Hitch device for connecting a groomer vehicle and a ski slope snow grooming implement, and control method employing such a hitch device
US8701312B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01H4/02
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A hitch device for connecting a groomer vehicle having a first frame extending along a first axis, and an implement, in particular a rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes and having a second frame extending crosswise to and symmetrically with respect to a second axis. The hitch device has an arm hinged to the first frame about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, and about a fourth axis perpendicular to the first and third axis; a first actuator for adjusting the position of the arm about the third axis with respect to the first frame to lift and lower the implement; at least one second actuator for adjusting the position of the arm about the fourth axis with respect to the first frame; a movable coupling movable between the arm and one of the first and second frame; and a third actuator for adjusting the position of the arm in a plane crosswise to the fourth axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.