Snow removal system

A snow removal system. The snow removal system includes a housing having an inlet disposed on a front side thereof, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with a first chamber. An auger is disposed transversely across the first chamber, wherein the auger is operably connected to a motor within the housing. The auger rotates about a longitudinal axis thereof to mash snow and transport the mashed snow into a second chamber when the motor is actuated. The second chamber includes a primary heating element therein, the heating element designed to heat snow within the second chamber to produce steam. An outlet is disposed through a sidewall of the second chamber, wherein the outlet can emit steam from the second chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to snow removal systems. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a snow removal system that collects and heats snow from a ground surface to emit steam.

Many individuals are forced to clear sidewalks, driveways, and other walkways after heavy snow accumulation to allow pedestrians and vehicles to traverse these areas. Without such snow removal, pedestrians may slip and fall on snow or ice, leading to severe injury. Similarly, vehicles may lose traction on heavily snow-covered roads, leading to significant vehicular accidents, potentially leading to injuries or significant damage to vehicles and property.

Typically, individuals rely on shovels, snow blowers, and snowplows to displace snow from the desired area. However, these methods still require the user to place the snow removed from the desired area in another location, which increases the length of time the snow remains on the ground. Additionally, displaced snow may fall back onto the cleared surfaces, requiring additional effort and time to displace again. Oftentimes, displaced snow can also wind up being placed onto a vehicle or other surface that must then be cleared, resulting in additional work to sufficiently clear an area of snow accumulation. Therefore, a device that can vaporize snow rather than displacing it is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of snow removal systems now present in the known art, the present invention provides a snow removal system wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when removing snow from a ground surface via evaporation thereof to prevent displacement of snow onto a surrounding surface.

The present system comprises a housing having an inlet disposed on a front side thereof, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with a first chamber. An auger is disposed transversely across the first chamber, wherein the auger is operably connected to a motor disposed within the housing. The auger is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof to mash snow and transport the mashed snow into a second chamber when the motor is actuated. The second chamber includes a primary heating element therein, the heating element configured to heat snow within the second chamber to produce steam. An outlet is disposed through a sidewall of the second chamber, wherein the outlet is configured to emit steam from the second chamber.

In some embodiments, the housing further comprises a frame affixed to a rear side of the housing, wherein the frame comprises a pair of handles on opposing lateral sides of the frame. A control panel extends between the opposing lateral sides, wherein the control panel includes an auger control thereon configured to adjust the rate of rotation of the auger. In another embodiment, a bracket is disposed on the rear side of the housing, the bracket configured to removably secure the housing to a vehicle. In this way, the snow removal system is contemplated to be used with an individual directing the housing via the frame, or a driver directing the housing via the vehicle.

In other embodiments, a pair of wheels are disposed on a lower end of the housing along a rear side thereof, wherein the pair of wheels are operably connected to a drive motor within the housing. In yet another embodiment, a pair of skids are disposed on the lower end of the housing along the front side. In this way, the housing is configured to traverse a snow-covered surface while ensuring a minimal elevation of the front side thereof to ensure maximal snow removal.

In some embodiments, the first chamber comprises an arcuate rear wall extending between a pair of lateral panels. In another embodiment, a secondary heating element extends across the first chamber. In other such embodiments, the secondary heating element is parallel to the auger. In this way, snow is partially melted upon entry within the first chamber, reducing the snow's resistance to mashing forces imparted by the auger.

In some embodiments, a temperature gauge is disposed on an upper side of the housing, wherein the temperature gauge is configured to display a current temperature within the second chamber. In another embodiment, the housing further comprises a third chamber having a tertiary heating element therein, the third chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber. In this way, the user is apprised of the current temperature within the second chamber, and a gradual heating of the snow throughout the housing can be achieved.

In another embodiment, the outlet comprises an arcuate upper wall, such that the outlet is configured to direct steam towards a lower side of the housing. In other embodiments, a rear vent is disposed on a rear side of the housing, wherein the rear vent is configured to direct emitted steam towards the control panel. In this way, the steam is directed away from the housing and towards a desired surface. Alternatively, the rear vent can be used to ensure that the user is heated by the steam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the snow removal system. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the snow removal system. The snow removal system11comprises a housing12having a front side14disposed opposite a rear side24. A pair of sidewalk21extend between the front side14and the rear side24, thereby defining a plurality of chambers within the housing12. The plurality of chambers includes a first chamber15defined at the front side14, wherein the first chamber15defines an inlet13. A second chamber18is in fluid communication with the first chamber15, such that material, such as snow, captured by the first chamber15through the inlet13is transported therethrough and into the second chamber18. In the shown embodiment, the housing12further comprises a third chamber32in fluid communication with the second chamber18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first, second, and third chambers15,18,32each comprise different and increasing volumes to account for phase changes induced in the snow collected by the first chamber15altering the volume of the snow.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first chamber15comprises a width greater than that of the remainder of the housing12, such that the inlet13defined thereby is maximized to allow the snow removal system11to collect snow therethrough. An auger16having a helically spiraling blade about a longitudinal axis thereof extends between opposing lateral panels28of the first chamber15, such that the auger16extends perpendicularly relative to the sidewalls21. In the shown embodiment, the first chamber15further comprises an arcuate rear wall27configured to encompass the auger16therein. The auger16is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof, thereby transporting snow collected through the inlet13towards the second chamber18. The auger16is operably connected to an auger motor (as shown inFIG. 2, 17), wherein the auger motor is configured to provide the driving force to the auger16to produce the desired rotation when the auger motor is actuated. Additionally, the helically spiraling blade of the auger16breaks up the collected snow as it rotates to allow for easier transport, as well as increasing the surface area of the snow to promote rapid heat transfer.

The housing12further comprises at least one outlet20thereon, wherein the illustrated embodiment, an outlet20is disposed on each of the opposing sidewalls21, as well as an additional rear outlet (as shown inFIG. 2, 42) disposed on the rear side24. The outlets20and the rear outlet24are each in fluid communication with the interior of the respective chambers that each outlet20is disposed on, such that steam within each chamber is exhausted by each outlet20. Additionally, in the shown embodiment, a temperature gauge30is disposed on an upper side31of the housing12, wherein the temperature gauge30is configured to display the temperature within the housing12at the location of the temperature gauge30. In some embodiments, a temperature gauge30is disposed on the upper surface31of each of the plurality of chambers. In this way, the user can readily determine the temperature of each chamber of the housing12.

In the shown embodiment, a pair of wheels22are disposed on a lower end23of the housing12, wherein the pair of wheels22are configured to drive the housing12in a desired direction. In some embodiments, a drive motor (as shown inFIG. 2, 25) is operably connected to the pair of wheels22, such that the drive motor provides rotational forces thereto, allowing the pair of wheels22to rotate to drive the housing12in a desired direction. In the shown embodiment, a pair of skids26are disposed on the lower end23of the front side14, wherein the pair of skids26are configured to slide across a surface when the pair of wheels22drive the housing12. In this way, a lower edge of the inlet13of the first chamber15is maintained at a lower height than the lower end23of the housing12, thereby allowing the inlet13to capture a maximal amount of snow on the ground surface. Additionally, the shown embodiment allows the snow removal device11to be utilized in periods of minimal snowfall, such that ground surfaces can be maintained in a clear state to prevent the development of ice thereon. In some embodiments, a second pair of wheels are disposed on the lower end23of the front side14, such that frictional resistances against the lower end23are reduced compared to the embodiment having the pair of skids26. This embodiment, however, also raises the front side14relative to the ground surface, reducing the among of snow captured by the inlet13.

Referring now toFIG. 2, there is shown a semi-transparent view of an embodiment of the snow removal system. In the shown embodiment, a plurality of heating elements are disposed within the housing, wherein a separate heating element is disposed within each of the first, second, and third chambers15,18,32. Each of the plurality of heating elements can comprise a variety of heating elements known in the art, however, for the purposes of brevity, the primary heating elements shown include shell and tube heat exchangers and resistive heating coils. In the illustrated embodiment, a primary heating element19is disposed within the second chamber18, wherein the primary heating element19is configured to heat the snow within the second chamber18to produce steam. The produced steam can then be vented through an outlet20disposed on the sidewall of the second chamber18. In the shown embodiment, a secondary heating element29extends across a length of the first chamber15parallel to the auger16. The secondary heating element29is configured to heat the snow collected within the first chamber15to allow the auger16to more readily break up incoming snow. In this way, particularly frozen snow, such as after a period of melting and refreezing, can be readily removed by the snow removal system. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, the secondary heating element29branches into a pair of secondary coils at opposing ends thereof, wherein the secondary coils are angled towards the auger16. In this embodiment, the pair of secondary coils are in closer proximity to the auger16than the secondary heating element29, thereby increasing efficiency of heat transfer therebetween. In some embodiments, a tertiary heating element33is disposed within the third chamber32. In this way, the snow collected within the housing can be gradually heated across a parallel multistage heating process through each of the plurality of chambers, such that the expansion of the heated snow into steam does not exceed the rate of exhaust through the outlet20, thereby preventing pressure buildup therein. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of heating elements can be independently heated to a separate desired temperature, such that the snow is gradually heated to prevent sudden rapid expansion from significant temperature variation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the auger motor17and the drive motor25are disposed within the housing and operably connected to the auger16and the pair of wheels as previously described. In some embodiments, each of the motors17,25are disposed within heat resistant compartments within the housing, such that the elevated temperatures within each of the first, second, and third chambers15,18,32do not negatively impact the operation of each of the motors17,25. In the shown embodiment, the motors17,25are disposed within the second chamber18, however, it is contemplated that each motor17,25can be placed anywhere within the housing, commensurate with manufacturing needs and limitations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outlets20are disposed on opposing side walls of the housing and each comprise an arcuate upper wall36. The arcuate upper wall36is configured to direct expelled steam downwards away from the housing and towards the ground surface being cleared. In this way, the steam is guided away from any objects, such as vehicles or the like, in the immediately surrounding area, thereby preventing any damage caused by contact therewith. Additionally, in the shown embodiment, the snow removal system further comprises a rear vent42facing in an opposite direction of the inlet. The rear vent42can comprise a cowling about a perimeter thereof, the cowling configured to guide exhausted steam in a desired direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the cowling is canted upwards relative to the lower end of the housing, such that the exhausted steam is directed in the general direction of the user. In this way, as the heated steam dissipates, the air in the vicinity of the user can be warmed slightly, thereby minimizing discomfort of the user in conditions of extreme cold.

Referring now toFIG. 3A, there is shown a rear view of the frame of an embodiment of the snow removal system. In the illustrated embodiment, the snow removal system further comprises a frame37affixed to the rear side24of the housing12. The frame37comprises a pair of opposing lateral sides39, each terminating in a handle38. In this way, a user can grasp the handles38to direct the snow removal system in a desired direction. In some embodiments, the pair of opposing lateral sides39are telescopically adjustable, such that the user can adjust the height of the frame37to better conform to the height of the user. In the shown embodiment, a starter handle46is disposed on the housing12and is operably connected to each of the auger and drive motors, such that the user can engage each of the motors via the starter handle46.

In the illustrated embodiment, a control panel40extends between the pair of opposing lateral sides39of the frame37. The control panel40includes a plurality of controls thereon, wherein each of the controls is configured to operate a component of the snow removal system. In the shown embodiment, the plurality of controls includes an auger control41, several temperature controls44, and an emergency stop button45. The auger control41is operably connected to the auger via the auger motor, such that when the auger control41is actuated, the auger is rotated by the auger motor. In the shown embodiment, the temperature controls44each correspond to a separate heating element, allowing the user to individually control the temperature of each heating element. In this way, the user is ensured precise heating control of the snow. Finally, the emergency stop button45is configured to immediately cease operation of the auger and drive motors. In this way, should the snow removal system encounter a dangerous obstacle or situation, the operation of the snow removal system can be immediately halted to prevent further damage or destruction of property. Alternate controls are also contemplated, but not shown, wherein the alternate controls include an auger rotation control configured to selectively adjust the rate of rotation of the auger to increase or decrease the rate at which snow is transferred to the second chamber, as well as separate activation controls for each individual heating element, such that the user can determine when additional heating elements are required to appropriately clear or melt collected snow. In this way, the user can minimize energy usage of the device, saving on fuel costs or charging time for gasoline and electric embodiments, respectively.

Additionally, a throttle43can be positioned on the control panel40, however, in the shown embodiment, the throttle43is pivotally affixed on the frame37adjacent to the handles38. In this embodiment, as the throttle43is lowered towards the handle38, power to the drive motor is increased, providing a driving force to the pair of wheels. In this way, the operation of the throttle43requires the user to be continually grasping the handles38, such that the throttle43operates as a dead man's switch, thereby maximizing safety and ensuring that the snow removal system is in constant control by the user.

Referring now toFIG. 3B, there is shown a perspective view of the bracket of an embodiment of the snow removal system secured to a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the snow oval system further comprises a bracket34affixed to the rear side24of the housing12. The bracket34is configured to removably secure the housing12to a vehicle35to allow the user to drive the snow removal system along a street to clear it of snow. In the shown embodiment, the bracket34comprises a curved member removably securable to a bumper of the vehicle35via at least one fastener, however alternate securement means are also contemplated. The curved nature of the bracket34allows the bracket34to conform to the shape of traditional bumpers, such that the bracket34rests flush against the bumper along an entire length thereof.