Patent Publication Number: US-9840819-B2

Title: Interlock arrangement for powered devices

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Powered devices, such as powered augers, can be usefully employed in a variety of operations. For example, in a vehicle for distributing salt for deicing, a powered auger in a rear trough of the vehicle can be configured to rotate, in order to process salt from a bed of the vehicle and distribute the salt onto a road surface. 
     To avoid adverse contacts with powered devices during active operation (or otherwise), it can be useful to enclose the powered devices to varying degrees. However, various devices, including augers, can require cleaning, repair, and other maintenance, which can require that an operator be able to physically access the devices. As such, it may be useful to enclose powered devices with gates that can be opened and closed. For example, for an auger for salt distribution, one or more panel-like gates can be provided at a rear of the relevant vehicle near the auger. In order to perform maintenance on the auger, an operator can move the gates to open orientations, thereby providing access to the auger for manual cleaning and repair. The gates can then be moved to closed orientations in order to block access to the auger during auger operation. 
     For various reasons, it can be useful to regulate operation of powered devices, such as powered augers, such that the devices do not receive power while an operator has access to the devices, including when one or more gates are open. Generally, interlock arrangements of various types can be useful for this purpose. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure can be used with a vehicle with a frame, a power connection in communication with a motor, a powered device configured to be powered by the motor and at least partly enclosed by one or more gates, wherein a power conduit is configured to attach to the power connection to power the motor for powering of the powered device, and to detach from the power connection to prevent powering of the motor via the power conduit. 
     In one embodiment of the disclosure, a blocking feature and a first locking feature can be secured to an interlock member configured to slide between first and second interlock orientations. With the interlock member in the first interlock orientation, the blocking feature can prevent attachment of the power conduit to the power connection, such that the motor is not enabled to power the powered device, and the first locking feature can allow a first of the gates to open in order to provide access to the powered device. With the interlock member in the second interlock orientation, the blocking feature can allow attachment of the power conduit to the power connection, such that the motor is enabled to power the powered device, and the first locking feature can prevent the first gate from opening such that the first gate obstructs access to the powered device. 
     In another embodiment of the disclosure, an interlock body can include a cover plate, a blocking feature secured to the cover plate, first and second locking pins secured to the cover plate, and a first guide feature secured to the cover plate and engaging a second guide feature secured to the frame. The interlock body can move between first and second interlock orientations, as guided by the first and second guide features. With the interlock body in the first interlock orientation, the blocking feature can prevent attachment of the power conduit to the power connection, such that the motor is not enabled to power the powered device with power received via the power conduit, and the first and second locking pins can allow first and second of the gates, respectively, to open in order to provide access to the powered device. With the interlock body in the second interlock orientation, the blocking feature can allow attachment of the power conduit to the hydraulic connection, such that the motor is enabled to power the powered device with power received via the power conduit, and the first and second locking pins can allow the first and second gates, respectively, to open in order to provide access to the powered device. 
     In still another embodiment of the disclosure, an interlock body can include a cover plate, a blocking projection secured to and extending away from the cover plate, first and second locking pins secured to the cover plate, and a guide pin secured to the cover plate and extending at least partly through a guide hole in a guide feature secured to the frame. The interlock body can move between first and second interlock orientations, as guided by movement of the guide pin within the guide hole. With the interlock body in the first interlock orientation, the blocking projection can be in blocking alignment with the power connection to prevent attachment of the power conduit to the power connection, such that the motor is not enabled to power the rotation of the powered auger with power received via the power conduit, and the first and second locking pins can allow first and second of the gates, respectively, to open in order to provide access to the powered auger. With the interlock body in the second interlock orientation, the blocking projection can be out of blocking alignment with the power connection to allow attachment of the power conduit to the power connection, such that the motor is enabled to power the rotation of the powered auger with power received via the power conduit, and the first and second locking pins can physically obstruct the first and second gates, respectively, to prevent the first and second gates from opening, such that the first and second gates obstruct access to the powered auger. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the disclosure: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear, right perspective view of an auger system for a vehicle with an interlock arrangement according to one embodiment of the disclosure, with the interlock arrangement in a closed orientation; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear, left perspective view of the auger system and interlock arrangement of  FIG. 1 , also with the interlock arrangement in the closed orientation; 
         FIG. 3  is a right elevational view of the auger system and interlock arrangement of  FIG. 1 , with a chain guard in a closed orientation and with certain internal components shown with dotted lines; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front perspective view of an interlock body of the interlock arrangement of  FIG. 1 , with a cover shown exploded away from a cover plate of the interlock body; 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear perspective view of the interlock body of  FIG. 4A , with the cover shown attached to the cover plate; 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged rear, right perspective of the auger system and interlock arrangement of  FIG. 1 , with the interlock arrangement in the closed orientation; 
         FIG. 5B  is an enlarged rear, right perspective of the auger system and interlock arrangement of  FIG. 1 , with the interlock arrangement in an open orientation; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear, right perspective view of another auger system for a vehicle and an interlock arrangement according to another embodiment of the disclosure, with the interlock arrangement in a closed orientation; 
         FIG. 7A  is a front perspective view of an interlock body of the interlock arrangement of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a rear perspective view of the interlock body of  FIG. 7A ; and 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged rear, right perspective of the auger system and interlock arrangement of  FIG. 6 , with the interlock arrangement in an open orientation; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the various drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Likewise, “at least one of A, B, and C,” and the like, is meant to indicate A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and/or C. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “secured,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings, including integral formation. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. 
     As noted above, it may be useful to ensure that a powered device, such as an auger, does not receive power while an operator is physically accessing the device. The interlock arrangement disclosed herein can provide such a benefit, among others. 
     As discussed in greater detail below, some embodiments of the disclosed interlock arrangement can be used with a vehicle that includes a powered device, such as an auger, one or more gates for selectively allowing or obstructing access to the powered device, a motor for powering the powered device, a power connection, such a hydraulic quick-connect fitting, for delivering power to the motor, and a power conduit, such as a hydraulic line, for delivering power to the power connection. When the power conduit is connected to the power connection, power (e.g., hydraulic power) can flow to the motor via the power conduit, such that the motor can power the powered device. When the power conduit is disconnected from the power connection, power cannot flow to the motor via the power conduit, such that the motor cannot power the powered device (at least with power from the power conduit). 
     An interlock member, such as a contoured metal cover plate, can be configured to move between open and closed orientations, as guided by a guide feature, such as a bushing, gusset, or track secured to a frame of the vehicle. A blocking feature, such as a metal projection, can be secured to the interlock member, as can one or more locking features, such as metal locking pins. 
     When the interlock member is moved to the open orientation, the blocking feature can prevent connection of the power conduit to the power connection, such that power cannot flow to the motor via the power conduit and the power connection. For example, with the blocking feature configured as a projection, moving the interlock member to the open orientation can move the projection into blocking alignment with the power connection, such that the projection physically prevents attachment of the power conduit to the power connection. Similarly, when the power conduit is attached to the power connection, it may not be possible to move the interlock member into the open orientation because movement of the projection into the blocking alignment may be physically prevented by the power conduit (as attached to the power connection). In this way, when the interlock member (and the interlock arrangement, generally) is in the open orientation, the motor and the powered device cannot be powered via the power conduit. Further, when the interlock member (and the interlock arrangement, generally) is in the closed orientation, it may not be possible to move the interlock member to the open orientation without detaching the power conduit from the power connection. 
     Other features can also be secured to the interlock member, in order to regulate access to the powered device. For example, one or more locking features, such as locking pins, can also be secured to the interlock member. Each locking feature can be configured to prevent the opening of a respective gate for access to the powered device when the interlock member is in the closed orientation, while allowing the opening of the respective gate when the interlock member is in the open orientation. In this way, for example, the locking features can ensure that relevant gates obstruct access to the powered device when the powered device can receive power from the motor (e.g., when the power conduit is connected or can be connected to the power connection), while allowing the gates to open when the powered device cannot receive power from the motor (e.g., when the power conduit is not connected and cannot be connected to the power connection). 
     In some embodiments, the disclosed interlock arrangement can also regulate access to other areas of the relevant system. For example, where a transmission assembly, such as a chain drive, is used to transmit power from the motor to the powered device, a shield can be provided that at least partly covers the transmission assembly. When the interlock member is in the open orientation, the interlock arrangement can allow the shield to be opened, such that an operator can access the transmission assembly for cleaning, repair, or other maintenance. However, when the interlock member is in the closed orientation, the interlock arrangement can block the shield from opening, such that access to the transmission assembly may be prevented. 
       FIGS. 1 through 3  illustrate an example interlock arrangement  20 , for use with a salt-distributing system  22  for a vehicle (not shown). It will be understood that the interlock arrangement  20  and the salt-distributing system  22  are presented as examples only, and that the interlock arrangement  20  (or others) can also be used with other systems for various vehicles, including other material-distributing systems or systems for powered movement of various devices. 
     In the arrangement depicted in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the salt-distributing system  22  includes a trough  24  which can be disposed at the rear of a relevant vehicle (not shown). An auger  26  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5B ) can be disposed within the trough  24 , in order to process and distribute salt received from a bed (not shown) of the vehicle. 
     An upper gate  28  for the auger  26  can be configured to pivot about a pivot  30 , such that the upper gate  28  can be manually moved between various orientations. For example, the upper gate  28  can be moved to a upright, closed orientation, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in which the upper gate  28  allows salt from the vehicle bed to flow into the trough  24  for processing by the auger  26 , but generally obstructs access to the auger  26  from the rear of the vehicle. The upper gate  28  can also be moved to a laid-down, closed orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , in which the upper gate  28  covers the trough  24 , thereby obstructing access to the auger  26  from above while also generally preventing salt from entering the trough  24  from the vehicle bed. This configuration can be useful, for example, in order to allow salt to be dumped out of the vehicle bed without the salt entering the trough  24 . The upper gate  28  can also be moved to an open orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 5B , in which the upper gate  28  can permit access to the auger  26  from the rear of the vehicle. In other embodiments, other types of gates can be used, including gates that open via non-pivoting movement (e.g., sliding gates). 
     In some embodiments, latches  32  on the upper gate  28  can be configured to generally secure the upper gate  28  in a particular orientation. For example, with the upper gate  28  in the upright, closed orientation of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the latches  32  can engage slots  34  on side panels  36  to hold the upper gate  28  in place. Similarly, with the upper gate  28  in the laid-down, closed orientation of  FIG. 3 , the latches  32  can engage slots  38  on the side panels  36  to hold the upper gate  28  in place. Because the latches  32  can be removed from the slots  38  or  34  relatively easily, however, the latches  32  may not necessarily prevent access to the trough  24  and the auger  26  while the auger  26  is operating or otherwise receiving power. 
     A lower gate  40  for the auger  26  can also be configured to pivot between various orientations. For example, the lower gate  40  can be moved to a closed orientation, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , in which the lower gate  40  obstructs access to the auger  26  from below, while also preventing material (e.g., salt) from exiting the auger  26  via the opening blocked by the lower gate  32 . The lower gate  40  can also be moved to an open orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 5B , in which the lower gate  40  can permit access to the auger  26  from below. In some embodiments, latches (not shown) similar to the latches  32  (or otherwise configured) can be provided for the lower gate  40 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , an interlock body  50  for the interlock arrangement  20  can include an interlock member such as a contoured metal cover plate  52 . The cover plate  52  can include a front face  54 , with side flanges  56  extending away from the front face  54  at either side of the front face  54 . (It will be noted that the interlock body  50  can be installed in the interlock arrangement  20  with the front face  54  facing rearwards, relative to the vehicle.) The flanges  56  can be integrally formed with the cover plate  52 , or can be otherwise secured to cover plate  52 . 
     The interlock body  50  can also include a blocking feature, such as a blocking projection  58 , secured to the cover plate  52 . The blocking projection  58  can be integrally formed with the cover plate  52 , or can be otherwise secured to the cover plate  52  (e.g., via welding). As depicted, the blocking projection  58  includes a spacing portion  58   a  extending generally perpendicularly away from the front face  54 , with a blocking portion  58   b  extending generally perpendicularly away from the spacing portion  58   a  and generally in parallel with the front face  54 . Also as depicted, the blocking projection  58  is strengthened by the inclusion of a gusset  48  between the blocking projection  58  and the front face  54  of the cover plate  52 . In other embodiments, other configurations for a blocking projection, or blocking feature generally, are possible. 
     The interlock body  50  can also include a guide feature, such as a guide pin  60 , and various locking features, such as upper and lower locking pins  62  and  64 . The guide pin  60  and locking pins  62  and  64  (or other guide or locking features) can be secured to the interlock body  50  in various ways. In the embodiment depicted, for example, the guide pin  60  and the lower locking pin  62  extend through and are secured (e.g., welded) to one of the side flanges  56 , while the lower locking pin  62  and an extension  64   a  of the upper locking pin  64  extend through and are secured to the other of the side flanges  56 . Also in the embodiment depicted, the guide pin  60  is integrally formed with the upper locking pin  64  in order to form a handle portion  66 . In other embodiments, other handles (or no handles) can be included. Likewise, in other embodiments, the various guide and locking pins  60 ,  62 , and  64  can be integrally formed with, or otherwise attached to, each other in various ways or not at all. A hole  68  for a cotter pin (not shown) or other device to secure the guide pin  60  with respect to the system  22  can also be included. In other embodiments, other configurations of the various guide and locking features are possible, including, for example, guide features for the interlock body  50  that are configured to engage corresponding guide tracks (or other guide features) secured to the salt-distributing system  22 . 
     In some embodiments, an opening  70  can be provided in the front face  54  of the cover plate  52 . This may be useful, for example, in order to allow an internal feature or device of the interlock arrangement  20  or salt-distributing system  22  to extend through the cover plate  52 , while still allowing the interlock body  50  to move between different orientations. For example, the opening  70  can be configured to accommodate a portion of a gear box (not shown) or other transmission assembly of the salt-distributing system  22 . A cover  72  can be provided for the opening  70 , with the cover  72  configured to removably attach to the interlock body  50  in various ways (e.g., via screws, as depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the interlock body  50  can be secured to the salt-distributing system  22  with the guide pin  60  extending through a guide hole  80   a  of a guide bushing  80  (see  FIG. 5A  for guide hole  80   a ). In this way, as also discussed below, the interlock body  50  can be moved between open and closed orientations, as guided by sliding movement of the guide pin  60  within the guide bushing  80 . In other embodiments, other means of securing the interlock body  50  to the salt-distributing system  22  can be used, as can other means of guiding movement of the interlock body  50 . For example, a track (not shown) can be provided on the salt-distributing system  22 , with the interlock body  50  configured to engage and slide along the track between open and closed orientations. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the salt-distributing system  22  can further include a motor  82  (see  FIG. 3 ), configured to power rotation of the auger  26 . As depicted, the motor  82  is configured as a hydraulic motor, which can be powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid received via a hydraulic power conduit  84 . In order to transmit the pressurized fluid to the motor  82 , the power conduit  84  can be connected to a hydraulic power connection  86  (e.g., a quick-connect hydraulic fitting). Conversely, when the power conduit  84  is disconnected from the power connection  86 , hydraulic fluid cannot flow from the power conduit  84  to the motor  82  and the motor cannot operate (at least using power from the power conduit  84 ). 
     In some embodiments, other types of motors or power sources can be used. For example, a motor for the auger  26  can be configured as an electrical motor, which may operate using electrical power received from an electrical power conduit (e.g., configured similarly to the hydraulic power conduit  84 ). In such a case, an appropriate (e.g., alternative) power connection to the power connection  86  can be used. For example, a quick-connect (or other) electrical connection may be provided, such that the electrical motor can operate when the relevant power conduit is connected to the electrical connection, but cannot operate (at least with power from the power conduit) when the power conduit is disconnected from the electrical connection. 
     In some embodiments, a transmission assembly can be provided, in order to convert relatively high speed rotation from an output of a motor into relatively low speed rotation at the auger  26  (or otherwise modulate speed between motor and auger). In some embodiments, a shield can be provided for such a transmission assembly (or other components). For example, as can be seen in particular in  FIG. 3 , a transmission assembly configured as a chain drive  88  can be configured to convert relatively high speed rotation from an output of the motor  82  into relatively low speed rotation at the auger  26 . Further, a shield  90  can be provided that can pivot upward about pivots  92  to a closed orientation and can pivot downwards about the pivots  92  to an open orientation (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5B ). With the shield  90  in the closed orientation, the shield  90  can obstruct access to the chain drive  88  (and other components). A latch  94 , similar to the latches  32  can also be provided, in order to secure the shield  90  in the closed orientation. As with the latches  32 , however, because the latch  94  can be relatively easily unhooked, the latch  94  may not necessarily prevent access to the chain drive  88  while the chain drive  88  (and the auger  26 ) is operating or otherwise receiving power. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 5A , when the interlock arrangement  20  is in a closed orientation, the interlock body  50  can prevent the upper and lower gates  28  and  40  and the shield  90  from opening, such that access to the trough  24  and the auger  26  (not shown in  FIG. 5A ) can be obstructed. When the interlock arrangement  20  is in the closed orientation, the blocking portion  58   b  of the blocking projection  58  is disposed out of blocking alignment with the power connection  86 . Accordingly, the blocking projection  58  does not prevent an operator from connecting the power conduit  84  to the power connection  86  and thereby powering the motor  82  (not shown in  FIG. 5A ) and the auger  26 . Also with the blocking projection  58  thus disposed, the lower locking pin  62  extends through a lower locking hole  100 , such that the locking pin  62  blocks the lower gate  28  from pivoting outward and downward to open. Further, the upper locking pin  64  extends through an upper locking hole  102 , such that the upper locking pin  64  blocks the upper gate from pivoting outward and downward to open. Accordingly, with the blocking projection  58  disposed to allow the power to flow from the power conduit  84  through the power connection  86  to the motor  82 , the locking pins  62  and  64  can prevent the gates  40  and  28  from opening, and thereby obstruct access to the powered auger  26  by an operator. 
     With the interlock arrangement  20  in the closed orientation depicted in  FIG. 5A , the interlock body  50  can also prevent the shield  90  for the chain drive  88  (not shown in  FIG. 5A ) from opening. In the embodiment depicted, for example, when the interlock body  50  is in the closed orientation, the shoulder  90   a  of the shield is partly covered by the outboard side flange  56  of the interlock body  50 , such that the flange  56  prevents the shield  90  from pivoting outward and downward to open. Accordingly, with the blocking projection  58  disposed to allow the power to flow from the power conduit  84  through the power connection  86  to the motor  82  and the chain drive  88 , the flange  56  of the interlock body  50  prevents the shield  90  from opening, and thereby obstructs access to the chain drive  88  by an operator. 
     In order for an operator to access the auger  26 , the chain drive  88 , and other internal components, the operator can move the interlock arrangement  20  from the closed orientation depicted in  FIG. 5A  to the open orientation depicted in  FIG. 5B . As illustrated by a block arrow, for example, the operator may use the handle  66  to move the interlock body  50  (generally to the right, as depicted in  FIG. 5B ), as guided by the movement of the guide pin  60  within the guide bushing  80 . In some embodiments, a stop feature, such as a cotter pin (not shown) inserted through the hole  68 ) or another component, can prevent the guide pin  60  from being fully withdrawn from the guide bushing  80  or can otherwise define a limit to the movement of the interlock body  50 . With the interlock body  50  moved appropriately far to the right (as depicted), the locking pins  62  and  64  can be withdrawn from (or at least translated sufficiently within) the respective locking holes  100  and  102 , such that the locking pins  62  and  64  no longer prevent the lower and upper gates  40  and  28  from pivoting open (as also illustrated by block arrows). Additionally, movement of the flange  56  along with the interlock body  50  can release the shoulder  90   a  of the shield  90 , such that the shield  90  can pivot open (as also illustrated by a block arrow). 
     At the same time, the movement of the interlock body  50  to release the gates  40  and  28  and the shield  90  can also move the blocking portion  58   b  of the blocking projection  58  into blocking alignment with the power connection  86 . Where, as depicted, the power conduit  84  (not shown in  FIG. 5B ) has been detached from the power connection  86 , the blocking projection  58  can be moved fully into blocking alignment with the power connection  86  to generally block re-attachment of the power conduit  84  to the power connection  86 . Accordingly, so long as the locking pins  62  and  64  do not prevent the opening of the gates  40  and  28  and the flange  56  does not prevent the opening of the shield  90 , the power conduit  84  cannot be re-attached to the power connection and the motor  82  (not shown in  FIG. 5B ), chain drive  88 , and auger  26  cannot be powered via power from the power conduit  84 . Further, when an operator attempts to move the interlock arrangement  20  from the closed orientation to the open orientation with the power conduit  84  still attached to the power connection  86 , the power conduit  84  can block movement of interlock body  50  into blocking alignment, via interaction of the power conduit  84  with the blocking projection  58 , such that the gates  40  and  28  and the shield  90  cannot be opened. 
     In other embodiments, other configurations are possible.  FIG. 6 , for example, illustrates another example interlock arrangement  120  for a salt-distributing system  122 . In various ways, the interlock arrangement  120  and salt-distributing system  122  are similar to the interlock arrangement  20  and salt-distributing system  22 , with certain differences highlighted in the discussion below. Again, it will be understood that the interlock arrangement  120  and the salt-distributing system  122  are presented as examples only, and that the interlock arrangement  120  (or others) can also be used with other systems for various vehicles, including other material-distributing systems or systems for powered movement of various other devices. 
     In the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 6 , the salt-distributing system  122  includes a trough  124  which can be disposed at the rear of a relevant vehicle (not shown). An auger  126  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ) can be disposed within the trough  124 , in order to process and distribute salt received from a bed (not shown) of the vehicle. 
     An upper gate  128  for the auger  126  can be configured to pivot about a pivot  130 , such that the upper gate  128  can be manually moved between various orientations. For example, the upper gate  128  can be moved to a upright, closed orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 6 , as well as to a laid-down, closed orientation (not shown). The upper gate  128  can also be moved to an open orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , in which the upper gate  128  can permit access to the auger  126  from the rear of the vehicle. 
     A lower gate  140  for the auger  126  can also be configured to pivot between various orientations. For example, the lower gate  140  can be moved to a closed orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 6 , as well as to an open orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , an interlock body  150  for the interlock arrangement  120  can include an interlock member such as a contoured metal cover plate  152 . The cover plate  152  can include a front face  154 , with side flanges  156  extending away from the front face  154  at either side of the front face  154 . (It will be noted that the interlock body  150  can be installed in the interlock arrangement  120  with the front face  154  facing rearwards, relative to the vehicle.) The flanges  156  can be integrally formed with the cover plate  152 , or can be otherwise secured to cover plate  152 . 
     The interlock body  150  can also include a blocking feature, such as a blocking projection  158 , secured to the cover plate  152 . The blocking projection  158  can be integrally formed with the cover plate  152 , or can be otherwise secured to the cover plate  152  (e.g., via welding). As depicted, the blocking projection  158  includes a spacing portion  158   a  extending generally perpendicularly away from the front face  154 , with a blocking portion  158   b  extending generally perpendicularly away from the spacing portion  158   a  and generally in parallel with the front face  154 . Also as depicted, the blocking projection  158  is strengthened by the inclusion of a gusset  148  between the blocking projection  158  and the front face  154  of the cover plate  152 . Of note, the blocking projection  158  is configured to extend upwardly from the cover plate  152 , in contrast to the downwardly extending blocking projection  58  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). In other embodiments, other configurations for a blocking projection, or blocking feature generally, are possible. For example, a blocking projection can otherwise extend in a variety of other directions. 
     The interlock body  150  can also include a guide feature, such as a guide pin  160 , and various locking features, such as upper and lower locking pins  162  and  164 . The guide pin  160  and locking pins  162  and  164  (or other guide or locking features) can be secured to the interlock body  150  in various ways. In the embodiment depicted, for example, the guide pin  160  and the lower locking pin  162  extend through and are secured (e.g., welded) to one of the side flanges  156 , while the lower locking pin  162  and an extension  164   a  of the upper locking pin  164  extend through and are secured to the other of the side flanges  156 . Also in the embodiment depicted, the guide pin  160  is integrally formed with the upper locking pin  164  in order to form a handle portion  166 . In other embodiments, other handles (or no handles) can be included. Likewise, in other embodiments, the various guide and locking pins  160 ,  162 , and  164  can be integrally formed with, or otherwise attached to, each other in various ways or not at all. A hole  168  for a cotter pin (not shown) or other device to secure the guide pin  160  with respect to the system  122  can also be included. In other embodiments, other configurations of the various guide and locking features are possible, including, for example, guide features for the interlock body  150  that are configured to engage corresponding guide tracks (or other guide features) secured to the salt-distributing system  122 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the interlock body  150  can be secured to the salt-distributing system  122  with the guide pin  160  extending through a guide hole  180   a  of a guide gusset  180 . In this way, as also discussed below, the interlock body  150  can be moved between open and closed orientations, as guided by sliding movement of the guide pin  160  within the guide gusset  180 . In other embodiments, other means of securing the interlock body  150  to the salt-distributing system  122  can be used, as can other means of guiding movement of the interlock body  150 . For example, a track (not shown) can be provided on the salt-distributing system  122 , with the interlock body  150  configured to engage and slide along the track between open and closed orientations. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , the salt-distributing system  122  can further include a motor  182  (see  FIG. 3 ), configured to power rotation of the auger  126 . As depicted, the motor  182  is configured as a hydraulic motor, which can be powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid received via a hydraulic power conduit  184 . In order to transmit the pressurized fluid to the motor  182 , the power conduit  184  can be connected to a hydraulic power connection  186  (e.g., a quick-connect hydraulic fitting). Conversely, when the power conduit  184  is disconnected from the power connection  186 , hydraulic fluid cannot flow from the power conduit  184  to the motor  182  and the motor cannot operate (at least using power from the power conduit  184 ). 
     In some embodiments, other types of motors or power sources can be used. For example, a motor for the auger  126  can be configured as an electrical motor, which may operate using electrical power received from an electrical power conduit (e.g., configured similarly to the hydraulic power conduit  184 ). In such a case, an appropriate (e.g., alternative) power connection to the power connection  186  can be used. For example, a quick-connect (or other) electrical connection may be provided, such that the electrical motor can operate when the relevant power conduit is connected to the electrical connection, but cannot operate (at least with power from the power conduit) when the power conduit is disconnected from the electrical connection. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , no transmission assembly is provided, as may, for example, convert one speed of rotation from an output of the motor  182  to another speed of rotation at the auger  126 . In some embodiments, a transmission assembly configured as a chain drive (e.g., similar to the chain drive  88 ), a gear box, or otherwise can be used with the motor  182  and the auger  126 . 
     When the interlock arrangement  120  is in a closed orientation, the interlock body  150  can prevent the upper and lower gates  128  and  140  and the shield  190  from opening, such that access to the trough  124  and the auger  126  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) can be obstructed. When the interlock arrangement  120  is in the closed orientation, the blocking portion  158   b  of the blocking projection  158  is disposed out of blocking alignment with the power connection  186 . Accordingly, the blocking projection  158  does not prevent an operator from connecting the power conduit  184  to the power connection  186  and thereby powering the motor  182  (not shown in  FIG. 15A ) and the auger  126 . With the blocking projection  158  thus disposed, the lower locking pin  162  extends through a lower locking hole  200 , such that the locking pin  162  blocks the lower gate  128  from pivoting outward and downward to open. Further, the upper locking pin  164  extends through an upper locking hole  202 , such that the upper locking pin  164  blocks the upper gate from pivoting outward and downward to open. Accordingly, with the blocking projection  158  disposed to allow the power to flow from the power conduit  184  through the power connection  186  to the motor  182 , the locking pins  162  and  164  can prevent the gates  140  and  128  from opening, and thereby obstruct access to the powered auger  126  by an operator. 
     In order for an operator to access the auger  126  and other internal components, the operator can move the interlock arrangement  120  from the closed orientation depicted in  FIG. 6  to the open orientation depicted in  FIG. 8 . As illustrated by a block arrow, for example, the operator may use the handle  166  to move the move the interlock body  150  generally to the right (as depicted in  FIG. 8 ), as guided by the movement of the guide pin  160  within the guide gusset  180 . In some embodiments, a stop feature, such as a cotter pin (not shown) inserted through the hole  168 ) or another component, can prevent the guide pin  160  from being fully withdrawn from the guide gusset  180  or can otherwise define a limit to the movement of the interlock body  150 . With the interlock body  150  moved appropriately far to the right (as depicted), the locking pins  162  and  164  can be withdrawn from (or at least translated sufficiently within) the respective locking holes  200  and  202 , such that the locking pins  162  and  164  no longer prevent the lower and upper gates  140  and  128  from pivoting open (as also illustrated by block arrows). 
     At the same time, the movement of the interlock body  150  to release the gates  140  and  128  and the shield  190  can also move the blocking portion  158   b  of the blocking projection  158  into blocking alignment with the power connection  186 . Where, as depicted, the power conduit  184  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) has been detached from the power connection  186 , the blocking projection  158  can be moved fully into blocking alignment with the power connection  186  to generally block re-attachment of the power conduit  184  to the power connection  186 . Accordingly, so long as the locking pins  162  and  164  do not prevent the opening of the gates  140  and  128 , the power conduit  184  cannot be re-attached to the power connection and the motor  182  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) and the auger  126  cannot be powered via power from the power conduit  184 . Further, if the power conduit  184  is still attached to the power connection  186  when an operator attempts to move the interlock arrangement  120  from the closed orientation to the open orientation, the power conduit  184  can block movement of interlock body  150  into blocking alignment, via interaction of the power conduit  184  with the blocking projection  158 , such that the gates  140  and  128  and the shield  190  cannot be opened. 
     The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.