Snow wing liner of automatic land leveler

Abstract

A snow wing assembly includes a snow wing moldboard having a material engaging side, a back side, and a plurality of openings formed in the material engaging side. The snow wing assembly also includes a plurality of accessory structures and a non-metallic liner having a first surface, a second surface, a guide side edge, a heel side edge, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a plurality of apertures extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface is configured to abut a material engaging side of the moldboard, and the second surface is opposite the first surface and configured to engage a ploughed material during a ploughing operation. Each aperture of the liner is aligned with an associated opening of the moldboard, and an associated accessory structure extends through the aperture and is secured in the associated opening to secure the liner to the moldboard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a snow wing lining and a component for a snow wing, which can be applied to a motor grader machine including a mounted snow wing. Background Art

[0002] In addition to attachments such as snow wings or other snow plows, machines such as motor graders can use plow blades to transfer, move, distribute, and / or level snow or other materials. During plowing operations, a motor grader can operate at high speeds up to gear 8, or at low speeds with heavy loads, such as foot traffic. For example, during a snow plowing operation, snow is displaced from the road surface and a snow wing can be attached to the motor grader to provide an extended reach and capacity for the plowing operation.

[0003] Snow around the world can be wet and heavy, or can be blown into deep snowdrifts, and the amount of material that a machine can move is limited by traction, which decreases under snowy or icy conditions. Additionally, snow can be mixed with rocks and other debris, which can cause damage to the steel from which the plow blade is made as the material slides across the material engagement side of the plow blade. In some cases, using a thicker plow blade, in addition to introducing additional weight on the machine, can slow down the plowing operation.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 10,883,236 ('236 patent), assigned to Winter Equipment Company, discloses an elastomeric plow edge section. The '236 patent has an elastomeric plow edge section aligned near the bottom edge of the plow blade. However, this design does not address potential damage to the remainder of the material engagement side of the plow blade. Instead, it only targets the blade for scraping material from the road surface. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a snow wing assembly is disclosed. The snow wing assembly includes a snow wing plow blade having a material engagement side, a back side, and a plurality of openings formed in the material engagement side. The snow wing assembly further includes a plurality of attachment structures and a non-metallic lining having a first surface, a second surface, a leading side edge, a trailing side edge, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a plurality of orifices extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface is configured to abut the material engagement side of the plow blade, and the second surface is opposite the first surface and is configured to engage the material being plowed during a plowing operation of a motor grader machine. Each orifice of the non-metallic lining is aligned with a corresponding opening of the plow blade, and a corresponding attachment structure extends through the orifice and is fastened in the corresponding opening to secure the non-metallic lining to the plow blade.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a work machine is disclosed. The work machine includes: a machine frame; a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels that support the machine frame; an operator cab supported by the machine frame; and a snow wing assembly connected to the machine frame between the front wheels and the rear wheels. The snow wing assembly includes a snow wing plow plate having a material engaging side, a back side, a bottom side, and a plurality of openings formed in the material engaging side. The plow plate further includes a plurality of bosses, each boss being disposed in a related opening, and a cutting edge that is connected to the material engaging side adjacent to the bottom side and is configured to engage the material on the working surface during the plowing operation of the motor grader machine. The snow wing assembly further includes a plurality of fasteners and a non-metallic lining having a first surface, a second surface, a leading side edge, a trailing side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The first surface abuts the material engaging side of the plow plate, and the second surface is opposite to the first surface and is configured to engage the material being plowed during the plowing operation. A plurality of orifices extend between the first surface and the second surface, wherein each orifice of the non-metallic lining is aligned with a related boss in the plow plate, and the non-metallic lining is fixed to the plow plate using the fasteners and the bosses.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-metallic lining for a snow wing assembly is disclosed. The non-metallic lining is for a snow wing assembly of a motor grader machine, the snow wing assembly having a plow plate with a plurality of openings and a material engaging side. The lining has a generally flexible sheet-like structure and includes a first surface, a second surface, a leading side edge, a trailing side edge, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a plurality of orifices. The first surface is configured to abut the material engaging side of the plow plate, and the second surface is opposite to the first surface and is configured to engage the material being plowed during the plowing operation of the motor grader. The length of the trailing side edge is greater than the length of the leading side edge, and the thickness of the lining between the first surface and the second surface is in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm. The orifices extend between the first surface and the second surface, and the orifices are configured to be aligned with the openings of the plow plate, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of the motor grader and the snow wing assembly.

[0009] Figure 2 is a front view of the motor grader and the snow wing assembly.

[0010] Figure 3 is an inclined perspective view of a part of the snow wing assembly.

[0011] Figure 4 is a front view of the snow wing lining.

[0012] Figure 5 is an exploded skew front perspective view of the snow wing assembly.

[0013] Figure 6Perspective view of a part of a snow wing lining and attachment structure according to an embodiment, including a cross-section.

[0014] Figure 7 Is a part of the snow wing lining and attachment structure enclosed by a dashed rectangle according to an embodiment described herein Figure 6 Enlarged view.

[0015] Figure 8 Is a part of the snow wing lining and fastener enclosed by a dashed circle according to an embodiment described herein Figure 6 Enlarged view.

[0016] Figure 9 Perspective close-up view of the cutting edge and the lining.

[0017] Figure 10 Cross-sectional side view of a snow wing assembly and attachment structure according to another embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 Flowchart depicting a method of installing a lining onto a plow blade of a work machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Starting from Figure 1 and 2 shows an automatic grader 10, which includes a traction device 13, a power source 18, a chassis assembly 19, a sub-frame portion 20, an operator's cab 21, a grading unit 22, and a snow wing assembly 30. The automatic grader 10 may also be referred to as a grading machine. The automatic grader 10 can be used to perform plowing operations on a working surface 12, such as moving, spreading, distributing, leveling, and grading materials or objects 11, such as snow. Generally, the leveling operation is performed during machine movement, and for this purpose, the automatic grader 10 may include a traction device 13 that facilitates the movement of the machine on the working surface 12. For example, the traction device 13 includes a set of front wheels 16 disposed towards the front end 14 of the automatic grader 10 and a set of rear wheels 17 disposed towards the rear end 15 of the automatic grader 10. The terms "front" and "rear" used herein are related to the exemplary travel direction of the automatic grader 10, as shown by the arrow T in Figure 1 and the travel direction is exemplary defined as from the rear end 15 towards the front end 14.

[0020] The movement of the traction device 13 (e.g., the rotation of the front wheel set 16 or the rear wheel set 17) is driven by a power source such as an engine ( Figure 1Power is provided by a power source 18 (not shown in FIGS. 1 or 2), and the power source 18 is housed in a power compartment of the motor grader 10. The motor grader 10 may also include a chassis assembly 19 and a sub-frame portion 20. The sub-frame portion 20 may be movable relative to the chassis assembly 19. Additionally, the motor grader 10 may include an operator cab 21 supported on the sub-frame portion 20. The operator cab 21 may house various controls for the power source 18 and other functions of the motor grader 10.

[0021] To perform plowing operations on a material or object 11, the motor grader 10 includes a drawbar - circle - blade (DCB) device, which may also be referred to as a grading unit 22. The grading unit 22 may be supported by the sub-frame portion 20 and may include a drawbar 23, a circular member 24, and a blade 25, and each of the drawbar 23, the circular member 24, and the blade 25 may work together to perform plowing operations on the working surface 12. The blade 25 of the grading unit 22 has a generally central position relative to the motor grader 10 and is a structure that engages the material on the working surface 12. The terms "blade" and "plow pan" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0022] Figure 3 A snow wing assembly 30 is shown, which generally includes a snow wing plow pan 40, a non-metallic lining 60 for covering a portion of the plow pan 40, and a plurality of attachment structures 70 for securing the lining 60 to the plow pan 40. The snow wing assembly 30 may be mounted on one side of the motor grader 10, such as on one side of the operator cab 21. As Figure 2 shown, the snow wing assembly 30 is mounted on the right hand side of the machine relative to the cab 21 and the travel direction T. The snow wing assembly 30 may alternatively be mounted on the left hand side of the machine relative to the operator cab 21. In other instances, the snow wing assembly 30 may be mounted to the sub-frame.

[0023] When snow accumulation occurs, the snow wing plow pan 40 may additionally be attached to the machine on a side adjacent to the grading unit 22. Similar to the blade 25 of the grading unit 22, the snow wing plow pan 40 engages the material but also provides an extended width range and capacity for plowing operations. The snow wing plow pan 40 may include six sides: a material engaging side 41, a back side 42, a top side 43, a bottom side 44, a heel side 45, and a leading side 46. The terms "leading" and "heel" mentioned herein relate to the position of the snow wing plow pan 40 relative to the operator cab 21. It should be understood that "leading" refers to a position closer to the operator cab 21, while "heel" refers to a position farther from the operator cab 21.

[0024] The material engaging side 41 having a curved surface or concave surface (visible in Figure 5 aids in receiving snow and gathering the snow on the working surface 12. The opposite side of the material engaging side 41 is on the snow wing plow pan 40 ( Figure 1and 2 a dorsal side 42 on an opposite side (not shown in 2 ). Connecting the material engaging side 41 and the dorsal side 42 are a bottom side 44, a top side 43, a heel side 45, and a leading side 46. The bottom side 44 is closer to the working surface 12, and the top side 43 is the corresponding side opposite the bottom side 44. Disposed within the snow wing plow 40 are a plurality of openings 51 extending from the material engaging side 41 to the dorsal side 42, which will be discussed in further detail below. Alternatively, the openings 51 can be blind holes formed in the material engaging side that stop without penetrating to the dorsal side 42.

[0025] A cutting edge 47 is connected to a lower portion of the material engaging side 41 and extends along a longitudinal extent of the snow wing plow 40 on the material engaging side 41 and, during a plowing operation, aids in engaging and scraping a material such as snow 11 on the working surface 12 and causes the working surface 12 to be distributed, leveled, and smoothed. As will be described further below with reference to Figure 9 Figure 9 , the cutting edge 47 includes a notch 48 that also extends along the longitudinal extent of the snow wing plow 40. The notch 48 creates an angled space on a side adjacent the material engaging side 41.

[0026] The snow wing assembly 30 can be coupled to the motor grader 10 via a lift assembly 49. The lift assembly 49 can be configured to connect the snow wing assembly 30 to a sub-frame portion 20 of the motor grader 10. The lift assembly 49 can include one or more lift mechanisms, such as one or more actuators (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic actuators) or other components configured to raise or lower the snow wing assembly 30 relative to the working surface 12. Additionally, the lift assembly 49 can be configured to angle or tilt the snow wing plow 40 about one or more axes.

[0027] The snow wing assembly 30 can enable the motor grader 10 to perform operations, which can include leveling or distributing a material from an elevated surface (e.g., a surface elevated relative to the working surface 12). For example, the snow wing plow 40 can be used to remove, level, or distribute snow from the top of a bank. As Figure 1 shown, the snow wing assembly 30 can be coupled to the lift assembly 49 near a front end or a heel end of the snow wing plow 40.

[0028] The snow wing assembly 30 can be coupled to the lift assembly 49 via a connection assembly 50. The connection assembly 50 can enable the snow wing assembly 30 to rotate in a plurality of rotational directions. In some cases, the connection assembly 50 can include a fastening system that extends forwardly past the material engaging side 41 of the snow wing plow 40. For example, a pin 52 that enables the snow wing plow 40 to rotate is visible on the material engaging side 41, as Figure 3 shown.

[0029] Figure 4Shows a non-metallic snow wing lining 60, for example, before it is attached to the snow wing plow plate 40. The non-metallic lining 60 may also be referred to as a snow wing wear lining 60, a snow wing lining 60, a protective lining 60, and / or a lining 60. As shown, the lining 60 has a generally rectangular shape, but in other instances, the expected shapes include other configurations that provide significant coverage on the material engagement side 41 of the snow wing plow plate 40.

[0030] The lining 60 has a generally flexible sheet-like structure. Such a lining 60 can be made or formed from polymers, composite materials, elastomeric materials, plastics, etc. Such materials and other materials can provide high wear resistance and high impact durability, reducing wear on the material engagement side 41 of the snow wing plow plate 40. Consider composite materials made of polyethylene and / or polyurethane, preferably having a coefficient of friction less than 25% of the coefficient of friction of the material used to form the snow wing plow plate 40, such as steel. Additionally, the low coefficient of friction of the lining 60 can reduce the amount of force that the motor grader 10 must exert to move a given amount of snow 11, which means that when the motor grader 10 with the lining 60 reaches its traction limit, it can move more snow 11 compared to the case without the lining 60. Preferably, the lining 60 is made of a material having a wear resistance at least 50% greater than the material used to form the snow wing plow plate (such as steel).

[0031] The lining 60 includes a first surface 61, a second surface 62, and the thickness 63 therebetween is in the range of about 3 mm to about 8 mm. The lining 60 has two long sides and two short sides. The long sides include a bottom edge 64 and a top edge 65, with the bottom edge 64 being closer to the work surface 12 when attached to the machine, and the top edge 65 generally being opposite the bottom edge 64. The short sides include a leading side edge 66 and a trailing side edge 67, with the leading side edge 66 being closer to the operator's cab 21 when attached, and the trailing side edge 67 generally being opposite the leading side edge 66. As shown, the length of the trailing side edge 67 can be greater than the length of the leading side edge 66, forming an angle less than 90 degrees at the intersection of the trailing side edge 67 and the top edge 65, and an angle greater than 90 degrees at the intersection of the leading side edge 66 and the top edge 65.

[0032] A plurality of apertures 68 extend from the first surface 61 to the second surface 62. The apertures 68 can be positioned in horizontal rows, vertical rows, or other arrangements that allow alignment with features of the snow wing plow plate 40. As shown, the apertures 68 are arranged in three rows. Each aperture 68 is generally oval (elongated), having a length distance greater than the height distance, but alternative shapes that provide the appropriate fixing function described later can also be used. An irregular pattern of apertures is also considered, and the lining performance can be improved by having more apertures in the areas subjected to higher load forces.

[0033] Adjacent to the guiding side edge 66, the lining 60 includes a connection component cutout 69 (also known as a notch). The connection component cutout 69 enables the lining 60 to maintain its compatibility and be easily installed on the snow wing plow blade 40, which has attachments on the material engagement side 41, such as the aforementioned pin 52. The connection component cutout 69 extends from the guiding side edge 66 towards the heel side edge 67, but does not extend to the top edge 65 or the bottom edge 64. For example, the connection component cutout 69 extends no more than one-eighth of the length L of the lining 60 in the width direction.

[0034] Figure 5 is an exploded view showing the general relationship of the snow wing plow blade 40, the lining 60, and the cutting edge 47. When attaching the lining 60 to the snow wing plow blade 40, the first surface 61 abuts against the material engagement side 41, the bottom edge 64 is disposed within the notch 48 of the cutting edge 47, and the second surface 62 opposite the first surface 61 is exposed. Once the lining 60 is applied, the lining 60 is set to span the entire material engagement side 41, and the second surface 62 is configured to engage the material. The attachment structure 70 is connected by extending through the aperture 68 to fix the lining 60 to the snow wing plow blade 40. Figure 7 and 8 shows the attachment structure 70, which includes a boss 71 fixed to the snow wing plow blade 40, a bolt 72 having a threaded shaft 74 and a bolt head 73, and a washer 75 having a first side, a second side, an outer periphery, and a washer hole.

[0035] Referring Figure 5 , to connect the lining 60 to the snow wing plow blade 40, the lining 60 is aligned with a plurality of bosses 71 disposed in the openings 51 of the snow wing plow blade 40. The openings 51 may extend between the material engagement side 41 and the back side 42 of the plow blade 40. As previously described, the openings 51 may be blind holes formed in the material engagement side 41 of the plow blade 41. The number of openings 51 present in the snow wing plow blade 40 corresponds to the number of apertures 68 in the lining 60 (the number of apertures 68 may be different from the number of openings 51, and some holes are not used for fixing). Each boss 71 is respectively welded or otherwise fastened into the opening 51 such that the boss 71 extends outwardly beyond the material engagement side 41 of the snow wing plow blade 40. When connecting the lining 60, each aperture 68 is then aligned with the corresponding opening 51, and the lining 60 surrounds the portion of each boss 71 that extends outwardly beyond the material engagement side 41. In some embodiments, not all of the openings 51 accommodate bosses 71.

[0036] Figure 6 、 78 are perspective views with increased detail depicting an attachment structure 70, fasteners 76, and apertures 68 according to one embodiment described herein. Once the boss 71 has been secured to the snow wing plow blade 40, connection to the liner 60 can be achieved by a plurality of fasteners 76 to form a rigid joint. Each washer 75 is configured to abut the boss 71 and the bolt head 73. The shaft 74 of the bolt 72 extends through the washer 75 and the liner 60 and is coupled to the boss 71. When secured, each washer 75 abuts the bolt head 73 and the boss 71 respectively. Securing each washer 75 to the boss 71 with the bolt 72 creates a clearance space 77 between the washer 75 and the snow wing plow blade 40. The clearance space 77 is generally greater than the thickness 63 of the liner 60 to accommodate expansion and contraction of the liner 60, such as may occur under different temperature conditions. Once the liner 60 is secured within the clearance space 77 between the washer 75 and the snow wing plow blade 40, the shape of the clearance space 77 and the apertures 68 allows for limited lateral and / or vertical movement of the liner 60 during installation (movement of the liner 60 relative to the material engaging side of the snow wing plow blade 40 stops when the corresponding edges of the apertures 68 contact portions of the boss 71 and / or the underside of the washer 75).

[0037] The fasteners 76 are part of the attachment structure 70 and include bolts 72 and washers 75. The term "fastener" is used to denote a mechanical connection mechanism that provides a rigid joint. Such fasteners 76 may also include, but are not limited to, bolts, rivets, self - tapping screws, washers, etc. Glue may be used, but is not considered in all instances.

[0038] Figure 9 The bottom edge 64 (not shown) of the liner 60 disposed behind the cutting edge 47 is shown. When connected, the top edge 65 of the liner 60 generally extends to the top side 43 of the snow wing plow blade 40, as Figure 1 and 2 shown. The liner 60 that generally extends to the top side 43 of the snow wing plow blade 40 allows for full coverage of the snow wing plow blade 40 and allows for the addition of a snow wing lip 78 on the snow wing plow blade 40, which will be discussed in further detail below.

[0039] In other instances, the liner 60 may extend past the top side 43 (as Figure 6 shown) and / or the guide side 46 and the heel side 45 (as Figure 3 shown). Each liner 60 is used to modify the snow wing plow blade 40 such that a liner 60 larger than the snow wing plow blade 40 can still be used. In the case where the liner 60 is larger than the snow wing plow blade 40, the liner 60 will extend past the top side 43. Additionally or alternatively, a liner 60 sized larger than the snow wing plow blade 40 may extend past the guide side 46 and the heel side 45.

[0040] In any case, the bottom of the liner 60 is disposed between a portion of the cutting edge 47 and the material engaging side 41. The notch 48 near the material engaging side 41 is specifically located where the liner 60 is positioned. The bottom edge 64 disposed between the cutting edge 47 and the material engaging side 41 allows plowed material such as snow to slide on the second surface 62 without damaging the liner 60.

[0041] Figure 10 Another example of an attachment structure 70 for securing the liner 60 to the snow wing plow 40 is shown. As shown, in addition to the bolt 72, washer 75, and boss 71, the attachment structure 70 further includes a snow wing lip 78. The snow wing lip 78 allows alternative positioning of the opening 51 and the orifice 68 as well as alternative modes of fastening. The bolt 72, washer 75, and boss 71 are still constructed in the manner described above to provide the clearance space required for contraction and expansion.

[0042] The snow wing lip 78 is connected to the top side 43 of the snow wing plow 40 and extends the length of the top side 43. The snow wing lip 78 also has an angled shape (e.g., an "L" shape), with one leg 78a extending toward the bottom edge 64 and covering a portion of the material engaging side 41 of the snow wing plow 40. The top edge 65 of the liner 60 is disposed behind the leg 78a of the snow lip 78, and the snow lip 78 covers the portion of the material engaging side 41. As Figure 10 shown, the snow wing lip 78 is sized such that there is a clearance between the second surface 62 of the liner 60 and the rear surface of the leg 78a. The leg 78b is connected to the top side 43 of the snow wing plow 40.

[0043] Industrial Applicability

[0044] Generally, the above-described snow wing, liner 60, and grader machine 10 are associated with plowing operations in a snow-covered area. More specifically, the liner 60 protects the material engaging side of the snow wing plow 40 from being damaged during use. Securing and removing the liner 60 is intended to be a quick and easy process while being cost-effective.

[0045] The liner 60 can be laser cut from a flexible flat sheet and then pressed, which allows for easy manufacturing, transportation, storage, and handling. When attached to the snow wing, the flexible and sheet-like construction of the attachment structure 70 and the liner 60 enables the grader 10 to perform plowing operations without a reduction in speed due to additional weight. In addition to the minimal change in the load on the grader 10 caused by the liner 60 and the attachment structure 70, replacing individual components of the attachment structure 70 and the liner 60 themselves is more cost-effective than replacing the snow wing plow 40.

[0046] The liner 60 is designed to be retrofittable onto any snow wing for the motor grader 10. The refurbishable nature of the liner 60 enables the use of a liner 60 that extends outwardly beyond the sides of the snow wing plow blade 40. Alternatively, the retrofit attribute allows for the use of a liner 60 that is smaller than the snow wing, although this will expose the areas adjacent to each side of the snow wing plow blade 40. In some instances, prior to installing the liner 60 for some snow wing plow blades 40, a plurality of openings 51 extending through the snow wing plow blade 40 need to be drilled or otherwise formed. After drilling the openings 51, a plurality of bosses 71 will be welded or otherwise secured into the openings 51. This is a process that is designed to be somewhat finished, and only requires the replacement of the bosses 71 when they are damaged or after they have worn excessively. In other instances, the snow wing plow blade 40 is manufactured to have a plurality of openings 51 such that the snow wing plow blade 40 is ready for the boss welding process.

[0047] By providing and attaching the liner 60 as described above, wear of the support snow wing plow blade 40 can be reduced. The liner 60 can be considered a wear part that is periodically replaced to prevent damage to the blades of the snow wing plow blade 40.

[0048] According to the foregoing embodiments, by Figure 11 the method 200 shown and described below, the liner 60 can be installed on the plow blade 40 of the motor grader 10 or the blade of another work machine.

[0049] In step 201, holes 51 are formed in the plow blade 40 according to a predetermined pattern. The holes 51 can be formed as described above or otherwise.

[0050] In step 203, threaded bosses 71 are secured to the plow blade holes 51, with the neck 80 of each boss 71 extending at least partially through the associated plow blade hole 51. As described above, this securing can be performed from the material engagement side 41 of the plow blade 40. Optionally, the threaded bosses can be secured by welding, and this welding can be performed on the front side, rear side, or both sides of the plow blade 40. Also optionally, instead of having a neck 80 and a head 81, the boss 71 can be of a constant or monotonically increasing elongated shape, such as cylindrical or frustoconical.

[0051] In step 205, a liner 60 having a set of apertures 68 aligned with the pattern of the threaded bosses 71 is positioned against the material engagement side 41 (front portion) of the plow blade 40 such that the head 81 of each threaded boss 71 passes through the aperture 68 aligned therewith. In one embodiment, at least some of the apertures 68 are elongated such that the length along one axis is greater than the length along another axis.

[0052] In step 207, the bolt 72 and washer 75 are connected to the respective threaded bosses 71, thereby fixing the liner 60 between the washer 75 and the material engaging side 41 (front portion) of the plow plate 40. As described above, the components are sized to provide a liner clearance space 77 between the washer 75 and the liner 60, and the elongate shape of the liner clearance space and the orifice 68 allows for restricting the lateral and / or vertical movement of the liner 60 during installation.

[0053] In optional step 209, a nut can be connected to the protruding portion of the respective bolt 72 and tightened to prevent the bolt 72 from loosening during machine operation. To further prevent the bolt 72 from loosening, a lock nut, lock washer, or thread locking agent can be used.

[0054] It may be necessary to perform Figure 11 one or more of the steps shown and / or described above in a different order than depicted and / or described. One or more of the steps shown and / or described above can be omitted. Figure 11 Furthermore, the various steps can be performed together.

[0055] Another embodiment relates to a method of forming a grader blade assembly by the following steps: forming a plurality of holes in a plow plate, the holes being arranged in a predetermined pattern; attaching a plurality of bosses to the holes respectively; positioning a protective liner against the front surface of the plow plate, the protective liner having a plurality of elongate orifices aligned with the bosses; and attaching a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of washers to the bosses respectively such that the protective liner is fixed between the washer and the front surface of the plow plate. Optionally, the bosses can have threaded internal holes. Also optionally, the fixing of the bosses can be performed by welding. Additionally, the fasteners can be threaded fasteners, and the method can include attaching a plurality of nuts to the threaded fasteners respectively. Optionally, the protective liner can be fixed between the washer and the front surface of the plow plate with a clearance space of at least 8 mm depth. The method can further include fixing a first portion of a lip member extending in the width direction of the plow plate to the plow plate, and the second portion of the lip member covering at least a portion of the top edge of the protective liner and restricting the movement of the protective liner.

[0056] Although the foregoing embodiments relate to the snow wings of a grader, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to other grader blades / plow plates, such as a main plow plate. Use on other work machines is also contemplated.

[0057] It should also be understood that the various components shown herein need not be drawn to scale. In other words, the features disclosed in the respective embodiments can be implemented using relative dimensions within and between components that are different from those shown in the figures. Moreover, the scale and proportion of one figure can be different from that of another figure. It should also be understood that the illustrations may include exaggerated dimensions and graphical representations to better show the referenced items shown and are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated as such.

[0058] As used herein, the terms "corresponding" and "associated" denote a relationship between members of a first set of components and members of a second set of components (e.g., A1 and B1; A2 and B2;... AN and BN). More than two sets of components can have respective or associated relationships (e.g., A1, B1, C1... N1).

[0059] Unless expressly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of a plural number of such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. In the context of describing the present invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms "a", "an", "the", "at least one", or the term "one or more" and similar indicia should be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B" or "one or more of A and B") should be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or the listed items (A and B; A, A, and B; A, B, and B) unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Similarly, the word "or" as used herein refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" means at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or any item such as multiples of A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; and so on.

Claims

1. A snow wing assembly for a motor grader machine, comprising: a snow wing moldboard having a material engaging side, a back side, and a plurality of openings formed in the material engaging side; Multiple attachment structures; as well as Non-metallic linings, including: a first surface, a second surface, a leading side edge, a heel side edge, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a plurality of apertures extending between the first surface and the second surface; the first surface being configured to abut the material engaging side of the moldboard; the second surface being opposite the first surface and configured to engage plowed material during a plowing operation of the motor grader machine; and Each aperture of the non-metallic liner is aligned with an associated opening of the moldboard, and an associated attachment structure extends through the aperture and is secured in the associated opening to secure the non-metallic liner to the moldboard.

2. The snow wing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The moldboard has a bottom side and further includes a cutting edge connected to the material engaging side adjacent the bottom side, the cutting edge being configured to engage material on a working surface during a plowing operation, and Wherein the bottom edge of the non-metallic liner is disposed between a portion of the cutting edge and the moldboard.

3. The snow wing assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The cutting edge further includes a notch extending along the longitudinal extent of the moldboard on a side adjacent to the material engaging side, and A portion of the liner is positioned in the recess.

4. The snow wing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the heel side edge is greater than the length of the leading side edge.

5. The snow wing assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The moldboard includes a top side, and the top edge of the non-metallic liner extends at least to the top side.

6. The snow wing assembly of claim 1, wherein: Each attachment structure includes a bolt, a boss secured to the moldboard, and a washer.

7. The snow wing assembly of claim 6, wherein: the opening extending between the material engaging side and the back side, and each boss extending through an associated opening of the moldboard, and each boss having an opening, Each bolt extends through an associated washer, an associated aperture of the non-metallic liner, and an associated opening of the associated boss and is coupled to the associated boss, and Each washer abuts both the associated bolt and the associated boss, respectively, wherein a gap space is defined between each washer and the moldboard, and the non-metallic liner is positioned in the gap space.

8. A motor grader working machine, comprising: Machine frame; a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels supporting the machine frame; an operator's cab supported by said machine frame; as well as A snow wing assembly connected to the machine frame between the front wheels and the rear wheels, the snow wing assembly having: a snow wing moldboard having a material engaging side, a back side, a bottom side, and a plurality of openings formed in the material engaging side; the moldboard also having a plurality of bosses, each boss disposed in an associated opening, and a cutting edge connected to the material engaging side adjacent the bottom side and configured to engage material on a work surface during a plowing operation of the motor grader machine; multiple fasteners; as well as Non-metallic linings, including: a first surface, a second surface, a leading side edge, a heel side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; the first surface abuts the material engaging side of the moldboard; and the second surface being opposite the first surface and configured to engage plowed material during a plowing operation; and a plurality of apertures extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein each aperture of the non-metallic liner is aligned with an associated boss in the moldboard and the non-metallic liner is secured to the moldboard using the fasteners and the bosses.

9. The motor grader work machine according to claim 8, wherein: The boss extends outwardly beyond the material engaging side of the moldboard, and Each aperture of the non-metallic liner surrounds a portion of the associated boss that extends beyond the material engaging side.

10. The motor grader work machine according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of fasteners include a plurality of bolts and a plurality of washers, Each bolt extends through an associated aperture of the non-metallic liner and is threadably coupled to the associated boss, and Each washer abuts an associated bolt and said associated boss, Thereby, a gap space is defined between each washer and the moldboard, and the liner is positioned in the gap space and is free to move relative to the moldboard in the lateral and vertical directions.

11. The motor grader work machine according to claim 10, wherein: The thickness of the non-metallic lining is between 3 mm and 8 mm.

12. The motor grader work machine of claim 11, wherein: The thickness of the non-metallic liner is less than the length of the interstitial space, thereby allowing lateral or vertical movement of the liner.

13. The motor grader work machine of claim 12, wherein: The moldboard includes a top side, and the top edge of the non-metallic liner extends at least to the top side.

14. The motor grader work machine of claim 12, wherein: The moldboard has a bottom side and further includes a cutting edge connected to the material engaging side adjacent the bottom side, the cutting edge being configured to engage material on a working surface during a plowing operation, and Wherein the bottom edge of the non-metallic liner is disposed between a portion of the cutting edge and the moldboard.

15. The motor grader work machine of claim 14, wherein: The cutting edge further includes a notch extending along the longitudinal extent of the moldboard on a side adjacent to the material engaging side, and A portion of the liner is positioned in the recess.

16. A non-metallic liner for a snow wing assembly of a motor grader machine, the snow wing assembly having a moldboard with a plurality of openings and a material engaging side, the liner having a generally flexible sheet-like configuration and comprising: a first surface, a second surface, a leading side edge, a heel side edge, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a plurality of apertures; the first surface being configured to abut the material engaging side of the moldboard; the second surface being opposite the first surface and configured to engage plowed material during a plowing operation of the motor grader; The length of the heel side edge is greater than the length of the leading side edge; The thickness between the first surface and the second surface is in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm; as well as The apertures extend between the first surface and the second surface, the apertures being configured to align with the openings of the moldboard, respectively.

17. The non-metallic liner of claim 16, further comprising a connection assembly cutout extending from the leading side edge toward the heel side edge and between but not reaching the top edge and the bottom edge, the cutout being configured to fit around a connection assembly that connects the moldboard to the motor grader machine.

18. The non-metallic liner according to claim 16, wherein: The heel side edge and the top edge intersect at an angle less than 90 degrees.

19. The non-metallic liner of claim 16, wherein: Each aperture is elongated, having a length distance greater than a height distance.

20. The non-metallic liner of claim 16, wherein: The apertures are arranged in at least three rows across the non-metallic liner.

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