Snow removal device and kit

A snow removal device and kit that include a first sheet, a second sheet, and at least one strap. The top and bottom edges of the first sheet are joined to the top and bottom edges of the second sheet and the second sheet is also joined to the first sheet such that unjoined portions of the first sheet and the second sheet form an arm pocket and a weight pocket. The arm pocket is formed proximate to the joined top edges of the first sheet and the second sheet and is dimensioned to accommodate an arm of a user. The weight pocket is dimensioned to accommodate at least one weight and includes at least three closed edges. The strap is attached proximate to the joined top and bottom edges of one side edge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of snow removal and, in particular, to devices for removing snow from vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snow falls in a large portion of the United States during the winter months of each year. When this snow falls for a prolonged period of time, it accumulates on vehicles and must be removed before the vehicle may be moved. In fact, it some states now require snow to be cleared from tops of vehicles in order to prevent sheets of snow or ice from blowing off and causing accidents and/or damage to other vehicles.

A large number of devices have been developed for removing snow and ice from an automobile. One of the most common snow removal devices is an ice scraper having a protruding blade. Such prior art devices are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,711 to Markus, entitled “Ice/Snow Scraping System”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,320 to Batt entitled “Scraper With Mitt”. Each of these scrapers contains a plastic blade that is designed to remove snow and ice from the glass window surfaces of an automobile. Unfortunately, the exterior of an automobile also includes a number of surfaces, such as painted metal, plated metal and plastic, which are very susceptible to scratching and conventional scrapers cannot be used to remove snow and ice from the other surfaces of the automobile because hard plastic blades can damage those scratch susceptible surfaces.

The need to remove snow from scratch susceptible surfaces of a vehicle is problematic, as snow must be removed from the vehicle in a manner that does not damage these surfaces. One solution is to simply use a scraper to remove snow from the windows of the vehicle. However, if the snow is not removed from the hood of the automobile, the snow may blow against the windshield when the automobile is driven, thereby blinding the driver. Similarly, if the snow is not removed from the roof of an automobile, then the snow can fall off of the roof covering the rear window of the automobile. In certain situations, snow and ice that have not been removed from an automobile may fly off of the automobile while the automobile is being driven, thereby creating a danger to other automobiles on the road. Accordingly, leaving this snow on the vehicle is not a viable option.

One common solution used by people remove snow from the surfaces of their automobile is to use a floor broom to push or pull the snow from the hood and roof of the vehicle. However, the bristles of a floor broom are hard and the broom can easily scratch many surfaces of the automobile if it is not used carefully. Another common technique used to remove snow from the top of an automobile is to pass a person's arm over the snow covered surfaces of the automobile. Besides the scratching hazard from zippers, buttons and the like, such a prior art technique is not preferred because the clothes and hand of the driver tend to become wet and cold.

A number of specialized devices have been developed to assist a driver in removing snow from all surfaces of an automobile without damaging the surface finish on the automobile and without requiring the driver to get wet. Such prior art devices are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,856,621, entitled “Scraper and squeegee device for clearing windows of snow and ice”. This patent discloses a long stick having a conventional hard blade scraper at one end and a broom with soft bristles at the opposite end. The scraper end of the stick is used to remove snow from glass windows while the broom end is used to remove snow from the other scratch susceptible surfaces.

This device allows the user to remove light snow from the vehicle without damaging the scratch susceptible surfaces thereof. However, a problem associated with snow removal devices like that of this patent is that the broom bristles are made very soft and the broom end of the device does not displace much snow as it is wiped across the surface of the automobile. As a result, it takes a very long time to remove snow from an automobile with such a device. Furthermore, if the snow is wet or is packed, then the bristles are incapable of displacing the snow, thereby making such a device ineffective and the user must then resort to using his/her hand to remove the snow.

Another device for removing snow from a vehicle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,857, entitled “Device for removing snow and ice from the glass and painted surfaces of an automobile”. This patent discloses a snow removal device that includes a mitt element that receives a person's hand and a portion of the arm to a point in between the elbow and the shoulder. The mitt element is affixed to the rear surface of a plow structure and the combination of the mitt element and the plow structure combine to retain a person's arm in a manner that prevents the arm from bending at the elbow. The plow structure has a substantially planar front surface that displaces snow as it moves across the top surfaces of an automobile and the bottom of the plow structure is configured so that is can conform to the changing contours of the automobile without scratching the finished surface thereof.

The device disclosed in this patent is effective at removing snow from the hood or trunk portion of a vehicle. However, it is not readily adapted to removing snow from the roof portions of larger vehicles, such as trucks and sport utility vehicles that are popular today. Further, the user must lean up against the vehicle in order to pull the snow off of the hood and trunk, causing the user's body to become covered with snow. Finally, this device is only adapted to removing snow from a portion of hood or trunk of the vehicle and is not adapted to removing snow from the entire hood or trunk in a single pass. In the case of an individual cleaning one or two cars, it may be acceptable to spend this time to move from one side of the vehicle to the other. However, in the case of vehicle dealerships, vehicle rental facilities, valet parking facilities, and the like, this drawback tends to double the time required to remove snow from the vehicles.

Therefore, there is a need for a device for removing snow from a vehicle that will not damage scratch susceptible surfaces of the vehicle, does not result in the clothes and hand of the user becoming wet and cold, is capable of quickly removing heavy wet snow, is capable of easily removing snow from the roof surfaces of large vehicles, such as trucks and sport utility vehicles, and that may be adapted to remove snow from an entire vehicle in a single pass.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a snow removal device and kit that overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art. In its most basic form, the snow removal device includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and at least one strap. The first sheet has a front surface and a back surface defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The second sheet has a front surface and a back surface defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The top edge, bottom edge, first side edge and second side edge of the first sheet are aligned with the top edge, bottom edge, first side edge and second side edge of the second sheet, the top edge of the first sheet is joined to the top edge of the second sheet, the bottom edge of the first sheet is joined to the bottom edge of the second sheet, and the second sheet is also joined to the first sheet such that unjoined portions of the first sheet and the second sheet form an arm pocket and a weight pocket. The arm pocket is formed proximate to the joined top edges of the first sheet and the second sheet and is dimensioned to accommodate an arm of a user. The weight pocket is dimensioned to accommodate at least one weight and includes at least three closed edges. The strap includes a first end and a second end and the first end of the strap is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined top edges and the first side edge, and the second end of the strap is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined bottom edges and the first side edge.

The preferred snow removal device also includes at least one weight disposed within the weight pocket. The weight preferably includes a weight band having three weight compartments and at least one pound of a weighting material in each of the three weight compartments. In some embodiments, the weight band has a substantially triangular cross sectional shape and a narrow edge of the weight band is disposed proximate to the joined bottom edges of the first sheet and the second sheet. In other embodiments, the weight is a sealed bladder filled with a liquid material.

The preferred embodiment of the snow removal device includes at least two straps, each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first strap is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined top edges and the first side edge, and the second end of the first strap is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined bottom edges and the first side edge. The first end of the second strap is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined top edges and the second side edge, and the second end of the second strap is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined bottom edges and the second side edge.

The preferred snow removal device also includes at least four attachment members. In this embodiment, one attachment member is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined top edges and the first side edge, one is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined top edges and the second side edge, one is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined bottom edges and the first side edge, and one is attached to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the joined bottom edges and the second side edge. In these embodiments, at least one of the first end and the second end of the first strap is removably attached to one of the at least four attachment members, and at least one of the first end and the second end of the second strap is removably attached to one of the at least four attachment members.

In the preferred embodiment of snow removal device, the first sheet and the second sheet are manufactured of a water resistant fabric that will not scratch painted surfaces of the vehicle. This material is preferably a vinyl impregnated polyester yarn includes a plurality of openings therethrough. The preferred device also includes a plurality of reinforcing bands. In such embodiments, one reinforcing band is preferably joined to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the top edges, one reinforcing band is preferably joined to the first sheet and the second sheet proximate to the bottom edges, and one reinforcing band is preferably joined to the first sheet and the second sheet between the arm pocket and the weight pocket.

If a single person is using the device, the person will preferably insert one arm into the arm pocket, grab one of the straps with the other arm and move the device across the vehicle. The weight in the weight pocket forces the devices against the vehicle and effectively clears the snow therefrom. The user will then reposition the device on the other side of the vehicle and repeat the process. However, if the user does not wish to use the arm pocket, or if the surface to be cleared is too high for the user to reach, the user may position the device on the surface and use the straps to pull the device across the vehicle. When two people are available to remove snow, each user will stand on an opposite side of the vehicle and grasp one of the straps. The users will then walk along the length of the vehicle, pulling the device over the vehicle and removing the snow from one side thereof. They will then position the device on the other side of the vehicle and repeat the process.

A preferred embodiment of the snow removal kit includes a first snow removal device and a second snow removal device, a first strap, a second strap and joining means for removably joining the attachment members attached proximate to the second edge of the first snow removal device to the attachment members attached proximate to the first edge of the second snow removal device. In such embodiments, the kit may be assembled by joining the attachment members attached proximate to the second edge of the first snow removal device to the attachment members attached proximate to the first edge of the second snow removal device using the joining means, attaching the first clip member of the first strap to the attachment member attached proximate to the top edge and the first edge of the first snow removal device, attaching the second clip member of the first strap to the attachment member attached proximate to the bottom edge and the first edge of the first snow removal device, attaching the first clip member of the second strap to the attachment member attached proximate to the top edge and the second edge of the second snow removal device, and attaching the second clip member of the second strap to the attachment member attached proximate to the bottom edge and the second edge of the second snow removal device.

In some embodiments of the kit, the joining means is integrated into at least one of the first snow removal device and the second snow removal device includes a first hook and loop fastener and a second hook and loop fastener. In such embodiments, the first hook and look fastener includes a first portion that is attached to the joined top edge of the first sheet and the second sheet of one snow removal device proximate to one of the at least four attachment members and extends beyond the first side edge, and a second portion that is attached to the joined top edge of the first sheet and the second sheet between the ring and the second side edge. The second hook and look fastener includes a first portion that is attached to the joined bottom edge of the first sheet and the second sheet of one snow removal device proximate to one of the at least four attachment members and extends beyond the first side edge, and a second portion that is attached to the joined bottom edge of the first sheet and the second sheet between the ring and the second side edge. The first portion of the first hook and loop fastener is of a length sufficient to allow the first portion of the first hook and loop fastener to pass through the attachment means attached proximate to the joined top edge of the other snow removal device and to mate with the second portion of the first hook and look fastener. Finally, the first portion of the second hook and loop fastener is of a length sufficient to allow the first portion of the second hook and loop fastener to pass through the attachment means attached proximate to the joined bottom edge and to mate with the second portion of the second hook and look fastener

In other embodiments of the kit, the joining means includes a first carabiner and a second carabiner.

Some embodiments of the snow removal kit also include at least one extension strap. The preferred extension strap has a first end and a second end is dimensioned to pass through the first strap and the second strap and includes attachment means for attaching extension strap to at least one the first strap and the second strap.

The preferred snow removal kit also includes a carrying pouch, the carrying pouch is manufactured of a water resistant material and is dimensioned to accommodate the first snow removal device, the second snow removal device, the first strap, the second strap and the joining means.

Another preferred group of embodiments of the snow removal kit includes a snow removal device, a first strap, a second strap, and a weight band dimensioned for disposal within the weight pocket of the snow removal device. It is preferred that such embodiments include at least one extension strap having a first end and a second end. The extension strap is preferrably dimensioned to pass through the first strap and the second strap and comprises attachment means for attaching the extension strap to at least one of the first strap and the second strap. Finally, it is preferred that these embodiments of the kit include joining means for joining the snow removal device to another snow removal device.

In embodiments of the device that are manufactured to allow two or more devices to be joined together in order to allow a full vehicle to be cleared in one pass, two devices will be joined together and the each user will stand on an opposite side of the vehicle and grasp one of the straps. The users will then walk along the length of the vehicle, pulling the device over the vehicle and removing the snow thereof. In others embodiments, the device is of a width sufficient to cover the entire vehicle.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a device for removing snow from a vehicle that will not damage scratch susceptible surfaces of the vehicle.

It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a device for removing snow from a vehicle that does not result in the clothes and hand of the user becoming wet and cold.

It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a device for removing snow from a vehicle that is capable of quickly removing heavy snow, is capable of easily removing snow from the roof surfaces of large vehicles, such as trucks and sport utility vehicles.

It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a device for removing snow from a vehicle that and that may be adapted to remove snow from an entire vehicle in a single pass.

It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a device for removing snow from a vehicle that allows two people to work in tandem.

It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a device for removing snow from a vehicle that is manufactured in modular units to accommodate single users, multiple users and different sized vehicles.

It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a device for removing snow from a vehicle that does not utilize gasoline or other pollutants and is an environmentally responsible, reusable item.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first toFIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the snow removal device10of the present invention is shown. The snow removal device includes a first sheet12and a second14that are substantially the same size and shape and each include a front surface16and a back surface18defined by a top edge20, a bottom edge22, a first side edge24and a second side edge26. The sheets12,14are preferably manufactured of the same material. In the preferred embodiment, the sheets12,14are manufactured of a water resistant fabric that will not scratch painted surfaces of said vehicle. This fabric is preferably manufactured of a vinyl impregnated polyester yarn comprising a plurality of openings therethrough, such as the material sold under the trademark ENDURO by Hendee Enterprises of Houston, Tex. This material is preferred due to its water resistance, strength and fast drying properties. However, other materials, such as nylon, sailcloth, or the like, may be substituted to achieve similar results.

The first sheet12and second sheet14and are preferably of substantially the same size are aligned such that top edge20, bottom edge22, first side edge24and second side edge26of each sheet12,14are aligned with the corresponding edge of the other sheet12,14. The top edges20and bottom edges22of each sheet12,14are joined together and a central portion15of each sheet12,14are joined together such that the unjoined portions of the first sheet12and second sheet14form an arm pocket32and a weight pocket34.

It is preferred that a reinforcing member43be attached to the device10to impart additional strength to it. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the reinforcing member43is a two-inch wide strip of nylon webbing stitched to the front surface16of the first sheet12about its perimeter and across the central portion. However, in the preferred embodiment, the reinforcing member43is disposed between the first sheet12and second sheet12along the areas that are to be joined together and is attached to the first and second sheets12,14when they are joined together. Snow removal devices10manufactured in this manner are illustrated inFIG. 5.

In the preferred embodiment, the device10has a width dimension of thirty three inches, measured from the first side edge24to the second side edge24, and a height dimension of twenty three and one half inches measured from the top edge20to the bottom edge22. This width dimension is preferred as the dimension approximates the length of an average person's arm, while the length dimension is preferred as this approximates the width of an average human arm plus the width of the preferred weight. However, other embodiments may be manufactured to different dimensions to achieve similar results. For example, double sized units having a width dimension of ninety-six inches and a height dimension of thirty two inches may be utilized for commercial applications, such as clearing automobile sales lots, car rental lots, valet parking areas, or the like. Similarly, the modularity of the units allows smaller units to be manufactured and joined together and, in some embodiments, the device10will have a width dimension of thirty three inches and a height dimension of twenty inches.

The arm pocket32is formed proximate to the joined top edges20and is dimensioned to accommodate an arm of a user. In the preferred embodiment, the arm pocket34has a height of approximately eleven and one half inches. The first side edge24and the second side edge26of the arm pocket32are preferably open, with the first sheet12and second sheet14remaining unjoined along the width defining the arm pocket32. This is preferred as it allows the arm pocket to be accessed from either the first side edge24or the second side edge26. However, in other embodiments, the first side edge24and second side edge26each include a closure (not shown), such as a hook and loop fastener, which allows the edge to be removably sealed. In still others, one or the other of the first side edge24and second side edge26are permanently sealed, by stitching or other means. In such embodiments, the user will position the first sheet12against the vehicle to remove snow from one side and position the second sheet14against the vehicle to remove snow from the other side.

The weight pocket34is dimensioned to accommodate at least one weight, such as the weight bands50,60shown inFIGS. 3 and 4respectively, and includes at least three closed edges36,38,40. In the preferred embodiment, the arm pocket34has a height of approximately six inches. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, one edge42is left open to allow the weight to be inserted. In this embodiment, the open edge42includes a closure44, preferably a hook and loop fastener, which allows the open end42to be removably sealed once the weight is inserted therein. In the preferred embodiment, the weight or weights will not be sold as part of the snow removal device10. This is preferred as weighting material, such as sand, is readily available and the inclusion of weights will add to the costs of shipping the device10and will limit the manner in which the device10may be displayed. In the preferred embodiment, a separate weight band is provided and is adapted to be filled and sealed before being inserted into the weight pocket. However, in other embodiments the weight pocket34is configured to produce a water-tight seal once the weighting material is inserted therein and, therefore, is adapted to be filled with a weighting material, such as sand. However, in still other embodiments, the weighting material is disposed within the weight pocket34, sealed therein at the factory, and is sold as part of the device10.

The snow removal device10includes at least one, and preferably two, straps28,30. These straps28,30are preferably manufactured of a nylon fabric webbing and each have a first end31and a second end33. The preferred straps28,30have a length of approximately forty-eight inches and a width of approximately two inches. This length is preferred as longer straps tend to interfere with the snow removal process when the user utilizes the arm pocket32to assist in the removal, while shorter straps are not as effective when a single user wishes to use the device10to remove snow from the roof of a larger vehicle. Similarly, this width is preferred due to its ready availability, strength and the good gripping power that it provides. However, it is recognized that straps having different dimensions may be substituted in alternative embodiments.

In some embodiments the straps28,30are permanently attached to the device10, such as by sewing. However, in the preferred embodiment, the straps28,30each include a first clip member35and a second clip member37that are dimensioned to removably attach the straps28,30to attachment members41that are fixedly attached to the device10proximate to each corner. The clip members35,37are preferably durable plastic clips such as are commonly used in connection with luggage straps, or are carabiner type clips, such as those used by climbers. Regardless of what form the clip members35,37take, they must be sufficiently durable to withstand the weight of heavy snow being pulled by the device10and must be dimensioned to attach to the attachment members41.

The attachment members41are preferably the plastic “D” shaped rings shown inFIGS. 1 and 5. However, other embodiments utilized different attachments members41. For example, as shown inFIGS. 6A-6C, the attachment member may take the form of a loop of material70, such as nylon webbing, that is sewn or otherwise joined to the first and second sheets12,14. In other embodiments, the attachment member41is a reinforced opening (not shown) through the first and second sheets12,14that is dimensioned to allow an end31,33of the strap28,30to pass therethrough. In such embodiments, the ends31,33of the straps28, include clip members35,37that are adapted to attach to the strap28,30itself the end31,33is passed through the reinforced opening. Although these attachment members41have been discussed herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize other attachment members41that will achieve the desired result and, accordingly, the attachment members41should not be limited to those exemplary members described herein.

Regardless of the form that they take, the attachment members41are preferably permanently attached to the first sheet12and the second sheet14proximate to each corner. It is preferred that the attachment members41shown inFIGS. 1 and 5be located such that they do not extend beyond the perimeter of the sheets12,14. This location is preferred as it reduces the risk that the plastic material of the preferred attachment members41will scratch the vehicle. However, in other embodiments, such as those utilizing attachment members41manufactured of fabric or other scratch resistant materials, the attachment members41may extend beyond the perimeter of the sheets12,14.

In the preferred embodiment, the first strap28is attached to the first sheet12and second sheet14such that the first end31is attached to the attachment member41located proximate to the top edge20and said first side edge24and the second end33is attached to the attachment member41located proximate to the bottom edge22and said first side edge24. Similarly, the second strap28is attached to the first sheet12and second sheet14such that the first end31is attached to the attachment member41located proximate to the top edge20and said second side edge26and the second end33is attached to the attachment member41located proximate to the bottom edge22and said second side edge26. In this manner, each strap28,30is attached along one side edge24,26and may be pulled therefrom by a user.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, it is preferred that the device10include a weight band50that is inserted within the weight pocket34. The preferred weight band50includes three pockets52that are joined together along seams54. The use of three separate pockets52is preferred as this provides the band50with enhanced flexibility and makes the band50easier to store. Each pocket52has an opening that is covered by a top flap56that may be pulled back to allow the pocket52to be filled with a weighting material55. The preferred weighting material55is sand as it is cheap, readily available, and allows the weight band50to more readily conform to irregular surfaces. However, other weighting materials may be utilized to achieve similar results. For example, some embodiments utilize round metal balls, such a BB's, as their weighting material55. Other embodiments utilized refillable water packs, which may be filled, frozen and utilized as the weighting material55.

The top flap56of each pocket52preferably includes a means of sealing the flap to the pocket52once it is filled. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, this takes the form of the hook and loop fastener57shown in hidden lines below the each flap56. However, other embodiments utilize other art recognized sealing means, such a zippers, snaps or the like. In still others, such as those in which sealed weighting material55is inserted therein, no means is provided for sealing the flap56.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow an alternative embodiment of the weight band60. In this embodiment, the weight band is filled with the weighting material (not shown) at the factory and is sealed before shipment. This eliminates the need for the flaps56of the embodiment ofFIGS. 3A and 3B. The embodiment ofFIG. 4has a single seam54that forms two compartments62in which the weighting material is disposed. Although the bands50,60ofFIGS. 3 and 4include multiple pockets and compartment, it is recognized that other embodiments utilize weight bands50,60having a single long pocket52or compartment62and, therefore, the weight bands50,60should not be seen as being so limited. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, the weight band60has a cross section that forms a right triangle having a top surface64, bottom surface66and back surface68. Such a cross section is preferred as it places the majority of the weight at the trailing edge and this, coupled with the ramp-like top surface64, prevents the weight band60from riding up and over heavy snow.

Regardless of whether a weight band50,60or other type of weight is disposed within the weight pocket34, it is preferred that the overall weight disposed therein be at least three pounds. This is preferred because testing of the device10has shown that those in which weights of less than three pounds were used do not perform as well those in which at least three pounds are used. It was also found that the weights were most useful in storms in which a combination of precipitations caused a heavier more sticky snow. Where non-weighted versions of the device10would ride up over the piles of heavy snow, the weights allowed the device to stay in contact with the surface of the vehicle and allow all snow to be removed in a single pass. Therefore, the use of such weights is preferred.

Referring now toFIG. 5, one embodiment of the kit100of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a first snow removal device110and a second snow removal device112are joined together. The snow removal devices110,112are substantially identical to those described above, except that at least one of the straps28,30is removable to allow it to be attached to a device110,112when a single device110,112is to be utilized, and to be removed and attached to the other device110,112when the two devices110,112are joined together. The kit110also includes a means for joining the attachment members41along the second end26of the first device110to the attachment members41along the first end24of the second device112. In the preferred embodiment, this joining means is a pair of carabiners47that are dimensioned to extend between the attachment members41and hold them together. The use of carabiners47is preferred due to their ease of use in changing when modular use is needed for extra space. However, it is recognized that other joining means may also be utilized.

An alternative joining means is shown inFIGS. 6A-6C. In this embodiment, the attachment member41is a loop of material70, such as nylon webbing, that is sewn or otherwise joined to the first and second sheets12,14and the joining means is hook and loop fastener made up of a first portion72and a second portion74. The first portion is attached to the edge of said first sheet12and said second sheet12of proximate the attachment member41and extends beyond the edge. The second portion74is attached to disposed upon the first sheet12and attached to the first sheet12and second sheet. The first portion74is of a length sufficient to allow it to pass through the attachment means41of an adjacent snow removal device (not shown) passed through the attachment member41and attached to the second portion74. AlthoughFIGS. 6A-6Cshow only one corner of a snow removal device110,112, it is recognized that each corner of each device may be similarly equipped to allow multiple devices110,112to be attached together.

In embodiments of the kit100utilizing a first snow removal device110and a second snow removal device112, the kit110is assembled by joining the attachment members41attached proximate to the second edge26of the first snow removal device110to the attachment members41attached proximate to the first edge24of the second snow removal device112. The first clip member35of the first strap28is attached to the attachment member41attached proximate to the top edge20and the first edge24of the first snow removal device110and the second clip member37of the first strap28is attached to the attachment member41attached proximate to the bottom edge22and the first edge24of the first snow removal device112. The first clip member35of the second strap30is attached to the attachment member41attached proximate to the top edge22and second edge26of the second snow removal device112, and the second clip member37of the second strap30is attached to the attachment member41attached proximate to the bottom edge22and the second edge26of the second snow removal device112.

As shown inFIG. 7, when so assembled, the kit100takes the form of a snow removal device having a width that is twice the width of a single device110,112. This is useful when two people300,302are to clear snow from a vehicle400, as one person300may stand on one side the vehicle400and grasp the first strap20, the other person302can stand on the other side of the vehicle and grasp the second strap30and both may walk along the length of the vehicle400pulling the straps22,30such that the entire vehicle is cleared in a single pass.

Referring now toFIGS. 8-11, some embodiments of the kit100include at least one extension strap150having a first end152and a second end154. The extension strap150is preferably manufactured of the same material as straps20,30, is dimensioned to pass through the first strap20and the second strap and includes attachment means for attaching the extension strap150to at least one of the first strap20and the second strap30. In the embodiment ofFIG. 8, the extension strap150is adapted to pass through the first strap20and second strap30and for the first end152and a second end154to be joined together such that the extension strap form a loop. This embodiment of the extension strap150is shown in cross section inFIG. 10, which shows the first end152, second end154, male portion156of hook and loop fastener, and female portion158of hook and loop fastener. In the embodiment ofFIG. 9, the extension strap150is adapted to attach to each of the first strap20and the second strap30and the first end152and second end154each include attachment means that allow them to be secured to the first strap20and second strap30respectively. This strap is shown inFIG. 11, which shows the first end152, second end154, two male portions156of hook and loop fastener, and two female portions158of hook and loop fastener. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the attachment means is preferably hook and loop fastener. However, other embodiments utilize other attachment means, such as the D-rings and carabiners discussed above, snaps, buttons or other art recognized means for attaching two ends of a strap together.

The inclusion of an extension strap150with the kit100is preferred as it allow the person300using the device10to stand further away from the vehicle400than when the extension strap150is not used, which acts to prevent snow from the vehicle400from falling onto the person. Further, it allows users to more easily remove snow from the top large vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles. Finally, in embodiments of the kit100in which two devices are joined together, the use of two extension straps150allows each person to move away from the vehicle400while removing the snow therefrom.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.