For Adjusting Height Of Blade Patents (Class 37/271)
  • Patent number: 10227751
    Abstract: A sectional plow is provided. The sectional plow includes a plow body or blade. It also includes a first side plate attachable to a first side of the plow body, and a second side plate attachable to a second opposite side of the plow body. The sectional plow also includes a first thrust arm attachable to the plow body and the first side plate, and a second thrust arm attachable to the plow body and the second side plate. In an embodiment, the thrust arm is a pair of thrust arms. The plow also includes extensions of different sizes that are insertable between the plow body and the side plates to extend the width of the plow and provide at least three alternative plow widths. Significantly, the plow can be easily assembled and disassembled. It is designed to be bolted together as opposed to welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: WJN Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Nero, Kurt Ende
  • Patent number: 9598829
    Abstract: A snowblower skid shoe height adjustment mechanism includes a linear actuator mounted to an auger housing. The linear actuator may be connected to a switch in an operator station. A shaft extends transversely across the auger housing and rotates in response to the extension or retraction of the linear actuator. A first bell crank is attached to a left end and a second bell crank is attached to a right end of the shaft. A rod is connected to each of the first and the second bell cranks, and each rod extends generally vertically down to a skid shoe. The rods and skid shoes are raised or lowered as the linear actuator is extended or retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Russell J. Betts
  • Patent number: 8191289
    Abstract: A skid for use on a snow blower, where the snow blower includes an auger housing through which snow removed from an area is channeled. The skid includes a body that is secured to a vertical side wall of the auger housing. The body includes a sliding surface which assists the auger housing in sliding over snow-covered regions of the area being cleared; and a rolling surface which assists the auger housing to travel over snow-free regions of the area. A slot is provided in the sliding surface of the skid and a portion of the rolling surface projects for a distance below the sliding surface. An adapter plate may be positioned between the body and the side wall of the auger housing. The adapter plate enables the body to be secured to different makes of auger housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Raftery Design, Inc.
    Inventor: William Barret Raftery
  • Publication number: 20110067274
    Abstract: A snow plow is provided with an articulated wing blade. 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. A plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion is configured to coupled to a central plow blade and a lift bar assembly. The central plow blade includes a wing blade pivotally attached at each end of the central plow blade. Each wing blade is configured to selectively move independently of the central plow blade from a first position to a second position about a vertical axis parallel with each of the first and second ends of the central plow blade. The 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 pivotally coupled to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Mike M. Stevens, Mark D. Buckbee, Robert N. Gamble, II
  • Patent number: 7874085
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plow blade edge device for mounting to a moldboard of a plow comprising at least one adapter blade including a bottom edge having a carbide insert along at least a portion of the bottom edge. The device further includes at least one moldboard shoe selectively reversible to present the adapter blade at a first angle or a second angle. The device further includes at least one impact bar mounted to a front side of the adapter blade. The at least one moldboard shoe can include a bottom edge having a carbide insert along at least a portion of the bottom edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Winter Equipment Company
    Inventors: Kent Winter, Phil Prucey
  • Patent number: 7367408
    Abstract: A scraping device, a system and a method for collecting a material are provided. The scraping device may have a bowl having a first end and a second end. A lip may be positioned at the first end and may cover an opening at the first end. In an embodiment, direct mounted cylinders may be attached to the lip and may move the lip to completely cover or uncover the opening. The scraping device may have a tongue mounted to the bowl having a triangular-shaped plate mechanism that may be used to raise and to lower a cutting edge attached to the bowl. Cylinders connected to the mechanism may be retracted or extended to raise or to lower the scraping device. A load within the scraping device may be lifted by force exerted from a barrel end of a cylinder, thus utilizing a maximum potential of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Moyna
  • Patent number: 7263789
    Abstract: A plow for mounting to a vehicle is disclosed. The plow can include a moldboard having a movable cutting edge and an adjustable bias trip mechanism having a biasing member preferably in the form of a spring. The adjustable trip mechanism can be arranged with the cutting edge of the moldboard to urge the cutting edge to a plowing position. The spring can be cooperatively arranged with a retainer, a pin for example, at one or more retaining positions to impart a preload biasing force upon the spring that varies according to the retaining position selected. The preload biasing force can act as a trip resistance force which must be overcome before the cutting edge moves. A lever tool can be provided for adjusting the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Henderson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Hollinrake, Mary T. Goos, Mike Voorhees, Lyle Seaman
  • Patent number: 6948267
    Abstract: An ice resurfacing machine laser control is used to optimize the ice layer on an artificial ice track, such as an ice hockey rink and is adapted for use in ice resurfacing machines. The thickness of an ice layer is optimized with a beam for a laser transmitter. The ice resurfacing machine comprises a laser receiver and mechanisms to regulate the elevation of the scraper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Kalannin Kaspek Oy
    Inventor: Timo Pirilä
  • Patent number: 6895698
    Abstract: A plow for mounting to a vehicle is disclosed. The plow can include a moldboard having a movable cutting edge and an adjustable bias trip mechanism having a biasing member preferably in the form of a spring. The adjustable trip mechanism can be arranged with the cutting edge of the moldboard to urge the cutting edge to a plowing position. The spring can be cooperatively arranged with a retainer, a pin for example, at one or more retaining positions to impart a preload biasing force upon the spring that varies according to the retaining position selected. The preload biasing force can act as a trip resistance force which must be overcome before the cutting edge moves. A lever tool can be provided for adjusting the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Henderson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Hollinrake, Mary T. Goos, Mike Voorhees, Lyle Seaman
  • Patent number: 6662478
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a grading blade disposed between a pair of holders. An adjusting mechanism is rigidly attached to the grading blade. A threaded connector is used to adjust the vertical position of the grading blade. Each holder is attached to a rear portion of a utility bucket, e.g., by welding. A plurality of gussets are attached to one of the holders and to the utility bucket, thereby providing further attachment and supported to the present grading assembly. The grading blade may be rotated, thereby using each of a pair of grading edges as desired. Moreover, the grading blade may be detached and repaired or replaced. When installed on a utility bucket, the present grading assembly allows precision grading to be conducted when driving in both forward and rearward directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Virnig Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Darin R. Virnig
  • Patent number: 6351898
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for utilization of a proximity sensor to control the height adjustment of vehicle-mounted devices for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. One end of a shaft is connected to the broom, while the other end is mounted on top of the broom assembly. A threaded collar on the shaft moves axially in response to change in the height of the broom assembly. A proximity sensor produces and monitors a magnetic field near the central portion of the shaft. Height adjustment of the broom causes the collar to move past the proximity sensor, thereby distorting the magnetic field. The proximity sensor stops the electrical signal which controls the downward movement of the broom assembly. The height selection for the broom assembly is adjusted by turning a nut or ratchet assembly on the end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventors: Scott Lewis, Mike Weege, Greg Noah
  • Publication number: 20020011012
    Abstract: A snow grooming apparatus is adapted for being drawn by a towing vehicle on a snow surface such as a ski slope. A drawing yolk engages the towing vehicle and pivots on a main chassis of the apparatus. The main chassis rides on a pair of spaced apart runners and supports plural snow shearing blades which are angled for directing snow laterally with respect to the center of the apparatus. An hydraulic actuating system is adapted for vertically positioning a ski centered with respect to the runners and forward of the center of mass of the main chassis. Thus, when this ski is extended downwardly, the main chassis and the snow shearing blades are raised. A pair of wheels of a secondary chassis are movable such that the main chassis may be supported above a snow or road surface between the pair of wheels and the hitching means. Alternately, the pair of wheels may be drawn up, above the surface with the main chassis supported on its runners when the ski is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Gregoire, Mary Gregoire
  • Publication number: 20010047600
    Abstract: A plow support assembly provides support of a plow assembly when the plow assembly is disconnected from a vehicle. The support assembly includes a support foot and is operable to move the support foot to a lowered, support position whereby the support foot engages the ground or support surface. The support assembly includes a control device which is operable to limit the downward movement of the support foot in response to a signal indicative of the support foot engaging the support surface, such that movement of the support foot is stopped once the support foot contacts a support surface or ground. The signal may be provided by a switch which is operable to communicate the signal in response to detection of a threshold position of the support foot, engagement of the support foot with the support surface, or a threshold hydraulic fluid pressure within the actuator, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, Cal G. Niemela
  • Patent number: 6283225
    Abstract: A grader attachment for a skid steer vehicle. The grader attachment is attachable to the front end of the skid steer vehicle. The grader attachment includes a mounting plate at the rear of the grader attachment for removably attaching the grader attachment to the lift mechanism of the skid steer vehicle. The grader attachment further includes a frame with a plurality of frame members extending longitudinally from the mounting plate in parallel spaced relation for accepting at least three grading blades attached to and extending downwardly from the frame members. The grading blades include a first blade located at the front end of the grader attachment, the first blade angled inwardly from right to left to output a windrow from the left end of the first blade. A second blade is located behind the first blade and positioned to accept the windrow from the first blade, the second blade angled inwardly from left to right to produce a windrow on the right end of the second blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Richard P. Hermonson
  • Patent number: 6240659
    Abstract: Control system for a jack for raising and lowering a lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis. The control system includes several safety features that prevent the jack from being deployed when the snow blade is raised, and that automatically retract the jack when the snow blade is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Curtis International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc D. Curtis, Gary Harris
  • Patent number: 6070343
    Abstract: An adjustable grading device attaching to a vehicle rear towing hitch having a grading blade for grading or snow removal and integrated wheels for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: David T. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 6050008
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James R. Doornek, Steven L. Klug, Gerald E. Lutzke, Chad T. Barker, Christian T. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5894688
    Abstract: A power assisted snowplow stand for allowing an operator of a snowplow the ability to position the snowplow to connect and disconnect the snowplow. The snowplow stand generally including a stand structure coupled to a power assist mechanism. The stand structure coupled to the snowplow. The invention also including a method for attaching a vehicle, including a subframe, to and operating power assisted snowplow stand for allowing an operator of a snowplow the ability to position the snowplow to connect and disconnect the snowplow; a stand structure coupled to the snowplow and a power assist mechanism being linked to a control system for controlling the power assisted snowplow stand. The stand structure including an up position and a down position. The method including positioning the vehicle subframe for engagement with the snowplow. Operating the control system to actuate the power assist mechanism to align the snowplow with the vehicle subframe. Engaging and coupling the vehicle subframe to the snowplow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Sno-way International, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Struck, Lynn W. Schultz, Howard D. Hadler, Terry Wendorff
  • Patent number: 5890546
    Abstract: A tractor drawn scraper apparatus with folding wings includes a main frame with a main blade assembly depending therefrom and wing frames with wing blade assemblies depending therefrom. The wing frames are pivotally connected to laterally opposite ends of the main frame and are pivoted by the action of hydraulic cylinders connected between the main frame and the wing frames respectively. The wing frames are lowered for soil engagement and raised for transport. A wheel frame includes a wheel frame axle pivotally connected to the main frame by way of the main blade assembly and having a pair of radial wheel support arms with ground engaging wheels journaled thereon. A pair of wheel frame cylinders engaged between the main frame and the wheel support arms are activated to raise the wheels for soil engagement by the blade assemblies and to lower the wheels for transport. A tongue assembly extends forwardly from the main frame for hitching to a tractor to draw the blade assemblies over a soil surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Robert S. Kerpash, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5485690
    Abstract: A lightweight snowplow configured of a number of small components, each easily lifted, moved, assembled, dis-assembled and stored by an average individual. The snowplow is especially suitable for use with small vehicles such as small trucks, utility vehicles and cars. The snowplow features novel alternate arrangements for operational lifting, stopping and lowering of the snowplow and a quick-hitch/release mechanism for easy plow attachment purposes. Finally, the mounting structure to which the plow is attached and detached is designed so as to be able to fit most small utility vehicles with two fore and aft frame chassis members and a frame mounted metal bumper without need for welding or special custom fit-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: James P. MacQueen
  • Patent number: 5353530
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Pieper
  • Patent number: 5271169
    Abstract: The device includes a blade and a handle whereby the device may be used as a conventional snow pusher. Skis or skids below the blade support the blade at an angle relative to the ground, and may raise the blade 5 cm or so off the ground surface, so that the blade does not snag the ground during pushing. Left and right struts support the skis from the blade. The struts are collapsible, and when collapsed the skis lie tucked away against the back of the blade, whereby the device may be used as a shovel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Krzysztof J. Konsztowicz
  • Patent number: 5195261
    Abstract: A quick hitching device for detachably mounting an attachment such as a snow plow or a rotary brush to the frame of a road vehicle. The device comprises a quick hitching sub-frame that is detachably connectable to the bottom of the frame of the vehicle, and tiltable with respect to this frame about a first transversal pivot when its rear end is not connected. The device also comprises an attachment supporting sub-frame having a rear end hingedly connected to the hitching sub-frame about a second transversal axis parallel to the first axis, and a longitudinal extensible power jack having one end pivotably attached to the front portion of the hitching sub-frame above the second axis and another end pivotably attached to the front end of the supporting sub-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Bertrand Vachon
  • Patent number: 5193296
    Abstract: A novel means of attaching a plow frame to a vehicle frame is described. The attachment means includes ears on both the plow frame and the vehicle frame. The ears are joined together by pins that are inserted through holes in the ears. The ears are shaped in such a way that they can be forced into alignment using the plow's lifting device. when the ears are held in alignment this way the coupling pins can be easily inserted. This greatly eases the coupling of the plow to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Peter V. Reilley
  • Patent number: 5129170
    Abstract: A system for mounting, removal, and storage of a snowplow includes a caster removably mounted on the rear crossbar of the plow A-frame. The caster shaft is threaded for adjustability of the vertical position of the crossbar. Front wheels are removably mounted on the right and left ends of the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Anthony T. Fusilli
  • Patent number: 5109618
    Abstract: Snow-ploughs for frontal mounting on road vehicles are provided with an avoidance device, which in known types can be implemented by means of two circular curved guides. This poses problems, however, during mounting as well as during avoidance, particularly on hard surfaces. In order to ensure firm and reliable mounting of the plough blade (1) on the curved guide and hence problem-free avoidance, the curved guide is designed as a sliding bearing. To this end, it comprises a first and a second curved actions. A forced limiter with a descending characteristic curve is also provided. The snow-plough is suitable for use as road snow-plough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Martin Beilhack Maschinenfabrik und Hammerwerk GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Grubler, Kurt Kopp
  • Patent number: 5072531
    Abstract: A pair of road-sliding skates for mounting onto a front-loaded, snowplow, automotive vehicle are provided, to prevent damage to the structural integrity of the vehicle when rolling on a high-crowned road, yet enabling unhampered snowblowing operation of the snowplow in high snow banks. The skates are mounted rearwardly of the front bucket side walls of the vehicle, being substantially inwardly offset relative to the vertical plane of the corresponding side walls, yet being forwardly positioned relative to the front leading edge of the recessed bucket flooring. Each skate position is adjusted about a horizontal, fore end aft axis as well as in elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventors: Normand Pronovost, Rejean Pronovost
  • Patent number: 4905387
    Abstract: A snow plow having a curved blade with a bottom scraping edge and rearwardly extending horizontally positioned mounting means. Two wheels each having a hub are each attached to a frame member with an outer cylindrical member having the bottom thereof connected to the associated wheel hub by a horizontally disposed strut and having the top thereof connected to the horizontally disposed strut by an angularly disposed strut. An inner cylindrical member is fixedly mounted to each of the mounting means for each wheel, the inner cylindrical members being adapted to fit inside of an associated one of the outer cylindrical members to mount the two wheels to the snow plow blade, and means providing vertical adjustment of the curved blade with respect to the wheel hub and the ground upon which the wheel rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Wayne L. Street
  • Patent number: 4817728
    Abstract: Implements designed for attachment to a lawn and garden tractor include elongate attaching frames having the implement tool connected to first ends of the frames and transport wheels located so that the weight of the implement is distributed approximately half on opposite sides of the wheel axes so that the implement may be easily pushed about on the wheels during mounting and dismounting the implement to and from the tractor frame. Attachment brackets and lift links of the implements are engageable with attachment pins and lift crank arms of the tractor without necessitating any lifting of the implement. Also with driven implements, the drive belts are arranged on or stored with the implements so that the tractor drive may be easily and correctly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Schmid, Larry D. Hining, Frank K. O'Toole
  • Patent number: 4802293
    Abstract: An earth-moving attachment for use with a vehicle includes a pair of earth-moving blade assemblies mounted on a main beam. The earth-moving blade assemblies are adapted to be independently movable in several planes with respect to each other and with respect to the main beam so that a plurality of earth-working operations can be performed, and the attachment is amenable for use in conjunction with a wide variety of terrains. The blade assemblies are mounted and designed to efficiently transfer forces with the main beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: Raymond H. Smith
  • Patent number: 4450635
    Abstract: A snow plow blade skid shoe is angularly adjusted during mounting upon the plow moldboard for leveling the shoes ground contacting pad. The shoe includes a pair of spaced apart brackets which are secured to the moldboard by bolts extending through the pre-existing bolt holes used for bolting the plow blade to the moldboard. An elongated shoe pad extends horizontally between the lower edges of the brackets and is initially secured thereto by a bendable connector. Plate-like arms, fastened to the pad, are loosely positioned adjacent the brackets. When the plow mounted blade is initially lowered until its bottom edge engages the ground, the pressure between the pad and ground causes the pad to angularly turn, thereby bending the connector, to level the pad in full face to face contact with the ground and parallel to the blade bottom edge. Then the arms are welded to their adjacent bracket portions for fixing the pad position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Inventor: Warren M. Shwayder
  • Patent number: 4441266
    Abstract: A skid shoe mounting arrangement detachably mounted to the side of the snow blower auger housing such that the skid shoe mounting assembly can be easily reassembled to a plurality of preset heights relative to said auger housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David A. Westimayer
  • Patent number: 4369590
    Abstract: Scraper apparatus for being carried at the rear of a vehicle such as a light truck or the like includes an attachment frame adapted for being carried by the vehicle beneath its chassis thereof at the rear of the vehicle. A blade-carrying frame for carrying the blade at the rear of the vehicle is pivotally and detachably securable to the attachment frame at the rear of the vehicle by use of a securement frame or unit providing telescoping interengagement with the attachment frame, and pivotal interengagement with the blade-carrying frame to define a transverse pivot axis to permit pivoting of the blade-carrying frame upon the axis relative to the vehicle. A winch selectively raises or lowers the pivot-remote end of the blade-carrying frame under remote operator control. The blade is pivotally secured to the blade-carrying frame by a sleeve in which is rotatably journalled a shaft secured to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Inventor: Michael E. Miller