CONVERTIBLE SNOW PLOW

Abstract

A plow mounts to a vehicle and includes a plow blade defining a longitudinal direction and having a forward surface configurable at a first position with the plow blade transverse to the direction of travel and a second position with the plow blade oblique to the direction of travel. First and second box ends are at ends of the plow blade, extending transversely to the plow blade, each of the first and second box ends having a first straight edge, a second straight edge, and a recess intermediate the first and second straight edges. The box ends rotate between a first position with a first straight edge extending forward horizontally proximate the bottom of the plow blade; a second position with a second straight extending rearward horizontally proximate the bottom of the plow blade, and a third position with the first and second straight edges raised.

Claims

1. A plow apparatus, mountable to a vehicle moving in a direction of travel; the plow apparatus comprising: a plow blade defining a longitudinal direction and having a forward surface; the plow blade having a top, a bottom, a first end and a second end; a blade positioning system for supporting the plow blade at: a first position with the plow blade longitudinal direction substantially transverse to the direction of travel; a second position with the plow blade longitudinal direction oblique to the direction of travel; a first box end at the first end of the plow blade and a second box end at a second end of the plow blade; each of the first and second box ends extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade, each of the first and second box ends having a first straight edge, a second straight edge non-parallel with the first straight edge, and a section intermediate the first edge and the second edge and defining a recess; the first and second box ends being rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade between a first box end position and a second box end position; the first straight edge being at a lower portion of the first and second box ends and extending substantially forward horizontally at a same height as the bottom of the plow blade at the first box end position; the second straight edge being at a lower portion of the first and second box ends and extending substantially rearward horizontally at a same height as the bottom of the plow blade at the second box end position.

2. The plow apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third box end position; the first and second straight edges being raised above the bottom of the plow blade at the third box end position.

3. The plow apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first and second box ends are at the first box end position or the second box end position when the plow blade is at the first position, and wherein the first and second box ends are at the third box end position when the plow blade is at the second position.

4. The plow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a concave curved edge.

5. The plow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a curved edge, the curved edge substantially aligning with the curved profile when the first and second box ends are at the first box end position.

6. The plow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the each of the first and second box ends comprises a substantially planar body extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade.

7. A plow apparatus, mountable to a vehicle moving in a direction of travel; the plow apparatus comprising: a plow blade defining a longitudinal direction and having a forward surface with a curved profile; the plow blade having a top, a bottom, a first end and a second end; a blade positioning system for supporting the plow blade at: a first position with the plow blade longitudinal direction substantially transverse to the direction of travel; a second position with the plow blade longitudinal direction oblique to the direction of travel; a first box end at the first end of the plow blade and a second box end at a second end of the plow blade; each of the first and second box ends extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade, each of the first and second box ends having a first straight edge, a second straight edge non-parallel with the first straight edge, and a section intermediate the first edge and the second edge and defining a recess; the first and second box ends being rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade between a first box end position, a second box end position and a third box end position; the first straight edge being at a lower portion of the first and second box ends and extending substantially forward horizontally at a same height as the bottom of the plow blade at the first box end position; the second straight edge being at a lower portion of the first and second box ends and extending substantially rearward horizontally at a same height as the bottom of the plow blade at the second box end position; the first and second straight edges being raised above the bottom of the plow blade at the third box end position.

8. The plow apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first and second box ends are at the first box end position or the second box end position when the plow blade is at the first position, and wherein the first and second box ends are at the third box end position when the plow blade is at the second position.

9. The plow apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a concave curved edge.

10. The plow apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a curved edge, the curved edge substantially aligning with the curved profile when the first and second box ends are at the first box end position.

11. The plow apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the each of the first and second box ends comprises a substantially planar body extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade.

12. A method of positioning a plow blade for plowing, the plow blade having a face defining a curved profile, and a box end at each end of the blade, each box end having a first straight edge, a second straight edge, and a recessed section intermediate the first straight edge and the second straight edge; the method comprising: mounting the plow blade to a vehicle moving in a primary direction of travel; positioning the plow blade face transverse to the primary direction of travel and positioning the box ends with the first straight edge extending horizontally forward of the blade in the primary direction of travel; positioning the plow blade face transverse to the primary direction of travel and positioning the box ends with the second straight edge extending rearward of the blade opposite to the primary direction of travel; and positioning the plow blade face obliquely to the primary direction of travel and positioning the box ends with the first and second straight edges extending obliquely to horizontal.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the ends of the plow blade are unobstructed when the box ends are positioned with the first and second straight edges extending obliquely to horizontal.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the recessed section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a concave curved edge and wherein the concave third edge forms a void for snow to pass beyond an end of the plow blade when the box ends are positioned with the first and second straight edges extending obliquely to horizontal.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a curved edge, and wherein with the box ends are positioned with the second straight edge extending rearward of the blade opposite to the primary direction of travel the curved edge substantially aligns with the curved profile.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference letters and numerals indicate corresponding structure throughout the several views:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a plow assembly according to the principles of the present invention with box ends in a first position;

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0019] a top plan view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a first operating configuration;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 3;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 3;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 3;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a second operating configuration;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 7;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 7;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 7;

[0028] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a third operating configuration;

[0029] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 11;

[0030] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 11; and

[0031] FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a plow assembly, generally designated (100) mounted to a vehicle, generally designated (200). While the vehicle (200) is shown as a skid steer loader, it can be appreciated that the plow may be mounted to many conventional vehicles used for plowing, such as a truck, a tool carrier, an all-terrain vehicle or other similar types of vehicles that are typically used for plowing. The skid steer loader (200) includes wheels (202), a frame (204), and a tool supporting assembly (206). The operator sits in a seat (210) and is protected by a cage (208). The operator is able to access controls for the skid steer loader (200) as well as controls for the plow from the operator seat (210). Moreover, the vehicle (200) provides necessary power and or hydraulics for operation and control of the plow assembly (100).

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the plow assembly (100) includes a blade (102) also referred to as a moldboard. The blade includes a top edge (104) and a bottom-cutting element (106). The moldboard (102) includes a generally curved front surface (108). The bottom edge element (106) is hingedly mounted about hinge pins (132) that extend through collars (134) on the bottom element (106) and collars (138) on the bottom of the moldboard (102). Springs (136) engage the bottom element (106) to provide resilient mounting so that the bottom-cutting element (106) flexes when encountering an obstruction, but automatically returns to its use position.

[0034] The plow assembly (100) mounts to the vehicle (200) with a push frame (110), also commonly referred to as an A frame. A mounting plate (112) provides for standard mounting to a vehicle that is interchangeable with other tools and devices. Angle cylinders (114) provide for rotation about a vertical axis to change the plow blade (102) between a position generally perpendicular to the primary direction of travel for pushing and back dragging, and an angled position for windrowing, as explained hereinafter. A mounting pin (118) provides the vertical axis through a collar (120) and sleeve (122). Moreover, the angle cylinders (114) extend into collar receivers (124) to provide pivotal movement of the plow. A vertical angle cylinder (116) is part of an adjustment linkage (126) that provides for changing the orientation of the plow about a horizontal axis. It can be appreciated that the vehicle (200) provides power and hydraulic control through hydraulic lines (not shown for clarity) to actuate the various positioning elements and move the plow assembly (100) between different operating positions.

[0035] The plow assembly (100) also includes a box end assembly (150) including generally planar box end elements (152), also sometimes referred to as containment wings, at either end of the moldboard (102). The box end assembly (150) includes a brace (154) extending forward of the moldboard (102) and connecting the left and right box end elements (152). The box end elements (152) are rotatably mounted about a rod (158) defining a rotational axis (156) generally parallel to a longitudinal direction of the blade (102). A sleeve (180) mounts on the moldboard (102) and receives the rod (158) to provide rotation of the linked left and right box end elements (152) relative to the blade (102). The brace (154) links the box end elements (152) so that they are rotated together as an assembly.

[0036] Each box end element (152) includes a first skid element (160) defining a first edge that is generally forward of the blade (102) and lowered proximate the ground for pushing, as explained hereinafter. Each box end element (152) also includes a second skid element (162) defining a second edge that is positioned to the rear of the moldboard (102) and can be lowered to be proximate the ground for back dragging, as also explained hereinafter. An arcing recess (164) extends between the first edge and the second edge. Each box end element also includes a first stop (166) and a second stop (168) that engage the blade (102) to properly position the box end elements at the first rotational position or second rotational position. Each box end element (152) also includes an angled reinforcement (170) to provide rigidity to the element for plowing. A mounting bracket (172) mounts the first skid element (160) to each box end element (152) and a second mounting bracket (174) mounts to the second skid element (162) to each box end element (152).

[0037] The box end elements (152) and their rotational mounting provide for configuring the plow assembly (100) for three primary types of plowing. The plow assembly may be configured for pushing as a box when the box ends (152) are positioned such as shown in FIGS. 3-6. The plow assembly (100) may also be positioned with the box end elements (152) positioned in a second primary configuration for back dragging, such as shown in FIGS. 7-10. Moreover, the plow assembly (100) may have the box ends (152) positioned in a third primary configuration for windrowing, such as shown in FIGS. 11-14. It can be appreciated that the vehicle (200) provides easy control for the operator to position the blade (102) and the box ends (152) at the proper orientation for each of the primary plowing operations. Changes may be made through conventional hydraulic controls in the vehicle controlled by the operator in the operator seat (210). No manual adjustment of the plow assembly (100) is required with the present invention.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the plow assembly is configured for pushing snow or other material. With the box end elements (152) positioned such as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the first skid elements (160) are positioned with the bottom edge extending horizontally proximate the ground. Moreover, a substantial portion of the box end element (152) extends forward of the moldboard (102). The moldboard (102) and box end elements (152) form three sides of a rectangular open plowing box that retains snow or other material and allows it to be pushed forward. The brace (154) provides additional support between the box end elements (152).

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, the box end assembly is rotated into a second primary position in which the plow assembly (100) is configured for back dragging. In the back dragging position shown in FIGS. 7-10, the box end elements (152) are rotated rearward so that the second skid element (162) is positioned with its bottom edge extending horizontally and proximate the ground. At this position, the second skid elements (162) and a substantial portion of each box end element (152) extend rearward from blade (102) and form three sides of a rectangular open plowing box for back dragging. In this position, the plow assembly is configured for plowing with the vehicle moving rearward and the snow being dragged in the direction shown by the arrow of FIG. 9. The blade (102) is positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, there is shown a third primary operating configuration for the plow assembly (100). In the third operational configuration, the plow assembly is configured for windrowing in which snow or other material is directed to one side or the other of the moldboard (102). The plow blade (102) is rotated to an attack angle that it is not perpendicular to the direction of travel as shown most clearly in FIG. 13. In the position shown in FIGS. 11-14, the snow or other material is directed to a windrow on the right side of the plow assembly (100). However, it can be readily appreciated that the plow assembly (100) may be configured to direct material to either the left or right by simply actuating the angle cylinders (114) to a different configuration. Moreover, depending on the particular operating requirements and conditions, the plow blade (102) may be at a steeper or shallower angle relative to the direction of travel than is shown. As the snow needs to pass beyond the end of the blade (102), the box end elements (152) must be positioned so as to not block the ends of the blade. Therefore, in the position shown in FIGS. 11-14, the profile of the plow blade (102) is aligned to pass through the recess (164). The ends of the blade are unobstructed at this position. The recess (164) creates a void that provides sufficient space for the snow or other material to fall off the end of the curved surface (108) of the blade (102). Therefore, the snow engaged by the plow is directed to one side and forms a windrow. The windrow may then be left and removed or pushed or back dragged, depending upon the requirements of the location. The recess (164) is shown as arcing upward in FIGS. 11-14 and aligns generally with the profile of the blade as shown in 10. However, as long as the recess (164) allows the box end elements (152) to be positioned so as not to obstruct the ends of the blade (102), the recess does not need to be arced.

[0041] It can be appreciated that the present invention provides for superior performance from a single plow blade that can be utilized for pushing, back dragging and windrowing without changing blades or making other equipment changes to the plow assembly. The present invention provides flexibility with an economical and reliable plow that is not possible with the prior art or any combination thereof.

[0042] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.