Vehicle Mount With Obstacle Responsive Trip, Or Yieldable Tool (e.g., Brush) Patents (Class 37/232)
  • Patent number: 11555283
    Abstract: A snow plow apparatus including at least one pivotable plow wing that is capable of removing snow or debris adjacent to a vehicle. The pivotable plow wing is operable to deploy from a stowed configuration behind the vehicle to a deployed configuration where the plow wing substantially extends beyond a side of the vehicle and is in contact with a surface to be plowed to remove snow adjacent to the footprint of the vehicle. Once deployed, the pivotable wing is configurable to direct snow or debris away from or toward the vehicle by adjusting the angle of the plow wing relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The snow plow apparatus includes powered actuators and an electronic control unit that coordinate to operate the snow plow apparatus without the need for an operator to manually deploy, stow, or position the snow plow apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Philip J. Quenzi
  • Patent number: 11332900
    Abstract: A sweeping blade assembly includes a sweeping blade device and is configured to be attached to a plow blade of a vehicle for sweeping a ground surface. The assembly comprises a blade support which is securable to the plow blade and a plurality of sweeping blade devices which can be mounted to the blade support. Each sweeping blade device includes a blade main section and a wear block which can be attached to a front section of the blade main section in a lower portion thereof. The wear block(s) can optionally have at least one cut-out section(s) extending upwardly from a scraping edge of the wear block and can define at least two spaced-apart teeth in the lower portion of the wear block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: GESTION PIHM INC.
    Inventors: Hugo Michel, Zoltan Nemeth
  • Patent number: 11208777
    Abstract: A down pressure plow system with a float function is disclosed for use in a vehicle. The plow system includes a plow frame assembly and a plow blade carried by the plow blade assembly. An actuator is configured to move the plow blade up and down. A down pressure linkage is coupled to the plow frame assembly. The down pressure linkage applies a downward force to the plow blade upon actuating the actuator to move the plow blade and simultaneously allows the plow blade to move upward upon an upward force being applied to the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Briggs
  • Patent number: 10914324
    Abstract: An example valve includes a main stage, a pilot stage, and a solenoid actuator. The main stage includes a sleeve and a piston axially movable within the sleeve. The piston defines a cavity therein. The pilot stage includes a pilot pin received at, and axially movable in, the cavity of the piston, where the piston forms a pilot seat at which the pilot pin is seated when the valve is in a closed state. The solenoid actuator includes a solenoid coil, an armature, and a solenoid spring. The solenoid spring applies a biasing force in a distal direction on the pilot pin to seat the pilot pin at the pilot seat. Energizing the solenoid coil causes the armature to move in a proximal direction, thereby reducing the biasing force that the solenoid spring applies on the pilot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Pena, Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 10683635
    Abstract: A motor drive assembly for selective rail or track operation of an excavators or other mobile platform via a source of hydraulic pressure. The motor drive assembly may include one or more drive arm assemblies mounted at ends of the mobile platform underbody, with the drive arm assembly including a motor, a gearbox, and hydraulic features for operation, including a counterbalance valve assembly, as well as improved gearbox and coupler elements operable therewith. The counterbalance valve assembly may include a cross-port relief valve and may have a first hydraulic operating circuit and a second hydraulic operating circuit. The first hydraulic operating circuit may communicate hydraulic pressure to the gearbox to enable movement of the mobile platform, and the second hydraulic operating circuit may prevent undesired communication of hydraulic pressure to the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: ADVANCED RAIL CONCEPTS
    Inventor: Wendell A. Malmberg
  • Patent number: 10538196
    Abstract: A recovery tool configured to attach to the rear or front a vehicle with a receiver hitch class III and up to provide interconnect and control between the vehicle and various accessory tools necessary to perform lift, drag, tow and pull using the vehicle. The recovery tool has a head gear connected to a hitch attachment where the hitch attachment connects the recovery tool to the vehicle. The recovery tool has lights for signaling, work lights, and other uses. The recovery tool can be controlled by a wireless controller. The recovery tool is adaptable to three-point tractor implement. The recovery tool may further include a hydraulic unit and can endure heavy mechanical work to perform dragging snow or dirt, road cleaning, driveway scraping, towing and recovery, search and rescue operation, pull boat docks and launch boats, dragging logs or broken articles as well as jump start truck or car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Brian L. Centerbar
  • Patent number: 10495117
    Abstract: An example valve includes a main stage, a pilot stage, and a solenoid actuator. The main stage includes a sleeve and a piston axially movable within the sleeve. The piston defines a cavity therein. The pilot stage includes a pilot pin received at, and axially movable in, the cavity of the piston, where the piston forms a pilot seat at which the pilot pin is seated when the valve is in a closed state. The solenoid actuator includes a solenoid coil, an armature, and a solenoid spring. The solenoid spring applies a biasing force in a distal direction on the pilot pin to seat the pilot pin at the pilot seat. Energizing the solenoid coil causes the armature to move in a proximal direction, thereby reducing the biasing force that the solenoid spring applies on the pilot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Pena, Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 10316480
    Abstract: An adjustable snow plow having a center unit; at least one extender wing; a square channel connected to said center unit; at least one mounting bracket connected to said center unit wherein the at least one extender wing is connected to the center unit via the square channel, and the mounting bracket is selectably attachable to a vehicle. The adjustable snow plow is able to vary the width of the plow blade so as to accommodate a number of different locations for which snow may need to be removed. The adjustable plow may be a straight blade plow, or a partially straight blade plow that allows for the user of the adjustable plow to dictate in which direction the desired snow is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Meyer Products, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Kemmerling, Denis Sankovic, Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 10273644
    Abstract: A method of clearing debris from under a parked trailer comprising: a) engaging, with a cantilevered debris mover, a surface having debris accumulated thereon and positioned under at least one parked trailer having at least a front portion which is cantilevered; and b) removing said debris accumulated upon said surface under said at least one parked trailer to a surface not located under said at least one trailer; wherein said cantilevered debris mover further comprises: i) a powered mobile prime mover capable of providing a source of power to an accessory; and ii) an accessory configured as a cantilevered debris plow further comprising: 1) a closed end allowing intake of debris; 2) an open end allowing discharge of debris; 3) a mounting plate for attachment to said prime mover; and 4) a powered debris engager configured to accept power from said powered mobile prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Elliott Pennock
  • Patent number: 10167599
    Abstract: A plow blade wear member having a slower wear rate than known blade wear members, and having a reduced tendency to partially break off, fracture, chip, or become otherwise damaged when the blade wear member engages a discontinuity in a travel surface. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the blade wear member is formed or cut from a used airplane tire. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the blade wear member is formed or cut from a used fiber reinforced airplane tire having a relatively large outer circumference to provide the desired radius of curvature, the desired thickness, and the desired strength for the blade wear member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Lakin General Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis G. Lakin, Kenneth A. Lakin
  • Patent number: 10066361
    Abstract: A low cost plow lift and down pressure system comprising a lift frame having a lift end and a mount end for securing to a plow vehicle. A lever beam articulates with a lift end of the lift frame. The system further comprises a; lift tension line, down pressure tension line, hydraulic pump, hydraulic cylinder, push frame, down pressure arm, and plow. A push frame extends between a plow and a lift frame. A lift tension line extends between a plow receiver near the plow and a lift receiver on the lever beam. A down pressure tension line extends between a first down pressure receiver on the lever beam to a second down pressure receiver located on a down pressure arm that is coupled to the push frame. Active extension and retraction of a first hydraulic cylinder causes consequent raising of the plow and plow down pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: 906 ENGINEERING CORP.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Jewell, Peter Carl Menze, Stephen Robert Lang
  • Patent number: 10030356
    Abstract: A strut assembly for coupling an implement to a frame of a machine is provided. The strut assembly includes a first elongated member configured to couple to the frame of the machine. The strut assembly further includes a second elongated member slidably disposed within the first elongated member. The second elongated member is configured to couple to the implement. The strut assembly further includes a shear system configured to engage the second elongated member with the first elongated member. The shear system includes a first shear pin configured to be inserted through a first opening defined in the first elongated member and a second opening defined in the second elongated member. The first shear pin includes a first fracture zone positioned within a gap defined between the first elongated member and the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. May
  • Patent number: 9995012
    Abstract: A snowplough system of the type being releasably anchored to a front end of a vehicle comprises a plough blade. A vehicle interface is adapted to be releasably anchored to the vehicle. A snowplough interface is operatively connected to the vehicle interface and comprises a structure supporting the plough blade, the structure being movable to displace the plough blade between a ploughing position and a retracted position. A wheel unit is connected to at least one of the vehicle interface and the snowplough interface, and comprises at least one wheel located in front of a front axle of the vehicle, to support part of the weight of the plough blade when in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: RIVAL, SOCIÉTÉ EN COMMANDITE
    Inventors: Falah Boumediene, Pierre-Etienne Cote
  • Patent number: 9657450
    Abstract: A snow-plough blade group for absorbing lateral impacts comprising: a first and a second snow-removing blade; a first support bearing the blades; the second blade being mobile with respect to the first support between a first position, in which the blades identify a first snow-removing surface, and a second position in which the blades identify a second snow-removing surface larger than the first one; a second support hinged to the first support; a first hydraulic cylinder connected between the first and second support for orientating the first support with respect to the second support; a discharge of liquid in overpressure; bypass valve means connecting the first hydraulic cylinder with the discharge, which bypass valve means are configured such that when the pressure in the first hydraulic cylinder exceeds a threshold value, the bypass valve means place the first hydraulic cylinder in liquid communication with the discharge; characterized in that a sensor detects a position assumed by the second blade; and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: GILETTA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Gandolfi
  • Patent number: 9611605
    Abstract: A cantilevered debris plow comprising: a) A housing having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is open for discharge of debris and said second end is closed for input of debris: b) A mounting plate configurable for attachment to a prime mover is attached to said housing, wherein said mounting plate is positioned between said first end and said second end of said housing and wherein the distance from said first end to said mounting plate is less than the distance from said second end to said mounting plate; and; c) A debris engager positioned in said housing to engage and convey debris from said first end to said second end of said housing for discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Elliott Pennock
  • Patent number: 9611604
    Abstract: The scraper blade device is provided for cleaning a surface, for instance a roadway surface, when moving in a forward direction relative to the surface. The scraper blade device includes an upper blade portion and a bottom blade portion. The bottom blade portion has a plurality of widthwise-disposed blade segments that are adjoined and juxtaposed to one another. The bottom edge of each blade segment is independently slidingly movable in an up and down movement out of alignment with reference to the bottom edge of the other blade segments and is biased towards a downward working direction. The bottom edge of the blade segments is also pivotally movable with reference to the surface to be cleaned about a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the lowermost edge of the scraper blade device. The bottom edges is biased towards a forward working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jimmy Vigneault
  • Patent number: 9303377
    Abstract: A hard link, which is connected to a moldboard of a machine, includes a first range of float capability and a second range of float capability. The second range of float capability may provide a greater float height to the moldboard than the first range of float capability. In another embodiment, a machine includes a moldboard, a jib arm operatively configured to raise and lower the moldboard, and a link attaching the jib arm to the moldboard. The link includes two discrete float capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul May, Ryan P. Shea, Bart A. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20150101216
    Abstract: A spring assembly defining an elongated axis and includes an axially elongated connector articulately connected toward a first end to a first member and articulately connected toward a second end to a second member for joining and permitting pivotal movements between the first and second members. Two springs are arranged axially relative to each other along and about the connector between the first and second ends thereof. An alignment member is disposed between the two springs for aligning adjacent ends of the two springs relative to each other and relative to an elongated axis of the spring assembly. The alignment member defines a generally centralized opening adapted to slidably move along and relative to the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald W. KERR, Richard J. Beranek
  • Patent number: 8881433
    Abstract: An implement attaching to a vehicle and having a work assembly and a linkage assembly, the work assembly having an edge commonly used for clearing snow. The work assembly may be for example a bucket on a front end loader. The linkage assembly is formed as a non-parallelogram quadrilateral with four pivot axes. Upper and lower pivot axes attach the linkage assembly to the work assembly. When the vehicle is driven so that the edge strikes an immovable object, the linkage assembly functions so that the lower pivot axis moves in a direction toward the work assembly relative to the upper pivot axis. That is, the quadrilateral linkage assembly functions to lift the edge as a heel of the work assembly remains on the ground such that the work assembly is allowed to tilt up so the edge can ride over the immovable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Glenridge, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant Hanson
  • Publication number: 20140283418
    Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting a plow, or another front-mounted implement, on a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is provided. The frame assembly comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is typically raised with respect to the rear portion, allowing the plow to be pivotally attached to the front of the frame assembly at a higher location. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism allowing the frame assembly to be easily mounted to the underside of the vehicle. A releasing mechanism, operatively connected to the locking mechanism, allows for the easy removal of the frame assembly from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Coulombe, Roy Normand, Marc-Andre Patry, Vincent Morin, Jérémie Aubin-Marchand, Erick Bienvenue
  • Publication number: 20140230288
    Abstract: An implement including a work assembly for clearing materials on a ground, the work assembly including an edge and at least one dynamic skid shoe. The implement may have a pair of dynamic skid shoes. The dynamic skid shoe includes a surface contact component for contacting a street surface, a dynamic component operably connected to the surface contact component for providing vertical movement of the surface contact component, and a hydraulic fluid circuit including a pressure providing component fluidily connected to the dynamic component. The implement includes a linkage assembly, wherein the linkage assembly and the dynamic skid shoe operate to provide the edge to be elevated above the ground surface in order to pass over an obstruction encountered by the edge even on uneven surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Glenridge, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant HANSON
  • Patent number: 8776405
    Abstract: A snow plow includes a plurality of surface-engaging sections movably carried by the moldboard and depending from the moldboard in side-by-side relationship with one another. The surface-engaging sections are each independently linearly movable relative to the moldboard between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust to the contour of the surface being plowed. Each surface-engaging section comprises a main body portion carried by the moldboard, and a surface-engaging trip blade portion carried by the main body portion and which can pivot between a surface-scraping position and a deflected position and is urged toward the surface-scraping position. The trip blade portion can deflect to accommodate obstacles, and can cooperate with the linear movement of the surface-engaging sections to accommodate larger obstacles than can be accommodated by deflection alone. The snow plow also includes adjustable wear shoes and an adjustable vehicle mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Adepco Technologies, Corp.
    Inventor: Gino Paonessa
  • Patent number: 8671597
    Abstract: A snow plow towing hitch system removably attached to an existing vehicle hitch which is lightweight and compact to allow an individual to attach the snow plow towing hitch system to a vehicle hitch when needed and to remove and store it when not in use. The snow plow towing hitch system includes a connecting bar connected to a vehicle hitch, a vertical support bar attached to the connecting bar, a plow blade rotatably attached to the vertical support bar, and a spring attached to the vertical support bar and the plow blade to limit rotation of the plow blade. Another alternate embodiment of the snow plow towing hitch system comes in a kit form allowing the user to easily assemble the snow plow towing hitch for use and to disassemble for storage or to use portions as a snow shovel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hamid A. Gappy
  • Patent number: 8621769
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various aspects of an improved snow or material pushers for use with loaders, backhoes, agricultural and larger home and garden tractors and the like for moving snow or other materials on generally flat areas such as parking lots, driveways, feed lots, runways, and loading areas. The improvements include, among others, a reversible design, extended side plates and/or wear shoes as well as improved scraping edge configurations so as to provide added functionality and versatility to pushers. As described the various features may be employed alone or in combination to provide the capability for snow and ice removal while minimizing the potential for damage to surfaces and objects thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Pro-Tech Manufacturing and Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Weagley, Michael J. Guggino, James Maier
  • Publication number: 20140000133
    Abstract: An adjustable plow bar for a snow-plow blade, which is fastened to the plow blade to reduce digging into soft road surfaces, includes a bar having two side edges and a front edge substantially equal in length to the length of the plow blade, and mounting posts attached to the upper surface of the bar for mounting the bar to the plow and for adjusting the bar relative to the plow blade. The length of the bar distributes the weight of the plow evenly along length of the blade, and the front edge of the bar is beveled on the underside, which prevents the front edge from digging. Preferably the side edges of the bar also are beveled on the underside thereof, and the composition of the bar includes an abrasion-resistant material, such as tungsten carbide and other hard carbides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Brandon Lutkus
  • Patent number: 8607481
    Abstract: An attachment for a plow blade and the like typically, used for removal of snow or in earth grading and moving. The attachment provides a contoured surface engagement element for the blade edge allowing it to ride over protruding surface obstacles without direct damaging engagement therewith. The attachment is selectively secured along the length of the blade edge by mounting brackets having quick release and mounted threaded frictional engagement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Alec Lukasko
  • Publication number: 20130232827
    Abstract: A V-blade snowplow having both full moldboard trip and trip edge capabilities. The V-blade has first and second moldboards that not only can pivot against a restoring force of one or more trip springs extending intermediate a pivot frame and a push frame of the snowplow, but the moldboard of each wing of the V-plow has associated therewith a respective cutting edge hingedly secured along a base thereof, the cutting edge biased toward an untripped position in substantial alignment with the base of the moldboard by one or more trip edge springs. The maximum angle of deflection of the cutting edges is preferably about 40°, which is lower than the maximum angle of deflection of cutting edges of V-plows only exhibiting trip edge capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Tristan Summers, Jodi Christy
  • Publication number: 20130227863
    Abstract: A reversible wing plow including a hitch, a moldboard and a moldboard shifting mechanism. The hitch is coupleable to the rear of a prime mover. The moldboard is operably coupled to the hitch proximate an inboard end and rotatable about a first horizontal axis that extends outwardly from the hitch generally parallel to a direction of forward movement of the prime mover. The moldboard shifting mechanism includes first and second linear actuators, both of which are coupled to the hitch at one end and coupled to opposing sides of a rotation crank plate on the other end. The crank plate is further operably coupled to the moldboard, whereby the moldboard is rotatably shiftable to the driver or passenger side of the prime mover, or to a vertically oriented transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Frederick Stephan
  • Publication number: 20130185962
    Abstract: A finger plow includes an extension which may be extended or retracted to enable the finger plow to discharge snow and ice away from the wheels of the vehicle and to make a relatively wider snow cleared path while not unduly extending beyond the sidewalls of the wheels of the vehicle when not engaged in a plowing operation. The finger plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow with one or two extensions. In the later case, the finger plow and one or more extension finger plows are rotatable relative to the chassis of the vehicle. Shear pins or a resilient mechanism may be provided to permit the finger plow to pivot rearwardly in the event that the finger plow extension encounters an obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CIVES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William J. REEVES, Gerald N. Simpson, Leo P. Manion, Amiya Mishra
  • Patent number: 8402679
    Abstract: A self propelled snow remover machine with a computer control panel a camera, a funnel design snow brush. The computer control panel controls the snow remover machine through a downloaded application with cloud technology and is access through many different electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory Sylvester Campbell
  • Patent number: 8291622
    Abstract: A snow plow towing hitch system removably attached to an existing vehicle hitch which is lightweight and compact to allow an individual to attach the snow plow towing hitch system to a vehicle hitch when needed and to remove and store it when not in use. The snow plow towing hitch system includes a connecting bar connected to a vehicle hitch, a vertical support bar attached to the connecting bar, a plow blade rotatably attached to the vertical support bar, and a spring attached to the vertical support bar and the plow blade to limit rotation of the plow blade. Another alternate embodiment of the snow plow towing hitch system comes in a kit form allowing the user to easily assemble the snow plow towing hitch for use and to disassemble for storage or to use portions as a snow shovel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Hamid A. Gappy
  • Publication number: 20120187263
    Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting a plow, or another front-mounted implement, on a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is provided. The frame assembly comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is typically raised with respect to the rear portion, allowing the plow to be pivotally attached to the front of the frame assembly at a higher location. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism allowing the frame assembly to be easily mounted to the underside of the vehicle. A releasing mechanism, operatively connected to the locking mechanism, allows for the easy removal of the frame assembly from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Alexandre Coulombe, Normand Roy, Marc-Andre Patry, Vincent Morin, Jeremie Aubin-Marchand, Erick Bienvenue
  • Publication number: 20120180345
    Abstract: A snowplow assembly may combine a wireless control system used to raise and lower a plow blade with a mechanism that automatically pivots the plow blade from side to side based on the load encountered by the plow blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Marty Warchola, Jim Ropog
  • Publication number: 20110314708
    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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Gino Paonessa
  • Patent number: 8069590
    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: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 8065823
    Abstract: A snow blower has an auger housing that pivots relative to an axle supporting ground engaging members of the snow blower or about an axis substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the snow blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas D. Morrell
  • Patent number: 8051587
    Abstract: A snow deflector apparatus that easily attaches to a snowplow, a kit that includes two snow deflector apparatus and a control system, and to a snowplow system that includes two snow deflector apparatus and a control system. The snow deflector apparatus includes a deflector plate, a deflector plate rotator mechanism and at least one spring. The deflector plate is dimensioned to obstruct at least a substantial portion of the end of the blade of the snowplow such that an amount of snow that is sloughed off of the blade is minimized when the deflector plate is in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: David W. Mills
  • Patent number: 8046939
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a bucket of a front end loader vehicle. The mounting system allows the bucket to pivot up and over fixed objects when the leading edge of the bucket strikes an immovable object for the purpose of protecting the loader assembly, vehicle, and operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Grant Hanson
  • 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: 7992327
    Abstract: A snow plow rebounding system is provided. A cushion block and shock-absorbing springs serve to cushion a snow plow rotating about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Gamble, II, Mark D. Buckee
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7975409
    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: March 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Adepco Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gino Paonessa
  • Patent number: 7963052
    Abstract: A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Koch, Kevin J. Kuechler, Mark D. Buckbee, Daniel M. Brunner
  • Patent number: 7891121
    Abstract: A blade assembly for an earthworking implement has a set of teeth that are independently slideable within guides. The teeth slide to conform to an undulating surface and permit scraping of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Doug Smoljo
  • Patent number: 7877834
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the suspension of a work implement such as sweeping rollers and ploughs on a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a frame mounted at one end of the vehicle and a carrier (11) fixed to the frame and running essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Adjacent to each of its outer ends the carrier can be provided with at least one link (14, 15) having a pivot axis (16, 17) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carrier at a first end. The ends of the links remote from the carrier are fixedly supported at outer ends of the work implement, the links pivoting independently about each pivot axis (16, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Holms Industri AB
    Inventors: Magnus Kallman, Magnus Hjalmarsson
  • Patent number: 7861347
    Abstract: A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3rd Millennium Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Lyle McKeown, Daniel Andrew Faux
  • 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: 7841110
    Abstract: A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, 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: Timothy G. Koch, Kevin J. Kuechler, Mark D. Buckbee, Daniel M. Brunner
  • Publication number: 20100269377
    Abstract: A float mechanism for movably attaching an implement to a vehicle has a mounting frame that connects onto the vehicle and a fixed frame that affixes to the implement. A pivot bracket pivotally attaches to one of the frames and is slidably connected to the other to accommodate a limited degree of translational motion. The pivot bracket can slidably connect to the frame by a pair of guides in combination with a pair of sleeves. Rotational motion between the fixed frame and the mounting frame can be limited by slots in one of the frames that are slidably engaged by a stabilizing element on the other frame. When the stabilizing element is a horizontal bar, it can engage a pair of vertical slots. To optionally eliminate the free motion between the frames, movable blocks can be employed to limit the motion of each stabilizing element in its slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: RALPH L. OSGOOD, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Osgood
  • Patent number: 7805862
    Abstract: A float mechanism for attaching a material-moving implement to an instant transfer connector has a pair of spaced apart substantially vertical supports, each with a substantially vertical slot in an upper region and configured to attach to the instant transfer connector. The slots are slidably engaged by a transfer bar attached to the implement, and a stabilizing structure limits the motion of the transfer bar in the slots. The limited flexibility allows the implement to push material across uneven terrain. Blocks can be employed to disable the flexible action when the implement is employed for loading and dumping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Ralph L. Osgood, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Osgood, David J. Smith, Sr.