Transversely Mounted Blade (e.g., Bulldozer, Etc.) Patents (Class 172/811)
  • Patent number: 11886775
    Abstract: Interactive systems and methods are provided for designing and constructing fences or other structures supported by posts, including methods which enable users to design custom fence panels and be presented with dynamic visual representations of such custom fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 10876272
    Abstract: A control system for a machine may include a chassis an implement attached to the chassis, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The first sensor may be configured to generate a first signal indicative of an angle of the implement with respect to the chassis. The second sensor may be configured to generate a second signal indicative of an angle of the chassis with respect to gravity. The controller may be configured to determine an implement mainfall angle based on the first signal and the second signal; process the second signal using a low pass filter to determine a filtered chassis pitch angle; determine a target mainfall angle based on the first signal and the filtered chassis pitch angle; and generate a command signal based the target mainfall angle and the implement mainfall angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Faivre, Bradley P. Krone
  • Patent number: 10538282
    Abstract: Apparatus arranged for converting a wheeled vehicle to a tracked vehicle by attachment of a continuous track unit, the vehicle comprising a drive hub of the type which is arranged to have an attachable wheel, the continuous track unit replacing the wheel to engage ground in use for movement of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising a mounting portion releasably attachable to the vehicle's chassis, the mounting portion arranged to substantially surround the drive hub, a support arm for supporting the continuous track unit, and a drive sprocket releasably attachable to the drive hub for transferring torque from the drive hub to the continuous track unit so as to rotate the track in use with the wheel removed and the apparatus attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Moorend Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Cox
  • Patent number: 10421507
    Abstract: It is known to retro-fit continuous track units to wheeled vehicles. This apparatus permits this to happen such that the continuous track units are securely attached and so that the vehicle can withstand shock loads and be operated over rough terrain without them becoming dislodged. This is effected by a first portion (240) attachable to the vehicle's chassis (75), the first portion arranged to substantially surround the drive hub (25), a second portion (250) including a support arm (280) for supporting the continuous track unit, the second portion releasably attachable to the first portion, and a drive sprocket (260) releasably attachable to the drive hub for transferring torque from the drive hub to the continuous track unit so as to rotate the track in use with the wheel removed and the apparatus attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Moorend Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Cox
  • Publication number: 20150090467
    Abstract: Assemblies are arranged in such a manner that the diesel particulate filter device of one of the assemblies, the selective catalytic reduction device of the one assembly, the selective catalytic reduction device of the other assembly, and the diesel particulate filter device of the other assembly are located next to each other in this order as seen in a plan view. An exhaust pipe is located within a region made up of a region where the selective catalytic reduction device in the one assembly is arranged, a region where the selective catalytic reduction device in the other assembly is arranged, and a region between the selective catalytic reduction device in the one assembly and the selective catalytic reduction device in the other assembly, and located on an end side in the longitudinal direction, as seen in a plan view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Soichi Tsumura, Kazuyuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20150040442
    Abstract: A vehicle having a long track or wheel-trail wheel combination on one side and a smaller ground engaging member, such as a short track or wheel on the other. The vehicle has a work attachment on one end of its frame, which is provided clearance on the side of the vehicle with the short track or wheel. A control system is provided to allow an operator to properly control a direction of the vehicle despite the fact that different forces may be required to operate the long track and the short track or wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Cody L. Sewell, Brant Douglas Kukuk
  • Publication number: 20140326472
    Abstract: A support apparatus is disclosed for securing a material moving wing plow relative to a vehicle. The support apparatus includes a trailing link having a first and a second end. The first end of the trailing link is pivotally connected to the vehicle about a first pivotal axis. A support arm is provided for supporting the wing plow. The support arm is pivotally secured to the second end of the trailing link about a second pivotal axis. The first and second pivotal axes are disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other so that the support arm is dragged by and trails from the vehicle so that during a plowing operation, the wing plow supported by the support arm moves smoothly over the material being moved so that a potentially dangerous diving of the wing plow into the material in a vicinity of the support arm is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Monroe Truck Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Holverson, John Hromadka
  • Patent number: 8827002
    Abstract: A non-powered lift mechanism may be used with a vehicle, such as an ATV, having a support rack and a snowplow assembly including a blade that plows snow. The lift mechanism may include a frame that is mounted to the support rack; an input shaft pivotally mounted to the frame; a handle that is operatively attached to the input shaft; and, a cable having one end connected to the input shaft and a second end connected to the blade. The handle may be manually adjusted by the operator to pivot the input shaft to cause the cable to adjust the blade between: an operational/lowered position; and, a non-operational/raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Meyer Products, LLC
    Inventor: Marty Warchola
  • Publication number: 20140173946
    Abstract: A zero-turn utility vehicle includes a frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed proximate to the front end of the frame, a rear wheel disposed proximate to the rear end of the frame, a prime mover supported by the frame above the drive wheels, the prime mover configured to power the drive wheels, a seat supported by the central structure, the seat disposed between the prime mover and the rear end, the seat configured to support a user facing towards the front end in a normal operating position, a pair of footrests located on opposite sides of the seat, a tool attachment coupled to the frame and powered by the prime mover, and user controls configured to operate the drive wheels, wherein each of the drive wheels may be operated independently with the user controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Gerrits, James Mast
  • Patent number: 8752662
    Abstract: A multifunction bin utility apparatus comprises a mobile base, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the mobile base with each of the wheels being rotatable independently of each other to steer movement of the mobile base, a tool mount movable with respect to the mobile base, an arm assembly mounted on the mobile base and configured to move the tool mount with respect to the mobile base, at least one tool attachment mounted on the tool mount, and a control apparatus configured to control movement of the plurality of wheels and the arm assembly with the control apparatus being remotely controllable by a remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Jerome Mack
  • Patent number: 8731784
    Abstract: A blade control system of the present invention includes an angle obtaining part, an open ratio setting part and a lift cylinder controlling part. The angle obtaining part is configured to obtain an angle of a lift frame with respect to a designed surface. The open ratio setting part is configured to set an open ratio based on the angle. The lift cylinder controlling part is configured to open a proportional control valve at the open ratio for elevating the blade when a distance between the designed surface and an edge of a blade is determined to be less than or equal to a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Hayashi, Kenjiro Shimada, Kenji Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8701313
    Abstract: An improved blade assembly for an excavating apparatus having a front wall with a raised concave center section with sloping side gussets on each side of the center section for directing excavated material from the center to the side of the blade is described. There are improvements to the side gussets to further assist in directing excavated material, improvements to the shape of the front wall of the blade to retain excavated material and improved mountings to the dozer to improve blade control and balance and discharging of excavated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Spadeblade Pty Ltd
    Inventor: David John Hall
  • Patent number: 8695722
    Abstract: A bulldozer provides improved visibility in front and/or rear of the bulldozer. The bulldozer includes an engine arranged in the front of the bulldozer and a cooling module for cooling the engine arranged elsewhere in the bulldozer, such as behind driver's seat. In the bulldozer, the arrangement of the engine, the vehicle, and the cooling module provides improved visibility in front of the bulldozer so that the operator of the bulldozer can view the upper middle portion of the bulldozer blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Fukazawa, Masayuki Mukaino, David Andrews
  • Patent number: 8596376
    Abstract: A support apparatus is disclosed for securing a material moving wing plow relative to a vehicle. The support apparatus includes a beam having a first and a second end, the beam being rigidly secured to the vehicle. A plate having a first and a second extremity is rigidly secured to the beam. A first trailing link is pivotally secured to the plate about a first pivotal axis. A second trailing link is pivotally secured to the plate about a second pivotal axis. A support arm is provided for supporting the wing plow. The support arm has a first termination and a second termination and is pivotally secured to the first trailing link about a third pivotal axis. Also, the support arm is pivotally secured to the second trailing link about a fourth pivotal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Holverson, John Hromadka
  • Publication number: 20130317695
    Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface assembly comprises a base, an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position, a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, a second biasing member including a second spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, and a position sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar INc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
  • Publication number: 20130206433
    Abstract: A material box can telescope between larger and smaller widths to accommodate legal requirements of traveling down the road, making traveling between job sites easier and safer than conventional, unadjustable material boxes. The material box can be used in a wide configuration to plow a wider area, such as empty parking lots, cutting down work time. When cars are present, the material box can be made narrow to accommodate for the vehicles while still being an effective material moving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Miller
  • Patent number: 8490712
    Abstract: A push frame is provided for interconnecting an undercarriage of a tractor of a work vehicle and a blade of the work vehicle. The push frame comprises a first push-beam, a second push-beam, a first cross-beam, a second cross-beam, and a center joint. The first and second push-beams are spaced apart to be positioned on laterally opposite sides of the undercarriage relative to a fore-aft axis of the push frame. The first and second cross-beams are fixed respectively to the first and second push-beams laterally outwardly relative to the fore-aft axis and are attached to one another laterally inwardly relative to the fore-aft axis by the center joint of the push frame allowing relative movement between the first and second cross-beams. At least one of the first and second cross-beams varies in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gaurav Genani, Steven J. Ditzler
  • Publication number: 20130161037
    Abstract: A dozing blade assembly includes a dozing blade, and a cutter mounted to the dozing blade. The cutter includes a compound digging face extending between a proximal edge and a distal edge. The compound digging face has a steeply oriented center segment, and shallowly oriented outer segments, for balancing downward penetration with forward pushability during moving the dozing blade assembly through material of a substrate. Purpose-built mounting surfaces on the blade can be used to provide for the different orientations, using flat plates to form the cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Congdon, Nick W. Biggs, Kevin L. Martin
  • Patent number: 8297879
    Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to dump trucks having a dump bed and a chute for discharging material onto a road shoulder and/or roadway. The apparatus allows the truck with a single operator to perform shoulder and/or roadway surfacing and/or repair by receiving and grading repair material into place. The attachment being adjustable as to pitch, width and depth of the repair material. The attachment being adjustable to allow a greater or lesser amount of material to be applied to a shoulder closer to the roadway surface if a deeper fill is required. The apparatus allows for rotational movement between the apparatus and the dump truck in a direction parallel to the roadways length and perpendicular to the roadways surface. The tires of the dump truck being utilized to compact the repair material. The apparatus being stored in a vertical position when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Miksue Enterpriz, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8291624
    Abstract: An alternative blade assembly for an excavating apparatus comprising a front face, side walls, a centre forward edge portion, side forward edge portions on either side of the centre forward edge and end forward edges at each distal side of the side forward edges, wherein the end forward edges have bottom edges which are lower than the bottom edge of the centre forward edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Agrator Pty Ltd as trustee for Gessner Unit Trust
    Inventor: David John Hall
  • Publication number: 20120186840
    Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Scott Svend Hendron, Scott Bender
  • Patent number: 8136269
    Abstract: A bottom of a snowplow defines a front, plowing surface and an inverted shelf disposed directly behind the plowing surface, and the shelf defines a first side abutting against a rear of the plowing surface and a second side of the shelf extending away from the rear of the plowing surface. A backblade-and-snowplow system comprises a bent, rigid blade defining a top and back and at least one hole in the top of the blade corresponding to a hole defined in the second side of the shelf. At least one fastening mechanism is passed through the corresponding hole defined in the second side of the shelf and the hole defined in the top of the blade to secure the blade to the shelf. At least one L-shaped bracket defines a top edge secured along the top and back of the blade and a first side of the bracket positioned flush with the first side of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: William Vincent Sempf
  • Publication number: 20120024551
    Abstract: A support apparatus is disclosed for securing a material moving wing plow relative to a vehicle. The support apparatus includes a beam having a first and a second end, the beam being rigidly secured to the vehicle. A plate having a first and a second extremity is rigidly secured to the beam. A first trailing link is pivotally secured to the plate about a first pivotal axis. A second trailing link is pivotally secured to the plate about a second pivotal axis. A support arm is provided for supporting the wing plow. The support arm has a first termination and a second termination and is pivotally secured to the first trailing link about a third pivotal axis. Also, the support arm is pivotally secured to the second trailing link about a fourth pivotal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew Holverson, John Hromadka
  • Patent number: 8006413
    Abstract: A snowplow assembly may include a support member, a mount member, and an actuator. The mount member may be operatively connected to a plow blade and pivotally connected to the support member and the mount member may pivot about a substantially vertical axis with respect to the support member. The mount member may include a first stop member for limiting the pivotal motion of the mount member about the substantially vertical axis in a first direction. The actuator may pivot the mount frame about the substantially vertical axis and a first end of the actuator may be operatively connected to the snowplow assembly and a second end may be pivotally connected to the mount member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Meyer Products LLC
    Inventor: Shawn Washburn
  • Patent number: 8001753
    Abstract: A raking attachment for a riding mower supports raking elements in a forward path of a cutting deck. The raking attachment includes a forward extending frame formed by longitudinal frame members positioned with first ends rigidly attached to a riding mower frame and with a second end forming attaching points at a fixed height off the ground. A transverse frame is pivotally attached to the forward extending frame by pivot posts. A rake assembly with at least one row of flexible rake tines disposed across the entire transverse width of the cutting deck is attached to the transverse frame and pivots therewith to contact the ground surface for raking. The rake tines can be raised to a non-raking position or the downward force of the rake tines against the ground surface can be varied by varying the pivot angle of the transverse frame over a range of pivot angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Carlos Franco
  • Patent number: 7975407
    Abstract: Non-highway vehicle plowing systems are described. The plowing system includes a mount assembly having a lower mount bracket, a plow mount bracket, an upper mount bracket, and an actuator bracket. The lower mount bracket is attached to the non-highway vehicle and the plow mount bracket is pivotably connected to the lower mounting bracket. The upper mount bracket is also secured to the non-highway vehicle and is constructed to engage the actuator bracket at a plurality of positions thereby allowing the plow mount assembly to be operable with a plurality of non-highway vehicles. The systems provide advantages in that the systems are not vehicle specific and are adaptable to different vehicle structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mibar Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Dilworth, Brad Fromm
  • Publication number: 20110162857
    Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Scott Svend Hendron, Scott Bender
  • Publication number: 20110114343
    Abstract: A push frame is provided for interconnecting an undercarriage of a tractor of a work vehicle and a blade of the work vehicle. The push frame comprises a first push-beam, a second push-beam, a first cross-beam, a second cross-beam, and a center joint. The first and second push-beams are spaced apart to be positioned on laterally opposite sides of the undercarriage relative to a fore-aft axis of the push frame. The first and second cross-beams are fixed respectively to the first and second push-beams laterally outwardly relative to the fore-aft axis and are attached to one another laterally inwardly relative to the fore-aft axis by the center joint of the push frame allowing relative movement between the first and second cross-beams. At least one of the first and second cross-beams varies in height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Gaurav Genani, Steven J. Ditzler
  • Patent number: 7841109
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike M. Stevens, Mark D. Buckbee, Robert N. Gamble, II
  • Patent number: 7810581
    Abstract: The blade apparatus includes a connection blade portion which is provided at its lower end with a central blade portion including a straight first cutting edge and having a second cutting edge which extends continuously with the first cutting edge through a predetermined angle rearwardly, and an end blade portion having a third cutting edge which extends continuously with a second cutting edge through a predetermined angle forwardly, wherein front surfaces of the blade portions are concave curved surfaces which are continuous from the upper end to the lower end, across line between the connection blade portion and the end blade portion and a cross point between the second cutting edge and the third cutting edge are located rearward of the cross point of the first cutting edge and the cross line between the central blade portion and the connection blade portion, and at least a central main region of the central blade portion is made of steel plate, and at least the connection blade portion and the end blade po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Matsumoto, Tatsuo Wada
  • Patent number: 7784199
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including 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 mounting apparatus further includes a vehicle connecting member for attachment to the vehicle; the vehicle connecting member including a mechanism that allows the mounting frame to swivel in a generally horizontal plane when interconnected with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7743534
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including 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 two piece mold board, the mold board preferably being an aluminum extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7743536
    Abstract: A materials moving blade (1) comprising a main blade (3) having a materials engaging surface extending bounded by a first end, a second end, a top edge (37) and a lower edge (39) defining a hinge axis, a plurality of trip blades (9) supported at the lower edge (39) of the main blade (3) and a universal mounting panel having a plurality of holes in the mounting panel for accommodating different mounting system geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Degelman Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Miles M. E. Evans, Donald Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7735247
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, preferably an all terrain vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade. The plow blade has a mold board including a main surface, a rubber scraper proximate the main surface and a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to disengageably secure the plow blade with the mounting upright; wherein the retention apparatus allows the plow blade to pivot with respect to the mounting upright such that the rubber scraper can pivot away from the mounting upright when the plow blade is in a working orientation and the vehicle moves in a direction rearward from the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7735245
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade having a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The mounting upright includes a limiting member that limits upward movement of the retention member when the plow blade is in a working orientation such that the retention member is secured on the mounting upright. The preferred snow plow may also include an attachment member located on the mounting apparatus, wherein the plow blade retention member may be removably secured within the attachment member when the plow blade is in a non-working orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7707753
    Abstract: A self-adjusting snow plow for use with pickup trucks, SUVs, all-terrain vehicles or other land vehicles. The snow plow includes a mounting apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and a plow blade, preferably including a mold board and a retention apparatus assembly. The retention apparatus assembly disengageably secures the plow blade to the mounting apparatus when the plow blade is in a snow displacement position. The snow plow further includes an elongated strap selectively connectable between the plow blade and the mounting apparatus in at least one position, wherein the position is a constrained orientation wherein the elongated strap resists upward movement of the plow blade when the plow blade is disengageably secured to the mounting apparatus or an elevated orientation, wherein the elongated strap suspends the plow blade a desired distance from the ground to prevent the plow blade from contacting the ground and/or snow on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7703222
    Abstract: A snow plow for use with personal utility vehicles is disclosed. The snow plow includes a mounting apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and a plow blade having a main surface, a rear surface, a plurality of retention members and a rubber scraper. The mounting apparatus includes a frame having a mounting upright and a hitch tongue, which is easily mounted in a hitch receiver which can be pivotally secured a vehicle. The retention members configured to at least partially encircle and slideably engage the mounting upright when the plow blade is in a working orientation. Preferably, the frame pushes the rear surface of the plow blade when the vehicle is moving in a direction towards the plow blade and wherein the frame disengages the rear surface when the vehicle moves in a direction rearward of the plow blade and the plow blade pivots away from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7690441
    Abstract: Concave front face surfaces of a blade device having ratios and configurations continuing from an upper end to a lower end of the blade device, and having a central face coupling front faces and end front faces on the right and left thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Matsumoto, Tatsuo Wada
  • Patent number: 7676962
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly 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 mold board, preferably, a two piece mold board being an aluminum extrusion. The mold board will preferably include a front and a back and cells or compartments partially formed by support structures that extend between the front and the back of the mold board and along the width of the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7676964
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly 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 mold board, the plow blade including a rubber scraper connected to the mold board and at least one wear minimizing apparatus positioned to minimize contact between the rubber scraper and the ground surface when the vehicle is moving in a direction rearward of the plow blade and the plow blade is in a working orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7676963
    Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, preferably an all terrain vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade. The preferred plow blade has a mold board including a main surface, a back surface and a plate secured proximate the back of the mold board, the plow also has a rubber scraper proximate the main surface and a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to disengageably secure the plow blade with the mounting upright; wherein the retention apparatus allows the plow blade to pivot with respect to the mounting upright such that the rubber scraper can pivot away from the mounting upright when the plow blade is in a working orientation and the vehicle moves in a direction rearward from the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7658021
    Abstract: A self-adjusting snow plow for use with pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles is disclosed. The snow plow includes a mounting apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and a plow blade having first and second ends, a top, a bottom, a plurality of retention members and a rubber scraper. The mounting apparatus includes a pair of mounting uprights and a hitch tongue which is easily mounted in a hitch receiver which is secured to the front of a vehicle. The retention members are constructed and arranged to at least partially encircle and slideably engage one of the respective mounting uprights and the retention members allow the respective ends of the plow blade to slide upward relative to the mounting upright most proximate to that end of the plow while the other end of the plow remains generally in the same position relative to the mounting upright proximate that end of the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7654016
    Abstract: A snow pusher attachment for use in conjunction with a straight blade angle-type snow plow mounted to a work vehicle is disclosed. The attachment consists of side panels, connected by horizontal members. The pusher attachment is secured to the snow plow by bracket assemblies, attached to the upper edge of the snow plow that engage hooks on the upper, rear portion of the pusher attachment. The pusher can be secured or released from the snowplow by manipulation of the plow blade allowing quick and repeated conversion of a snow plow into a snow pusher box and visa versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Stephan
  • Patent number: 7654336
    Abstract: A blade has an overall blade width of W, and includes a central front portion, interposition front portions, and side front portions. A straight first edge section is arranged on the lower end of the central front portion. Each of the front surfaces of the central front portion, the interposition front portions, and the side front portions is formed in an arc-shaped surface that has a prescribed radius R2. The radius R2 satisfies the following formula: R2=(0.7 to 1.0)×H, where H is the height from the edge of the first edge section to the top end of a soil retaining plate in side view in a digging posture when the edge angle ? of the edge sections is an angle of 40° to 55°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Matsumoto, Tatsuo Wada
  • Publication number: 20090321097
    Abstract: The blade apparatus includes a connection blade portion which is provided at its lower end with a central blade portion including a straight first cutting edge and having a second cutting edge which extends continuously with the first cutting edge through a predetermined angle rearwardly, and an end blade portion having a third cutting edge which extends continuously with a second cutting edge through a predetermined angle forwardly, wherein front surfaces of the blade portions are concave curved surfaces which are continuous from the upper end to the lower end, across line between the connection blade portion and the end blade portion and a cross point between the second cutting edge and the third cutting edge are located rearward of the cross point of the first cutting edge and the cross line between the central blade portion and the connection blade portion, and at least a central main region of the central blade portion is made of steel plate, and at least the connection blade portion and the end blade po
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Norihisa Matsumoto, Tatsuo Wada
  • Patent number: 7603798
    Abstract: A self-adjusting snow plow for use with pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles is disclosed. The snow plow includes a mounting apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and a plow blade having first and second ends, a top, a bottom, a plurality of retention members and a rubber scraper. The mounting apparatus includes a pair of mounting uprights and a hitch tongue which is easily mounted in a hitch receiver which is secured to the front of a vehicle. The retention members are constructed and arranged to at least partially encircle and slideably engage one of the respective mounting uprights and the retention members allow the respective ends of the plow blade to slide upward relative to the mounting upright most proximate to that end of the plow while the other end of the plow remains generally in the same position relative to the mounting upright proximate that end of the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: AGRI-COVER, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 7588092
    Abstract: An attachment configured to be attached to a power machine is disclosed. The attachment includes a blade having opposing first and second major surfaces and first and second edges. The attachment has first and second end plates each having opposing inner and outer surfaces. The end plates are fixedly attached to the first and second edges of the blade. The inner surfaces of the first and second end plates are positioned adjacent to and extend from the first major surface of the blade. The attachment further includes a support structure coupled to the blade. The support structure includes a first support member fixedly attached to and extending from both the second major surface of the blade and the outer surface of the first end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: John G. Liebl
  • Publication number: 20090194304
    Abstract: A grading attachment is provided having a longitudinally spaced apart first and second blade attachment assemblies each extending transversely relative to a longitudinal axis and each having an outer roughing blade and a longitudinally inboard finish blade. The finish blades are spaced from one another to define a collection region therebetween. The lower most edge of the outer roughing blades are spaced above the lower most edge of the inner finishing blades when the unit is placed in a horizontal orientation. A mounting fixture is provided enabling the grading attachment to be removably attached to a motorized vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Carl A. Backus
  • Publication number: 20090178817
    Abstract: Concave front face surfaces of a blade device having ratios and configurations continuing from an upper end to a lower end of the blade device, and having a central face coupling front faces and end front faces on the right and left thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Matsumoto, Tatsuo Wada
  • Patent number: 7555853
    Abstract: A snow plow assembly with a longitudinally extending plow body has a blade mounting structure that supports a longitudinally extending plow blade. The blade mounting structure has a series of hinges that receive a longitudinally extending pivot rod to couple the plow body to the snow blade and set of springs to bias the snow plow blade into an operative position and to resiliently restore the snow plow blade to the operative position after encountering an obstacle. The hinge portions fixed to the snow plow body each have a receiving slot to slidingly receive a hinge key and the hinge keys define a bearing surface for abutting one end of the coil spring. A locating notch is provided in the hinge keys to limit relative movement between a hinge key an associated hinge portion. A hinge lock to capture the pivot rod is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Adepco Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Gino Paonessa