Abstract:
A plowtector system for extending a snow marker pole over a residential curb. The plowtector system reduces the chance of damage to a curb and/or snow plow when plowing is necessary. A snow marker pole placed within the plowtector system reaches over where the curb starts so that the snow plow operator has a clearer indication of how far to the side they can travel. Should the plowtector system be struck by a snow plow, the system can twist from side to side, reducing the amount of damage that may be caused by such action. The integral components of the plowtector system keep the snow marker in a level position, and bypass the possibility of the snow marker becoming lodged in snow or ice.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of snow marker posts and more specifically relates to a plowtector system. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    Many individuals use roadside markers to mark the position of the outskirts of the property during deep snow. These markers are placed to help avoid contact with the curb, and are meant to be highly visible. However, during intense storms, especially like those in the northern United States and Canada, these markers can be covered by the rapid snow fall. When this occurs, snow plows have no directional marker, and often impact with the marker as well as the property displaying the marker. During such an incident, not only is the marker destroyed, but the snow plow and property may be damaged in the collision. This is also a very costly accident to the property owner and the snow plow company. 
         [0004]    Snow markers are meant to be highly visible markers with reflective paint. This, however, does not help when the marker has been covered during intense snow fall. When roads are highly plowed after the snow storm, the pushed snow can sometimes cover the snow marker, causing a second or third plow to run over the marker, potentially causing an accident. Even well placed markers with highly visible paint can be missed and struck when placed too close to the property (i.e. curb, fence post, median, etc.). It is therefore desirable to provide an extension to add to the visibility of the snow marker by extending it outward while also permitting the marker to be struck but not destroyed in cases of accidental contact. 
         [0005]    Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0197902 to Arra David Yeghiayan et al.; U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0180729 to Jason Yang; U.S. Pub. No. 2013/0340670 to Keith Vogt; U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,953 to Brad Groves; U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,945 to Sidney A. Heenan; U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,614 to James L. Overacker; U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,300 to Fumonori Nakamura et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,279 to P. Hedgewick; U.S. Pat. No. 3,636,913 to Peter Glavey O′brien; U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,410 to Donald C. Suhr et al.; International Pat. and Pub. Nos. CA 2387664 to Denis Courtemanche; CA 2114578 to Emmanuel Deschenes et al; CA 2451332 to Murry R. Nielsen; CA 2353437 to Harry E. Lowe; CA 2884053 to Patrick John Martin et al.; WO 2015136542 to Shahar Bahiri et al.; and GB 2524358 to Brian M. McGeehin et al. This art is representative of snow marker posts. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0006]    Preferably, a plowtector system should provide a means to avoid damage to a snow plow and user&#39;s property by effectively marking and outlining of the property&#39;s curb in a highly visual manner and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable plowtector system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known snow marker post art, the present invention provides a novel plowtector system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an adaptor to increase visibility of a snow marker to avoid a snow plow collision with a property&#39;s curb. 
         [0008]    A plowtector system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a main vertical support comprising; a retaining cap, a first magnet, at least two post securing apertures, a lower protruding rim, a horizontal rotary arm comprising; an upper protruding rim, a second magnet, an extension arm, at least one adjustable span aperture, a spring end A, a receiving hand; a swivel ball comprising, a spring end B, a spring attachment bar-disk, at least two square marker tie apertures, and a pad. The plowtector assembly comprises phosphorescent paint, non-ferrous material, and extreme temperature resistant materials. The plowtector assembly comprises in functional combination the main vertical support, the horizontal rotary arm, and the receiving hand. 
         [0009]    The main vertical support may comprise a pair of the horizontal rotary arms for supporting dual snow markers. The main vertical support exterior shape comprises ribbed protrusions for adding structural strength, the retaining cap for protecting the main vertical support from accidental dislodgement of integral components, the first magnet when in proximity with the second magnet allowing the plowtector assembly to maintain original alignment, at least two post securing apertures useful for securing the main vertical support to a post, and the lower protruding rim to allow the horizontal rotary arm to act as a support for the upper protruding rim attached to the horizontal rotary arm. The cap comprises an aperture for inserting a pinlock to deter theft. 
         [0010]    The horizontal rotary arm comprises the upper protruding rim, structured and arranged for resting on the lower protruding rim, the second magnet when aligned with the first magnet, allows the horizontal rotary arm, if struck, to return to the initial position, and the extension arm is useful for extending the horizontal position outward. The extension arm comprises at least one adjustable span aperture used in conjunction with the extension arm to stabilize the extended horizontal position, and the spring end A is fixedly attached to the extension arm, which expands in length to twenty-five inches. The receiving hand comprises the swivel ball for allowing the receiving hand to pivot on the horizontal rotary arm; the swivel ball comprises the spring attachment bar-disk for attaching to the spring end B used to maintain tension, at least two square marker tie apertures, and the pad for keeping a marker in place. 
         [0011]    The receiving hand comprises a c-shape for cylindrical snow marker poles. The swivel ball outer surface comprises a rough surface for increased grip, and a smooth surface to assist in adjustment of the receiving hand. The receiving hand comprises at least two square marker tie apertures for securing snow markers, and the pad comprises deformable rubberized material for securing the snow marker pole in place. The main vertical support, the horizontal rotary arm, and the receiving hand which increases visibility of the snow marker pole in order to avoid damage and accidents from snow plows while plowing. 
         [0012]    A kit is also described herein including: the main vertical support, the horizontal rotary arm, the receiving hand, the retaining cap; and a set of user instructions. 
         [0013]    A method of using the plowtector system is also disclosed herein comprising the steps of: assembling a kit of a plowtector system, installing a main vertical support to a pole, adjusting a horizontal rotary arm, measuring for placement of a snow marker pole, lengthening an extension arm to a desired length; and installing said snow marker pole to a receiving hand. The method may further comprise the steps of: disassembling a plowtector system; and storing the plowtector system as desired. 
         [0014]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a plowtector system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, plowtector system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a plowtector system during an ‘in-use’ condition showing an installed plowtector assembly, with a user adjusting the main vertical support on a snow marker post after consulting the user instructions according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view illustrating the plowtector system comprising an installed snow marker into the plowtector assembly alerting the snow plow driver to the location of the curb according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view illustrating the plowtector system showing the installed snow marker attached to the plowtector assembly immediately before impact with a snow plow according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the plowtector system showing the installed snow marker attached to the plowtector assembly swinging away from the snow plow after being struck, but before resetting to the original position according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a cut-out perspective view illustrating the plowtector system showing the inner structure of the plowtector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the plowtector system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5 . 
       
    
    
       [0022]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a snow marker post and more particularly to a plowtector system as used to improve the adaptor to increase visibility of a snow marker to avoid a snow plow collision with a property&#39;s curb this will prevent damage to a snow plow, user&#39;s property, and curb-lined vehicles during heavy snow fall. 
         [0024]    Generally speaking, the plowtector system allows snow markers to extend past the driveway curb of a residence for directing snow plows a safer distance away from the property. This serves to avoid property damage or breakage of the post on impact. The plowtector system is designed to be used with a mounting post thus permitting height adjustment to avoid becoming stuck in snow or ice. Magnets installed within the main vertical support and the horizontal rotary arm maintain the arm in position; however, allow rotation of the horizontal rotary arm in the event the snow plow comes in contact with the plowtector, preventing damage to the plowtector, posts, or snow plow vehicles. A spring located within the extension arm maintains placement of the swivel ball and receiving hand which assists in sustaining a level position of the snow marker, and further limits damage. 
         [0025]    Snow markers are a necessity in areas where heavy snowfall removal involves the use of snow plows. Usually, a snow marker is placed with a post to help snow plow operators navigate around curbs and driveways for the prevention of damage to the curb or snow plow in the event of contact between the snow plow and the curb. The plowtector system decreases the likelihood of such contact by moving a snow marker pole over the curb without moving the post where snow marker poles are generally attached. Furthermore, the plowtector system has the ability to rotate back and forth which allows flexion of the hand at the swivel ball, and the horizontal rotary arm at the main vertical support if the circumstance arises of being struck so that the plowtector system, snow marker pole, and snow plow do not withstand significant damage. 
         [0026]    Snow markers painted in phosphorescent colors are not enough to protect property during extreme weather. The plowtector system may be painted in an accenting phosphorescent color to add greater visibility by combining colors for increased visual awareness. Since the base may be hidden in snow, the extension arm protrudes out of the snow bank attached to the snow marker, therefore avoiding being completely covered by passing snow plows and falling snow. 
         [0027]    The construction of the plowtector system is designed with stability in mind. A snow plow, when striking the plowtector system, the horizontal rotary arm will then swing away from the snow plow after contact. The swivel ball connected to the extension arm and the receiving hand which has flexion ability will flex when struck; however, will return to its original position by way of the spring housed within the extension arm attached to the swivel ball. Finally, the horizontal rotary arm will swing back into position, lining up because of the magnets that hold it in place. This system of magnets and spring are capable of being struck multiple times while still returning to the initial position after being struck. 
         [0028]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , plowtector system  100  comprising: plowtector assembly  110  comprising main vertical support  115 , retaining cap  117 , first magnet  119 , at least two post securing apertures  121 , lower protruding rim  123 , horizontal rotary arm  125  comprising, upper protruding rim  127 , second magnet  129 , extension arm  131 , at least one adjustable span aperture  133 , spring end A  135 , receiving hand  137  comprising, swivel ball  139  comprising, spring end B  141 , spring attachment bar-disk  143 , at least two square marker tie apertures  145 , and pad  147 . Plowtector assembly  110  comprises in functional combination main vertical support  115 , horizontal rotary arm  125 , and receiving hand  137 . 
         [0029]    Main vertical support  115  comprises retaining cap  117  for protecting main vertical support  115  from accidental dislodgement of integral components; first magnet  119  when in proximity with second magnet  129  allows plowtector assembly  110  to maintain original alignment, at least two post securing apertures  121  useful for securing main vertical support  115  to post  153 , and lower protruding rim  123  to allow horizontal rotary arm  125  to act as a support for upper protruding rim  127  attached to horizontal rotary arm  125 . 
         [0030]    Horizontal rotary arm  125  comprises upper protruding rim  127  structured and arranged for resting on lower protruding rim  123 ; second magnet  129  when aligned with first magnet  119  allows horizontal rotary arm  125 , if struck to return to initial position; extension arm  131  useful for extending horizontal position outward. Extension arm  131  comprises at least one adjustable span aperture  133  used in conjunction with extension arm  131  to stabilize the extended horizontal position, and spring end A  135  fixedly attached to extension arm  131 . Receiving hand  137  comprises swivel ball  139  for allowing receiving hand  137  to pivot on horizontal rotary arm  125 ; swivel ball  139  comprising spring attachment bar-disk  143  for attaching to spring end B  141  for maintaining tension, at least two square marker tie apertures  145 , and pad  147  for keeping a marker in place. Main vertical support  115 , horizontal rotary arm  125 , and receiving hand  137  increase visibility of snow marker pole  155  to avoid damage and accidents from snow plows  157  while plowing. 
         [0031]    Pad  147  comprises rubberized material that is deformable when impacted. Plowtector assembly  110  comprises non-ferrous material such that it is corrosion resistant. Plowtector assembly  110  comprises durable plastic materials such that it is corrosion resistant. Main vertical support  115  comprises a pair of horizontal rotary arms  125 . Main vertical support  115  exterior shape comprises ribbed protrusions  159  for structural strength. Plowtector assembly  110  comprises phosphorescent paint such that it is visible after dark. Extension arm  131  expands in length to twenty-five inches. Retaining cap  117  comprises aperture  161  for inserting a pinlock therethrough to deter theft. Swivel ball  139  outer surface comprises a rough surface for increased grip, and an inner surface which comprises a smooth surface to assist in adjustment of receiving hand  137 . Receiving hand  137  comprises c-shape  163  for cylindrical snow marker poles  155 . Plowtector assembly  110  comprises extreme temperature resistant materials to promote longevity in use. 
         [0032]    Plowtector system  100  may be sold as kit  440  comprising the following parts: at least one main vertical support  115  at least one horizontal rotary arm  125 ; at least one receiving hand  137 ; at least one retaining cap  117 ; at least one snow marker pole  155 , and at least one set of user instructions  165 . The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Plowtector system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 6  showing flowchart  650  illustrating method of use 600 for Plowtector system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5 . As shown, method of use 600 may comprise the steps of: step one 601, assembling a kit of plowtector system; step two 602, installing main vertical support to a pole; step three 603, adjusting horizontal rotary arm; step four 604, measuring for placement of a snow marker pole; step five 605, lengthening extension arm to a desired length; step six 606, installing the snow marker pole to receiving hand; step seven 607, disassembling plowtector system; and step eight 608, storing plowtector system as desired. 
         [0034]    It should be noted that step  607  and  608  are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use AO are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 6  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use AO. 
         [0035]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0036]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.