MEYER PRODUCTS, LLC.
`
`EXHIBIT 1004
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,354,024 to Kost
`
`

`
`(12) United States Patent
`(12) Ulllted States Patent
`Kost et al.
`Kost et al.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,354,024 B1
`US 6,354,024 B1
`Mar. 12, 2002
`Mar. 12, 2002
`
`US006354024B1
`US006354024B1
`
`(54) SNOWPLOW MOUNT
`(54) SNOWPLOW MOUNT
`
`(75) Inventors: James A. Kost, Willoughby; Robert L.
`(75)
`Inventors: James A. Kost, Willoughby; Robert L.
`Potak, Strongsville, both of OH (US)
`Potak; Strongsville; both of OH (US)
`(73) Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company,
`(73) Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company,
`steubenv?le OH (Us)
`S“’“b"“V111‘°’> OH (US)
`’
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`SubJect' to any disclaimer, the term of this
`Subject. to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adJusted under 35
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`.
`.
`( 4 ) Notice:
`( * ) Notice:
`
`(21) APPL NO; 09/449 945
`(21) APP1. No, 09/449,945
`’
`(22)
`Filed:
`Nov. 29, 1999
`(22) Filed:
`Nov. 29, 1999
`
`7
`7
`(51)
`Int. Cl.
`................................................ .. E01H 5/04
`(51) Int. Cl. ................................................ .. E01H 5/04
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`........................... .. 37/231; 37/236; 37/270;
`(52) US. Cl. ........................... .. 37/231; 37/236; 37/270;
`172/273
`172/273
`(58) Field of Search ........................ .. 37/231, 234, 235,
`(58) Field of Search ........................ .. 37/231, 234, 235,
`37/236; 266, 270, 271, 272; 172/810, 817;
`37/236, 266, 270, 271, 272; 172/810, 817,
`272 273
`272’ 273
`’
`
`(56)
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,252,716 A *
`5/1966 Gaterman ............... .. 37/236 X
`3 252 716 A * 5/1966 Gaterman ............... .. 37/236 X
`3,353,287 A 11/1967 King
`3,353,237 A
`11/1967 King
`3,400,475 A
`9/1968 Peitl
`3,400,475 A
`9/1968 Peitl
`3,432,946 A
`3/1969 Peitl
`3,432,946 A
`3/1969 Peitl
`3,432,947 A
`3/1969 Peitl
`3,432,947 A
`3/1969 Peitl _
`37067144 A * 12/1972 M10611
`3>706>144 A * 12/1972 Mice“
`3,749,180 A
`7/1973 Coontz ..................... .. 172/801
`3,749,180 A
`7/1973 COOntZ ..................... .. 172/801
`3,800,882 A *
`4/1974 Werts etal.
`.............. .. 172/273
`3’8OO’882 A * 4/1974 Werts et a1‘
`172/273
`3,815,687 A *
`6/1974 Federspiel
`................ .. 172/801
`3,815,687 A * 6/1974 Federspiel ................ .. 172/801
`3,828,449 A
`8/1974 Miceli
`3,828,449 A
`8/1974 Miceli
`4,236,329 A
`12/1980 Hetrick
`4,236,329 A 12/1980 Hetrick
`
`7/1981 Low et al.
`4,279,084 A
`7/1981 Low et 81.
`4,279,084 A
`7/1985 Sarka et al.
`4,528,762 A
`7/1985 Sarka et al.
`4,528,762 A
`2/1989 Cillla
`4,803,790 A
`2/1989 Ciula
`4,803,790 A
`49767054 A 12/1990 199“
`2 1:; JCOPTS
`,
`,
`111 8.
`5,036,608 A
`8/1991 Clllla
`5’075’988 A 12/1991 clula
`2
`5,088,215 A
`2/1992 Ciula
`5,353,530 A * 10/1994 Pieper ....................... .. 37/231
`5,353,530 A * 10/1994 Pieper ....................... .. 37/231
`RE35,700 E * 12/1997 Watson et al.
`.............. .. 37/231
`RE35 700 E * 12 1997 Wt t
`l. .............. .. 37 231
`5’806j214 A
`92998 Beah::IIllSeetaa1_
`/
`5,806,214 A
`9/1998 Behrens et al.
`5,870,839 A
`2/1999 Wissmiller
`5,870,839 A
`2/1999 Wissmfller
`5,894,688 A *
`4/1999 Struck et al.
`........... .. 37/236 X
`5,894,688 A * 4/1999 Struck et a1. ........... .. 37/236 X
`5,899,007 A
`5/1999 Niemela et al.
`5,899,007 A
`5/1999 Niemela et a1.
`6,050,008 A * 4/2000 Doornek et a1. ........ .. 37/236 X
`g,g§g1,g1gf13 A :
`461/2003
`lgroornetk (it al.
`.......... 37/327363):
`,
`,
`oos e a .
`................. ..
`6,073,371 A * 6/2000 G005 et al. ................. .. 37/232
`6,145,222 A
`11/2000 Curtis
`6,145,222 A 11/2000 Curtis
`6,151,808 A * 11/2000 Curtis
`....................... .. 37/234
`6,151,808 A * 11/2000 Curtis ....................... .. 37/234
`5,163,935 A * 12/2000 Chinnery et a1.
`. 37/236 X
`6,163,985 A * 12/2000 Chinnery et a1_
`37/236 X
`
`6,170,178 B1 *
`1/2001 Christy ............ ..
`37/231
`6,170,178 B1 * 1/2001 Christy ................... .. 37/231
`6,178,669 B1 *
`1/2001 Quenzi et al.
`.......... .. 37/236 X
`6,178,669 B1 * 1/2001 QuenZi et al. .......... .. 37/236 X
`* Cited by examiner
`* Cited b examiner
`y
`.
`.
`.
`Primary Examiner—Victor Batson
`Przmary Exammer—V1ctor Batson
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Vickers, Daniels & Young
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Vickers; Daniels & Young
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`ASHeWPl0W blade mount assembly mountable On a Vehicle
`ASI1°WP10W blade mount assembly mountable On a Vehicle
`that includes a frame mount assembly Which is affixed to a
`that includes a frame mount assembly Wh1Ch 1s affixed to a
`frame of the Vehicle and a support assembly that connects to
`frame of the vehicle and a support assembly that connects to
`the frame mount assembly. The support assembly is
`the frame mount assembly. The support assembly is
`designed to connect to a lift mount assembly and a blade
`designed to connect to a lift mount assembly and a blade
`mount assembly. The support assembly enables the blade
`mount assembly. The support assembly enables the blade
`mount assembly and/or lift mount assembly to be C0nVe_
`mount assembly and/OI. lift mount assembly to be COnVe_
`menu Connected and disconnected from the Vehicle
`niently connected and disconnected from the vehicle
`y
`'
`'
`
`53 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`53 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`BIO BL ‘(w 815
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 12, 2002
`Mar. 12, 2002
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`Sheet 1 0f 17
`Sheet 1 of 17
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`US 6,354,024 B1
`US 6,354,024 B1
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 12, 2002
`Mar. 12, 2002
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`Sheet 2 of 17
`Sheet 2 0f 17
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`US 6,354,024 B1
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`Mar. 12, 2002
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 12, 2002
`Mar. 12, 2002
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`Sheet 6 0f 17
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`U.S. Patent
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 12, 2002
`Mar. 12, 2002
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`Mar. 12, 2002
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`Sheet 17 0f 17
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`US 6,354,024 B1
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`1
`1
`SNOWPLOW MOUNT
`SNOWPLOW MOUNT
`INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
`INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
`
`Assignee’s U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,828,449; 4,236,329; 4,279,
`Assignee’s US. Pat. Nos. 3,828,449; 4,236,329; 4,279,
`084; 5,036,608; and 5,075,988 and are incorporated by
`084; 5,036,608; and 5,075,988 and are incorporated by
`reference herein so as to detail prior snow blade mounting
`reference herein so as to detail prior snoW blade mounting
`devices known in the art. Assignee’s U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,353,
`devices knoWn in the art. Assignee’s U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,353,
`287; 3,365,456; 3,432,947; 3,650,054; 3,706,144; 4,528,
`287; 3,365,456; 3,432,947; 3,650,054; 3,706,144; 4,528,
`762; 4,803,790; 4,845,866; and 5,088,215; and co-pending
`762; 4,803,790; 4,845,866; and 5,088,215; and co-pending
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/215,812 filed Dec. 18,
`US. patent application Ser. No. 09/215,812 ?led Dec. 18,
`1998 are also incorporated herein by reference to illustrate
`1998 are also incorporated herein by reference to illustrate
`various snowplow blade designs and snowplow blade sup-
`various snoWploW blade designs and snoWploW blade sup
`port units.
`port units.
`This invention relates primarily to plows and more par-
`This invention relates primarily to ploWs and more par
`ticularly to an improvement in snowplows mountable on a
`ticularly to an improvement in snoWploWs mountable on a
`motor vehicle for removing snow and other debris from road
`motor vehicle for removing snoW and other debris from road
`ways and similar surfaces.
`Ways and similar surfaces.
`The invention is particularly applicable to a snowplow
`The invention is particularly applicable to a snoWploW
`apparatus and construction, wherein an improved snowplow
`apparatus and construction, Wherein an improved snoWploW
`mount assembly is provided for attaching and detaching the
`mount assembly is provided for attaching and detaching the
`snowplow from the vehicle and will be described with
`snoWploW from the vehicle and Will be described With
`particular reference thereto.
`particular reference thereto.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`It is common for owners of vehicles to equip the vehicle
`It is common for oWners of vehicles to equip the vehicle
`with a snowplow for the purpose of removing snow from a
`With a snoWploW for the purpose of removing snoW from a
`ground surface. These vehicles include cars, jeeps, sport
`ground surface. These vehicles include cars, jeeps, sport
`utility vehicles, pick-ups and the like. Each type of vehicle
`utility vehicles, pick-ups and the like. Each type of vehicle
`has a different frame structure and a different bumper design
`has a different frame structure and a different bumper design
`to accommodate the frame structure. At present, the most
`to accommodate the frame structure. At present, the most
`commonly used arrangement for attaching a snowplow
`commonly used arrangement for attaching a snoWploW
`blade to a vehicle involves pivotally connecting an A-frame
`blade to a vehicle involves pivotally connecting an A-frame
`which supports the blade to a frame extension below the
`Which supports the blade to a frame extension beloW the
`front of the vehicle. Vertical displacement of the snowplow
`front of the vehicle. Vertical displacement of the snoWploW
`blade in the A-frame is provided by a lift-mount assembly.
`blade in the A-frame is provided by a lift-mount assembly.
`The lift-mount assembly serves primarily to raise, lower and
`The lift-mount assembly serves primarily to raise, loWer and
`support the plow blade, such as by raising the plow blade
`support the ploW blade, such as by raising the ploW blade
`above the ground during transportation of the snowplow
`above the ground during transportation of the snoWploW
`blade as well as during a snowplow operation. The lift-
`blade as Well as during a snoWploW operation. The lift
`mount assembly typically includes a hydraulic cylinder, lift
`mount assembly typically includes a hydraulic cylinder, lift
`arm and chain or cable arrangement mounted above the
`arm and chain or cable arrangement mounted above the
`vehicle frame. Typically, the A-frame is aligned with the
`vehicle frame. Typically, the A-frame is aligned With the
`vehicle frame below the front of the vehicle to provide
`vehicle frame beloW the front of the vehicle to provide
`proper blade alignment.
`proper blade alignment.
`The A-frame generally includes a frame assembly sup-
`The A-frame generally includes a frame assembly sup
`porting a plow blade forwardly of the vehicle and having an
`porting a ploW blade forWardly of the vehicle and having an
`inner end design to be releasably hitched to the support
`inner end design to be releasably hitched to the support
`structure beneath the vehicle. Detachment of the snowplow
`structure beneath the vehicle. Detachment of the snoWploW
`blade unit from the vehicle enables use of the vehicle for
`blade unit from the vehicle enables use of the vehicle for
`personal and/or work oriented purposes other than snow-
`personal and/or Work oriented purposes other than snoW
`ploWing.
`plowing.
`Depending on the type of the frame mount used, the frame
`Depending on the type of the frame mount used, the frame
`mount typically projects out beyond or coplanar with the
`mount typically projects out beyond or coplanar With the
`bumper thereby defeating the purpose of the bumper. In
`bumper thereby defeating the purpose of the bumper. In
`addition, the frame mount becomes a potentially dangerous
`addition, the frame mount becomes a potentially dangerous
`battering ramp when extended past
`the bumper, and is
`battering ramp When extended past the bumper, and is
`subject to being damaged itself in a collision. Such prior art
`subject to being damaged itself in a collision. Such prior art
`lift assemblies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,667,708;
`lift assemblies are disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 2,667,708;
`3,214,138; 3,410,008; 3,456,369; and 3,987,562.
`In
`3,214,138; 3,410,008; 3,456,369; and 3,987,562. In
`addition, these prior art mount assemblies include one or
`addition, these prior art mount assemblies include one or
`more of a number of structural disadvantages, such as a)
`more of a number of structural disadvantages, such as a)
`excessive weight, b) exposure to adverse environmental
`excessive Weight, b) exposure to adverse environmental
`conditions, c) potential physical damage during non
`conditions, c) potential physical damage during non-
`snowplowing use, d) high cost of manufacture, e) difficulty
`snoWploWing use, d) high cost of manufacture, e) dif?culty
`in mounting to a variety of vehicle frames, and f) undesir-
`in mounting to a variety of vehicle frames, and f) undesir
`able aesthetics when used on a vehicle. More particularly,
`able aesthetics When used on a vehicle. More particularly,
`
`10
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`with regard to such disadvantages, these prior art lift mount
`With regard to such disadvantages, these prior art lift mount
`assemblies are typically 1) mounted on the existing vehicle
`assemblies are typically 1) mounted on the existing vehicle
`bumper or on a special cross member between the vehicle
`bumper or on a special cross member betWeen the vehicle
`frame members which either replaces or is provided in
`frame members Which either replaces or is provided in
`addition to the bumper, or 2) are mounted on one of the
`addition to the bumper, or 2) are mounted on one of the
`vehicle’s frame and bumper components and interconnected
`vehicle’s frame and bumper components and interconnected
`with the one another. Furthermore, due to the design of these
`With the one another. Furthermore, due to the design of these
`prior art mounting systems, when the snow blade is elevated,
`prior art mounting systems, When the snoW blade is elevated,
`the lift arm mounting members cause considerable stress at
`the lift arm mounting members cause considerable stress at
`the point of connection between the mounting members and
`the point of connection betWeen the mounting members and
`the vehicle as a result of the weight of the corresponding
`the vehicle as a result of the Weight of the corresponding
`snowplow blade unit. Such forces necessitate structurally
`snoWploW blade unit. Such forces necessitate structurally
`heavy mounting members and supports, and special struc-
`heavy mounting members and supports, and special struc
`tural interconnections there between in an effort to minimize
`tural interconnections there betWeen in an effort to minimiZe
`damage and/or bending or breakage of the mounting mem-
`damage and/or bending or breakage of the mounting mem
`bers and/or support components. This results in undue
`bers and/or support components. This results in undue
`weight to the support unit and increased complexity in the
`Weight to the support unit and increased complexity in the
`assembly and the repair of the support unit. The lift arm
`assembly and the repair of the support unit. The lift arm
`assemblies are also intended to remain on the vehicle when
`assemblies are also intended to remain on the vehicle When
`the snowplow unit is removed therefrom. This is undesirable
`the snoWploW unit is removed therefrom. This is undesirable
`from the stand point of the weight imposed on the front axle
`from the stand point of the Weight imposed on the front axle
`of the vehicle and can result in a violation of one or more
`of the vehicle and can result in a violation of one or more
`governmental restrictions with respect to vehicle loading. In
`governmental restrictions With respect to vehicle loading. In
`addition, one or more of the lift components project a
`addition, one or more of the lift components project a
`considerable distance forward of the vehicle bumper thus
`considerable distance forWard of the vehicle bumper thus
`exposing such components to damage or destruction should
`exposing such components to damage or destruction should
`the vehicle impact against an object. Moreover,
`these
`the vehicle impact against an object. Moreover, these
`components, when exposed to the elements year round, can
`components, When exposed to the elements year round, can
`begin to deteriorate,
`therefore requiring more frequent
`begin to deteriorate, therefore requiring more frequent
`maintenance,
`repair and replacing,
`thus increasing the
`maintenance, repair and replacing, thus increasing the
`expense of using such an assembly. The permanent fixture of
`expense of using such an assembly. The permanent ?xture of
`these components to the vehicle also can significantly dete-
`these components to the vehicle also can signi?cantly dete
`riorate from the aesthetic appearance of the front of the
`riorate from the aesthetic appearance of the front of the
`vehicle during non-winter months.
`vehicle during non-Winter months.
`Many efforts have been made to resolve several of these
`Many efforts have been made to resolve several of these
`problems with respect
`to the use of snowplow blades.
`problems With respect to the use of snoWploW blades.
`Assignees’ U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,084 improves on a number
`Assignees’ U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,084 improves on a number
`of draw backs of prior art lift mount assemblies. This lift
`of draW backs of prior art lift mount assemblies. This lift
`mount assembly reduces the number of modifications to the
`mount assembly reduces the number of modi?cations to the
`front end of the vehicle to accommodate the lift mount
`front end of the vehicle to accommodate the lift mount
`assembly. This lift mount assembly replaces projecting parts
`assembly. This lift mount assembly replaces projecting parts
`of the lift mount assembly with somewhat recessed exposed
`of the lift mount assembly With someWhat recessed exposed
`parts which do not bear the full impact of a collision should
`parts Which do not bear the full impact of a collision should
`the vehicle impact against an object during non-snowplow
`the vehicle impact against an object during non-snoWploW
`use. However, the foremost part of the bracket portion of the
`use. HoWever, the foremost part of the bracket portion of the
`lift mount assembly is located on the same vehicle plane as
`lift mount assembly is located on the same vehicle plane as
`the foremost part of the bumper. Therefore, both the bumper
`the foremost part of the bumper. Therefore, both the bumper
`and the lift mount bear the brunt of any collision. Potential
`and the lift mount bear the brunt of any collision. Potential
`damage to the lift mount assembly remains a likelihood on
`damage to the lift mount assembly remains a likelihood on
`the collision. The lift mount assembly also must be posi-
`the collision. The lift mount assembly also must be posi
`tioned behind the bumper which can present installation
`tioned behind the bumper Which can present installation
`problems. The mount assembly also requires some rigging to
`problems. The mount assembly also requires some rigging to
`establish the top mounting point behind the bumper which
`establish the top mounting point behind the bumper Which
`can be troublesome for some vehicles.
`can be troublesome for some vehicles.
`Assignees’ U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,608 improved on many of
`Assignees’ US. Pat. No. 5,036,608 improved on many of
`the remaining drawbacks of existing mount assemblies. The
`the remaining draWbacks of existing mount assemblies. The
`mount assembly is a two piece assembly wherein the hous-
`mount assembly is a tWo piece assembly Wherein the hous
`ing unit is affixed to the frame of the vehicle beneath and
`ing unit is af?xed to the frame of the vehicle beneath and
`behind the bumper of the vehicle thereby eliminating parts
`behind the bumper of the vehicle thereby eliminating parts
`of the housing from being damaged on collision by the
`of the housing from being damaged on collision by the
`vehicle. The lift mount assembly also includes a support unit
`vehicle. The lift mount assembly also includes a support unit
`which releasably attaches to the housing and is designed to
`Which releasably attaches to the housing and is designed to
`support components of the mount assembly to lift and lower
`support components of the mount assembly to lift and loWer
`the snowplow frame assembly. When the snowplow blade
`the snoWploW frame assembly. When the snoWploW blade
`and A-frame are removed from the housing unit, the support
`and A-frame are removed from the housing unit, the support
`unit may also be removed thereby eliminating projecting
`unit may also be removed thereby eliminating projecting
`parts of the lift mount assembly from being exposed to
`parts of the lift mount assembly from being exposed to
`
`

`
`US 6,354,024 B1
`US 6,354,024 B1
`
`3
`3
`damage. The removal of these components also enhances the
`damage. The removal of these components also enhances the
`authentic appearance of the vehicle during non-winter
`authentic appearance of the vehicle during non-Winter
`months and prevents the lift mount assembly components
`months and prevents the lift mount assembly components
`from being exposed to the elements throughout the year.
`from being exposed to the elements throughout the year.
`Although U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,608 is a significant
`Although U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,608 is a signi?cant
`improvement over prior art
`lift mount assemblies,
`the
`improvement over prior art lift mount assemblies, the
`improved lift mount assembly does not address several
`improved lift mount assembly does not address several
`problems with respect to the mounting of the lift assembly
`problems With respect to the mounting of the lift assembly
`and blade mount assembly to various types of vehicles, the
`and blade mount assembly to various types of vehicles, the
`adjustment of the lift assembly to various types of vehicles,
`adjustment of the lift assembly to various types of vehicles,
`and the difficulty in attaching and detaching the lift assembly
`and the difficulty in attaching and detaching the lift assembly
`and/or snow blade mount assembly from the vehicle.
`and/or snoW blade mount assembly from the vehicle.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention contemplates a new and improved
`The present invention contemplates a neW and improved
`frame mount assembly for attaching a snowplow blade unit
`frame mount assembly for attaching a snoWploW blade unit
`to a vehicle which overcomes all of the above referred
`to a vehicle Which overcomes all of the above referred
`problems and enables a lift mount assembly and/or a blade
`problems and enables a lift mount assembly and/or a blade
`mount assembly to be quickly released from the vehicle. In
`mount assembly to be quickly released from the vehicle. In
`this respect, the frame mount assembly, according to the
`this respect, the frame mount assembly, according to the
`present invention, is structurally simple and light in weight,
`present invention, is structurally simple and light in Weight,
`thus enabling a savings in cost while facilitating the instal-
`thus enabling a savings in cost While facilitating the instal
`lation procedure and reducing the weight imposed on the
`lation procedure and reducing the Weight imposed on the
`front axle of the vehicle during snowplowing and non-
`front axle of the vehicle during snoWploWing and non
`snowplowing use. The frame mount assembly is structurally
`snoWploWing use. The frame mount assembly is structurally
`independent of the vehicle bumper and is mountable on a
`independent of the vehicle bumper and is mountable on a
`vehicle without replacing the original or existing bumper.
`vehicle Without replacing the original or existing bumper.
`The frame mount assembly advantageously enables quick
`The frame mount assembly advantageously enables quick
`release and removal of the support assembly from the
`release and removal of the support assembly from the
`supporting portion of the frame mount assembly, whereby
`supporting portion of the frame mount assembly, Whereby
`only the frame mount assembly need remain on the vehicle
`only the frame mount assembly need remain on the vehicle
`during non-snowplowing use of the vehicle. Accordingly,
`during non-snoWploWing use of the vehicle. Accordingly,
`components of the support assembly and components
`components of the support assembly and components
`attached thereto can be stored and thus protected from
`attached thereto can be stored and thus protected from
`adverse environmental conditions and potential damage by
`adverse environmental conditions and potential damage by
`impact of the vehicle with another object during non-
`impact of the vehicle With another object during non
`snowplowing use thereof. The frame mount assembly is
`snoWploWing use thereof. The frame mount assembly is
`constructed in association with the vehicle so as to advan-
`constructed in association With the vehicle so as to advan
`tageously minimize both the visibility of the frame mount
`tageously minimiZe both the visibility of the frame mount
`assembly and the projection of the parts of the frame mount
`assembly and the projection of the parts of the frame mount
`assembly thereof forwardly of the vehicle when the support
`assembly thereof forWardly of the vehicle When the support
`assembly is removed, thus promoting the aesthetic appear-
`assembly is removed, thus promoting the aesthetic appear
`ance of the front of the vehicle. The mounting of the frame
`ance of the front of the vehicle. The mounting of the frame
`mount assembly independent of the vehicle’s bumper allows
`mount assembly independent of the vehicle’s bumper alloWs
`forces and stresses imposed on the frame mount assembly
`forces and stresses imposed on the frame mount assembly
`when the snowplow blade is elevated to be transmitted
`When the snoWploW blade is elevated to be transmitted
`through the frame mount assembly to the vehicle frame, thus
`through the frame mount assembly to the vehicle frame, thus
`avoiding any distortion of the bumper member and/or any
`avoiding any distortion of the bumper member and/or any
`disfiguring thereof by attachment of the component parts of
`dis?guring thereof by attachment of the component parts of
`the assembly thereto.
`the assembly thereto.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`In accordance With another aspect of the present
`invention, a snowplow mount assembly includes four prin-
`invention, a snoWploW mount assembly includes four prin
`cipal components, namely a frame mount assembly, a sup-
`cipal components, namely a frame mount assembly, a sup
`port assembly, a lift assembly, and a blade mount assembly.
`port assembly, a lift assembly, and a blade mount assembly.
`The frame mount assembly is affixed to the frame of the
`The frame mount assembly is affixed to the frame of the
`vehicle and has at
`least one attachment point situated
`vehicle and has at least one attachment point situated
`beneath and behind the bumper of the vehicle. The support
`beneath and behind the bumper of the vehicle. The support
`assembly is designed to be connected to the at least one
`assembly is designed to be connected to the at least one
`attachment point on the frame mount assembly. The support
`attachment point on the frame mount assembly. The support
`assembly is also design to be connected to the lift assembly
`assembly is also design to be connected to the lift assembly
`unit and/or the blade mount assembly. The support assembly
`unit and/or the blade mount assembly. The support assembly
`thereby integrates the lift assembly and/or blade assembly
`thereby integrates the lift assembly and/or blade assembly
`with the frame mount assembly. The support assembly is
`With the frame mount assembly. The support assembly is
`mounted to the frame mount assembly in a manner to allow
`mounted to the frame mount assembly in a manner to alloW
`the support assembly to be releasably attached to the frame
`the support assembly to be releasably attached to the frame
`mount assembly for easy removal from the vehicle. In one
`mount assembly for easy removal from the vehicle. In one
`embodiment, the removal of the support assembly from the
`embodiment, the removal of the support assembly from the
`
`10
`10
`
`15
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`65
`
`4
`4
`frame mount assembly results in no permanent structures of
`frame mount assembly results in no permanent structures of
`the snowplow mount protruding beyond the vehicle bumper.
`the snoWploW mount protruding beyond the vehicle bumper.
`In accordance with still another aspect of the present
`In accordance With still another aspect of the present
`invention,
`the lift assembly is designed to be detachable
`invention, the lift assembly is designed to be detachable
`from or permanently affixed to the support assembly. In one
`from or permanently af?xed to the support assembly. In one
`embodiment, the lift assembly includes a lift arm that is
`embodiment, the lift assembly includes a lift arm that is
`connected or interconnected to the blade mount assembly for
`connected or interconnected to the blade mount assembly for
`lifting and lowering the blade mount assembly.
`lifting and loWering the blade mount assembly.
`In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
`In accordance With yet another aspect of the present
`invention,
`the blade mount assembly is designed to be
`invention, the blade mount assembly is designed to be
`detachable from or permanently affixed to the support
`detachable from or permanently affixed to the support
`assembly. In one embodiment, the blade mount assembly
`assembly. In one embodiment, the blade mount assembly
`includes an A-frame design to support a snowplow blade.
`includes an A-frame design to support a snoWplo