Snowplow apparatus for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Snowplow apparatus having a lift frame with a rearward mount attachable to a motor vehicle and a forward mount attachable to a snowplow V-blade. The lift frame includes a first horizontal hinge adjacent the rearward mount and a second horizontal hinge adjacent the forward mount, a pivot axis of the first and second hinges extending transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. First and second powered mechanisms raise and lower the snowplow blade about the pivot axis of the first and second hinge, respectively, thereby adjusting the height and forward tilt of the snowplow blade with respect to the road. A third hinge allows adjustment of a side-to-side tilt of the snowplow blade, and a fourth hinge allows adjustment of the two halves of the V-blade, such as via a fourth powered mechanism.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 727,462, filed Dec. 3, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to snowplow apparatus for mounting to a motor vehicle as an accessory. More particularly, the disclosure relates to various implementations of a snowplow apparatus that is adjustable about four different pivot points.BACKGROUND

[0003] Snowplows are designed for attachment to a truck or tractor during the winter months to enable snow removal. During operation, these snowplows can be raised and lowered by the vehicle operator, and in the case of a hinged V-plow, the blades can be adjusted independently to form an “A” shape in front of the vehicle, a “V” shape for accumulating snow, and even to form a straight blade (FIG. 1).

[0004] While snowplows can easily push snow, they are less than satisfactory when attempting to override snow with the blade and pull in backward, away from a building or door for example. Moreover, while the adjustable configuration of V-plows provides improved flexibility, it does not always ensure consistent snow removal across different road conditions, leaving behind residual snow or ice in areas where the blade fails to maintain optimal contact with the surface. Prior art snowplows are also not easy to attach to the front of the truck or tractor as they are typically very heavy and offer very restrictive attachment options, i.e., require exact alignment between the attachment mechanisms on the truck and the snowplow.

[0005] These shortcomings highlight the need for an improved hinged V-plow design that enhances durability, ease of operation, and overall snow removal effectiveness.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The systems and methods of the present disclosure solve many of the complications of prior art snowplows, providing a snowplow apparatus that can be easily attached as an accessory to the front of a motor vehicle and allows the vehicle operator to adjust the position and angle of the snowplow blade over a wide range. Moreover, the present disclosure provides a snowplow apparatus, in particular a V-type snowplow, which is widely adjustable about four different pivot points for maximum flexibility.

[0007] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a snowplow apparatus that comprises a lift frame having a forward mount with means for removable attachment to an outer support frame at two or more spaced-apart points and a rearward mount with means for attachment to an inner support frame at two or more spaced-apart points. The lift frame includes a first hinge adjacent the rearward mount and a second hinge adjacent the forward mount with the pivot axis of the first hinge and the pivot axis of the second hinge extending transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the apparatus, which is in-line with a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle to which the apparatus is attached. The first and second pivot axes are substantially horizontal with respect to the ground surface.

[0008] According to certain aspects, the snowplow apparatus includes a first powered mechanism for raising and lowering the snowplow about the pivot axis of the first hinge, and a second powered mechanism for pivoting the snowplow about the pivot axis of the second hinge, thereby adjusting an angular orientation of the snowplow blade. The powered mechanism(s) can be implemented as a winch, which powers cables or chains, but more preferably as a hydraulic or pneumatic system with a hydraulic or pneumatic pump, associated hydraulic or pneumatic fluid lines, and control valves.

[0009] According to certain aspects, the snowplow apparatus includes a third hinge having a pivot axis substantially parallel to and in line with the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus, the thus the vehicle to which the apparatus is attached. The snowplow blade pivots about the pivot axis of the third hinge, allowing it to tilt when a road is not planar. A resilient element is advantageously provided to bias the blade about this third pivot axis toward a substantially horizontal position. Alternatively, or additionally, the apparatus may comprise a horizontal support system that biases the plow blade about the pivot axis of the third hinge toward a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground level. Alternatively, a third powered mechanism may be provided for pivoting the snowplow blade about this axis, thus angling the blade with respect to the horizontal position.

[0010] According to certain aspects, the snowplow apparatus includes two elongated snowplow blades connected end to end by means of a fourth hinge. A pivot axis of this fourth hinge, i.e., a vertically oriented bearing, extends substantially vertically and transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus so that the plow blades can form a “V” shape or an “A” shape, can be arranged on a single plane, or any angle therebetween (i.e., flat and angled to the left or right, concave, convex, etc.). A fourth powered mechanism is provided for pivoting the two snowplow blades about this fourth pivot axis, either synchronously or independently of each other.

[0011] According to certain aspects, the fourth powered mechanism comprises a left hydraulic piston having two ends, one end being coupled to exert force against a support bar that is attached to the fourth hinge and an opposite end being coupled to exert force against the left blade, and a right hydraulic piston having two ends, one end being coupled exert force against the support bar and an opposite end being coupled to exert force against the right blade.

[0012] According to certain aspects, the inner support frame provides connection between the lift frame and an attachment bracket, wherein the attachment bracket allows attachment to a front bumper of the vehicle, or a bumper extension on the vehicle (i.e., modified bumper).

[0013] According to certain aspects, the snowplow apparatus may be provided as a system that also comprises the attachment bracket and / or a modified bumper for the vehicle. The modified bumper provides simplified attachment of the attachment bracket to the front of the vehicle, wherein the attachment bracket provides expanded options for elevation of the attachment position of the inner support frame.

[0014] According to certain aspects, each blade section of the snowplow apparatus may include an upper frame and a lower frame reversibly connectable via brackets that allow the blade to attain various vertical curvatures. According to certain aspects, the lower frame is attached to the vertically oriented bearing and the upper frame is attached to the lower frame. Each of the upper and lower frame support panels provide a smooth outward facing surface, wherein the panels are removeable and may be independently selected from metals and polymeric materials.

[0015] According to certain aspects, the snowplow apparatus may include various accessories, such as lights attachable to the outer support frame, an integral or removeable trailer jack, and / or wheels removeably attachable to a bottom edge of the plow blade.

[0016] For a full understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Aspects, features, benefits, and advantages of the various implementations of the snowplow apparatus disclosed herein will be apparent with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. In the following figures, like numerals represent like features in the various views. It is to be noted that features and components in these drawings, illustrating the views of embodiments of the presently disclosed invention, unless stated to be otherwise, are not necessarily drawn to scale. The present invention described herein may be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawing sheets, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front of a pickup truck to which a V-type plow of the prior art is attached.

[0019] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure indicating four pivot axes.

[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates a side perspective view of a snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure indicating the four pivot axes.

[0021] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a lift portion of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure in which the two pivot axes on which the blade of the snowplow is lifted and tilted are indicated.

[0022] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the pivot mechanism of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure that is configured to fold the two sections of the plow blade.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates the lift frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the outer support frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of the connections between the lift frame and the outer support frame (defining pivot axis B), and between the third piston and the pivot axis D support bar of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates connection between the lift frame and the outer support frame as well as the biasing member that limits rotation about the pivot axis C of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of the biasing member and outer support frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of the biasing member attachment point on the outer support frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates the bottom attachment plate of the biasing member of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates the pivot axis D support bar of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 12 illustrates the pivot axis D support bar and the pivot bar (for pivot axis C) connected to the blade of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up view of the contact point between the outer support frame and the rotating end of the pivot bar of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 14 illustrates a back view of the outer support frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 15A illustrates rotating support elements for left and right sections of the blade of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 15B illustrates attachment elements providing connection between the pivot axis D support bar and the vertically oriented bearing (defining pivot axis D) of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 15C illustrates the outer end of the pivot bar showing the bore providing connection with the vertically oriented bearing (defining pivot axis D) of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 16 illustrates upper and lower sections of the blade of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 17A illustrates a front view of the inner support frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 17B illustrates connection between the lift frame and the inner support frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 18 illustrates a front attachment bracket of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 19 illustrates a connection boot of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 20 illustrates the front attachment bracket and connection boot of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure attached to a modified front bumper of a truck.

[0043] FIG. 21 illustrates another front attachment bracket of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure attached to a front bumper of a truck.

[0044] FIG. 22 illustrates internal components and attachment points of the front attachment bracket shown in FIG. 21.

[0045] FIG. 23 illustrates another connection bracket of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure configured for attachment to the front attachment bracket of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 24 illustrates the connection bracket shown in FIG. 23 positioned within the front attachment bracket of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 25 illustrates an upright frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 26 illustrates the upright frame shown in FIG. 25 attached to the front attachment bracket of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 27A illustrates an inner support frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 27B illustrates the inner support frame shown in FIG. 27A attached to the upright frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 27C illustrates a manifold for the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of a lift portion of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 29A illustrates the lift frame of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure showing an attachment point for a trailer jack.

[0054] FIG. 29B illustrates the trailer jack attachable to the lift frame shown in FIG. 29A.

[0055] FIG. 30 illustrates a wheel and attachment point for the wheel to a plow shoe of the snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In the following description, the present invention is set forth in the context of various alternative embodiments and implementations of a snowplow apparatus that can be attached as an accessory to the front of a motor vehicle and allows the vehicle operator to adjust the position and angle of the snowplow blade about four different pivot axes.Definitions and Abbreviations

[0057] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0058] All numerical quantities stated herein are approximate, unless indicated otherwise, and are to be understood as being prefaced and modified in all instances by the term “about.” The numerical quantities disclosed herein are to be understood as not being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless indicated otherwise, each numerical value included in this disclosure is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value.

[0059] All numerical ranges recited herein include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.

[0060] Various aspects of the apparatus, devices, systems, and methods of use thereof disclosed herein may be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, and / or joined together. The terms “coupled,”“attached,” and / or “joined” are used interchangeably herein to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled,”“directly attached,” and / or “directly joined” to another component, there are no intervening elements shown in the examples.

[0061] It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, “a” bolt, “an” attachment bracket, or “the” panel may include one or more of each of these elements.

[0062] The word “comprising” and forms of the word “comprising,” as used in this description and in the claims, does not limit the present invention to exclude any variants or additions. Additionally, although the present invention has been described in terms of “comprising,” the snowplow apparatus, and methods of using the same, that are detailed herein may also be described as consisting essentially of or consisting of.

[0063] As generally used herein, the terms “include,”“includes,” and “including” are meant to be non-limiting. As generally used herein, the terms “have,”“has,” and “having” are meant to be non-limiting.

[0064] Various aspects of the devices and methods of use thereof disclosed herein may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary implementations. As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other variations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described component, event, or circumstance may or may not be included or occur, and the description encompasses instances where the component or event is included and instances where it is not.

[0065] Furthermore, throughout the specification, reference to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,”“some embodiments,” or “certain aspects” means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,”“in some embodiments,” or “in certain aspects” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0066] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,”“upper,”“bottom,”“top,”“front,”“back,”“left,”“right” and “sides” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made but are not limiting with respect to the orientation in which the various parts of the systems and devices disclosed herein may be used unless otherwise indicated.

[0067] As used herein, the term “substantially” may be taken to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative or qualitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. Thus, the term substantially may mean an amount of generally at least about 80%, about 90%, about 95%, about 98%, or even about 99% of a stated value or comparison.

[0068] As used herein, the term “transverse” refers to a direction or orientation extending across or generally non-parallel to a reference axis or surface. A transverse feature may extend at any angle relative to the reference axis, including, in some embodiments, an angle of approximately 90° (i.e., perpendicular) to the reference axis or surface.Aspects of the Present Disclosure

[0069] The snowplow apparatus of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-30 of the drawings.

[0070] FIG. 1 shows a pickup truck 10 with a V-type snowplow 12 mounted on the front in a typical installation as is known in the prior art. The V-plow 12 is pivoted about a vertical axis 14 in the middle to allow angular adjustment of the two plow sections or blades 16 and 18 on the right and left sides, respectively, of the plow. The blades of the plow can assume various configurations, including that of a straight plow, perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the truck or angled to the right or to the left, or that of a V-plow with the blades extending forward in a “V-shape” to collect the snow, or backward (the normal position) in a “A-shape,” as shown, to push the snow outward on both sides of a forward-moving vehicle.

[0071] In prior art V-type snowplows, movement of the blades 16 and 18 about the vertical pivot axis 14 is affected by two hydraulic pistons, one for each blade. Other than pivoting the blades about the vertical axis 14, the angles of the two blades 16 and 18 with respect to the road are not adjustable. U.S. Pat. No. 9,765,492 to the present inventor solved certain of these issues by providing a snowplow apparatus configured to allow the blade (16, 18) to rotated along an axis that is in line with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The present disclosure provides substantial further improvements upon that prior design.

[0072] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a snowplow apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure, which allows angular movement about four separate pivot axes: A, B, C and D. Axes A and B are horizontal and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle to which the apparatus is attached. Pivot axis C is also horizontal and is substantially in line with the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Pivot axis D, which is the same as the vertical V-plow axis 14 in FIG. 1, is perpendicular to the three other axes A, B, and C, and intersects axis C.

[0073] An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2B. The parts that pivot about the four axes A, B, C, and D are readily seen. These parts include braces 30 and 32, which are part of an inner support frame 500 (see FIG. 3A) that attaches to the motor vehicle and, with pins 34 and 36, form a horizontal hinge at axis A about which the snowplow apparatus is raised and lowered. While described as including two points of connection between the lift frame 150 and the braces 30 and 32 that are part of an inner support frame 500, more than two points of connection are possible, such as connection between the rearward mounts 164a and the boots 940 (see, for example, FIG. 20).

[0074] Inner arms 40 of lift frame 150, which are pivoted on pins 34 and 36, respectively, extend forward to a second horizontal hinge 44 on an outer support frame 101 to form a second pivot axis B. The outer support frame 101 includes an inner bore 46 supporting and allowing rotation of a pivot bar 48 that can rotate about the axis C. The pivot bar 48 permits sideways tilting of the snowplow blades in a manner explained below. The pivot bar 48 is connected to a vertically oriented bearing 50 that forms a hinge at axis D for the snowplow blades.

[0075] FIG. 3A shows two of the several powered mechanisms used to operate the plow. These powered mechanisms can be implemented as a winch, which powers cables or chains, but more preferably as a pneumatic or hydraulic system with a pneumatic or hydraulic pump, associated pneumatic or hydraulic fluid lines, and control valves. While shown in the figures (see 1105 of FIG. 25, and FIG. 27C) and described in the following discussion as hydraulic systems, and in particular, as hydraulic pistons, other powered mechanisms are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] A first piston 102, mounted substantially horizontally, is used to raise and lower the plow blades as well as to apply a downward pressure on the blades, if desired. The snowplow apparatus may include a set of first pistons 102, each attached at a first end to the inner support frame 500, such as via an attachment point 105, and at a second end to an inner arm 40 of the lift frame 150 proximate to the outer support frame 101, such as via an attachment point 107. Each of the first pistons 102 may be substantially aligned with an inner arm 40 of the lift frame 150 (note that the outer arms 38 of the lift frame are omitted from FIG. 3A for clarity). Moreover, each of the attachment points (105 and 107) may include regions configured to accept a bolt or clevis pin that passes through an opening at an end of the piston, wherein the bolt may be secured via a nut or cotter pin, respectively.

[0077] A second piston 104, which is used to change an angle or pitch of the blade of the snowplow, is mounted to an attachment point 118 on the inner support frame 500 via a first end and to an attachment point 116 on the outer support frame 101 via a second end. Changing the pitch of the plow blades enables the operator to increase or decrease the aggressiveness of the plow while pushing snow. Pitching the plow forward while pulling snow backward makes for more effective back-blading. Each of the attachment points (116 and 118) may include regions configured to accept a bolt or clevis pin that passes through an opening at an end of the piston, wherein the bolt may be secured via a nut or cotter pin, respectively.

[0078] FIG. 3B illustrates a third set of pistons used to operate the plow. The snowplow apparatus includes two elongated snowplow blades (16, 18) connected together, end to end, by means of a fourth hinge. A pivot axis D of this fourth hinge, i.e., longitudinally along a vertically oriented bearing 50, extends substantially vertically and transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle so that the plow blades can form a “V” shape, an “A” shape, or be arranged on a single plane (i.e., any convex, concave, or planar angle). The third set of pistons 106 are configured to pivot the two snowplow blades about this fourth pivot axis, either synchronously or independently of each other. The third set of pistons 106 includes a left piston having two ends, one end being coupled to exert force against a support bar 260 and an opposite end being coupled to exert force against the left blade 18, and a right piston having two ends, one end being coupled exert force against the support bar 260 and an opposite end being coupled to exert force against the right blade 16.

[0079] The ends of the third set of pistons 106 are coupled to exert force against the support bar 260 at an attachment point 103 (see FIGS. 2A and 3B) such as via a bolt or clevis pin 112 that passes through an opening at an end of the piston, wherein the bolt may be secured via a nut or cotter pin, respectively (264 of FIG. 11). The opposite end 110 of the third piston 106 that is configured to exert force against the right or left blade may be coupled to the plow blade via a bolt or clevis pin that passes through an opening at an end of the piston and is secured via a nut or cotter pin, respectively. Of note, the third set of pistons is connected to a region of the snowplow apparatus, i.e., support bar 260, that is not hinged and is not part of the outer support frame 101, and thus eliminates the need for a swivel eye on the piston. That is, the support frame 260 and the third set of pistons 106 will rotate with the plow blade. As shown in FIG. 6, the support bar 260 is positioned below the second horizontal hinge 44, i.e., connection point between the forward mount 162 of the lift frame 150 and the outer support frame 101.

[0080] With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8, the lift frame 150 is shown to include two opposing outer arms 38 and two opposing inner arms 40. The lift frame 150 includes a rearward mount 164a, b with means for removable attachment to an inner support frame 500 at two or more spaced-apart points (e.g., inner support frame 500 providing connection with braces 30 and 32 via pins 34 and 36, respectively; see also FIG. 17A). The lift frame 150 further includes a forward mount 162 with means for attachment to an outer support frame 101 at two or more spaced-apart points 166. The lift frame 150 includes a first horizontal hinge (A) adjacent the rearward mount 164a, b (at least pin 34 and 36 that connect points 164b to the inner support frame 500), and a second horizontal hinge (B) adjacent the forward mount 162 with the pivot axis of the first hinge and the pivot axis of the second hinge extending transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0081] The outer support frame 101 includes left and right side supports (132 and 134, respectively), an attachment region 240 for a biasing element 120, and an inner bore 46 configured to receive a pivot bar 48. The attachment region 240 includes several bolt or screw holes 241 that provide attachment of a mount 270 for the biasing element 120. Also shown is the attachment point 116 for the second end of the second piston 104, and the attachment point 107 of the first piston to the inner arms 40 of the lift frame 150.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, the biasing element 120 is further supported on a bottom attachment plate 300 that includes coil posts 310 that accept springs of the biasing element 120 therein. The biasing element 120 will bias the snowplow blades to the horizontal position. As noted above, the pivot bar 48 allows the plow blades (16, 18) to tilt side to side, such as when the plow encounters uneven surfaces ahead of the following vehicle. Rotation may be limited by the biasing element 120, such as to within a defined rotational angle (e.g., + / −15, 30, or even 45° relative to the horizontal plane) and may be biased to a substantially horizontal orientation via springs of the biasing element. The springs keep the plow blade from rotating about the central axis C while the snowplow travels in the raised position but allow the blade to tilt on uneven surfaces when in the lowered position (e.g., when making contact with a road surface). The degree of rotation of the plow blade and biasing strength of the springs of the biasing element 120 may be tuned by inclusion of one or more biasing adjustment plates 330 (see FIG. 10, additional plates compress the springs to a greater extent and thus create a stronger force to equilibrium at the horizontal plane).

[0083] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the bottom attachment plate 300 is attached to an inner end 268 of the support bar 260, such as via bolt or screw holes 320 (corresponding holes in the support bar are not visible), and includes an opening 315 configured to accept an inner static end 48a of the pivot bar 48. As shown, the opening 315 and inner static end 48a of the pivot bar 48 have complementary shapes that do not allow rotation of the pivot bar. The support bar 260 includes an outer end 262 configured for connection to the vertically oriented bearing 50, and two laterally extending regions 263 configured for connection with the third piston 106, such as via a bolt or clevis pin 112 that passes through an opening at an end of the piston, wherein the bolt or clevis pin may be secured via a nut or cotter pin 264, respectively.

[0084] With reference to FIGS. 12 through 15C, the opposite outer end 48b of the pivot bar 48 is shown to include a central bore 49 configured to accept the vertically oriented bearing 50 therethrough. The outer support frame 101 includes a central bore 46 configured to accept a middle region of the pivot bar 48, which is generally cylindrical, such that rotation of the outer support frame 101 about the pivot bar 48, and thus the plow blade attached thereto, is possible and is limited only by the biasing element 120 and bottom attachment plate 300. Both the central bore 46 and the outer rim 218, which contacts the outer end 48b of the pivot bar 48, may be lubricated to enhance rotation of the plow blade.

[0085] As discussed, the support bar 260 includes an outer end 262 (FIG. 11) configured for connection to the vertically oriented bearing 50. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15B, the support bar may be connected to the vertically oriented bearing 50 via a linker 400. The linker 400 includes a bore on one end configured to accept the vertically oriented bearing 50 therethrough and an upstanding connector plate 404 configured to provide connection between the outer end 262 of the support bar 260 and the linker 400.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15A, the left and right plow blades (18 and 16, respectively) are rotatably attached to the vertically oriented bearing 50 via one or more sets of support members (704, 706, 707). Each support member includes a central bore 720 configured to accept the vertically oriented bearing 50 therethrough and a support arm (708, 710) extending away from the central bore and configured for attachment of the right or left plow blade. An end cap 702 may be attached to a base of the vertically oriented bearing 50 to keep the various support members in place (i.e., keep the support members from sliding off the end of the vertically oriented bearing 50). As shown, the various support members may be sized such that one may fit within the central bore of another so that the corresponding support arms are on nearly the same plane. Moreover, a stabilizing connector 740 may be attached to certain of the support members. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, support member 707 may include a stabilizing connector 740 that provides connection with another support member (not labeled), wherein each of the two support members include support arms extending into the same blade half (i.e., either the right-half or left-half of the plow blade). As such, the stabilizing connector 740 may further brace and support the various sections of each plow blade.

[0087] With reference to FIG. 16, each plow blade (16, 18) may be formed in two sections, i.e., an upper frame 600A and a lower frame 600B. The upper frame may be reversibly attachable to the lower frame via blade brackets 750 that allow the blade to attain various vertical curvatures. According to certain aspects, the lower frame 600B is attached to the vertically oriented bearing 50 and the upper frame 600A is attached to the lower frame 600B via the blade brackets 750. As shown in the various figures, the plow blades include an inner frame that support panels that provide a smooth outward facing surface, i.e., supports a moldboard.

[0088] According to various aspects, the panels may be removeable and may be independently selected from metals and polymeric materials. Exemplary metals include steel and aluminum. Exemplary polymeric materials include polyimides (PI), polyamides (PA), polyamide-imide (PAI), TEFLON, polyethylene, and ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polymeric materials, such as UHMW polyethylene. In general, much of the strength of the plow blades is built into the lower frame 600B of the blade, wherein the panels may be formed of steel or aluminum, while the upper frame 600A is preferably made of a lighter material, such as thinner aluminum or polymeric materials. When aluminum is used for panels of the upper frame, it may gain its strength through its shape (i.e., concave curve facing away from the vehicle).

[0089] A cutting edge may be attached to a bottom edge of each plow blade (765 of FIG. 1). This is the edge of the plow blade that contacts the ground and is typically constructed of steel or urethane. As the cutting edge may become damaged or degraded through use, it may be replaceably attachable to the bottom edge of each plow blade via two or more attachment brackets 760 (see FIG. 7).

[0090] Moreover, each plow blade may include one or more plow shoes 770 attached along the bottom edge of each plow blade or behind the cutting edge of each plow blade. The plow's cutting edge 765 is raised when plow shoes 770 are properly placed and adjusted. As a result, the plow will not bulldoze grass, loose flagstones, gravel, or soil. Additionally, the plow shoes 770 stop the blades of the plow from scrubbing the ground, minimizing unnecessary wear and tear. While shown as a wheel, the plow shoes 770 may comprise a curved portion of metal configured to slide along the surface being plowed.

[0091] With reference to FIGS. 17A through 20, attachment of the snowplow apparatus will be described. As shown in FIG. 17B, a side of the inner support frame 500 facing toward the vehicle includes braces (32 is shown, see 30 in FIG. 2B) that provide attachment of the lift frame 150, such as via pins or bolts (36 is shown, see 34 in FIG. 2B). As shown in FIG. 17A, a vehicle facing side of the inner support frame 500 includes attachment regions 43 each having multiple openings (108A-D) that provide multiple attachment options to the vehicle, such as via a plow attachment bracket 800. The plow attachment bracket 800 may include a main horizontal beam 806 that supports attachment extensions 802 that provide connection with a bumper of the vehicle (or modified bumper of the vehicle) and attachment extensions 804 that provide connection with the inner support frame 500, such as via a boot 940.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 18, each of the attachment extensions (802, 804) include openings configured to accept a bolt / nut or clovis / cotter pin that provides connection to a vehicle bumper extension 900 (i.e., modified front bumper of the vehicle) or inner support frame 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the attachment extensions 802 may be sized and shaped to fit within corresponding openings 902 in the bumper extension 900 and may be secured therein with a bolt / nut or clovis / cotter pin. A boot 940 may fit over the attachment extension 804 and may be secured thereon via one or more bolts / clovis pins (946a, b) that pass through corresponding openings in the boot (e.g., as shown in FIG. 20, openings 944d and 944b) and attachment extension 804, wherein the bolts / clovis pins are secured by nuts / cotter pins. As mentioned, the boot 940 provides connection with the openings (108A-D) of the attachment regions 43 of the inner support frame 500. The multiple openings (108A-D) provide various elevation options for attachment of the inner support frame 500.

[0093] In various configurations of the disclosed snowplow, a light assembly may be included, such as on top portion of the outer support frame 101 or a post attached thereon (652; see FIG. 3A). When positioned as such, the light will not be obstructed by the blade, even when tilted forward or back (pivot axis B) or side to side (pivot axis C).

[0094] A location for attachment of a trailer jack may also be included, such as along one or more of the inner arms 40 and / or outer arms 38 of the lift frame 150. For example, as shown in FIG. 29A, a cross brace 1550 may be attached between the inner arms 40 of the lift frame 150 so that a trailer jack support 1535 may be positioned therein. A top end of a trailer jack 1500, such as shown in FIG. 29B, may be positioned through the trailer jack support 1535 such that a wheel 1530 of the trailer jack can be oriented to contact the ground surface. A pin 1540, such as a clevis / cotter pin, quick release pin, detent pin, may be positioned within a bore or dimple 1521 within the trailer jack tube body 1520 to secure the trailer jack 1500 at a specific height above the ground surface. In use, the trailer jack 1500 may be lowered, such as to a ground surface, by positioning the pin 1540 within a desired bore or dimple 1521, and the handle 1510 on the trailer jack 1500 may be turned to extend the wheel 1530, and thus raise the lift frame 150 (i.e., snowplow apparatus). That is, according to certain designs, turning the handle 1510 may rotate a screw within the trailer jack tube body 1520 to shorten or lengthen the trailer jack. As such, a length of the trailer jack may be changed to assist in attaching / detaching the snowplow apparatus to / from the vehicle, wherein the wheels make moving the apparatus easy.

[0095] Alternatively, the trailer jack or a set of extendable wheels may be an integral part of the snowplow apparatus, such positioned anywhere along one or more of the inner arms 40 and / or outer arms 38 of the lift frame 150 or on the inner support frame 101 or upright frame 1100. As example, the trailer jack or extendable wheels may be folded upward to be parallel with the lift frame 150 when not in use and may be secured in this passive position. When needed, the trailer jack or extendable wheels may be extended to position a wheel on a ground surface and may be lockable in this active position.

[0096] With reference to FIG. 30, the plow blade may further yet include an attachment bracket 1602 (such as at a position of shoe 770 or housing of shoe 770; see FIG. 16) configured for connection to a corresponding attachment bracket 1610 of a locking wheel 1620, such as via bolts / nuts 1612. The wheels may be added or removed as needed to assist in mounting or removing the plow blade and associated apparatus from the vehicle. That is, the removeable trailer jack 1500 (or the integral trailer jack and / or extendable wheels) and the lockable wheels 1620 attached to the plow blade will allow a user to wheel the snowplow apparatus up to the bumper of a vehicle for easy alignment of the (i) plow attachment bracket 800 with the vehicle bumper extension 900 in cases when the plow attachment bracket 800 is connected to the inner support frame 500; or (ii) inner support frame 500 with a boot 940 of the attachment bracket 800, when the attachment bracket is already connected with the bumper extension 900 of the vehicle.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 30, the wheels 1620 are positioned on a vehicle side of the snowplow blade. However, the attachment bracket 1610 and wheels 1620 may also be positioned on a front face of the snowplow blade along the bottom edge thereof. This latter position may serve to better balance the snowplow apparatus when it is detached from the vehicle. Further, a leaf or helper spring may be included to further aid in stabilizing the snowplow apparatus when it is not installed on a vehicle. For example, a leaf or helper spring 39 may be mounted on either side of the outer support frame 101, such as just above the connection points for the forward mount 162 of the lift frame 150 to the outer support frame (see FIG. 28).

[0098] An alternative implementation, or second embodiment, of a bumper extension and inner support frame (referred to hereon out as bumper addition 1010 and upright frame 1100 to avoid confusion) are illustrated in FIGS. 21 through 26. The bumper addition 1010 is attachable to a front bumper of a vehicle 10 and includes a detachable front panel 1012. The bumper addition 1010 may include a winch 1020 positioned therein, i.e., behind the front panel 1012. When the front panel 1012 is attached to the bumper addition 1010, a cable (not shown) of the winch may pass through a smaller detachable panel 1014 positioned on the front panel 1012. In prior art systems, a winch is typically attached to a vehicle before the bumper is connected. Thus, should repairs be required on the winch, the entire bumper of the vehicle must be removed to access the winch. As disclosed herein, the winch is mounted into the bumper addition and is easily accessible within the bumper addition by simply removing the front panel 1012.

[0099] The bumper addition 1010 may also include a hitch receiver 1035 and two bracket receivers 1030 (only one is fully visible in FIG. 22 at left), each configured to accept and secure an upright frame attachment bracket 1040 that is configured to provide attachment of an upright frame 1100 (see FIG. 25). Note, the upright frame attachment bracket 1040 is also referred to herein as the bracket 1040 (one is shown positioned within the bracket receiver 1030 in FIG. 22 at right).

[0100] With reference to FIGS. 23 through 26, various elements of the upright frame attachment bracket 1040 and upright frame 1100 are shown. The bracket 1040 comprises a vertical portion 1044 that includes a notch 1042 configured to assist in attachment of the upright frame 1100 to the bumper addition 1010 (explained in more detail below). The bracket 1040 also comprises a horizontal portion 1046 having through-holes (1145a, 1145b) configured to provide connection between the bumper addition 1010 and the upright frame 1100.

[0101] With specific reference to FIG. 24, the horizontal portion 1046 of the bracket 1040 may be positioned within the bracket receiver 1030, and a nut / bolt or cotter / clevis pin 1050 may be positioned through the set of through-holes in the bracket receiver 1030 and the first set of through-holes 1045a in the bracket 1040 to provide connection of the bracket 1040 to the bumper addition 1010. A second set of through-holes 1045b in the horizontal portion 1046 of the bracket 1040 provides connection to the upright frame 1100, as illustrated in FIG. 25, wherein a nut / bolt or cotter / clovis pin may be passed through a set of through-holes 1122 in a boot 1124 of the upright frame 1100 and the second set of through-holes 1146b in the bracket 1040 to secure the upright frame 1100 to the bumper addition 1010.

[0102] While the bracket 1040 is shown as connectable to the vehicle via the bracket receiver 1030 of the bumper addition 1010, it may alternatively be connectable directly to a modified bumper of a vehicle. That is, bracket receivers 1030 may be welded directly to the bumper of a vehicle, and thus the bumper addition 1010 would not be needed. In a similar fashion, and with reference back to FIGS. 18-20, the horizontal and vertical portions (802, 804) of the attachment extensions of bracket 800 may be individually welded to a bumper of a vehicle (i.e., no need to include the horizontal beam of the bracket 800 and the bumper extension 900).

[0103] With specific reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the upright frame 1100 is shown to include a top horizontal brace 1114, a middle horizontal brace 1118, and a boot 1124 on each end of a bottom horizontal brace 1126. Respective ends of each horizontal brace (1114, 1116, 1126) are connected to outer frame supports 1116. The upright frame 1100 is attachable to the bumper addition 1010 via the brackets 1040 as discussed above. On installation of the upright frame 1100, the base portion of each boot 1124 may rest within the notch 1042 of respective brackets 1040 to provide proper alignment of each set of upper through-holes 1122 in the boot 1124 with a respective set of through-holes 1145b in the bracket 1040. The upright frame 1100 may then be connected to the bumper addition 1010 via the bracket 1040, as discussed above.

[0104] Each boot 1124 of the upright frame 1100 also includes a set of lower through-holes 1120 configured to provide connection of the lift frame 150 thereto. As discussed above, the lift frame 150 includes a set of rearward mounts 164a, b (see FIGS. 4 and 29A) that provide connection with the boot 1124. With specific reference to FIG. 28, the outer set of rearward mounts 164a, that are positioned on the outer arms 38 of the lift frame 150, are attachable to the boot 1124 of the upright frame 1100, such as via a bolt / nut or clovis / cotter pin 1128 positioned through the lower through-holes 1120 and the rearward mount 164a. When only the outer set of rearward mounts 164a are used for connection between the lift frame 150 and the upright frame 1100, the inner rearward mounts 164b positioned on the inner arms 40 of the lift frame 150 are not required (i.e., may be omitted).

[0105] The upright frame 1100 may also comprise the pneumatic or hydraulic system that powers the various pistons disclosed herein, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic pump, associated pneumatic or hydraulic fluid lines, and control valves. For example, a position of the pneumatic or hydraulic system 1105 is illustrated in FIG. 25, and a possible manifold useful in the pneumatic or hydraulic system is illustrated in FIG. 27C. the pneumatic or hydraulic system may be positioned within a frame that is attachable to the upright frame 1100, such as on the top horizontal brace 1114. The attachment may be via a quick disconnect providing for easy attachment / detachment, or any other means known in the art.

[0106] With reference to FIGS. 25 through 27B, the upright frame 1100 also includes a set of brackets for attachment of a second lift frame 1400, such as brackets 1140 position on the top horizontal brace 1114 of the upright frame 1100. Each bracket 1140 includes a set of through-holes that provide attachment with the second lift frame 1400, such as via a bolt / nut or clovis / cotter pin 1142 positioned in through-holes in the bracket 1140 and through-holes 1430 of the second lift frame 1400. The second lift frame 1400 includes a set of through-holes 1440 for attachment of the first piston 102, and a hook 1410 for attachment of a set of chains 1420. These chains 1420 may each be attached at an opposite end to a chain attachment extension 1300 of the lift frame 150, i.e., on either side of the lift frame. A chain attachment extension 1300 may be attached to each outer arm 38 of the lift frame 150 and may extend outward therefrom.

[0107] The chains 1420 may act to reposition the plow blade to a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground level. For example, in addition to the biasing member 120 mentioned above, or in lieu of, the orientation of the plow blade on the third hinge (i.e., on pivot bar 48) may be set as substantially horizontal using the chains 1420, such as by positioning the chains 1420 on the hook 1410 so that the chains have an equivalent length. When the plow blade is lifted, or upon encountering a road surface that is flat (i.e., not tilted or graded), the plow blade will resume a horizontal orientation (i.e., bottom edge will be parallel with a flat surface of the ground). However, by virtue of the third hinge, the plow blade may tilt to accommodate a graded road surface.

[0108] With specific reference to FIGS. 25 through 28, the upright frame 1100 also includes a piston attachment bracket 1130 having a first set of through-holes 1132 configured for attachment of the first piston 102 and a second set of through-holes 1134 configured for attachment of the second piston 104. The first piston 102 may have a first end attached to the upright frame 1100, such as to the piston attachment bracket 1130 via through-holes 1132, and at a second end attached to the second lift frame 1400, such as via through-holes 1440. The first piston 102 may be used to raise or lower the second lift frame, and by way of the connection between the second lift frame 1400 and the lift frame 150 (i.e., via the chains 1420), may raise and lower the lift frame 150 and thus the plow blade (along axis A).

[0109] The second piston 104, which is used to change an angle or pitch of the blade of the snowplow (along axis B), has a first end mounted to the upright frame 1100 via through-holes 1134 and a second end mounted to the outer support frame 101 via an attachment point 116. Changing the pitch of the plow blades enables the operator to increase or decrease the aggressiveness of the plow while pushing snow. Pitching the plow forward while pulling snow backward makes for more effective back-blading. As mentioned above, each of the attachment points (116 and 1134) may include regions configured to accept a bolt or clevis pin that passes through an opening at an end of the piston, wherein the bolt or clevis pin may be secured via a nut or cotter pin, respectively.

[0110] As discussed above, and with reference to FIGS. 29A through 30, the removeable trailer jack 1500 (or the integral trailer jack and / or extendable wheels) and the lockable wheels 1620 attached to the plow blade will allow a user to wheel the snowplow apparatus up to the bumper of a vehicle for easy alignment of the (i) boots 1124 of the upright frame 1100 with the bracket 1040 of the vehicle bumper addition 1010; or (ii) the rearward mounts 164a of the lift frame 150 with the boots 1124 of the upright frame 1100, such as when the upright frame 1100 is already attached to the bumper addition 1010 via the brackets 1040.

[0111] Of note, each connection point indicated herein as provided via a bolt / nut or clovis / cotter pin through a through-hole is generally a hinged connection, i.e., the parts may rotate about an axis of the connection mechanism (i.e., bolt or pin). For example, connection of each of the pistons (102, 104, 106) may allow rotation about the connection point such that each of the pistons need not include a swivel eye. As an additional example, each of the connections between the inner and outer support frames and the lift frame, or the second lift frame, are meant to provide a hinged connection. Moreover, while specific connection mechanisms have been described, i.e., bolt / nut or clovis / cotter pin, others are possible and within the scope of the disclosed apparatus.

[0112] Specific aspects of the present disclosure will now be presented.

[0113] The present disclosure relates to a snowplow apparatus comprising: a plow blade; an inner support frame attachable to a bumper of a vehicle; an outer support frame attachable to the plow blade; and a lift frame having a rearward mount configured for removable attachment to the inner support frame at two or more spaced-apart points and a forward mount configured for removeable attachment to the outer support frame at two or more spaced-apart points. The lift frame includes a first hinge formed at the connection point with the rearward mount and a second hinge formed at the connection point with the forward mount, wherein a pivot axis of the first hinge and a pivot axis of the second hinge extend transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the apparatus and substantially horizontal with respect to a ground surface. The plow blade is attached to the outer support frame via a third hinge allowing the plow blade to tilt side to side about a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to and in line with the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus, wherein the longitudinal axis of the apparatus is in line with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the apparatus is attached thereto.

[0114] The plow blade may comprise a left plow blade section and a right plow blade section, the two sections foldable about a fourth hinge with a pivot axis that extends transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus and substantially vertical with respect to the ground surface, wherein the longitudinal axis of the apparatus is in line with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the apparatus is attached thereto.

[0115] The apparatus may comprise a first powered mechanism for raising and lowering the snowplow blade about the pivot axis of the first hinge thereby adjusting an elevation of the snowplow blade, and a second powered mechanism for pivoting the snowplow blade about the pivot axis of the second hinge, thereby adjusting an angular orientation of the snowplow blade.

[0116] The first and second powered mechanisms may each comprise a hydraulic system with a hydraulic pump, associated hydraulic fluid lines, and control valves, or wherein the first and second powered mechanisms each comprise a pneumatic system with a pneumatic pump, associated pneumatic fluid lines, and control valves.

[0117] The first powered mechanism may have a first end attachable to the inner support frame and at a second end attachable to the lift frame, wherein the second powered mechanism may have a first end attachable to the inner support frame and a second end attachable to the outer support frame. Alternatively, first powered mechanism may have a first end attachable to the inner support frame and at a second end attachable to a second lift frame, wherein the second lift frame is hingedly attached to a top end of the inner support frame, and the second powered mechanism may have a first end attachable to the inner support frame and a second end attachable to the outer support frame.

[0118] The apparatus may comprise a resilient element that biases the plow blade about the pivot axis of the third hinge toward a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground level. Alternatively, or additionally, the apparatus may comprise a horizontal support system that biases the plow blade about the pivot axis of the third hinge toward a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground level. The horizontal support system may comprise a set of chains attached at one end to opposing edges of the lift frame and at an opposite end to a second lift frame, wherein the second lift frame is hingedly attached to a top end of the inner support frame.

[0119] The left and right plow blade sections may rotate about the pivot axis of the fourth hinge so that the plow blade is concave, flat, or convex with respect to an axis transverse to the pivot axis of the fourth hinge.

[0120] The apparatus may comprise a fourth powered mechanism configured to pivot the left and right plow blade sections about the fourth pivot axis, synchronously or independently of each other. The fourth powered mechanism may comprise a left piston having two ends, one end being coupled to a support bar and an opposite end being coupled to the left blade section and configured to exert force thereon, and a right piston having two ends, one end being coupled to the support bar and an opposite end being coupled to the right blade section and configured to exert force thereon, wherein the left and right pistons are hydraulic or pneumatic pistons.

[0121] The support bar may be attached to a vertically oriented bearing that comprises the fourth pivot axis such that the left and right pistons are not swivel eye pistons.

[0122] Each of the left and right plow blade sections may include an upper frame and a lower frame reversibly connectable via brackets that allow the plow blade to attain various vertical curvatures.

[0123] The inner support frame may be attachable to the bumper of the vehicle via an attachment bracket, wherein the attachment bracket comprises two or more integral attachment extensions each configured for connection with a boot, wherein each boot provides releasable attachment of the inner support frame to the attachment bracket.

[0124] The inner support frame may be attachable to the bumper of the vehicle via a set of spaced apart attachment brackets, wherein each of the attachment brackets may comprise a notch configured to support a boot of the inner support frame and align through-holes in each of the attachment bracket and boot for connection therebetween.

[0125] The attachment bracket may be connected to the vehicle via a bumper addition. The bumper addition may comprise a winch.

[0126] The present disclosure relates to a system comprising any of the aforementioned snowplow apparatus, and a modified bumper configured to provide connection between an inner support frame of the snowplow apparatus and a vehicle.

[0127] The modified bumper may include an attachment bracket comprising two or more integral attachment extensions each having a horizontally extending region configured for connection with the vehicle and a vertically extending region configured for connection with a boot, wherein the boot provides releasable attachment of the inner support frame to the attachment bracket.

[0128] The modified bumper may include at least two bracket receivers and two attachment brackets, each attachment bracket comprising a notch configured to support a boot of the inner support frame and align through-holes in each of the attachment bracket and boot for connection therebetween. The modified bumper may be attached to a front end of the vehicle and may comprise a winch.

[0129] There has thus been shown and described a novel snowplow apparatus for a motor vehicle which fulfills all the objects and advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims which follow.

[0130] Accordingly, while particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific apparatuses and methods described herein, including alternatives, variants, additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions. This application including the appended claims is therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this application.

[0131] A list of the various elements shown in the drawings is provided in the table below.

[0132] A, B, C, D pivot axes

[0133] 10 truck

[0134] 12 snowplow

[0135] 14 vertical axis (D) that is perpendicular to the horizontal axes (A, B, C)

[0136] 16 left half of the V-plow blade

[0137] 18 right half of the V-plow blade

[0138] 30, 32 braces

[0139] 34, 36 pins or bolts providing connection between braces 30, 32 of the inner support frame 500 and the lift frame 150 (defining pivot axis A)

[0140] 38 outer arm of the lift frame 150

[0141] 40 inner arm of the lift frame 150

[0142] 43 attachment region 43 of the inner support frame 500

[0143] 44 pins providing connection between the lift frame 150 and the outer support frame 101 (defining pivot axis B)

[0144] 46 inner bore of the outer support frame 101 configure to support and allow rotation within of pivot bar 48

[0145] 48 pivot bar (defining pivot axis C)

[0146] 48a inner static end of the pivot bar 48

[0147] 48b outer rotating end of the pivot bar 48

[0148] 49 central bore in the outer rotating end 48b of the pivot bar 48

[0149] 50 vertically oriented bearing (defining pivot axis D)

[0150] 100 snowplow of the present disclosure

[0151] 101 outer support frame

[0152] 102 first piston enabling rotation of the plow blade about pivot axis A (lifting the blade)

[0153] 103 first attachment point of the third piston (attachment to the outer support frame 101)

[0154] 104 second piston enabling rotation of the plow blade about pivot axis B (pitch of the blade)

[0155] 105 first attachment point for first piston (attachment to the inner support frame 500)

[0156] 106 third piston enabling rotation of the left and / or right sections of the plow blade about pivot axis D (folding of the sections of the blade)

[0157] 107 second attachment point for first piston (attachment to the outer support frame 101)

[0158] 108A-D openings on the attachment region 43 of the inner support frame 500

[0159] 110 second attachment point of the third piston (attachment to one of the left or right sections of the plow blade (16. 18))

[0160] 112 bolt providing connection of the third piston 106 to the first attachment point 103

[0161] 116 second attachment point of the second piston (attachment to the outer support frame 101)

[0162] 118 first attachment point of the second piston (attachment to the inner support frame 500)

[0163] 120 biasing member

[0164] 132 left side support of the outer support frame 101

[0165] 134 right side support of the outer support frame 101

[0166] 150 lift frame

[0167] 162 forward mount of the lift frame 150

[0168] 164a, 164b rearward mount of the lift frame 150

[0169] 218 contact plate (greased for smooth contact with the outer rotating end of the pivot bar 48)

[0170] 240 attachment region of the biasing element 120

[0171] 241 bolt holes of the attachment region 240

[0172] 260 support bar (supports pivot axis D)

[0173] 262 forward attachment region of pivot axis D support bar 260

[0174] 263 extensions providing the first attachment point 103 of the third piston 106

[0175] 264 cotter pin to secure the bolt 112

[0176] 268 rear attachment region of pivot axis D support bar 260

[0177] 270 mount for the biasing element 120 (attached at the attachment region 240 via bolts in the bolt holes 241)

[0178] 300 bottom attachment plate for the biasing member 120

[0179] 310 coil posts of the bottom attachment plate 300

[0180] 315 opening to secure the inner static end 48b of the pivot bar 48

[0181] 320 bolt holes providing attachment of the bottom attachment plate 300 to the mount 270.

[0182] 330 biasing adjustment plate

[0183] 400 linker for the pivot axis D support bar (260) to the vertically oriented bearing 50

[0184] 402 bore for connection with the vertically oriented bearing 50

[0185] 404 connector plate of the linker 400

[0186] 500 inner support frame

[0187] 600A upper frame of the plow blade

[0188] 600B lower frame of the plow blade

[0189] 652 mount location for a light assembly

[0190] 702 end cap of the vertically oriented bearing 50

[0191] 704, 706, 707 support members

[0192] 708, 710 support arms of support members 704 and 706, respectively

[0193] 720 central bore of the support members 704 and 706

[0194] 740 stabilizing connector for support member (e.g., 707)

[0195] 750 blade bracket

[0196] 760 cutting edge attachment bracket

[0197] 765 cutting edge

[0198] 770 plow shoes

[0199] 800 plow attachment bracket

[0200] 802 horizontal portion of the attachment extensions that provides connection with the bumper extension 900

[0201] 804 vertical portion of the attachment extension that provides connection with the inner support frame 500

[0202] 806 main horizontal beam 806 of the plow attachment bracket 800

[0203] 900 bumper extension

[0204] 902 openings in the vehicle bumper

[0205] 940 boot

[0206] 942, 944 bolt / nut (or clovis / cotter pin, or the like) for connection between boot 940 and the inner support frame 500

[0207] 944a-d openings in the boot 940 configure for attachment to the attachment extension 804

[0208] 946 bolt to attach the boot 940 to the bumper extension 900

[0209] 1010 bumper addition

[0210] 1012 front panel of bumper addition 1010

[0211] 1014 inner panel of bumper addition 1010 providing access to winch cable

[0212] 1020 winch

[0213] 1030 bracket receiver of bumper addition 1010 for attachment of bracket 1040

[0214] 1035 hitch receiver

[0215] 1040 upright frame attachment bracket

[0216] 1042 notch on bracket 1040

[0217] 1044 vertical portion of the upright frame attachment bracket 1040 that provides connection with the bumper extension inner support frame 1100

[0218] 1045a through-holes for attachment to bumper addition 1010

[0219] 1045b through-holes for attachment to upright frame 1100

[0220] 1046 horizontal portion of the upright frame attachment bracket 1040 that provides connection with the bumper addition 1010

[0221] 1050 bolt / nut (or cotter / clevis pin, or the like)

[0222] 1100 upright frame (also referred to as inner support frame)

[0223] 1105 position of pneumatic or hydraulic system

[0224] 1114 top horizontal brace of upright frame 1100

[0225] 1116 outer frame supports of upright frame 1100

[0226] 1118 middle horizontal brace of upright frame 1100

[0227] 1120 through-hole in boot 1124 for attachment of lift frame 150

[0228] 1122 through-hole in boot 1124 for attachment to bracket 1040

[0229] 1124 boot

[0230] 1126 bottom horizontal brace of upright frame 1100

[0231] 1128 bolt / nut (or cotter / clevis pin, or the like)

[0232] 1130 piston attachment bracket

[0233] 1132 through-hole for attachment of first piston 102 to upright frame 1100

[0234] 1134 through-hole for attachment of second piston 104 to upright frame 1100

[0235] 1140 bracket for attachment of second lift frame 1400

[0236] 1142 bolt / nut (or cotter / clevis pin, or the like)

[0237] 1300 chain attachment extension on lift frame 150

[0238] 1400 second lift frame

[0239] 1410 hook for attachment of chains

[0240] 1420 chains or horizontal support system

[0241] 1430 through-hole for attachment to upright frame 1100

[0242] 1440 through-hole for attachment of first piston 102

[0243] 1500 trailer jack

[0244] 1510 trailer jack handle

[0245] 1520 trailer jack tube body

[0246] 1521 dimple in the trailer jack tube body 1520

[0247] 1530 wheel of trailer jack

[0248] 1535 trailer jack support

[0249] 1540 pin to secure trailer jack 1520 in support 1535

[0250] 1550 cross brace on lift frame 150 for attachment of trailer jack support 1535

[0251] 1602 attachment bracket on plow blade for lockable wheels 1620

[0252] 1610 attachment bracket on lockable wheels 1620

[0253] 1612 bolt

[0254] 1620 lockable wheel

Claims

1. A snowplow apparatus comprising:a plow blade;an inner support frame attachable to a bumper of a vehicle;an outer support frame attachable to the plow blade; anda lift frame having a rearward mount configured for removable attachment to the inner support frame at two or more spaced-apart points and a forward mount configured for removeable attachment to the outer support frame at two or more spaced-apart points,wherein the lift frame includes a first hinge formed at the connection point with the rearward mount and a second hinge formed at the connection point with the forward mount, wherein a pivot axis of the first hinge and a pivot axis of the second hinge extend transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the apparatus and substantially horizontal with respect to a ground surface,wherein the plow blade is attached to the outer support frame via a third hinge allowing the plow blade to tilt side to side about a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to and in line with the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus, andwherein the plow blade comprises a left plow blade section and a right plow blade section, the two sections foldable about a fourth hinge with a pivot axis that extends transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus and substantially vertical with respect to the ground surface,wherein the longitudinal axis of the apparatus is in line with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the apparatus is attached thereto.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a first powered mechanism for raising and lowering the snowplow blade about the pivot axis of the first hinge thereby adjusting an elevation of the snowplow blade, and a second powered mechanism for pivoting the snowplow blade about the pivot axis of the second hinge, thereby adjusting an angular orientation of the snowplow blade.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second powered mechanisms each comprise a hydraulic system with a hydraulic pump, associated hydraulic fluid lines, and control valves, or wherein the first and second powered mechanisms each comprise a pneumatic system with a pneumatic pump, associated pneumatic fluid lines, and control valves.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first powered mechanism has a first end attachable to the inner support frame and at a second end attachable to the lift frame, and wherein the second powered mechanism has a first end attachable to the inner support frame and a second end attachable to the outer support frame.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first powered mechanism has a first end attachable to the inner support frame and at a second end attachable to a second lift frame, wherein the second lift frame is hingedly attached to a top end of the inner support frame, and wherein the second powered mechanism has a first end attachable to the inner support frame and a second end attachable to the outer support frame.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a resilient element that biases the plow blade about the pivot axis of the third hinge toward a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground level.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a horizontal support system that biases the plow blade about the pivot axis of the third hinge toward a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground level.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the horizontal support system comprises a set of chains attached at one end to opposing edges of the lift frame and at an opposite end to a second lift frame, wherein the second lift frame is hingedly attached to a top end of the inner support frame.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the left and right plow blade sections rotate about the pivot axis of the fourth hinge so that the plow blade is concave, flat, or convex with respect to an axis transverse to the pivot axis of the fourth hinge.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a fourth powered mechanism configured to pivot the left and right plow blade sections about the fourth pivot axis, synchronously or independently of each other.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the fourth powered mechanism comprises a left piston having two ends, one end being coupled to a support bar and an opposite end being coupled to the left blade section and configured to exert force thereon, and a right piston having two ends, one end being coupled to the support bar and an opposite end being coupled to the right blade section and configured to exert force thereon, wherein the left and right pistons are hydraulic or pneumatic pistons.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support bar is attached to a vertically oriented bearing that comprises the fourth pivot axis such that the left and right pistons are not swivel eye pistons.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the left and right plow blade sections include an upper frame and a lower frame reversibly connectable via brackets that allow the plow blade to attain various vertical curvatures.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner support frame is attachable to the bumper of the vehicle via an attachment bracket, wherein the attachment bracket comprises two or more integral attachment extensions each configured for connection with a boot, wherein each boot provides releasable attachment of the inner support frame to the attachment bracket.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner support frame is attachable to the bumper of the vehicle via a set of spaced apart attachment brackets, wherein each of the attachment brackets comprises a notch configured to support a boot of the inner support frame and align through-holes in each of the attachment bracket and boot for connection therebetween.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the attachment bracket is connected to the vehicle via a bumper addition comprising a winch.

17. A system comprising:the snowplow according to claim 1; anda modified bumper configured to provide connection between an inner support frame of the snowplow and a vehicle.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the modified bumper includes an attachment bracket comprising two or more integral attachment extensions each having a horizontally extending region configured for connection with the vehicle and a vertically extending region configured for connection with a boot, wherein the boot provides releasable attachment of the inner support frame to the attachment bracket.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the modified bumper includes at least two bracket receivers and two attachment brackets, each attachment bracket comprising a notch configured to support a boot of the inner support frame and align through-holes in each of the attachment bracket and boot for connection therebetween.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the modified bumper is attached to a front end of the vehicle and comprises a winch.

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