MAGNETIC ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A magnetic assembly having an elongated member wrapped in an aluminum coil and covered with an insulation spray is mounted to a vehicle and connected to a power source of the vehicle in order to pick up metal objects from a ground surface. The elongated member is mounted to the vehicle by a hitch that is adjustable and has a leveling system in order to raise and lower the elongated member as well keep the elongated member level in relation to the ground surface.

Claims

1. A magnetic assembly, comprising: an elongated member wrapped in an aluminum coil and covered with an insulation spray; the elongated member mounted to a vehicle and the aluminum coil connected to a power source of the vehicle; and wherein the aluminum coil wrapped elongated member is configured to attract metal objects from a ground surface when the power source is activated.

2. The magnetic assembly of claim 1 further comprising a housing having end walls and side walls that encase the elongated member.

3. The magnetic assembly of claim 1 wherein the elongated member is connected to the vehicle with an adjustable hitch having a levelling system.

4. The magnetic assembly of claim 1 wherein the elongated member is connected to the vehicle by a hitch having a tongue connected to an axel that is supported by wheels.

5. The magnetic assembly of claim 4 wherein the elongated member is connected to the axel by a first pair of brackets that are pivotally connected to the axel.

6. The magnetic assembly of claim 5 wherein a handle is attached to a top of the elongated member.

7. The magnetic assembly of claim 4 wherein a plastic member is connected to the axel by a second pair of brackets and is positioned underneath the elongated member.

8. The magnetic assembly of claim 1 wherein spring loaded tines are connected to and extend forwardly of the elongated member.

9. The magnetic assembly of claim 1 wherein hard bristles are connected to and positioned forwardly of the elongated member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a magnetic assembly;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a magnetic assembly; and

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a magnetic assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring to the Figures, a magnetic assembly 10 is attached to a vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 is of any type such as a mower, tractor, truck, street sweeper, road grader, or the like. The magnetic assembly 10 includes at least one elongated metal tube, plate or cylinder 14 wrapped tightly in aluminum coil 16. The aluminum coil 16 is then covered in a layer of insulation spray 18.

[0015] In one example, the magnetic assembly 10 includes three spaced metal cylinders 14 mounted within a housing 20. The housing 20 has a base 22, end walls 24, and side walls 26. The spaced cylinders 14 are tightly wrapped with aluminum coil 16 and include a layer of sprayed insulation 18.

[0016] The magnetic assembly 10 preferably is mounted at the rear of the vehicle 12 in any conventional manner. The aluminum coil 14 is connected to a power source 28 that preferably provides direct current with more amperage than voltage. The power source 28 is of any type such as a PTO, a vehicle battery or electrical system, a generator attached to the vehicle 12 or the like. In one example the magnetic assembly 10 is connected to the front of the vehicle 12 with an adjustable hitch 30 having a levelling system to not only keep the magnet assembly 10 level but make it easier to raise and lower.

[0017] One example of the hitch includes a tongue 32 that is connected to an axel 34 that is supported by wheels 36 at each end of the axel 34. A first pair of brackets 38 are pivotally connected to the axel 34 at one end and to the magnet assembly 10 at the opposite end. A second pair of brackets 40 are connected to a plastic member 42 that is positioned underneath and engages the magnet assembly 10 in a manner where the magnet assembly 10 attracts objects to a bottom surface of the plastic member 42. Attached to the top of the magnet assembly 10 or the housing 20 is a handle 44. Using the handle 44, the magnet assembly is configured to be raised away from the plastic member 42 via the first pair of brackets 38 by manually lifting the handle 44.

[0018] Also, spring loaded steel tines 46 can be attached to the axel 34 by a pair of arms and is positioned forward of the magnet assembly 10. The tines assist in breaking up and dislodging material that has become silted or buried in the ground making it easier to pick up the material with the magnet assembly 10. In addition or alternatively hard bristles 48 are positioned forward of the magnet assembly to assist in gathering material to be attracted to the magnet assembly 10.

[0019] In operation, the magnetic assembly 10 is mounted to the front of the vehicle 12 and is connected to the power source 28. Once activated, as the vehicle 12 moves forward over a ground surface a magnet force created by the magnetic assembly 10 attracts and retains metal objects on the ground surface.

[0020] From the above discussion and accompanying figures and claims it will be appreciated that the magnet assembly 10 offers many advantages over the prior art. It will be appreciated further by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby. It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in the light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included in the spirit and purview of this application.