Snow plow jack stand

A jack stand for a snow removal system including an easily vertically positionable frame retaining bracket and locking mechanism is provided. The jack stand is configurable between a lowered, operational position and a raised, stored position, wherein the jack stand includes a locking mechanism for retaining the base of the jack stand on the ground. When the jack stand is not needed, the locking mechanism is released, the jack stand is raised from the ground and the stand remains secured to the hitching mechanism and stored for further use thereof.

IDENTIFICATION OF RELATE APPLICATIONS

This patent application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,893, entitled “Removable And Storable Wings For A Snow Plow Blade And Snow Removal System Used Therewith,” co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,886, entitled “Snow Plow Blade Including Nut Retaining Plate,” co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,732, entitled “Plow Quick Connect/Disconnect Hitch Mechanism,” co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,635, entitled “V-Plow,” and co pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,671, entitled “Plow Including Independently Moveable Wings,” all of which patent applications were filed on Jun. 17, 2008, and all of which patent applications are assigned to the assignee of the present application, and all five of which patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to snow removal systems for medium and light duty trucks, and particularly to a jack stand for safe and easy installation and removal of a snow plow blade on to a snow plow hitch component of the snow removal system.

The type of vehicle used in a snow removal system depends on the particular plowing application, and can include medium or light duty trucks, a skid or front-end loaders or commercial/government vehicles. Typically, the snow plowing apparatus is configured to be connected and disconnected from the snow plow vehicle so that the vehicle can be used in other applications, when not needed.

In order to provide the detachable plowing apparatus to the snow plow vehicle, a conventional snow removal system includes a hitch frame nose piece mounted at the front of the vehicle under the bumper, a hitch mechanism, removably mounted to the hitch frame nose piece on the vehicle, and a snow plow blade, mounted to the hitch mechanism. When attaching and removing snow plow equipment from the vehicle, the snow plow hitch mechanism must be raised to a vertical position so that it may be substantially aligned with and secured to the hitch on the front bumper of the vehicle.

Despite efforts to reduce the overall weight of the snow removal components, together the hitch mechanism and snow plow blade are extremely large and heavy, weighing up to several hundred pounds. In prior art snow removal systems, the plow operator must lift the system with pry bars or a hoist when performing this operation, and many times more than one individual is required. However, this can result in pinched fingers and back injuries to the operator(s).

It is accordingly the primary objective of the present invention that it provide an improved snow plow jack stand for a snow removal system and method of operating the same which allows the snow plow to be both connected to and disconnected from a vehicle easily and simply, without requiring tools. It is a related objective of the snow plow jack stand for a snow removal system of the present invention that it require little physical effort to connect or disconnect the snow plow from the vehicle. It is another related objective of the snow plow jack stand for a snow removal system of the present invention that the process of connecting or disconnecting the snow plow to or from the vehicle is so simple and easy to use that it can be done by a single person without requiring assistance.

It is a further objective of the snow plow jack stand for a snow removal system of the present invention that it be mechanically simple both in construction and in operation. It is a still further objective of the snow plow jack stand for a snow removal system of the present invention that is durable, long lasting and configured to be securably mounted to the snow plow hitch mechanism for easy availability whenever it is desired to remove the plow from the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages and limitations of the background art discussed above are overcome by the present invention. With this invention, a snow plow jack stand for a snow removal system is provided for safe and efficient removal, installation and storage of a snow plow blade system.

The jack stand of the present invention includes a stand base, a vertical shaft pivotally mounted thereto, a mounting bracket for securing the jack stand to a frame component of the hitch mechanism, upper and lower spring components and a locking mechanism for locking the vertical shaft into the desired position.

The jack stand has a lowered or operational position such that the jack stand base is positioned on the ground and the hitch mechanism is maintained at the proper vertical height before installation of the hitch mechanism on to the plowing vehicle. In the raised or stored position, the locking mechanism is released and the vertical shaft moves upwardly, lifting the stand base from ground level. The lower spring provides upward pressure on the locking mechanism so that the edges of the locking mechanism contact and grip the side edges of the vertical shaft locking the vertical shaft it into place.

When downward pressure is applied to the handle on the vertical shaft, the locking mechanism pivots downwardly releasing contact with the vertical shaft. When the locking mechanism is pivoted in this manner, a space is provided between the locking mechanism and the vertical shaft so that the shaft may slide up and down within the openings thereof.

As such, to maintain the plow hitch mechanism at the desired vertical position for installation on to the vehicle, the operator applies downward pressure to the handle of the vertical shaft causing the spring to expand and the stand base to rest on the ground. When the base contacts the ground and the handle is released, the lower spring urges the locking mechanism upwardly so that it engages the vertical shaft, thereby locking the jack in the proper position.

When it is desired to store the jack stand for plowing, downward pressure is applied to the release handle of the locking mechanism, releasing contact of the locking mechanism with the vertical shaft. The upper spring then releases from its tensioned or compressed position, causing the jack stand to leave the ground return to its raised, stored position.

The snow plow jack stand for a snow removal system of the present invention is of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. The snow plow jack stand for a snow removal system of the present invention is also of inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives are achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A snow plow jack stand30for a snow removal system of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 10. The snow plow jack stand30is illustrated on a conventional snow plow hitch mechanism, indicated generally at32, having a rear facing side34that will be attached to the front of a snow plow vehicle (not shown), and a front facing side36, which including an A-frame component38for supporting and connecting components, such as a snow plow blade (not shown) to the snow removal system, as will be known to those skilled in the art. The hitch mechanism32is provided as only one example of the type of hitch/lift mechanism design and/or frame assembly that can be utilized with the jack stand of the present invention. It will be appreciated that one or more features of the jack stand30of the present invention can be incorporated into any type of hitch mechanism/attachment frame assembly, with little or no modification thereof.

Referring first toFIGS. 1 and 2, the snow plow jack stand30includes a stand base40and a substantially vertically oriented shaft42pivotally mounted thereto. The jack stand30further includes a mounting bracket44, support bracket46, a plurality of overlapping locking plates48athrough48dand upper and lower tensioning members/biasing members such as springs, indicated generally at50and52. It will be appreciated that each of the components of the jack stand are preferably constructed of a metal material, such as steel, aluminum or another lightweight metal, alloy or composite material capable of withstanding the environmental and wear conditions usually encountered during removal, storage, installation and operation of the snow removal system.

Turning toFIG. 3, in addition toFIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting bracket44includes a hitch mounting portion56, such as a substantially U-shaped channel member, comprising upper and lower, substantially parallel plates58and60and a connecting portion62. The upper plate58and lower plate60are spaced apart a distance62to provide an area64for accommodating a horizontally oriented mounting bar or brace70on the hitch mechanism32. The upper plate58includes at least one, and preferably two apertures72and74formed therein. Likewise, the lower plate60includes preferably two apertures76and78, configured to axially align with the apertures72and74in the upper plate58.

The mounting bracket44further includes an extension80, such as a square or tubular hollow member, secured at one end82to the mounting portion56and secured at the other end84to a substantially planar support plate86. The support plate86is substantially vertically oriented presenting a front face88configured to mate with the support bracket46, as described in more detail below. Preferably, the support plate86is substantially rectangular in shape, having mounting apertures90,92,94and96formed in respective corners thereof. An opening98is also formed in the support plate86for accommodating the locking plates48a-48d, as will also be described in more detail below.

Turning toFIG. 4, in addition toFIGS. 1 and 2, the support bracket46is preferably formed of a single piece of material and includes a substantially planar, vertically oriented back plate, indicated generally at100, having a rear side102that will mate with the front face88of the support plate86and a front side104. The back plate100includes mounting apertures106,108,110and112formed therein and positioned within the back plate100to axially align with the apertures90,92,94and96in the support plate. An opening114is also formed in the back plate100configured to substantially align with the opening98in the mounting bracket, which is also for accommodating the locking plates48a-48d, as will also be described in more detail below. Additional mounting apertures, such as aperture116can also be provided in the support bracket, as necessary.

Substantially horizontal and parallel upper and lower arms118and120extend forwardly from the front side104of the back plate100of the support bracket44. It will be appreciated that the arms118and120are preferably integrally formed with the back plate100of the support bracket46. The upper arm118includes an opening122formed therein. The opening122has side edges, indicated generally at124, an is of a size126configured to accommodate the shaft42. Likewise, the lower arm120includes an opening128formed therein. The opening128has side edges, indicated generally at130, an is of a size132configured to accommodate the outside edges133of the shaft42. The arms118and120are spaced apart a distance125apart so that the spring52and the locking plates48athrough48dtherebetween.

As best illustrated inFIG. 2, each of the locking plates48athrough48dhave a substantially flat plate body134a,134b,134cand134dincluding a small lip or protrusion136a,136b,136cand136d, extending rearwardly therefrom. Each of the lips136a,136b,136cand136dare positioned to fit within the opening114in the back plate100of the support bracket46and are long enough to fit at least partially through the opening98in the mounting bracket44, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9. Preferably, each of the lips136a,136b,136cand136dare of a size that permits at least some pivotal movement of the locking plates48a,48b,48cand48d, respectively, when they are positioned within the openings114and98.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, each of the bottom three locking plates48b,48cand48dincludes a tab138b,138cand138d, respectively, extending forwardly from the plate body134b,134cand134d. Preferably, the top locking plate48aincludes an upwardly extending tab140that can be used as a jack release handle, as will be described.

Each of the locking plates48a,48b,48cand48dhave an opening142a,142b,142cand142d, respectively, formed within the plate body134a,134b,134cand134dthereof. Each opening142athrough142dhas perimetral side edges, indicated generally at144a,144b,144cand144d, and is of a size configured to accommodate the outside perimetral edges133of the shaft42so that when the locking plates are positioned in a substantially horizontal manner on the shaft42, the shaft42may slide up and down within the openings142athrough142d.

The jack stand30is assembled by aligning the apertures90,92,94and96in the mounting bracket44with the mounting apertures106,108,110and112in the support bracket46and securing them together using a fastener such as bolts148and nuts150. Other types of fasteners can be used, as will be well known to those skilled in the art.

The locking plates48athrough48dare positioned overlying each other so that the plate48ais the top plate. The locking plates48athrough48dare positioned so that the substantially overlapping lips136athrough136dthereof are positioned through the opening114in the support bracket46and at least partially through the opening98in the mounting bracket. It will be appreciated that although four locking plates are illustrated in the Figs., any number of locking plates can be used, such as three or five locking plates, configured in the manner described herein.

The spring52is positioned underneath the lowest locking plate48dbetween the upper and lower arms118and120of the support bracket46. When positioned between the arms118and120, an end152of the spring52contacts the bottom locking plate48dand the other end154of the spring52contacts the lower arm120of the support bracket46. It will be appreciated that the spring52will be at least partially compressed, and under tension when properly positioned between the upper and lower arms of the support bracket46. As such, the locking plates48athrough48d, each having a lip engaging and pivotally fixed within the opening114in the support bracket46and the opening98in the mounting bracket, are disposed at an angle, such that the perimetral edges144a-dof each of the apertures142a-dof the locking plates48a-dcontact and grip the perimetral side edges133of the shaft42, as illustrated inFIG. 8.

A top end182of the shaft42includes a handle184for lowering the jack so that the stand base rests on the ground, as will be described herein. A bottom end158of the shaft42is inserted through a central opening169of the upper spring50and a protective sleeve or jacket160can be provided over the spring52to protect the user's fingers during operation of the jack stand30. The bottom end158of the shaft52is then inserted into the opening122of the upper arm118, through the openings142athrough142din the overlying locking plates48athrough48d, through a central opening162of the spring52and through the lower opening128in the lower arm120. The bottom end158of the shaft42includes coaxially aligned apertures172and174is pivotally secured to the stand base40by inserting a bolt166through the mounting aperture168, then through the apertures172and174and then through the aperture170in the stand base40. The bolt166is secured in place with a nut180.

The jack stand30is then installed on to the mounting brace70of the hitch mechanism32. The mounting brace70is preferably provided with pretapped or drilled apertures190on the top and bottom sides of the mounting brace70. The mounting brace70is positioned inside the area64between the upper and lower plates58and60of the mounting bracket44. A bolt192is inserted through the aperture72in the upper plate58, through the axially aligned apertures190in the mounting brace70, through the aperture76in the lower plate60of the mounting bracket44and secured with a nut194. Likewise, a bolt198is inserted through the aperture74in the upper plate58, through the axially aligned apertures190in the mounting brace70, through the aperture78in the lower plate60of the mounting bracket44and secured with a nut200.

Turning next toFIGS. 6 through 9, in addition toFIGS. 1 through 5, operation of the jack stand30is described. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the stand base40of the jack stand30is positioned on the ground or surface210in the lowered, operational position220, maintaining the hitch mechanism at a proper vertical level. It will be appreciated that the shaft42pivots with respect to the stand base40to account for mounting surfaces210that are not level.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the jack stand30has a raised, storage position212, wherein the stand base is spaced apart from the ground, after installation of the hitch mechanism on to the plowing vehicle. The spring52provides upward pressure on the locking plates48athrough48dand they are disposed at an angle, so that the edges144athrough144dof the openings142athrough142dcontact and grip the side edges133of the shaft42, locking the vertical shaft42in place, as illustrated inFIG. 8.

It will be appreciated that the jack stand30of the present invention is configured to remain in a locked position as a fail safe. More particularly, unless there is downward pressure applied upward pressure applied to the handle184or handle140, the jack stand is in a locked position, so that the edges144athrough144dof the openings142athrough142dcontact and grip the perimetral side edges133of the shaft42, locking the vertical shaft42in place, as illustrated inFIG. 8.

When downward pressure is applied to the handle182or to the handle140on the locking plate48a, the locking plates48athrough48dpivot downwardly. As illustrated inFIG. 9, this action releases the vertical shaft, so that the edges144athrough144dof the openings142athrough142dno longer contact the side edges133of the shaft42. When the locking plates are pivoted in this manner, a space214is provided between the side edges144of the openings142in the locking plates and the shaft42may slide up and down within the openings thereof.

Accordingly, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, to maintain the plow hitch mechanism32at the desired vertical position, the operator applies downward pressure to the handle184, causing the locking plates48athrough48dto pivot downwardly so that the edges144a-dof the openings144a-dare out of contact with the edges133of the vertical shaft42. The shaft42is pressed downwardly until the standbase contacts the ground. As soon as pressure is released from the handle184, upward pressure from the spring52on the locking plates48a-48dpivots the locking plates back into contact with the edges133of the shaft42, providing the jack stand30with its lowered, operational position.

When it is desired to release the jack stand30, downward pressure is applied to the handle140of the top locking plate42a, releasing contact of the locking plates48a-48dwith the vertical shaft42. Spring50then releases from its tensioned or compressed position, causing the jack stand30to return to its raised, storage position212.

The snow plow jack stand of the present invention are of a construction which is both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operating lifetime. The snow plow jack stand is also of inexpensive construction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of the snow plow blade and wing extensions of the present invention are achieved without incurring any substantial relative disadvantage.

Although the foregoing description of the snow plow jack stand of the present invention have been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations to the invention as described herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.