Snow removal system and method

A system for removing snow from easily damaged surfaces such as artificial turf athletic fields includes a modified snow blower used in combination with a vehicle towing a sled. The sled can be a large polymer sheet with side straps and draw bars at one or both ends. The sled also includes tow straps or other attachments for coupling to the vehicle. The snow blower, which can be independent or driven by another vehicle, is modified to cover its cutting edge with an edge guard and to include a set of wheels behind the auger housing. In operation, the snow blower can travel alongside the vehicle and sled and discharge snow onto the sled. When desirable, the sled can be towed to a snow discharge area and emptied. For best results, the snow blower should travel at a constant speed while the sled travels at a variable speed.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to snow removal. More particularly, this invention relates a system and method for removing snow from athletic fields and other large surfaces easily damaged by conventional snow removal methods and systems.

BACKGROUND

Artificial turf fields and other outdoor decorative or sporting surfaces can be used during winter months provided they are not blanketed in snow. When snow accumulates, it can be removed with shovels, a snow plow, snow blowers, or other snow removal methods. Unfortunately, however, most snow removal methods are either too cumbersome to practically remove snow from large areas or too damaging to the underlying surface. For example, for the majority of athletic turf fields, snow is removed using modified snow plows or pusher blades. Although snow plows or pusher blades are effective when removing snow from large areas, these modified plows typically are damaging to the athletic turf fields and surrounding areas. Often the crumb rubber or other type of infill mix is scraped off of the field along with the snow, and when warm weather arrives, it can be found in piles where the removed snow had been placed. Also, the blades and other edges of the plows can cause the turf seams to separate or cause other damage. Snow blowers are somewhat less damaging to the underlying surface, but they only move the snow a short distance, which is not practical for large areas. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a less damaging system and method for removing snow from athletic turf fields and other large decorative or easily damaged surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method for removing snow from surfaces and areas that area susceptible to damage from conventional snow removal methods is described herein. Specifically, a system and method for removing snow from an artificial turf field is described herein. In this system, a modified snow blower is used in combination with a first vehicle towing a sled to remove snow from the artificial turf field. The sled is formed using a large flexible sheet surrounded at its perimeter by first and second straps and first and second draw bars. Preferably the first and second straps combine to form a single continuous strap that encases the flexible sheet's edge, such as using a four inch wide polyester strap that folds over the flexible sheet's edge so that two inches rest on the upper side of the flexible sheet and two inches rest on the lower side of the flexible sheet. Preferably the flexible sheet is a polymer sheet. The sled also includes trailer attachments near each draw bar, and preferably the trailer attachments are extensions of the first and second straps or part of a continuous combined strap. The snow blower is a conventional snow blower that is modified with an edge guard covering the snow blower's blade or cutting edge. The edge guard is preferably attached to the snow blower's auger housing using the snow blower's original skid plate attachment components. The snow blower is further modified with an axle and a pair of wheels positioned behind the auger to slightly raise the blower and improve its performance.

To use the system, the first vehicle pulls the sled at a first speed, and the modified snow blower is pushed manually or with a second vehicle alongside the sled at a second speed. The discharge chute of the snow blower is adjusted so that it discharges snow onto the sled. When the sled collects a desired amount of snow, it is taken to a snow disposal area. The snow is removed from the sled, and then the sled returns to its position next to the snow blower. The process repeats until the desired amount of snow has been removed.

In an alternative embodiment, the snow blower first clears a path wide enough for the first vehicle to travel. Then, the first vehicle, modified with a quick release vehicle attachment, attaches to a quick release strap extension modification and pulls the sled behind and substantially laterally offset from the first vehicle. In this embodiment, the sled skims the snow so that it accumulates on top of the sled. When the sled has reached a desired capacity of collected snow, the sled is detached from the first vehicle. Then, either the first vehicle or another vehicle can attach to the sled at its end to pull it to a disposal area. The snow is removed from the sled, and the sled can then be returned to its last position. The process repeats until the desired amount of snow has been removed.

This brief description of the invention is intended only to provide a brief overview of subject matter disclosed herein according to one or more illustrative embodiments, and does not serve as a guide to define or limit the scope of the invention. This brief description is provided to introduce an illustrative selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Snow removal system100is shown inFIG. 1and includes a sled10, a first vehicle5for moving the sled10, a snow blower20, and an optional second vehicle15for moving the snow blower20. First vehicle5and optional second vehicle15can be any type of carrying vehicle such as, for example, a tractor, cart, utility vehicle, or truck. The snow removal system is useful for removing snow from any surface and is particularly useful when it is desirable to remove snow with a snow blower rather than a plow or pusher blade.

FIGS. 1 and 2A-2Cillustrate sled10. Sled10includes a large somewhat flexible sheet11capable of hauling snow. Preferably, sheet11is a polymer sheet with a thickness of about ⅛ inch. For example, sheet11may be a high molecular weight polyethylene sheet. Sheet11is defined at its perimeter by first, second, third, and fourth edges11a,11b,11c, and11drespectively. The sled can be any size, but is preferably rectangular shaped. For example, sheet11can be 8 feet wide by 40 feet long. The sled10can be a free standing unit, allowing for a first (carrying) vehicle5to be coupled to or removed from the sled10. Once the sled10has been correctly attached to the first vehicle5, the snow removal method can be adjusted dependent on thickness of the snow on the athletic field14.

As shown inFIG. 2A, along the opposing first and second edges11aand11bof sled10are a first strap12and second strap14respectively. First and second straps12and14are preferably fixedly attached to sled edges11aand11b. Preferably, straps12and14may be sewn on, adhered, bonded, or otherwise substantially permanently secured along edges11aand11band on its upper side11e. Alternatively, straps12and14are removably attached to edges11aand11bso that they or sheet11can be replaced when worn. In a preferred embodiment, straps12and14combine or are integral with each other so that they form a continuous single strap that surrounds the entire perimeter of sheet11along edges11a,11b,11c, and11d. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, straps12and14also encase the edge of sheet11so that one half of the straps' widths rests on the upper side11eof sheet11and the other half of the straps' widths rest on the lower side11fof sheet11. For example, where the straps are 4 inches wide, which is the preferred width, two inches rest on the upper surface and two on the lower surface of sheet11.FIG. 2Dillustrates straps12and14made of four inch polyester strapping that fold over the edges of sheet11to encase the edge. Further, the strap is attached to the sheet11using 3/16 inch diameter button head rivets19aand 1½ inch fender washers19bspaced about 18 inches apart along the length of the strap at about its center as shown inFIG. 2A. Straps12and14preferably are strapping or webbing such as two inch nylon strapping or four inch polyester strapping. Straps12and14also may be multiple layers so that they attach to the upper and lower sides of sheet11to partially encase sheet11and provide extra strength.

At each of the opposing ends of sled10situated at opposing edges11cand11dare optional first and second draw bars16and18, respectively. Preferably sled10includes draw bars16and18to increase the strength of sled10and maintain the structural integrity of sled10. As shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, preferably each draw bar16and18has two layers. For example, first draw bar16includes a first upper bar16aand a first lower bar16b, and second draw bar18includes a second upper bar18aand a second lower bar18b. Each of the upper and lower bars is preferably comprised of a lightweight but rigid material. For example, upper and lower bars may be comprised of ¼ inch aluminum that is 3 inches wide and of a length that compliments the edges11cand11dof sheet11. Preferably, the upper16a,18aand lower bars16b,18bare placed above and below sheet11and straps12and14such that they encase sheet11and the straps as shown inFIG. 2C. Preferably the upper16a,18aand lower bars16b,18bare held together by connectors17such as nuts and bolts, screws, locking mechanisms, or other connectors as is known in the art. For example, upper bars16a,18aand lower bars16b,18bmay define one or more holes to accommodate 5/16 carriage bolts with locking nuts to secure the upper and lower bars together. Upper bars16a,18aand lower bars16b,18bfurther may extend past the edges of sheet11as shown inFIG. 2Cor preferably are slightly inset from the edges of sheet11as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

Sled10further includes near opposing edges11cand11done or more trailer attachments to facilitate coupling the sled to the first carrying vehicle5or to an additional removal vehicle6. As shown in the figures, first and second trailer attachments can be an optional first strap extension13and an optional second strap extension15. First and second strap extensions may both be present on sled10or only one may be present. First and second strap extensions are tow straps that can be used to directly couple sled10to first vehicle or may be combined with any conventional trailer attachment for facilitating a connection between sled10and first vehicle5. Alternatively, conventional trailer attachments or other attachment components can be directly attached to the first or second draw bars16and18to facilitate a connection or coupling between sled10and first vehicle5. Strap extensions may be the same material as straps12and14or another type of strapping or webbing material. Preferably, strap extensions13and15are comprised of the same material as first and second straps12and14and more preferably comprise four inch wide polyester strapping. Additionally, preferably strap extensions13and15are integral with or fixedly attached to first and second straps12and14such that the combination substantially creates a loop as illustrated inFIG. 2A.

FIGS. 2E and 2Fillustrate an alternative embodiment of the sled10with a quick release strap extension arrangement and a cooperating quick release vehicle attachment. Preferably, the sled has one end with a quick release strap extension15aarrangement and a second end with a single strap extension13as shown inFIG. 2E. As further shown inFIG. 2E, the strap extension arrangement can be a series or plurality of strap extensions15a. As with single strap extensions13and15, strap extensions15amay be the same material as straps12and14or another type of strapping or webbing material. Preferably, strap extensions15aare comprised of the same material as first and second straps12and14and more preferably comprise four inch wide poly strapping. Additionally, preferably strap extensions15aare integral with or fixedly attached to first and second straps12and14and strap extension13such that the combination substantially creates a loop as illustrated inFIG. 2E.

The cooperating vehicle attachment100is configured to cooperate with a trailer hitch on the carry vehicle5with mount110. Mount110secures to the hitch and provides a channel (not labelled) through which a lateral support112can be inserted so that it extends out to the side of the cooperating vehicle at about a 90 degree angle to the vehicle. Preferably mount112is 48 inches to 54 inches long and is fixedly attached to the hitch.FIG. 2Fillustrates a preferred way of welding or otherwise fixedly attaching mount110to a trailer hitch200. Lateral support112preferably has outer dimensions that matches the inner dimensions of the channel in mount110, has a first end that is distal to mount, and a second end that inserts into mount110. For example, lateral support112is preferably a square steel tube that measures 2 inches, and mount110preferably defines a square channel that measures 2 inches. Lateral support112, when inserted into the channel of mount110, preferably can be secured with a locking mechanism such as a pin and clip arrangement202, as is commonly known to those skilled in the art. Support112may be a single piece about twelve feet long or multiple shorter length tubes serially attached. At regular intervals along support112, two or more legs114attach perpendicularly to support112. Preferably the legs attach near the support's first end and then in equal distances between that first end over about eight feet or a span of support112that is about the same length as the width of sheet11. For example, where sheet11is eight feet wide and twenty feet long, legs114are attached at regular intervals spanning about eight feet. The distance between the leg114closest to mount110is preferably about four feet, but can be any length depending on the amount of offset desired between the carrying vehicle's5traveling path and the sled's traveling path.

Legs114are preferably two inch square steel tubes and about two feet long. Legs114have a first end114athat attaches to support112. Legs attach to support112near first end114awith brackets118as shown inFIG. 2F, and preferably legs112are vertically adjustable within brackets such that the height of legs112can be raised or lowered. Brackets118preferably define a channel (not labelled) with inside dimensions that cooperate with the outside dimensions of legs112, and legs112can be secured within brackets118with a locking mechanism such as, for example, a pin and clip arrangement as discussed above. Legs can be adjusted, for example, where multiple pin holes are positioned along each leg so that the pin and clip arrangement can be positioned at a desired location or height along the leg114. Brackets118preferably are fixedly attached to support112or integral with support112. Where support112is formed from multiple serial segments, brackets118may be sandwiched or positioned at the intersection of the support segments.

Legs114also have a second end114bto which a foot116attaches. Foot116preferably extends from leg114preferably in a direction facing the vehicle and is configured to catch an extension15aso that the extension can be pulled by the cooperating leg114when sled10is attached to the carrying vehicle. For example, foot116may be a hook, notch, protrusion, or other structure that is designed to catch the strap when positioned or slid near the strap. Each foot116is further configured to protect the end of each leg and skim over the top of the field being serviced. For example, the feet116may be caps that attaches to legs114by welding or tension and that are positioned such that when in use about ¾ inches from the athletic field surface. Feet116catch the strap extensions15aand then legs114can each partially support the weight of the sled when tension is applied to the strap extensions15a. Preferably, there are an equal number of legs114with feet116as there are extensions15a.

The snow blower20is a conventional snow blower such as one with an auger24, auger housing26, cutting blade22, discharge chute28, and skid plates or shoes27. In the present invention, the snow blower is modified, however, with an edge guard30that is mounted to the auger housing26so that it covers the snow blower's blade or cutting edge22to protect the turf from cutting edge22. Edge guard30is shown inFIGS. 3 and 4A-4Cand generally comprises a cover32, a first attachment plate34that defines an opening34a, and a second attachment plate36that defines an opening36a. Cover32may rest against cutting edge22or may defined a cavity32ainto which cutting edge22can be placed. The edge guard30is preferably attached to the snow blower's auger housing26using the snow blower's original skid plate27attachment components as shown inFIG. 4Cand oriented so that the cutting edge22is positioned in cavity32a. Cover32is preferably a modified two inch steel pipe, and attachment plates34and36are preferably ⅜ by ½ inch spacers. For example, the edge guard30can be mounted by removing two carriage bolts that are used to hold the originally installed adjustable skid plates27, and then the carriage bolts can be reinstalled through the openings34a,36adefined by attachment plates34,36, through the skid plates27and then auger housing26, followed by lock nuts.

The snow blower20may further be modified with a wheel kit40that includes a pair of wheels42,44positioned behind the auger24and housing26to slightly raise the blower and improve its performance.FIGS. 3 and 5illustrate the additional wheel kit40. Any type of wheel can be added, but preferably a pair of wheels42,44that are 4.10×3.50×4 wheels with inflatable tires or inner tubes are used. Wheels42and44can be mounted to a shaft46just behind the snow blower auger24on both sides of the snow blower auger housing26. The wheels can be mounted on a shaft permanently welded to auger housing26. Alternatively, they can be mounted to a temporary shaft. Additionally, a nut, such as a ¾ inch nut, located on the shaft46can be removed off shaft to mount or dismount either of the wheels42,44. Preferably, wheels42and44include a valve by which the air pressure in the tires or inner tubes can be adjusted. By adjusting the air pressure of wheels42,44slightly, minor height adjustments of the protective edge guard30, from zero to ¾ inches, for example, may be acquired.

Snow blower20may be one that is manually pushed by its operator. Alternatively, snow blower20may be one that attaches to a tractor or other vehicle as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. Where it attaches to a vehicle15as shown, it attaches with standard attachment means50. Standard attachment means50is any known arrangement for attaching a snow blower to a carrying vehicle, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

In operation and in accordance with an embodiment, sled10can be unrolled from a stored position, with the upper side11eof sheet11facing up and, where straps12and14are only attached to the upper side11eof sheet11, with straps12and14facing up as well. Once unrolled, sled10can be coupled to a hitch on first vehicle5using either of strap extensions13,15. Alternatively, where multiple strap extensions15aare present, sled10may be attached to legs114and feet116on vehicle attachment100, which is mounted on a hitch on vehicle5. Sled10can then be towed to its starting position on the area needing snow removal.FIG. 7illustrates a method of use for system100after the sled has been attached to a vehicle, andFIG. 6illustrates a field60where system100may be used. As shown inFIG. 6, athletic field60is defined at its perimeter by a first end62, a second end64, a first side66, and a second side68.

Before beginning snow removal, it is preferable to determine the optimal snow removal route. In other words, preferably the operators of system100map out how the direction they will drive the first and second vehicles before starting. As shown inFIG. 6, the particular route the operators select to remove the snow can depend on the depth of the snow and the size and shape of the area to be cleared. For example, as will be further described below, with a snow depth of 2-5 inches, multiple end62to end64passes on a standard size rectangular athletic field60can be used. With depths of five inches or more, however, multiple side66to side68passes may be used. In an example, if the snow is greater than 1 inch and less than five inches deep, starting at one end of the field60, the snow removal system can proceed heading in the direction from end62to end64, i.e., along the length of the field60as shown by arrows in section A. If the snow depth is greater than 5 inches, the snow removal system can operate from side66to side68, i.e., across the width of the field60as shown by arrows in section B.

Once the depth of the snow on the field60and the subsequent orientation of the removal system have been determined, the snow blower20can be positioned alongside and at the rear of the sled10. The snow blower20should be positioned so that its discharge chute28is aimed to deposit discharged snow on sled10. The sled vehicle5and the snow blower20(or snow blower20and attached vehicle15) begin to move at the same time. While the snow blower20maintains the same steady speed, the vehicle5pulling the sled10varies its speed to ensure that the snow exiting the snow blower20is evenly distributed over the entire sled10. For example, vehicle5may start at a slow speed and then increase its speeds until the snow blower20reaches the front of the sled10. This variation in speed positions the snow from back to front and then from front to back evenly throughout sled10.

The discharge chute28of the snow blower20can be maneuvered in order to adjust the arc of the discharged snow and the landing position of the snow relative to the snow blower20. Because of this adjustability in the distance of the landing snow from the snow blower20, the distance of between sled10and the snow blower20can also be adjusted. In an example, the snow blower20and the sled10can move together such that the spacing between the snow blower20and the sled10is maintained. In another example, the sled10can be moved repeatedly along the same line while the snow blower20moves along several lines. In this example, the spacing between the snow blower20and the sled10increases as the snow blower20moves along successive lines.

Once the sled10is full or has accumulated a desired amount of snow, the vehicle5pulling the sled simply pulls off the field60without stopping until the vehicle5reaches a desired snow dumping destination or disposal area. The vehicle5is then unhooked from the sled10and the vehicle5is repositioned alongside the polymer sled1and facing in the opposite direction the vehicle5was pulling the polymer sled10originally. The sled10is again coupled to the vehicle5and the vehicle5begins to pull and overturn the sled10, which then causes the snow to be dumped off of sled10. In some cases, the sled can be pulled so that it folds over on top of itself as it dumps the snow and ends up upside down relative to its initial position. Then, depending on the embodiment of sled10, it can either be used with the lower surface11bof sheet11facing up or it may be returned to a position where the sheet upper surface11ais facing up. Where the sled has to be returned to an upper surface11aof the sheet facing up, then the polymer sled10will need to be recoupled to the vehicle5. In an embodiment, the sled10is manually returned to the position with the upper surface11aof sheet11facing up or it can be pulled to that position with carrying vehicle5. Where the straps encase sheet11so that they partially extend over sheet11on both the upper and lower surfaces11aand11bas shown inFIG. 2D, the sled is reversible and can be used with either the upper surface11aor the lower surface11bof sheet11facing up. After sled10is reoriented without the snow, vehicle5then returns to the field for further snow removal, and the process of snow removal is repeated, moving either side-line to side-line or end-line to end-line depending on the amount of snow on the field60, until the snow has been removed from the field60.

In an alternative method of removing snow with sled10, where the snow accumulation is preferably over six inches, sled10can be used to directly remove the snow without help from the snow blower. With this embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, the snow blower may be used to first clear a driving path for vehicle5. The quick release vehicle attachment100is then attached to vehicle5, and sled10is oriented so that quick release strap extensions15acan cooperate with legs114of vehicle attachment100as shown inFIG. 9A. Once strap extensions15aare positioned so that sled10can be pulled with vehicle attachment100, vehicle5can travel along the path cleared by the snow blower. Because the sled is offset from vehicle5, it travels in a path parallel to but in the same direction as vehicle5. This allows sled10to scoop or skim the accumulated snow onto the sled as vehicle5travels along the cleared path. When the snow carried on the sled reaches a desired amount, first vehicle5backs up slightly to release strap extensions15afrom legs14, and then either vehicle5or a third removal vehicle6can attach to the opposite end of sled10, preferably to strap extension13as shown inFIG. 9Bto pull sled10to a snow dumping location. Snow can be removed from sled10as discussed above. After the snow is removed, sled10can be recoupled to vehicle5if needed, and the sled can return to its last snow removal position for further snow removal.

In using this system, the weight of the equipment and snow is distributed over a relatively large area, thus resulting in less damage to the turf field and no movement of the crumb rubber and infill mix.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that while specific dimensions are provided herein, the invention is not limited to the specific dimensions listed herein. It will also be understood that, although the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect to removing snow from athletic fields and, in particular, artificial turf fields, the systems and methods described herein can be used on other surfaces (e.g., natural grass, asphalt, concrete, paving, etc.). Accordingly, while there has been illustrated and described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.