US 12,345,005 B2
Dual stage lift system for a snow wing
Bruce Raymond Vahling, Urbana, IL (US); Benjamin J. Kovalick, Chillicothe, IL (US); and Nathaniel Keith Harshman, Sullivan, IL (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Feb. 16, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/651,332.
Prior Publication US 2023/0257950 A1, Aug. 17, 2023
Int. Cl. E01H 5/06 (2006.01); E02F 3/76 (2006.01); E02F 3/96 (2006.01)
CPC E01H 5/067 (2013.01) [E02F 3/961 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A lift assembly for a moldboard of a snow wing assembly of a motor grader, comprising:
a first lifting mechanism mechanically coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the motor grader, wherein the first lifting mechanism is configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly to a first portion of a bench height associated with the moldboard; and
a second lifting mechanism mechanically coupled to the first lifting mechanism and the moldboard, wherein the second lifting mechanism is configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly a second portion of the bench height associated with the moldboard, wherein the second lifting mechanism comprises at least one of:
a curved member, connected to the first lifting mechanism and a plate of a hinge slidably coupled to a bar, to lift the moldboard,
a collar, slidably mounted about the hinge, configured to contact an upper plate or a lower plate, of the hinge, to cause the hinge to slide along the bar to lift the moldboard, or
a first hydraulic cylinder, mounted within a vertical member of the first lifting mechanism or a mast of the second lifting mechanism, including a rod coupled to the hinge to lift the moldboard.