Snow plow-blower
11732430 · 2023-08-22
Inventors
Cpc classification
E01H5/096
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E01H5/076
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E01H5/066
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E01H5/10
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E01H5/098
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E01H5/065
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
E01H5/07
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E01H5/06
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E01H5/09
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
Abstract
A snow plow-blower operates as a snow plow, snow blower/thrower or as a snow plow-blower combination. The snow plow-blower includes a plow head blade and at least one blower door. The cavity contains a snow moving means, single, dual, or multi staged, for moving snow, ice and other materials out through at least one discharge chute and/or at least one opening. The blower door is adapted to move to a partially open configuration to expose the cavity, and from the partially open configuration to a partially closed configuration to thereby decrease snow, ice and other material ingress into the snow blower unit. Preferably, at least one retractable and extendable wing is located on the plow head blade to advantageously provide varying closed and open extended position configurations or positions for the removal of snow, ice or other material and debris.
Claims
1. A snow plow-blower, comprising: a. a plow having a plow head blade, a hinge, and a moldboard, said plow being hingedly moveable to a plurality of configurations, including a V-shaped configuration; b. at least one blower door having open and closed configurations; c. a snow blower unit for assisting said plow with movement of snow, said snow blowing unit having a cavity containing single stage snow moving means for moving snow, ice and other materials out through at least one discharge chute and/or at least one opening; d. said at least one blower door being configured to move to a plurality of partially open positions at varying degrees that variably increase exposure of said cavity, and to a plurality of partially closed positions that variably decrease snow, ice and other material ingress into said snow blower unit, said blower door movement incrementally and intermittently positioning said door between a fully open position and a fully closed position; and e. an attachment for removeably mounting said snow plow-blower to a land vehicle.
2. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said plow head blade forms said at least one blower door and said vehicle is a truck, bulldozer, loader or tractor.
3. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said blower door is integrated within said plow moves incrementally therewithin to partially open and close an aperture in communication with said cavity and said vehicle is a road vehicle, utility sidewalk traveling vehicle, winter service vehicle, skidster or backhoe-loader-tractor.
4. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said snow blower unit further comprises a dual stage and/or multi stage snow blower unit comprising at least one auger and impeller in communication with a power source adapted to move snow, ice and other materials into the unit and force it out of said at least one discharge chute or at least one opening.
5. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said single stage snow blower unit has one (1) device selected from the group consisting of impeller, ribbon-cutter, auger, snow beater, rotary fan thrower/blower, sweeper, broom, or paddle in communication with a power source adapted to move snow, ice and other materials through said at least one discharge chute or at least one opening.
6. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said snow moving means comprises one impeller in communication with a power source adapted to move snow, ice and other materials through said at least one discharge chute or at least one opening.
7. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said snow moving means comprises one rotary fan thrower/blower in communication with a power source adapted to move snow, ice and other materials through said at least one discharge chute or at least one opening.
8. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said snow moving means comprises one device selected from the group consisting of impeller, ribbon-cutter, snow cutter, auger, sweeper, snow beater, rotary fan thrower/blower, paddle, rotating broom, a mechanical scraper guide/electromechanical scraper guide and combinations thereof to move and manage snow, ice and other materials and force them out of said at least one discharge chute or at least one opening.
9. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1 wherein said hinge is located near the center of said moldboard for enabling said plow to open and transform to different shaped moldboard configurations.
10. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 9, wherein said moldboard configurations comprise one or more of a straight blade, an angled blade, a scooped blade, a windrow blade, a wedge blade, a V-shaped blade or combinations thereof.
11. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said at least one blower door is configured for movement manually or by a motor upward and downward, left and right over said cavity to partially open and close said cavity.
12. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 11, comprising at least one vertical or horizontal mechanical track/trackless path located on said blade head being perpendicular and proximate to said at least one blower door, wherein at least one blower door is configured to be moved by said motor along said vertical or horizontal mechanical track/trackless path to yield partially open and closed positions to partially open and close said aperture of said cavity.
13. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said at least one blower door is adapted to incrementally move one or more of horizontally left and right or vertically over said cavity to partially open and close said cavity through an activating device with a controller.
14. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 13 comprising at least one horizontal or vertical mechanical track/trackless path located on said blade head being perpendicular and proximate to said at least one blower door, wherein said at least one blower door is adapted to be moved incrementally by said activating device along said at least one horizontal or vertical mechanical track/trackless path to yield partially open and closed positions to partially open and close said aperture of said cavity.
15. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein there are at least two blower doors.
16. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said at least one blower door comprises a hinged joint so that said at least one blower door is adapted to be opened by a motor to a plurality of varying open extended positions appointed to channel snow into said aperture of said cavity and said blower unit.
17. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 16, wherein said at least one blower door is moveable on said plow head blade to a plurality of a partially closed position, or a partially open position.
18. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, comprising at least one wing located on said plow head blade.
19. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 18, wherein there are at least two wings located on opposing side walls of said plow head blade.
20. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 18, wherein said at least one wing is moveable on said plow head blade to a plurality of partially closed positions or partially open positions.
21. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 18, wherein said at least one wing is arched, curved or straight or conical.
22. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 18, wherein said at least one wing is retractable behind said plow head blade to yield one or more varying closed positions.
23. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 18, wherein said at least one wing slides on a horizontal or vertical mechanical plane to continue from said plow head blade.
24. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 18, wherein said at least one wing includes a pivot point laterally thereon adapted to pivot said at least one wing to an open extended pivot position in front of said plow head blade forming a scoop or pusher type removal device.
25. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said snow blower unit is appointed to be powered by an engine of a vehicle or moveable machine.
26. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said blower unit includes a blower, thrower, sweeper, or rotary broom engine for powering said snow plow-blower.
27. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 26, wherein said blower, thrower, sweeper, or rotary broom engine has a horsepower of at least about 1 horsepower (746 W).
28. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, wherein said blower unit includes a power source selected from the group consisting of hydraulic power, pneumatic (air/fluid) power, internal combustion engine power, mechanical energy direct linkage power including a PTO, chemical energy power, electrical energy power, energy engineered from power sources and electromagnetic energy power or energy engineered from known power sources.
29. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, comprising a specific or universal wired or wireless communication controller device and switching device for operating/controlling substantially all operative functions of the Snow Plow-Blower apparatus, including but not limited to, starting and stopping operation of said snow blower, so that said snow blowing or snow throwing function and said snow plowing functions can be carried out concomitantly or independently of each other wirelessly by the use of said specific/universal wired/wireless communication/controller device, and/or a smart device type application for raising or lowering the snow plow-blower apparatus or by articulating the plow head blade attack angle, varying the pitch, yaw and roll of the plow head blade, opening and closing the doors, varying the speed of the blower, controlling the heat devices, controlling a mechanical scraper guide and/or turning headlights, LED guide lights/light bar lights on and off and turning LED lights on and off.
30. The snow plow-blower apparatus as recited by claim 29, wherein said specific or universal wired or wireless communication controller device and switching device is in communication with a specifically engineered control switch box associated with the SPB apparatus attachment, whereby permitting the control of at least one (1) motor operative to move said at least one blower door articulates the plow head blade attack angle, varies the pitch, yaw and roll of the plow head blade, partially opens and closes the at least one blower door, varies the speed of the blower and turns headlights, LED guide lights and/or light bar lights on and off, and controls the heat device and the mechanical scraper guide/electromechanical scraper guides, and protracts and retracts a telescoping and/or folding chute and/or snow beater.
31. The snow plow-blower apparatus as recited by claim 29, comprising at least one wing located on said plow head blade, wherein said specific or universal wired or wireless communication controller device and switching device is in communication with a motor operative to move said at least one blower door.
32. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 30, comprising a specifically engineered on-board wireless controller device for the snow plow-blower specific vehicle or a universal wireless communication controller for all snow-plow-blower apparatus for all vehicles and moveable machines using known electrical, electronic, infra-red, radio, and/or blue tooth type technologies for controlling and operating said snow plow-blower apparatus and all of its moving parts and embodiments individually or at the same time, and said wireless communications controller may be engineered by the use of a smart device's downloadable applications, or separate installations.
33. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, comprising a chute rotatable within a range from 1 to 360 degrees, said chute being a standard chute, a telescoping chute, or a folding chute or combinations thereof where the device may blow/throw snow ice and other materials in any direction required.
34. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, comprising at least one wheel or shoe fixedly or removably mounted on ski-like skids and/or the snow plow-blower apparatus, said wheel or shoe optionally being powered to vertically displace said snow plow-blower.
35. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1 comprising at least one of hydraulic, electrically or pneumatically powered telescoping and/or folding chute and/or snow beater, electronically controlled using a wired or wireless controller.
36. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1 comprising a light tower with one or more head lights and, optionally, one or more snow guides/LED snow guides, one or more mechanical scraper guides or electromechanical scraper guides and/or a light bar and at least one heat device.
37. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 1, comprising a back blade located behind a portion of said plow head blade, and a horizontally mounted door located behind and below said blower and adapted to slide open to expose said cavity of said snow blower unit and direct snow into said cavity when said snow plow-blower is operating in an opposite direction of travel (i.e., reverse).
38. A snow plow-blower, comprising: a. a plow having a plow head blade, a hinge, and a moldboard, said plow being hingedly moveable to a V-shaped configuration; b. an aperture and a cavity associated with at least one blower door having open and closed configurations; c. a blower unit for assisting said plow with movement of snow, said snow blowing unit comprising a single stage, dual stage or multi stage blower; and said blower door being associated with a motor and configured to be moved by said motor into a plurality of partially closed and open positions at varying degrees in one or more directions including vertically upward, lift and pivot away, and rotate, that vary exposure of said blower unit and partially vary transformation of said snow plow-blower from a snow plow, said motor driving said blower door movement incrementally and intermittently positioning said door between a fully open position and a fully closed position.
39. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 38, wherein said plow configuration comprise one or more of a straight blade, an angled blade, a scooped blade, a windrow blade, a wedge blade, a V-shaped blade or combinations thereof, and said snow blowing unit is a single stage design selected from the group consisting of snow cutter, sweeper, beater, paddle, rotating broom and combinations thereof to move snow, ice and other materials and force it out of at least one discharge chute or at least one opening.
40. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 39, wherein said plow forms said at least one blower door and comprises an attachment for removably mounting said snow plow-blower to a truck, bulldozer, tractor or other land vehicle.
41. The snow plow-blower as recited by claim 38, wherein said aperture and said cavity is integrated within said plow and a hinge located near the center of said moldboard enable said plow to open and transform to different shaped moldboard configurations, including a V-shaped configuration, to control ingress of snow, ice and other materials into said cavity.
42. A snow plow-blower, comprising: a. a plow having a plow head blade, a hinge, and a moldboard, said plow being hingedly moveable to a plurality of configurations, including a straight blade, an angled blade, scooped blade, windrow blade, wedge blade, V-shaped blade or combinations thereof; b. at least one blower door having open and closed configurations; c. a snow blower unit for assisting said plow with movement of snow, said snow blowing unit having a single stage design having snow moving means for moving snow, ice and other materials out through at least one discharge chute and/or at least one opening; d. said at least one blower door being associated with a motor and configured to move to a first plurality of positions that variably increase exposure of said snow moving means, and to a second plurality of positions that variably decrease exposure of said snow moving means to said snow, ice and other materials, said motor driving said blower door movement to incrementally and intermittently position said door at a plurality of locations between a fully open position and a fully closed position.
43. A snow plow-blower as recited by claim 42, further comprising an attachment configured to be mounted on a land vehicle, and a heating device including a heat coil/element placed strategically on, within or about the snow moving means to prevent packing and freezing of snow/ice and other materials build up.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawing, in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(33) A snow plow-blower device offers improvements over heretofore disclosed and utilized snow plow devices. The subject snow plow-blower operates as a snow plow, snow blower, or as a snow plow-blower combination. Improvements include, for non-limiting example, improvements in the type of blower structure utilized, single or double stage, and single structural and single hydraulic designs, to enhance snow moving capability, decrease the size and weight of the apparatus and reduce overall manufacturing cost. Further improvements include incorporation of at least one individual wheels/casters, preferably at least three (3), and more preferably at least four (4) individual wheels/casters.
(34) As used herein, vehicle shall mean, without limitation, truck, tractor, construction equipment, loader, skid steer, locomotives, or other powered/ride on device or machine capable of or operative to move snow and/ice, and/other materials. The term moveable machine refers broadly to walk behind or push snow blower, thrower or plow device that clear or moves snow and/or ice. Herein, snow blower and snow thrower are utilized interchangeably, unless otherwise stated.
(35) As used herein the term “movable machine” means a self propelled or manually operable wheel/track machine other than a vehicle that the user can either Walk-behind and push, or Walk-behind with partial/full power-assist (e.g., self-propelled lawn mower/snow-blower/thrower/sweeper on wheels, or tracks) machine. Moveable machine refers broadly to walk behind or push snow blower, thrower or plow device that clears or moves snow and/or ice and/or other materials.
(36) As used herein, the term “vehicle” shall mean, without limitation, truck, tractor, construction equipment, loader, skid steer, locomotives, or other powered/ride on device or machine capable of or operative to move snow and/or ice and other materials. The term “vehicle” further means a self-propelled wheeled or track machine, such as a Zero-Turn Radius Machine (ZTR), a Lawn Mower, Truck/Car, ATV/Utility ATV (All Terrain Vehicle/Utility All Terrain Vehicle), Skid-steer loader, Compact loader, Front-end loader (Pay-Loaders), Backhoe Front-End Loader, Dozer, Motor-grader, Specialty/Dedicated Vehicle/Machine, Off-Road Vehicle, and Trains/Locomotive).
(37) Herein, the terms “snow blower” and “snow thrower” are utilized interchangeably, unless otherwise stated.
(38) The snow plow-blower comprises a plow head blade having retractable/pivotal wing or wings and a cavity having an aperture with blower doors and a blower unit. The blower unit is preferably constructed as a single stage snow blower when a lighter snow plow-blower device is needed. Alternatively, the subject blower unit is a dual stage snow blower with impeller and auger features.
(39) In one embodiment, the snow blower unit includes an impeller to move snow into the unit and force it out of a discharge chute. The snow blower unit can further include at least one auger. An engineered heating device can additionally be provided. The heating device may comprise a heat coil/element, placed strategically on, within or about the auger/or material cutting and/or processing embodiment's surface area to prevent packing and freezing of snow/ice, and other materials build up. Optionally, a mechanical scraper guide or electromechanical scraper guide can be provided. At least one blower door is provided over the snow blower unit cavity to prevent/ensure unwanted snow/ice/other materials, and especially animals/people from unintentionally entering the cavity when the blower is off. Optionally, the blower door moves along a track and rests flush against the plow head to open and close. Alternatively, the blower door is hinged mounted to pivot to open and closed positions. The blower door or doors may be controlled by hydraulics and may be constructed to operate as blower blades to direct snow into the blower unit as shown in
(40) The present invention provides a snow plow-blower apparatus adapted to be used in operation with a land vehicle to plow and remove snow. Functionality of the blower and/plow can operate unilaterally or in conjunction with one another. Advantageously, the blower can be covered to prevent snow ingress when the blower is not being utilized. Additionally, the subject snow plow-blower apparatus provides secondary blades for directing snow as needed to mitigate and/or prevent clogging, unwanted snow distribution and/or snow pile placement.
(41) The snow plow-blower apparatus comprises, in combination, a plow head blade which may include one or more wing located on the plow head blade. Preferably at least two wings located on opposing side walls of the plow head blade. The optional at least one wing is preferably retractable and/or have pivot means. In a first embodiment the snow plow-blower plow head blade includes an aperture leading to a cavity having an aperture with blower doors. Alternatively, in another embodiment the plow head blade does not have the aperture integrated therein, and the plow head blade itself is the blower door. In this embodiment, the plow head blade is operable to move upward and downward along the vertical plane to open and expose the aperture and visa vie the cavity (i.e. the aperture is essentially the opening to the cavity) and allow snow blowing operation.
(42) In one embodiment the cavity is an opening directly leading to the auger for snow removal; in another embodiment the cavity is a sealed chamber whereby a vacuum system of snow removal can be employed with some minor engineering changes and optional parts. The cavity includes a snow blower unit housed therein. The cavity may or may not be a sealed chamber whereby a vacuum system of snow removal can be employed with some minor engineering changes and optional parts. The snow blower unit comprises at least one auger in communication with a power source adapted to move the snow into the unit and force it out of a discharge chute. Alternatively, the chute may rotate up to 360° (degrees) that permits the blowing of snow directly into the truck the device is mounted to as well as forward and adjacent trucks riding along the road during removal operations.
(43) The subject snow plow-blower/thrower device may utilize a dual stage snow blower, single stage snow blower (or snow thrower), or a combination thereof. Generally, snow blowers are designated into two classes: single-stage and dual or two-stage snow blowers. The snow plow-blower shown herein is optionally designed to include a multi-stage blower apparatus, wherein generally more than two (2) moving parts may process and manage snow, ice/other materials. Typically, a single-stage snow blower includes a single snow moving part such as an auger, impeller, or sweeper-paddle-like mechanism, generally located in front of the blower, that pulls snow into the machine and directs snow through at least one (1) discharge chute and/or at least one (1) opening. Conversely, a two-stage snow blower typically includes both at least a single auger and an impeller, or sweeper-paddle-like mechanism that works in unison to pull or collect snow into or around the machine for processing and management, and then directs the snow through a discharge chute or opening. Two-stage snow blowers can typically process deeper snow depths than simpler single stage blower/thrower designs, and generally throw the snow faster and farther away than a single-stage snow blower/thrower. It is noted that the subject snow plow-blower can be utilized for blowing snow, ice and water, and/or particles and debris.
(44) The plow head blade of the snow plow-blower may further include a moldboard, curved plate or outer covering made of a metal, steel, polymeric material or other suitable material which, together with a hinge located near the center of the moldboard, enables the plow head blade to open and transform to different shaped moldboard configurations. The moldboard configurations preferably include a straight blade, an angled blade, a scooped blade, a windrow blade, a wedge blade, a v-shaped blade and/or combination thereof.
(45) The subject invention is preferably constructed as a single stage snow blower when a lighter snow plow-blower device is warranted. Generally, the subject snow plow-blower uses a single stage snow blower when weight constraints (weight limits) are of a concern, which are typically lighter in construct than the dual stage type snow blowers, particularly when mounting to transport vehicles. Single stage designs of impeller/fan blowers and/or throwers vs. dual stage designs of impeller and auger blowers and/or throwers are typically preferred by most manufacturers because it limits the number of moving parts thereby minimizing potential failure and increasing the integrity of its design to permit commercial/residential and/or industrial applications of greater longevity for the end user whereby effectively increasing consumer value.
(46) Single stage structural implementation of the present snow plow-blower may further incorporate at least one (1) snow beater/ribbon cutter, or any combination of an engineered geometrical physical device, to be mounted to at least one (1) impeller/rotary fan and its central rotating shaft, versus a horizontal auger, because it is simpler to construct, easier to manufacturer, and is a lighter device, not requiring any maintenance (such as periodic lubrication so often found with augers). Typically, single stage blower hydraulic designs are simpler than dual stage because they require fewer hydraulic valves and controls for communications, permitting manufacturers to minimize potential hydraulic leaks mitigating mid-storm failures that readily occur in industry removal operations. The subject snow blower-blowers blower constructs offer improvements over heretofore designed and utilized snow plows/snow blowers and/or snow throwers, those improvements including the type of blower, single or double stage, and single structural and single hydraulic designs, to reduce overall manufacturing cost.
(47) Further improvements result owing to the subject snow plow-blower, which further improvements include incorporation of at least one individual wheel/caster, preferably at least three (3) wheels/casters, and most preferably at least four (4) wheels/casters rather than the typical single wheel/caster type constructs. The subject snow plow-blower preferably utilizes at least one individual wheel/caster that is engineered in a manner to balance the weight of the device from its center of gravity, allowing users to attach and detach the device to transport the vehicle without the use of additional equipment or persons. Preferably at least four wheels/casters are utilized.
(48) A hydraulic and/or electrically powered telescoping and/or folding chute is preferably utilized by the subject snow plow-blower, electronically controlled using a wired or wireless controller, rather than a standard (manual) chute. The wireless controller preferably uses infrared, radio and/or blue tooth technologies. The wired or wireless controller typically communicates with a switching device, preferably in communication with a specifically engineered switching device or box associated with the snow plow-blower apparatus attachment. Additionally, the subject snow plow-blower preferably includes larger pivoting wings on a hinge point at end of the plow head blade, wherein the wings can pivot up to 90 degrees without the need for the wings to retract into a cavity behind and/or within the plow head blade (moldboard) minimizing the wings mechanical moving parts, thus preventing potential failures and maintenance issues and enabling plow head blade (moldboard) to bucket snow, ice and/or other materials into the blower box more proficiently. Preferably, there is at least one wing having a length extending on the horizontal plane ranging from at least greater than one (1) inch; more preferably the length ranges from about four (4) to sixteen (16) inches or more; most preferably, the length ranges from about twelve (12) to thirty six (36) inches or more. For airport runway applications a considerable larger wing may be needed, such as ranging from about thirty-six (36) to one-hundred and twenty (120) inches or more may be needed. Preferably, there are at least two wing or wings, located opposite one another on the plow head blade. It is noted that the ranges can be scaled or otherwise adjusted to accommodate small/large moveable machines/vehicles.
(49) The subject plow head blade has a varied radius of curvature to maximize the production of plowing function. Preferably, the radius of curvature ranges from about one (1) to sixty (60) inches; more preferably, the radius of curvature ranges from about four (4) to twenty four (24) inches or more; most preferably the radius of curvature ranges from ten (10) to sixteen (16) inches. It is noted that the ranges can be scaled or otherwise adjusted to accommodate small/large moveable machines/vehicles.
(50) The plow head blade curvature facilitates in permitting the end user to utilize the plowing function as a high production municipal plow at faster speeds providing greater windrowing (roll) of snow, ice and/or other materials versus slower speeds and control of snow windrowing (roll) useful depending on the density of snow, ice and/or other materials. Articulation of the moldboard and plow head blade and blower box behind it facilitates windrowing/attack angle of the snow. Windrowing/attack angle of the plow head blade is at various angles, limited only by physical constraints/practical limitations, i.e., 35 degrees, whereby permitting the end user to windrow and manage the blowing of snow more proficiently while in semi-plowing-blowing/throwing mode. Windrowing angles are effectuated by turning the whole moldboard or plow head blade, and preferably range from about one (1) to seventy (70) degrees; more preferably range from about ten (10) to sixty-five (65) degrees; and most preferably range from about twenty five (25) to fifty (50) degrees, with about thirty five (35) degrees being the most preferred angle. Guides are typically used on plows and blowers, preferably manual mechanical guides. LED guides may also be included via integrated or subject to attachment to the plow head blade of the subject snow plow-blower. A light rail portion of a light tower is typically used to mount headlights for plows and/blowers. In addition, a LED light bar may be used with the snow plow-blower, and more preferably a light rail portion of a light tower with an LED light bar may be also integrated or attached to the plow head blade of the subject snow plow-blower.
(51) The blower doors are adapted to move into closed and open configurations. The blower doors are positioned over the snow blower unit cavity to prevent snow from entering the cavity when the blower is off. Optionally, the blower doors move along a track and rest flush against the plow head to open and close. Alternatively, the blower doors are hinged mounted to pivot to open and closed positions. The blower doors may be constructed to operate as blower blades to direct snow into or away from the blower unit. Alternatively, separate blower blades, external to the snow blower cavity, are provided to optimize snow removal and mitigate jamming/clogging. In one embodiment, tracks are located on the blade head perpendicular and proximate to the blower doors. Moving along the track, the blower doors are adapted to provide open and closed configurations to open and close the aperture of the cavity. Preferably, the tracks are flush against the blade head so that the blower doors lay substantially flat or flush against the blade head. The blower doors may further comprise a hinged joint so that the doors are adapted to pivot open appointed to channel snow into the aperture of the cavity and the blower unit. Alternatively, separate blades/wings may be provided proximate and adjacent to the blower doors.
(52) In another embodiment, the snow blower doors and/or wings further comprise a hinged joint so that the doors and/or wings are adapted to pivot open to channel snow into or away from the aperture of the cavity and the blower unit, thereby providing the end user an efficient means for proficient snow, ice and/or material management.
(53) Preferably the cavity having the aperture with the blower doors is located substantially centrally along the plow head blade.
(54) The blower unit of the snow plow-blower apparatus is appointed to be powered by an engine of a vehicle via hydraulic fluid power hook-up to the vehicle or tractor. Alternatively, the snow plow-blower apparatus includes a blower engine integrated within the blower unit for powering the snow blower unit. Power for the device isn't limited only to hydraulic power, but can, and may be utilized using one or many forms of energy transfer, or power. The energy transfer, or delivery of power can be obtained by the employment of Pneumatic (air/fluid) Power, Internal Combustion Engine Power (i.e., gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, natural gas, and/or hybrid engines), Electrical Power, Mechanical Energy (direct physical linkage) Power, such as a Power Take Off (PTO), Chemical Energy Power, and/or Electromagnetic Energy Power. Horsepower of the blower engine may vary according to the commercial size/requirements necessary. For example, for a commercial or municipality commercial grade device, the blower engine should be enough horsepower to accommodate large projects. Different geographical areas will further require greater horsepower and/supplementary scaled engineering to address the snowfall and accumulation specifics for a region. For residential devices, a lower horsepower may be used with supplementary scaled engineering.
(55) Though the device herein is discussed in terms of attachment to a vehicle, such as a truck, bulldozer or tractor, it should be understood that this device may be adaptable to fit on to other movable machines and/or vehicles (large and small); such as lawnmowers (i.e., Toro, Honda, Craftsman), ATV/Utility ATV's, road-vehicles, utility sidewalk traveling vehicles, winter service vehicles, railcars and trains, skid-steer (i.e., bobcat), backhoes, backhoe-loader, backhoe-loader-tractor, Pay loaders and Front end-loaders (i.e., Caterpillar), or any combination of large or small earthmoving type equipment, i.e., motor graders, tractors and bulldozers. Accordingly, the device may be of such a size and construct so that it can be readily attached to a small tractor or lawnmower for residential snow removal.
(56) The wing or wings preferably retract or pivot in line/behind the plow head blade when the wings are disengaged, no longer needed, or when the blade needs to be of a shorter width to fit into smaller plowing areas (i.e. small driveways, parking lots, and the like). Preferably, the at least one wing is on pivot hinges, wherein the hinges provide pivot of at least 90 degrees in front of the plow head blade and at least 90 degrees behind the plow head blade. Optimally, the wing or wings each have separate wing controls so that each can be pivoted separately. With this arrangement, each of the wing or wings can be adjusted to different angles and degrees in relation to one another and in relation to the plow head blade.
(57) The blower blades (or blower doors depending on the embodiment) are on pivot hinges. These pivot hinges provide a pivot range of at least 180 degrees in front of the plow head blade Like the wing or wings, the blower blades each have separate blower blade controls so that they can be pivoted separately. In this manner, the blower blades can be adjusted to different angles and degrees in relation to one another and in relation to the blower unit and the plow head blade.
(58) Referring to
(59) In the embodiment shown in
(60) The blower doors 14 are adapted to move into open and closed positions/configurations, as shown in
(61) Blower doors 14 are adapted to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration, thereby completely closing and preferably sealing aperture 13 of cavity 12 and preventing all snow, ice, water or/and other material ingress into the snow blower 20 when the snow blower 20 is not being utilized. In one embodiment, blower doors 14 may pivot outward from the plow head blade 11 to further channel snow, ice and debris into cavity 12 and the snow blower 20.
(62) Plow head blade 11 of the snow plow-blower apparatus 10 is preferably attached to a pivot hinge weldment 50 (i.e. weld unit formed by welding together an assembly of pieces), which in turn is attached to a wobble plate weldment 51 for mounting to a vehicle or moveable machine, or other mechanical implement.
(63) Plow head blade 11 further includes two wings 30, each located on opposing side walls 31 of the plow head blade 11. Wings 30 are shown in the retracted or closed configuration in
(64) Wing or wings 30 are retractable in relation to the plow head blade 11. Preferably, wings 30 are stowed behind plow head blade 11 and retract/extend due to moveable weldments 132 and 132′ of
(65) Trip edges (left and right) 16 are located on the bottom of the plow head blade 11 as well as along the bottom-most edge of the blower doors 14 and wings 30. The plow head blade further preferably includes a bottom-most scraper blade or replaceable cutting edge (left and right) 17. One or more material scraper(s) may be attached or integrated on the plow head blade 11, preferably attached laterally/above the plow head blade 55, or to the side walls of plow head blade 31 (i.e., mold board top 55 and side edge 31). One or more LED guides or a light bar may be attached or integrated on the plow head blade, as shown at 30. Preferably one or more light bars may be attached or integrated on top of snow blower 20. A light bar configuration can also be mounted to wobble plate assembly 51 and a vehicle or movable machine receiver mount/hitch such as a truck mount (not shown).
(66)
(67) Referring to
(68)
(69)
(70)
(71)
(72)
(73)
(74)
(75) The blower door 814 is adapted to move into open and closed positions/configurations. In one embodiment, blower door 814 is adapted to move upward and downward on the vertical plane via tongue and grooves/tracks, with corresponding mating tongue and groove/tracks of the plow head blade 811 so that the blower door 814 can move along the parabolic vertical plane as indicated at arrow 814′. As such, the blower door 814, shown as a single longitudinal door, moves upward (opening and exposing cavity 812) and/downward (closing cavity 812, causing it to become unexposed) along the parabolic vertical plane.
(76) Plow head blade 811 is preferably attached to a pivot hinge weldment 850 (i.e. weld unit formed by welding together an assembly of pieces), which in turn is attached to a wobble plate weldment 851 for mounting to a vehicle, such as a tractor, truck, skid steer, or to a moveable machine or other mechanical implement. Plow head blade 811 further includes at least one wing and preferably two wings (not shown attached), that are adapted to pivot forward or in reverse, varying angles from 0 degrees to 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the plow head blade 811, varying bucket-like configurations laterally along the side of the plow head blade 811 to move to a retracted or closed configuration stowed behind plow head blade 811 and/or an open configuration laterally along the side of the plow head blade 811 (see
(77)
(78) Blower doors 914 are adapted to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration, thereby completely closing and preferably sealing aperture 913 of cavity 912 and preventing all snow, ice, water or/and other material ingress into the snow blower 920 when the snow blower 920 is not being utilized. Similarly, blower doors 914 are adapted to move from a partially open to a partially closed configuration to limit the quantity of snow, ice, water and other material ingress into the snow blower 920, thereby enabling the proficient management and removal of snow, ice and other material. Plow head blade 911 is preferably attached to a pivot hinge weldment 950 (i.e. weld unit formed by welding together an assembly of pieces) so that the whole plow head blade 911 and blower unit/box and chute can be lifted or angled during plowing. In turn, weldment 950 is attached to a wobble plate weldment 951 for mounting to a tractor, truck, skid steer, or other mechanical implement.
(79) Plow head blade 911 further includes at least one wing and preferably two wings 930, each typically located on opposing side walls 931 of the plow head blade 911. Portions of the moldboard that act as wings 930 are pivotal, retractable or movable in relation to the plow head blade 911. Moving portions of the moldboard to a pivoted, bucket-like position decreases the lateral length of the moldboard, making the plow head blade shorter in width.
(80) Wings 930, shown at the straight plowing position 930a, can be pivoted along a horizontal axis 933 via hinge 930b so that the wings 930 move to a pivoted or angled scoop position. In the angled scoop position (i.e. position 930b of
(81)
(82) The blower doors 1014 are adapted to move into open and closed positions/configurations. Herein two blower doors 1014 are shown. The blower doors 1014 are moveable along a hinge track or tongue and groove-like channel to move into a pivoted position shown at 1014b and pivoted back against the plow head blade 1011 for a closed position. It is noted that varying degrees of pivot are contemplated to address the angle of blower doors 1014 for channeling or directing snow through aperture 1013 and into cavity 1012, thereby enabling the operation to proficiently manage the time required for removal of snow, ice and other materials. Plow head blade 1011 is preferably attached to a pivot hinge weldment 1050 attached to a wobble plate weldment 1051 for mounting to a tractor, truck, skid steer, vehicle, movable machine or other mechanical implement. Plow head blade 1011 may further include one or more wings.
(83)
(84) Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.