PLOW BLADE SYSTEM WITH PIVOTING BLADE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to the field of snow removal devices and, more particularly, to a plow blade system with a pivoting blade.

BACKGROUND

Various forms of vehicle equipment have been developed to handle snow, sand, or other bulk materials.

Plow blades are typically mounted to vehicles for moving a material (e.g. snow) from a road or similar surface. These blades are typically curved, e.g. somewhat C-shaped, with the concave face being designed for engagement with the snow. Plow blades can be used obliquely relative to the direction of the vehicle for pushing the material to a side, or transversally to the direction of the vehicle for pushing the material forwardly. Some snow plow blades, commonly referred to as “snow pushers” are specifically designed for pushing snow, and are provided with side walls which protrude forwardly at each transversal end for keeping the snow contained therebetween, against the blade.

SUMMARY

In practice, it may be advantageous for the plow blade to be capable of simultaneously operating in one or more of pushing and pulling modes. Plow blades may thus be provided with a central blade and one or more lateral blades pivotably mounted to transversal ends of the central blade via a hinge mechanism, e.g., a piano hinge. For instance, a plow blade having a central blade pivotable relative to the vehicle and a pair of lateral blades respectively pivotably mounted to ends of the central blade may provide various modes of operation by pivoting one or more of the central blade and lateral blades in various directions. In such a system, various forces may be exerted on the blade, causing the lateral blades to bend. This may cause excess wear on the hinges, causing them to wear and potentially break prematurely. One solution is to provide additional rigidity and strength to the panels of the lateral blades. However, this solution may add weight to the blade and increase its overall cost.

It was found that another approach could yield better results in some embodiments. Such other approach can involve harnessing flexibility of the metal material of the central and/or lateral blades, within the elastic domain, rather than seeking pure rigidity, to avoid bending in the plastic domain or breaking. In such an approach, materials can be selected in order to maximize the use of the elastic domain, for instance by selecting materials having a high yield strength, as discussed in further detail below. One potentially negative aspect of using flexibility in the elastic domain is that fissures may eventually propagate across the main body of the lateral and/or central blades. This issue could particularly arise in the region where fixtures are welded to corresponding blade portions, which can form weak points where fissures may be more likely to originate. Such fixtures may be necessary to hold components such as hinges around which the lateral blades pivot relative the central blade, and cylinder supports, via which the lateral blades can be moved and held a fixed intended position, such as against forces exerted by the snow, relative the central blade. It was found that this inconvenience could be alleviated by using fixtures which are fastened, e.g., bolted, to the main body of the lateral panel, instead of being soldered, which may minimize the risk of issues such as crack propagation. Another potentially negative aspect of using flexibility in the elastic domain is that pivots themselves, such as the hinge between the lateral and central blades but also cylinder pivots where cylinder ends are pivotally connected, can receive out of axis forces during such bending, and break or otherwise fail prematurely. It was found that these inconveniences could also be alleviated, by using multi-axis rotary joints instead of single-axis pivots, as multi-axis rotary joints can accommodate the out of axis forces which can occur when the main body of the lateral blades bend. While typical “piano-hinge” hinges used to connect lateral blades to the central blade were not adapted to integrating multi-axis rotary joints, it was found that using, instead of a piano-hinge, two or more discrete joint elements, could allow integrating multi-axis rotary joints in some or all of the joint elements. Accordingly, it was found that, counter-intuitively, harnessing the flexibility of the main body of the lateral blades and/or central blade could be beneficial, and reduce the overall weight and cost of the assembly, compared to the approach of seeking rigidity to prevent flexion in the elastic or plastic domain.

In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a plow blade system adapted for mounting to a vehicle, comprising: a central blade having two transversally opposite ends and a mount for mounting the blade to the vehicle in a configuration where the central blade is orientable transversally to a longitudinal orientation of movement of the vehicle; a lateral blade; and a hinge pivotally coupling a lateral edge of the lateral blade to one of the opposite ends of the central blade about a pivot axis, the hinge having an upper hinge element and a lower hinge element, the upper hinge element interspaced from the lower hinge element, the lower hinge element having a multi-axis rotary joint.

The plow blade system described above may include any of the following features, in any combinations.

In some embodiments, the hinge further includes a bracket fastened to a mould board of the lateral blade.

In some embodiments, the hinge further includes an additional bracket fastened to a mould board of the central blade.

In some embodiments, the upper hinge element has an additional multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, the plow blade system further includes an additional lateral blade; and an additional hinge pivotally coupling the additional lateral blade to the other one of the opposite ends of the central blade about an additional pivot axis, the additional hinge having an additional upper hinge element and an additional lower hinge element, the additional upper hinge element interspaced from the additional lower hinge element, the additional lower hinge element having an additional multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, the lower hinge element includes a male hinge element operatively coupled to the lateral blade and including a pin, and a female hinge element operatively coupled to the central blade, the female hinge element including the multi-axis rotary joint engaged with the pin.

In some embodiments, the plow blade system further includes: a force transfer element; a first hydraulic cylinder operatively coupling the central blade to the force transfer element; and a second hydraulic cylinder operatively coupling the lateral blade to the force transfer element; wherein the force transfer element is configured for transferring forces from the first hydraulic cylinder to the second hydraulic cylinder to pivot the lateral blade about the pivot axis.

In some embodiments, the first hydraulic cylinder is operatively coupled to the central blade via a first additional multi-axis rotary joint, and wherein the second hydraulic cylinder is operatively coupled to the lateral blade via a second additional multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, the force transfer element is pivotally mounted to one of the lateral blade and the central blade, around a hinge axis coaxial to the upper hinge element and the lower hinge element.

In some embodiments, the first hydraulic cylinder operatively couples the central blade to the force transfer element via a bracket bolted to the central blade.

In some embodiments, the second hydraulic cylinder operatively couples the lateral blade to the force transfer element via a bracket bolted to the lateral blade.

In some embodiments, the central blade is pivotably mounted to the vehicle via the mount.

In some embodiments, the central blade hingedly connected to the mount at a hinge about a pivot axis, the hinge having an upper hinge element and a lower hinge element, the lower hinge element having a multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, the multi-axis rotary joint is a ball joint.

In some embodiments, the plow blade system further includes: a force transfer element; a hydraulic cylinder operatively coupling the central blade to the force transfer element; and a bracket operatively coupling the lateral blade to the force transfer element; wherein the force transfer element is configured for transferring forces from the hydraulic cylinder to the bracket to pivot the lateral blade about the pivot axis.

In some embodiments, the bracket is bolted to the lateral blade.

In some embodiments, the plow blade system further includes a working portion for engaging a work surface, the working portion including a lower edge displaceable relative to the lateral blade.

In some embodiments, the lateral blade includes a lower portion displaceable relative to the lateral blade, the lower portion operatively coupled to the lower edge.

In some embodiments, a main body of the lateral blade is made of a material having a yield strength of at least 75,000 PSI.

In some embodiments, the main body of the lateral blade is made of a material having a yield strength of at least 100,000 PSI.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a plow blade system adapted for mounting to a vehicle, comprising: a central blade having two transversally opposite ends and a mount for mounting the blade to the vehicle in a configuration where the central blade is orientable transversally to a longitudinal orientation of movement of the vehicle; a lateral blade; a hinge pivotally coupling a lateral edge of the lateral blade to one of the opposite ends of the central blade about a pivot axis; and an actuator operatively coupled to the lateral blade and to the central blade, the actuator operatively coupled to the lateral blade via a bracket fastened to a main panel of the lateral blade, the actuator operatively coupled to the central blade via a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic cylinder coupled to the central blade at a first end thereof and to the actuator at a second end thereof; wherein the actuator is configured for transferring forces from the hydraulic cylinder to the lateral blade to pivot the lateral blade about the pivot axis.

The plow blade system described above may include any of the following features, in any combinations.

In some embodiments, the actuator includes a first pivoting bracket coupled to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder and a second pivoting bracket mounted to the bracket fastened to the main panel of the lateral blade.

In some embodiments, the hinge includes an upper hinge element and a lower hinge element, the upper hinge element interspaced from the lower hinge element, the lower hinge element having a multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, the upper hinge element has an additional multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, the hydraulic cylinder operatively couples the central blade to the actuator via an additional bracket fastened to a main panel of the central blade.

In some embodiments, wherein the main body of the lateral blade is made of a material having a yield strength of at least 75,000 PSI.

In some embodiments, the main body of the lateral blade is made of a material having a yield strength of at least 100,000 PSI.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a plow blade system adapted for mounting to a vehicle, comprising: a central blade having two transversally opposite ends and a mount for mounting the blade to the vehicle in a configuration where the central blade is orientable transversally to a longitudinal orientation of movement of the vehicle, the mount including a mount hinge having an mount upper hinge element and a mount lower hinge element, the mount upper hinge element interspaced from the mount lower hinge element, the mount upper hinge element and the mount lower hinge element each having a multi-axis rotary joint; a lateral blade; and a hinge pivotally coupling a lateral edge of the lateral blade to one of the opposite ends of the central blade about a pivot axis.

The plow blade system described above may include any of the following features, in any combinations.

In some embodiments, the hinge includes an upper hinge element and a lower hinge element, the upper hinge element interspaced from the lower hinge element, the lower hinge element having a said multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, the upper hinge element has an additional multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, the plow blade system further includes: an additional lateral blade; and an additional hinge pivotally coupling a lateral edge of the additional lateral blade to the other one of the opposite ends of the central blade about an additional pivot axis, the additional hinge having an additional upper hinge element and an additional lower hinge element, the additional upper hinge element interspaced from the additional lower hinge element, the additional lower hinge element having an additional multi-axis rotary joint.

In some embodiments, a main body of the lateral blade is made of a material having a yield strength of at least 75,000 PSI.

In some embodiments, the main body of the lateral blade is made of a material having a yield strength of at least 100,000 PSI.

In accordance with a further aspect, there is provided a plow blade system adapted for mounting to a vehicle, comprising: a central blade having two transversally opposite ends and a mount for mounting the blade to the vehicle in a configuration where the central blade is orientable transversally to a longitudinal orientation of movement of the vehicle; a lateral blade; a hinge pivotally coupling a lateral edge of the lateral blade to one of the opposite ends of the central blade about a pivot axis; a force transfer element operatively coupled to the lateral blade and to the central blade; and a hydraulic cylinder operatively coupling the central blade, via an additional multi-axis rotary joint, to the force transfer element; wherein the force transfer element is configured for transferring forces from the hydraulic cylinder to the lateral blade to pivot the lateral blade about the pivot axis.

The plow blade system described above may include any of the following features, in any combinations.

In some embodiments, the plow blade system further includes an additional hydraulic cylinder operatively coupling the lateral blade, via another additional multi-axis rotary joint, to the force transfer element, wherein the force transfer element is configured for transferring forces from the hydraulic cylinder to the additional hydraulic cylinder to pivot the lateral blade about the pivot axis.

In some embodiments, the force transfer element is coupled to the lateral blade via a bracket fastened to a mould board of the lateral blade.

In some embodiments, a main body of the lateral blade is made of a material having a yield strength of at least 75,000 PSI.

In some embodiments, the main body of the lateral blade is made of a material having a yield strength of at least 100,000 PSI.

In accordance with a further aspect, there is provided a plow blade system adapted for mounting to a vehicle, comprising: a central blade having two transversally opposite ends and a mount for mounting the blade to the vehicle in a configuration where the central blade is orientable transversally to a longitudinal orientation of movement of the vehicle; a lateral blade; and a hinge pivotally coupling a lateral edge of the lateral blade to one of the opposite ends of the central blade about a pivot axis, the hinge having an upper hinge element and a lower hinge element, a shaft extending between the upper hinge element and the lower hinge element, the shaft engaging the upper hinge element, the lower hinge element, and a bracket of the central blade, wherein the lateral blade is displaceable along multiple axes relative to the central blade by way of elastic deformation of the shaft.

Many further features and combinations thereof concerning the present improvements will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B are front and rear oblique views, respectively, of a plow blade system;

FIG. 2 is an enhanced rear oblique view of the plow blade system of FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 3 is an enhanced, exploded oblique view of a lower hinge element for the plow blade system of FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 4 is an enhanced, exploded oblique view of an upper hinge element for the plow blade system of FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 5 is an enhanced oblique view of a central blade and vehicle mount for the plow blade system of FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 6 is a rear oblique view of a central blade for the plow blade system of FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 7 is a rear oblique view of a vehicle mount for the plow blade system of FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 8 is an enhanced rear oblique view of a plow blade system in a forward pivot configuration, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an enhanced rear oblique view of the plow blade system of FIG. 8 in an aligned configuration;

FIG. 10 is an enhanced rear oblique view of the plow blade system of FIG. 8 in a rear pivot configuration;

FIG. 11 is an enhanced front oblique view of a plow blade system in a forward pivot configuration, according to yet another embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a graphical depiction of a relationship between engineering strain and engineering stress for a given material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1B show an example of a plow blade system 10 adapted for mounting to a vehicle (not shown). The plow blade system 10 may be adapted for mounting to a front end or to a rear end of the vehicle. The plow blade system 10 is adapted to push or pull snow with the vehicle, but it will be understood that it can be used to push or pull other materials than snow if desired, and that alternate embodiments can even be specifically adapted to another material than snow. The plow blade 10 defines a longitudinal direction L, a transversal direction T normal to the longitudinal direction L, and a vertical direction V normal to both of the longitudinal direction L and the transversal direction T. The longitudinal direction L may generally correspond to a direction of travel of the vehicle equipped with the plow blade 10.

The plow blade system 10 generally includes a blade 12 which can be oriented transversally (or, in this case, obliquely) to the longitudinal direction L of movement of the vehicle during operation. The blade typically has a main body, sometimes referred to as a mould board 14, and a lower edge 16, also referred to as a trip edge, designed for engagement with a work surface. A mount 18, also referred to as an attachment as seen on FIG. 1B, is used to secure the blade 12 to the vehicle, and strengthening ribs 20 can be used between the mount 18 and the central portion of the mould board 14. Transversally-extending tubes 22 may also provide strength to the blade 12. Plow blades 12 are typically slightly bowed (cambered), forming somewhat of a C-shaped cross-section with a convex face 24 and a concave face 26. This curve is made to better adapt the blade 12 to moving the snow with the concave face 26, which tends to prevent, within a certain extent, the snow from escaping by above. The concave face 26 can be said to face a “working direction” 28. In the embodiment shown, the mount 18 is provided on the convex face 24, which is well adapted for mounting in a manner that the concave face 26 faces away from the vehicle. This configuration is well adapted for “pushing” the snow with the vehicle. It will be understood that in another embodiment, the mount 18 can be provided on the concave face 26 of the blade 12 instead, for the convex face 24 to face away from the vehicle, for “pulling” the snow with the vehicle. In still other embodiments, the mould board may be neither concave nor convex, and useable equally well for pulling or pushing.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, the depicted blade 12 includes a central blade 12A having two transversally opposite ends 30 and a pair of lateral blades 12B pivotably coupled, at lateral edges thereof, to respective ends 30 of the central blade 12A. In other embodiments, only a single lateral blade 12B may be provided and pivotably mounted to one of the ends 30 of the central blade 12A. The mount 18 is illustratively disposed on the convex face 24 of the central blade 12A. As will be discussed in further detail below, the central blade 12A may be pivotably mounted to the vehicle via the mount 18 and orientable transversally relative to the longitudinal direction L. The central blade 12A may be pivotable about a vertical mount axis M extending through a pivotable portion of the mount 18. The lateral blades 12B are each coupled to a respective end 30 of the central blade 12A via a vertical hinge 32 so that they are pivotable relative to the central blade 12A about a vertical pivot axis H extending vertically through the vertical hinges 32. It is understood that the vertical mount axis M, vertical hinge 32 and vertical pivot axis H may not always be oriented in a strictly vertical direction (i.e., along vertical axis V), for instance due to the pivoting nature of the various connections and the various positions that the blade 12 may assume in use.

As the central blade 12A is pivotable relative to the vehicle (about mount axis M) and the lateral blades 12B are pivotable relative to the central blade 12A (about vertical pivot axes H), the blade 12 may be configured to push and/or pull snow in various modes of operation. The lateral blades 12B may be configured to pivot relative to the central blade 12A to various degrees, for instance + or −45 degrees from the transverse direction T. In the shown embodiment, the blade system 10 includes two lateral blades 12B, each pivotably mounted to the central blade 12A at respective ends 30 thereof. In other cases, only one lateral blade 12B may be provided at one of the ends 30 of the central blade 12A. In other cases, two lateral blades 12B may be provided, with only one of the lateral blades 12B being pivotably mounted to the central blade 12A. Other configurations may be contemplated as well.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2, according to the present disclosure, the vertical hinge 32 is provided with an upper hinge element 34 and a lower hinge element 36, the upper hinge element 34 vertically interspaced from the lower hinge element 36, each defining a hinge element axis H1, H2, respectively. In other cases, one or more intermediary elements may be provided between the various hinge elements and the central blade 12, lateral blades 12A, and various cylinders 54, 56. In some cases (e.g., when the vehicle is at rest and the lateral blades 12B are aligned with the central blade 12A along the tangential direction T), the hinge element axes H1, H2 may be vertically aligned with the pivot axis H, whereas in operation the bending of the blades, namely the main body or mould board 14′ of the lateral blade, may tend to pivot axis H2, and possibly also pivot axis H1, away from axis H, which could prevent the lateral blade from pivoting relative the central blade. As will be discussed in further detail below, the lower hinge element 36 (and illustratively both the lower hinge element 36 and the upper hinge element 34) of one or more of the lateral blades 12B can include a multi-axis rotary joint 38 (see FIGS. 3-4) for pivotably coupling the lateral blades 12B to the central blade 12A.

By implementing one or more multi-axis rotary joints 38, the hinge elements may correct the de-axing effects which may stem from the deformation of the lateral blade, allowing the hinge element's pivot axis H1, H2 to remain aligned with the pivot axis H. In an embodiment, each multi-axis rotary joint 38 allows rotation about three axes, for instance a respective hinge element axis H1, H2 and two axes perpendicular to the respective hinge element axis H1, H2. Other number of axes may be contemplated. In the shown case, the one or more multi-axis rotary joints 38 may be ball joints. Other types of multi-axis rotary joints may be contemplated, for instance flexible (e.g., rubber) joints. As such, the lateral blades 12B may be afforded additional freedom of motion to accommodate the various stresses exerted upon the blade 12 in operation.

Advantageously, such freedom of motion may decrease the likelihood of the vertical hinge 32 prematurely wearing and breaking. In some embodiments, the lateral blades 12B may be made from light weight materials, for instance a light weight steel providing increased deformation in the elastic range, for instance QT400 steel. Other steel grades offering such elastic deformation are contemplated. Advantageously, such light weight steels may provide increased elastic deformation compared to other steels typically used in such applications, for instance 44W steels, as will be discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 12. Other materials may be contemplated. As such, the lateral blades 12B may be allowed to flex or deform elastically under the various loads, further reducing the stresses applied to the vertical hinges 32. Stated differently, the various coupling means taught by the present disclosure may allow the various components to bend in their elastic deformation range to avoid breaking.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary lower hinge element 36 is shown. It is understood that the below description of the lower hinge element 36 may apply to one or both of the lateral blades 12B. The depicted hinge element 36 includes a male lower hinge element 36A mounted to the lateral blade 12B and a female lower hinge element 36B mounted to a side panel 40 of the central blade 12A. The reverse arrangement may be contemplated as well. The depicted male lower hinge element 36A is shown to be bolted or otherwise fastened to the lateral blade 12A, illustratively via bracket 41, thereby facilitating its eventual replacement if necessary. The bracket 41 includes a plate 42, structural members 44 extending from the plate 42, and a pin 46. The pin 46 is engageable with the multi-axis rotary joint 38 to pivotably fasten the lateral blade 12B to the central blade 12A, the multi-axis rotary joint 38 disposed in a bracket 48 fastened or otherwise secured to the central blade 12A. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin 46 is removable from the structural members 44 so that upper and lower ends of the structural members 44 may be aligned with the bracket 48, with apertures (not shown) in the structural members 44 and bracket 48 being vertically aligned. The pin 46 may therefore be inserted through the apertures to engage with the multi-axis rotary joint 38, thereby pivotably securing the lateral blade 12B to the central blade 12A.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary upper hinge element 34 is shown. It is understood that the below description of the upper hinge element 34 may apply to one or both of the lateral blades 12B. As discussed above, in the shown embodiment, but not necessarily the case in all embodiments, the upper hinge element 34 also includes a multi-axis rotary joint 38, illustratively a ball joint. In particular, the depicted upper hinge element 34 includes a male upper hinge element 34A mounted to the lateral blade 12B and a female upper hinge element 34B mounted to the side panel 40 of the central blade 12A. The reverse arrangement may be contemplated as well. The depicted male upper hinge element 34A is shown to be bolted or otherwise fastened to the lateral blade 12A, illustratively via bracket 41, thereby facilitating its eventual replacement if necessary. The bracket 41 includes a plate 42, structural members 44 extending from the plate 42, and a pin 46. The pin 46 is engageable with the multi-axis rotary joint 38 to pivotably fasten the lateral blade 12B to the central blade 12A, the multi-axis rotary joint 38 disposed in a bracket 48 fastened or otherwise secured to the central blade 12A. As was the case with the lower hinge element 36, the pin 46 is removable from the structural members 44 so that upper and lower ends of the structural members 44 may be aligned with the bracket 48, with apertures (not shown) in the structural members 44 and bracket 48 being vertically aligned. The pin 46 may therefore be inserted through the apertures to engage with the multi-axis rotary joint 38, thereby pivotably securing the lateral blade 12B to the central blade 12A.

Referring to FIGS. 1B, 2 and 4, various hydraulic cylinders may be provided to assist in pivotably coupling the central blade 12A to the vehicle, and one or both of the lateral blades 12B to the central blade 12A. Illustratively, upper main cylinders 54 and lateral cylinders 56 couple the lateral blades 12B to the central blade 12A at an intermediary pivot 58, while lower main cylinders 60 operatively couple the central blade 12A to the mount 18 (and therefore to the vehicle).

In the shown case, the intermediary pivot 58 engages a pair of supports 62 vertically arranged on the side panel 40. The intermediary pivot 58 includes a pivoting element 64, also referred to as a force transfer element 64, engageable with the cylinders 54, 56 and the supports 62. The supports 62 are illustratively positioned between the female upper hinge element 34B and the female lower hinge element 36B. The intermediary pivot 58 illustratively includes a first shaft 66 receivable at the supports 62, a second shaft 68 engageable with a respective one of the upper main cylinders 54, and a third shaft 70 engageable with a respective one of the lateral cylinders 56, the shafts 66, 68, 70 oriented vertically and retained in a body 72 of the intermediary pivot 58. The upper main cylinders 54 are each operatively coupled to the central blade 12A at a mount 74 at a first upper main cylinder end, and operatively coupled to the intermediary pivot 58 (in particular, the second shaft 68) at a second upper main cylinder end. The lateral cylinders 56 are each operatively coupled to a respective lateral blade 12B at a mount and bracket assembly 76 at a first lateral cylinder end and to the intermediary pivot 58 (in particular, the third shaft 70) at a second lateral cylinder end. As such, each lateral blade 12B is pivotable relative to the central blade 12A by way of hydraulic cylinders 54, 56 pivotably joined at the intermediary pivot 58 in a double cylinder configuration. The intermediary pivot 58 is independently pivotable from the central blade 12A and lateral blades 12B, and transfers motion from the upper main cylinder 54 to the lateral cylinder 56. The intermediary pivot is pivotally mounted to one of the lateral blade 12B and the central blade 12A (illustratively to the central blade 12A), around a hinge axis H3 coaxial to the upper hinge element 34 and the lower hinge element 36. As such, the stresses exerted on the lateral blades 12B may be minimized by instead allowing the intermediary pivot 58 to bear a majority of the pivoting stresses. Other means for pivotably mounting the lateral blades 12B to the central blade 12A may be contemplated. In the shown embodiment, but not necessarily the case in all embodiments, the various cylinders 54, 56, 60 are mounted to the central blade 12A or to one of the lateral blades 12B via multi-axis rotary joints for increased degrees of motion.

Referring again to FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3, in the shown case, the two depicted lateral blades 12B are each provided with a lower portion 50 mounted to the lateral blade 12B in a vertically articulating manner, with the lower edge 16 mounted to the lower portion 50. Illustratively, an articulating rod 84 connects the lateral blade 12B to the lower portion 50 to allow vertical articulation therebetween. In the shown case, the articulating rod 84 is bolted to the lateral blade 12B and rotatably coupled to the lower portion 50 to allow for the articulation. Other coupling means are contemplated. Various springs 52 (or other movable connecting members) may be provided to connect the various components. Illustratively, springs 52a operatively connect the lower portion 50 to the lower edge 16, and a spring 52b operatively connects the lateral blade 12B to the lower portion 50. Illustratively, one spring 52b connects the lateral blade 12B to the lower portion 50, while three springs 52a connect the lower portion 50 to the lower edge 16, although other numbers of springs 52 may be contemplated (for instance based on a length of the lateral blade 12B). As such, the lower portion 50 may be permitted to articulate relative to the lateral blade 12B (for instance due to undulations on the road being plowed) without transferring this motion to the lateral blade 12B. The lower edge 16 may extend along the lateral blade 12B until it is aligned with the axis H, thereby minimizing the quantity of snow that can pass through any gaps between the central blade 12A and lateral blade 12B.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, as discussed above, the mount 18 operatively and pivotably couples the central blade 12A to the vehicle. Various attachment points 78 are provided for coupling the mount 18 to the vehicle, while another attachment point 80, also referred to as a hinge, is provided for pivotably coupling the mount 18 to the central blade 12A, for instance about axis M. Various attachment means between the mount 18 and central blade 12A are contemplated, for example via fasteners such as bolts or via soldering or welding. The central blade 12A is illustratively hingedly connected to the mount 18 at the attachment point 80 hinge about vertical axis M, the attachment point 80 having an upper hinge element 80A and a lower hinge element 80B, at least the lower hinge element 80B (and illustratively the upper hinge element 80A as well) having a multi-axis rotary joint 38, illustratively a ball joint. The upper and lower hinge elements 80A, 80B are engageable with brackets 82 of the mount 18 for attachment thereto. The lower main cylinders 60 are operatively coupled to the central blade 12A and to the mount 18 for imparting the pivoting action to the central blade 12A.

In various embodiments, the components are operatively coupled to the lateral blades 12B by way of fasteners, such as bolts, rather than through welding. As such, the disconnection and removal of various components, for instance for repair or replacement, may be facilitated.

Various modes of use of the plow blade system may be contemplated. For instance, both lateral blades 12B may be pivoted towards the vehicle, thereby providing a pushing force along the entire length of the blade 12. In another mode, one lateral blade 12B may be pivoted towards the vehicle, with the other lateral blade 12B pivoted away from the vehicle, thereby providing both a pushing and pulling force. In another mode, both lateral blades 12B may be pivoted away from the vehicle, thereby providing a pushing force via the central blade 12A and a pulling force at the lateral blades. In another mode, the lateral blades 12B may be oriented in parallel with the central blade 12A along the transversal direction, thereby providing a uniform pushing force. Other modes of operation, for instance by incorporating a tilt of the blade 12 about the transversal direction, may be contemplated.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, another embodiment of a blade 12 for a plow system 10 is shown. Unless otherwise specified, like references numerals refer to like components. In this embodiment, the blade 12 includes a central blade 12A and a pair of lateral blades 12B (one lateral blade 12B shown) pivotally coupled to respective transversally opposite ends 30 of the central blade 12A. In this embodiment, the lateral cylinders 56 are omitted. Instead, a pair of pivoting brackets 86, 88 pivotally couple the central blade 12A to a respective lateral blade 12B. In particular, pivoting bracket 86 is coupled to upper main cylinder 54 of the central blade 12A and to the central blade 12A itself. Pivoting bracket 88 is mounted to a respective lateral blade 12B via mount and bracket assembly 76 (illustratively bolted to the lateral blade 12B). Pivoting brackets 86, 88 are pivotably coupled to one another at pivoting element 90, also referred to as force transfer element 90. The pivoting element 90 is thus configured for transferring forces from the upper main cylinder 54 to a respective pivoting bracket 88 to pivot each lateral blade 12B about one or both pivot aces H1, H2.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a blade for a plow system 10 is shown. Unless otherwise specified, like reference numerals refer to like components. In this embodiment, the blade 12 includes a central blade 12A and a pair of lateral blades 12B (one lateral blade 12B shown) pivotally coupled to respective transversally opposite ends 30 of the central blade 12A. In this embodiment, a single shaft 46′, also referred to as an extended pin, extends along hinge axis H and engages both the upper hinge element 34 and the lower hinge element 36. Stated differently, the lateral blade 12B is hingedly mounted to the central blade by way of a single shaft 46′. Illustratively, the shaft 46′ engages structural members 44 of upper and lower hinge elements 34, 36 of the lateral blade 12B, and engages bracket 48 of the central blade 12A to hingedly connect the lateral blade 12B to the central blade 12A. Various materials for the shaft 46′ are contemplated. In an embodiment, the shaft 36′ is made of an elastically deformable material, for instance a same material as the lateral blade 12B. As such, the shaft 46′ operates in a multi-axis manner, allowing a degree of flexibility to the lateral blade 12B relative to the central blade 12A. In other cases, the shaft 36′ is configured to fracture at a predetermined position along a height thereof, for instance in response to an impact that would otherwise cause damage to the blades 12A, 12B.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in various embodiments, the lateral blades 12B (and shaft 46′ in the plow system of FIG. 11) are formed of an elastically deformable material. Stated differently, the material of the main body 14′ of the lateral blades 12B is selected to have a high yield strength (or yield point). Stated differently, it is desirable for the material of the main body 14′ to require a great amount of pressure at which the metal begins to transition from the elastic domain to the plastic domain. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary strain versus stress, showing the various types of deformations of a given material. As a material is strained, elastic deformation (i.e., non-permanent deformation) will occur until the level of stress reaches the material's yield strength. With increased strain, the material will begin to plastically deform (i.e., permanent or non-reversible deformation) until the level of stress reaches the material's tensile strength, at which point the material will begin to fracture, reducing its resistance to stress, until it ultimately fractures.

With typical steels, for instance 44W steels, the yield strength is 44,000 PSI. In embodiments of the present disclosure, where it is desirable to allow the lateral blades 12B to elastically deform under stresses, a yield strength of over 75,000 PSI, and preferably above 100,000 PSI is desirable, for instance for the of the main body 14′ of the lateral blades 12B. In embodiments, the of the main body 14′ of the lateral blades 12B are made of QT400 steel, which has a yield strength of about 160,000 PSI. Other materials having high yield strengths are also contemplated. With such materials, and particularly when the body of the lateral panel is relatively thin, and accordingly of lighter weight, the lateral blade may elastically bend, to a certain extent.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the lateral blades 12B are offered a high degree of flexibility relative to the central blade 12A, for instance due to the high yield strength of the selected materials for the lateral blades 12B and the one or more multi-axis joints pivotally connecting the lateral blades 12B to the central blade 12A. Indeed, typical practice dictated that lateral blades should be stiff (i.e., made of thick and heavy materials having low yield strength) to avoid breaking of the hinge under impact or stress. In contrast, according to the present disclosure, a certain degree of flexibility (e.g., bending) is offered to the lateral blades 12B, for instance by selecting materials with higher yield strengths. This bending is accommodated, for instance via one or more multi-axis joints and by fastening (rather welding) the various attachment components to the blades, to minimize the risk of fractured or otherwise broken components. the bolting of the hinge bracket(s) on the main body of the side panel which can help avoid issues such as fissure propagation which may result of bending of soldered components.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the blade 12 includes components that are assembled, for instance via brackets 41 and mount and bracket assemblies 76 that are bolted or otherwise fastenably secured to the central blade 12A and/or lateral blades 12B. Such assembly, rather than other joining means such as soldering, may prevent damage to the components such as cracking due to vibrations and impact.

As can be seen therefore, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only. The scope is indicated by the appended claims.