate shaped member configured for moving or plowing loose material such as snow, slush, etc. The plow member is removably coupled to the snow blower by the hook-shaped brackets and fasteners. L-shaped angling members are provided on the plow member. The brackets and the L-shaped angling members are configured so that the angle of the plow member relative to the snow blower and the surface being plowed can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Ignazio Iacona
  • Patent number: 8967286
    Abstract: A mount assembly is provided that allows for interconnecting an implement (e.g., snow plow, rotary brush etc.) to the front end of a vehicle while permitting that implement to move laterally relative to the front end of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kois Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest J. Kois
  • Patent number: 8955238
    Abstract: An adjustable plow blade which is adapted to be easily reconfigured between multiple configurations, including a straight-blade configuration and a V-shaped configuration. The adjustable plow blade generally includes a pair of blade portions which are adapted to be removably secured to each other in various configurations including a straight-edge blade configuration and a V-shaped blade configuration. The blade portions each include linkages which may be utilized in connection with fasteners to transition the present invention between the configurations. A mount bar is also provided to which the blade portions are secured to mount the present invention to a plowing object such as a handheld snow plow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: John R. Castruccio
  • Publication number: 20150033589
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing material from the ground is disclosed, with a path-clearing blade, a vehicle mounting, a body supporting the blade, and a jointed connection between the vehicle mounting and the body permitting the axis of the blade and body to rotate within a plane parallel to the ground. The jointed connection has first and second pivot arm each pivotally connected about a proximal axis of rotation relative to the vehicle mounting and pivotally connected about a distal axis of rotation relative to the body. As the body's axis rotates in the clockwise sense, the first and second arms each pivot counterclockwise about their respective proximal axes of rotation, and vice versa. The arms are preferably disposed above the body and the distal axes of rotation are mounted forwardly of the rear edge of a horizontal rotating brush mounted in the body behind the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: MULTIHOG R & D LIMITED
    Inventors: Jim McAdam, Gerry McHugh
  • Publication number: 20150000166
    Abstract: A snow plow is provided with a first V-plow blade and a second V-plow blade each pivotably coupled to a plow tower with a horizontal pivot pin. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle by securing each of a chassis coupler to the vehicle chassis. The two V-plow blades are coupled to a plow tower configured to support each of the V-plow blades for movement about a blade vertical pivot pin disposed in each of the first and second V-plow blades and the plow tower. A tower adjustment assembly is coupled to the plow tower and a plow frame which is configured to couple to the hitch frame nose assembly. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame and couples to the hitch frame nose assembly wherein the snow plow is pivotably coupled to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy G. Koch, Robert N. Gamble, II, Jacob R. Brehmer, Mark D. Buckbee
  • Publication number: 20140373397
    Abstract: A personal use plow for pushing, but not limited to, snow and slush from ones driveway by most passenger automobiles and/or ATV's that is attached using a unique strapping and cog bracing system. The plow is made of injected molded structural foam plastic and comes in 5 separate panels that can be easily assembled into a solid plow blade. This material is lightweight and allows for easy transportation, storage, and use. When assembled, the plow can be used either in the front or back of the vehicle. The plow attaches to the vehicle by a special hook, designed as part of this patent, which attaches to the hood, trunk, or luggage rack of the vehicle. All parts for the functionality of the plow are contained on the plow itself, so there are no brackets or hitches required to be attached to the bumpers or vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: INSPIRATION MANAGEMENT GROUP, LTD.
    Inventors: Richard Anthony Behan, Paulette Sanders Behan
  • Patent number: 8875419
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The plow blade includes a limiting apparatus that limits upward movement of the retention apparatus. Preferably, the limiting apparatus includes a retention pin that can be secured within one of a plurality of vertically spaced apertures in the mounting upright(s) such that vertical positioning of the retention pin is adjustable. The snow plow further preferably includes a hoist or lifting upright having a lifting assembly, wherein the lifting assembly can raise the plow blade off of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Publication number: 20140317966
    Abstract: A snow plow includes a plurality of surface-engaging sections movably carried by the moldboard and depending from the moldboard in side-by-side relationship with one another. The surface-engaging sections are each independently linearly movable relative to the moldboard between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust to the contour of the surface being plowed. Each surface-engaging section comprises a main body portion carried by the moldboard, and a surface-engaging trip blade portion carried by the main body portion and which can pivot between a surface-scraping position and a deflected position and is urged toward the surface-scraping position. The trip blade portion can deflect to accommodate obstacles, and can cooperate with the linear movement of the surface-engaging sections to accommodate larger obstacles than can be accommodated by deflection alone. The snow plow also includes adjustable wear shoes and an adjustable vehicle mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Gino Paonessa
  • Publication number: 20140250738
    Abstract: A quick-release attachment system for connecting a wing plow to the side of a vehicle has a mounting block configured to couple to a conventional structure on the wing plow. A mounting block lifting and securing mechanism has a base element affixed to the vehicle and an extendable and retractable slider controlled by a slider actuator. A lift arm is pivotably mounted to the slider and is raised and lowered by a pivot actuator connected between the slider and the lift arm. When lowered, the lift arm can be positioned such that it engages and raises the mounting block when the lift arm is pivoted back to its raised position. The engagement allows the lift arm to carry the mounting block with it when the slider is retracted, drawing the mounting block into a bracket on the base element to which the mounting block can be secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Ralph L. Osgood, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Osgood
  • Patent number: 8793906
    Abstract: A snowplow assembly may include a vehicle attachment component, a blade support component and a snowplow blade that are each formed in a rotational molding process. These components may be manually assembled and manually attached to the vehicle. The snowplow blade may be manually positioned adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Meyer Products LLC
    Inventors: Martin Warchola, James A. Kost
  • Patent number: 8769847
    Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting a plow, or another front-mounted implement, on a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is provided. The frame assembly comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is typically raised with respect to the rear portion, allowing the plow to be pivotally attached to the front of the frame assembly at a higher location. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism allowing the frame assembly to be easily mounted to the underside of the vehicle. A releasing mechanism, operatively connected to the locking mechanism, allows for the easy removal of the frame assembly from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Coulombe, Normand Roy, Marc-Andre Patry, Vincent Morin, Jeremie Aubin-Marchand, Erick Bienvenue
  • Patent number: 8763280
    Abstract: At least one arm, adapted to connect to a vehicle implement, is pivotally connected to one of front and rear portions of a frame of a motorized vehicle. The at least one arm is pivotable between a first position and a second position vertically higher than the first position. A lock, disposed on at least one of the at least one arm and the frame, locks the at least one arm in the second position. When in the first position, the at least one arm is in a position for connection with the vehicle implement. When in the second position, the at least one arm is in a stowed position. The at least one arm has a shape at least partially generally complementary with a portion of a corresponding one of a front portion and a rear portion of the vehicle. A vehicle implement assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fournier, Benoit Marleau, Patrick Bernard
  • Patent number: 8763715
    Abstract: The front mounting assembly has a vehicle-mounted frame and a plow-mounted frame that are drawn together by a lift actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, and brought into registry by guides. When the frames are aligned, slides are advanced from one frame into slide receivers affixed to the other frame and secured thereto by pins. The guides include a pair of guide tabs, which protrude from the plow-mounted frame to guidably engage and subsequently cradle a horizontal lower bar on the vehicle-mounted frame, and a pair of angled upper guides on the plow-mounted frame, which engage a pair of vertical plates on the vehicle-mounted frame to help center the plow-mounted frame as it is pulled into position. For plows having a side wing, a rear mounting assembly engages and lifts a mounting block attached to the wing into a base member to which it is pinned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ralph L. Osgood, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Osgood
  • Patent number: 8739436
    Abstract: A quick-attach assembly for quickly and easily securing an implement to the forward end of a push tube assembly mounted on an off-road vehicle. A rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the rearward end of the implement. When connected together, the rear quick-attach assembly is received within the front quick-attach assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20140123523
    Abstract: A universal snow plow mounting apparatus is used for mounting a snow plow onto a motor vehicle. The snow plow mounting apparatus allows a snow plow to be removably attached to the vehicle and has a height adjustment feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Edwin Seeley
  • Publication number: 20140109445
    Abstract: A snowplow assembly may include a vehicle attachment component, a blade support component and a snowplow blade that are each formed in a rotational molding process. These components may be manually assembled and manually attached to the vehicle. The snowplow blade may be manually positioned adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Meyer Products, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Warchola, James A. Kost
  • Patent number: 8689898
    Abstract: A multi-use attachment device that is easily attached to and removed from an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) comprises a lift frame including an inner lift frame, an outer lift frame, a first pivotal axis and a second pivotal axis, and is configured to pivot about the first pivotal axis with a first electrical device, and has a second electrical device mounted on the lift frame to pivot the outer lift frame with respect to the inner lift frame. One end of the multi-use attachment is attached to the ATV/UTV, and the other end is attached to an implement such as a loader bucket, a pallet fork, or a plow blade. Some embodiments of the multi-use attachment use tension devices both for pivoting the lift frame about the first pivotal axis and for pivoting the outer lift frame with respect to the inner lift frame about the second pivotal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Anthony Benesch
  • Patent number: 8671597
    Abstract: A snow plow towing hitch system removably attached to an existing vehicle hitch which is lightweight and compact to allow an individual to attach the snow plow towing hitch system to a vehicle hitch when needed and to remove and store it when not in use. The snow plow towing hitch system includes a connecting bar connected to a vehicle hitch, a vertical support bar attached to the connecting bar, a plow blade rotatably attached to the vertical support bar, and a spring attached to the vertical support bar and the plow blade to limit rotation of the plow blade. Another alternate embodiment of the snow plow towing hitch system comes in a kit form allowing the user to easily assemble the snow plow towing hitch for use and to disassemble for storage or to use portions as a snow shovel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hamid A. Gappy
  • Patent number: 8656615
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle includes a vehicle implement pivotally connected to one of a front portion and a rear portion of a frame of the vehicle by at least one arm. The vehicle implement is pivotable between a first position and a second position vertically higher than the first position. In the first position, the vehicle implement is disposed forward of the front portion when connected to the front portion, and disposed rearward of the rear portion when connected to the rear portion. In the second position, the vehicle implement is disposed at least partially vertically above the corresponding one of the front and rear portions, and overlaps at least partially longitudinally with the corresponding one of the front and rear portions. The at least one arm is at least partially generally congruent with a portion of the corresponding one of the front and rear portions of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fournier, Sandy Scullion, Eric Charlebois, Annie Leclerc
  • Patent number: 8578635
    Abstract: A quick-attach mechanism for attaching an implement to the forward end of a push type assembly which is secured to an off-road vehicle. The quick-attach mechanism includes a front female quick-attach structure on the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear male quick-attach structure attached to the implement. The front and rear quick-attach assemblies may be quickly selectively coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20130239447
    Abstract: A removable plow attachment for a snow blower or thrower is provided. A plow attachment in accordance with the present disclosure includes a plow member and hook-shaped brackets. The plow member is an arcuate shaped member configured for moving or plowing loose material such as snow, slush, etc. The plow member is removably coupled to the snow blower by the hook-shaped brackets and fasteners. L-shaped angling members are provided on the plow member. The brackets and the L-shaped angling members are configured so that the angle of the plow member relative to the snow blower and the surface being plowed can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ignazio Iacona
  • Patent number: 8528237
    Abstract: A snow plow for permanently attaching to a vehicle, selectively deploying a plow blade beyond a bumper and selectively retracting the blade underneath the vehicle by a hydraulic cylinder assembly. The snow plow has a pair of plow blades, namely a front plow blade and a rear plow blade that selectively deploy. The blades have side extensions that hydraulically extend laterally to remove the snow in front of the wheels and widen the path of snow removal. A hydraulic arm assembly pivots the blade to the right or to the left to attack the snow at an angle when plowing and removing snow. A pantographic frame assembly hydraulically lowers and raises the hydraulic cylinder assembly, lowering the plow blade closer to the ground or raising the blade higher for more ground clearance and decreasing the visibility of the blade and the hydraulic cylinder assembly underneath the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Bacall
  • Publication number: 20130212913
    Abstract: A connection system for a vehicle tool such as a plow, comprising: a vehicle structure unit adapted to be secured to an underside of a vehicle. A tool connector unit is adapted to be secured to a vehicle tool. A male and female connector system is between the vehicle structure unit and the tool connector unit for the mating engagement therebetween. A latch unit latches at least one male connector of the connector system into a corresponding female connector for releasable engagement, the latch unit comprising at least one biasing element to bias the latch unit into the releasable engagement. An interface connected to the latch unit for operating the latch unit in disengaging the male and female connector system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Jean Despres
  • Patent number: 8505973
    Abstract: A forward mount is disclosed which is secured to the frame of an off-road vehicle to enable the rearward ends of a push-tube assembly to be secured thereto. The forward mount of this invention may be attached to the main frame of off-road vehicles of different manufacturers in various ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20130185963
    Abstract: A hitch device for connecting a groomer vehicle having a first frame extending along a first axis, and an implement, in particular a rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes and having a second frame extending crosswise to and symmetrically with respect to a second axis. The hitch device has an arm hinged to the first frame about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, and about a fourth axis perpendicular to the first and third axis; a first actuator for adjusting the position of the arm about the third axis with respect to the first frame to lift and lower the implement; at least one second actuator for adjusting the position of the arm about the fourth axis with respect to the first frame; a movable coupling movable between the arm and one of the first and second frame; and a third actuator for adjusting the position of the arm in a plane crosswise to the fourth axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: ROLIC INVEST S.AR.L.
    Inventor: Rolic Invest S.AR.L.