Quick-attach secondary lift mechanism for snowplows

Abstract

A secondary lift mechanism configured for quick attachment to an existing snowplow assembly. A secondary lift mechanism is intended as a backup lift mechanism in the event the primary lift mechanism of a snowplow assembly fails. The secondary lift mechanism (the secondary snowplow lift mechanism) is attachable to the lift arm of any of a variety of snowplow assemblies without the use of tools. A novel mounting plate allows the secondary snowplow lift mechanism to be quickly ad easily attached to a variety of lift arm configurations common to various snowplow assemblies. the secondary snowplow lift mechanism restores vertical control of the moldboard when the primary lift mechanism has failed.

1 . A snowplow apparatus comprising:
 a first member configured to selectively raise and lower a second member of a snowplow; and   a mounting plate;   wherein said mounting plate is configured to removably couple said first member to a portion of a snowplow assembly.   
   
   
       2 . The snowplow apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said portion of said snowplow assembly comprises a lift arm of said snowplow assemblies. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said second member comprises a flexible member. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said second member comprises one of a strap, cable, wire, chain, rope, or linked members. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said first member comprises
 a drum;   an motor coupled to said drum;   said flexible member comprising a first end and a second end, said first end being secured to said drum;   wherein said motor is configured to rotate said drum, thereby winding said flexible member about said drum.   
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said second end of said flexible member is fixedly attached through a securing means to a portion of said snowplow assembly, wherein when said flexible member is wound about said drum a moldboard of said snowplow assembly is raised. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said securing means comprises a hook configured to be secured to an A-frame of said snowplow assembly. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said motor coupled to said drum is configured to rotate said drum in two directions;
 a first direction causing said flexible member to be wound about said drum; and   a second direction causing said flexible member to be unwound from said drum;   wherein a controller controls the direction of rotation of said drum from within a vehicle to which said snowplow assembly is attached.   
   
   
       9 . A detachable snowplow lift mechanism comprising:
 a drum;   a motor coupled to said drum;   a flexible member comprising a first end and a second end, said first end being secured to said drum;   a mounting plate;   a controller communicatively coupled to said motor; and   at least one power lead configured to couple said motor to a power source;   wherein said motor is configured to rotate said drum, to selectively wind said flexible member about said drum; and   wherein said mounting plate is configured to secure said detachable lift mechanism to a snowplow assembly.   
   
   
       10 . The detachable lift mechanism of  claim 9 , wherein said mounting plate is configured to secure said detachable lift mechanism to a lift arm of said snowplow assembly. 
   
   
       11 . The detachable lift mechanism of  claim 9 , wherein said flexible member comprises one of a strap, a cable, a wire, a chain, a rope, or linked members. 
   
   
       12 . The detachable lift mechanism of  claim 9 , wherein said second end of said flexible member is detachably coupled to a second portion of said snowplow assembly;
 wherein when said flexible member is wound about said drum, said flexible member causes a moldboard of said snowplow assembly to rise.   
   
   
       13 . The detachable lift mechanism of  claim 12 , wherein said flexible member is detachably coupled to said snowplow assembly by a hook configured to secure said flexible member to an A-frame of said snowplow assembly. 
   
   
       14 . The detachable lift mechanism of  claim 13 , further comprising a controller;
 wherein said controller is communicatively connected to said motor; and   wherein said controller transmits a signal to said motor causing said motor to selectively rotate in either of a first direction or a second direction;   said first direction causing said flexible member to be wound about said drum, causing said moldboard to rise; and   said second direction causing said flexible member to be unwound from said drum, causing said moldboard to lower.   
   
   
       15 . A mounting plate comprising:
 a front portion; and   a rear portion;   said front portion of said mounting plate further includes at least one attachment feature configured to secure said mounting plate to a lift mechanism; and   said rear portion of said mounting plate further including at least one extension member configured to be securely mated with a portion of a snowplow assembly.   
   
   
       16 . The mounting plate of  claim 15 , wherein said portion of said snowplow assembly comprises a lift arm;
 said at least one extension member including at least one mounting tab configured to engage with a chain-securing feature of said lift arm.   
   
   
       17 . The mounting plate of  claim 16 , comprising at least three mounting tabs formed on said rear portion of said mounting plate;
 said at least three mounting tabs being configured to engage with a chain-securing feature of said lift arm.   
   
   
       18 . The mounting plate of  claim 17 , wherein said mounting plate is secured to a lift arm without the use of tools;
 wherein each of said at least three mounting tabs further define a thru-bore, said thru-bores being aligned and configured to receive a pin;   said pin being configured to lock said mounting plate to said lift arm.   
   
   
       19 . The mounting plate of  claim 15 , further defining thru-bores configured to receive and pass fasteners through said mounting plate to secure said mounting plate to said lift mechanism. 
   
   
       20 . The mounting plate of  claim 19 , wherein said attachment features comprise protruding features, wherein said protruding features are configured to engage said lift mechanism and aid in securing said mounting plate to said lift mechanism.