Abstract:
The present invention relates to a snowplow arranged to be towed behind a vehicle. The towed snowplow comprises: a frame removably securable to the vehicle; at least one moldboard mounted to said frame and extending under said frame; and at least one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of the frame and configurable between a non-operative configuration and a snow plowing configuration in which the at least one pivotable side wing plow extends laterally from the side of the frame. It also relates to a method for plowing snow using a towed snowplow.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 USC§119(e) of US provisional patent application 61/806,142 filed on Mar. 28, 2013, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The technical field relates to plows and, more particularly, to snowplows configured for clearing snow from pavement. It also relates to a method for plowing snow from pavement. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Snow is typically removed from roads, highways, and runways by a vehicle, such as a truck, having a moldboard mounted at a front end thereof. Optionally, the vehicle can include a wing plow mounted at one side of the vehicle to extend the width of the lane that can be plowed by the vehicle. The vehicle can further include a bin to carry a granular material, such as salt or sand, which is spread on the pavement. However, the quantity of granular material that can be carried is limited. Furthermore, the vehicle that includes these features is limited to snow removal operations and cannot be used for other tasks between snow removal operations. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above mentioned issues. 
         [0005]    According to a general aspect, there is provided a snowplow arranged to be towed behind a vehicle, comprising a frame removably securable to the vehicle and having a longitudinal axis; at least one moldboard mounted to said frame and extending under said frame; and at least one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of the frame and configurable between a non-operative configuration and a snow plowing configuration in which the at least one pivotable side wing plow extends laterally from the side of the frame. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow is translatable laterally with respect to the frame between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration. The at least one pivotable side wing plow can be mounted to said frame through an attachment assembly comprising at least one translatable arm slidably mounted to the frame and at least one linear actuator operatively connected to the frame and the at least one translatable arm to translate the at least one translatable arm between the retracted configuration and the expanded configuration, wherein the at least one pivotable side wing plow has a distal end operatively connected to the at least one translatable arm. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow is mounted rearwardly of the at least one moldboard. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the at least one side wing plow comprises a proximal end pivotally connected to the frame and a distal end, the distal end being connected rearwardly to the frame with respect to the proximal end. The snowplow can further comprise non-steerable wheels mounted to the frame and supporting the frame on a ground surface and wherein the proximal end of the at least one pivotable side wing plow is connected forwardly of the non-steerable wheels. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one moldboard is mounted forwardly of the non-steerable wheels. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow defines an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame. In an embodiment, the at least one moldboard defines an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the at least one moldboard is selectively configurable in a snow plowing configuration and a non-operative configuration. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the snowplow further comprises at least one granular material bin mounted to an upper surface of said frame. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the frame is detachably securable to a towing engine. The towing engine comprises an articulated trailer coupling and a rearmost axle, the articulated trailer coupling being mounted forwardly of the rearmost axle, and the snowplow comprises a towing engine coupling engageable and detachably securable to the articulated trailer coupling. At least one of the at least one moldboard can be mounted rearwardly of the towing engine coupling. A front section of the frame can be superposed to a rear section of the towing engine when secured together. 
         [0013]    According to another general aspect, there is provided a combination of a towing engine and a towed snowplow, wherein the towing engine comprises a fifth-wheel coupling and the towed snowplow comprises a frame with a coupling pin removably engageable with the fifth-wheel coupling and a longitudinal axis; at least one moldboard mounted to said frame and extending under said frame; and at least one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of the frame and configurable between a non-operative configuration and a snow plowing configuration in which the at least one pivotable side wing plow extends laterally from the side of the frame. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow is translatable laterally with respect to the frame between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration. 
         [0015]    The at least one pivotable side wing plow can be mounted to said frame through an attachment assembly comprising at least one translatable arm slidably mounted to the frame and at least one linear actuator operatively connected to the frame and the at least one translatable arm to translate the at least one translatable arm between the retracted configuration and the expanded configuration, wherein the at least one pivotable side wing plow has a distal end operatively connected to the at least one translatable arm. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow is mounted rearwardly of the at least one moldboard. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, the at least one side wing plow comprises a proximal end pivotally connected to the frame and a distal end, the distal end being connected rearwardly to the frame with respect to the proximal end. The towing engine and towed snowplow combination can further comprise non-steerable wheels mounted to the frame and supporting the frame on a ground surface and wherein the proximal end of the at least one pivotable side wing plow is connected forwardly of the non-steerable wheels. In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one moldboard is mounted forwardly of the non-steerable wheels. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, the at least one pivotable side wing plow defines an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame. In an embodiment, the at least one moldboard defines an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, the at least one moldboard is selectively configurable in a snow plowing configuration and a non-operative configuration. 
         [0020]    The towing engine and towed snowplow combination can further comprise at least one granular material bin mounted to an upper surface of said frame. 
         [0021]    The towing engine can comprise a rearmost axle with the fifth-wheel coupling being mounted forwardly of the rearmost axle and at least one of the at least one moldboard is mounted rearwardly of the pin coupling. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment, a front section of the frame is superposed to a rear section of the towing engine when secured together. 
         [0023]    According to still another general aspect, there is provided a method for plowing snow from pavement. The method comprises: towing a frame behind a towing engine from a fifth wheel coupling; and lowering at least one moldboard mounted to said frame and extending under said frame and at least one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of the frame from a non-operative configuration into a snow plowing configuration wherein the at least one moldboard and the at least one pivotable side wing plow removes snow from pavement and the at least one pivotable side wing plow extends laterally from the side of the frame. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, the method further comprises translating laterally the at least one pivotable side wing plow with respect to the frame between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, the method further comprises spreading at least one granular material from at least one granular material bin mounted to an upper surface of said frame. 
         [0026]    In this specification, the terms “forward” and “rearward” are interpreted with respect to a travel direction of the towed snowplow. 
         [0027]    The present document refers to a number of documents, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a right and front side perspective view of a towed snowplow mounted to a towing engine in accordance with an embodiment, wherein a moldboard and one of the two side wing plows of the towed snowplow are configured in a snow plowing configuration and the other one of the two side wing plows of the towed snowplow is configured in a non-operative configuration; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a right and rear side perspective view of the towed snowplow shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the towed snowplow shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in  FIG. 1  wherein both side wing plows are configured in a retracted snow plowing configuration; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a rear elevation view of the towed snowplow shown in  FIG. 1  wherein both side wing plows are configured in an expanded snow plowing configuration; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a rear elevation view, enlarged, of one of the side wing plows shown in  FIG. 8  in the expanded snow plowing configuration. 
       
    
    
       [0037]    It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, referring to  FIGS. 1 to 6 , there is shown a towed snowplow  20  in accordance with an embodiment. The towed snowplow is detachably attached to a towing engine  21 . In the embodiment shown, the towing engine  21  is a semi-trailer truck, or truck tractor, having an articulated trailer coupling  23 , such as fifth wheel coupling (horse-shoe shaped coupling device), for receiving a semi-trailer and pulling same. The trailer coupling  23  is not provided at the rear of the towing engine  21  but is provided forward its rearmost axle  22  in a manner such that part of the weight of the trailer is carried by the towing engine  21 . In an embodiment (not shown), the towing engine  21  can be provided with moldboard(s) such as and without being limitative a front moldboard for snow plowing. 
         [0039]    The towed snowplow  20  comprises a frame  24 , which can be a semi-trailer frame (or bed), i.e. without front axle. The frame  24  is relatively long in comparison to its width and has a longitudinal axis  25 . In an embodiment, a front section of the frame  24  comprises a towing engine coupling (not shown), such as and without being limitative a kingpin. The front section of the frame  24  is superposed to a rear section of the towing engine  21 , when engaged together. The frame  24  is supported on the ground by a plurality of wheels  26 , mounted on axles. In an embodiment, the wheels  26  are non-pivotable wheels, i.e. the wheels are non-steerable and have a fixed orientation relatively to the longitudinal axis  25 . 
         [0040]    A moldboard  28  is mounted to and under the frame  24 . The moldboard  28  is mounted forwardly, with respect to a forward travel direction of the towed snowplow  20 , of all the wheels  26 , i.e. the towed snowplow  20  is free of wheels  26  mounted forwardly of the moldboard  28 . The moldboard  28  is also mounted rearwardly of the towing engine coupling. In an embodiment, the moldboard  28  defines an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis  25  of the frame  24 , i.e. an angle that is not a right angle or a multiple of a right angle with the longitudinal axis  25  of the frame  24 , to induce the snow to flow laterally towards the ejection end of the moldboard, The ejection end of the moldboard being the rearwardly configured end of the moldboard. 
         [0041]    The moldboard  28  is mounted to the frame  24  through an arrangement adapted to selectively raise and lower the moldboard  28  with respect to the frame  24  and the ground to be plowed. The moldboard  28  can be mounted to the frame  24  using any suitable, conventional mounting arrangement such as described in Canadian patent application no. 2.688.936 published on Jun. 21, 2011. The moldboard  28  is configurable in a non-operative configuration wherein the moldboard  28  is raised from the ground and a snow plowing (or operative) configuration wherein the moldboard  28  is lowered and close to or in contact with the ground (or pavement) to be plowed. For instance, hydraulic cylinder(s)  29  can be used to lower and raise the moldboard  28  with respect to ground. 
         [0042]    In the embodiment shown, only one moldboard  28  is carried by the frame  24 . However, in alternative embodiment, a plurality of moldboards  28  can be mounted to the frame  24  and extend under the latter. The moldboards can be spaced-apart along the longitudinal axis  25  of the frame and/or can be mounted on the frame in a side by side manner. In an embodiment, the moldboard  28  is mounted forwardly of the wheels  26 , with respect to a forward travel direction of the towed snowplow. In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , part of the moldboard  28  extends outwardly and laterally past the frame  24  on both sides thereof. However, in alternative embodiments, the moldboard  28  can extend outwardly and laterally past the frame  24  on only one side thereof or can extend entirely under the frame  24 . 
         [0043]    Two side wing plows  30  are also mounted to the frame  24 , each being mounted on a respective side thereof. In the embodiment shown, the side wing plows  30  are mounted to the frame  24  rearwardly of the moldboard  28 . The side wing plows  30  are mounted laterally with respect to the frame  24 , i.e. a majority thereof does not extend under the frame  24 . In the embodiment shown, the entire side wing plows  30  extend aside the frame  24 , each on a respective side of the frame  24 . The side wing plows  30  are mounted to the frame  24  through an arrangement adapted to selectively raise and lower the side wing plows  30  with respect to the frame  24  and the ground to be plowed. In the embodiment shown, the side wing plows  30  are configured in the non-operative configuration and snow plowing configuration by the hydraulic cylinder  31 . The side wing plows  30  are configurable in a non-operative configuration wherein the side wing plows  30  are raised from the ground and a plurality of snow plowing (or operative) configurations wherein the side wing plows  30  are lowered and close to or in contact with the ground (or pavement) to be plowed. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6 , the right side wing plow  30  is configured in the snow plowing configuration while the left side wing plow  30  is configured in the non-operative configuration. The side wing plows  30  can be configured simultaneously in the same configuration, either the non-operative configuration or the snow plowing configuration. For instance,  FIGS. 7 and 8  shows both side wing plows  30  configured in the snow plowing configuration. 
         [0044]    In the snow plowing (or operative) configurations, the side wing plows  30  define an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis  25  of the frame  24 . In an embodiment, the angle defined between the side wing plows  30  and the longitudinal axis  25  of the frame  24  can be adjustable. For instance, in the embodiment shown, a proximal end of the side wing plows  30  is pivotally mounted to the frame  24  and a distal end of the side wing plows  30  are operatively connected to the frame  24  through hydraulic cylinders  32 . To adjust the angle defined between the side wing plows  30  and the longitudinal axis  25  of the frame  24 , the length of the hydraulic cylinders  32  can be controlled. 
         [0045]    In the embodiment shown, the towed snowplow  20  includes two side wing plows, each being mounted on a respective side of the frame  24 . However, in an alternative embodiment, the towed snowplow  20  can include only one side wing plow  30  mounted on one lateral side thereof. In still another alternative embodiment, the towed snowplow  20  can include more than one side wing plow  30  on each lateral side thereof. 
         [0046]    The proximal end of the side wing plows  30  is connected to the frame  24  forwardly of the connection between the distal end of the side wing plows  30  and the frame  24 . In the embodiment shown, the proximal end of the side wing plows  30  is mounted forwardly of the wheels  26  while the distal end of the side wing plows  30  is mounted between wheel sets supporting the frame  24  on the ground. However, in an alternative embodiment, the configuration of the side wing plows  30  can vary from the embodiment shown. For instance and without being limitative, the distal end of the side wing plows  30  can be connected to the frame rearwardly of the wheels  26 , i.e. behind all of the axles. 
         [0047]    In the embodiment shown, the moldboard  28  is mounted to the frame  24  forwardly to the side wing plows  30 , with respect to a forward travel direction of the towed snowplow  20 . However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), moldboard(s) can be provided rearwardly of the side wing plows  30 . 
         [0048]    In an embodiment, the side wing plows  30  can be translatable laterally between an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration. They can be secured to the frame  24  through a side wing attachment which allows the side wing plows  30  to be displaced laterally with respect to the frame  24 . Therefore, it is possible to increase the width of the strip of pavement that can be cleared of snow in a single pass. Thus, in the expanded configuration, the side wing plow  30  is configured farther from the frame  24  than in the retracted configuration. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 to 9 , the attachment assembly of the side wing plows  30  will be described in more details. The side wing plows  30  are secured to the frame  24  and, more particularly, they are pivotally mounted to the frame  24 . More particularly, the proximal end of the side wing plows  30  is pivotally mounted to the frame  24 , forwardly of the connection of the distal end of the side wing plow  30  and the frame  24 . The proximal end of the side wing plows  30  is pivotally mounted to be configurable in a configuration wherein the side wing plow  30  extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  25  and a configuration wherein the side wing plow  30  define an oblique axis with the longitudinal axis  25 . Furthermore, as mentioned above, the proximal end of the side wing plows  30  is pivotally mounted to be configurable in the non-operative configuration wherein the side wing plow  30  is raised from the ground and a plurality of snow plowing (or operative) configurations wherein the side wing plow  30  is lowered and close to or in contact with the ground (or pavement) to be plowed. 
         [0050]    The distal end of the side wing plows  30  is secured to the frame  24  with a pivot assembly which allows the side wing plows  30  to be pivoted laterally by extending or retracting the hydraulic cylinders  32  connecting the frame  24  to the distal end of the side wing plows  30 . Thus, as mentioned above, the angle defined between the longitudinal axis  25  of the frame  24  and the side wing plows  30  can be varied by adjusting the length of the hydraulic cylinders  32 . The proximal and distal ends of the hydraulic cylinders  32  are pivotally connected to the frame  24  and the side wing plows  30 , as will be described in more details below. The pivot assembly also allows the side wing plows  30  to be pivoted vertically between the lowered snow plowing configuration and a non-operative and raised configuration. As mentioned above, expansion and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder  31  extending between the two hydraulic cylinders  32  configures the side wing plows  30  between the lowered snow plowing configuration and the non-operative raised configuration. The hydraulic cylinder  31  has a proximal end pivotally mounted to the frame  24  and adjacent to the proximal end of a lower one of the hydraulic cylinders  32  and a distal end pivotally mounted to an upper one of the hydraulic cylinders  32 , between its proximal and distal ends. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the attachment assembly further includes a frame  34  secured to the frame  24  and including two translatable arms  36 , for each side wing plow  30 , operatively connected to actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders (not shown). A connecting member  37  connects a distal end of both translatable arms  36 . The proximal end of the hydraulic cylinders  31 ,  32  is secured to the connecting member  37 , close to a respective one of the translatable arms  36 . More particularly, the proximal end of the hydraulic cylinders  32  is pivotally mounted to the connecting member  37 . Upon actuation of the actuators, the translatable arms  36  translate within the frame  34  between a retracted configuration shown in  FIG. 7 , corresponding to the retracted configuration of the side wing plow  30 , and an expanded configuration shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , corresponding to the expanded configuration of the side wing plow  30 . Therefore, the side wing plows  30  can be further translated laterally, as described above, to increase the width of the strip of pavement that can be cleared of snow in a single pass. 
         [0052]    The attachment assembly to translate laterally the side wing plows  30  can vary from the embodiment shown and described above. Furthermore, the proximal end of the side wing plows  30  can be also provided with an attachment assembly allowing lateral translation thereof. The attachment assembly can be similar to the one provided for the distal end. However, instead of securing the proximal end of the hydraulic cylinder to a connecting member, the proximal end of the side wing plows can be directly or indirectly secured to the attachment assembly. 
         [0053]    It is appreciated that in alternative embodiments (not shown), the hydraulic cylinders  29 ,  31 ,  32  can be replaced with any other suitable actuators such as and without being Limitative linear actuators. 
         [0054]    In an embodiment, the side wing plows  30  can range between about 10 feet to 16 feet and the frame  24  can have a length between 24 feet to 48 feet. 
         [0055]    The moldboard  28  and the side wing plows  30  can be configured so as to be raised and lowered individually or simultaneously, as desired. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 8 , the towed snowplow  20  is also provided with granular material storage bin(s)  50  (or containers), mounted to an upper surface of the frame  24 , to contain for granular material such as salt, sand, gravel, etc. In the embodiment shown, the towed snowplow  20  comprises one bin  50  having two compartments  52  designed to receive two granular materials therein. In an alternative embodiment, the towed snowplow  20  can also be provided with one or several tanks for containing fluids such as deicing fluids. The towed snowplow  20  can be provided with a combination of bin(s) and tank(s). The towed snowplow  20  also comprises equipment for spreading or spraying the material contained in the bin(s) and/or tank(s). In the embodiment shown, the towed snowplow  20  comprises a conveyor  54  extending transversally between the two compartments  52  for distributing the granular materials contained in both compartments  52 , as described in US patent application no. 2012/0126023 published on May 24, 2012. In the embodiment shown, the granular material spreader  54  is mounted to the frame  24  forwardly to at least one wheel  26  of the snowplow  20 . In the embodiment shown, the granular material spreader  54  is mounted to the frame  24  forwardly of the entire wheel set  26  of the snowplow  20 . In addition to containing material which can be spread or sprayed on the ground, the bin(s) and/or tank(s) carried by the frame  24  provide ballast on the frame  24  which improves traction, especially in icy pavement conditions, and prevent the towed snowplow  20  from pivoting about an axis defined by the trailer coupling  23  when plowing snow. In an embodiment, additional weight can also be added to prevent lateral displacement of the towed snowplow  20  with respect to the towing engine  21 . 
         [0057]    In the embodiment shown, the towed snowplow  20  is configured to plow simultaneously on both the left and the right of the towing engine  21 . However, the towed snowplow  20  can be arranged to plow on one of the left and the right sides of the towing engine  21 . 
         [0058]    For a snow removal operation, the towed snowplow  20  is secured to a towing engine  21 . Then, the towed snowplow  20  is towed being the towing engine and the moldboard(s)  28  and the side wing plow(s)  30  are selectively lowered, i.e. they are configured in the snow plowing configuration for snow removal. 
         [0059]    As desired, the towed snowplow  20  can be hooked and unhooked from the towing engine  21 . Thus, the towing engine  21  can be used for towing other equipment between snow removal operations. 
         [0060]    Moreover, although the embodiments of the towed snowplow and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the towed snowplow, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting. 
         [0061]    It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the described order, or in any other suitable order. 
         [0062]    Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.