Stabilized float mechanism for material-moving implement

a float mechanism and implement technology, applied in snow cleaning, way cleaning, construction, etc., can solve the problems of unsatisfactory stability under some operating conditions, undesirable degree of pitching of the implement, etc., to reduce the bending moments of the pivot bracket, reduce the likelihood of binding, and reduce the likelihood of wear

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-10-28
RALPH L OSGOOD
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides enhanced stability and reduced wear by maintaining the implement's motion within a vertical plane, preventing unintended pitching and bending, thus improving the overall stability and durability of the attachment system.

Problems solved by technology

While the float mechanism taught in the '643 publication offers a significant improvement over earlier implement mounting structures, it has been found to suffer from limited stability under some operating conditions.
When mounted to a wheeled vehicle having relatively low-pressure tires, it has been found the bouncing of such vehicles over relatively uneven surfaces results in an undesirable degree of pitching of the implement due to the free play in the float mechanism.

Method used

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  • Stabilized float mechanism for material-moving implement
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  • Stabilized float mechanism for material-moving implement

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0021]FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a float mechanism 10 that is designed for supporting a material moving implement such as a snowplow 12 to allow the snowplow 12 to move freely to traverse uneven ground surfaces while being supported on a vehicle (not shown). The float mechanism 10 has a fixed frame 14 that is affixed to the snowplow12, and can be made an integral part thereof. The float mechanism 10 also has a mounting frame 16 that is connected to the fixed frame 14 by a pivot bracket 18. The mounting frame 16 in turn has a pair of substantially vertical supports 20 that are configured to releasably engage a conventional instant transfer connector on the vehicle, such as the instant transfer provided by Caterpillar Inc.

[0022]The fixed frame 14 has a pivot shaft 22 that extends along a pivot axis 24. The pivot axis 24 is substantially horizontal when the float mechanism is in service, and extends in the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the float mechanism 10, the pivot shaft 22 is m...

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PUM

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Abstract

A float mechanism for movably attaching an implement to a vehicle has a mounting frame that connects onto the vehicle and a fixed frame that affixes to the implement. A pivot bracket pivotally attaches to one of the frames and is slidably connected to the other to accommodate a limited degree of translational motion. The pivot bracket can slidably connect to the frame by a pair of guides in combination with a pair of sleeves. Rotational motion between the fixed frame and the mounting frame can be limited by slots in one of the frames that are slidably engaged by a stabilizing element on the other frame. When the stabilizing element is a horizontal bar, it can engage a pair of vertical slots. To optionally eliminate the free motion between the frames, movable blocks can be employed to limit the motion of each stabilizing element in its slot.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a mechanism for attaching an implement such as a snowplow onto a vehicle while allowing some free motion of the implement in service.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Float mechanisms are employed for mounting material-moving implements such as loader buckets and snowplows onto vehicles. The float mechanism allows a limited degree of free motion of the implement, allowing it to accommodate uneven terrain surfaces. Preferably, the float mechanism is designed to attach to an instant transfer connector on the vehicle to allow the implement, with the float mechanism attached thereto, to be readily removed for transportation, use on a different vehicle, or to free the vehicle for other uses. One such float mechanism is taught in U.S. Publication 2008 / 0028643.[0003]While the float mechanism taught in the '643 publication offers a significant improvement over earlier implement mounting structures, it has been found to suffer from ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E01H5/06E02F3/627E02F3/815
CPCE01H5/066E02F3/3681E02F3/3604
InventorOSGOOD, KEVIN R.
OwnerRALPH L OSGOOD