CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is claims priority to co-pending Canadian Application No. 3,150,160 filed January 19, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/285,863 filed on December 3, 2021, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to a stand on utility vehicle, such as a snow removal vehicle, having a spreader assembly coupled to a vehicle frame and positioned rearward of the vehicle frame.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, the invention provides a snow removal utility vehicle comprising a frame having a front end and a rear end; a prime mover supported by the frame; a skid steer drive assembly operably coupled to the prime mover; one or more ground engaging elements supporting the frame with respect to a ground surface, the ground element being operable under the influence of the skid steer drive assembly to move the utility machine over the ground surface; an operator platform coupled to the frame and positioned rearward of the ground engaging elements, the operator platform configured to support the operator; and a spreader assembly coupled to the frame, the spreader assembly having a hopper that discharges particulate rearward of a rearward-most ground engaging element.

[0004] In another aspect, the invention provides a snow removal utility vehicle comprising a frame having a front end and a rear end; a prime mover supported by the frame; a skid steer drive assembly operably coupled to the prime mover; one or more ground engaging elements supporting the frame with respect to a ground surface, the ground element being operable under the influence of the skid steer drive assembly to move the utility machine over the ground surface; a spreader assembly having a spreader support frame coupled to the frame and a hopper coupled to the spreader support frame; an operator platform coupled to the frame and positioned rearward of the ground engaging elements; and an operator interface positioned on top of a control tower and accessible by the operator standing on the operator platform, the operator interface having one or more controls to control operation of the skid steer drive assembly, wherein the operator platform is positioned between the operator interface and the hopper.

[0005] In another aspect, the invention provides a snow removal utility vehicle comprising a frame having a front end and a rear end; a prime mover supported by the frame; a skid steer drive assembly operably coupled to the prime mover; one or more ground engaging elements supporting the frame with respect to a ground surface, the ground element being operable under the influence of the skid steer drive assembly to move the utility machine over the ground surface; an operator platform coupled to the frame and positioned rearward of the ground engaging elements, the operator platform configured to support the operator; and a spreader assembly coupled to the frame, the spreader assembly having a hopper that discharges particulate rearward of the operator platform.

[0006] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. l is a front perspective view of a stand-on snow removal vehicle according to the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the stand-on snow removal vehicle of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is top view of the stand-on snow removal vehicle of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the stand-on snow removal vehicle of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of the stand-on snow removal vehicle of FIG. 1 with a portion of the vehicle removed to illustrate an implement support assembly.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the stand-on snow removal vehicle of FIG. 1 having an implement coupled the implement support assembly and supported in front of the vehicle. [0013] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the stand-on snow removal vehicle of FIG. 1 having a spreader assembly coupled to the vehicle and supported rearward of ground engaging elements of the vehicle.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the stand-on snow removal vehicle of FIG. 1 with portion of the vehicle removed to illustrate a mounting bracket of the spreader assembly.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the stand-on snow removal vehicle of FIG. 1 with portion of the vehicle removed to illustrate the mounting bracket of the spreader assembly.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross sectional view of the spreader assembly.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective cross sectional view of the spreader assembly illustrating an internal cavity of a hopper of the spreader assembly.

[0018] FIG. 12 is cross sectional view of the spreader assembly illustrating a motor and a rotor coupled to the motor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal vehicle 10 according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the snow removal vehicle is in the form of a stand-on snow removal vehicle 10 having an implement 510 (FIG. 6) coupled to the vehicle 10.

[0020] Although the present invention is described with respect to the illustrated snow removal vehicle, it will be understood that the invention is applicable to other indoor and outdoor power equipment units and more broadly to utility machines that can be used indoors or outdoors to perform work. As such, aspects of the invention which are described as being part of the “vehicle” will be understood to be applicable to utility machines generally and the term “machine” can be substituted to for “vehicle”. Spatial terminology (e.g., “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “forward,” “back,” “up,” “down,” and similar terms) will be used from the perspective of an operator during ordinary, intended operation of the utility machine. The term “side” is used to denote left, right, front and rear of a component, unless otherwise specified, as distinguished from the top and bottom of the component.

[0021] Generally speaking, utility machines of the type covered by the present invention include an implement, which encompasses any implement on such utility machine that performs work other than moving the utility machine (e.g., driving rotation of wheels or track drives). In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, the implement 510 comprises a snow plow coupled to and positioned forward of the vehicle 10. In other embodiments illustrated in Figs. 7-11 the implement comprises a drop spreader (i.e., a spreader assembly) 600 for ice melting particulate (e.g., salt or other snow melting crystals) or traction improving particulate (e.g., sand, litter, etc.) defined herein as particulate. In some embodiments, the drop spreader may be coupled to and positioned rearward of the vehicle. It should also be appreciated that the utility vehicle 10 may include more than one implement (e.g., both the snow plow and the drop spreader). In other embodiments, the implement comprises a rotating brush. In other embodiments, the implement comprises a snow blower. In other embodiments, the implement comprises leaf blowers, snow blowers, power brush implements, trimmers, tillers, multi-attachment vehicles, floor polishers, vacuum cleaners, wet vacs, concrete trowels, or any other indoor or outdoor work unit suitable for a given application. In other embodiments, the implement comprises combinations of the exemplary implements illustrated in the drawings or mentioned above.

[0022] The vehicle 10 includes a frame 20, a skid steer drive assembly 40 (FIG. 4), ground engaging elements 60, 65, an operator platform 80 coupled to the frame 20, an operator interface 200 positioned proximate the operator platform 80, a brine assembly 300 coupled to the frame 20, a light assembly 400 supported relative to the frame 20, and an implement support assembly 500 coupled to the frame 20 and configured to selectively receive the implement 510 (FIG. 6.) in front of the frame 20. The frame 20 includes a front end 24 (FIG. 1), a rear end 28 (FIG. 2) opposite the front end 24, a first or left side 32 (FIG. 1) extending between the front and rear end, and a second or right side 36 (FIG. 5) extending between the front and rear ends 24, 28.

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the skid steer drive assembly 40 (FIG. 4) includes an internal combustion engine 44 (FIG. 3) mounted to the frame 20, a fuel tank 48 (FIG. 3) coupled to the frame 20 to provide fuel to the engine 44, and a hydraulic system 52 (FIG. 4) operably coupled to the ground engaging elements 60, 65. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the internal combustion engine 44 is mounted to a top portion of the frame 20 (e.g., above a front drive axis 70 and a rear drive axis 75 of the ground engaging elements 60, 65). The brine assembly 300 and the fuel tank 48 extend around the front, right side, left side, and a portion of the rear of the engine 44 such that all sides of the engine 44 are substantially enclosed by the brine assembly 300 and fuel tank 48, while the top of the engine 44 is exposed.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the internal combustion engine 44 (FIG. 3) drives the hydraulic system 52 to rotate the ground engaging elements 60, 65 and also drives a rotating output shaft or power takeoff shaft (PTO) 56 that may be coupled to an implement (e.g., such as a snow blower, brushroll, etc.) to drive a work implement member. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a single reservoir coupled to a two-stage hydraulic pump (e.g., having a single input and two outputs). The hydraulic pump may drive the ground engaging elements 60, 65. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include separate hydraulic pumps and reservoirs to respectively drive the ground engaging elements 60. The hydraulic system 52 also applies the torque to respective left and right ground engaging elements 60, 65 in response to an input from the operator interface 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground engaging elements 60, 65 include a pair of left drive wheels 60 (front and rear) and a pair of right drive wheels 65 (front and rear). The left drive wheels 60 are hydraulically coupled and the right drive wheels 65 are hydraulically coupled. “Hydraulically coupled” means that the pairs of wheels 60, 65 are simultaneously and synchronously driven by the hydraulic system 52 and neither of the pair can be driven independently of the other. The drive wheels 60, 65 support the mower frame 20 and rotate under the influence of the skid steer drive assembly 40 to move the vehicle 10 across the ground surface.

[0025] In other embodiments of the invention, the internal combustion engine 44 is replaced with an electric motor or any other suitable prime mover (e.g., a hybrid gas/ electric motor, a fuel cell, or any other suitable device operating on a suitable fuel). If a prime mover capable of modulating speed is employed (e.g., an electric motor), the hydraulic system (hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor) can be dispensed with and the primary mover can provide power directly to the differential. In other embodiments the drive wheels 60, 65 could be replaced with track drives or any other suitable tractive elements. Left and right drive shafts of the front wheels are coaxial about the front drive axis 70 and the left and right drive shafts of the rear wheels are coaxial about the rear drive axis 75. The front and rear drive axes 70, 75 can collectively be referred to as the drive shafts of the vehicle 10.

[0026] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the operator platform 80 is pivotably coupled to the frame 20 and positioned rearward of the frame 20. The operator platform 80 is configured to support an operator in a standing position and provide access to the operator interface 200, which is positioned in front of the operator platform 80. In other words, at least a portion of the operator platform 80 is positioned rearward of the operator interface 200 and a rearward-most ground engaging element 60, 65 (e.g., the rear wheels). The operator platform 80 is pivotally mounted to the frame 20 about an axis 85 (FIG. 4) that is rearward of the rear drive axes 75 and the platform 80 is entirely rearward of the rear drive axes 75. In some embodiments, a suspension system or vibration dampening mechanism may be positioned between the frame 20 and the operator platform 80.

[0027] The operator interface 200 is positioned on top of a vertical structure or control tower 210 and are accessible by the operator standing on the platform 80. The operator interface 200 comprises a plurality of handles, levers, switches, or the like and are configured to control operation of one or more components (e.g., drive assembly, interface support assembly, implement, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the operator interface 200 include a pair of control levers 215, 220, a first or front speed limiter 230 and a second or rear speed limiter 240, which respectively restrict forward and rearward movement of the control levers 215, 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the first speed limiter 230 is pivotably coupled on top of the control tower 210, which allows the operator to adjust the forward range of the control levers 215, 220 and therefore the speed of the vehicle 10. The operator interface 200 also includes a parking brake 250 to selectively restrict movement of the vehicle 10 and one or more a hand controls 260. The hand controls 260 may include multiple functions that can be manipulated by the operator’s hands. Some examples of hand controls 260 include: an implement control for transmitting power from the engine 44 to adjust the position of the interface support assembly, a brine control to dispense brine from the brine assembly 300, a light switch, an engine throttle, an engine choke, an engine kill switch, and a hydraulic motor or pump control for controlling the speed and direction of operation of the drive wheels 60, 65. In other constructions, the hand controls 260 may include additional controls to operate other implements coupled to vehicle 10.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the brine assembly 300 is coupled to the frame 20 forward at least a portion of the operator platform 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the brine assembly 300 includes a first fluid or brine tank 310, a second fluid or brine tank 315 that is in fluid communication with first brine tank 310, an outlet hose 320 in fluid communication with both the first and second brine tanks 310, 315, a filter 325 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 5) coupled to the outlet hose 320 downstream the brine tanks 310, 315, a pump 330 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 5) coupled to the outlet hose 320 downstream the filter 325, and a one or more of nozzles 335, 340, 345 coupled to the outlet hose 320 downstream the pump 330. In other embodiments, the brine assembly 300 may include a single brine tank. The pump 330 draws the fluid from the brine tanks 310, 315 through the outlet hose 320 to dispense the fluid through the nozzles 335, 340, 345. The nozzles 335, 340, 345 are coupled to the vehicle 10 rearward of the ground engaging elements 60, 65 to disperse the fluid behind the vehicle 10 during operation. Further, the plurality of nozzles 335, 340 are rigidly coupled to the vehicle 10 and the nozzle 345 is coupled to a hand wand 350 that is removably coupled to the vehicle 10. The hand wand 350 is coupled to the vehicle 10 proximate the operator platform 80 so the operator can selectively dispense brine to a desired area surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0029] The first brine tank 310 includes an inlet 355 having a cap 358 removably coupled thereto. The inlet 355 is configured to receive a fluid (e.g., brine). Each of the first and second brine tanks 310, 315 includes an outlet 360, 365 (FIG. 5) with the outlet hose 320 coupled thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet hose 320 includes a three-way junction 370 positioned between the outlets 360, 365 of the brine tanks 310, 315 and the filter 325, which allows fluid to move between the first and second brine tanks 310, 315 and through the filter 325 to the pump 330. In some embodiments, a valve 375 (schematically illustrated) may be positioned between the brine tanks 310, 315 and the filter 325. The valve 375 allows the operator to prevent fluid flow from the brine tanks 310, 315 so the operator can replace the filter 325 without emptying the brine tanks 310, 315. In some embodiments, a second valve may be positioned between the pump 330 and the nozzles 335, 340, 345 to prevent the backflow of fluid through the outlet hose 320 during replacement of the filter 325. [0030] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the implement support assembly 500 is pivotably coupled to the front end 24 of the frame 20. The implement support assembly 500 is configured to removably receive the implement 510 (FIG. 6) such as a snowplow having an implement arm 515. The implement support assembly 500 includes an interface support frame 520 pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame 20, an implement interface 530 coupled to the interface support frame 520 and configured to receive the implement arm 515 of the implement 510 (FIG. 6), and a hydraulic cylinder 540 (FIG. 5) having a first end coupled to the vehicle frame 20 and a second end coupled to the interface support frame 520 through a float feature 550. The hydraulic cylinder 540 is configured to adjust the position (e.g. vertical or pitch position) of the interface support frame 520 and the implement 510 in response to an input from the operator interface 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 540 is an electric over hydraulic actuator. The implement support assembly 500 further includes an electrical connector 560 supported relative to the interface support frame 520. The electrical connector 560 may be coupled to the implement 510 to drive a working member of the implement. In some embodiments, the implement (e.g., such as a plow) may include a secondary hydraulic cylinder coupled to the electrical connector 560, which allows the operator to adjust a yaw position of the implement 510 (e.g., using the operator interface 200). In other embodiments, the implement (e.g., such as a snow blower, brushroll, etc.) may include an output or work shaft that is coupled to the PTO shaft 56 to drive a working member (e.g., snow blower, brush roll, etc.) of the implement, which allows the operator to selectively activate the working member of the implement to perform a function.

[0031] Now with reference to FIGS. 7-12, the spreader assembly 600 is illustrated. The spreader assembly 600 includes a spreader support frame 610 coupled to the vehicle frame 20 and a hopper 620 for housing the particulate (e.g., salt or other snow melting crystals), which is coupled to the support frame 610 at a position rearward of the vehicle frame 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 620 of the spreader assembly 600 defines a drop spreader. In other embodiments, the hopper 620 of the spreader assembly 600 may define a broadcast spreader.

[0032] The operator platform 80 is positioned between the hopper 620 and the vehicle frame 20. In other words, the hopper 620 is positioned rearward of the operator platform 80 and the operator interface 200. Positioning the hopper 620 rearward of the operator platform 80 allows the hopper 620 to discharge the particulate rearward of the vehicle frame 20. In particular, the particulate is discharged rearward of both the rearward-most ground engaging elements 60, 65 and the operator platform 80. Therefore, the vehicle does not traverse over the particulate. Because traversing over the particulate could possibly increase wear on the vehicle 10, this configuration avoids or reduces such wear by discharging the particulate rearward of the groundengaging elements 60, 65.

[0033] Now with reference to FIGS. 8-10, a support bracket 630 is coupled to the vehicle frame 20 and the spreader support frame 610 is coupled to and extends rearward from the support bracket 630. In the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket 630 is coupled to the frame 20 proximate the rear end 28 and is positioned below the operator platform 80 when the vehicle 10 is viewed from a side (FIG. 5). In other words, the support bracket 630 extends under the operator platform 80 or is positioned between the operator platform 80 and the ground surface the vehicle is traversing. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, a pin or securing bar extends through the support bracket 630 to couple the support frame 610 to the support bracket 630 and a securing mechanism rigidly couples the pin to the support bracket 630 and the support frame 610. The securing mechanism reduces movement of the support frame 610 relative to the support bracket 630 and ensures that the support frame 610 remains coupled to the support bracket 630. In other embodiments, the support bracket 630 may slidably receive the spreader support frame 610. It should also be appreciated that the support bracket 630 may be positioned in an alternative position (e.g., in front of the rearward-most ground engaging elements 60, 65). In addition, the spreader support frame 610 may be directly coupled to the vehicle frame 20.

[0034] The spreader support frame 610 includes a pair of support arms 635, 640 positioned on opposing sides of the vehicle 10. Each support arm 635, 640 has a first end 645 coupled to the frame via the support bracket 630 and a second end 650 (FIG. 7) opposite the first end 645. Each support arm 635, 640 of the spreader support frame 610 also includes a first section that extends from the vehicle frame 20 to a position beyond the operator platform 80 and a second section that inclines upward from the first section (e.g., away from the ground) to define the second end 650 of the spreader support frame 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the second section of the support arms 635, 640 is curved such that each have a generally L-shaped geometry. In other embodiments, the support arms 635, 640 may have any other alternative geometry that allows the support frame to extend beyond the operator platform such that second end of the support frame is above the operator platform 80. In some embodiments, the support frame 610 may include a single support arm.

[0035] The spreader assembly 600 also includes a hopper support 660 coupled to the spreader support frame 610 proximate the second end 650 of the spreader support frame 610. The hopper support 660 includes a first or U-shaped support arm 665 that the hopper 620 is coupled to and a second or connecting arm 670 connecting the hopper support 660 to the vehicle frame 20 (FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting arm 670 is coupled to the vehicle frame 20 on a first side (e.g., right) of the operator platform 80 at a position above the operator platform 80 (e.g., at a vertical position between the operator platform 80 and the operator interface 200). The connecting arm 670 is positioned on a single side of the operator platform 80 and reinforces the connection of the spreader assembly 600 to the vehicle frame 20. In addition, the positioning of the connecting arm 670 allows the operator to enter the operator platform 80 from an opposing side (e.g., the left side) of the vehicle 10.

[0036] Now with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a cover 680 is removably coupled to the hopper 620 to selectively enclose an internal cavity 690 of the hopper 620, which supports the particulate. The internal cavity 690 of the hopper 620 includes an inclined interior wall 700 leading to an aperture 710 that the particulate is released through. The hopper 620 further includes an output shaft 720 positioned between the inclined wall 700 and the aperture 710, which is driven by a motor 730 (FIG. 13) to selectively discharge the particulate through the aperture 710 in response to an input by the operator. In some embodiments, the input from the user may be actuation of a switch positioned on the spreader assembly 600, which activates the motor 730. In other embodiments, the motor 730 may be electrically connected to the operator interface 200 and the input from the user may be actuation of one of the hand controls 260 of the operator interface. In the illustrated embodiment, the output shaft 720 includes a plurality of protrusions 740 that draws the particulate from the internal cavity 690 of the hopper 620, over a ledge 750, and through the aperture 710 in response to rotation of the output shaft 720.