Apparatus and method for connecting an implement to a traction vehicle
AssigneeErskine Manufacturing Company, Inc.
InventorsMichael W. Gustafson, Timothy K. Radniecki
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular implement apparatus and method of use for securing a snowblower to an all terrain vehicle (ATV) comprises an implement mounted to a first end of the ATV and an engine mounted at a second end. A longitudinal support structure extends between the two ends and supports a drive shaft assembly. The engine provides power to the implement, thus eliminating the need for a PTO shaft. The apparatus is further adapted to permit placement of the apparatus in either a ground-engaging position or a raised, transport position.
Claims25
An apparatus for attaching a motorized implement to a traction vehicle, comprising:
- a longitudinal frame assembly connected to the traction vehicle, the longitudinal frame assembly having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending generally beyond a first end of the vehicle and the second portion extending beyond a second end of the vehicle, the first portion adapted to support the implement;
- at least one ground-engaging support member attached to the longitudinal frame assembly;
- an auxiliary power source secured to the second portion of the longitudinal frame assembly;
- a drive shaft assembly operatively connected to the auxiliary power source at an input end and adapted to connect to the implement at an output end;
- an implement frame assembly having a first end pivotally connected to the second portion of the longitudinal frame assembly at a first pivot joint and a second end adapted to couple to the ground-engaging implement;
- and
- a caster frame assembly having a first end pivotally connected to the implement frame assembly at a second pivot joint and a second end supported by the at least one ground-engaging support member.
An apparatus for attaching a motorized, ground-engaging implement to a traction vehicle, comprising:
- an engine frame assembly coupled to the vehicle and extending outwardly from a first end of the vehicle, the engine frame assembly forming an engine mount;
- an implement frame assembly pivotally connected to the engine frame assembly at a first pivot joint, the implement frame assembly extending outwardly from a second end of the vehicle and adapted to support the ground-engaging implement;
- and
- a caster frame assembly pivotally connected to the implement frame assembly at a second pivot joint;
- an internal combustion engine assembly secured to the engine mount;
- and
- a drive shaft assembly operatively connected to the internal combustion engine at an input end and adapted to connect to the ground-engaging implement at an output end.
A self-powered apparatus for attachment to a traction vehicle, the vehicle having an undercarriage structure, the apparatus comprising:
- a powered, ground-engaging implement;
- an engine frame assembly coupled to the vehicle and extending outwardly from a first end of the vehicle, the engine frame assembly forming an engine mount;
- an implement frame assembly pivotally connected to the engine frame assembly at a first pivot joint, the implement frame assembly extending outwardly from a second end of the vehicle to support the ground-engaging implement;
- a caster frame assembly pivotally connected to the implement frame assembly at a second pivot joint;
- an internal combustion engine assembly secured to the engine mount;
- and
- a drive shaft assembly operatively connecting the internal combustion engine to the ground-engaging implement.
A snow removal machine comprising:
- an all terrain vehicle, comprising:
- a frame;
- a vehicle engine supported by the frame;
- one or more drive wheels coupled to the vehicle engine;
- and
- one or more steerable wheels adapted to steer the vehicle;
- and
- a self-powered snowblowing apparatus for attachment to the frame, the apparatus comprising:
- a snowblowing implement;
- an engine frame assembly coupled to the vehicle and extending outwardly from a first end of the vehicle, the engine frame assembly forming
- an engine mount;
- an implement frame assembly pivotally connected to the engine frame assembly at a first pivot joint, the implement frame assembly extending outwardly from a second end of the vehicle to support the snowblowing implement;
- and
- a caster frame assembly pivotally connected to the implement frame assembly at a second pivot joint;
- an internal combustion engine assembly secured to the engine mount;
- and
- a drive shaft assembly operatively connecting the internal combustion engine to the snowblowing implement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.