Abstract A device is disclosed for use with a vehicle, preferably of the track laying type which is adaptable for traversing, under low bearing pressure conditions, areas and surfaces of snow, mud, sand and other off-highway media of low density, which by virtue of its unique construction and association with the vehicle, enhances remarkably the steering capability thereof. Further, when used on a vehicle which is equipped with a grading plow for grading the surfaces being traversed, enhances the capability of the vehicle to perform grading and leveling operations with great precision not heretofore possible. The device comprises a boomlike frame mounted on the front of the vehicle and formed so as to extend over and above the grading plow and terminating in a steering ski at a point substantially forwardly of the vehicle. The ski, adjustably hinged to the boom-frame, is capable of (1) being raised above the surface being traversed (2) maintaining sliding contact therewith and (3) transmitting a downward force supplied by a control means connecting the boom-frame to the vehicle.
In a track-laying vehicle for traversing snow surfaces and the like, said vehicle equipped with snow-grading, surface smoothing accessory means and being self propelled and further including power cylinders for raising and lowering the grading and smoothing means, the improvement comprising, in combination: an elongated boom frame hingeably attached to the front of said vehicle at one of its ends; hydraulic power means mounted on said vehicle and attached to said boom frame for raising and lowering said frame and applying through said frame a downward force at the front end thereof; a steerable ski pivotally attached to the forward end of said frame and adapted to slidably move over the surface when propelled by said track-laying vehicle, said ski providing ground support for said downward force applied by said raising and lowering power means on said vehicle; additional power means mounted on said frame and attached to said ski for steering said ski and said vehicle; and, said boom frame comprising a first section including pivotal attaching means to said vehicle and extending angularly upward therefrom and a second section connected to said first section and extending downwardly therefrom to subtend an obtuse angle therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
In a track-laying vehicle for traversing snow surfaces and the like, said vehicle equipped with snow-grading, surface smoothing accessory means and being self propelled and further including power cylinders for raising and lowering the grading and smoothing means, the improvement comprising, in combination: an elongated boom frame hingeably attached to the front of said vehicle at one of its ends; hydraulic power means mounted on said vehicle and attached to said boom frame for raising and lowering said frame and applying through said frame a downward force at the front end thereof; a steerable ski pivotally attached to the forward end of said frame and adapted to slidably move over the surface when propelled by said track-laying vehicle, said ski providing ground support for said downward force applied by said raising and lowering power means on said vehicle; additional power means mounted on said frame and attached to said ski for steering said ski and said vehicle; and, said boom frame comprising a first section including pivotal attaching means to said vehicle and extending angularly upward therefrom and a second section connected to said first section and extending downwardly therefrom to subtend an obtuse angle therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein the means for steering said ski is a power cylinder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The vehicle of claim 1 wherein said ski further includes a keel-like element attached to the bottom side thereof for penetrating the surface being traversed while sliding thereover.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the means for lowering and raising said beam is a power cylinder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein the boom-like frame forms an obtuse angle directed with respect to said vehicle and said ski so as to have a short side of said angle extending upwardly from said vehicle attachment point in the front thereof, and a long side of said angle extending to said steering ski.