Grading implement

• US 20040244233A1
• Filed: 02/19/2004
• Published: 12/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Glen Johnson
• Original Assignee: Glen Johnson
• Inventors: Johnson, Glen
• Granted Patent: US 7,273,111 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 37/381
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 3/815 Blades; Levelling or scarifying tools E02F3/40 takes precedence

Abstract

A grading implement including main body having a left end, a right end and a length that extends between the left and right ends. The main body also includes a front side and a back side. A claw-blade is positioned at the front side of the main body. Side blades are positioned at the left and right ends of the main body. The side blades include portions that extend rearwardly from the main body so as to define a volume located behind the back side of the main body between the side blades. The volume receives grading material when the implement is moved rearwardly.

Claims

1. A grading implement comprising:

a main body including a left end and a right end, the main body also including a length that extends between the left and right ends, the main body further including a front and a back;

a front plow blade positioned at the front of the main body, the front plow blade extending between the left and right ends of the main body and including a front surface for pushing grading material and a back surface for dragging grading material;

the main body defining a cavity located beneath the main body and positioned behind the front plow blade; and

side blades positioned at the left and right ends of the main body, the side blades including portions that extend rearwardly beyond the main body so as to define a volume behind the main body between the side blades, the volume being adapted for receiving grading material when the implement is moved rearwardly.

2. The implement of claim 1, wherein the implement is adapted for connection to a vehicle.

3. The implement of claim 2, wherein the vehicle includes a skid steer loader.

4. The implement of claim 1, wherein the main body includes a top wall, wherein the front plow blade extends downwardly from the top wall, and wherein the cavity is defined beneath the top wall.

5. The implement of claim 4, wherein the front plow blade is integral with the top wall.

6. The implement of claim 1, wherein the side blades are oriented in generally vertical planes, and wherein the side blades are oriented generally perpendicular relative to the length of the main body.

7. The implement of claim 6, wherein the side blades each extend rearwardly beyond the main body by a length of at least 3 inches, and each of the side blades has a height of at least 5 inches.

8. The implement of claim 6, wherein the side blades each extend rearwardly beyond the main body by a length of at least 6 inches, and each of the side blades has a height of at least 5 inches.

9. The implement of claim 6, wherein the side blades each extend rearwardly beyond the main body by a length of at least 10 inches, and each of the side blades has a height of at least 5 inches.

10. The implement of claim 1, further comprising a rear blade positioned at the back of the main body, the rear blade extending between the side blades and including a cutting edge that faces in a rearward direction.

11. The implement of claim 10, wherein the rear blade is oriented in a generally horizontal plane and extends generally perpendicularly between the side blades.

12. The implement of claim 1, wherein the main body includes two channel members connected together.

13. The implement of claim 12, wherein the channel members are generally C-shaped.

14. The implement of claim 12, wherein the channel members includes a front channel member defining a downwardly facing channel and a rear channel member defining an upwardly facing channel.

15. The implement of claim 1, further comprising an adapter including a coupler configured to be coupled to a vehicle, the adapter being detachably connectable to the main body of the implement.

16. The implement of claim 15, wherein the adapter includes at least a pair of extensions, and wherein the implement further includes sleeves mounted to the main body for receiving the extensions.

17. The implement of claim 16, wherein the extensions are hollow and sized to receive tines of the vehicle for allowing the implement to be reverse mounted to the vehicle.

18. The implement of claim 15, wherein the adapter includes first portions that slidably engage corresponding second portions provided on the main body, and wherein the implement includes fasteners for securing the first portions relative to the second portions

19. The implement of claim 1, wherein the length of the main body is at least 7 feet.

20. The implement of claim 1, wherein the length of the main body is at least 10 feet.

21. The implement of claim 1, wherein the side blades each have a height of at least 5 inches.

22. The implement of claim 1, wherein the side blades each extend rearwardly beyond the main body by a length of at least 3 inches.

23. The implement of claim 1, wherein the side blades each extend rearwardly beyond the main body by a length of at least 6 inches.

24. The implement of claim 1, wherein the side blades each extend rearwardly beyond the main body by a length of at least 10 inches.

25. The implement of claim 15, wherein when the implement is detached from the adapter, the implement defines a maximum height less than 9.5 inches and a maximum width less than 54 inches.

26. The implement of claim 1, wherein the main body includes an upright rear wall that extends between the side blades.

27. The implement of claim 26, wherein a scraping blade is secured to the rear wall, the scraping blade having a length that extends between the side blade and having a cutting edge that faces in a rearward direction.

28. A grading implement comprising:

a main body including a left end and a right end, the main body also including a length that extends between the left and right ends, the main body further including a front side and a back side;

a claw-blade positioned at the front side of the main body; and

side blades positioned at the left and right ends of the main body, the side blades including portions that extend rearwardly from the main body so as to define a volume located behind the back side of the main body between the side blades, the volume being adapted for receiving grading material when the implement is moved rearwardly.