U.S. patent application number 11/161581 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for under vehicle snow-shovel.
Invention is credited to Rick G. Larson.
Application Number | 20070028487 11/161581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37716317 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028487 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larson; Rick G. |
February 8, 2007 |
Under Vehicle Snow-Shovel
Abstract
A snow-shovel apparatus and method that allows a person to
easily remove compacted snow from underneath a vehicle which is
stuck and possibly hungup in the snow. Generally, a two bladed
shovel-like design wherein the horizontally opposed blades open up
from a folded position next to the handle for use. The shovel with
blades retracted is pushed through compacted snow underneath the
vehicle, is positioned by the user at the beginning of the shovel
stroke where the blades are forced open by telescoping the handle,
and snow is withdrawn from underneath the vehicle by the exertion
of pulling forces along the handle, drawing the blades and captured
snow towards the user. The handle is compressed and the blades
retracted when not in use. The under vehicle snow-shovel is
especially useful to the traveler as an aid in freeing vehicles
that are hung up and stuck in the snow.
Inventors: |
Larson; Rick G.; (Proctor,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM T. HELWIG, ATTORNEY AT LAW
RUDY LAW FIRM
123 AVENUE C
CLOQUET
MN
55720
US
|
Family ID: |
37716317 |
Appl. No.: |
11/161581 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
037/278 |
International
Class: |
E01H 5/02 20060101
E01H005/02 |
Claims
1. A snow removal apparatus for removal of snow from underneath a
vehicle, comprising: a multivariable blade means by which the blade
or blades may be turned, retracted or folded to an angle of lesser
or greater resistance to the direction of applied force; a
positioning means attached to said multivariable blade means by
which said blade or blades may be positioned to an angle of lesser
or greater resistance thereby allowing the blade means to penetrate
compacted snow or to capture a load of compacted snow; and, a force
application handle means for the application of positive or
negative direct forces longitudinally applied down the length of
the handle to the blade means, for the pushing of the retracted
blade means through compacted snow under a vehicle and the pulling
of the extended blade means with its captured load of compacted
snow out from under a vehicle.
2. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
positioning means also provides a locking mechanism thereby
allowing the blade means to be locked in an angle of lesser or
greater resistance to the direction of applied force.
3. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 1, including a
hand grip means attached to said handle means to provide a more
comfortable and secure grip on the handle means for more efficient
and consistent application of force.
4. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 1, including a
sealing means attached to said positioning means to seal out snow
and ice to prevent jamming of said positioning means during
use.
5. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
positioning means also provides a locking mechanism thereby
allowing the blade means to be locked in an angle of lesser or
greater resistance to the direction of applied force; and,
including a hand grip means attached to said handle means to
provide a more comfortable and secure grip on the handle means for
more efficient and consistent application of force; and, including
a sealing means attached to said positioning means to seal out snow
and ice to prevent freezing and jamming of said positioning means
during use.
6. A method for removal of snow from underneath a vehicle,
comprising: providing a snow removal apparatus for removal of snow
from underneath a vehicle; ensuring the snow removal apparatus is
in the closed or snow penetrating position; applying a positive
force longitudinally down the force application handle means to the
blade means, thereby driving said blade means through the compacted
snow under a vehicle; adjusting the positioning means, thereby
opening the blade means to an angle of greater resistance; applying
a negative force longitudinally down the force application handle
means to the blade means, thereby pulling said blade means through
the compacted snow and drawing out from under the vehicle a load of
compacted snow captured by the open blade means; resetting the
positioning means and thereby the blade means back into the closed
blade position; repeating the above procedure until enough of the
compacted snow under the vehicle has been removed that the drag on
the vehicle due to the density of the compacted snow is no longer
greater than the traction force between the vehicle tires and the
ground, thereby making the vehicle unstuck; and, closing said snow
removal apparatus to its storage position.
7. A snow removal apparatus for removal of snow from underneath a
vehicle, comprising: a shovel head assembly for penetrating
compacted snow under a vehicle and then capturing, plowing and
drawing out a load of snow from under a vehicle, comprised of one
or more shovel blades, hingedly attached to a central frame means
whereby said shovel blades may swing back and forth; a telescoping
handle assembly comprised of an inner and an outer shaft, said
outer shaft being attached by an attachment means to said central
frame means of said shovel head assembly and said inner shaft being
attached by an attachment means to said shovel blades, whereby the
telescoping of said handle assembly controls the angle of said
blades, allowing said blades to be positioned by the user to an
angle of lesser or greater resistance to the snow thereby allowing
for the pushing of said shovel head assembly with blades retracted
through compacted snow under a vehicle and then pulling said shovel
head assembly with blades extended with its captured load of
compacted snow out from under a vehicle.
8. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said
telescoping handle assembly also provides a locking mechanism
thereby allowing said blades to be locked in an angle of lesser or
greater resistance to the direction of applied force.
9. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 7, including a
hand grip means attached to said telescoping handle assembly to
provide a more comfortable and secure grip on said telescoping
handle assembly for more efficient and consistent application of
force.
10. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 7, including a
sealing means attached to said attachment means to said shovel
blades to seal out snow and ice to prevent jamming of said
attachment means to said shovel blades during use.
11. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said
telescoping handle assembly also provides a locking mechanism
thereby allowing said blades to be locked in an angle of lesser or
greater resistance to the direction of applied force; and,
including a hand grip means attached to said handle assembly to
provide a more comfortable and secure grip on said handle assembly
for more efficient and consistent application of force; and,
including a sealing means attached to said attachment means to said
shovel blades to seal out snow and ice to prevent jamming of said
attachment means to said shovel blades during use.
12. The snow removal apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said
telescoping handle assembly is comprised of an inner shaft, an
outer shaft, a slide pin, two slide pin slots, a retaining bolt, an
outer shaft lock pin hole, two inner shaft lock pin holes, a handle
lock pin, a handle lock pin chain, a handgrip bracket, and a
handgrip; said inner shaft diameter sized to slide within said
outer shaft without excessive friction or play, said outer shaft
diameter sized to comfortable fit in a user's hand, sized
lengthwise to reach at least halfway underneath a car or truck from
the side, having an opening at one end in which said inner shaft
slides, having said slide pin slots cut longitudinally in the top
and the bottom sides of the opposite end of said outer shaft from
said opening, having said retaining bolt fastened into the solid
end opposite said opening, said inner shaft having said slide pin
vertically pressed into and through the inside end of said inner
shaft whereby said slide pin protrudes through said slide pin slots
in said outer shaft, retaining said inner shaft within said outer
shaft and confining the movement of said inner shaft to the length
of said slide pin slots, said slide pin slots sized to allow
movement for proper functioning of said shovel head assembly, said
inner shaft sized lengthwise to protrude from said outer shaft a
distance by which said protruding end may be easily gripped by the
user, when said inner shaft is inserted as far as said slide pin
and said slide pin slots will allow; and wherein said shovel head
assembly is comprised of a hinge plate, two hinge assemblies, two
shovel blades, two bolt and nut assemblies, two control arm slots,
two shovel blade pin enclosures, two control arms, two pressed roll
pins, two control arm Y joints, and two slot seals; said shovel
head hinge plate being attached to said outer shaft by said hinge
plate retaining bolt, said hinges being attached opposite one
another to said shovel head hinge plate by any appropriate means,
said shovel blades each having a front edge and a rear edge and a
concave scoop side and a convex back side, being attached by said
rear edge to the opposite side of said hinges from said hinge
plate, whereby said shovel blades are attached to said shovel head
assembly in a horizontally opposed fashion and can hinge ably fold
down against said outer shaft with said concave scoop side facing
said outer shaft, said shovel blades having said control arm slots
cut down the center of each blade to allow said shovel blade
control arms and said pressed roll pin to move readily up and down
most of the length of the blade, with said control arms extending
through said control arm slots and with said roll pin pressed into
the end of said control arm and perpendicular to said control arm
slot, preventing said control arm and pressed roll pin from pulling
out of said control arm slot, said shovel blade pin enclosures
being attached to said back side of said shovel blade and sized to
entirely cover said control arm slot and provide a housing for said
pressed roll pin and whereby said shovel blade is strengthened
surrounding said control arm slot and whereby said control arm and
said pressed roll pin being contained within said pin enclosures
may control the angle and movement of said shovel blade by the
exertion of positive or negative longitudinal forces, said shovel
blade control arms extending down from their attachment through
said control arm slots, down along said outer shaft, said control
arm splitting into two arms at said control arm Y joint, said split
arms diverging to opposite sides of said outer shaft and attaching
to said slide pin extending through said outer shaft slide pin
slots from said inner shaft, whereby movement of said inner shaft
in relation to said outer shaft causes said shovel blade control
arms to adjust the angle of said shovel blades, providing a
mechanism to control said shovel head assembly.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to a snow removal
apparatus and method for removal of snow from underneath a vehicle,
and in particular to a snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal
of compacted snow from underneath a vehicle which is stuck and
possibly hungup in the snow.
[0002] Often times during the winter in snowy climates the depth of
the snow is sufficient to prevent enough traction between a
vehicles tires and the ground or road surface. For example, a
snowstorm that delivers 18'' of snow is enough to prevent a
passenger vehicle from driving on non-plowed roads. Even a storm
that delivers only 6'' of snow, if combined with blowing and
drifting, can make roads impassable for many passenger vehicles.
Driving on such unplowed roads can cause a vehicle to begin to plow
snow with the undercarriage of the vehicle if the snow is deeper
than the vehicles ground clearance. Plowing snow causes the snow to
compact, and when the snow which the vehicle is plowing with its
undercarriage becomes compact and dense enough, the vehicle's under
carriage will begin to ride up on the compacted snow, unweighting
the tires and causing a loss of traction, thereby causing the
vehicle to become hung-up and stuck in the compacted snow. This is
especially true when there is considerable blowing and drifting of
snow taking place, because snow drifts are already partially
compacted by the wind.
[0003] For this reason, roads and streets are plowed, moving snow
from the center of the road to the shoulders of the road resulting
in a road surface that allows a passenger vehicle to pass. Plowing
roads, thereby moving all of the snow to the sides of the road
creating snow banks can create its own set of problems because
plowing compacts snow, increasing its density and cohesiveness,
thereby creating snowbanks that are much harder and more compacted
than freshly fallen snow. On the occasion that roads become icy and
slippery during the winter, vehicles may lose control and drive off
the road becoming hung-up and stuck in these snowbanks.
[0004] There is also the matter that plows naturally throw up a
snowbank across every driveway that they pass on the street or
roadway, oftentimes plowing them in and plugging them up. Waiting
for such driveways to be plowed or blown out is not always an
available option and the choice is then to shovel the driveway open
or try and drive through the snowbank. Attempting to drive through
a snowbank often leads to a vehicle becoming hungup and stuck in
the snowbank.
[0005] There is also the matter of vehicles parked on the side of
the road or street during a snowstorm which will oftentimes get
plowed in. As the plow comes along early in the morning passing the
parked vehicles, snow pushed by the plow forms a snow bank around
the parked vehicles, as well as being thrown underneath the
vehicles due to the high initial velocity of the snow coming off of
the plows blade. There is again a choice of shoveling first or just
trying to drive out. The driving out choice often leads to a
vehicle becoming hung-up and stuck in a snowbank.
[0006] Once a vehicle has become hung up and stuck in the snow, it
must either be towed out, pushed out, or shoveled out. Having a
vehicle towed out of a snow bank is the most costly option and a
tow truck may not be available. Having a vehicle pushed out of a
snowbank requires somebody else to help push, and oftentimes,
shoveling will still be required. If there is no tow truck
available and if there is no one else to help push, then to get the
vehicle unstuck, the snow beneath the vehicle must be removed by
shoveling. Removing this snow serves two purposes, it decreases the
drag between the vehicle and the ground and, by removing the
compacted snow which the vehicle frame has ridden up on, returns
the vehicle's weight to the vehicle's tires, greatly improving
traction between the drive wheels and ground. When the force
provided by the driving wheels exceeds the drag on the vehicle, the
vehicle will become unstuck.
[0007] Compacted snow beneath a stuck vehicle must ordinarily be
removed by pulling it out from underneath the vehicle for several
reasons. The first reason is that when a vehicle has become hungup,
whether by driving through very deep snow, such as a compacted snow
drift or a plowed in driveway, or by sliding off of the road into a
compacted snowbank, it is not possible, from one side of the
vehicle, to push the compacted snow underneath the vehicle out the
other side. The second reason snow must be pulled from underneath a
vehicle stuck in the snow is that the undercarriage of the vehicle
is close to the ground (often ten inches or less), and snow cannot
be lifted out from underneath it.
[0008] A conventional snow shovel is the best tool for removal of
snow around a stuck vehicle, which can be used to scoop and throw
the snow. However, using the same snow shovel to try and remove the
compacted snow from beneath the vehicle is very difficult to do
because conventional shovels are designed to push, lift and throw
snow, and they do not work well for trying to draw compacted snow
out from underneath a hung-up vehicle. Many conventional snow
shovels are not designed to penetrate compacted snow even when it
is not found under a vehicle, and may be difficult if not
impossible to use to remove compacted snow from underneath a
vehicle hungup and stuck in the snow.
[0009] Numerous patents have been developed to aid in personal snow
removal. Some prior art allows snow to be pushed across the ground
for removal. Some prior art allows snow to be scooped up and thrown
for removal. Some prior art allows snow to be pulled with a
snow-blade, generally for removal from upper surfaces of a vehicle
or the pitched roofs of buildings. None of the prior art is
designed for penetration of compacted snow under a vehicle. None of
the prior art is designed for the efficient removal of compacted
snow from under a vehicle.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,890 issued Jun. 17, 2003 to Gilmore et
al. is a modified roof snow rake with a spring loaded and
collapsible shovel head to assist in gliding over the snow as the
shovel head is pushed up a pitched roof to a desired location to
begin pulling snow off of the roof. This snow removal apparatus is
designed to remove snow from an elevated surface and is not
designed to penetrate compacted snow or for use under a
vehicle.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,078 issued Sep. 14, 1999 to Whitehead et
al. is a standard snow shovel which makes use of a telescoping
handle to make for more compact storage for carrying in a vehicle.
The telescoping handle does not contribute to additional shoveling
functions other than to provide a standard length handle when
shoveling and a compact handle length for storage. This shovel is
designed for throwing snow.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,929 issued Oct. 27, 1998 to Tisbo et al.
is a combination snow shovel which makes use of a special curved
blade to allow use for pushing or lifting and throwing snow. This
shovel is not designed to pull compacted snow out from under a
vehicle.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,768 issued Feb. 19, 1991 to Ewen is a
combination shovel and utility device for use with a vehicle, and
can be used as a shovel, a large ice scraper a mat or an emergency
sled. The flattened shovel blade is not conducive to carrying any
sizeable amount of snow out from under a vehicle and the design
itself is bulky and inefficient. A typical combination tool which
is marginal for specific uses. This tool is not designed to pull
compacted snow out from under a vehicle.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,819 issued Jul. 18, 1989 to Moorefield
is a vehicle snow rake with a rigid plastic or rubber blade. This
tool is designed for pulling snow off of a vehicle. This snow rake
is not designed to penetrate compacted snow and it is not designed
for use under a vehicle.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,943 issued Nov. 5, 1985 to Mirto is a
vehicle snow rake with a telescoping and collapsing handle. This
tool is designed for pulling snow off of a vehicle. This snow rake
is not designed to penetrate compacted snow and it is not designed
for use under a vehicle.
[0016] Most travelers in snow country will carry a standard snow
shovel or even a square point or round point shovel in case they
get stuck in the snow. These shovels are not designed to deal with
compacted snow underneath a vehicle. A snow-shovel's scoop is
generally too big to fit under most vehicles and with lightweight
plastic construction, most are not strong enough to penetrate
compacted snow. Even when the scoop is strong enough to penetrate
compacted snow, most will not fit entirely underneath a vehicle
with average ground clearance, and once its scoop has been pushed
as far under the edge of a vehicle as it will fit, under an area of
compacted snow, the scoop end must be slightly tilted up and pulled
backwards with the hope that there is enough drag created on the
compacted snow overlaying the shovel scoop that it will stay on the
scoop as the scoop is withdrawn from underneath the edge of the
vehicle. Snow has an extremely low coefficient of friction, even
more so when it is colder outside and icy, and most often will
slide off of the snow shovel blade as it is being withdrawn from
underneath the vehicle, especially since there is a tendency for
the snow to be scraped off of the shovel blade by the lower edge of
the car frame if the shovel is lifted at all before it is entirely
clear of the underside of the vehicle. Such shovels are useful
mainly to shovel out around a vehicle which is stuck in the
snow.
[0017] Smaller square point and especially round point shovels are
very good at penetrating compacted snow under a vehicle but they
are poor at pulling very much snow out since they are designed for
lifting loads and not dragging them. Snow tends to constantly slide
off the blade of such shovels as it is pulled from under the
vehicle leaving most of any small shovel full still under the
vehicle.
[0018] What is needed then, is a snow removal apparatus and method
which is simple and easy to use, and which allows someone who's
vehicle is stuck in the snow to easily penetrate the compacted snow
underneath the vehicle and then be able to capture and draw out and
remove a substantial load of snow with each shovel stroke, to
consistently control how much snow is removed with each pass of the
shovel, to quickly and efficiently remove the compacted snow from
underneath the vehicle allowing the vehicle to become unstuck, and
to fold down into a compact unit for storing when not in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, which allows a driver to quickly and
efficiently remove compacted snow from underneath a vehicle which
is hungup and stuck in the snow, in a timely and cost effective
manner.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, which provides for the removal of snow
without lifting.
[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, which provides for the removal of snow by the
method of pulling, and not pushing.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, which provides a small, hardened, blade edge
surface area for easy penetration of compacted snow under a
vehicle.
[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, which provides for a reasonably large and
rigid shovel surface area for the consistent removal of a
substantial load of snow with each shovel stroke.
[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, whose effective shovel surface area can be
easily adjusted if necessary by the user at any time while
shoveling.
[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, which is portable.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, which is inexpensive compared to prior
art.
[0027] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a snow-shovel apparatus and method for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, which can be quickly closed to a compact size
and stored out of the way when not in use.
[0028] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are realized in one embodiment of a snow-shovel apparatus
and method for removal of snow from underneath a vehicle,
comprising
[0029] Generally, a two bladed shovel-like design wherein the
horizontally opposed blades open up from a folded position next to
the handle for use.
[0030] The horizontally opposed folding shovel blades allow for the
efficient penetration of compacted snow and the removal thereof. A
telescoping handle mechanism controls the angle and thereby the
resistance of the shovel blades allowing for semi-automatic folding
and unfolding of the blades when penetrating and then removing
compacted snow from under a vehicle. Folding shovel blades and a
telescoping handle present an extremely compact unit for storing
when not in use.
[0031] The method of the present invention includes the steps of,
providing a snow-shovel apparatus for removal of snow from
underneath a vehicle, pushing the shovel with blades retracted
through compacted snow underneath the vehicle, stopping at a
desired starting position for a shovel stroke, telescoping the
handle open and thereby forcing the blades partially open to the
snow capture position, exerting rearward longitudinal forces along
the shaft by pulling on the handgrip thereby causing the blades to
dig into the snow and expand to their fully open or drag/plow
position, continuing to pull on the shaft thereby drawing the
blades and captured snow towards the user, withdrawing a captured
load of snow from underneath the vehicle, compressing the handle
thereby allowing the shovel blades to retract back down against the
handle tube, repeating the previous steps until enough snow has
been removed that the vehicle is unstuck, and storing the
snow-shovel apparatus, in this compressed configuration, in the
vehicle for future use.
[0032] Other objects and features of the invention will become
clear upon a reading of the Detailed Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The present invention may be understood from the description
of the embodiment which follows and from the accompanying drawings.
The drawings are hereby expressly made a part of the
specification.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a lengthwise overhead view of the under vehicle
snow shovel with the handle in the extended position and with the
blades extended fully open to the snow capture position.
[0035] FIG. 2 is an end view of the shovel depicted in FIG. 1,
looking from the handle end towards the blade end.
[0036] FIG. 3A is a detail view of the main component sections of
the shovel depicted in FIG. 1, with sections of the handle cut
away.
[0037] FIG. 3B is a lengthwise side view of the shovel depicted in
FIG. 3A, with the same sections of the handle cut away.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a detail view of FIG. 2.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a lengthwise overhead view of the shovel with the
handle in the compressed position and with the blades folded closed
in the snow penetration position, and which is also the storage
position.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a lengthwise overhead view of the shovel with the
handle extended causing the blades to open to the initial snow
capture position.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a lengthwise overhead view of the shovel with the
handle extended and with the blades extended fully open to the
drag/plow position.
[0042] FIG. 8 is an end view of the shovel depicted in FIG. 5,
looking from the blade or front end towards the handle or rear end,
with a view of the small cross section which allows for maximum
snow penetration.
[0043] FIG. 9 is an end view of the shovel depicted in FIG. 5,
looking from the handle or rear end towards the blade or front end,
showing no exposed blade surface area for snow capture.
[0044] FIG. 10 is an end view of the shovel depicted in FIG. 6,
looking from the handle or rear end towards the blade or front end,
showing a partially exposed blade area for snow capture.
[0045] FIG. 11 is an end view of the shovel depicted in FIG. 7,
looking from the handle or front end towards the blade or rear end,
showing a fully exposed blade area for maximum snow capture.
[0046] FIG. 12 is a lengthwise overhead view of the shovel with the
blades hyper extended by the compression of the handle to the
release position, which allows the blades to swing free and fold
back rearward to the snow penetration or storage position.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a lengthwise overhead view of the shovel with the
blades folding back rearward towards the snow penetration or
storage position.
[0048] FIG. 14 is a lengthwise overhead view of the shovel with the
blades folded closed rearward in the snow penetration position,
which is the same as in FIG. 5, and which is also the storage
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0049] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the various drawings to
depict like or similar elements of the claimed snow-shovel
apparatus. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear
discussion of the snow-shovel apparatus, the preferred embodiment
will be discussed as used for the removal of compacted snow from
underneath a vehicle hungup and stuck in a snowbank. This is for
representative purposes only and should not be construed as
limiting in any manner.
[0050] Individual shovel parts have been labeled in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A,
3B and 4 for clarity.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment 10
of the snow-shovel apparatus, is seen from a lengthwise overhead
view, and from an end view looking from the handle or rear end
towards the blade or front end, both showing the handle in the
fully extended position with the blades extended open to the snow
capture position.
[0052] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 provide greater detail of the snow shovel
apparatus 10 with its primary assemblies: the shovel head assembly
30, and the telescoping handle assembly 12 which provides support
for and actuation of the shovel head assembly 30.
[0053] The shovel head assembly 30 is comprised of two shovel
blades 40, two blade control arms 42, two control arm Y joints 54,
two blade control arm slots 50, two slot seals 52, two pressed roll
pins 48, two pin enclosures 38, two blade hinge assemblies 34, two
bolt and nut assemblies 36, and one shovel head hinge plate 56.
[0054] The telescoping handle assembly 12 is comprised of an inner
shaft 16, an outer shaft 14, a slide pin 46, two slide pin slots
44, a hinge plate retaining bolt 32, an outer shaft lock pin hole
22, two inner shaft lock pin holes 24 as can be seen in FIG. 3B, a
handle lock pin 26 as can be seen in FIG. 1, a handle lock pin
chain 28 also seen in FIG. 1, a handgrip bracket 18, and a handgrip
20.
[0055] In the preferred embodiment of the snow-shovel apparatus 10,
the outer shaft 14 is a hollow tube having a closed end and an open
end into which the inner shaft 16 is inserted. The inner shaft's 16
outside diameter is equal to the outer shaft's 14 inside diameter,
which sizing allows the inner shaft 16 to slide within the outer
shaft 14 without excessive friction or play, and may be made to a
size from 3/4 inch to 11/2 inches, more or less, to any size that
fits comfortably in a user's hand. The inner shaft 16 extends into
and runs almost the full length of the outer shaft 14 when in the
compressed position. The outer shaft 14 and the inner shaft 16 can
be made of aluminum, stainless steel or carbon steel, depending on
the size of shovel, although aluminium is preferred for its weight
savings.
[0056] The telescoping motion of the inner shaft 16 out from the
outer shaft 14 is the mechanism by which the shovel head assembly
30 is actuated. A pair of slide pin slots 44 are cut into two
opposing sides of the outer shaft 14. The inner shaft slide pin 46
inserts through and is attached to the inserted end of the inner
shaft 16, then extending outwards through the slide pin slots 44 in
the outer shaft 14, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 3B, then
connecting to the shovel blade control arms 42. This allows any
movement of the inner shaft 16 in relation to the outer shaft 14 to
be relayed to the shovel blades 40 by their attachment to the
shovel blade control arms 42. The purpose of the slide pin slots 44
is to assist the control arms 42, in controlling direction and
movement of the shovel blades 40. The slide pin slots 44, need no
lubrication to allow the slide pin 46, to travel properly along the
slots 44, other than a small shot of spray lubricant once a year.
The purpose of the slide pin 46 is to slide in and assist the slide
pin slots 44, in limiting the movements and determining the
direction of the shovel blades 40, by means of the shovel blade
control arms 42. The slide pin 46 is made of stainless steel or
steel. The shovel blade control arms 42 have a Y configuration, as
can be seen in FIG. 3B, with Y joint 54 allowing the control arms
42 to attach to the slide pin 46 by extending around each side of
the outer shaft 14.
[0057] The shovel blade end of each shovel blade control arm 42
inserts through a control arm slot 50 which is a narrow slot cut
longitudinally down the center of each shovel blade 40 for
approximately 90 percent of its length. The purpose of this slot is
to accept the shovel blade control arm 42, and provide guidance for
the control arm 42, while the shovel is in operation. The shovel
blade end of each control arm 42 passes through the shovel blade 40
and out the back side of the shovel blade 40 where the roll pin 48
is pressed through its end perpendicular to the control arm slot
50, which can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3B and 4, and which is also
enclosed by the pin enclosure 38 which is attached to the back side
of the shovel blade 40 and covers and encompasses the entire
control arm slot 50 and the end of the shovel blade control arm 42
and its pressed roll pin 48.
[0058] The shovel blades 40 are designed to provide the backing and
support for dragging the snow from beneath the vehicle with their
concave working surface being mounted facing rearward. The pin
enclosures 38 keep the control arms 42, secure to the back of the
shovel blades 40 which face forward when in the extended or snow
capture position. The pin enclosures 38 are three sided enclosures
creating enclosed runners within which the blade end of the control
arm 42 and pressed roll pin 48 are housed. The fourth side is open,
and it is this side that is secured to the back of the shovel blade
40. The pin enclosures 38, cover the control arm slot 50 cut in the
shovel blade 40 as viewed from the top of the shovel blade 40, as
seen in FIG. 3B, or the surface opposite the snow surface. The pin
enclosures 38 are made of aluminum or stainless steel. The pin
enclosures 38 may be coated on the inside with Teflon or urethane
to allow the control arms 42 and pressed roll pins 48, to slide
properly in the pin enclosures 38. The control arm 42 is therefore
securely attached to the shovel blade 40, while allowing and
controlling a range of motion of the shovel blades 40, to include
being entirely retracted and lying against the outer shaft 14, to
being extended out to nearly ninety degrees.
[0059] The control arm 42 determines the direction and movement
limitations of the shovel blade 40. The control arm 42 determines
direction of shovel blade 40 movement by a combination of the push
or pull action the user is applying to the handle assembly 12 of
the snow shovel apparatus 10, the status of the handle lock pin 26,
and the slide pin 46 location in the slide pin slots 44. General
shovel blade 40 movements are limited and controlled by the control
arms 42. The control arm 42 limits shovel blade 40 movement by
limiting the arc that the shovel blade 40 can swing about its point
of rotation 34, which is the hinge assembly 34. The control arm 42
can be made of aluminum, stainless steel or carbon steel, depending
on the size of the snow shovel apparatus 10. Generally, larger
shovels will require stronger steels to ensure adequate strength
and durability. The secure attachment of the pin enclosure 38 to
the back side of the shovel blade 40 also acts to strengthen the
shovel blade 40 around the control arm slot 50.
[0060] To prevent snow and ice from entering the control arm slots
50 during use and clogging up the pin enclosures 38 and thereby
preventing the free movement of the shovel blades 40, in concert
with the telescoping of the handle assembly 12 and the movement of
the blade control arms 42 back and forth within the shovel blade
control arm slot 50, slot seals 52 are provided, as can be seen in
FIG. 4. The left shovel blade 40 in FIG. 4 depicts an external over
lapping slot seal 52, which can be bonded to the face of the shovel
blade 40 and is covering the control arm slot 50. The right shovel
blade 40 in FIG. 4 depicts an internal over lapping slot seal 52,
which can be bonded to the back side of the shovel blade 40 within
the pin enclosure 38 and covers the control arm slot 50. The slot
seal 52 can be made of rubber or any other appropriate cold weather
material, and is a double overlapping seal that surrounds the blade
control arm 42 as it moves back and forth in the control arm slot
50 to prevent the intrusion of foreign material into the pin
enclosures 38.
[0061] Each shovel blade 40 is attached to a hinge assembly 34 by a
nut and bolt assembly 36, which is attached on the opposite side of
the hinge to the shovel head hinge plate 56. The bolt and nut
assemblies 36 that are used to connect the hinge assemblies 34, to
the shovel blades 40 are made of steel or stainless steel. The
bolts have hex heads or Allen head cap screw sockets. The nuts have
a nylon insert in them to prevent the nuts from loosening. This
feature ensures the hinge 34/shovel blade 40 connection remains
rigid for the life of the snow-shovel apparatus 10. The hinge
assemblies 34 are attached in a horizontally opposed fashion to the
shovel head hinge plate 56 causing the shovel blades 40 to have the
same horizontally opposed arrangement. The shovel head hinge plate
56 can be made of steel or stainless steel. The hinge assemblies 34
are designed to not need any lubrication other than a small shot of
spray lubricant once a year to function properly. The shovel head
hinge plate 56 is attached to the end of the outer shaft 14 by a
hinge plate retaining bolt 32, and it is this attachment point to
the end of the outer shaft 14, and the shovel blade control arm 42
attachment to the slide pin 36, that creates the unique actuation
of the shovel head assembly 30 by telescoping the handle assembly
12. The hinge plate retaining bolt 32 can be made from steel or
stainless steel. It has outside threads that thread into an insert
or plug in the closed end of the outer shaft 14.
[0062] The outer shaft lock pin hole 22 near the end of the outer
shaft 14 is sized to properly accept the handle lock pin 26, as can
be seen in FIG. 1. The handle lock pin 26, works with the outer
shaft lock pin hole 22, the outer shaft 14, the inner shaft 16 and
the inner shaft lock pin hole 24 to lock the shovel head assembly
30 in the compressed position, by preventing movement of the inner
and outer shafts of the telescoping handle 12 in relation to each
other and therefore also locking the shovel blade control arms 42
in a closed position. The lock pin can be made of carbon steel or
stainless steel. This locking assembly also allows the shovel to be
locked with the shovel blades 40, in the open position of
approximately 35 degrees, as can be seen in FIG. 6, to allow the
shovel to function as a hook blade.
[0063] The handgrip bracket 18 connects the handgrip 20, to the
inner shaft 16. The handgrip bracket 18 can be attached to the
inner shaft 16 by epoxy, screws or rivets, depending on the
preferred method of construction. The handgrip bracket 18 can be
made of a cold weather plastic, such as high-density polyethylene,
or aluminum or steel depending on the size of the shovel. The
handgrip 20 is primarily what the user will hold when pulling snow
from underneath a vehicle. The handgrip 20 is a synthetic rubber
cover over the grip end of the handgrip bracket 18, and there may
also be a second handgrip mounted on the rearward end of the outer
shaft 14, which may be a soft foam type grip. The purpose of the
handgrip 20 is to help keep the user's hand warm by slowing the
rate at which heat is drawn out of the user's hand, and to provide
a more comfortable and secure grip on the handle for more efficient
and consistent application of force.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 5, a lengthwise overhead view is
provided of the shovel with the handle 12 in the full forward,
compressed position, the slide pin 46 is fully forward to the
shovel head 30 end of the slide pin slot 44 and with the blades 40
folded closed in the snow penetration position for entry into
packed snow. This is also the storage position, and the handle 12
can be locked in this position for storage by use of handle lock
pin 26 as can be seen in FIG. 1 and which is inserted through the
outer shaft lock pin hole 22 when it is aligned with inner shaft
lock pin hole 24, when the telescoping handle assembly 12 is
compressed into the storage position as shown in FIG. 5. This is
also the initial position of the shovel when put to use.
[0065] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the shovel head 30 presents a very
small cross sectional surface when the blades 40 are in the closed
or retracted position, allowing for maximum penetration of
compacted snow under a vehicle. Before use, the lock pin 26 must be
removed from the lock pin hole 22 to allow for actuation of the
shovel head 30 by telescoping the handle 12 after the shovel head
30 has been pushed into compacted snow. Telescoping of the handle
12 is a two handed operation on initial penetrations of compacted
snow as there is no room for the blades 40 to open freely until
some snow is removed. Actuation is accomplished by gripping the
outer shaft 14 with one hand and pulling back on the handgrip 20
attached to the inner shaft 16 with the other hand to force the
handle 12 to telescope until the blades 40 catch in the snow, after
which it becomes a one handed operation.
[0066] As can be seen in FIG. 6, when the inner shaft 16 is pulled
back toward the user and telescoped out from the outer shaft 14,
the slide pin 46 slides the length of the slide pin slot 44 to the
rearward end of the outer shaft's 14 slide pin slot 44,
mechanically forcing the control arms 42 to open the shovel blades
40 out to the initial snow capture position, with the control arm
42 and pressed roll pin 48 still at the shovel tip end of the
control arm slot 50. Since the pressed roll pin 48 is free to move
up the control arm slot 50 within the confines of the pin enclosure
38 to the inside end of the control arm slot 50, the shovel blades
40 are free to spread wider if caught by any snow, out to an angle
of approximately 65 degrees, maintaining an approximate 25 percent
rearward rake, so as to prevent too much of the snow load from
spilling off of the tips of the shovel blades 40 as the shovel is
being withdrawn with its load of snow from under a vehicle, which
position can be seen in FIG. 7, which is a lengthwise overhead view
of the shovel with the handle extended and with the blades having
been extended fully open by the resistance of hard packed snow.
FIG. 7 also depicts an optional second handgrip 20 on the rearward
end of the outer shaft 14 for more efficient use when two handed
operation is required.
[0067] FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are end views of the shovels depicted in
FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, looking from the handle or rearward end towards
the blade or forward end, the progression showing the deployment of
the shovel blades 40 when in use. FIG. 9 shows very little shovel
blade 40 exposed to the plane of force as is expected in the snow
penetration position. FIG. 10 shows substantial shovel blade 40
exposure to the plane of force for catching or hooking the blades
into compressed snow at the beginning of the withdrawal stroke.
FIG. 11 shows almost complete shovel blade 40 exposure to the plane
of force, after the blades have been pulled open by the resistance
of the compacted snow, for maximum capture of snow to be pulled
from under a vehicle.
[0068] Likewise, FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 depict the progression of the
retraction of the blades 40 after a load of snow has been retrieved
and the shovel 10 is being prepared for the next penetration or for
storage. With the shovel 10 in the configuration depicted in FIG.
7, the compression of the handle 12, causes the slid pin 46 to move
to the shovel head or forward end of the slid pin slots 44 in the
handle 12, which forces the control arms 42 to further extend the
shovel blades 40 out to an angle close to 90 degrees, as can be
seen in FIG. 12, while also causing the pressed roll pin 48 end of
the control arm 42 to begin traveling away from the inside end of
the control arm slot 50 in the shovel blade 40, at which point the
weight of the blades causes the pressed roll pin 48 to travel all
the way to the blade tip end of the control arm slot 50 as the
blades 40 fall to the retracted position next to the handle 12, as
can be seen in FIG. 14, with FIG. 13 depicting the blades 40 as
they are midway in falling from the position in FIG. 12 to the
position in FIG. 14.
[0069] FIG. 14 is a lengthwise overhead view of the shovel 10 with
the blades 40 folded closed next to the handle 12, back in the snow
penetration position, and ready for another shovel stroke, which
position is the same as in FIG. 5, and which is also the storage
position.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7 and 12-14, the preferred method
for removal of compacted snow from underneath a vehicle which is
hungup and stuck in the snow, includes: [0071] providing a
snow-shovel apparatus 10 for removal of snow from underneath a
vehicle; [0072] pushing the shovel 10 with blades 40 retracted
through compacted snow underneath the vehicle; [0073] stopping at a
desired starting position for a shovel stroke; [0074] telescoping
the handle 12 open and thereby forcing the blades 40 partially
open; [0075] exerting pulling forces longitudinally along the
handle 12 towards its rearward end thereby causing the blades 40 to
dig into the snow and expand to their fully open position; [0076]
continuing to pull on the handle 12 thereby drawing the blades 40
and captured snow towards the user; [0077] withdrawing a captured
load of snow from underneath the vehicle; [0078] compressing the
handle 12 thereby allowing the shovel blades 40 to retract back
down against the handle 12; [0079] repeating the previous steps
until enough snow has been removed that the vehicle is unstuck; and
[0080] storing the snow-shovel apparatus 10, in this compressed
configuration, in the vehicle for future use.
[0081] The method and embodiment of the present invention shown and
discussed are by way of illustration and not of limitation, and a
wide variety of equivalent methods and embodiments may be made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
* * * * *