Connecting mechanism for attaching a ground-engaging surface maintenance implement to a traction vehicle
US6006390A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01H1/056
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention relates to an improved mechanism (100) for attaching a ground-engaging surface maintenance implement, preferably a front-mounted rotary sweeper (300), to a traction vehicle (200). The mechanism includes a four-bar linkage (102) to "yaw" the implement from an initial position, where the sweeper brush axis is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the traction vehicle (200), to a first or second position, characterized by the brush axis assuming an angled (i.e., non-perpendicular) orientation, the first and second positions being equal but opposite to one another. The mechanism further includes a central pivot (104) which permits the implement to "roll" or rotate preferably about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the brush axis such that the sweeper (300) can maintain ground contact across its lateral width when traversing laterally uneven terrain. The preferred mechanism also includes a force-producing device (148), selectively activated by the operator, to translate the implement from its initial position to the first or second position or anywhere in-between. Finally, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes ground-contacting c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.