Patent Application
20240263412
The present invention generally relates to a cutting edge attachment for snow and ice removal, and more particularly to a snow plow cutting edge device including a plurality of cutting edge attachments that may be mounted to a snow plow. In addition, the present invention generally relates to a blade attachment for snow and ice removal, and more particularly to a snow plow cutting edge device including a plurality of blade attachments that may be mounted to a snow plow. The present invention also relates to a blade retainer of the blade attachment, and optional modifications to the blade of the blade attachment. The present invention still further relates to a hinge coupling providing increased controlled motion of the blade during snow and ice removal.
Traditional snow plows have a fixed edge that operates to scrape the road surface to remove snow and ice from the road to provide improved road conditions. A fixed blade arrangement has certain drawbacks in that it provides a straight bottom edge to move the snow material from the road, but in practice does not perform well because road surfaces are not typically flat. Roads are oftentimes designed with cambered surfaces to provide for drainage, and over time, settle in certain spots due to the repeated weight imposed in the road by vehicle travel. Moreover, road surfaces also have manholes, utility lids, or other obstacles in the road which leads to sub-par snow material from the road. When snow remains on the road, municipalities are forced to use salt to clear the roads of the snow material that is left behind by the snow plows, which has a negative environmental effect on the local water table, streams and lakes. Uneven road surfaces not only result in sub-par snow material from the road, but also subject cutting edge arrangements to extensive wear and tear. Repair or replacement of worn cutting edges or entire snow plows can be costly. To address these issues, there are certain devices that are attached to the bottom edge of a snow plow that attempt to provide for some uneven surfaces in the road. However, some of these existing systems are either not effective at conforming to the road surface, are complicated mechanical devices, or are difficult to install or maintain.
Further, it is not unusual for a road surface to further include raised obstructions, such as but not limited to a manhole cover, bridge joint, road plate, curb and the like. Some of these raised obstructions may have a stepped profile. Thus, as a snow plow blade encounters these raised obstructions, a relatively large impact force may be imparted to the blade that could cause damage to the snow plow blade and the raised obstruction. This may require that expensive repairs be made to the snow plow or the road infrastructure.
Thus, what is needed is a snow plow cutting edge device where each of the cutting edge attachments are independently removable and replaceable, can be easily installed without modifying existing snow plows, moldboards and/or vehicles, and can operate to retract and contour to variable road surfaces independently of the other cutting edge attachments along the length of the snow plow. What is further needed is an apparatus that provides increased controlled motion of the blade during snow and ice removal. The present invention fulfills these needs as well as other needs.
In one aspect, the present invention addresses the above needs by providing a snow plow cutting edge device for use with a snow plow, wherein the snow plow includes a moldboard, the snow plow cutting edge. The cutting edge device comprises an adapter plate configured to mount to the moldboard of the snow plow, wherein the adapter plate includes a plurality of apertures defined therein. The cutting edge device further comprises a plurality of cutting edge attachments and a plurality of fasteners for attaching each of the plurality of cutting edge attachments to the adapter plate. Each of the cutting edge attachments include a cover retaining plate, a plurality of springs, and a cutting edge. Each of the cutting edge attachments includes a cover retaining plate, a plurality of springs, and a cutting edge. The cover retaining plate includes a back plate, a top edge extension, and a pair of through-hole bushings extending outward from the back plate. The cutting edge includes a pair of elongated openings defined therein, wherein each of the elongated openings receive one of the pair of through-hole bushings, wherein a plurality of notches are defined in a top edge of the cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge includes a bottom edge configured for engaging a road surface during operation of the snow plow. Each of the plurality of springs include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of notches, and wherein the send end is disposed against the top edge extension of the cover retaining plate. Each of the plurality of fasteners are disposed in one of the pair of through-hole bushings and a corresponding one of the plurality of apertures defined in the adapter plate to secure the respective cutting edge attachment to the adapter plate. The pair of through-hole bushings are positioned within the corresponding elongated pair of elongated openings defined in the cutting edge so that the cutting edge is movably secured between the cover retaining plate and the adapter plate, and wherein the plurality of springs bias the cutting edge toward the road surface so that the bottom edge of the cutting edge maintains contact with the road surface.
In some example embodiments, the springs of a respective cutting edge attachment are configured to compress, and the cutting edge of the respective cutting edge attachment is configured to slidably move up and/or down or on a tilt independently of other cutting edges of other cutting edge attachments that are connected to the adapter plate.
In some example embodiments, the springs of a respective cutting edge attachment and the cutting edge of the respective cutting edge attachment are configured to be installed, removed, repaired, and/or replaced independently of other springs and other cutting edges of other cutting edge attachments that are connected to the adapter plate.
In some example embodiments, each of the cover retaining plates includes a first portion that is a flat plate, with holes through which the pair of through-hole bushings protrude outward from the back surface of the cover retaining plate, a second portion that is a bent or angled plate, including a flat middle section and an angled bottom section, with holes in the middle section through which the pair of through-holes protrude, and the top edge extension that is a flat thin plate that is arranged perpendicular to the first portion and the middle section of the second portion.
In some example embodiments, the top edge extension is integrated with the second portion, such that the top edge extension is a top section of the second portion, or the top edge extension is a separate and distinct plate relative to the first and second portions of the cover retaining plate.
In some example embodiments, the second portion of the cover retaining plate includes a first side extension that protrudes outwardly from the first end of the first portion of the cover retaining plate, and the top edge extension includes a second side extension that protrudes outwardly from the second end of the first portion.
In some example embodiments, the first side extension of the second portion is configured to overlap with the second side extension of the top edge extension of another cover retaining plate of another cutting edge attachment that is adjacent to the respective cutting edge attachment.
In some example embodiments, each of the plurality of notches have a similar configuration.
In some example embodiments, the top edge extension includes a bottom surface, and wherein the top edge extension includes a plurality of support posts extending downward from the bottom surface, and wherein each of the plurality of support posts are disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of springs.
In some example embodiments, per cutting edge attachment, there are at least one inner spring and corresponding notch and at least two outer springs and corresponding notches, and the inner springs and corresponding notches may be the same as or different from the outer springs and corresponding notches.
Some other example embodiments provide a cutting edge attachment for connection to an adapter plate mountable to a moldboard of a snow plow, the cutting edge attachment including the cover retaining plate, the plurality of springs, and the cutting edge as described above.
Some other example embodiments provide a snow plow comprising the adapter plate and the plurality of cutting edge attachments as described above.
In another aspect, a cutting edge attachment for connection to an adapter plate mountable to a moldboard of a snow plow is provided. The cutting edge attachment comprises a cover retaining plate, a plurality of springs, and a cutting edge. The cover retaining plate includes a back plate, a top edge extension, and a pair of through-holes extending outward from the back plate. The plurality of springs each include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of springs is disposed against the top edge extension of the cover retaining plate. The cutting edge includes a pair of elongated openings defined therein, wherein each of the elongated openings receive one of the pair of through-hole bushings, The cutting edge further includes a top edge having a plurality of notches defined therein, wherein each of the plurality of notches receive the second end of one of the plurality of springs. The cutting edge further includes a bottom edge configured for engaging a road surface during operation of the snow plow. The pair of through-holes are configured for receiving a corresponding number of fasteners that operate to secure the cutting edge attachment to the adapter plate so that the cutting edge is movably secured between the cover retaining plate and the adapter plate. The plurality of springs operate to bias the cutting edge toward the road surface so that the bottom edge of the cutting edge maintains contact with the road surface.
In yet another aspect, a snow plow blade attachment for connection to an adapter plate mountable to a moldboard of a snow plow is provided. The snow plow blade attachment comprising a blade retainer, a plurality of springs, a blade, and first and second fasteners. The blade retainer includes a front plate, a back plate, a top plate extending between the front plate and the back plate, a first bushing associated with first and second apertures defined in the front plate and the back plate, respectively, and a second bushing associated with respective third and fourth apertures defined in the front plate and the back plate, respectively. Each of the plurality of springs include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of springs is disposed against the top plate of the blade retainer. The blade includes first and second elongated openings defined therein, wherein the first elongated opening is configured to receive the first bushing, and wherein the second elongated opening is configured to receive the second bushing. A top edge of the blade has a plurality of notches defined therein, wherein each of the plurality of notches are configured to receive the second end of a corresponding one of the plurality of springs. A bottom edge of the blade is configured for engaging a road surface during operation of the snow plow. The first and second fasteners are configured to be positioned in first and second bushings, respectively, to secure the blade attachment to the adapter plate so that the blade is movably secured between the front plate and the back plate of the blade retainer. The plurality of springs bias the blade toward the road surface so that the bottom edge of the blade maintains contact with the road surface.
In another aspect, a snow plow cutting edge device for use with a snow plow is provided, wherein the snow plow includes a moldboard. The cutting edge device comprises an adapter plate and a plurality of the snow plow blade attachments as set forth in the previous paragraph. The adapter plate is configured to mount to the moldboard of the snow plow, wherein the adapter plate includes a plurality of apertures defined therein. The plurality of snow plow blade attachments are installed in a side by side orientation along the adapter plate using a plurality of fasteners inserted through the apertures defined in the adapter plate and into the respective bushings of each blade retainer.
In yet another aspect, a blade retainer for a snow plow blade attachment for connection to an adapter plate mountable to a moldboard of a snow plow is provided. The blade retainer comprises a front plate including first and second apertures defined therein; a back plate including third and fourth apertures defined therein; a top plate extending between the front plate and the back plate; a first bushing associated with the first aperture and the third aperture, wherein the first bushing is configured for receiving a first fastener to secure the blade retainer to the adapter plate; and a second bushing associated with the second aperture and the fourth aperture, wherein the first bushing and the second bushing is configured for receiving first and second fasteners, respectively to secure the blade retainer to the adapter plate. The first and second bushings are configured to be disposed in respective first and second elongated slots defined in a blade, and the top plate is configured to support a plurality of springs disposed within corresponding notches defined in in the blade.
In another aspect, a blade for a snow plow blade attachment that is adapted to be connected to an adapter plate mountable to a moldboard of a snow plow is provided. The blade attachment includes a blade retainer including a front plate, a back plate, and a pair of bushings insertable through holes defined in the front plate and the back plate. The blade attachment further includes a plurality of springs, wherein each spring includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of each of the plurality of springs is disposed against a top portion of the front plate of the blade retainer. The blade comprises a pair of elongated openings defined therein configured to receive one of the pair of bushings, wherein the pair of bushings are configured for receiving a corresponding number of fasteners that operate to secure the blade retainer to the adapter plate. The blade further includes a top edge having a plurality of notches defined therein, wherein each of the plurality of notches include a bottom surface and two opposing side surfaces, and wherein each of the plurality of notches are configured to receive the second end of a respective one of the plurality of springs. A bottom edge of the blade is configured for engaging a road surface during operation of the snow plow, wherein the springs bias the blade toward the road surface so that the bottom edge of the blade maintains contact with the road surface. Further, a nose piece extends from one side of the blade to catch spill over from the snow plow.
In yet another aspect, a snow plow blade attachment for connection to an adapter plate mountable to a moldboard of a snow plow is provided. The blade attachment comprises a blade retainer, a plurality of springs, and a blade. The blade retainer includes a front plate, a back plate, a top plate extending between the front plate and the back plate, and a pair of bushings insertable through holes defined in the front plate and the back plate. Each of the plurality of springs includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of springs is disposed against a top plate of the front plate of the blade retainer. The blade comprises a pair of elongated openings defined therein, wherein each of the elongated openings are configured to receive one of the pair of bushings, and wherein the pair of bushings are configured for receiving a corresponding number of fasteners that operate to secure the blade retainer to the adapter plate. A top edge of the blade has a plurality of notches defined therein, wherein each of the plurality of notches include a bottom surface and two opposing side surfaces, wherein each of the plurality of notches are configured to receive the second end of a respective one of the plurality of springs. A bottom edge of the blade is configured for engaging a road surface during operation of the snow plow, wherein the springs bias the blade toward the road surface so that the bottom edge of the blade maintains contact with the road surface. Further, a nose piece extends from one side of the blade to catch spill over from the snow plow.
In another aspect, a blade for a snow plow blade attachment that is adapted to be connected to an adapter plate mountable to a moldboard of a snow plow is provided. The blade attachment includes a blade retainer including a front plate, a back plate, and a pair of bushings insertable through holes defined in the front plate and the back plate. The blade attachment further includes a plurality of springs, wherein each spring includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of springs is disposed against a top portion of the front plate of the blade retainer. The blade comprises a front surface, a back surface, and a pair of elongated openings extending between the front surface and the back surface. Each of the elongated openings are configured to receive one of the pair of bushings, wherein the pair of bushings are configured for receiving a corresponding number of fasteners that operate to secure the blade retainer to the adapter plate. The blade further includes a top edge having a plurality of notches defined therein, wherein each of the plurality of notches include a bottom surface and two opposing side surfaces, and wherein each of the plurality of notches are configured to receive the second end of a respective one of the plurality of springs. A bottom edge of the blade is configured for engaging a road surface during operation of the snow plow, wherein the springs bias the blade toward the road surface. The blade further includes a pair of wing tips extending from the front surface of the blade to allow the blade to ride over obstacles protruding from the road surface.
In yet another aspect, a hinge coupling for rotatably fastening a snow plow blade assembly to a moldboard of a snow plow is provided. The hinge coupling comprises a spring having a first terminal leg and a second terminal leg, a plow mount portion, and a blade mount portion. The plow mount portion includes: a first side plate having a first hinge barrel mounted thereon; a second side plate in spaced parallel relation with the first side plate and having a second hinge barrel mounted thereon; a plow mounting plate extending between the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the mounting plate is configured to be coupled to the moldboard; and a spring plate extending between the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the first terminal leg of the spring is coupled with the spring plate. The blade mount portion includes: a pin extending between the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the pin includes a first pin end rotatably received within the first hinge barrel and a second pin end rotatably received within the second hinge barrel; and a blade mounting plate fixedly secured to the pin, wherein the second terminal leg of the spring is coupled to the blade mounting plate, wherein the blade mount portion is rotatably moveable relative to the plow mount portion, and wherein the blade mounting plate is configured to be coupled to the snow plow blade assembly.
In another aspect, a snow plow blade apparatus for connection to a moldboard of a snow plow is provided. The snow plow blade apparatus comprises a hinge coupling and a blade assembly. The hinge coupling comprises a first spring having a first terminal leg and a second terminal leg; a plow mount portion coupled to the first terminal leg of the first spring therein; and a blade mount portion including a pin and a blade mounting plate coupled to the second terminal leg of the first spring and rotatably moveable relative to the plow mount portion. The blade assembly includes a blade retainer; a blade slidably mounted to the blade retainer, the blade having a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge is configured for engaging a road surface during operation of the snow plow; and a plurality of second springs disposed between a top plate of the blade retainer and the top edge of the blade, wherein the plurality of second springs are configured to bias the blade toward the road surface so that the bottom edge of the blade maintains contact with the road surface. The hinge coupling is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by the first spring, and the blade is configured to translate vertically relative to the blade retainer and moldboard and perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis of the first spring.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.
The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein:
The present invention is described below in enabling detail by the following examples, which may represent more than one example embodiment of the present invention.
Turning now to the drawings, with initial reference to
In some example embodiments, adapter plate 10 is a single long rectangular plate. An upper portion 12 of adapter plate 10 has bolt holes 14 defined therein that are designed to align with bolt holes 4 (
The length of adapter plate 10 may be designed to correspond to various standard sizes of snow plows, extending the entire length (or most) of moldboard 1 of the snow plow. In some other example embodiments, adapter plate 10 may comprise multiple plates in a row, so as to provide a modular design of varying lengths. Also refer to
For each cutting edge attachment 9 of snow plow cutting edge device 8, cover retaining plate 20 attaches or otherwise retains cutting edge 40 to adapter plate 10. The springs 30 allow each cutting edge 40 to slidably move generally perpendicularly to the road surface (or on a slight tilt/angle relative to the road surface) during operation to adjust to varying road conditions independently of other cutting edges 40 of the other cutting edge attachments 9 mounted to adapter plate 10. Additional details of cover retaining plate 20, springs 30, and cutting edge 40 will be described below with reference to
Cover retaining plate 20 secures or otherwise retains cutting edge 40 to the adapter plate 10, wherein cutting edge 40 is movably disposed between cover retaining plate 20 and adapter plate 10. The cover retaining plate 20 also holds the springs 30 in place once assembled, and during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device 8. The cover retaining plate 20 includes a first portion 21, a second portion 22, a third portion 26, and a pair of through-hole bushings 28. It should be understood that first and second portions 21, 22 may collectively be referred to herein as a back plate. First portion 21 may be a flat rectangular plate, with holes 21a, 21b through which pair of through-hole bushings 28 protrude outward from the back surface of the cover retaining plate 20, where the through-hole bushings 28 can receive bolts 25 during assembly of the snow plow cutting edge device 8.
Second portion 22 may be including a flat rectangular middle section 23a and an angled rectangular bottom section 23b, with holes 22a, 22b in middle section 23a through which through-hole bushings 28 protrude outward from the back surface of the cover retaining plate 20. The angle at which second portion 22 is bent to form middle section 23a and bottom section 23b may be diagonal (about 45 degrees, although this is non-limiting and the angle may be greater or less than 45 degrees). Bottom section 23b includes a distal edge that is angled toward, and positioned adjacent to or in contact with, cutting edge 40. This distal edge may operate to guide or otherwise maintain the path of travel of cutting edge 40 as it moves linearly between cover retaining plate 20 and adapter plate 10. Second portion 22 (middle section 23a and bottom section 23b) includes a top edge extension 24 that protrudes out a distance 29 from the side of the opposite side of the first portion 21 (right side in
Third portion 26 may be a flat rectangular plate that is arranged perpendicular to first portion 21 and middle section 23a of second portion 22. Third portion 26 includes an extension 27 that protrudes a distance 31 out from the side of first portion 21 and second portion 22 (left side in
In some example embodiments, third portion 26 may be integrated with second portion 22. For example, middle section 23a of second portion 22, bottom section 23b of the second portion 22, and third portion 26 (which may also be considered a top edge extension 23c of second portion 22 in this example embodiment) may be formed by cutting out a section at the left side of middle section 23a and bottom section 23b of second portion 22 (so as to form a long rectangular vertical cutout or notch) and cutting out a section at the upper right corner of middle section 23a and third portion 26 (top section 23a)(so as to form a square or short rectangular cutout or notch), and then bending the single piece of metal at upper and lower portions to the appropriate or desired angles for bottom section 23a and third portion 26 (23b). The vertical distance between the two bends (the bend between bottom section 23b and middle section 23a, and the bend between top edge extension 23c and middle section 23b) corresponds to the vertical width of first portion 21, as shown in
However, in an alternative example embodiment, third portion 26 may 26 may be a separate and distinct metal plate welded to second portion 22 and/or first portion 21 at a right angle (about 90 degrees) so as to be attached perpendicular thereto. In this alternative example embodiment, there is no need to form the cutouts or notches in cover retaining plate 20 itself, and an opening corresponding to extension 24 of second portion 22 (extending past the right side of first portion 21) and an opening corresponding to extension 27 of third portion 26 (extending out past the left side of first portion 21 and second portion 22) are formed simply by the respective alignments of the individual pieces of cover retaining plate 20 including first portion 21, second portion 22, and third portion 26 when welding the pieces together (or otherwise attaching/fixing them to form cover retaining plate 20).
The extension 27 of third portion 26 (top edge extension 23c) of cover retaining plate 20 corresponds in size to and is designed to engage with a cutout or notch (or opening in the alternative embodiment above) on the side of an adjacent cutting edge attachment 9 of the snow plow cutting edge device 8. Likewise, the cutout or notch (or opening in the alternative embodiment above) above extension 24 of middle section 23a and bottom section 23b of cover retaining plate 20 corresponds in size to and is designed to engage with an extension of a third portion/top section on the side of an adjacent cutting edge attachment 9 of the snow plow cutting edge device 8.
Thus, each cover retaining plate 20 is design to partially overlap with adjacent cover retaining plates on either side when assembled into a row of a plurality of cutting edge attachments that are mounted to adapter plate 10. This can assist with easy alignment of the cutting edge attachments and bolt holes during assembly of the snow plow cutting edge device and provides for increased rigidity of snow plow cutting edge device 8 as a whole.
Third portion 26 (top edge extension 23c) also includes a plurality of support posts 29 extending down from a bottom surface 33 thereof that are designed to receive and maintain the position of springs 30. In particular, a top part of springs 30 slides over and around, and engages with, support posts 29, respectively. Support posts 29 are configured to secure springs 30 during assembly of the cutting edge attachments and prevent lateral movement of springs 30 during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device.
Springs 30 allow cutting edge 40 of each cutting edge attachment 9 to fluctuate with the road surface during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device 8. Springs 30 may be die springs or other similar CNC-machined compression springs, for example. Springs 30 may be formed using various kinds of metals as commonly known in the industry, and may have a cylindrical, squared, or rectangular shape, for example, with at least one open end (the top end corresponding to support posts 29). However, example embodiments are not limited thereto, and various other types of compression springs or other flexible spring-like mechanisms may be utilized. Alternatively, springs 30 may be made of flexible polymer or elastomer materials, for example. Springs 30 may have coils, or may be solid or molded, or may be rubberized hollow cylindrical or tube-like structures. Each spring 30 may be identical, but this is not required and some springs may have different lengths, widths, compressive strengths, shapes, or the like as compared to each other, to allow for varying degrees and forces required for retraction of cutting edge 40 during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device according to different design needs or desires. Also, springs 30 may be linear or constant rate springs, progressive or variable rate springs, dual or fast/soft rate springs, etc. Springs 30 may be standard off-the-shelf springs widely available and commonly used in the industry, or custom-designed components for different applications.
Although three springs 30 are shown in the figures, some other example embodiments are not limited thereto, and there may be a greater or lesser number of springs per cutting edge attachment. For example, there may be only two outer springs or a single inner spring, or there may be a pair in inner springs and a pair of outer springs. In the case of fewer than three springs the springs may be larger and/or may have more resistance, and in the case of more than three springs the springs may be smaller and/or may have less resistance. Example embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and dimensions of the springs as shown in the figures.
As mentioned above, the top part (open top end) of spring 30 slides over and around, and engages with, respective support post 29 extending downward from bottom surface 33 of third portion 26 (top edge extension 23c) of cover retaining plate 20. In addition, the bottom part (open bottom end) of spring 30 slides into, and engages with, a respective notch 42 defined in top edge 41 of cutting edge 40, as discussed in further detail below.
Cutting edge 40 is configured to engage with the road surface during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device 8. Cutting edge 40 includes a top edge 41 including notches 42 formed therein, a pair of side edges 47, a pair of elongated openings 48, and a bottom edge 49. Cutting edge 40 may be a relatively short segment of an entire cutting edge assembly for a snow plow, such as a 12 inch segment for example. Cover retaining plate 20 may similarly be a short segment (e.g., about 12 inches) of the entire cutting edge assembly, where each cutting edge attachment 9 includes one cover retaining plate 20 per one cutting edge 40. Thus, each cutting edge attachment 9 is roughly one foot in length, in a non-limiting illustrative example. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto, and each cutting edge 40 may be somewhat shorter or longer in the horizontal direction along the snow plow edge in modified designs. Similarly, example embodiments are not limited to the width of cutting edge 40 in the vertical direction as shown in the figures.
Top edge 41 of cutting edge 40 may be partially flat (or straight) in the horizontal direction, except for notches 42 formed in top edge 41 of cutting edge 40. Notches 42 may be a square or rectangular shape formed by cutting out small sections spaced along top edge 41. Notches 42 may thus include a flat bottom surface 43 and two flat side surfaces 44 that are designed to receive and support springs 30. The bottom part of spring 30 slides into notch 42 and engages with bottom surface 43 of notch 42 to secure spring 30 during assembly of cutting edge attachments 9, while side surfaces 44 of notch 42 prevent lateral movement of spring 30 during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device 8.
Although three notches 42 are shown in the figures, some other example embodiments are not limited thereto, and there may be a greater or lesser number of notches per cutting edge. For example, there may be only two outer notches or a single inner notch, or there may be a pair of inner notches and a pair of outer notches. In the case of fewer than three notches the notches may be wider to accommodate larger springs, and in the case of more than three notches the notches may be narrower to accommodate smaller springs. Example embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and dimensions of the notches as shown in the figures.
Notches 42 in top edge 41 also form inner extensions 45 and outer extensions 46, where inner extensions 45 may be wider/larger and the outer extensions 46 are narrower/smaller compared to each other. Top edge 41 of inner extensions 45 and top edge 41 of outer extensions 46 may lie along the same plane (they are flush or aligned with each other). Likewise, bottom surface 43 of inner notch 42 and the bottom surfaces 43 of outer notches 42 may lie along the same plane (they are flush or aligned with each other). However, other arrangements and dimensions of inner extensions and outer extensions are also possible (e.g., in the alternative embodiments where there are only one or two springs/notches, or where there are four or more springs/notches.
Side edges 47 may be flat (or straight) in the vertical direction in some example embodiments. However, in some other example embodiments, side edges 47 may slope slightly inward from bottom to top in order to reduce or limit friction between cutting edges when one cutting edge retracts more than an adjacent cutting edge, or the adjacent cutting edge does not retract, to adapt to an uneven road surface or other obstacle. This could also permit a slight diagonal rotation allowing one side of cutting edge 40 to move up or down slightly more than the opposite side of the cutting edge. Respective cutting edges 40 of adjacent cutting edge attachments may come into contact with each other once assembled and/or during operation, or there may be a slight gap therebetween to avoid or alleviate friction during movement or retraction of the cutting edge.
The pair of elongated openings 48 are configured to receive the pair of through-hole bushings 28 of cover retaining plate 20, which are inserted through elongated openings 48 when assembled, in order to allow cutting edge 40 to slidably move up and down (either vertically or on a tilted angle relative to the road surface) guided by through-hole bushings 28 when upward force F is applied to bottom edge 49 of cutting edge 40 during operation (see
In some example embodiments, downward movement of cutting edge 40 is limited when top surface 48a of elongated opening 48 contacts the through-hole bushing 28, and upward movement of cutting edge 40 is limited when bottom surface 48b of elongated openings 48 contacts through-hole bushing 28 (refer to
Further, downward and/or upward movement may be limited by the height and/or the compressive strength of springs 30 and/or the distance of travel between third portion 26 (top edge extension 23c) of cover retaining plate 20 and top edge 41 of cutting edge 40. For example, through-hole bushings 28 mayor may not actually come into contact with bottom surface 48b of cutting edge 40 when an upward force F is applied to bottom edge 49 of cutting edge 40 so as to cause maximum retraction of cutting edge attachment 9. Likewise, top edge 41 of cutting edge 40 may or may not actually come into contact with bottom surface 33 of third part 26 (top edge extension 23c) of cover retaining plate 20 when an upward force F is applied to bottom edge 49 of cutting edge 40 so as to cause maximum retraction of the cutting edge attachment.
In some example embodiments, elongated openings 48 at least partially overlap with notches 42 in the vertical direction, as shown in
Bottom edge 49 of cutting edge 40 may be flat (or straight) and is the portion of the cutting edge attachment that actually scrapes the snow and/or ice that has accumulated on the road surface during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device. Thus, cutting edge 40, and particularly bottom edge 49 thereof, is the component that is most susceptible to wear and damage over time, due to the various uneven road surfaces and other obstacles that the snow plow may encounter during normal operation.
To address this issue, the design and configuration of the cutting edge attachment 9 (including cover retaining plate 20, springs 30, and cutting edge 40) allows for quick and easy installation and removal as well as low cost repair and/or replacement of individual cutting edges 40, as the need arises. Further, springs 30 have a simple design and are individually replaceable if needed, and do not require a customized retraction mechanism such as flexible elastomeric means with non-standard shapes and/or different widths at different portions and/or different compressive strengths along the length thereof. Therefore, the cutting edge attachment according to example embodiments described herein provides numerous improvements over fixed cutting edges, non-modular designs, and complicated or custom-designed flexible mechanisms or components that may permit retraction of cutting edges in some form.
Also, the plurality of cutting edge attachments of the snow plow cutting edge device according to example embodiments described herein provide a further advantage over existing snow plow cutting edge devices in that the respective springs 30 of each cutting edge attachment can compress and expand independently of springs of other cutting edge attachments of the snow plow cutting edge device, such that each cutting edge can adapt independently to varying road conditions along the length of the snow plow moldboard 1 and adapter plate 10 as the snow plow encounters uneven road surfaces and other obstacles during normal operation.
Furthermore, the design of the snow plow cutting edge device allows each individual cutting edge attachment 9 to be removed and repaired or replaced if needed, as parts become worn or damaged. Similarly, each individual cover retaining plate 20 and/or each individual cutting edge 40 may be easily removed and replaced as needed (e.g., in 12 inch or sections of about one foot in length), without requiring any disassembly or replacement of the other cutting edge attachments and cutting edges of the snow plot cutting edge device (e.g., loosening or removing bolts of neighboring blade sections to pry out one section is not needed). Thus, the modular design of the cutting edge attachments 9 allows individual sections to easily and quickly be changed out without disturbing adjacent sections of the snow plow cutting edge device.
As the cutting edge attachments encounter uneven road surfaces or other obstacles during normal operation of the snow plow cutting edge device, through-hole bushings 28 may slide within through-holes 28. Springs 30 may 30 may transition to a decompressed state and the through-hole bushings 28 of the cover retaining plate 20 may come into contact with bottom surface 48b of elongated openings 48 of cutting edge 40. This may be considered the maximum retraction state or position of the cutting edge attachment 9, when an upward force F is being applied to bottom edge 49 of cutting edge 40.
The distances between individual holes or pairs of holes (4/14) may be different from the distances between individual holes or pairs of holes (18/28/48). There may be a greater or lesser number of holes 4/14 and/or holes 18/28/48 total than shown in the figures (e.g., depending on how many cutting edge attachments are needed to correspond to the length of the existing snow plow moldboard 1 and the adapter plate 10). Also, there may be a greater or lesser number of holes 4/14 and/or holes 18/28/48 compared to each other than shown in the figures.
Portions of the cutting edge attachments 9 that are obscured from the front view of
Thus, each of cutting edges 40 of each individual cutting edge attachment are slidably movable, along through-hole bushings 28 within elongated openings 48, to and from the retracted state or position, independently of other cutting edges 40 of neighboring cutting edge attachments. Similarly, each set of springs 30 of each individual cutting edge attachment 9 are compressible independently of other sets of springs of neighboring cutting edge attachments. These features help the snow plow cutting edge device to be able to better adapt to varying road conditions with its modular cutting edge attachment design.
Furthermore, each cutting edge 40 and/or other components of the cutting edge attachments are installable/removable and repairable/replaceable independently of other cutting edge attachments 40 and components thereof. This helps to reduce maintenance time and lower costs, and thereby increase overall operator satisfaction with the improved snow plow cutting edge device.
During assembly, the cutting edge attachments may be mounted onto snow plow moldboard 1 via adapter plate 10 by inserting through-hole bushings 28 of cover retaining plate 20 through bolt holes 18 of adapter plate 10, and securing cover retaining plate 20 to adapter plate 10 by installing bolts 25 in through-hole bushings 28. Each cutting edge attachment may be installed onto and removed from adapter plate 10 individually (independent of other cutting edge attachments). Each cutting edge 40 may operate (move vertically, retract) independently of other cutting edges 40 along the length of the adapter plate 10.
During assembly, springs 30 are installed such that the bottom part of springs 30 are inserted into and are surrounded by bottom surface 43 and side surfaces 44 of notches 42, and the top part of the springs 30 are inserted onto and surround support posts 29. As shown in
During operation, when an upward force F is applied to bottom edge 49 of cutting edge 40, springs 30 will compress and cutting edge 40 will slide along through-hole bushings 28 in the vertical direction, with maximum retraction being limited by through-hole bushings 28 coming into contact with bottom surface 48b of elongated openings 48 of cutting edge 40, according to some example embodiments.
Additionally or alternatively, the maximum retraction of cutting edge 40 could also be limited by the size or strength of springs 30, or by top edge 41 of cutting edge 40 coming into contact with bottom side of third portion 26 (top edge extension 23c) of cover retaining plate 20.
Once installed, a plurality of cutting edge attachments 9 are aligned in a row across the length of adapter plate 10. Cover retaining plates 20 partially overlap with adjacent cover retaining plates 20, where extension 27 at the end of third portion 26 (or top edge extension 23c) of one cover retaining plate 20 meets extension 24 at the opposite end of second portion 22 (middle section 23a and bottom section 23b) of another cover retaining plate 20 that is adjacent thereto.
Cutting edges 40 are supported between adapter plate 10 on one side (the back side) and cover retaining plate 20 on the other side (front side). Thus, horizontal movement of cutting edge 40 is limited by adapter plate 10 and cover retaining plate 20. On the other hand, vertical movement of cutting edge 40 is limited by the compressive strength of springs 30, and the positional relationship between through-hole bushings 28 and top surface 48a and bottom surface 48b of elongated openings 48 of cutting edge 40.
During operation of the snow plow cutting edge device 8, each cutting edge 40 of each of the plurality of cutting edge attachments 9 can retract at different times and to different degrees in order to adapt to varying forces F that are caused by non-level road surfaces and road obstacles, for example. In addition to being a compact design with relatively few components and moving parts, the specific design of cover retaining plate 20 and cutting edge 30 and their interactions with each other and the springs 30 is particularly unique compared to existing snow plow designs with a flexing feature or retracting capability.
As described above with reference to
Turning now to
In an exemplary embodiment, adapter plate 110 may be a single elongated plate. An upper portion of adapter plate 110 has bolt holes defined therein that are designed to align with corresponding bolt holes of a moldboard 101 of a snow plow configured for mounting on the front of a truck or other vehicle. The design and mechanisms for attachment of moldboard 101 to the front end of the truck or other vehicle may be various standard attachment mechanisms known in the industry. For example, bolts 115 may be inserted through the respective bolt holes in the upper portion of the adapter plate 110 and moldboard 101 to mount adapter plate 110 to plow moldboard 101. A lower portion of adapter plate 110 has additional bolt holes defined therein that are designed to align with, or accept, bushings 128 of blade retainer 120, which are inserted through elongated openings 148 of blade 140 within blade retainer 120. During assembly, the various bolts may be secured via nuts, washers, and other commonly used fastening mechanims. Bolts may be the same sizes or different widths and/or lengths, as needed or desired for structural support, stability, and durability.
The length of adapter plate 110 may be designed to correspond to various standard sizes of snow plows, extending the entire length (or most) of moldboard 101 of the snow plow. In other exemplary embodiments, adapter plate 110 may comprise multiple plates in a row, so as to provide a modular design of varying lengths. Also refer to
For each blade attachment 109 of snow plow cutting edge device 108, blade retainer 120 attaches or otherwise retains blade 140 to adapter plate 110. The springs 130 allow each blade 140 to slidably move generally perpendicularly to the road surface (or on a slight tilt/angle relative to the road surface) during operation to adjust to varying road conditions independently of other blades 140 of the other blade attachments 109 mounted to adapter plate 110. Additional details of blade retainer 120, springs 130, and blade 140 will be described below with reference to
Blade retainer 120 secures or otherwise retains blade 140 to adapter plate 110, wherein blade 140 is movably disposed within blade retainer 120. Blade retainer 120 also holds springs 130 in place once assembled, and during operation of snow plow cutting edge device 108. The blade retainer 120 includes a front plate 122, a back plate 124, and a pair of bushings 128.
The front plate 122 includes a middle portion 123a, a bottom portion 123b, a top portion 123c, and side portions 123d. The front plate 122 may also include a spacer plate 121 (
The middle portion 123a of front plate 122 may be a flat rectangular middle section with holes 127 through which bushings 128 can be inserted to protrude outward from the back surface of blade retainer 120. The bottom portion 123b of front plate 122 is an angled bottom section. The angle at which bottom portion 123b is bent to form flat middle portion 123a and bottom portion 123b may be diagonal (about 45 degrees, although this is non-limiting and the angle may be greater or less than 45 degrees). The bottom portion 123b could also be curved in some other example embodiments (a more rounded bend instead of bent at a relatively straight angle). Bottom portion 123b includes a distal edge that is positioned adjacent to or in sliding contact with, blade 140. The distal edge of bottom portion 123b of front plate 122 may operate to guide or otherwise maintain the path of travel of blade 140 as it moves linearly between front plate 122 and back plate 124 of blade retainer 120.
The top portion 123c of front plate 122 may be arranged perpendicular to middle portion 123a (and spacer plate 121) of front plate 122. The side portions 123d of front plate 122 extend from the side of front plate 122 and wrap around the side edge of blade 140.
Top portion 123c and side portions 123d may be integrated together with middle portion 123a of front plate 122 as a single component of blade retainer 120. For example, middle portion 123a, bottom portion 123b, top portion 123c, and side portions 123d may be formed by cutting a single metal plate at its upper corners and sides (and optionally cutting out small notches so that the front plate 122 can have the desired dimensions and shape as generally shown in
However, in an alternative embodiment, top portion 123c and/or side portions 123d may each be separate and distinct metal plates that are welded to the top and sides of middle portion 123a (and/or spacer plate 121), respectively, at a right angle (about 90 degrees) so as to be attached perpendicular thereto and form the structure of front plate 122. In both of these example embodiments, back plate 124 may then be welded to top portion 123c and side portions 123d of front plate 122 to form blade retainer 120. It should also be understood that bending and welding are non-limiting example embodiments, and various other known suitable attachment mechanisms for the components of blade retainer 120 are also possible.
Thus, with the unique structure of front plate 122 (and its elements 121, 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d) combined together with back plate 122, blade retainer 120 forms a housing that can totally or substantially encase blade 140 therein on all sides (except for the bottom edge thereof). In addition, bushings 128 are removable so that blade 140 can slide into blade retainer 120 and then be locked into place when bushings 128 are inserted through elongated openings 148 defined in blade 140. The encased design for blade retainer 120 for enclosing a relatively short (e.g., twelve inches or about one foot) section of a snow plow blade on all sides (upper, sides, front, and back) except for the bottom cutting edge of the blades is shown in
In some example embodiments, top portion 123c also includes a plurality of support posts 129 (not shown in
Springs 130 allow blade 140 of each blade attachment 109 to move up and down along with the road surface during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device 108. Springs 130 may be die springs or other similar CNC-machined compression springs, for example. Springs 130 may be formed using various kinds of metals as commonly known in the industry, and may have a cylindrical, squared, or rectangular shape, for example, with at least one open end (the top end corresponding to support posts 129). However, example embodiments are not limited thereto, and various other types of compression springs or other flexible spring-like mechanisms may be utilized. Alternatively, springs 130 may be made of flexible polymer or elastomer materials, for example. Springs 130 may have coils, or may be solid or molded, or may be rubberized hollow cylindrical or tube-like structures. Each spring 130 may be identical, but this is not required and some springs may have different lengths, widths, compressive strengths, shapes, or the like as compared to each other, to allow for varying degrees and forces required for retraction of blade 140 during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device according to different design needs or desires. Also, springs 130 may be linear or constant rate springs, progressive or variable rate springs, dual or fast/soft rate springs, etc. Springs 130 may be standard off-the-shelf springs widely available and commonly used in the industry, or custom-designed components for different applications.
Although three springs 130 are shown in
As mentioned above, the top part (open top end) of spring 130 slides over and around, and engages with, respective support posts 129 extending downward from the bottom surface of top section 123c of blade retainer 120. In addition, the bottom part (open bottom end) of spring 130 slides into, and engages with, a respective notch 142 defined in top edge 141 of blade 140, as discussed in further detail below.
Blade 140 is configured to engage with the road surface during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device 108. Blade 140 includes a front surface 164, a back surface 166, a top edge 141 including notches 142 formed therein, a pair of side edges 147, a pair of elongated openings 148 defined therein extending between front surface 164 and back surface 166, and a bottom edge 149. Blade 140 may be a relatively short segment of an entire cutting edge device 108 for a snow plow, such as a twelve inch segment for example. Blade retainer 120 may similarly be a short segment (e.g., about twelve inches) of the entire cutting edge device 108, where each blade attachment 109 includes one blade retainer 120 per one blade 140. Thus, each blade attachment 109 is roughly one foot in length, in a non-limiting illustrative example. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto, and each blade 140 and/or blade retainer 120 may be somewhat shorter or longer in the horizontal direction along the snow plow edge in modified designs. Similarly, example embodiments are not limited to the width of blade 140 and/or blade retainer 120 in the vertical direction as shown in the figures.
Top edge 141 of blade 140 may be partially flat (or straight) in the horizontal direction, except for notches 142 formed in top edge 141 of blade 140. Notches 142 may be a square or rectangular shape formed by cutting out small sections spaced along top edge 141. Notches 142 may thus include a flat bottom surface 143 and two flat side surfaces 144 that are designed to receive and support springs 130. The bottom part of spring 130 slides into notch 142 and engages with bottom surface 143 of notch 142 to secure spring 130 during assembly of blade attachments 109, while side surfaces 144 of notch 142 prevent lateral movement of spring 130 during operation of the snow plow cutting edge device 108.
Although three notches 142 are shown in the figures, some other example embodiments are not limited thereto, and there may be a greater or lesser number of notches per blade. For example, there may be only two outer notches or a single inner notch, or there may be a pair of inner notches and a pair of outer notches. In the case of fewer than three notches the notches may be wider to accommodate larger springs, and in the case of more than three notches the notches may be narrower to accommodate smaller springs. Example embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and dimensions of the notches as shown in the figures.
Notches 142 in top edge 141 may form inner extensions 145 and outer extensions 146, where inner extensions 145 may be wider/larger and the outer extensions 146 are narrower/smaller compared to each other. Top edge 141 of inner extensions 145 and top edge 141 of outer extensions 146 may lie along the same plane (they are flush or aligned with each other). Likewise, bottom surface 143 of inner notch 142 and the bottom surfaces 143 of outer notches 142 may lie along the same plane (they are flush or aligned with each other). However, other arrangements and dimensions of inner extensions and outer extensions are also possible (e.g., in the alternative embodiments where there are only one or two springs/notches, or where there are four or more springs/notches).
Side edges 147 of blade 140 may be flat (or straight) in the vertical direction in some example embodiments. However, in some other example embodiments, as best seen in
Notches 142 form channels or grooves within the body of blade 140 that have an appropriate depth and width for receiving and supporting springs 130, and limiting lateral movement of the springs 130. A lower portion of spring 130 (indicated with “d1” in
The pair of elongated openings 148 defined in blade 140 are configured to receive the pair of bushings 128 of blade retainer 120, which are inserted through elongated openings 148 when assembled, in order to allow blade 140 to slidably move up and down (either vertically or on a tilted angle relative to the road surface) guided by bushings 128 when an upward force F is applied to bottom edge 149 of blade 140 during operation through contact with irregularity 302 on road surface 300 which exerts an angled force vector V on blade 140 (see
In some example embodiments, downward movement of blade 140 is limited when top surface 148a of elongated opening 148 contacts bushing 128 when spring 130 is decompressed, and upward movement of blade 140 is limited when bottom surface 148b of elongated opening 148 contacts bushing 128 during compression of spring 130 when an uneven road surface or other obstacle is encountered.
Further, downward and/or upward movement may be limited by the height and/or the compressive strength of springs 130 and/or the distance of travel between top portion 123c of blade retainer 120 and top edge 141 of blade 140. For example, bushings 128 may or may not actually come into contact with bottom surface 148b of blade 140 when an upward force F is applied to bottom edge 149 of blade 140 so as to cause maximum retraction of blade attachment 109. Likewise, top edge 141 of blade 140 may or may not actually come into contact with the bottom surface of top portion 123c of blade retainer 120 when an upward force F is applied to bottom edge 149 of blade 140 so as to cause maximum retraction of blade attachment 109.
In some example embodiments, elongated openings 148 at least partially overlap with notches 142 in the vertical direction, as shown in
Bottom edge 149 of blade 140 may be flat (or straight) and is the portion of blade attachment 109 that actually scrapes the snow and/or ice that has accumulated on the road surface during operation of snow plow cutting edge device 108. Thus, blade 140, and particularly bottom edge 149 thereof, is the component that is most susceptible to wear and damage over time, due to the various uneven road surfaces and other obstacles that the snow plow may encounter during normal operation. As shown in
To address this issue of wear and tear of blade 140 (and bottom edge 149 in particular), the design and configuration of blade attachment 109 (including blade retainer 120, springs 130, and blade 140) allows for quick and easy installation and removal as well as low cost repair and/or replacement of individual blades 140, as the need arises. Further, springs 130 have a simple design and are individually replaceable if needed, and do not require a customized retraction mechanism such as flexible elastomeric members with non-standard shapes and/or different widths at different portions and/or different compressive strengths along the length thereof. Therefore, blade attachments 109 according to example embodiments described herein provide numerous improvements over fixed cutting edges, non-modular designs, and complicated or custom-designed flexible mechanisms or components that may permit retraction of cutting edges in some form.
Also, blade attachments 109 of snow plow cutting edge device 108 according to example embodiments described herein provide a further advantage over existing snow plow cutting edge devices in that the respective springs 130 of each blade attachment 109 can compress and expand independently of springs of other blade attachments of snow plow cutting edge device 108, such that each blade 140 can adapt independently to varying road conditions along the length of snow plow moldboard 101 and adapter plate 110 as the snow plow encounters uneven road surfaces and other obstacles during normal operation.
Furthermore, the design of snow plow cutting edge device 108 allows each individual blade attachment 109 to be removed and repaired or replaced if needed, as parts become worn or damaged. Similarly, each individual blade retainer 120 and/or each individual blade 140 may be easily removed and replaced as needed (e.g., in twelve inch or about one foot sections), without requiring any disassembly or replacement of the other blade attachments and blades of the snow plow cutting edge device (e.g., loosening or removing bolts of neighboring blade sections to pry out one section is not needed). Thus, the modular design of blade attachments 109 allows individual sections to easily and quickly be changed out without disturbing adjacent sections of snow plow cutting edge device 108 while at the same time keeping all of the components in the blade attachment together as a single unit that can be installed, removed and replaced.
In a default state or position of blade attachment 109 once assembled, when no upward force F is being applied to bottom edge 149 of blade 140, springs 130 are in a decompressed state and bushings 128 of blade retainer 120 are in contact with or adjacent to top surface 148a of elongated openings 148 of blade 140. As blade attachments 109 encounter uneven road surfaces or other obstacles during normal operation of snow plow cutting edge device 108, blade 140 may move up and down relative to blade retainer 120 dictated by the outer limits of openings 148 in blade 140. For example, springs 130 may transition to a compressed state and bushings 128 of blade retainer 120 may come into contact with bottom surface 148b of elongated openings 148 of blade 140. This may be considered the maximum retraction state or position of blade attachment 109, when an upward force F is being applied to bottom edge 149 of blade 140.
Any individual blade attachment 109 can be installed on and removed from adapter plate 110 independently of the other blade attachments of snow plow cutting edge device 108. Any individual blade 140 can also retract independently of the other blades of the other blade attachments of snow plow cutting edge device 108, which is caused by an upward force F being exerted on bottom edge 149 of blade 140 (e.g., resulting from an uneven road surface 302 or other obstacle in the road during normal operation, see
When a blade 140 of one of the blade attachments 109 retracts during operation, springs 130 within that blade attachment 109 are compressed, and the position of top edge 141 and bottom edge 149 of that blade 140 of that blade attachment 109 move upward in the vertical direction, relative to the respective components of the adjacent blade attachments. Movement of blades 140 in the vertical direction may be controlled or limited when bushings 128 of blade retainers 120 come into contact with bottom surface 148b and/or top surface 148a of the elongated openings 148 of blades 140 as different forces are encountered on road surfaces during operation, for example.
Thus, each blade 140 of each individual blade attachment 109 is slidably movable, along bushings 128 within elongated openings 148, to and from the retracted state or position, independently of other blades of neighboring blade attachments. Similarly, each set of springs 130 of each individual blade attachment 109 are compressible independently of other sets of springs of neighboring blade attachments. These features help the snow plow cutting edge device to be able to better adapt to varying road conditions with its modular cutting edge attachment design.
Furthermore, each blade 140 and/or other components of each blade attachment 109 are installable/removable and repairable/replaceable independently of other blades 140 and/or components of other blade attachments 109. This helps to reduce maintenance time and lower costs, and thereby increase overall operator satisfaction with the improved snow plow cutting edge device 108.
As described above with reference to
Next, additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to
In addition to the above-described needs and solutions of
Therefore, according to another example embodiment shown in
In addition to the above described needs and solutions of
Therefore, according to another example embodiment shown in
Wing tips 160 provide an advantage in that they will allow the blade sections to move up and down and ride over raised edge extending laterally across the road, such as bridge joints and manhole covers, for example, as well as other similar obstructions. Wing tips 160 allow blades 140 to ride over, and avoid getting caught, snagged, or otherwise hindered by these types of raised road elements. Wing tips 160 according to this exemplary embodiment can thus reduce, limit, or prevent damage to blades 140 themselves and/or other components of snow plow blade attachments 109.
However, it should be appreciated that snow plow blade wing tips 160 are entirely optional, and may have situational application depending on different road conditions where the particular snow plow will be used. Wing tips 160 may be use-case specific and may not be a standard feature on all blades 140 of blade attachments 109 of a given snow plow. It should also be appreciated that a given snow plow cutting edge device 108 could include one or more standard blades 140 without wing tips and one or more modified blades 140 with wing tips 160, if appropriate or desired, which could be installed in any one or more blade retainers 120 of any one or more blade attachments 109 (e.g., 109a-109f) along the length of adapter plate 110 of such cutting edge device 108.
Turning now to
In an exemplary embodiment, adapter plate 210 is analogous to adapter plate 110 described above, and may be, for instance a single elongated plate. An upper portion of adapter plate 210 may include bolt holes defined therein that are designed to align with corresponding bolt holes on moldboard 201. The design and mechanisms for attachment of moldboard 201 to the front end of the truck or other vehicle may be various standard attachment mechanisms known in the industry. For example, as shown in
During assembly, the various bolts may be secured via nuts, washers, and other commonly used fastening mechanism. It should further be noted that the bolts may be the same sizes or different widths and/or lengths, as needed or desired for structural support, stability, and durability. The length of adapter plate 210 may also be designed to correspond to various standard sizes of snow plows, extending the entire length (or most) of moldboard 201 of the snow plow. In another exemplary embodiment, adapter plate 210 may comprise multiple plates (e.g., adapter plates 210a, 210b, etc.) in a row, so as to provide a modular design of varying lengths, as shown generally in
With additional reference to
As shown most clearly in
With reference to
Plow mount portion 274 further includes a plow mounting plate 280 extending between side plates 276, 278. Plow mounting plate 280 may be configured to mount directly to moldboard 201 of the snowplow (or to moldboard 201 via adapter plate 210, if provided), such as via a nut/bolt pair 202 (see
As shown most clearly in
As further shown in
As can be seen in
With additional reference to
As further shown in
As such, the applied force vector of impact force I may be such that blade 240 is not sufficiently urged in an upward vertical translation V. To prevent damage to blade 240 and/or blade attachment 209, plow 200, and/or the plow truck itself, impact force I may operate to drive against blade 240 thereby causing rearward pivotal rotation of blade mounting plate 288 (and thus blade attachment 209 and blade 240) about longitudinal axis A of pin 286, as generally indicated by arrow R in
Again, blade attachment 209 is independently movable relative to its neighboring blade attachments. As a result, cutting edge device 208 may move both vertically (blade 240) and horizontally (via rotation of blade hinge unit 270) to thereby allowing the snow plow cutting edge to be able to better adapt to most, if not all, road surface irregularities while also minimizing damage to the plow truck, plow blade, road, and road infrastructure.
Similar to snow plow cutting edge device 108 described above, each blade 240, blade attachment 209, blade hinge joint 270, and associated hardware of snow plow cutting edge device 208, may be independently installable/removable and repairable/replaceable, thereby reducing maintenance time and costs, as well as increasing overall operator satisfaction. As a result and as described above with reference to
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the method and apparatus. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. As used herein, the terms “having” and/or “including” and other terms of inclusion are terms indicative of inclusion rather than requirement.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/721,888, filed Apr. 15, 2022, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/480,460, filed Sep. 21, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,326,316, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent Application No. 63/241,245, filed Sep. 7, 2021, the contents of each are hereby incorporated in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63241245 | Sep 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17721888 | Apr 2022 | US |
| Child | 18639312 | US | |
| Parent | 17480460 | Sep 2021 | US |
| Child | 17721888 | US |
