EP1010809B1 - Clearing apparatus with a plastic blade - Google Patents

Abstract

Plastic clearing shield (18) attached to a frame structure (14) incorporates at least one essentially vertical member (44) bounding a gap between it and the shield (18) is characterized by the fact that at least one section of this gap is at least partly filled with an elastically deformable material (70).

Description

The invention relates generally to clearing devices and in particular an improvement of a clearing device and similar devices for clearing snow and other fillings, of roads, paths and similar surfaces.

The invention is particularly applicable to snow plows, whereby an improved plow or clearing device is created. The invention is described below with reference to a snow removal device described. However, the invention can be used in others Broaches or plows, e.g. used in agriculture will find application.

The two US patents US 4,845,866, issued July 11, 1989 and US 5,088,215, issued February 18, 1992 contain the background information for the present invention. On details the plow construction described in these patents not discussed further.

A plow as a snow clearing device for clearing or removing of snow from streets has a shovel that Snow rolls up and then across the front of the Shovel moves. To do this, the clearing device a scraper with a curved structure on the bottom in a lower clearing edge or a scraper blade ends. The Scraper blade usually extends in the direction of travel forward to dig into the snow and the snow to squeeze into the curved scraper. The contour of the Clearing boards conduct a twist in the upward moving Snow and forcing the snow over the front of the clearing board across to the side of the clearing device.

Over time, a variety of dozer configurations have been developed tried with different curve shapes until one Form was found that rolled up and moved smoothly of both wet and powdery snow across the Ensures the front surface of the clearing board. Such a clearing board curve, which is essentially arcuate and is in only one Plane of curvature has been found to be acceptable, widely used Tried and tested geometrical configuration for the dozer board.

A typical snow plow construction is one Low carbon steel plate, usually with a thickness of about 3.2 mm (1/8 ") into an arc shape to make the Training clearing board. The frame construction, the usual is constructed from angle profile components, is then welded to the back of the clearing board to support it and to prevent the scraper from breaking or kinking when it does hits stones or other piles on the street, whereby the frame construction also for fastening the for operation necessary components of the clearing device. Examples of such Constructions can be found in patents US 3,432,947 and US 3,465,456, which have been assigned to the applicant.

Because of its great weight, a clearing board is made of steel not desirable. A steel clearing board requires higher loads the vehicle to which it is attached, and in particular it requires a stronger broach attachment and larger ones Lifting systems than would otherwise be possible.

A number of attempts have been made to improve efficiency of the steel clearing board in the aforementioned plows, to the rolling movement and the transverse movement of the snow across To improve the front of the clearing board. Many of these suggestions see a reduction in the coefficient of friction on the front surface of the clearing board. For example, the snow plow operators for a long time a plotted on the clearing boards Wax used. Clearing boards were also made with different ones Substances permanently coated. Such coatings fail however, when going through stones, boulders and other road debris, who hit the scraper with great force, knocked off become.

There are a variety of different materials in the prior art with extremely low coefficient of friction. In particular developed an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and used industrially where there is a sliding contact arrives, as with slide strips, slide plates, slide bearings or bearing shells. Until a while ago, the view was widespread that because of the mechanical properties of such materials use as a clearing board in snow clearing applications is excluded.

Considerations of weight and cost were used for the Snow plow clearing boards various plastic materials used, but no ultra high molecular weight polyethylenes. These plastics were made with the desired curve shape preformed and butt-fitting attached to the frame where they were drilled on site and fastened in the same way as the steel clearing boards were conventionally attached to the frame. Depending on the properties of the plastic and its durability plastic clearing boards have had limited success.

The snow plows have been significantly improved as a polyethylene material with a high molecular weight used as a clearing board has been designed to be durable, lightweight and to create significantly improved snow clearing plows as he does in the patents US 4,803,790 and US 4,845,866. This in U.S. Patent 4,803,790 clearing device has a conventional one Frame on, the upper and lower longitudinally extending Mounting elements with approximately the same length as that Plow shovel and a variety of vertically extending, has transversely spaced transverse struts. Every cross strut is included one end to the top mounting member and the other End attached to the lower mounting element and has one concave (inward) curved front face, the extends between the upper and lower mounting members. An essentially rectangular and concave curve High molecular weight polyethylene scraper is by means of screw fasteners on the upper and lower Mounting element in a curved or prestressed manner attached. The back of the attached clearing board has from the front end faces of the cross struts pointing in the direction of travel a fixed distance, so that between the dozer board and cross strut a space remains free. This distance or space one contact is sufficient in normal operation of the clearing device between the dozer board or dozer blade and the cross struts to prevent during extreme impact impacts from fillings contact with the struts becomes possible. The clearing board bends springily into the space or out when heavy or wet snow needs to be cleared, and this Bending improves the lateral movement and rolling movement of the Snow over the front surface of the snowboard. So far they worry Frame / clearing board mounting arrangements for a transverse support of the Clearing boards to prevent breakage of the clearing board when the clearing board is impacted by heavy fillings. Therefore, this construction has for a significant improvement of the state of the art.

A further improvement of the above arrangement is in U.S. Patent 5,088,215. In this patent, the dozer board made of high molecular weight polyethylene with a desired Preformed curvature and the top and bottom mounting rails were changed so that the clearing board in or on the Frame clamped and secured using standard fasteners can be. While in this patent the arrangement of the Frame attachment is improved, the gap remains between the Get the clearing board and the cross struts so that the clearing board also maintains its improved snow clearing characteristics.

Both constructions are not only because of their light weight and cheap price successful, but also because of improved operation of the clearing board with the material properties of the polyethylene material and the exploitation of the ability of the material is related to the constructive in the Bend the mounting arrangement provided space or to "jump".

Snow plows are usually in inhospitable environments used and are low temperatures, moisture, freezing rain, Ice, salt and violent blows like solid protrusions Curbs, boulders and rubble exposed. While the continuous or continued operation of the clearing device can rubble into the gap between the scraper and the road Arrive cross braces and get stuck in them. If the operator not cleaning the gaps regularly, they can completely filled with solid rubble, which means that the spring travel of the clearing board created by the gap the frame is lost or reduced. Even more significant is that the operating temperatures of the clearing device such Temperature ranges show that there is water in the space collect and to ice, ice blocks or ice inclusions in the gaps can freeze. In such cases, it goes into that Clearing board / the space constructed in the frame construction lost or drastically reduced. While the scraper then its improved snow removal properties due to of the low coefficient of friction is the improved Property of the clearing board for moving and rolling up of the snow reduced across the front of the clearing device.

The object of the invention is a clearing device with a fastening arrangement for a clearing board or clearing blade made of plastic to create that allows the scraper board to be independent the operating conditions to which the clearing device is exposed is its desired resilient or elastic bendability maintains.

This task is invented together with further advantages with a broaching device that can be attached to a vehicle (Plow) for clearing snow, piles and the like from roads and similar surfaces solved that a clearing board or dozer blade made of plastic and one with a side on a vehicle attachable solid frame, on the opposite Side the clearing board is mounted. The frame has at least an essentially vertically extending cross strut, that of the scraper at least over a partial area its height keeps a distance and so between itself and the Clearing board forms a vertically extending space. The space is at least partially resilient or elastically deformable material, so that it Is possible to bend resiliently even then, if foreign material such as Pieces of ice, with ice inclusions staggered foreign material or solid road rubble in that Area of the gap that is not elastic with the deformable material is filled.

In the description and in the claims under "elastic deformable material "any solid-like, elastic Material to be understood, even at temperatures, to which the clearing device or plow is normally exposed maintains a certain degree of elasticity. With elasticity is the property of the material meant to act under force to deform and its original shape and dimensions to resume when the force ceases.

The frame preferably has an upper and lower length extending mounting elements on each other by means of several Cross struts are arranged at a vertical distance. The cross braces are spaced side by side along the mounting elements arranged from each other, the one inserted into the frame Clearing board is connected to the mounting elements. The clearing board and the areas of each cross strut facing it are concavely curved forward or inward to the space limit arched. The curvature can be even or uneven be over the height of the plow.

In one embodiment, the elastically deformable material can essentially fill in every space, whereby a build-up of foreign matter that the resilient bend of the clearing board in the intermediate space would be avoided becomes.

a) Das elastisch verformbare Material weist einen innerhalb des V der Querstreben positionierten Materialblock auf, der bis über die Schenkelkanten hinausragt, um den Zwischenraum vollständig zu verschließen; oder

b) der Materialblock nach a) ist in seinem Inneren mit einer längs verlaufenden Öffnung versehen, die verzerrt wird, wenn das elastisch verformbare Blockmaterial zusammengepreßt ist; oder

c) der Materialblock nach a) oder b) weist einen im wesentlichen V-förmigen Querschnitt auf, so daß der Materialblock in die V-Form der Querstrebe hineinpaßt; oder

d) das elastisch verformbare Material ist ein sich vertikal erstreckender Streifen aus elastisch verformbarem Material, der jeweils zwischen jeder Schenkelstirnfläche und dem Räumbrett zwischengelegt ist; oder

e) der Streifen nach d) weist eine Dicke auf, die näherungsweise gleich dick wie der Zwischenraum ist, und der Streifen ist durch eine Klebverbindung mit dem Räumbrett verbunden; oder

f) der Streifen nach e) ist mit einem elastisch verformbaren doppelseitigen Klebeband an dem Räumbrett befestigt; oder

g) der Streifen nach d) weist eine in einer seiner Seiten ausgebildete Nut auf, wobei der Nutgrund an die Stirnfläche der Schenkel angepaßt ist und die Nutflanken an die Seiten eines Schenkels der Querstrebe angepaßt sind, so daß ein Kontakt zwischen diesen Flächen entsteht; oder

h) das elastisch verformbare Material ist in Form eines streifenförmigen Einsatzes ausgebildet, der eine speziell ausgebildete Nut hat, die es erlaubt, den Streifen in einen Nutsitz mit einem Schenkel einer Querstrebe zu bringen, nachdem das Räumbrett in den Rahmen eingesetzt wurde, so daß mit dem Einsatz ggf. auch konventionelle Räumgeräte nachgerüstet werden können; oder

i) der Einsatz nach h) ist dreieckförmig mit einer in einer ersten Seite ausgebildeten Nut, einer nahe der ersten angeordneten zweiten Seite, die mit dem Räumbrett in Kontakt ist, so daß zwischen der ersten und der zweite Seite des Dreiecks ein Scheitel ausgebildet ist, wobei der Einsatz, festsitzend durch die Nut, zwischen dem Räumbrett und einem Schenkel einer Querstrebe eingeklemmt wird.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the cross struts consist of angle profiles, each cross strut having a V-shaped cross section and being oriented such that it is concavely curved with the edges or the end face of the legs forming the V shape, so that between the curved end space forms the thigh end faces and the back of the clearing board. The elastically deformable material is arranged between the end faces of the legs of each cross strut and the back of the clearing board built into the frame and completely or partially fills the gap or intermediate space. In various embodiments according to the invention, the arrangement can be made, for example, as follows:

a) The elastically deformable material has a material block positioned within the V of the cross struts, which protrudes beyond the thigh edges in order to completely close the intermediate space; or

b) the material block according to a) is provided in its interior with a longitudinal opening which is distorted when the elastically deformable block material is compressed; or

c) the material block according to a) or b) has a substantially V-shaped cross section, so that the material block fits into the V-shape of the cross strut; or

d) the elastically deformable material is a vertically extending strip of elastically deformable material, which is interposed between each leg end face and the scraper board; or

e) the strip according to d) has a thickness which is approximately the same thickness as the intermediate space, and the strip is connected to the scraper board by an adhesive connection; or

f) the strip according to e) is attached to the clearing board with an elastically deformable double-sided adhesive tape; or

g) the strip according to d) has a groove formed in one of its sides, the groove base being matched to the end face of the legs and the groove flanks being matched to the sides of one leg of the cross strut, so that a contact between these surfaces occurs; or

h) the elastically deformable material is designed in the form of a strip-shaped insert which has a specially designed groove which allows the strip to be brought into a groove seat with one leg of a cross strut after the clearing board has been inserted into the frame, so that with if necessary, conventional clearing devices can also be retrofitted; or

i) the insert according to h) is triangular with a groove formed in a first side, a second side arranged close to the first, which is in contact with the scraper board, so that a vertex is formed between the first and the second side of the triangle, the insert being clamped tightly by the groove between the scraper board and one leg of a cross strut.

According to a further embodiment according to the invention the clearing board by means of fasteners on the mounting elements mounted and the elastically deformable material extends over a distance or a length section that essentially same size as the vertical length of the space (or even larger than the space), so that's elastic deformable material touches (or even touches) the dozer board is slightly compressed) when the fasteners are tightened are. This can ensure that a space is present when the clearing board is inserted into the frame causing any accumulation of material in the space is prevented while the resilient installation of the clearing board is maintained in the frame.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, this is Clearing board by means of fastening elements on the assembly elements attached and the elastically deformable material extends over a length that is smaller or shorter than the space is when the scraper board is built into the frame, being even a collection of foreign material in the open rest room of the only partially filled space not the resilient one Bending of the clearing board in the space prevented.

a) Bereitstellen eines Polyethylenräumbretts;

b) Bilden eines Rahmens durch Befestigen einer Mehrzahl von sich vertikal erstreckenden Querstreben an der einen Seite von oberen und unteren sich längs erstreckenden Montageelementen;

c) Befestigen des Räumbretts an der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Montageelemente unter Ausbilden eines Zwischenraumes zwischen den sich gegenüberliegenden Flächen der Querstreben und des Räumbretts; und

d) Anordnen eines elastisch verformbaren Materials an dem Räumbrett und/oder den Querstreben, bevor oder nachdem das Räumbrett in den Rahmen eingesetzt wurde, um zumindest einen Teilbereich des Zwischenraumes teilweise auszufüllen.

According to the invention, a method for assembling a clearing device is also provided that the steps

a) providing a polyethylene clearing board;

b) forming a frame by attaching a plurality of vertically extending cross struts to one side of upper and lower longitudinally extending mounting members;

c) attaching the clearing board to the opposite side of the mounting elements, forming a gap between the opposing surfaces of the cross struts and the clearing board; and

d) arranging an elastically deformable material on the clearing board and / or the cross struts before or after the clearing board has been inserted into the frame in order to partially fill at least a partial area of the intermediate space.

It is therefore an advantage achieved with the invention that a clearing device with a plastic clearing board built into a frame is created that is independent of one Accumulation of foreign material such as Ice formations between the Clearing board and the frame, can bend resiliently.

Another advantage achieved is that a clearing device with a plastic clearing board inserted in a frame in a resilient manner is created, on the one hand, a collection foreign material between the clearing board and the frame is prevented and on the other hand it enables the clearing board is to be able to perform the desired resilient deflections.

An important advantage achievable with the invention is that a device and a method for retrofitting existing, a resiliently integrated plastic clearing board in a frame Plows or clearers is created, the fastening arrangement on its own ensures that this Dozer regardless of the operation of the snowplough unfavorable resulting in harsh environmental conditions Resiliently bend environmental influences.

The embodiments according to the invention also offer the advantage that a clearing device with a clearing board or clearing blade Plastic is created that all of the previously described Can have properties, the reamer simply assembled and can be repaired if necessary.

Another advantage of the invention is that a Clearing device is created with a plastic clearing board, which has previously described properties and that comparatively is inexpensive.

With the invention also for a snow removal device Frame construction for a clearing board made of high-density polyethylene created, the frame construction regardless of the with the inhospitable snow plow operating conditions Effects the desired deflection of the clearing board or that Keeping the desired travel free.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Rückansicht eines normalerweise an einen Lastwagen mit Ladefläche oder an einem ähnlichen Fahrzeug montierten Schneeräumgerätes (d.h. "kleiner" Schneepflug), wobei zu Illustrationszwecken einige Teile aufgebrochen gezeigt sind;

Fig. 2 eine Rückansicht eines Abschnitts des Schneepflugs aus Fig. 1, teilweise aufgebrochen;

Fig. 3 eine Schnittansicht des Räumgerätes entlang der Linie 3-3 in Fig. 2, wobei einige Teile aufgebrochen gezeigt sind, um ein Ausführungsbeispiel für das erfindungsgemäß verwendete elastisch verformbare Material zu zeigen;

Fig. 4 eine Schnittansicht des Räumbretts und der Querstrebe entlang der Linie 4-4 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 4A eine alternative Ausführungsform des elastisch verformbaren Materials in einer Darstellung ähnlich zu der aus Fig. 4;

Fig. 5 eine Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 4, in der allerdings das elastische Material in dem Zustand gezeigt ist, wenn das Räumbrett gebogen ist;

Fig. 5A eine Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 4A, wobei das elastisch verformbare Material in einem Zustand gezeigt ist, wenn das Räumbrett nachgibt;

Fig. 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht des in den Fig. 3, 4 und 5 dargestellten elastisch verformbaren Materials;

Fig. 7 eine Schnittansicht eines Räumbretts mit einer alternativen Ausführungsform des elastisch verformbaren Materials, ähnlich zu der Darstellung nach Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 eine Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform des elastisch verformbaren Materials nach Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 die Ausführungsform aus Fig. 8 in dem Zustand, wenn das Räumbrett gebogen ist;

Fig. 10 eine perspektivische Ansicht des in der Ausführungsform nach den Fig. 7 bis 9 dargestellten elastisch verformbaren Materials;

Fig. 11 eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Räumbretts mit einer abweichenden Anordnung eines elastisch verformbaren Materials;

Fig. 12 eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie 12-12 in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 eine Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform mit einer Querstrebe und einem Rahmen, die abweichend von den Ausführungsformen nach den Fig. 1 bis 12 sind;

Fig. 14 eine Rückansicht eines Ausschnitts des Räumbretts nach Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 eine Schnittansicht des mit der Querstrebe nach den Fig. 13 und 14 verwendeten elastisch verformbaren Materials;

Fig. 16 eine perspektivische Ansicht des in der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 15 verwendeten elastisch verformbaren Materials;

Fig. 17 eine abweichende Ausführungsform der Konfiguration des elastisch verformbaren Materials nach Fig. 15 zusammen mit der in den Fig. 13 und 14 gezeigten Querstrebe;

Fig. 18 eine Seitenansicht mit einer weiteren alternativen Ausführungsform des Zwischenraums zwischen Räumbrett und Querstrebe;

Fig. 19 eine perspektivische Ansicht des zum Füllen des Zwischenraums nach Fig. 18 verwendeten elastisch verformbaren Materials;

Fig. 20A, 20B, 20C u. 20D perspektivische Ansichten verschiedener Formen von elastisch verformbaren Materialkörpern, die in dem Spalt zwischen Räumbrett und dem tieferliegenden Stirnflächenabschnitt der Querstrebe eingesetzt werden können;

Fig. 21 eine aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Ausführungsform in einer Darstellung wie in den Fig. 3, 7, 11, 13 und 18;

Fig. 22 eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie 22-22 des Standes der Technik nach Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 eine Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform des elastisch verformbaren Materials in ähnlicher Darstellung wie die Fig. 4, 4A, 8, 12, 15, 17 und 23;

Fig. 24A eine perspektivische Ansicht des in Fig. 24 gezeigten elastisch verformbaren Materials; und

Fig. 25 eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform eines elastisch verformbaren Materials sowie eine Illustration eines Verfahrens zum Aufbringen verschiedener Arten von elastisch verformbarem Material.

The invention can be carried out in various embodiments with varying components and arrangements of components, preferred embodiments being described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:

1 is a rear perspective view of a snow removal device (ie "small" snow plow) normally mounted on a truck with a loading surface or on a similar vehicle, some parts being shown broken away for the purposes of illustration;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a portion of the snow plow from FIG. 1, partially broken away;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the broach along line 3-3 in Fig. 2, with some parts broken away to show an embodiment of the elastically deformable material used in the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the clearing board and the cross strut along the line 4-4 in Fig. 3;

4A shows an alternative embodiment of the elastically deformable material in a representation similar to that from FIG. 4;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 4, but showing the elastic material in the state when the scraper board is bent;

Fig. 5A is a sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 4A, showing the elastically deformable material in a state when the scraper board gives way;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the elastically deformable material shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a clearing board with an alternative embodiment of the elastically deformable material, similar to the illustration according to FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the embodiment of the elastically deformable material according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment from FIG. 8 in the state when the clearing board is bent;

10 is a perspective view of the elastically deformable material shown in the embodiment according to FIGS. 7 to 9;

11 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a clearing board with a different arrangement of an elastically deformable material;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 in Fig. 11;

13 is a side view of an embodiment with a cross strut and a frame which are different from the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 12;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of a section of the clearing board according to FIG. 13;

15 is a sectional view of the elastically deformable material used with the cross strut according to FIGS. 13 and 14;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the elastically deformable material used in the embodiment of Figure 15;

FIG. 17 shows a different embodiment of the configuration of the elastically deformable material according to FIG. 15 together with the cross strut shown in FIGS. 13 and 14;

18 shows a side view with a further alternative embodiment of the space between the clearing board and the cross strut;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the elastically deformable material used to fill the intermediate space of Figure 18;

Figures 20A, 20B, 20C and. 20D perspective views of various forms of elastically deformable material bodies which can be used in the gap between the dozer board and the lower end face section of the cross strut;

21 shows an embodiment known from the prior art in a representation as in FIGS. 3, 7, 11, 13 and 18;

Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken along line 22-22 of the prior art in Fig. 21;

23 shows a representation of a further embodiment according to the invention of the elastically deformable material in a representation similar to that of FIGS. 4, 4A, 8, 12, 15, 17 and 23;

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the elastically deformable material shown in FIG. 24; and

25 shows a further alternative embodiment of an elastically deformable material and an illustration of a method for applying different types of elastically deformable material.

Reference is now made to the drawings in which preferred Embodiments of the invention for illustrative purposes are shown without the illustrations restricting the scope of protection should. In Fig. 1, a clearing device 10 is shown, the for clearing snow, snow drifts and the like. of snow covered Driveways, parking bays etc. as an attachment to motor trucks, Pickup vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles and the like. used and is usually about 2 m (78 inches) wide. The broader, heavier plows from municipalities or government agencies Road authorities responsible for clearing snow and debris from Motorways are usually wide of approximately 2.30 m (90 inch) and can be a frame construction have, which differs from that shown. The expert will recognize that the invention works equally well on large plows as with small plows shown here can.

The clearing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 has in generally a frame structure 14, one at the bottom of the frame 14 attached scratch sheet 16 and a concave to the front and inwardly curved scraper 18. The concave curve Clearing board 18 has a front end pointing in the direction of travel or clearing Surface 19 and a rear, the frame 14 facing Area 17 (back). The definitions used here are to be understood as follows: "Scratching Blade" is the interchangeable, lower edge section of the clearing device meant while Sheet "the concavely curved frontal surface 19 of the clearing board 18th and the scraper blade 16. Under plow or clearing device 10 are the frame 14, the clearing board 18 and the scraper blade 16 to understand. Under "rest position" the relative position between Frame 14, clearing board 18 and scraper blade 16 can be understood, when the clearing device 10 is assembled and on a vehicle attached, but not in use to clear snow etc.. located, i.e. is at rest. With "bent" is one resilient backward bending of the clearing board 18 relative to the Frame 14 meant.

On the frame 14 are necessary for the operation of the plow 10 Auxiliary units and elements arranged or fastened. These auxiliary elements include a support crossbeam 20, which with Suspensions 21 is provided on a vehicle, not shown are attached. Extend from the support crossbeam 20 struts 23 that pivot at 25 on a box-shaped Frame 26 are articulated. The box-shaped frame 26 is by means of a pivot connection 28 pivotable on the bottom portion the frame structure 14 attached. The pivot connection 28 allows forward or backward tilting of the Clearing device 10 about a horizontal axis. Cylinder 30, the side are mounted on the struts 23, allow a horizontal Swiveling the plow 10 about the swivel suspension 25, so that the angle of inclination of the plow 10 relative to Vehicle (or the direction of travel) can be adjusted to Snow to one side or to the other side of the plow 10 to be able to leave.

A first mounting arm 33 attached to the box-like frame 26 is attached, and a second mounting arm 34, the attached to the upper end of the frame structure 14 serve for mounting one or more springs 36, which the clearing device 10 keep in an upright position. If the scratch sheet 16 on a Hitting an obstacle on the road, etc., the plow 10 swings the pivot 28 against the force of the springs 36 that the clearing device or the plow 10 after passing the obstacle in his Move the normal position back. The tension of the springs 36 is in in a known manner by means of screwed into the mounting arms 34 Adjustment arms 38 set.

The auxiliary elements described above are for generic Plows are known and therefore need no further explanation become. It should be noted, however, that it is lightweight Clearing board 18 is made possible, the auxiliary elements as well to construct the frame 14 in a manner that the Weight and manufacturing costs compared to building this Components in conventional steel clearing boards can be reduced can.

The frame 14 shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is similar constructed like a conventional frame for a snow clearing plow with steel clearing board. The scope of the invention but should not exclusively be based on a special frame construction be limited. In general, the frame 14 a longitudinally extending upper mounting member 40 that A lower mounting element extends across the full width of the plow 41, which extends accordingly over the width of the plow, as well as several spaced apart and over the Width of the plow side by side, concave curved Cross struts 44, which are between the upper mounting member 40 and the lower mounting element 41 and extend to this are attached. The upper mounting element is usually an angle profile with a mounting leg 47 and one in the right Angle to this essentially radially extending Leg 48. The cross struts 44 are also here, as shown in the drawings to make angle profiles with a V-shaped Cross-section. The legs 49 of the "V" end in concave curved front end faces 50, the curvature of the Cross struts or the end faces similar to the curvature of the concave curved clearing board 18 is executed. Preferably the end faces 50 of the cross struts 44 are curved in an arc and have a radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of the Clearing boards 18 is adapted. In the invention, a variety of frames, but at least one must be used Cross strut behind the back 17 of the clearing board 18 available and be spaced from the scraper.

Each cross strut 44 has an upper angle profile end 52, the cut along a radial line or a radial plane is through the center of the curvature of the front face 50 goes. The radially extending leg 48 of the Upper mounting element 40 is aligned with the upper end of the angle 52 created and welded to this, so that with this coplanar contact line the position of the fastening leg 47 is ensured relative to the clearing board 18. By change the angular relationships between the upper end of the angle profile 52 of the cross strut 44 relative to the radius of curvature of the front End face 50 can be arranged between the clearing board 18 and the front End face 50 can be varied. Alternatively, stops can also be used or fittings are used to determine the relative position between Set clearing board 18 and frame 14. The lower end of the angle profile 53 each cross strut 44 is cut in a similar manner, preferably along a radial plane through the Center of the radius of curvature of the front face 50 passes. The lower mounting member 41 has in the preferred Embodiment a lower angle profile 56 and a flat Mounting plate 57, which is preferably on the radially extending leg 60 of the angle profile 56 abuts so that the mounting leg 59 of the angle profile 56 and the mounting plate 57 are essentially coplanar.

The frame 14 is composed in that the angle profiles be cut precisely so that the cross struts 44th are bent with the desired radius of curvature and that using conventional stops or fittings to keep the elements in their exact assignment to each other, the elements are welded together. As I said, it is the one shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 Frame around a conventional frame. Alternatively, the frames shown in U.S. Patent 5,088,215. The general structure of all frames is similar in some points. So there are preferably at least four cross struts 44 on at least one, but preferably two (upper and lower) Mounting plates (longitudinal struts) attached. The profile shapes of the mounting plates and cross struts can vary.

The clearing board 18 is preferably made of a polyethylene plastic with ultra high molecular weight (UHMW: ultra high molecular weight) and is usually 9.55 mm thick (3/8 "). A suitable UHMW plastic is among the registered Brand names HOSTALEN GUR412LS and GUR422 distributed and is available from Hoechst (in America). The UHMW polyethylene material has a very low coefficient of friction, a relatively high abrasion resistance and sufficient flexural strength and thermal stretch limit to Snow clearance conditions to work. With the preferred Embodiment, the material is initially flat Sheet material into the curved one shown in the drawings Arrangement rolled or rolled. The material would be without a support this curved shape does not last for an extended period of time maintained. For this reason, this material became industrial only used for guide sleeves and slide rings, at to whom it is adequately supported. The one shown in Figs. 1 to 3 Frame, or alternatively, that in U.S. Patent No. 5,088,215 shown frames support the clearing board in its desired concave curved state. In the illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 Frame 14 is the clearing board 18 on the upper fastening leg 47 and on the lower mounting plate 57 by means of Fasteners 61 mounted, preferably a Have square shank, preferably through square holes fits in the clearing board 18. It is important for the invention that the cross struts 44 for a curved support of the clearing board 18 care when the plow is in use, taking the scraper the opportunity is open to himself during his deployment bend or "jump" to the operation of the plow to improve.

According to the teachings of patents US 4,803,790; US 4,845,866 and US 5,088,215 will bend the clearing board by provision a vertically extending space or gap between the front end face 50 pointing in the direction of travel the cross strut 44 and the back 17 of the clearing board 18 accomplished. This gap or space exists if that Clearing board in the assembled or rest position within of the frame 14, i.e. when the plow 10 is not in operation. This vertically extending gap, in the drawings with provided with the reference symbol "X" does not necessarily have to be uniform over its vertical longitudinal extent. Indeed is the gap X in the preferred embodiment appropriately designed such that it is between a minimal Distance near the top portion of the clearing board 18 and one maximum distance near the lower portion of the clearing board 18 varies, i.e. resembles half a sickle. By varying the Gaps can cause the clearing board to jump or bend over one wide area of the clearing board can be controlled, resulting in a improved application behavior of the clearing board when rolling up and Lateral removal of the snow with the front Surface 19 leads.

The features of the plow described so far are known as also shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, in which the described Arrangement from the prior art is shown. The vertically extending gap, i.e. the space between the clearing board 18 and the section thereof facing the Cross strut 44 can be clearly seen in FIG. 21 as distance X. 22 is shown even more clearly in the cross-sectional view, that the gap X is the distance between the Back 17 of the clearing board 18 and the curved front face 50 of the leg 49 of the cross strut 44 is. That gap X starts bending the clearing board 18 in operation. Foreign material, which is provided with the reference symbol 62 in FIG. 21, collects in gap X and fills it up. This foreign material gets between the legs 49 of the cross strut 44 and is jammed there. The foreign material can not only street dirt, but also ice formations or chunks of ice, when operating the plow in severe weather conditions may occur. The foreign particles prevent the desired one Deflection of the clearing board 18 or leave the desired one Deflection only partially. The plow 10 is therefore due to the low friction properties of the clearing board 18 made of polyethylene even with the jammed foreign material work and work better than plows with conventional ones Steel sheets are equipped. The one with the gap X bending and jumping function integrated in the plow However, clearing boards are thwarted or reduced.

Therefore, as can also be seen from FIGS. 1 to 6, according to the invention provided that a body made of elastic or elastically deformable material 70 between the cross strut 44 and the clearing board 18 is inserted such that at least one Section of the gap X filled with the elastic material is.

In the description and in the claims, as already stated mentioned under "elastically deformable material" any block or solid-like, elastic or flexible material be understood, even at the temperatures that the clearing device or plow 10 is normally exposed, maintains a degree of elasticity. With elasticity is the property of the material meant to act under force deform and resume the original shape, when the force ceases. The elastically deformable material "springs" back to its original shape. elastic deformable material includes natural elastic materials, thermosetting materials and thermoplastics, in particular those characterized as natural or synthetic elastomers are or the natural or synthetic elastomers contain as constituents, polymers or composite materials thereof, including but not limited to natural rubber, Fluorine elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, styrene butadiene rubber, CIS-1,4-polybutaties, CIS-1,4, polyisoprene, butyl rubber, Ethylene propylene polymer, ethylene butyl polymer, neoprene, Nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polysulfide rubber, Polyacrylate rubber and thermoplastic polyolefins. "Elastic deformable material" should also include liquid Foams and sprays that become flexible, elastically deformable solid-like materials in dried or hardened Solidify condition, as well as polymer foams and in particular one- or two-component, flexible polyurethane foams understood that are particularly suitable for retrofitting. at the preferred embodiment is the elastically deformable Material a thermoplastic elastomer, which is under the brand name Santoprene 101-64 available from Mile Rubber & Packaging Co. is. This material has a degree of compression of approximately 23% at 25 ° C and an elongation limit of about 400%. The Test hardness is about 50 (the usable hardness range is between 20 and 80, preferably between 40 to 60) and the material shows no brittle fracture at low temperatures.

In the preferred embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 6 the elastically deformable material 70 has a triangular shape Blocks 72 with one extending through the block central, cylindrical opening 73. The triangular block is dimensioned such that it is between the legs 49 of the Cross strut 44 fits into it. As best seen in Figure 4, the triangular block 72 extends in the idle state of the Plow 10 beyond the curved front faces 50, to completely fill the gap X and the rear or rear surface 17 of the clearing board 18 touch. In Fig. 6 it can be clearly seen that the outer surfaces of the triangular block 72 are straight. The length of the triangular Blocks 72 along with the flexible properties of the elastically deformable material 70, however, allows that triangular block 72, the vertical curvature of the cross strut 44 to be accepted completely. The length dimension of the triangular Blocks 72 are larger than the vertically extending curved one Length over which the clearing board 18 bends, and this The length of the block is designated by the reference symbol Y in FIG. 6. Reference character "Y" is used throughout the description, around the vertical longitudinal extent of the elastically deformable To designate material 70 in the gap X. The excess material or the end regions 74 (only one end region 74 is shown in FIG. 6 is shown) between the cross strut 44 and the upper fastening leg 47 and between the cross strut 44 and the flat lower mounting plate 57 clamped. If the plow is in the assembled rest position, the central opening 73 distorted in the end regions 74 to ensure that the triangular block 72 is held in place. In Fig. 5 it can be clearly seen that the elastically deformable Material 70 into the central opening 73 with distortion or inflating the opening when in use by the Snow a force shown by the arrow on the Front surface 19 of the clearing board 18 acts and this to the rear emotional. Strictly speaking, the central opening 73 allows unimpeded access Compression of the elastically deformable material 70, so that the clearing board 18 goes freely into the gap X. can bend or jump into it. Allows at the same time the triangular structure of the triangular block 72 that itself its outer surfaces by a larger path across the gap X can push through than the span of the cross strut is 44, to make sure that no scree and ice is in any way the gap X between cross strut 44 and scraper board 18 occurs.

The preferred embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 6 shows the triangular block 72 in contact with the back 17 of the Clearing boards across the vertical length Y of the gap X. This is only for drawing and illustration purposes. Indeed the triangular block 72 does not or need not necessarily the back 17 of the clearing board 18 over the Touch the vertical length Y of the gap X.

4A and 5A show an alternative embodiment the invention in a representation that corresponds to FIGS. 4 and 5. The triangular block 72 is all over itself vertically extending longitudinal dimension Y changed to smaller To have outer surface dimensions. Even the modified block 72A has a central cylindrical passage 73A. The end sections 74 of the modified block 72A are like the triangular one Block 72 is formed for the aforementioned purposes. There the changed block 72A extends in the gap X, the Gap X reduced by an amount that in the drawing with the reference symbol A is designated in FIGS. 4A and 5A, this Distance A between the back 17 of the clearing board and one front outer surface 75 formed on the modified block 72A is. In this designated with the reference symbol "A" Gap A can get foreign material like road debris, here with Reference number 62 denotes, or ice plates, here with reference numbers 64 labeled collect. The gap X is consequently thereby completely filled in that foreign material 62, 64 before modified block 72A protrudes. If the arrow in Fig. 5A shown snow force on the front surface 19 of the Clearing board 18 acts, the clearing board 18 can still bend resiliently and the gap X to the dimension X ', as shown out. The reduced gap X 'in FIG. 5A is larger than the reduced gap X 'in Fig. 5, but the scraper board is further able to bend and as a result suitable the roll-up and lateral removal movement of the Improve snow over its area. Accordingly, the invention is therefore not necessarily limited to that elastically deformable material fills the gap X, because that Clearing board still according to its design advantages will bend or jump if elastically deformable material 70 the gap X as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A only partially filled. It is understood that the suspension quality of the clearing board 18 is optimized when the elastically deformable Material 70 essentially completely fills the gap.

Another modification of the triangular block 72 is with the triangular block 72B shown in FIG. The additional Change is the removal of the end portions 74 of the triangular block 72 which, as with reference to FIG 1 to 6 has been explained, between the cross strut 44 and the upper fastening leg 47 on the one hand and between the cross strut 44 and the lower mounting plate 57 is clamped. The modified block 72B therefore only extends over the length Y as shown in Fig. 6. Hold the legs 49 of the cross strut 44 the modified triangular block 72B within the Cross strut 44 fixed.

8, 9 and 10 is an alternative embodiment shown for the elastically deformable material 70, these Embodiment a rectangular block made of elastically deformable Material 70 has. The rectangular block is 77 dimensioned such that it extends over a length Y or alternatively extends over a greater length to the one hand the radial extending leg 48 of the upper mounting element 40 and on the other hand the radially extending lower leg 60 of the lower mounting element 41 in the assembled rest position to touch. The cross section of the rectangular block 77 is dimensioned such that the two rear edges 78 touch the V-leg 49 of the cross strut 44, while doing so a sealed cavity 79 between the rectangular Release block 77 and the crown of the cross strut in the Foreign material cannot enter. The vertex cavity 79 enables a deformation of the elastically deformable material of the rectangular block 77 when the scraper 18, such as shown in Fig. 9 bends regardless of the presence of any Foreign material between the leg end faces 50, the clearing board 18 and the rectangular block 77.

In the further alternative shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 Embodiments has the elastically deformable material Form of an elastically deformable strip 80. The elastic deformable strip 80 is on one side of a double-sided Adhesive tape 81 attached, which is preferably a elastically deformable coated on both sides with an adhesive or damping material. The other side of the double-sided Band 81 is attached to the back 17 of the clearing board 18. Preferably, the band 81 and the one have elastically deformable Strips 80 together a thickness slightly larger than the gap is X, so that in the assembled idle state, like it is shown in Fig. 12, the front curved end faces 50 of the cross strut 44 touch the strip 80 firmly. The double-sided Band 81 enables precise positioning of the elastic deformable strip 80 for the installation of the clearing board 18 in the frame 14. Depending on the assembly technology, this can double-sided adhesive tape 81 replaced by other assembly techniques become. Alternatively, the elastically deformable material of the double-sided adhesive tape 81 alone the elastically deformable Form material 70 and a separate or additional damping Strip 81 (with an adhesive coating on only one side) can replace the elastically deformable strip 80. The elastic deformable strips 80 can also just instead with an adhesive layer for attachment to the back 17 of the Clearing boards can be coated. From Fig. 11 it is clear that the Length Y of the elastically deformable strip 80 is not greater can be as the distance between the exposed edge of the upper mounting leg 47 and the exposed edge of the lower mounting plate 57.

Another embodiment of the invention is in 13 to 17 shown. The one shown in Figs. 13 and 14 Frame 14A has one of frame 14 of FIGS. 1 through 12 different structure, but is in the essential elements as the frame described above, so that the Description of the frame 14A shown in Figs. 13 and 14 for same components same reference numerals as in the description of the frame 14 can be used in FIGS. 1 to 3. The cross strut 44A has no V-shape, but is included as a flat plate executed only one leg 49A, the front or front End face 50A is curved. The cross strut 44A is on one locked lower mounting member 41, which, as described, has an angle profile 56 and a flat lower mounting plate 57. The upper mounting element 40A (now in the form of segments between adjacent cross struts 44A) is approximately in the middle, i.e. halfway up the Cross brace 44A positioned with its mounting leg 47A and its radially extending leg 48A with the Leg 49A of the cross strut 44A are welded, as with Reference numeral 83 in Fig. 14 is indicated. The cross strut 44A therefore differs from the cross strut described above 44 through an upper end region 84, which extends radially extending leg 48A protrudes. It is more important that the cross strut 44A of that described in FIGS. 1 to 12 Cross strut 44 differs in that the front curved Face 50A a progressively increasing gap X between itself and the rear surface 17 of the clearing board 18. This is shown in Fig. 13 by the gap dimensions X-1, X-2, X-3 ... X-N shown extending from the top of the clearing board 18 change increasing towards its lower end. Preferably vary the gap dimensions such that a gap in the form of a Semi-crescent (moon-shaped) is created, with other configurations possible are. The progressive gap X is in that assembled hibernation right from the start in the frame construction constructed so that the clearing board 18 a little Bounce back or bend at its top section and a significantly greater bending at its lower, transversely extending Section can have. The intentional one Gap improves the property of the plow, the snow in roll up the curvature of the clearing board 18. The provision of one increasing gap is known in itself. According to the invention However, it is ensured that the increasing gap X serves its intended purpose. It is understood that the Gap X on purpose (as in this embodiment) or at random (as in the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 12) due to of manufacturing tolerances, the assembly process etc. non-uniform can be.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 the elastically deformable material 70 is in the form of a grooved Strip 85 with a formed on one of its sides, extending groove or channel 86. The Groove 86 has side walls 87 which define the leg 49A of the cross strut 44A, and a groove base 88 which is in contact with the front curved end surface 50A of the cross strut 44A. The Grooved strip 85 is preferably dimensioned such that its thickness between an outer strip back 89, which the back surface 17 of the clearing board 18 is opposite, and the Groove bottom 88 varies progressively according to the gap X. An important difference is that that shown as dimension Y in FIG. 16 The length of the grooved strip 85 in the gap X is not the vertical length of the clearing board 18 as in the previously described Embodiments must correspond. Like previously described , the trained as an increasing gap ensures Gap X bending the clearing board 18 over its lower itself transversely extending section. Accordingly, the grooved needs Strip 85 only over the lower section of the cross strut 44A to accommodate the bending of the clearing board this scraper section, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, sure. A collection of foreign material in the section of the gap X, which is not partially or completely with elastically deformable material 70 is filled, the desired Do not negatively affect the operation of the plow 10.

17 is a modification of the grooved strip 85 shown, which to that explained with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 and described embodiment is based. In which Strip 85A in Fig. 17 the groove is omitted. The stripe 85A can be attached to the rear surface 17 of the clearing board 18 a double-sided adhesive tape 81 (not shown) or by means of an adhesive coating on the outer strip back 89A be attached.

18 and 19 it is now shown that the related varying with the frame 14A in Figs. 13 and 14 Gap X also in the frame shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 14 is applicable. The frame in Fig. 18 is with the frame 14 according to FIGS. 1 to 12 almost identical. Extends differently the fastening leg 47 of the upper mounting element 40 vertically upwards and not, as in FIGS. 1 to 12, in the vertical direction downward. This is only intended to illustrate that 14 variations are possible with the frame. It is not for any of them in both embodiments, the alignment of the top Mounting element 40 to change to an elastically deformable material in a deliberately constructed, varying gap X, as shown in Fig. 13 apply. With Fig. 18 clarifies that the concave, i.e. inward curved front End face 50A of the cross strut 44 varies in its curvature can be used to create a different gap X. The triangular block 72A shown in Fig. 19 has a thickness which preferably extends from its upper end 89 to its lower End 90, adapted to the increasing change in gap X, reduced. This dimensional coordination is preferred, for functionality as shown in the 4A and 5A, this is not necessary and the width of the triangular blocks 72A could be constant. Fig. 19 shows also that the triangular block is one extending inside may have central opening 73A.

20A, 20B, 20C and 20D are alternative embodiments of the elastically deformable material 70 in shape of modified triangular blocks 72. In 20A, a solid triangular block 72B is shown. If the scraper 18 bends, the elastically deformable Material spread on both sides of the cross strut 44, wherein the elastically deformable material behind the front curved end face 50 bulges. The dimensionally stable shown in Fig. 20 C. triangular block 72C has one in its apex trained semicircular extending over its entire length Throat 91. The throat 91 fits into the V-crown of the Leg 49 of the cross strut 44 to a sealed expansion space for the elastically deformable material 70 similar to this with reference number 79 in the embodiments 8 and 9 is shown. In the one shown in Fig. 20B triangular block 72D is a combination of the triangular blocks 72A and 72C. 20C is a triangular block 72E shown which is a central triangular Has recess 93, the outer surfaces of the triangular Blocks 72E as wall sections with substantially the same Thicknesses are formed. The recess 93 is not complete triangular, as optional a semicircular throat 91A may be provided in the apex, as is related to FIG 20C has been explained, so that a semicircular wall section is formed in the recess 93. The selection of the special construction depends on various factors including the dimensions of the elastically deformable mass and the properties of the selected elastically deformable Material. The elastically deformable material should be of its Hardness and bending stiffness should not be such that bending of the clearing board 18 is prevented, but the elastically deformable Material should preferably allow that Bend the clearing board 18 in the same or approximately the same dimensions as if there was no foreign material in gap X. At the same time, the elastically deformable material 70 must be sufficient Have stability that is a build-up of foreign material completely prevented in gap X or prevented as far as that the gap X is only to a certain extent with foreign material crowded. The construction of the body of the elastically deformable Material as through the numerous embodiments has been disclosed taking these considerations into account.

23 and 23A, 24 and 24A and 25 are embodiments shown for retrofit applications of the invention. The 23 and 23A disclose an elastically deformable insert 94, which is U-shaped and has a longitudinal groove 95, the The bottom of the "U" touches the clearing board 18 or alternatively at least fills a section of the gap X. As with the embodiments was previously explained, the cross strut 44 is a Angular profile with frontal end faces 50 that are desired Curvature are cut. 23 is can be seen that the front face 50A of each Leg 49 of the cross strut is provided with an oblique edge. This inclined edge matches the inclined groove base 96 in the groove 95 of the elastically deformable insert 94. This Design enables the side walls 97, 98 of the Let groove 95 spread open so that the elastically deformable insert 94 are clamped onto the leg 49 of the cross strut 44 can. The sole of the U-shaped, elastically deformable insert 94 is then pressed against the rear surface 17 of the clearing board, so that the sloping groove bottom 96 clinging against the front face 50A of the leg 49 creates.

Another elastically deformable insert 94A for retrofitting is shown in Figures 24 and 24A. The elastically deformable Insert 94A has two tapered outer surfaces 100, 101 converging at the tip 102 and a wedge-shaped form elastically deformable insert. One outer surface 100 is facing the rear surface 17 of the clearing board and the other outer surface 101 includes a groove 95A which is like that in FIGS 23 and 23A shown and described groove of the elastically deformable Insert 94 is formed. The wedge shape of the elastic deformable insert 34A allows a comparative easy retrofitting. It is understood that neither the elastic deformable insert 94 or insert 94A on the retrofit application are limited, but also as elastically deformable Material can be used with new plows.

Fig. 25 shows still another embodiment, which under the inventive definition of an elastically deformable material falls. In this embodiment, which is particularly for Is suitable cross struts that have an angle profile structure, is the gap X on one side of the cross strut 44 by means of a removable clip or other suitable sheet or bar temporarily closed while in the interior of the Cross strut 44 from the other, open side of the cross strut 44 forth from a foam container 105 an expandable polymer Foam is injected. As is known, the volume changes of the foam, which as a liquid from the pressurized Container 105 is released when it meets Humidity in a foam covering the interior of the cross brace 44 completely filled out. A coarse-celled or flexible Foam is used so that the foam has the desired suspension properties to expand and contract. The degree the flexibility of the foam depends on its composition from. For example, known one-component or two-component flexible polyurethane foams can be used.

Numerous embodiments for the invention have been found under Explained with reference to the figure. Obtained for the expert a number of deviations and modifications when reading and understanding the detailed description of the invention. So the invention was previously purely exemplary and without limitation scope mainly described as a mechanism which allows the designed gap X to the intended one Purposes to work. The construction of the clearing board was described in detail only to the extent that the clearing board bends and that the bend over selected portions of the Clearing boards by the size (and therefore the location) of the gap X is checked. It falls within the scope of the invention that the configurations of the elastically deformable material and The construction of the clearing board can be combined to a desired one Deflection of the clearing board and a desired bending of the clearing board over selected sections. It is therefore also in the sense of the invention that the previously described Configurations of the elastically deformable material Have a size that extends laterally beyond the gap X (likewise as within) or optionally behind the gap extends. Also, the composition of elastically deformable Material within each of the "blocks" from the for different "blocks" disclosed material or structure varies not only the accumulation of foreign material in the Gap is prevented, but this also becomes a desired one Deflection movement of the clearing board leads. The cross strut 44 can also be an "L-profile", "U-profile" or "H-profile" or the cross strut is manufactured in a different way.

Claims (31)

1. Clearing device, especially as attachment for vehicles, to clear snow, earth, piles and like debris from streets, roadways and similar surfaces, having a plastic mouldboard (18) assembled to a rigid frame (14; 14a) which is mounted or mountable with one side to a vehicle, said frame having at least one vertically extending brace member (44; 44A) spaced from said mouldboard (18) to define a gap (X) between itself and said mouldboard (18) characterized in that at least a portion of said gap (X) is at least partially filled with a resilient material (70).
2. Clearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame (14; 14A) includes a pair of longitudinally extending mounting members (40,41;40A;41A) vertically spaced from one another by the one brace member or by a plurality of said brace members (44; 44A) transversely spaced along the length of said mounting members (40,41;40A;41A), said mouldboard (18) being connected to said mounting members (40,41;40A;41A) and said mouldboard (18) and said brace member(s) (44; 44A) being inwardly curved to define said gap (X) as an arcuate gap.
3. Clearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame when mounted to the vehicle includes top and bottom longitudinally extending mounting members and at least one non-longitudinally extending mounting member, wherein the flexible, curved mouldboard is having a front face that includes an inwardly curved portion, and a mouldboard connector to secure said mouldboard to said frame is provided, said non-longitudinally member is attached to said top and bottom longitudinally extending mounting members and said frame is having a brace member spaced from said mouldboard defining a gap, and a damping material to dampen the movement of said mouldboard on said frame is provided.
4. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said gap (X) is substantially filled with said resilient material (70).
5. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said gap (X) is not uniform throughout its vertical length with regard to the distance between the mouldboard (18) and the at least one brace member (44).
6. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gap (X) progressively varies from, when mounted to a vehicle, the top to the bottom of said mouldboard (18).
7. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said resilient material (70) is applied to selected ones of the brace members (44; 44A) defining the gap (X).
8. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said resilient material (70) is affixed to said brace member (44; 44A) or to the mouldboard (18).
9. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said resilient material (70) is arranged in selected portions of selected gaps and being compressed when snow, debris or the like causes flexure of said mouldboard (18) during operation of the plow (10).
10. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said brace members (44) being structural angle members, each brace member (44) having a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration and edge surfaces (50) of the legs (49) forming said V-shape are inwardly curved, said leg edge surfaces (50) and the back (17) of said mouldboard (18) defining said arcuate gap (X) and said resilient material (70) is interposed between each of said leg edge surfaces (50) of each brace member (44) and the back (X) of said mouldboard (18) to fill said gap (X).
11. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said brace member (44A) being a flat plate defined as a single leg (49A) having an inwardly curved leg edge surface (50A) adjacent said mouldboard (18) and said resilient material (70) being interposed between each said inner leg edge surface (50A) and said mouldboard (18) to substantially fill at least a portion of said gap (X) when said mouldboard (18) is assembled in said frame (14; 14A).
12. Clearing device according to claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the resilient material (70) being a block (72; 72A; 72B; 72C; 72D; 72E) of material, arranged within said V shape of each brace member (44) and preferably extending beyond said leg edge surfaces (50) to substantially close said gap (X).
13. Clearing device according to claim 12, characterized in that said block (72; 72A; 72D; 72E) of material has an opening (73; 73A; 93) extending therethrough, said opening being distortable when said resilient material (70) is compressed.
14. Clearing device according to claims 12 or 13, characterized in that said block (72; 72A; 72B; 72C; 72D; 72E) of material has a cross-sectional configuration substantially in the shape of the V of the brace member (44) so that said block of material nests within said V-shape of each brace member (44).
15. Clearing device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that said resilient material (70) being a vertically extending strip (80; 85; 85A) of resilient material interposed between each said leg edge surface (50; 50A) and said mouldboard (18).
16. Clearing device according to claim 15, characterized in that said strip (80: 85; 85A) of resilient material has a thickness approximately equal to said gap (X), wherein the strip preferably is adhesively affixed to said mouldboard (18).
17. Clearing device according to claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the strip (80; 85; 85A) includes a tape (81) with adhesive on both sides for securing said resilient material (70) to said mouldboard (18), said strip (80; 85; 85A) having a thickness greater than said gap for at least a portion of the length (Y) of said gap (X) whereby said strip (80; 85; 85A) is compressed when said mouldboard (18) is assembled in said frame (14; 14A).
18. Clearing device according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that said resilient material (70) has several sides and a groove (86; 95; 95A) formed in its first side, the bottom (88; 96) of said groove is adapted to contact the leg edge surfaces (50; 50A) and the sides (87; 97; 98) of said groove are adapted to contact the sides of the leg (49; 49A) of said brace member (44; 44A).
19. Clearing device according to claim 18, characterized in that said groove has a first wall generally perpendicular to said one side and a second wall generally angled relative to said one side whereby said strip of material is adapted to be wedged into groove seating contact with the one leg of said brace member in order to retrofit a mouldboard which is assembled in said frame.
20. Clearing device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that said strip (94A) of material is triangular in cross-section configuration with a groove (95A) formed on a first side (101) of said strip and a second side (100) of said strip being in contact with said mouldboard so that said first and second sides (100; 101) form an apex (102) of a triangle whereby the strip (94A) is able to be wedged between said mouldboard (19) and one of the legs (49; 49A) of a brace member (44; 44A).
21. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that each brace member is in the form of an L shaped plate, the base of which being inwardly curved and arranged adjacent said mouldboard, wherein said resilient material is interposed between the brace member's base and said mouldboard to substantially fill at least a portion of said gap when said mouldboard is assembled in said frame.
22. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that said resilient material (70) is a polymeric foam.
23. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that said resilient material (70) is a rubber based material.
24. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that said plastic mouldboard (18) is polyethylene.
25. Clearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that said mouldboard (18) includes a scrapper blade (16) which is attached to the base of the mouldboard (18).
26. Clearing device according to claim 25, characterized in that said scrapper blade (16) is a substantially longitudinally extending shaped member that extends substantially the complete base of the mouldboard (18).
27. Method for assembling a mouldboard comprising the steps of:

    a) providing a polyethylene mouldboard (18);

    b) forming a frame (14; 14A) by securing a plurality of non-longitudinally extending brace members (44; 44A) on one side of a top longitudinally extending mounting member (40; 40A) and of a bottom longitudinally extending mounting member (41; 41A);

    c) securing the mouldboard (18) to the opposite side of the mounting members (40,41; 40A,41A) and in the process thereof forming a gap (X) between confronting edge faces (50; 50A) of the brace members (44; 44A) and the back (17) of the mouldboard (18); and

    d) affixing a resilient material (70) to the mouldboard (18) and/or the brace members (44; 44A) before or after assembly of the mouldboard (18) into the frame (14; 14A) whereby a portion of the gap (X) is at least substantially filled.
28. Method according to claim 27 characterized in that said mouldboard (18) is generally flat in an unassembled state and rolled or flexed into an inwardly curved shape when affixed to said frame (14; 14A) and said brace members (44; 44A) having an inwardly curved edge surface (50; 50A) whereby said gap (X) is arcuate in configuration.
29. Method according to claim 27, characterized in that said mouldboard (18) has an inwardly curved shape when in unassembled state and said brace member (44, 44A) having an inwardly curved edge surface (50; 50A) whereby said gap (X) is arcuate in configuration.
30. Method according to any of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that said resilient material (70) is an expandable polymeric foam or a block of rubberized material of configured shape.
31. Method according to any of claims 27 to 30, characterized in that a substantial portion of said resilient material (70) is compressed when said mouldboard (18) is assembled into said frame (14; 14A).

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