And Auxiliary Wing Or Extension Patents (Class 37/281)
  • Patent number: 6751894
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing snow from a travel surface, including a wear member movably connected to a main blade or wing blade. In some embodiments, a fastener connected to the wear member extends through an aperture in the blade and is biased in a downward direction by a biasing mechanism connected to the blade. The biasing mechanism can include a spring, brackets retaining the spring in position with respect to the blade, and a shaft connected to the fastener and to the spring to exert a biasing force (e.g., a downward force) upon the fastener and therefore upon the wear member. The wear member can pivot about a pivot point while the biasing member biases the wear member against the travel surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Schmidt Engineering and Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Verseef
  • Publication number: 20040025380
    Abstract: A front-retracting plow is disclosed. The plow includes a vehicle mount for mounting the plow to a host vehicle, and a main blade mounted to the vehicle mount. The plow further includes a pair of wing blades pivotally mounted to the main blade, and four bar parallel arm linkages and actuators connected between opposing ends of the main blade and each of the wing blades for moving the at least one wing blade between a retracted position in front of the main blade and an extended position in substantial longitudinal alignment with the main blade, whereby a plurality of plowing widths is provided. It should be noted that the blade is advantageously used for the plowing of snow, however the plowing of other materials is envisioned such as sand or gravel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Oscar Frey
  • Patent number: 6681505
    Abstract: A snow plow blade includes a selectively extendable barrier attachment. The barrier attachment includes a base pivotally secured to the plow blade and secured to one end of each of a number of flexible members that are also engaged by a retraction mechanism for the barrier attachment that is disposed on the blade. The retraction mechanism is used to automatically retract and extend the flexible members as the base is pivoted between a retracted position and a deployed position on the blade. In the deployed position, the flexible members form a wall that prevents snow collected or diverted by the plow blade from passing through the barrier attachment. The barrier attachment may also include a separate deployment mechanism that operates to move the base between the retracted and deployed positions, and a brace used to hold the barrier attachment in position when in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: John Wells
  • Publication number: 20030192207
    Abstract: A wing plow apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a vehicle for carrying out a benching operation. The apparatus includes a moldboard having an inboard and an outboard end and a top edge and a cutting edge. A wing post supports and guides the moldboard between a lower and a benching disposition of the moldboard, the benching disposition being higher than the lower disposition. The wing post includes a cylinder and a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder. A connecting rod has a first and a second end, with the first end being secured to the piston. The second end of the connecting rod is rigidly connected to the vehicle. The wing post also includes a further cylinder and a further piston slidably disposed within the further cylinder. A further connecting rod has a first and a second termination. The first termination is secured to the further piston and the second termination is connected to the inboard end of the moldboard. The cylinder and the further cylinder are rigidly secured to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Richard L. Feller
  • Patent number: 6581307
    Abstract: A wing plow assembly includes a base member for mounting to a plowing vehicle (or to structures connected to a plowing vehicle, such as on a plow frame for a front moldboard). Upper and lower height adjustment arms each have a base end pivotally anchored to the base member, and an opposing plow end pivotally linked to a plow positioning leg. The base member, height adjustment arms, and plow positioning leg form a parallelogram linkage wherein the plow positioning leg may vertically swing on the height adjustment arms about the base member. A wing plow having a length extending between a inner end and a outer end has its inner end affixed to the plow positioning leg so that the wing plow may also vertically swing about the base member, thereby allowing the wing plow to be raised and lowered with respect to the base member (and thus with respect to the plowing vehicle).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Burke Truck & Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayson D. Jones, Daniel K. Jones
  • Patent number: 6523620
    Abstract: The movable blade for attachment to a material moving machine is a generally rectangular blade for hinged attachment to a machine shovel, box grader blade or other similar device mounted on the machine. The movable blade angle of extension or retraction relative to the machine is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, brace or other structural element. When the movable blade is extended outwardly at an angle relative to the machine the machine may be operated parallel to the material to be moved. This action relative to material positioned next to a ditch allows the operator to fill the ditch with material in a continuous operation along the ditch rather than requiring short movements at an angle to the ditch to move the material. The movable blade may also have a rotational mechanism to raise and lower the extension end for use in slope grading adjacent a roadway as an example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Burson
  • Publication number: 20020194752
    Abstract: A foldable blade having foldable wing portions for use in earth moving machinery. The foldable wing portions include a locking mechanism which enables the foldable wing portions to be locked in a folded position or an extended position. The locking mechanism is robust thus ensuring that the wing portions will be able to withstand considerable forces without collapsing during the pushing, scraping or transporting processes. The locking mechanism includes a locking pin assembly which is easy to lock and unlock, and also allows the foldable wing portions to be rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Rene G. Guinard
  • Patent number: 6460625
    Abstract: A slopeboard mounting linkage that raises a slopeboard while also raising and moving a fluid-powered cylinder toward the longitudinal center of the bulldozer to which the cylinder and slopeboard are attached. One end of a rod extending from the cylinder is rotatably attached to the slopeboard as is also one end of a link arm. The other ends of the cylinder and of the link arm are rotatably attached to an angled link that is rotatably attached to the back of the primary push blade of the bulldozer. And the inside edge of the slopeboard is rotatably attached to a long arm of the bulldozer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventors: Roy A. Hales, Jeremy A. Jenkins, Clay Carter, Flint Hamblin
  • Patent number: 6442877
    Abstract: A plow assembly for vehicles such as pickup trucks and tractors for moving snow or other materials, as well as for bulldozers, graders and the like for excavating and grading dirt, sand, gravel or other plowable materials, has at least one extendable, forwardly pivotable plow wing which is extendable on one end of a main plow by sliding movement along the rear of the plow between a retracted and an extended position in which the plow wing is generally aligned with the plow front surface. The plow wing is also pivotally mounted on a hinge for movement between the extended position and a forwardly angled position in which the plow wing front surface extends at an angle to the plow front surface. At least one actuator, such as an hydraulic fluid power cylinder, is connected to the plow wing to move the wing between the retracted, extended and forwardly angled positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Blizzard Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, Cal G. Niemela, Curt E. Niemela
  • Patent number: 6425196
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for use on large areas such as parking lots and airport runways to remove snow and other debris or material therefrom. The apparatus includes at least two blades pivotally connected to one another, and mounting receptacle or bracket having a series of pairs of posts extending from the rear thereof to facilitate operational attachment to a loader or similar construction equipment. The present invention further includes improvements to enable the segmenting and automatic folding of the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Pro-Tech Welding and Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Weagley, Michael J. Guggino, John W. Singer
  • Patent number: 6412199
    Abstract: A plow assembly for vehicles, such as pickup trucks and tractors, or bulldozers or graders, for moving snow or other plowable materials has at least one extendable, forwardly pivotable plow wing which is pivotable at a hinge at one end of a main plow for movement between an aligned position and a forwardly angled position in which the plow wing front surface extends at an angle to the plow front surface. The plow wing includes an inner and outer portion, whereby the outer portion is slidably mounted to the inner portion for sliding movement along the inner portion between a retracted and an extended position. One or more actuators, such as fluid power cylinders or the like, are connected to the plow wing to move the wing between the retracted, extended, aligned and forwardly angled positions. In one preferred embodiment, an extendable plow wing is pivotally mounted on each end of the main plow with a pair of fluid cylinders connected to each of the respective plow wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Blizzard Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, Cal G. Niemela, Curt E. Niemela
  • Patent number: 6412200
    Abstract: A retractable side wing assembly, adapted to be mounted on a side of a road vehicle for clearing snow off the same, includes a scraper having a frontward end pivotally secured to the side of the vehicle and a rearwardly and outwardly extending free end, a retracting member having a first end rotatably secured to a carriage of a shock absorbing device and a second end rotatably secured to the side of the vehicle rearwardly of the scraper, and a fixed part of the shock absorbing device rigidly secured to the scraper in proximity of the frontward end. The shock absorbing device that could also be retrofitted as a kit on an existing side wing assembly includes an absorber member rigidly secured to both the fixed part and the carriage sliding therealong, and allowing for automatic rearward deflection of the scraper pivoting around the frontward end from its standard position to a deflected position when hitting an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Normand Savard
  • Patent number: 6408549
    Abstract: A plow assembly for vehicles such as pickup trucks and tractors for moving snow or other materials, as well as for bulldozers, graders and the like for excavating and grading dirt, sand, gravel or other plowable materials, has at least one extendable, forwardly pivotable plow wing which is extendable on one end of a main plow by sliding movement along the front of the plow between a retracted and an extended position. The plow wing is also pivotally mounted on a hinge for movement between an aligned position and a forwardly angled position in which the plow wing front surface extends at an angle to the plow front surface. At least one fluid power cylinder is connected to the plow wing to move the wing between the retracted, extended, aligned, and forwardly angled positions. In the preferred embodiment, an extendable plow wing is included on each end of the main plow with a pair of fluid cylinders connected to each of the respective plow wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Blizzard Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Quenzi, Cal G. Niemela, Curt E. Niemela
  • Patent number: 6363631
    Abstract: The lateral plough is attached to the hitch assembly of a grader or snow plough and is used to remove selected segments of an elongated pile of gravel or snow. The plough has an arcuate blade for pushing the gravel or snow forward. A gate is attached by a hinge to the outer end of the blade for preventing the gravel or snow from exiting from the blade as the grader or plough advances. The angle of the blade may be adjusted by shortening or lengthening the effective length of a chain which extends from the outer edge of the gate to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Donald George Cordingley
  • Patent number: 6298585
    Abstract: A wing accessory is provided for mounting on each end of a bucket of a front end loader. The accessory comprises a wing which includes a frame having hooks for extending over the front edge of the bucket and a coupling for securement with fasteners to the back side of the bucket. The wing further includes a panel which is supported to extend laterally outward from the front end of the bucket by a pair of struts coupled to the frame to increase the overall width of the bucket. This is particularly useful when using the bucket for collecting loose material from a given area, for example in the removal of snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Boulet Brothers Concrete Ltd.
    Inventor: Edmond E. Boulet
  • Patent number: 6249992
    Abstract: A side wing plow assembly is provided for use on a vehicle, e.g. a grader. It includes an elongated blade, an articulated forward connector assembly for connecting the inner end of the blade to the vehicle and a rear connector assembly for connecting the outer end of the blade to the vehicle rearwardly of the vehicle cab. Hydraulic cylinders tilt the blade and raise and lower the blade and a telescopic arm adjusts the angle of the blade. A shock absorbing linkage also permits the blade to bounce over an obstruction to avoid damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Capital I Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Edwin Irving, Colin Edwin Irving, Kenneth Lawrence Furber, James Randolph Nickel
  • Patent number: 6240660
    Abstract: An attachment for use with snow handling equipment such as a snowplow blade or a wheel loader bucket or similar implement, the attachment comprising a plate pivotally mounted at each end of the implement and movable between a forwardly projecting horizontal deployed position and a retracted position wherein the plate extends upwardly and does not interfere with normal operation of the implement. In the deployed position the plate is freely pivotal upwards and has a rounded front lower corner so that it can readily ride over curb stones and similar obstacles without damaging the mechanism. The attachments have the effect of greatly increasing the snow handling capacity of the implement without significantly detracting from its normal utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Gerard F. Dugas
  • Patent number: 5903987
    Abstract: A side plow assembly for an automotive vehicle, particularly a lightweight vehicle such as a lightweight truck, pick-up or like vehicle, and then particularly a four-wheel drive vehicle. The assembly includes a plow share mounted on one side of the vehicle. Seen in the normal direction of travel of the vehicle, the front end of the plow share is pivotally connected to the vehicle chassis by a joint. The rear part of the share, as seen in the travel direction, is connected to a rear chassis part by an elongated brace whose length can be varied for adjustment of the angle of the side share in the horizontal plane relative to the travel direction. The brace is also pivotally connected to the chassis. The assembly also includes a lifting device which is connected between the plow share and the vehicle and functions to lift the share away from a ground surface and to lower the share into contact with the ground surface respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Reinhold HKW Nuske
  • Patent number: 5903986
    Abstract: A snow plow blade includes a forward extending gate to catch snow rolling off the snow plow blade such as may form a snow ridge blocking drives, crosswalks and fire hydrants. The gate follows a trajectory forward from the curb edge of the plow blade to prevent catching the extension gate with the curb regardless of angulation of the plow blade or the degree of extension. The extension gate extension mechanism may be completely attached to the rear surface of the plow blade to operate independently of angulation of the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Peter M. Parker
  • Patent number: 5899007
    Abstract: A plow assembly for vehicles such as pickup trucks and tractors for moving snow or other materials has at least one extendable, forwardly pivotable plow wing which is extendable on one end of a main plow by sliding movement along the front of the plow between a retracted and an extended position in which the plow wing is generally aligned with the plow front surface. The plow wing is also pivotally mounted on a hinge for movement between the extended position and a forwardly angled position in which the plow wing front surface extends at an angle to the plow front surface. A pair of fluid power cylinders are connected to the plow wing to move the wing between the retracted, extended and forwardly angled positions. In the preferred embodiment, an extendable plow wing is included on each end of the main plow with a pair of fluid cylinders connected to each of the respective plow wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Blizzard Corporation
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Philip J. Quenzi
  • Patent number: 5894689
    Abstract: A side-shield wing attachment for a plow blade is disclosed. The planar wing blade is attached to a key element which rides in a vertical slot in a keyway assembly which is attached to the back side of a plow blade. The wing plate is held in about a perpendicular orientation with the end of the plow blade by a tensioning devises, such as a chain or the like, while the plow is in use. Optional stiffener bars and wing wear shoes are disclosed. The side-shield wing attachment is easily mounted or removed from the plow blade as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Roger E. Turk
  • Patent number: 5860230
    Abstract: A snowplow blade assembly is provided wherein the plow blade is provided at its opposite ends with snow deflectors. Preferably the snowplow blade assembly is also provided at its opposite ends with pivotable end extensions to which the snow deflectors are attached. Preferably each end extension is pivotable through an angle greater than about 175.degree. from a fully extended and retained blade end extending configuration to a fully folded and retained blade length reducing and extension storage configuration. Each snow deflector comprises a base, a deflector plate that is pivotable relative to the base, a biasing member, an anchor for fastening the springs to the base, and arm members for connecting the springs with the deflector plate so that the deflector plate is biased into an open but deflectable configuration relative to the base. The snow deflector components are arranged and configured to move snow without becoming snow bound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Daniels Pull Plow, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5848654
    Abstract: A laterally articulable blade for a bulldozing device. A main blade portion and an articulable blade portion extend along the same elongate axis so that the blade portions are co-linear when the blade is in a "straight" configuration. A hinge is pivotally connected to both blade portions and extensible means are provided to displace and pivot the articulable blade portion with respect to the main blade portion providing for two motions. The articulable blade portion may be displaced forwardly of the main blade portion, and the rotated inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Cliff Belcher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5819444
    Abstract: A snow plow composed of a central blade and of two wing blades which are laterally hinged to the end of the main blade for wing blade angular adjustment forwardly and rearwardly of the main blade from a position and alignment with the same. Furthermore, the level of each wing blade with respect to the main blade can be adjusted. Also, tilt motion of the laterally outward end portions of the wing blades either upwardly or downwardly is also possible. Each blade consists of a flat panel and its bottom edge carries a striker lip which can pivot rearwardly during forward movement of the plow upon the blade striking an obstacle. The snow plow is supported by a structure in front of a vehicle having forward lifting and tilting arms, this structure allowing a snow plow to laterally tilt within a limited angle in accordance with the transverse inclination of the surface being plowed. Upon slight rising of the snow plow, its forward pitch angle automatically increases to a pre-determined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Denis Desmarais
  • Patent number: 5758728
    Abstract: A plow blade having two oppositely pivoted/hinged sections that emulate a blade end. The sections alternately occupy a position coextensive to the blade. The sections are coupled to "gait" the movement of one with that of the other. One of the gates can only swing forward of the blade and the other can only swing rearward. When the forward (only) swinging section is thus situated, outflow off the blade is interrupted, i.e., dammed; and, as it returns to the blade coextensive position, it transfers dammed debris to the (coupled) rearward moving section for disposition into the windrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Edward J. Ragule
  • Patent number: 5669163
    Abstract: A snow removal device including a blade having an increasing radius of curvature between the lateral ends of the blade. A planar lower edge contacts the underlying surface and increases in contact area between the blade ends. The snow blade further has a forwardly extending flange at one end thereof so as to bear against a vertical surface adjacent a path such as a curb, building, wall or the like. The blade design forwardly and laterally moves successively increasing amounts of snow during a straight line movement of the blade along the path as well as diverts snow from the vertical surface. The blade is engageable with various handle devices, including a mobile push-type assembly. The assembly includes a handle and blade brace mounted about a wheel axle. A latch maintains the handle in an operative position during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Clem Winter
  • Patent number: 5655318
    Abstract: A snowplow blade assembly is provided wherein the plow blade is provided with pivotable end extensions that are each pivotable through an angle greater than about 175.degree. from a fully extended and retained blade end extending configuration to a fully folded and retained blade length reducing and extension storage configuration. The mid-back region of the blade is joined to a plow support means that is in non-interfering relationship with the pivotable blade end extensions. Manual weight lifting and supporting operations by an operator are completely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Gregory J. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5638618
    Abstract: A plow assembly is disclosed for vehicles such as pickup trucks and tractors for moving snow or other materials. The plow assembly has at least one extendable, forwardly pivotable plow wing which is extendable on one end of a main plow by sliding movement along the front of the plow between a retracted and an extended position in which the plow wing is generally aligned with the plow front surface. The plow wing is also pivotally mounted on a hinge for movement between the extended position and a forwardly angled position in which the plow wing front surface extends at an angle to the plow front surface. A power source connected to the plow wing is operable to move the wing between the retracted, extended and forwardly angled positions. Preferably, a latch assembly prevents pivotal movement of the plow wing to the forwardly angled position until the plow wing is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Blizzard Corporation
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Eward R. Lahti, Terry L. Lahti
  • Patent number: 5511328
    Abstract: A hand-operated snow plow with adjustable blades for plowing snow comprising an elongated housing with a front end and a rear end; a pair of elongated and generally opposed blades each having an end pivotally coupled to the front end of the housing; a blade adjustment mechanism for allowing independent angular positioning and securement of each of the blades with respect to the front end of the housing for thereby enabling the blades to be placed in a plurality of plowing positions; and a rigid handle extended upwards from the housing for allowing a user a firm hold for plowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: Joseph C. Fingerer, Ephraim I. Alon
  • Patent number: 5411102
    Abstract: A grader blade unit is provided for ready attachment to small tractors in place of an underslung mower deck. A grader blade is attached to a turntable for pivotable adjustment to selected angular settings. An extensible draw bar affixed to the turntable has a front mounting yoke at its forward end. A rear mounting yoke is affixed to the turntable. The front and rear mounting yokes are adjustable in width and the drawbar is adjustable in length so as to accommodate the mounting links of different tractors. Wing sections hingedly connected to the opposite ends of the central blade are adjustable to selected angular positions relative to the central blade. Foot stirrups are removably affixed to the blade for controlling the slope of the blade in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Dean R. Nickels, Norman R. Nickels
  • Patent number: 5375349
    Abstract: A side wing attachment assembly for moldboards includes hydraulically actuated, spaced wing plate members capable of being placed predetermined distances from one another, forming with the moldboard material moving surface a containment pocket for material to be moved or directed. The side wing assembly includes the ability to move the wing plate members away from the material moving surface of the moldboard, or repositioning the wing plates to accommodate reorientation of the moldboard material moving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Eric M. Jochim
  • Patent number: 5148617
    Abstract: The support framework for supported mounting of a mounting arm of a wing plow blade includes two mirror image sections, one mounted on each side wall of a forward plow frame. Each section includes a substantially squared peripheral lip within which a first and second plate are contiguously seated in side by side manner, each securing the position of the other within the lip. The first plate is rotatable about a hinge to a position outside the lip, allowing the second plate, which is attached to the side wall of the forward plow frame by a pivot, to pivot forwardly and rearwardly within the confines of the lip, allowing for tiltability of a vertical mounting post of the wing plow which is engaged to the second plate by means of the wing plow mounting are extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Feller, Vincent Alongi
  • Patent number: 5048207
    Abstract: A wing plow for use with a main plow has a scraper blade and a fixed moldboard mounted on the top edge of said scraper blade for the inner portion of the wing plow and a flexible moldboard sheet member joined to said rigid moldboard section and extending to the discharge end of said wing plow. An adjusting arm and hydraulic cylinder are connected to the top corner of the outer end of the flexible sheet to independently position and contour the discharge end of said sheet to control the discharge of material from the wing plow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Frink America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan H. Verseef
  • Patent number: 4969280
    Abstract: A side wing blade assembly for a vehicle, comprising an elongated blade, an articulated coupling between the front end of the blade and the vehicle, and an articulated attachment system to connect the rear end of the blade to the vehicle. The articulated attachment system includes a pair of vertically spaced apart and generally parallel arms, each of these arms including one end universally mounted to the rear end of the blade and another end universally mounted to the vehicle. A fluid ram having one end connected to the vehicle and another end slidingly engaging one of the arms is used for raising the blade off the ground toward a retracted position. Stops are provided on the arm receiving the fluid ram in order to limit the sliding movement thereon, forcing the fluid ram to act as a dampener as a result of an excessive upward movement of the blade caused by an impact on an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Everest Equipment Inc.
    Inventor: Don Thorneloe
  • Patent number: 4962600
    Abstract: A wing assembly is mountable to a plow blade driven in a direction of travel by a vehicle, and preferably left and right wing assemblies are respectively mounted on the left and right side edges of the plow blade. A representative wing assembly provides an auxillary plowing surface and has an inboard edge that is proximate the plow blade when the wing plate is mounted thereon. The wing plate is pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot axis so that it may pivot into an attack position at an obtuse angle .theta. to the plow blade with the inboard wing edge proximate the plow blade and an outboard portion projecting forwardly and outwardly from the front plowing surface of the plow blade. A latching structure retains the wing plate in the attack position. The pivotal mounts may be vertically aligned trunnion pins on the plow blade and matable opening on brackets defined by rear horizontal support and mounting webs on the wing plate. Where the plow blade can be canted at an obtuse angle .phi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventors: Dennis D. Zellaha, David L. Bacon
  • Patent number: 4910893
    Abstract: A manually operated implement for performing a variety of tasks when equipped with a removable and replaceable utility device, includes a wheeled chassis having an elongate, longitudinal, chassis structural member extending forwardly and rearwardly in the implement centrally of the width thereof and a transverse chassis structural member rigidly attached to the rearward end of said longitudinal chassis member. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted at opposite ends, respectively, of the transverse chassis member. A slide member is mounted for sliding movement on the longitudinal chassis member and includes a clamping screw for clamping the slide in an adjusted position along such member. Handle structure, preferably of V-shape, is pivotally secured to the slide member and slopes upwardly and rearwardly with its upper, rearward end bifurcated to provide transversely spaced hand grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Zane L. Asay
  • Patent number: 4837951
    Abstract: A moldboard assembly having a flexible moldboard sheet joined along its bottom edge to a scraper blade unit so that material passing over the blade is directed into contact with the sheet. Adjusting arms are secured to the top corners of the sheet and are independently positioned to contour the sheet to any desired shape whereby the flow of material through the assembly can be accurately controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Frink America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan H. Verseef
  • Patent number: 4834191
    Abstract: A plow for a motor grader is provided with forwardly pivotable panel members at the two ends of the moldboard so the plow can retain and carry forward removed grade debris without leaving significant windrow residue. The plow also can with suitable forward and backward tilting thereof and panel member extension be used to cut roadways with water run-off inclines or gullies with inclined side walls at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Charles J. Vecchio
  • Patent number: 4744159
    Abstract: The mechanism comprises in combination an upstanding frame mounted to the front of the chassis of a land vehicle and adapted to mount a front plow assembly, and a side frame mounted to the side chassis of the land vehicle for mounting a side wing plow. Both the front and side frames include a sub-frame pivotally mounted to the lower portion of the upstanding frame, hydraulic means for moving the sub-frame in an arc between a retracted and an extended position. The sub-frame has a free end mounting an engagement member remote from the pivot axis and adapted to engage a sub-frame on a plow assembly frame. The sub-frame on the plow assembly includes a hook member open downwardly and adapted to receive the engagement member of the free end of the first sub-frame and locking means associated with the first and second sub-frames for locking the first and second sub-frames together when the engagement member is engaged within the hook member and the pivoted sub-frame is in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Tenco Machinery Ltd.
    Inventor: Bertrand Houle
  • Patent number: 4741116
    Abstract: A snow plow wing assembly (10) comprising a pair of heavy duty plow wing extension units (11) adapted to be secured at a fixed angle relative to a conventional vehicle mounted snow plow (100) wherein each of the extension units (11) comprise a blade element (12), a mounted bracket (13); a brace element (14) extending between the blade element (12) and the mounting bracket (13); a stabilizing arm (15); a resilient guard element (16); and releasable securing means (50) for attaching the wing assembly (10) to the vehicle mounted snow plow (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventors: Edward P. Engle, Lester O. Dowler
  • Patent number: 4712623
    Abstract: A plug pusher, mounted to a mower of the type having a lift frame, pushes turf core plugs from an aerated turf surface. The plug pusher includes two L-shaped, elongate pusher elements, each having a horizontal first leg and a vertical second leg, mounted to the vehicle for being raised and lowered by the lift frame. The first leg of each pusher element extends forwardly from the second leg and lies on the turf surface so as the vehicle moves the core plugs gather in front of the second leg and on top of the first leg. The pusher elements are configured and are mounted to the mower to permit limited movement relative to the mower and each other to accommodate uneven surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Donald G. Martinez
  • Patent number: 4667426
    Abstract: A snowplow with an extension blade is provided and consists of a main blade and an extension blade horizontally slideable within a track behind the main blade by a hydraulic cylinder assembly, whereby when the extension blade is completely retracted it will be totally behind the main blade. In a modification the extension blade contains individual spring biased vertically extending hands with the purpose of providing needed height when the extension blade is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventors: Ralph E. Howard, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4651451
    Abstract: A ski run snow preparation apparatus having a snow-contacting blade which flexes laterally to provide an arcuate snow-contacting surface. The blade is pivotally mounted to a frame which is adapted to be secured upon the towing mechanism of a suitable tracked vehicle. Also mounted upon the frame is a remotely controllable mechanism, including a pair of hydraulic motors, to adjust the tilt of the snow-contacting blade in relation to the snow surface. The blade may operate under its own weight and that of the towing mechanism, or may be forceably pressed into the snow, as by vehicle mounted hydraulic motors provided to raise and lower the towing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Logan Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Micheal G. Beeley, Bruce W. Blair
  • Patent number: 4596081
    Abstract: A side wing plow positioner for locating a wing plow in a retracted position against a vehicle without obstructing vision from an adjacent side window in a passenger cab of the vehicle. The positioner comprises an elongated guide track secured to a rear portion of the wing plow adjacent a discharge end thereof and in a substantially vertical position from a lower edge thereof. A slide member is engaged with the track for limited longitudinal displacement therealong. An arresting lug retains the slide member in a lower end portion of the track. A linkage is secured to the slide member for displacing it in the guide track. The arresting lug has an automatic actuation mechanism to arrest the slide member in the lower end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Tenco Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacques DeBilly, Daniel Depeault, Bertrand Houle
  • Patent number: 4479312
    Abstract: A foldable snow compactor has a center pan with a pair of operatively positioned wings extending from the ends thereof. The wings are mounted for pivotal movement about axes fixed in relation to the center pan. Single hydraulic piston-cylinder units are employed to pivot the wings through arcs of approximately 180.degree. between their operative extended positions and inoperative positions located rearwardly of the center pan and substantially entirely within the width dimension thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Valley Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry S. Turgeon
  • Patent number: 4385458
    Abstract: A resilient deflector for snowplows tapers to a blunt edge as it extends outwardly from the top edge of the snowplow blade, generally across the entire length of the blade. By aligning the deflector with the snowplow blade working surface, the blade working surface area is extended, aiding in funnelling the snow outwardly of the blade and decreasing the tendency of the snow to billow rearwardly, over the blade, obscuring a snowplow operator's field of vision. Since the deflector is resilient its curvature may vary automatically in response to the plowing speed and the accumulation of snow on the snowplow blade working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Assignee: Flink Company
    Inventor: Vincent J. Pitti
  • Patent number: 4384620
    Abstract: A blade device composed of a support frame mounted on the front end of an earth moving machine, a pair of blade members, whose each inside end is pivotably connected to the center of the front portion of said support frame and a pair of cylinder mechanisms interposed between said pair of blade members and said support frame. On the front surface of said support frame, a protecting plate covering the interconnecting portion of each said pair of blade members and said support frame is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignees: Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd., Hokkaido Construction Equipment Sales, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomio Uchida, Kisaburo Otabe
  • Patent number: 4357766
    Abstract: A snow plow side wing assembly is provided which is hydraulically operated and simply constructed such that it can be easily scaled down for mounting on a lightweight pickup truck. The assembly includes a wing blade, a lightweight frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a pair of upstanding posts mounted fore and aft of the frame with each post including track means and a travel carriage mounted for sliding movement in the track means, and a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement mounted on the opposite side of the post to the track means with the cylinder mounted to the base of the post and the cylinder extending upwardly from the cylinder parallel to the post and connected to an extension arm extending parallel to the post and connected to the carriage. Two supporting arms extend from the carriage, both supporting arms being pivotally articulated to the carriage and to separate points on the end of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Tenco Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Lucien Croteau, Alain Marchand, Bertrand Houle
  • Patent number: 4356645
    Abstract: A variable wing plow blade and mounting structure for attaching the plow blade to a tractor, snow grooming vehicle, and the like feature distribution of the load on the blade over a relatively wide area of the supporting structural members thereby to permit reduction in their size, weight and number and in their manufacturing and assembling costs while maintaining the essential structural strength, and are further characterized in the attainment of improved performance and utility in respect of independence of the plow blade height and pitch or roll, tilt and wing blade adjustments, and greater freedom of movement of the wing blades of the plow blade, both forwardly and rearwardly, from a position of alignment with the center section of the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: De Lorean Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gordon Hine, Robert D. Mathis
  • Patent number: RE31045
    Abstract: Snowplow blades can be immediately varied in length at one or both ends by providing extensions of the same shape as the blade, which extensions carry studs which are received in sockets, preferably lengthwise of the back of the blade. The studs are pinned in the sockets for quick and easy fastening and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1982
    Inventors: Albert E. Essell, deceased, by Virginia G. Essell, executrix, Robert A. T. Essell, Christopher W. Essell