Abstract:
A self-detaching support frame system for an implement designed to self-detach from a vehicle by actuation of a release handle located within arm reach of the driver is disclosed. The self-detaching support frame system for an implement allow the user to at least partially, preferably entirely, disengages the support frame assembly by activating a control, preferably a single control such as a handle located near the vehicle steering.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/141,457, entitled “Self-detaching support frame system for an implement and method for using the same”, and filed at the US Patent Office on Apr. 1, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to frames and frame assemblies for supporting implements on vehicles and more particularly relates to frames and frame assemblies for supporting implements on small vehicles such as, but not limited to, all-terrain vehicles (“ATV” or “ATVs”) and utility-terrain vehicle (“UTV” or “UTVs”). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Since a couple of years, the All-terrain vehicles (“ATV” or “ATVs”), utility-terrain vehicle (“UTV” or “UTVs”) or other recreational off highway vehicles (“ROV”) (hereinafter, ATV should be understood to refer as comprising ATV, UTV, ROV and other similar vehicles) market has been growing steadily. Moreover, ATV users have been using their vehicles for new tasks such as snow removal, load transport, etc. To help ATV users make the fullest use of their vehicles, numerous accessories have been put on the market. ATV and other similar vehicles are often equipped with implements such as plows to allow the vehicles to displace snow, dirt, soil, gravel, etc. Such implements are typically removably mounted to the vehicles via appropriate supporting frames or supporting frame assemblies. 
         [0004]    However, in order for the ATV user to use an accessory to its full capacity, the accessory must be easy to use and more importantly, easy to install. In the field of support frame assemblies for snow plows and other front-mounted implements, this is even more important since these assemblies are generally relatively heavy and thus difficult to manipulate and install. 
         [0005]    Support frame assemblies currently on the market are not easy and/or are time consuming to install. In the vast majority of cases, when the user is alone, he or she (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, only the masculine form will be used) must use brute force to install the frame assembly on his ATV. This comes from the fact that all the weight of the plow assembly rests on the ground. Thus, the user must overcome the friction force between the ground and the plow. Moreover, since snow plows are generally made of metal, they can be relatively heavy and the friction force between the ground and the plow can be relatively large. 
         [0006]    Thus, in general, most frame assemblies currently on the market are more easily installed when two or more individuals are present. 
         [0007]    As a result, in current frame assemblies, the majority of the systems on the market offer the possibility of a quick attach, which allows the user minimal handling to mount the plow system on the ATV. Unfortunately, these systems require the user to get out of the vehicle to detach the plow system from the ATV. Some plow systems comprise quick release mechanisms which allow removing the plow system from the vehicle without undue labor. However, even these quick release mechanisms require the user to get out of the vehicle. There are even some plow systems that are not equipped with quick release mechanisms and imply that the users should lie down under the vehicle to install or detach the plow push frame from the ATV. 
         [0008]    In view of the foregoing, there is indeed a need for a new and improved support frame assembly for a plow or other implement which mitigates at least some of the shortcoming of prior art support frame assemblies. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The shortcomings of the prior art are generally mitigated by providing a self-detaching support frame system for an assembly. 
         [0010]    Since the self-detaching support frame system for an implement in accordance with the present invention can be used with implements and accessories other than plows, hereinafter, the term “plow” shall be construed broadly and shall therefore relate to any front-mounted accessories such as plow, blade and other similarly mounted implements. 
         [0011]    The self-detaching support frame system for an implement is designed to fill a need on the market for mechanical self-detach system that can at least partially, preferably totally disconnect the push frame from the vehicle by pulling on a release handle while remaining seated on the vehicle. 
         [0012]    Hence, the self-detaching support frame system for an implement allows the user to at least partially, preferably entirely, disengage the support frame assembly by activating a control, preferably a single control such as a handle located near the vehicle steering. Understandably, the handle could be located at various locations on the vehicle as long as the user may access the handle without requiring him to go off the vehicle. 
         [0013]    According to one aspect of the present invention, once disengaged, the vehicle is preferably ready to drive without the plow system and without the user having to get off the vehicle. This system has a pull cable with a handle located near the ATV steering, which is connected to the mount plate latching system. 
         [0014]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the self-detaching support frame system for an assembly does not require the user to get off the vehicle or lay down on the floor to disengage the plow system. 
         [0015]    According to one aspect of the invention, the self-detaching support frame system for an assembly may additionally release the winch hook automatically without further user manipulation. 
         [0016]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the self-detaching support frame system for an assembly preferably requires no engine or electric system, only mechanical components to detach the plow system. The absence of an engine or electric actuated system generally implies a low-cost mechanism. 
         [0017]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for removing a support frame system for an assembly is disclosed. The method comprises the step of:
       a. pulling a handle on the vehicle to activate the mechanism.       
 
         [0019]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the trigger handle is preferably connected to the activation cable. This cable is then connected to a mount plate that is fastened under the vehicle. Pulling on the trigger handle rotates the lock system and releases the hook of the latching system. The latching mechanism is held to the mount plate by the hook and by two brackets (parts are attached on the ATV). By releasing the hook, the latching system falls on the ground by gravity, then releasing the front brackets in the same movement. The system is now completely disengaged. Once disengaged, the tube or lever arm retained under the vehicle moves. As such, upon falling of the latch system on the ground, a lever arm is released thus disengaging a rod operatively connected to a rotated lock plate previously engaging a winch hook. By this movement, the rod pulls the pivot link and ejects the winch hook. As a result, the winch hook is now completely disengaged. The system is totally free to be moved and the vehicle ready to ride without the plow system. 
         [0020]    Hence, a self-detaching support frame system for an assembly, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, generally extends longitudinally and generally comprises, at its rear end, a rear attachment mechanism for removably mounting the rear end of the support frame to the underside of the vehicle, and at its front end, an implement attachment assembly for supporting the implement. 
         [0021]    The rear attachment mechanism typically allows the support frame to pivot with respect to the vehicle, thereby allowing the support frame to be raised and lowered as needed, typically by the winch of the vehicle. In typical though non-limitative embodiments of the support frame, the rear attachment mechanism is a latching mechanism that comprises one or more latches. 
         [0022]    In typical though non-limitative embodiments of a support frame, the support frame is configured to support a plow. 
         [0023]    The support frame assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention also generally simplifies the installation and removal of the support frame assembly to and from a vehicle. 
         [0024]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a self-detaching support frame for an implement for a vehicle is disclosed. The support frame comprises a first portion, a second portion and a lever arm. The first portion comprises a first end adapted to receive an implement and a second end adapted to receive a lifting system. The second portion being pivotally mounted to the first portion and comprises a first end comprising a first securing member adapted to engage with a retaining member mounted to the vehicle and a second end comprising a second securing member adapted to engage with a receiving member mounted to the vehicle. The lever arm is pivotally mounted to the second portion, the lever arm being adapted to engage the lifting system. The disengagement of the retaining member from the first securing member allows the second portion to move downwardly, the downward movement allowing the lever arm to move and to release the lifting system. 
         [0025]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the second portion has a D-shape made from tubular members and comprises side arms mounted to the tubular members adapted to be pivotally mounted to the first portion. 
         [0026]    According to one aspect of the present invention the axis of rotation of the lever arm with regards to the second portion and the axis of rotation of the second portion with regards to the first portion are substantially parallel. 
         [0027]    According to one aspect of the present invention the axis of rotation of the second portion with regards to the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the length of the support frame. The lever arm may be mounted between the end of the second portion and the opposite end of the first portion. 
         [0028]    According to one aspect of the present invention the first end is a latch hook adapted to be engaged by the retaining member. The receiving member may be a rod substantially perpendicular to the length of the support frame. The lever arm may be mechanically connected to the attachment system. 
         [0029]    According to one aspect of the present invention the mechanical connection is a rod. 
         [0030]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the attachment system comprises a hook mounted to the first portion, a supporting member mounted to the hook, and a lock plate pivotally mounted to the supporting member and connected to the rod. The rotation of the lock plates closes the hook in an engaged position or opens the hook in a disengaged position. 
         [0031]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the retaining member is pivotally mounted to the vehicle and mechanically connected to a mechanical connection adapted to move the retaining member to release the first end. 
         [0032]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the mechanical connection is engaged by a release controller. The release controller is located within arm&#39;s reach of the vehicle user when located in the driving position. 
         [0033]    According to one aspect of the present invention a vehicle mounting assembly for mounting a support frame to a vehicle is disclosed. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting plate being configured to be mounted to an underside of the vehicle; a retaining element supported by the mounting plate, the retaining element being adapted to retain the support frame to the vehicle in a first position and to release the support frame in a second position; and an actuator operatively connected to retaining element to move the retaining element between the first and second position, the actuator being located on the vehicle in a location allowing a user to reach the actuator while the user is in the driving position. The actuator may be mechanically connected to the retaining element and the retaining element may either be a latch or a hook. 
         [0034]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the self-detach support frame comprises a rear end configured to be removably mounted to the mounting plate and engaged by the retaining element, and a front end operatively mounted to an implement, the support frame comprising a rear section and a front section pivotally connected thereto. 
         [0035]    Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1  is a user view of an ATV exposing a control for the self-detaching support frame system for an assembly 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is a close up view of the control of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an ATV exposing the self-detaching mechanism of the self-detaching support frame system for an assembly mounted thereto. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is a close up view of the self-detaching mechanism of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  is a close up view of the self-detaching mechanism of  FIG. 3  upon actuation of the self-release control. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an ATV exposing the self-detaching mechanism of the self-detaching support frame system for an assembly partially mounted thereto. 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  is a close up view of the self-detaching mechanism of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of a self-detaching support frame system for an assembly mounted to an ATV. 
           [0045]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of a self-detaching support frame system for an assembly partially mounted to an ATV. 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a self-detaching support frame system for an assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0047]    A novel self-detaching support frame system for an implement and method for using the same will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby. 
         [0048]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1-6 , an embodiment of a self-detaching support frame system for an implement  220 , in accordance with the principles of the present invention, is depicted mounted to a vehicle  100 . In  FIG. 1 , the vehicle  100  is an ATV. However, the vehicle  100  could be a UTV, ROV or any other similar small vehicles. 
         [0049]    Now referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , in the present embodiment, the self-detaching support frame system for an implement  220  comprises a vehicle plate  120  mounted on the underside of the vehicle  100 , a release control  130  in distance reach of the vehicle user, a mechanical connection  240  between the release control  130  and the vehicle plate  120  and a support frame structure for implement  300 . The in distance reach release control  130 , once disengaged, preferably renders the vehicle  100  ready to drive without the plow system and without the user having to get off the vehicle  100 . 
         [0050]    In the present embodiment, the self-detaching support frame system for an implement  220  comprises a support frame structure for implement  300  releasably mounted to a mounting rod  116  located on the front side  118  of the frame of the vehicle  100  and a releasable attachment mechanism  320  located on a vehicle plate mounted to the underside of the vehicle. The mounting rod  116  can be either mounted to the underside of the frame  112  or integral therewith. 
         [0051]    The system preferably has a pull cable with a handle located near the vehicle  100  steering, which is connected to the vehicle plate latching system  170 . As it will be best understood below, the connection between the support frame  300  and the frame  112  allows the implement  220  mounted to the support frame  300  to self-detach upon the actuation of a release control  130  by the user (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0052]    In other embodiments, the support frame  300  could be mounted to the underside of the vehicle  100  via different attachment mechanisms. However, these other attachment mechanisms must still allow the support frame  300  to pivot with respect to the frame  112  of the vehicle  100 . One of such other attachment mechanism is the use of a clevis pin. The clevis pin in another embodiment preferably acts as the pivot from which the frame may pivot with regard to the frame of the vehicle. In such an embodiment where the self-detach mechanism is combined with a clevis pin, the mechanical connection between the release control and the release mechanism could be via the clevis pin. As such, upon actuation of the release control, the clevis pin or pins would be removed, thus releasing the support frame. 
       Support Frame 
       [0053]    As seen generally in the figures and more particularly in  FIGS. 6-10 , the support frame  300  comprises the frame  340  and attachment means  315  for supporting the implement. The frame  340  generally extends longitudinally and comprises a front or forward end portion  342  and a rear or rearward end portion  344 . In the present embodiment, the front portion  342  is substantially H-shaped and comprises two longitudinal members  350  and  352  reinforced by a middle support member  354 . The front portion  342  comprises a first end  336  for mounting the implement  220  and a second end  338  pivotally connected to the rear portion  344 . The front portion  342  further comprises a winch hook attachment system  370 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-10  and particularly to  FIG. 6 , the forward end portion  342  of the support frame  300 , and of the members  350  and  352 , are hingedly connected to the rear end portion  344  as to permit the implement  220  to pivot with respect to the vehicle  100 . The rear portion comprises front brackets  362  for mounting the support frame  300  to the vehicle  100 , a D-shape body  382  comprising right and left side arms  368  for pivotally connecting the rear portion  344  to the front portion  342  and a rear latch hook  388  for securing the support frame  300  to the vehicle  100 . The rear portion  344  further comprises a reinforcing arm  390  abutting on the right and left side arms  368 . The reinforcing arm  390 , also referred to as the middle arm  390  comprises a lever arm  364  mounted thereto. The lever arm  364  is used to pull the rod  394  actuating winch hook attachment system  370  in a closed position, securing the winch hook  160  to the support frame  300  upon mounting of the support frame  300  to the vehicle  100 . The movement of the lever arm  364  is initiated when the lever arm  364  is pressed against the skid plate (not shown) of the vehicle  100  when mounting the support frame  300  to the vehicle  100 . The middle arm  390  also comprises a finger  366  connected to an elongated member  394  operatively mounted to the winch hook attachment system  370  release mechanism. 
         [0055]    Referring back to  FIGS. 6-10 , winch hook attachment system  370  comprises a winch cable supporting member  374  connected to and extending between the members  350  and  352 . In the present embodiment, the winch cable supporting member  374  has a generally inverted ‘U’ shape and a rotated lock plate  372  adjacent thereto for retaining the winch hook  160 . The winch cable (not shown) and winch hook  160  referred to herein are the winch and winch hook  160  of the vehicle  100 . The rotated lock plate  372  is preferably operatively mounted to the winch cable supporting member  374  via a pair of supporting members  376 . Although preferred, any other suitable means of releasably securing the winch hook to the winch hook attachment system  370  would be suitable provided the winch hook  160  is easily releasable. The rotated lock plate  372  is also operatively connected to a spring loaded end  393  of the elongated member  394  for interlinking the rear portion  344  and winch hook attachment system  370 . Accordingly, though not shown, the position of the winch cable supporting member  374  could be adjustable in order to accommodate different configurations of winch positions and mounting plate positions. 
         [0056]    As it will also be best understood below, having the rotated lock plate  372  adjacent to the winch cable supporting member  374  allows the retention of the winch hook  160  during use of the self-detaching support frame system for an implement  200 . The rotated lock plate  372  also allows the release of the winch hook  160  upon actuation of the release control  130  which provides significant benefits such as making the self-detaching mechanism complete and not requiring the user to get off the vehicle  100  even after detaching off the support frame  300  from the vehicle plate  120 . 
         [0057]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, now referring to  FIGS. 6-10  the right and left side arms  368  comprise indentations  367  for receiving the side walls of stoppers  365  installed on the front portion  342  of the support frame  300 . The stoppers  365  may be installed at various positions to allow adjustment of the height of the front brackets  362  when the support frame  300  rests on the ground. The adjustment of the stoppers  365  thus modulates the height of the support frame  300  as a function of the height of the vehicle  100 . As such, the stoppers  365  are positioned to ensure that the brackets  362  are at least as high as the front mounting rod  116  to ensure proper mounting of the support frame  300  to the vehicle  100 . 
       Locking System 
       [0058]    As seen generally in the figures and more particularly in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the locking system comprises front and rear vehicle attachment  396 ,  398  and a locking mechanism  170 . The rearward end portion  344  of the frame  300  comprises the rear vehicle attachment  396  configured to be releasably engaged to a mounting plate (also referred to as vehicle plate)  120  (see  FIG. 5 ) secured to the underside of the vehicle  100 . 
         [0059]    In the present embodiment, the rear vehicle attachment  396  comprises a latch hook  388  operatively connected to the rearward end portion  344 . The front vehicle attachment  398  comprises a pair of front hooks  362  which are respectively mounted to a matching rod  116  installed on the vehicle  100  or integrated in the frame of the vehicle  100 . The locking mechanism  170 , generally located on the mounting plate  120  comprises a spring-loaded retaining member  146  actively locking the latch hook  388 . The spring loaded locking mechanism  170  comprises a retaining member  146  operatively biased in an operative position, a position in which the retaining member  146  would retain the latch hook  388  to secure the front and rear vehicle attachments  396 ,  398  of support frame  300  to the vehicle  100 . In the present embodiment, the operational bias is applied to the retaining member  146  by a resilient member  148  operatively connected to the retaining member  146  and to the vehicle plate  120  via a plate support member  150 . 
         [0060]    The main use of the latch hook  388 , in cooperation with the front hooks  362 , is to securely attach the rear portion  344  of the support frame  300  to the mounting plate  120  connected to the vehicle  100 , and more particularly to the front mounting rod  116  and spring loaded locking mechanism  170  also referred to as a latch mechanism  170  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
       Vehicle Plate Latching System 
       [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , in the present embodiment, the vehicle plate  120  comprises attachment means, typically apertures (not shown), for mounting the vehicle plate  120  to the vehicle  100 . According to one embodiment, the vehicle plate could be fastened to the underside of the vehicle using fasteners  154 . According to another embodiment, the vehicle plate could be integrated to the vehicle frame  112 . The vehicle plate  120  generally comprises a latch mechanism  170  for receiving the latch hook  388  of the rear portion  344  of the support frame  300 . The latch mechanism  170  comprises a retaining member  146  configured to insert in the latch hook  388  thus releasably securing the support frame  300  to the vehicle  100 . The retaining member or rod  146  is controlled by a retention control  130 . From the retaining member  146 , a spring  148  extends which is preferably configured to maintain the retaining member  146  in a locked position. The retaining member  146  is preferably mounted on side support arms  142 ,  152  pivotally connected to attachment plates  140 ,  144  mounted to the vehicle plate  120 . As such, the vehicle plate  120  comprises a plate opening  174  for receiving the latch hook  388 . Understandably, the opening  174  is properly sized to receive the latch hook  388 . The plate opening  174  is preferably larger than the latch hook  388  to allow for ease of securing the latch hook  388  to the retaining member  146 . At least one of the side support arms  142 ,  152  is biased in the operative position by a resilient member, preferably a spring,  148  operatively mounted to the support plate, preferably via a plate support member  150 . Understandably, any suitable biasing mechanism for biasing the retaining member  146  in its operative position, the position where the latch hook  388  is retained and where the support frame is mounted to the vehicle, would allow the latch mechanism  170  to retain the latch hook  388 . 
         [0062]    As best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the recess  198  cooperates with the similarly curved surface of the retaining member  146  of the vehicle plate  120  to form a secure attachment when in the locked position. 
         [0063]    In accordance with the principles of the present invention, now referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , the rear vehicle attachment  396  work in cooperation with the balancing effect of the hooks  362  and front supporting rod  116 . More particularly upon advancing of the vehicle  100 , the vehicle skid plate (not shown) interacts with the lever arm  364  to actuate the winch hook attachment system  370  securing the winch hook  160  to the support frame  300 . The vehicle front supporting rod  116  is then received in the support frame front hooks  362 , which upon further advancement of the vehicle  100  directs the latch hook  388  in the opening  174  to engage the retaining member  146  and secure the support frame  300  to the vehicle  100 . 
       Release Mechanism 
       [0064]    In embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the self-detaching support frame system for an implement  300  comprises a release control  130  for releasing the latch hook  388  from the vehicle plate  120 . The release mechanism also referred as latch mechanism  170  releases the latch hook  388  by actuation of the release control  130  mechanically connected to the vehicle plate through a mechanical connection  240 . The mechanical connection  240  pulls the retaining member  146  in its inoperative position, the position where the latch hook  388  is released or unrestrained by the retaining member  146 . As such, the actuation of the release control rotates the lock system (the latch  170 ) and releases the hook  388  of the latching system  170 . The latching mechanism holds to the mount plate by the hook  388  and by two brackets  362  (parts are attached on the ATV). By releasing the hook  388 , the support frame  300  falls on the ground by gravity, then releasing the front brackets  362  in the same movement. The system is now completely disengaged. Once disengaged, the tube or lever arm  364  retained under the vehicle moves. As such, upon falling of the latch system on the ground, a lever arm  364  is released thus disengaging a rod  394  operatively connected to a rotated lock plate  372  previously engaging a winch hook  160 . As such, movement of the rod  394  pull the rotated plate or pivot link  372  and eject the winch hook  160 . As a result, the winch hook  160  is now completely disengaged. The system is totally free to be move and the vehicle ready to ride without the plow system  300 . 
       Description of the Method 
       [0065]    In the present embodiment, the method of mounting the plow system comprises the steps of: moving the vehicle forward while substantially aligned with the support frame  300 , to engage the front brackets  362  with the mounting rod  116  located on the front side  118  of the frame of the vehicle  100 , the vehicle moving forward until the latch hook  388  is securely mounted to the retaining member  146 . The winch hook  160  is then manually attached to the hook receiving portion of the support frame  300 . 
         [0066]    Conversely, the method for self-detaching the self-detach support frame system for an implement comprises the step of:
       a. pulling a handle on the vehicle to activate the release mechanism.       
 
         [0068]    Understandably, prior to disengaging the support frame  300  from the vehicle  100 , the implement  220  should be lowered and in contact with the ground thus releasing any tension in the winch cable (not shown). 
         [0069]    While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.