Abstract:
An improved installation bolt which can quickly and easily attach a plow blade to the moldboard of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a plow blade, moldboard and metal bolt along with washer and nut. The improved installation bolt is achieved using a bolt which incorporates a hex head nut affixed to the top end of the bolt and a tapered bottom portion of the bolt. The hex head nut protrudes above the plane of the plow blade or above the plane of the moldboard to facilitate removal. The plow blade is firmly attached to the moldboard easily and quickly as the tapered bolt aligns several slots of both components so that the remaining bolts can slide into place.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to an installation bolt. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an installation bolt for attaching a plow blade or scoop to the moldboard of a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In a typical plowing configuration, a plow blade is connected to a moldboard via installation bolts, and the moldboard is in turn connected to a vehicle. The term “blade” refers to the contoured shovel that moves or lifts snow, dirt, soil or other materials. Blades typically range between three and eleven feet in length. The moldboard refers to the flat metal plate operatively affixed to a vehicle. A plow blade is typically connected to the moldboard of a heavy-duty or utility truck, although moldboards can be used in conjunction with many types of automobiles. 
         [0003]    While the blade is on the plow, the blade and installation bolt can become corroded by sand, salt, calcium, magnesium, or exposure to weather. Depending on the environment, corrosion of the installation bolt can normally occur within one to three years. When the installation bolt that connects the blade to the moldboard becomes corroded it requires replacement due to the significant increase in the potential for fatigue failure, excessive stress, or thread stripping. The plow blade may also require replacement. For example, a blade may need to be replaced upon contact with surface irregularities such as manhole, catch basin, water or gas box covers, granite curbing, rocks, cement, asphalt, or tree stumps. 
         [0004]    In the typical plowing configuration described above, changing the plow blade on a vehicle can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Corrosion of the plow blade, moldboard, and/or installation bolts can create difficulties with removing the installation bolts in order to remove the blade from the vehicle. In some situations, the installation bolt will rotate freely within the attachment hole of a plow blade, making it impossible to seize or grip the bolt head  102  in order to tighten or loosen it. When disassembling the blade, moldboard, and installation bolts it is always the case that the installation bolt is destroyed in the disassembling process because the blade has to be burned off with a blowtorch. Replacement of installation bolts adds to the cost of replacing or changing out a plow blade. For cities with numerous plows that are used simultaneously on a plowing mission, the cost of bolts, nuts and washers plus the additional manpower for all plows is significant. 
         [0005]    Once the blade has been removed from the moldboard, the replacement blade is affixed to the moldboard which is attached to the vehicle. For the longer blades this requires three or more people to hold up the blade and align it as another person inserts installation bolts through their slots. To achieve this, the slots in the blade must be exactly aligned with those of the moldboard. The blunt end of existing installation bolts necessitates perfect alignment of the slots in both components. If they are not perfectly aligned, and the operator tries to physically force the bolt into the slot by, for example, striking the bolt with a hammer, the threads on the bolt can be stripped. 
         [0006]    Currently, traditional standard bolts vary in tensile and shear strength. However, traditional standard bolts require changes to the mechanical design where applications increase the frequency of use and replacement. 
         [0007]    Thus, there is a need for an improved installation bolt for attaching a plow blade to a moldboard. The present invention meets that need. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0008]    The present disclosure is directed to an improved installation bolt that obviates many of the deficiencies cited above. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to an improved installation bolt which facilitates an increased frequency of plow blade replacements or changes, re-use of the installation bolt, and improved ease of use. 
         [0009]    The present disclosure is generally directed to an installation bolt created from a monolithic elongated member. Monolithic for the present disclosure means consisting of or constituting a single unit. The member has a first section designed to be introduced into a bolt hole comprising a tapered end and a threaded section to interconnect a nut or similar affixing means that is connected to a smooth second cylindrical section which is connected to a third section that comprises a squared portion that divergently tapers into a round flat head with a non-rounded head, such as a hexagonal head, on top of the round flat head. 
         [0010]    The present disclosure is also directed to a method of replacing a plow blade comprising:
       (a) removing a plow blade attached with at least one bolt to a snow plow moldboard having at least one bolt hole,   said bolt comprising a monolithic, substantially elongated member having:
           (1) a first section configured to be introduced into said at least one bolt hole, said first section comprising a threaded portion and a tapered unthreaded end portion adapted to assist in aligning said bolt with said at least one bolt hole;   (2) a second section extending from the first section to a third section, said second section comprising an elongated smooth surface portion that extends from the threaded portion of the first section to said third section; and   (3) a third section comprising a divergent tapered portion and a head protruding therefrom and adapted to be engaged by a tool to rotate said bolt by imparting frictional force sufficient to remove a nut affixed to the threaded central portion of said bolt;   
           (b) reattaching the plow blade to the moldboard by aligning and introducing the tapered unthreaded end portion of said first section of said bolt into said at least one bolt hole until the head of said third portion of said bolt engages with a depression in said moldboard, and   (c) tightening a nut on the threaded portion of said first section of said bolt.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The foregoing and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a side view of a prior art installation bolt. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a top view of a prior art installation bolt. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an improved installation bolt in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of an improved installation bolt in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an improved installation bolt in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the plow blade bolt hole with a partially inserted improved installation bolt in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is an angled top view of the plow blade bolt hole with an improved installation bolt in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the plow blade bolt holes. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    For ease of comparison,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  provide a known installation bolt  101 . The differences there between will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art and are described further below. 
         [0029]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a known installation bolt  101  comprises a monolithic threaded member  103  and a divergent tapered round flat head  102 . 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-6 , an improved installation bolt  104  comprises a monolithic, substantially elongated member having three sections: first section  121 , second section  122 , and third section  123 . The first section  121  comprises a tapered end  105  and a threaded portion  106  that is configured to be introduced into a bolt hole of a plow blade and provides a means of affixing the bolt to a nut or similar device. The second section  122  comprises a smooth surface that is diametrically identical to the first section. Second section  122  connects the first section  121  to third section  123 . Second section  122  can be made to various lengths, resulting in an alteration of the overall length of improved installation bolt  104 . The third section  123  comprises a divergent tapered round flat head  108  having a hexagonal head  109  affixed to the top of the round flat head  108 . Hexagonal head  109  is configured to maintain counterforce with a nut or similar device and provide a means of removal or tightening of the improved installation bolt  104 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  show a known installation bolt  101  as compared to  FIGS. 2-6  which show an improved installation bolt. In some embodiments, the first section  121  comprises tapered end  105  to facilitate bolt alignment. For example, this substantially improves the process of attaching a plow blade to the moldboard for a wide variety of blade bolt hole lengths. Installation bolt  104  is self-aligning due to tapered end  105 , which smoothly introduces improved installation bolt  104  to the moldboard and blade, even where bolt holes are not precisely aligned. The improved installation bolt  104  thus requires less time and resources and avoids the usual risk of shearing the bolt threads. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the second section  122  is configured as a smooth elongated cylinder. The cylindrical design can be used in applications requiring circular bolts. In some embodiments, the second section  122  is an elongated square section. In still further embodiments, the second section  122  is an elongated hexagonal shaped section. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the third section  123  is formed from a hexagonal shaped head  109  that protrudes above the plane of the blade bolt holes. For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates the hexagonal head  109  protruding beyond the plane of blade bolt hole  501 . In some embodiments, the hexagonal shaped head  109  is adapted with one or more openings or depressions configured to be engaged by an allen wrench, phillips head screwdriver, or any other tightening or loosening apparatus that can be applied to the openings in the top surface of the improved installation bolt  104 . These embodiments simplify removal and tightening of the bolt. In some embodiments, the portion of the third section  123  connected to the second section  122  is square shaped  110 . In some embodiments the second section  122  is directly connected to the divergently tapered flat head  108 . These designs support various means of securing the improved installation bolt  104  to blade bolt hole  501 . The improved design allows for the square shaped section  110  inside the blade bolt hole  502  to become corroded and the bolt to still be an effective securing means. If the blade bolt hole  502  becomes worn down due to corrosion and the opening becomes larger (e.g. at blade bolt hole  503 ), hexagonal head  109  can be fixed in place by imparting frictional force on the female depression in the moldboard to tighten or loosen the improved installation bolt  104 . In some embodiments, the frictional force provided by the moldboard allows for a tool to be used to remove the nut affixed to the threaded portion  106  of the improved installation bolt  104 . In some embodiments, a tool can be affixed to impart frictional force on the hexagonal head  109  and a tool can be affixed to a nut on the threaded portion  106  to loosen the nut and remove the bolt in order to replace the snow plow blade. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, improved installation bolt has a diameter of ⅝ inches. In some embodiments, improved installation bolt has a diameter of ½ inches. The improved installation bolts in various embodiments can accommodate any variety of diameter, length, and strength. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments the improved installation bolt  104  is comprised of metal or similar alloy necessary for the application. In some embodiments, the installation bolt  104  is coated with a non-rusting substance or material. In other embodiments, the installation bolt  104  comprises a non-metallic material. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 5 and 6  provide an improved installation bolt  104  as shown inserted into the bolt holes of a moldboard  401 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  and as discussed above, the head  102  of known installation bolt  101  sits substantially flush with the exterior surface of moldboard  401 , while the hexagonal head  109  of improved installation bolt  104  extends beyond the exterior surface of moldboard  401 . Since the head  102  of known installation bolt  101  sits substantially flush with the exterior surface of moldboard  401 , there is nothing to grab in order to tighten it in place or remove it. Thus, the bolt will spin in a round bolt hole that has been corroded. 
         [0037]    The present disclosure includes many advantages over the existing art. Most notably, the improved installation bolt simplifies the process of installing and/or removing the bolt as is done, for example, when changing a plow blade secured by such bolts. The improved installation bolt  104  resolves multiple problems of prior art bolts. First, the bolt saves time during removal of the used blade for attachment of a new blade to a moldboard. Second, if the improved installation bolt becomes corroded, rusted, or worn, it can still be removed because it is always possible to seize the hexagonal head with a socket and ratchet, open-end wrench, allen or phillips head wrench. Concurrently, the tapered design smoothly introduces the installation bolt into blade bolt hole and the moldboard at the slots in which they align. In a typical plowing assembly, the tapered end of an improved installation bolt passes through the bolt hole of a moldboard and into the bolt hole of a plow blade. Once the threads of the first section of the improved installation bolt are engaged in the threaded bolt hole of the plow blade, the bolt holes of the plow blade and moldboard are pulled into alignment. This self-alignment improvement thus obviates the need to perfectly align the bolt holes of the moldboard and plow blade before insertion of the installation bolt. The tapered design therefore requires less time and resources and avoids risks caused by physically jamming the installation bolt into the blade bolt hole. Finally, the design of the installation bolt as disclosed herein renders the installation bolt reusable thereby saving the cost of a full set of new bolts and other components for every re-attachment. 
         [0038]    Although discussed above in the context of attaching a plow blade to the moldboard of a vehicle, the present disclosure is not so limited in its application. The improved installation bolt disclosed herein may be suitable for a wide range of applications, not limited to the attachment of additional equipment such as a snow plow, soil grader, scoop to the moldboard of a vehicle. 
         [0039]    It may be emphasized that the above-described embodiments, particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0040]    While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiment. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
         [0041]    Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.