Measuring and testing – Testing of apparatus
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-24
2001-06-05
McCall, Eric S. (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Testing of apparatus
C073S118040, C037S234000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240792
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to accessories for snow plow assemblies and, more specifically, to a support and testing apparatus for vehicle mountable snow plow assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicle mounted snow plows are very useful and popular for moving snow from roadways and parking lots. These snow plows typically include a snow plow blade that is interconnected with the frame of the vehicle using some type of snow plow frame. Typically, the snow plow blade may be pivoted side to side and lifted and lowered relative to the vehicle to facilitate the manipulation of snow.
Snow plow assemblies are somewhat complex and may include one or more hydraulic actuators and a variety of lights. Obviously, snow plow assemblies are susceptible to wear, damage and malfunction, making periodic repairs necessary. This is especially true in light of the harsh conditions under which snow plow assemblies are often operated. Snow plow assemblies are subjected to high levels of force and stress while being operated in harsh weather. Snow plow assemblies often are also exposed to contaminants such as grit, dirt, and salt, all of which may accelerate wear.
Traditionally, a snow plow assembly owner will drop the plow blade, plow frame, and accompanying operation hardware off at a repair facility when maintenance or repair is required. This presents several problems for the repair facility. The snow plow blade and accompanying support and operation hardware are heavy and awkward making it difficult to maneuver and manipulate the system. It is often necessary for these repair facilities to move the blade and support structure from one part of the facility to another. It is also often necessary or desirable to test the system after the repair and prior to returning it to the customer. Typically, repair facilities have one or more of their own plow vehicles to which they may attach the customer's system for testing. However, this ties up the facility's plow vehicle, preventing its use for other tasks. Also, there is more than one configuration of plow assembly, often making it difficult to use a given system with a given plow vehicle without substantial reconfiguration. Use of the facility's plow vehicle is also time consuming and wasteful of space. Since most repairs are done in the cold winter months, most facilities work on the plow assembly inside of a heated building. To use the facility's plow vehicle to test the customer's system, the vehicle must be pulled inside of the heated enclosure or, less desirably, the testing may be done outside.
In light of the above problems, there is a need for an apparatus that can support and operate a variety of snow plow assemblies for testing and assist in relocation of the snow plow assemblies. Most preferably, such an apparatus is relatively small, maneuverable and easy to operate and configure for a variety of assemblies. Most preferably, such an apparatus would be capable of manipulating a snow plow assembly, remote from a vehicle, in a manner mimicking the way the assembly would be operated on the vehicle during actual use. Also preferably, such an apparatus would be self contained, including its own power source, so that it is wholly capable of operating a plow assembly when removed from a vehicle.
There have been attempts to provide apparatus for the maneuvering and testing of snow plow assemblies. For example, a variety of support dollies are available that allow a plow assembly, remote from a vehicle, to be more easily moved from place to place. However, these systems do not provide for manipulation of the plow assembly as if it was being operated on a vehicle. There are also devices available for testing various aspects of the hydraulic system on a snow plow assembly. However, these devices are limited in their capabilities. Devices are also available for testing various aspects of electrical systems. For example, multi-meters allow testing for continuity and voltage within a system. Once again, these devices are insufficient to allow adequate testing of a snow plow assembly removed from a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a support and testing apparatus for a vehicle mountable snow plow assembly. The apparatus is designed for use with snow plow assemblies of the type having a snow plow frame configured for attachment to a vehicle, a hydraulic positioner for positioning the blade, and a lighting system with some type of interconnection device. The support and testing apparatus has a frame to support the snow plow assembly. The frame includes a coupler for mechanically engaging the snow plow frame so that the plow assembly is supported on and retained by the frame. The apparatus also includes a plurality of wheels which are attached to the frame. At least one of these wheels is a caster which is pivotally mounted to the frame so that the wheel can pivot 360 degrees relative to the frame. The apparatus also includes an actuator system supported on the frame. The actuator is capable of actuating the hydraulic positioner on the plow assembly. The apparatus also includes an electrical lighting supply supported on the frame. The lighting supply includes a coupler for engaging the interconnection device of the lighting system of the plow assembly. The lighting supply is operable to selectively supply power to the lighting system for testing purposes. The apparatus also includes a control panel with a plurality of switches for operating the actuator system and the electrical lighting supply.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4126038 (1978-11-01), Barlett et al.
patent: 4181016 (1980-01-01), Schapink
patent: 4211110 (1980-07-01), Glomski
patent: 4368638 (1983-01-01), Groves et al.
patent: 4821435 (1989-04-01), Pester
patent: 4999935 (1991-03-01), Simi et al.
patent: 5103671 (1992-04-01), Dyvig
patent: 5195261 (1993-03-01), Vachon
patent: 5353530 (1994-10-01), Pieper
patent: 5694808 (1997-12-01), Weis
patent: 5832637 (1998-11-01), Aguado et al.
patent: 5894688 (1999-04-01), Struck et al.
Bishop Douglas S.
McCall Eric S.
LandOfFree
Support and testing apparatus for snow plow assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Support and testing apparatus for snow plow assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Support and testing apparatus for snow plow assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2524266