EXTENDABLE WING PLOW AND CART

Abstract

A wing plow system can include a wing plow assembly with a first moldboard assembly and a second moldboard assembly. The first moldboard assembly can include a first moldboard configured to extend away from a vehicle toward a trailing end of the wing plow assembly. The second moldboard assembly can extend from the first moldboard assembly toward the trailing end of the wing plow assembly. The second moldboard assembly can include a second moldboard slidably supported by the first moldboard to be slidable between an extended position and a retracted position, to move the wing plow assembly between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

Claims

1. A wing plow system for a vehicle having a vehicle body, the wing plow system comprising: a wing plow assembly that defines a leading end and a trailing end, the wing plow assembly including: a first moldboard assembly at the leading end of the wing plow assembly, the first moldboard assembly including a first moldboard configured to extend away from the vehicle body toward the trailing end of the wing plow assembly; and a second moldboard assembly that extends from the first moldboard assembly toward the trailing end of the wing plow assembly, the second moldboard assembly including a second moldboard slidably supported by the first moldboard to be slidable between an extended position and a retracted position, to move the wing plow assembly between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

2. The wing plow system of claim 1, wherein the second moldboard is slidable along a sliding direction between the extended and retracted positions, and overlaps with the first moldboard along the sliding direction in the extended and retracted positions.

3. The wing plow system of claim 2, wherein the first and second moldboards overlap along a slide system that slidable supports the second moldboard relative to the first moldboard.

4. The wing plow system of claim 3, wherein the slide system includes opposed sets of rollers that support the second moldboard relative to the first moldboard, in opposing directions, for sliding movement of the second moldboard relative to the first moldboard.

5. The wing plow system of claim 3, wherein the slide system includes opposing flanges on one of the first or second moldboard assemblies, and wherein the opposing flanges are received into a channel on the other of the first or second moldboard assemblies to slidably support the second moldboard relative to the first moldboard.

6. The wing plow system of claim 1, further comprising: a push arm assembly configured to laterally support the second moldboard relative to the vehicle body.

7. The wing plow system of claim 6, further comprising: a first coupling arrangement configured to secure the push arm assembly to the vehicle body; a second coupling arrangement that secures the push arm assembly to the second moldboard; and a third coupling arrangement configured to secure a leading end of the first moldboard to the vehicle body.

8. The wing plow system of claim 7, wherein the first coupling arrangement includes a hinge having a pivot axis that extends substantially vertically and a rear hinge linkage supported by the hinge and configured to move the trailing end of the wing plow assembly in the vertical direction.

9. The wing plow system of claim 7, wherein the second coupling arrangement includes a mount plug that extends through a rear portion the second moldboard assembly, and a second hinge coupled to the mount plug to pivotably support the wing plow assembly relative to the push arm assembly.

10. The wing plow system of claim 7, wherein the third coupling arrangement includes: a front hinge linkage configured to move the leading end of the wing plow assembly vertically; and a mount plate hinge that supports the wing plow assembly relative to the front hinge linkage and has a pivot axis that extends in the vertical direction.

11. The wing plow system of claim 1, further comprising: an extender assembly configured to extend and retract to move the second moldboard between the extended and retracted orientations.

12. The wing plow system of claim 11, wherein the extender assembly is nested into the second moldboard assembly when the second moldboard is in the retracted position.

13. The wing plow system of claim 11, wherein the extender assembly is part of a first hydraulic system configured to move the second moldboard relative to the first moldboard.

14. The wing plow system of claim 13, further comprising: a second hydraulic system configured to extend and retract a push arm assembly to move the trailing end of the wing plow assembly laterally relative to the vehicle body; and a third hydraulic system configured to move the push arm assembly and the trailing end of the wing plow assembly in the vertical direction.

15. The wing plow system of claim 14, further comprising: a fourth hydraulic system configured to move the leading end of the wing plow assembly in the vertical direction.

16. The wing plow system of claim 15, wherein a plurality of the first, second, third, and fourth hydraulic systems are independently controlled.

17. The wing plow system of claim 1, wherein the wing plow assembly is at least approximately 22 feet long when in the extended configuration.

18. The wing plow system of claim 1, further comprising: a support cart including a first support structure that receives the wing plow assembly and a second support structure that receives push arm assembly of the wing plow system, to simultaneously support and transport the wing plow assembly and the push arm assembly.

19. A wing plow assembly for a wing plow system, the wing plow assembly comprising: a first moldboard extending between a first leading end and a first trailing end, the first moldboard extending from a leading end of the wing plow assembly; and a second moldboard extending between a second leading end and a second trailing end, the second trailing end extending to a trailing end of the wing plow assembly, the second moldboard being supported by and slidable relative to the first moldboard between an extended position and a retracted position to move the wing plow assembly between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

20. A method of operating a wing plow system for a vehicle having a vehicle body, the method comprising: with a leading moldboard assembly of a wing plow assembly supporting a trailing moldboard assembly of the wing plow assembly, sliding a moldboard of the trailing moldboard assembly relative to a moldboard of the leading moldboard assembly to selectively: move the wing plow assembly to a retracted configuration by sliding the moldboard of the trailing moldboard assembly to a retracted position; or move the wing plow assembly to an extended configuration by sliding the moldboard of the trailing moldboard assembly to an extended position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top front axonometric view of a vehicle and plow system according to an example of the disclosed technology, with the plow system in an extended position.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top front axonometric view of the vehicle and plow system of FIG. 1 with a push arm of the plow system in a retracted position and a moldboard assembly of the plow system in an extended position.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top front axonometric view of the vehicle and plow system of FIG. 1, with the push arm in the extended position and the moldboard assembly in a retracted position.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a top front axonometric view of the vehicle and plow system of FIG. 1, with the push arm and the moldboard assembly in the retracted position.

[0013] FIGS. 5 and 6 are top axonometric views of the vehicle and plow system of FIG. 1 with the plow system in a stowed position.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the vehicle and plow system of FIG. 1 illustrating example dimensions of the plow system and an associated clearing path.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a top view of the vehicle and plow system of FIG. 1 with the plow system in the extended position.

[0016] FIGS. 9A and 9B are axonometric and normal cross-sectional views taken at IX-IX of FIG. 8.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a rear axonometric view of the vehicle and plow system of FIG. 1 with the plow system in the extended position.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a first coupling arrangement, for the push arm and the vehicle.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a second coupling arrangement, for the moldboard and the push arm.

[0020] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a hinge assembly of the second coupling arrangement of FIG. 12.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a third coupling arrangement, for the moldboard and the vehicle, in a first orientation.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the third coupling arrangement of FIG. 14 in a second orientation.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the third coupling arrangement of FIG. 15 taken at XVI-XVI of FIG. 15.

[0024] FIGS. 17A and 17B are front and rear isometric views of a plow cart supporting the plow system of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIGS. 18A and 18B are front are rear isometric views of the plow cart of FIGS. 17A and 17B, without the plow system of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 19 is a detail view of area XIV of FIG. 18B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated with reference to example arrangements. These concepts, however, are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components in the illustrative examples and are capable of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this document is used for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as including, comprising, and having and variations thereof as used herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

[0028] The plow systems and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms. Accordingly, although several specific examples are discussed herein to exemplify principles of the disclosed technology, the disclosed technology is not intended to be limited to the examples illustrated.

[0029] As briefly described above, plow systems can be used in a variety of applications, including for removing snow from roads, shoulders of roads, and other driving surfaces. It can be generally useful to clear material, including snow, from one more highway lanes and a highway shoulder simultaneously with a single vehicle (or other similarly wide clearing paths, in other contexts).

[0030] Some conventional methods for clearing snowy roadways can include a multi-truck setup, in which two or more vehicles drive in series or parallel to clear multiple lanes and shoulders of a highway. Such multi-truck setups can be generally resource-inefficient, as they require multiple vehicles to clear one roadway per pass. Further, execution of multi-vehicle driving operations inherently introduces increased complexity in both management and operations.

[0031] More particularly, conventional wing plow trucks may provide a relatively narrow clearing path for plowing operations (e.g., a clearing path that is 15 feet wide or less). Consistent with the discussion above, this width generally corresponds to the ability to simultaneously clear only one highway lane and, at best, a portion of a highway shoulder.

[0032] Furthermore, some wing plow trucks require a relatively long truck chassis to mount and support the plow wing. For example, some conventional wing plow trucks may require a vehicle body length that is approximately 90%-110% of the length of the supported wing. This can correspond to larger, more expensive, and less convenient vehicles. For example, conventional wing plow trucks with an approximately 21-foot wing length may require a vehicle body with a 21-foot length (or longer). This may place corresponding limitations and requirements on fleet operations, with generally negative impact on economic and technical feasibility of operating with particular plowing arrangements.

[0033] Embodiments of the disclosed technology can address these and other drawbacks of conventional vehicles and plow systems, in particular relative to conventional plow wings. For example, embodiments of the disclosed technology can provide a plow system having an extendable and retractable wing plow (e.g., with a slidingly extendable and retractable wing moldboard). Thus, in contrast to conventional plowing vehicles, vehicles equipped with examples of the plow systems described herein may be equipped individually clear multiple lanes of a highway (or a combination of lane(s) and shoulder) as the vehicles drive down the highway. For example, a vehicle equipped with the retractable moldboard can be configured to clear two lanes and a shoulder of a highway in a single pass with the moldboard extended. In some particular examples, a vehicle equipped with the retractable moldboard can provide approximately a 27-foot total clearing path (as compared to 15 feet or less for conventional systems). Further, adaptable lengths can be provided for particular needs. For example, a wing plow may provide a plowing profile approximately 22 feet long in an extended position and approximately 18 feet long in a retracted position (e.g., with a main moldboard having a plowing edge with an 18-foot length, and an extendable moldboard providing an additional, aligned plowing edge with a 4-foot maximum-extension length).

[0034] Further, in some implementations, moldboards according to embodiments of the disclosed technology may be retracted to be shorter than conventional moldboards (e.g., wing plows). Accordingly, moldboards according to the disclosed technology can be mounted on a relatively small truck body, as compared to conventional plow systems with similar total plowing capability (e.g., plowing-edge length). For example, the plow system according to embodiments of the disclosed technology may be extendable to approximately 22 feet (or more) at maximum length, and still be mountable on vehicle bodies of approximately 12-foot to approximately 18-foot length.

[0035] According to embodiments of the disclosed technology, a vehicle equipped with a plow system having an extendable moldboard can provide a wing clearing path that can be adjustable to adapt to different roadways having different widths or plowing requirements. In some examples, when retracted, the vehicle and plow system can fit within a single roadway lane. Furthermore, plow systems according to embodiments of the disclosed technology can include mechanisms that allow the plow to clear roadway obstacles and prevent system overload, including variously configured relief valves and shear points.

[0036] Thus, embodiments of the disclosed technology can advantageously include a plow system configured to provide a wider snow clearing path as compared to conventional plow systems. Additionally, embodiments of the disclosed technology can provide a plow system configured to be mounted on smaller (e.g., shorter) vehicle bodies as compared to conventional snowplow vehicles, which can reduce overall vehicle size and costs.

[0037] With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1-6 show a vehicle 100 and plow system 102 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, in various example configurations. FIG. 1 shows the plow system 102 in an extended (e.g., fully extended) position. In particular, as shown, the plow system 102 includes a push arm assembly 104 and a moldboard assembly 106, both of which are also in extended (e.g., fully extended) positions.

[0038] As shown, the moldboard assembly 106 is configured as an extendable plow wing for the vehicle 100 (i.e., generally, as an extendable wing plow assembly). In the example shown, the moldboard assembly 106 includes a first moldboard 108 and a second moldboard 110. The second moldboard 110 is configured to extend relative to the first moldboard 108, to move between a retracted and an extended position to move the assembly 106 between retracted and extended configurations. For example, as further discussed below, the second moldboard 110 can be slidably supported relative to the first moldboard 108, and can be actuated accordingly for movement relative to the first moldboard 108. In this regard, in general, each of the push arm assembly 104 and the moldboard assembly 106 can include telescoping structures that provide robust support for expected loading, as well as extension and retraction. (As used herein, slidable support indicates support of a second component relative to a first component so that the second component can translate along a sliding direction relative to the first component. Correspondingly, some interfaces for sliding movement between components can include rolling support members that facilitate relative translation of the components, without the rolling support members themselves necessarily sliding on a relevant support surface.) The moldboard assembly 106 can generally define a leading or toe end 116 at a proximal end of the first moldboard 108, closest to a front connection point with the vehicle 100. A trailing or heel end 114 can be defined at a distal end of the first or second moldboard 108, 110, farthest from the front connection point with the vehicle 100.

[0039] The push arm assembly 104 is secured to the vehicle body of the vehicle 100 via a first coupling arrangement 120 and secured to the moldboard assembly 106 (e.g., at the trailing end 114) via a second coupling arrangement 122 (e.g., see FIG. 5). The leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106 is secured to the vehicle 100 via a third coupling arrangement 124. Examples of each of the coupling arrangements 120, 122, 124 will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 10-16. In general, the coupling arrangements 120, 122, 124 include hydraulic systems or other actuators, generally configured as known types of extender assemblies that can extend and retract under power, as well as hinges or other pivoting connections that allow the moldboard assembly 106 to be moved between extended, retracted, and stowed positions relative to the vehicle 100. Examples in this regard are discussed below, some of which are particularly beneficial for some implementations. However, other (e.g., generally known) coupling arrangements or extender assemblies for single-and multi-axis pivotable support of plow assemblies can be used in other examples.

[0040] As noted above, the configuration of the plow system 102 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to a fully extended position where the push arm assembly 104 is in a fully extended position and the moldboard assembly 106 is in a fully extended position. However, other lengths or relative extendibility of push arms and moldboards may be used, which may correspond to other configurations of extended or retracted positions and thereby provide varied geometries of the overall plow system and a clearing path thereof. In some embodiments, the push arm assembly 104 forms a substantially perpendicular angle with the moldboard assembly 106 (e.g., the second moldboard 110) when the plow system 102 is in a fully extended (e.g., plowing) configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). Thus, the push arm assembly 104 may be arranged to optimally support the moldboard assembly 106 against loading during plowing operations.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows the plow system 102 with the push arm assembly 104 in a retracted position (e.g., a fully retracted position). That is, the push arm assembly 104 has been retracted compared to the position shown in FIG. 1 so that the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106 is moved laterally closer to the vehicle 100. Further, in the example shown, the moldboard assembly 106 remains in a fully extended position. In some examples, the position shown in FIG. 2 can correspond to an intermediate position of the plow system 102 as the plow system is moved between a stowed position and a fully extended position. Alternatively, the position in FIG. 2 can correspond to a laterally retracted plowing position of the plow system 102, to narrow the clearing path of the plow system 102 (e.g., for use on narrowed roadways).

[0042] FIG. 3 shows the plow system 102 with the push arm assembly 104 in the extended position and the moldboard assembly 106 in a retracted position. In the orientation shown in FIG. 3, the push arm assembly 104 may be at a fully extended position so that the push arm assembly 104 generally forms a 90-degree angle with the moldboard assembly 106 (e.g., as measured at a junction with the second moldboard 110). Similar to the orientation shown in FIG. 2, the orientation shown in FIG. 3 may be an active plowing position (e.g., for use on a road without a shoulder). Further, plowing operations can also be conducted with the plow system 102 at an extension between the lengths shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. (e.g., corresponding to intermediate extension positions of the plow system 102).

[0043] FIG. 4 shows the plow system 102 with the push arm assembly 104 in a retracted position and the moldboard assembly 106 in a retracted position. In the orientation shown, the push arm assembly generally forms an angle with the moldboard assembly 106 that is less than 90 degrees. The position of the plow system 102 shown in FIG. 4 can correspond with the push arm assembly 104 being in a fully retracted position and the moldboard assembly 106 being in a fully retracted position (e.g., with respect to their telescoping mechanisms). Like some of the positions described above, the position of the plow system 102 of FIG. 4 can correspond to an intermediate position of the plow system 102 between plowing and stowed positions, or can correspond to a plowing position with a significantly narrowed clearing path.

[0044] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the plow system 102 in an example stowed system according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. In the stowed position, both the push arm assembly 104 and the moldboard assembly 106 are in fully retracted positions, similar to the positions shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, in the stowed position of the example of FIG. 6, the trailing end 114 and the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106 are both raised in a vertical direction (e.g., the z-direction, as shown) relative to a road surface (e.g., raised fully vertically, or with a vertical component to a lifting movement). For example, as also detailed below, an actuator at the first coupling arrangement 120 can be controlled to raise the trailing end 114 and an actuator at the third coupling arrangement 124 can be controlled to raise the leading end 116. In the stowed position, the plow system 102 is generally arranged to not plow or otherwise contact a road or road material (e.g., snow on the road). Thus, the stowed position can generally be used when the vehicle 100 is driving to or from work zones or is otherwise not expected to plow snow (or other material) during travel.

[0045] In general, to promote vehicle drivability and visibility, it may be useful to ensure that the length of a moldboard that extends beyond (e.g., behind) a vehicle is a relatively small fraction of the entire length of the moldboard. For example, less than 30% of the length of a moldboard may extend behind a vehicle in some implementations. In this regard, longer moldboards or plows often require long vehicle bodies, as also discussed above. Advantageously, the moldboard assembly 106 according to the disclosed technology is retractable, and thus defines a shortened length when retracted (e.g., and also stowed) as compared to some conventional moldboards. Accordingly, the chassis or vehicle body of the vehicle 100 can be shorter than conventional vehicles that support conventional moldboards.

[0046] The position of the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106 in the stowed position can be arranged to promote favorable visibility for a driver of the vehicle 100 and allow the vehicle 100 to fit in a single lane of a highway or roadway. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the stowed position, the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106 can extend only to, or a relatively short distance past, a back of the vehicle (i.e., rearward in the y-direction, as shown). Further, the moldboard assembly 106 overall extends in a direction that angles inwardly from the leading end 116, thus providing a profile that tapers toward the centerline of the vehicle 100. Additionally, the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106 is raised relative to a road surface (e.g., in the z-direction, as shown). Thus, overall, moldboard assembly 106 may provide a high degree of visibility for drivers when stowed while providing easy transport between plowing locations.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the vehicle 100 and plow system 102 illustrating an example clearing path. As shown, the vehicle 100 is equipped with the plow system 102 and a front plow 130. In general, a total clearing path (TCP) of a snowplow indicates the width, transverse to road lanes, that a snowplow can clear in a single pass. For example, in the illustrated schematic, the TCP of the vehicle 100 with the plow system 102 and the front plow 130 is shown as extending across two lanes 132 and a shoulder 134 of the schematic roadway 136 of FIG. 7. In this example, the TCP is a sum of a front clearing path (FCP) of the front plow 130 and a wing clearing path (WCP) of the plow system 102, minus the overlap of the FCP and the WCP in the lateral direction.

[0048] By way of example, a front plow 130 having an approximate length (L.sub.FP) of 14 feet can provide approximately a 12-foot FCP (e.g., 11 ft., 9 in.). Further, the moldboard assembly 106 of the plow system 102, for example, can provide a WCP of over 16 feet (e.g., 16 ft., 6 in.), which may correspond to a total wing plow length (L.sub.WP) of up to approximately 22 feet at a rated deployment angle (e.g., with full extension of the push arm assembly 104). Accordingly, the total clearing path (TCP) can be up to approximately 27 feet (e.g., 26 ft., 6 in.). Thus, in some examples, the vehicle 100 configured as shown can clear an approximately 27 foot wide path when plowing (e.g., corresponding to two roadway lanes and a roadway shoulder). In some examples, with continued reference to FIG. 7, L.sub.WP may be adjustable between 18 feet and 22 feet. Correspondingly, WCP may be adjustable between less than 8 feet (e.g., 7 ft, 7 in.) to longer than 16 feet (e.g., 16 feet, 6 in.) and TCP may be adjustable between less than 18 feet (e.g., 17 ft., 11 in.) and more than 26 feet (e.g., 26 ft., 6 in.), assuming an FCP of approximately 12 ft. (e.g., 11 ft., 9 in.). In other examples, other dimensions of plow equipment and corresponding scales of various clearing paths are possible.

[0049] With reference now to FIGS. 8-16 example aspects of the sliding support arrangement of the plow system 102 and various coupling arrangements are discussed. To begin, FIG. 8 shows a top view of the vehicle 100 equipped with the plow system 102. As described above, the plow system 102 includes the moldboard assembly 106, and the first, second, and third coupling arrangements 120, 122, 124. Further, the moldboard assembly 106 includes the first moldboard 108 and the second moldboard 110. The second moldboard 110 can be configured as an extension of the moldboard assembly 106 and is configured to slide relative to the first moldboard 108 (i.e., is slidably supported by the first moldboard, as discussed above).

[0050] Of note, in the example configuration of FIG. 8 (and others), support wheels and corresponding bracket structures are included on the plow system 102, such as can be used to further support the plow system 102 (e.g., to remove weight from the cutting edge of the moldboard assembly 106 during plowing, with the wheels not used when the plow system 102 is stowed). In different examples, different numbers or configurations of support wheels can be included (e.g., with two or three support wheels along the length of the moldboard assembly 106 as shown, respectively, in FIG. 8 and FIG. 17B, along with corresponding support brackets or other support structure (e.g., a structural brace, as shown for the central support wheel in FIG. 17B).

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second moldboard 110 can slide relative to the first moldboard 108 via a slide system 144 (e.g., a boxway slide system, as shown). For example, flanges 146 of the first moldboard 108 can extend into a track 148 of the second moldboard 110 to slidingly couple the first and second moldboards 108, 110. In the illustrated example, the flanges 146 extend in opposite directions from a central support structure of the second moldboard 110, and the flanges 146 are correspondingly received into grooves 150 that face toward each other on opposite sides of a (common) central channel of the track 148. Thus, for example, the second moldboard 110 can be securely supported relative to a variety of forces, including during transient loading of the slide system 144 in response to torsional movements of the moldboard assembly 106 (e.g., due to impacts with road surfaces or debris). In other examples, however, other tracked arrangements can be provided (e.g., with flanges extending toward each other, to extend into respective grooves that open in opposite directions, with the flanges 146 on the second moldboard 110 and the track 18 on the first moldboard 108, etc.).

[0052] In some examples, rollers or other bearing members can be provided to facilitate easier and more reliable sliding movement of the first moldboard. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, in particular, bearing elements 180 can be captured in the slide system 144 to rollingly (or otherwise) support the second moldboard 110 relative to the first moldboard 108. In particular, the illustrated example includes the bearing elements 180 as a set of opposed rollers that can support the second moldboard 110 in opposite directions (e.g., both substantially vertically, as shown) for particularly robust and dependable sliding support. Although not shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the bearing elements 180 can be distributed along a length of the second moldboard 110, to provide distributed support for the sliding movement of the second moldboard 110.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 9B and 10, the boxway slide system 144 can also include or be engaged with a moldboard hydraulic system 152 (e.g., a first hydraulic system of the plow system 102) to facilitate the extension and retraction of the second moldboard 110. In general, the moldboard hydraulic system 152 (or other extender assembly) can thus be powered to extend or retract the second moldboard 110 relative to the first moldboard 108, as needed. In some examples, a support structure of the second moldboard 110 can be configured to at least partially receive a moldboard extender assembly when retracted. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 in particular, support plates or other structures on a back side of the second moldboard 110 can define a passage 182 (e.g., a set of aligned cutouts, as shown). Accordingly, with the moldboard hydraulic system 152 secured at opposing ends to the first and second moldboards 108, 110, respectively, an extender assembly (e.g., hydraulic ram) of the system 152 can extend into the passage 182. Further, with movement of the second moldboard 110 in a retraction direction 204, via retraction of the extender assembly of the system 152, the extender assembly can be further nested into the second moldboard assembly 110 along the passage 182 (see, e.g., FIG. 17B).

[0054] To align the moldboard assembly 106 for full-width use, the push arm assembly 104 can extend and pivot to move the second moldboard 110 laterally away from the vehicle 100, including with corresponding (e.g., previous or simultaneous) extension movement of the second moldboard 110. Further, a reversed movement can then return the moldboard assembly 106 toward the vehicle 100 (e.g., to be stowed, as discussed above).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 10, the push arm assembly 104 can include an arm hydraulic system 154 (e.g., a second hydraulic system of the plow system 102). The arm hydraulic system 154 (or other extender assembly) can be configured to extend and retract the push arm assembly 104, and thus generally move the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106 in a lateral direction along with corresponding front-to-back pivoting (e.g., as shown, relative to an x-y frame, where the x-direction generally represents the direction of the width of the vehicle 100 and is transverse to a roadway lane or driving direction and the y-direction generally represents the direction of the length of the vehicle 100 and is parallel to a roadway lane or driving direction). In the example shown, the arm hydraulic system 154 includes a hydraulic cylinder supported below a telescoping beam 206 of the push arm assembly 104. Thus, for example, the arm hydraulic system 154 can provide axial (i.e., extension and retraction) force, while the telescoping beam 206 can provide additional support, particularly relative to transverse loading (e.g., and thus can protect the arm hydraulic system 154 from damages). In other examples, however, other extension arrangements can be employed (e.g., with different powered extender assemblies, different telescoping supports, etc.).

[0056] In addition to the arm hydraulic system 154, the push arm assembly 104 can be maneuvered by a rear lift hydraulic system 156 (e.g., a third hydraulic system of the plow system 102). The rear lift hydraulic system 156 (or other extender assembly), is disposed adjacent to the first coupling system 120 in the illustrated example, and can be configured to raise and lower the push arm assembly 104. Thus, for example, the rear lift hydraulic system can move the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106, in the vertical direction (e.g., the z-direction, as shown). For example, to reach the stowed position (see, e.g., FIG. 6), the rear lift hydraulic system 156 can lift the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106 off the road surface. In contrast, to reach a plowing position (see, e.g., FIG. 3), the rear lift hydraulic system 156 can lower the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106 so the moldboard assembly 106 can plow a roadway.

[0057] In different examples, different linkage structures can be used, including to adjust relative orientation or mechanical advantage of particular actuators or linkage members. For example, in the alternate configuration shown in FIG. 17B, the first coupling system 120 can support the rear lift hydraulic system 156 at a larger vertical offset relative to (and above) a pinned connection to the vehicle (e.g., at a pin of a hinge 160).

[0058] The plow system 102 can also include a leading-end hydraulic system 158 (e.g., a fourth hydraulic system) at the third coupling arrangement 124. The leading-end hydraulic system 158 (or other extend assembly) can be configured to raise and lower the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106. For example, to reach the stowed position (see, e.g., FIG. 6), the leading-end hydraulic system 158 can lift the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106 away from the road surface. In contrast, to reach a plowing position, the leading-end hydraulic system 158 can lower the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106 toward the roadway.

[0059] In some embodiments, each of the hydraulic systems 152, 154, 156, 158 may be independently controllable. For example, an operator in the vehicle 100 may be able to independently extend or retract the push arm assembly 104, extend or retract the moldboard assembly 106, lift or lower the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106, or lift or lower the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the plow system 102 can include one or more valves, including sequence valves, that can parallelly or sequentially control one or more of the hydraulic systems 152, 154, 156, 158. For example, the operator may be able to use a single command or control instruction to operate one or more of the hydraulic systems 152, 154, 156, 158. That is, in one example, the operator may move the moldboard assembly 106 from a plowing position to a stowed position with a single control command that activates each of the hydraulic systems 152, 154, 156, 158 (e.g., sequentially, or in parallel, in various combinations). Similarly, in some examples, one or more of the hydraulic systems 152, 154, 156, 158 can operate automatically in response to commands for (or operation of) another of the hydraulic systems 152, 154, 156, 158. For example, with the push arm assembly 104 secured to the second moldboard 110, extension or retraction of the arm hydraulic system 154 may correspond to automatic extension or retraction of the moldboard hydraulic system 152, or vice versa (e.g., as accomplished via a common valve block or other control system configuration).

[0060] FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of the first coupling arrangement 120 and the rear lift hydraulic system 156. The first coupling arrangement 120 includes a first pivoting connection configured as the hinge 160, having a hinge axis that extends in a vertical direction (e.g., the z-direction, as shown). The vertical orientation of the hinge 160 can allow one end of the push arm assembly 104 to pivot horizontally relative to the body of the vehicle 100. For example, the vertical configuration of the hinge 160 may be useful when the push arm assembly 104 is extending or retracting to move the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106 farther or closer to the vehicle 100.

[0061] The first coupling arrangement 120 also includes a second hinge assembly configured as a rear hinge linkage 162 having first, second, and third pivot axes. As shown, the rear hinge linkage 162 includes the rear lift hydraulic system 156. In particular, in the illustrated example, a first pivot axis is provided between the rear lift hydraulic system 156 and the hinge 160, and a second pivot axis is provided between the rear lift hydraulic system 156 and the telescoping beam 206 of the push arm assembly 104 that supports the arm hydraulic system 154. A third axis is provided between the telescoping beam of the push arm assembly 104 and the hinge 160. Thus, for example, the rear hinge linkage 162 is configured to allow the push arm assembly 104 to pivot about a horizontal axis to allow the rear lift hydraulic system 156 to lift or lower the push arm assembly 104 relative to the roadway, and also to pivot about a vertical axis to allow the arm hydraulic system 154 to extend or retract to adjust the plow system 102 laterally relative to the body of the vehicle 100.

[0062] FIGS. 12 and 13 show the second coupling arrangement 122. In particular, in the illustrated example, the second coupling arrangement 122 includes a trailing-end hinge 168. The trailing-end hinge 168 defines a pivot axis that extends in the vertical direction and allows the moldboard assembly 106 to pivot relative to the push arm assembly 104. The trailing-end hinge 168 includes a pivot bolt and a support bracket 170. Further, in the illustrated example, the support bracket 170 can be a hinge bracket that defines a further pivot axis (e.g., a horizontal axis) to accommodate transverse (e.g., vertical) movement of the moldboard assembly 106.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 13, the bracket 170 is configured to be secured to a mount plug 172. In use, the mount plug extends through the second moldboard 110 from a front side of an anchor plate of the second moldboard 110 (i.e., a plowing side) to a back side of the second moldboard 110. The mount plug 172 includes a base 174 extending from a flange 176. In use, the flange 176 engages the front side of the mounting plate of the second moldboard 110 and the base 174 extends through an opening 178 in the second moldboard 110 to engage the bracket 170. Such an arrangement can provide an easily manufacturable and relatively secure connection between the push arm assembly 104 and the moldboard assembly 106, although other approaches are also possible.

[0064] FIGS. 14-16 show the third coupling arrangement 124. The third coupling arrangement 124 includes the leading-end hydraulic system 158, a front hinge linkage 184, a mount plate 186, and a mount plate hinge 188. In general, the front hinge linkage 184 is configured to raise and lower the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106 relative to the ground via the leading-end hydraulic system 158. The mount plate 186 is configured to be secured to the moldboard assembly 106 at the first moldboard 108. The mount plate hinge 188 has a vertical pivot axis and allows the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106 to pivot horizontally as the push arm assembly 104 extends or retracts the trailing end 114 of the moldboard assembly 106.

[0065] The front hinge linkage 184 includes trailing links 192 that generally extend in the y-direction (e.g., opposite the direction of travel of the vehicle 100) between a front arm 194 and a support arm 196. The front hinge linkage 184 also includes a hydraulic ram 198 of the leading-end hydraulic system 158. The front arm 194 is pivotably coupled to the trailing links 192 at a first pivot axis 200A and a second pivot axis 200B. The support arm 196 is pivotably coupled to the trailing links 192 at a third pivot axis 200C and a fourth pivot axis 200D and supports the mount plate 186.

[0066] The first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes 200A-D are spaced and parallel to each other so that when the vehicle 100 drives in a forward (e.g. straight and forward in the y-direction), the third and fourth pivot axes 200C, 200D trail behind the first and second pivot axes 200A, 200B. During a plowing operation, this arrangement of the axes 200A-D of the front hinge linkage 184 allows the moldboard assembly 106, as supported by the mount plate 186 via the support arm 196, to move smoothly over road debris or other obstacles.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the ram 198 of the leading-end hydraulic system can be used to raise (and lower) the third and fourth pivot axes 200C, 200D in the vertical direction (i.e., the z-direction) to lift the support arm 196, and thereby lift the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly. The leading-end hydraulic system 158 may lift the leading end 116 of the moldboard assembly 106, for example, when the moldboard assembly 106 is moved to a stowed position.

[0068] Some examples can further (or alternatively) include a support cart that can be used to support and transport part or all of the plow system 102. In some examples, a support cart can include dedicated support structures for particular sub-assemblies of the plow system 102 (e.g., for the moldboard assembly 106, alone or in combination with other components).

[0069] In the example of FIGS. 17A-19, a cart 400 can include a support chassis 402 with wheels 404 for support and transport of the plow system 102. In particular, the illustrated configuration includes a chassis frame of rectangular tubing, with openings 406 to receive forks (e.g., for alternate transport), and a front towing structure 408 (e.g., a chain mount, mounting tube for a trailer hitch, etc.). In the example shown, the wheels 404 are caster wheels and can be adjusted in height as needed, including independently of each other, which may be helpful to align the plow system 102 with a vehicle during installation. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a locking mechanism 410 can secure one or more sets of the wheels 404 in a particular orientation (e.g., to secure the rear wheels 404 in a forward-rearward orientation, as shown). The locking mechanism 410 can include a tie rod, as shown, or various other anchoring structures (e.g., biased detents, cotter-pin arrangements, etc.).

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 17A-18B, a support structure for the moldboard assembly 106 can include a channel 420 on the support chassis 402. In the example shown, multiple separate channel structures 422 provide a discontinuous elongate profile for the channel 420, to receive and support a plowing edge of the moldboard assembly 106 (e.g., with the moldboard assembly 106 fully retracted, as shown). As well as generally supporting the moldboard assembly 106 at a horizontal reference frame, the channel 420 can help to provide appropriate alignment during loading of the moldboard assembly 106 onto the cart 400 (e.g., to ensure alignment with other support structures, as further detailed below).

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 17B-18B in particular, some configurations of the support chassis 402 can include support plates 412, which can provide further support at corresponding support wheels of the moldboard assembly 106. However, other examples may not include similar plates, and the cart 400 can generally support the moldboard assembly 106 at the channel 420 whether or not support wheels are included on the moldboard assembly 106. Generally, in such a configuration, other structures on the cart can then further support the moldboard assembly 106 (e.g., ratchet jacks or other adjustable supports as discussed below).

[0072] In some examples, as noted above, adjustable support structures can be provided. For example, referring to FIG. 17B in particular, with the moldboard assembly 106 supported at the channel 420, rear mounting points on the moldboard assembly 106 can be aligned with adjustable supports on the support chassis 402. In the illustrated example, ratchet jacks 414 that can further secure and support the moldboard assembly 106 relative to the support chassis 402.

[0073] In some examples, one or more separate support structures can be provided to secure and support a push arm assembly relative to the cart 400. In some examples, such support structures can support the push arm assembly independently from the corresponding moldboard assembly (e.g., with the push arm assembly fully disconnected from the moldboard assembly), although some carts may be configured to support the moldboard assembly 106 with the push arm assembly 106 still secured thereto.

[0074] In particular, as shown in FIGS. 17B-18B, the support chassis 402 can further support a cradle 430 and a tower structure 432 configured to secure and support the push arm assembly 104, with the push arm assembly disconnected from the moldboard assembly 106. As shown in FIG. 17B, a distal end of the hydraulic system 154 and the beam 206 can be supported on the cradle 430, and the pin of the hinge 160 can secure the coupling arrangement 120 to the tower structure 432. As also shown in FIG. 17B, the second coupling arrangement can also be partly separated, with the base of the hinge bracket 170 remaining secured to the second moldboard 110. Thus, the push arm assembly 104 can be relatively easily separated from the moldboard assembly 106 and the relevant vehicle and then secured to the cart 400, and can conversely be relatively easily separated from the cart 400 and re-attached to the moldboard assembly 106 and the relevant vehicle (e.g., in each case, via removal/installation of two, simple, pinned connections).

[0075] As noted above, the figures within this disclosure are by way of examples, and features described herein or others may be used to produce the same or similar advantageous increased clearing paths compared to conventional plow systems. Thus, examples of the disclosed technology can provide an improvement over conventional systems and methods for plowing roadways and other driving surfaces. The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed technology. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed technology. Thus, the disclosed technology is not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms about and approximately, as used herein with respect to a reference value, refer to variations from the reference value of 15% or less, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. Similarly, the term substantially, as used herein with respect to a reference value, refers to variations from the reference value of 5% or less, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. In particular, unless otherwise specified or limited, substantially parallel indicates a direction that is within 12 degrees of a reference direction (e.g., within 6 degrees or 3 degrees), inclusive. Similarly, unless otherwise specified or limited, substantially perpendicular similarly indicates a direction that is within 12 degrees of perpendicular to a reference direction (e.g., within 6 degrees or 3 degrees), inclusive. Correspondingly, substantially vertical indicates a direction that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction, as defined relative to the reference system (e.g., a local direction of gravity, by default), with a similarly derived meaning for substantially horizontal (relative to the horizontal direction). Discussion of directions transverse to a reference direction indicate directions that are not substantially parallel to the reference direction. Correspondingly, some transverse directions may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the relevant reference direction.

[0076] As used herein in the context of a vehicle chassis, unless otherwise defined or limited, the term lateral refers to a direction that extends at least partly to a left or a right side of a front-to-back reference line defined by the vehicle chassis (e.g., is transverse or perpendicular to the front-to-back reference line). Accordingly, for example, a lateral movement of a plow may move the plow closer to or farther from a front-to-back centerline of a vehicle chassis that supports the plow.

[0077] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, or indicates a non-exclusive list of components or operations that can be present in any variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of components that can be present only as alternatives to each other. For example, a list of A, B, or C indicates options of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term or as used herein is intended to indicate exclusive alternatives only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, including either, one of, only one of, or exactly one of. For example, a list of one of A, B, or C indicates options of: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. A list preceded by one or more (and variations thereon) and including or to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases one or more of A, B, or C and at least one of A, B, or C indicate options of: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more of A, one or more of B, and one or more of C. Similarly, a list preceded by a plurality of (and variations thereon) and including or to separate listed elements indicates options of multiple instances of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases a plurality of A, B, or C and two or more of A, B, or Cindicate options of: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C.

[0078] In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized, manufactured, installed, etc. using methods embodying aspects of the disclosed technology. Correspondingly, any description herein of particular features, capabilities, or intended purposes of a device or system is generally intended to include disclosure of a method of using such devices for the intended purposes, of a method of otherwise implementing such capabilities, of a method of manufacturing relevant components of such a device or system (or the device or system as a whole), and of a method of installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support such purposes or capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, discussion herein of any method of manufacturing or using for a particular device or system, including installing the device or system, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as examples of the disclosed technology, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

[0079] Also as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples or to indicate spatial relationships relative to particular other components or context, but are not intended to indicate absolute orientation. For example, references to downward, forward, or other directions, or to top, rear, or other positions (or features) may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations.

[0080] Similarly, unless otherwise specifically indicated, ordinal numbers are used herein for convenience of reference, based generally on the order in which particular components are presented in the relevant part of the disclosure. In this regard, for example, designations including first, second, etc., generally indicate only the order in which a thus-labeled component is introduced for discussion and generally do not indicate or require a particular spatial, functional, temporal, or structural primacy or order. Relatedly, similar or identical components may be referred to with different ordinal numbers in different contexts.

[0081] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, configured to indicates that a component, system, or module is particularly adapted for the associated functionality. Thus, for example, a ZZ configured to YY is specifically adapted to YY, as opposed to merely being generally capable of doing so.

[0082] Although the presently disclosed technology has been described with reference to preferred examples, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail to the disclosed examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the concepts discussed herein.