Patent ID: 7398637
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A system for mounting an accessory to a vehicle, comprising: a linkage arrangement interconnected with the vehicle, wherein the linkage arrangement includes a pair of vertically spaced link members, wherein each link member defines an inner end and an outer end, wherein the outer ends of the link members are vertically spaced apart from each other; a vertical pivot member mounted between the spaced apart outer ends of the link members, wherein the vertical pivot member defines a vertical pivot axis; an accessory interconnected with the vertical pivot member so as to be suspended from the ground and supported solely by the linkage arrangement, wherein the accessory defines a working end including a power unit that is spaced outwardly from the vertical pivot axis and is movable about the vertical pivot axis for movement between a first position and a second position relative to the linkage arrangement, wherein the working end of the accessory, including the power unit, is located on a first side of the linkage arrangement when the accessory is in the first position and is located on a second side of the linkage arrangement, opposite the first side, when the accessory is in the second position, wherein the accessory is operated by the power unit without being operated by drive components located inwardly of the vertical pivot member; wherein the accessory is interconnected with the vertical pivot member via an accessory mounting arrangement defining an inner end interconnected with the vertical pivot member and an outer end to which the accessory is secured, wherein the accessory is located outwardly of the vertical pivot axis; a linkage mounting arrangement interposed between the inner ends of the link members and the vehicle, wherein the linkage mounting arrangement defines a horizontal axis pivot connection to which the inner end of each link member is secured; and a manually operated handle interconnected with the accessory mounting arrangement at a location outwardly of the vertical pivot member, wherein the handle is configured to be raised and lowered to pivot the link members about the horizontal axis pivot connection, and to be moved horizontally to pivot the accessory mounting arrangement about the vertical pivot axis; wherein pivoting movement of the link members about the horizontal axis pivot connection provides vertical movement of the link members and the vertical pivot member, and thereby the working end of the accessory, relative to the vehicle between a raised position and a lowered position.