Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a plow for use with an automobile to push snow, sand, gravel and other such materials. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a lightweight plow that can be attached to the front of a motor vehicle such as an automobile or small truck or an ATV, for use in removing snow from a residential driveway. It may also be used for occasional moving of other materials such as sand or gravel. There are many commonly used methods of removing snow from residential driveways; snow shovels, snow blowers, and heavy hydraulically operated snow plows mounted on the front of trucks. The deficiencies of the snow shovel are that it requires heavy lifting and/or pushing of snow in back breaking fashion in multiple, small quantities. Snow blowers can be quite expensive, require trips to the gas station for fuel, may have persistent starting problems, and may be inefficient due to wind conditions. Both shoveling and snow blowers require the user to be out in the cold elements and require them to be in relatively good health as to avoid stress on their hearts. The snow plows attached to trucks require enormous investment in both the vehicle and the plow. The plows are usually made of steel which will rust over time, and require substantial storage space. The hydraulics used to operate the plows require substantial maintenance. Finally, the majority of home owners do not have there own truck and snow plow, but must hire someone to clear their drive. This may result in the drive not being cleared as soon as the homeowner would prefer. 
     While not commonly used, arrangements have been disclosed in the past for attaching a plow to a passenger vehicle. Many such arrangements required welding or bolting plow support structures to the frame or other metal structures, such as metal bumpers, of the automobile. The following patents disclose arrangements for propelling plows by an automobile which do not require the bolting, clamping or welding of metal structures to the automobile: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Patent No. 
                 Date of Patent 
                 Inventor 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 3,448,534 
                 Jun. 10, 1969 
                 Pipes et al 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,104 
                 Jul. 31, 1990 
                 Kowalczyk 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,795 
                 Aug. 11, 1992 
                 Rosenberg 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,010 
                 May 4, 1993 
                 Grossman 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,544 
                 Feb. 11, 2003 
                 Matisz et al 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The Pipes et al patent sets forth a snowplow for a vehicle which attached to a vehicle by a pair of universal bumper hitch assembly  64  each of which includes a rod  66  extending from the bumper to the rear of the mold bars  16 . Thus, the snowplow arrangement of the Pipes et al patent is not usable with current automobiles that do not have bumpers. Similarly, the snow plow assembly of the Rosenberg patent is attached to the bumper of an automobile. The Kowalczyk patent reveals a snow plow blade which is supported on the vertical portions of two L-shaped Members, with the horizontal portions being attached to the automobile by suction cups. The Grossman patent sets forth a snow plow which is formed by folding sheets of planar material, and attaching the formed snow plow to an automobile with straps, Velcro strips, screw, bolts, adhesives, or any other suitable material. The Matisz et al patent shows a snow plow consisting of two blade wing sections, each of which has an integrally formed bumper column which engages the bumper of a vehicle. Each of the two blade wing sections are secured to the vehicle by a strap. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a plow which is readily attached to an automobile without requiring any modification of the automobile and without requiring the use of tools. It is another object of this invention to provide a plow which is light weight, such that it may be readily positioned for use on a vehicle and removed therefrom for storage. It is still another object of this invention to provide a plow having a blade which is provided in segments which may be readily attached to each other. A still further object of this invention is to provide a plow which includes readily assembled parts which make the plow adaptable for use on a variety of vehicles and for aligning the plow to move the plowed material to the right, left or directly ahead of the direction of movement of the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a plow in accordance with this invention mounted on the front of an automobile; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective rearview of a plow in accordance with this invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective rear view of a plow in accordance with this invention; 
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are respectively front and rear perspective views of a blade section of a plow in accordance with this invention; 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are respectively outer and inner perspective views of an end cap for the blade sections of a plow in accordance with this invention; 
         FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are respectively front and rear perspective views of a cog plate of a plow in accordance with this invention; 
         FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are respectively top and bottom perspective views of a cog extender of a plow in accordance with this invention; 
         FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are respectively rear and bottom perspective views of a cog of a plow in accordance with this invention; 
         FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are respectively rear and bottom perspective views of a stud cap of a plow in accordance with this invention; and 
         FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  are respectively top and bottom perspective views of a hood clip of a plow in accordance with this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a plow  12  is accordance with this invention is positioned at the front of an automobile  14 , for plowing material in front of the automobile. Portions of the plow engage the lower front trim  16  of the automobile, and straps  18  extend from the plow to clips  20  engaging the rear edge of the automobile hood. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a plow  12  in accordance with the invention is readily assembled from a plurality of components. The snow plow blade  22  is shown to be an assembled of five identical blade sections  24 . However, the snow plow blade may be formed of more or less identical blade sections  24 , depending on the width of the automobile or other vehicle, and the width of the area to be plowed. Secured to the back of the blade  22  are two identical cog plates  28 , to each of which is secured a cog  30 . Such that the blade  22  may be tilted to the right or left with respect to the vehicle to which it is attached, a pair of cog extenders  32  may be placed between the blade  22  and a cog plate  28 . Secured in each of the cogs is a stud  34 , which extends upward and is provided with a stud cap  36 . 
     Each of the components of the snow plow  12  in accordance with this invention will now be described by making reference to FIGS.  3  and  4 - 10 ,  a  and  b.    
     Front and rear views of a blade section  24  are shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  respectively. Each side of a blade section  24  is provided with alternating tabs  38  and spaces  40 . The tabs  38  and the spaces  40  form an interlocking connection between adjacent blade sections. Holes  42  are provided adjacent the spaces  40  and holes  44  in the tabs  38  for receiving screws to secure adjacent blade sections to each other. Holes  41  are provided for receiving fastening bolts to secure adjacent blade section to each other. However, other fastening members could be used. 
     The blade sections  24  as well as most of the other components of the snow plow  12  are constructed of injected molded structural foam, of sufficient thickness to provide for strength and durability, when plowing, even under the harsh conditions of winter. When bolted together, the combined sections create a strong, yet flexible blade in excess of six feet in length. This flexibility is provided by the material forming the blade sections  24  and by the multiple sections. The flexibility allows for the stress and weight of the snow to be distributed throughout the several blade sections, rather than just in the area directly affected. 
     The top  46  and the bottom  48  of each of the blade sections  24  is provided with a rounded reinforced edge that enhances the durability of the snow plow as it pushes snow over a concrete, gravel or asphalt surface. The top  46  and bottom  48  of a blade section may be rotated, so as to replace a worn bottom  48  with an unworn top  46 . The rounded edges, along with the flexibility of the blade, will keep the blade from getting stuck against cracks or solid ice. In addition, the blade is designed so that the top and bottom are the same, thus making it reversible, and thereby doubling the life of the snow plow. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , a end cap  26  is shown. An end cap is secured to the outer side of the last blade section  24  on each end of the plow. Again, each of the end caps  26  is secures to the adjacent blade section, being provided with tabs  38  and spaces  40 . The tabs  38  and the spaces  40  form an interlocking connection between the end cap  26  and the adjacent blade section  24 . Again, holes  42  are provided adjacent the spaces  40  and holes  44  in the tabs  38  for receiving fastening members such as screws to secure adjacent blade sections to each other. Holes  45  are provided for receiving fastening members such as screws to secure an end cap  26  to a blade sections  24  at the outer ends of blade  22 . A tab  47  having a hole  49  therein is provided for accommodating the end of a strap, the other end of which strap is secured the automobile to hold the plow against the automobile when the direction of movement of the automobile is reversed from the plowing direction. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , the front and back of a cog plate  28  are shown. Flanges  50  and  52  are provided at the back of the cog plates to be secured to the back of blade sections  24 . Holes  54  are provided in the flanges  50  and  52  to receive fastening members such as bolts, or locking pins to secure the cog plates  28  to the back of blade sections  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , top and bottom views respectively of a cog plate extender  32  are shown. A cog plate extender  32  has a front wall  54  and a back wall  56  which are each provided with slots  58  for receiving fastening members such as bolts, or locking pins to secure the cog plates extender  32  to the back of blade sections  24  and to a cog plate  28 . Referring to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , rear and bottom perspective views of a cog  30  which is attached to a cog plate  28  is shown. A cog  30  is provided with a flange  60  having holes  62  therein for receiving a fastening member such as a bolt, or locking pin to secure the cog  30  to a cog plate  28 . The cog  30  also has a curved surface  64  which is provided for engagement with the lower trim of an automobile, or a surface of another type of vehicle, to propel the snow plow  12 , when the vehicle is moved to cause the plow  12  to move snow or other material. The cog  30  is also provided with a rectangular slot or opening  66 , for receiving a stud  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , which extends upwardly from the plow  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , rear and bottom views respectively of a stud cap  36  which is secured to the top of a stud  34  are shown. The top of the stud cap  36  is provided with slots  70  and  72  for securing one end of a strap  18 , the other end of which is secured to a strap clip  20  and shown in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b . Holes  71  are provided to fasten the studcap  36  to the stud  34  using screws. 
     The assembly of the plow is simple, such that anyone familiar with the use of a screw driver and wrench can put it together in approximately ten minutes. In the preferred assemble, two bolts attach each of the blade sections and end caps, four bolts attach each cog plate to two adjacent blade sections, or to two cog extenders, and four bolts attach the cog to two adjacent cog plates. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a stud  34  is formed of typical 2×4 lumber cut to an appropriate length to extend, for instance, above the hood of an automobile with which the plow is to be used. The 2×4 may be wrapped with a material, such as neoprene, to provide a cushion where it comes into engagement with the automobile. The neoprene cover slip may be attached to the stud with hook and loop material. Wood screws may be used to attach a stud  34  to a cog  30  and a stud cap  36 . In a preferred assembly, bolts and wing nuts are used to secure a cog to a cog plate. The use of the wing nuts makes it easier to adjust the vertical position of the cog  30  on the cog plate  28 , depending on the height of the surface of the vehicle against which the curved surface  64  will bear with respect to the bottom of the blade sections  24 . In addition, the cogs  30  can be adjusted to the right or left of center to account for the various curves of the vehicle surface to be engaged by the curved surface  64  of the cog  30 . This allows for a flush fit of the stud  34  to the engaging surface of the vehicle, which will keep damage and/or scratches from occurring. In addition to this adjustment, we have included a neoprene cover slip that will attach to the stud with hook and loop material to provide additional protection to the bumper. 
     The key to the functionality of the blade is the stud and cog assembly. A quick measurement of the height of the bumper or other portion of the engaging vehicle which engages the cog from the ground is made and the cog is tightened into an appropriate slot of the cog plate. The studs  34  are preferably cut to a length that allows for the stud cap to come even with height of the hood or trunk. A typical passenger car requires a 20″-24″ length, while an SUV or pickup may be 30″-36″ or higher. If the user of the plow of this invention has both types of vehicles, two sets of studs will provide for use of the plow on either vehicle. The cog extender plate can be attached to either the right or left side of the plow depending on which direction from the vehicle you want the plowed material to be displaced. The cog plate extenders  32  can be moved from either side of the blade easily and quickly. 
     Once the blade is assembled and the location of the cogs  30  and the height of the studs  34  are determined, it will take very little time to complete the attachment to the vehicle for use, regardless if attaching it to the front or back of the vehicle. You begin by leaning the snow plow  12  against the engaging surface of the vehicle. A strap, formed of a material such as nylon, is run through the slots  70  and  72  in the stud cap  36 , with the other end slid through the strap clip  20 , which engages the top edge of the hood or trunk. The clip  20  is made of, or coated with a material that will not scratch the vehicle, yet is strong enough to keep the strap in place. The strap is pull tight, but not over tightened. When the car is in motion, the weight of the snow and force of the vehicle makes the top of the blade sections and therefor the top of the studs  34  to lean forward away from the vehicle. The strap keeps the stud securely against the bumper thus keeping the snow plow blade upright. In addition, the cog  30  will provide additional support to the stud  34  as it engages a vehicle surface. The combination of the strap  18  and engagement of the cog  30  against the underside of the bumper distributes the stress of the plow while it&#39;s pushing snow or other material. 
     To keep the snow plow  12  attached to the vehicle when going in the opposite direction, a resilient strap or cord, such as a bungee cord is secured to an end cap  26 , at hole  49 , and the other end to a suitable structure in the wheel well of the vehicle. This allows for the vehicle to go down the driveway pushing snow, return up the driveway, and then change lanes to complete the snow removal. When the task is complete, one may simply unattach the hook clips from the vehicle and store the plow in a suitable location. When the snow plow  12  will not be used for an extended period, such as at the end of winter, it may be easily disassembled and put into a box or bag for easy storage. 
     While a preferred embodiment of the plow of this invention has been shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that what has been shown and described is considered at present to be a preferred embodiment of the plow of this invention. In accordance with the Patent Statutes, changes may be made in the plow of this invention without actually departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications which fall in the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Technology Category: 0