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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/456,800 entitled “Snow Removal System for Artificial Turf and Other Fragile Surfaces” and filed on Nov. 12, 2010, which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that it teaches and discloses. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to the snow removal industry and more particularly to a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There are many different types of snow removal equipment, from shovels and brooms to very large, vehicle-mounted blades, plows, and blowers. The particular type of equipment chosen to remove snow depends not only on an operator&#39;s personal preferences, but also on the effects said equipment will have on the surface from which the snow is to be removed. One surface that has very specialized properties is artificial turf. Artificial turf is a manufactured surface comprising synthetic fibers that are made to resemble natural grass. It has been traditionally used as a replacement field surface for sports that were originally or are normally played on grass. Additionally, artificial turf is now being used on residential lawns and in commercial applications as well. 
         [0004]    As the use of artificial turf fields expands into more and more areas that receive substantial amounts of snowfall every year, a significant problem has developed: traditional snow removal devices either damage the artificial turf field or are too time-intensive; or more likely, cause both problems simultaneously. Three means currently employed to remove snow from artificial turf are: (1) a standard, light-truck-mounted snowplow, which can rip or otherwise damage the artificial turf or cause problems with the in-fill (the in-fill comprises small, round, rubber particles that are placed underneath the artificial turf mat); (2) a snow-blower, which can take 8-10 hours to clear a field and have a large potential of damaging the field if they break-down or if they pick up an object in their brushes; and (3) a rubber-bladed snowplow, which “chatters” (i.e., hops up and down) and digs into the field, ripping out small portions of turf fibers and causing significant problems with the in-fill. 
         [0005]    Thus, there is a need for a snow removal system for artificial turf that can effectively remove snow in a timely fashion, without damaging the artificial turf surface or the in-fill. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    One embodiment of the present invention comprises a tubular metallic pipe or sleeve (any appropriate material may be used) of a length sufficient to cover the entire blade on a snowplow, having flared or curved-up end components, a channel in which the snowplow blade can be placed, and relatively large-surface-area “footies” to disperse the weight of the snowplow blade and system. The footies can have flared or curved-up edges so that they can glide over the artificial turf surface instead of digging in or otherwise damaging the surface. In other embodiments, the system is used without footies. A means of attaching the device to various snowplows is also described as is a recommended method of using the system to quickly and effectively remove snow from an artificial turf surface. It is to be understood that the system can be used on other, relatively fragile surfaces in addition to artificial turf. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for removing snow from artificial turf and other fragile surfaces. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    Referring now to the accompanying figures,  FIG. 1  shows a representative snowplow blade  160  with an embodiment of the system  100 . The components shown in  FIG. 1  include a sleeve  110 , first and second flare ends  120  and  122 , first and second sleeve attachment means  130  and  132 , and first and second footies  140  and  142 . Also shown in  FIG. 1  are additional exemplary snowplow blade components including a cutting edge  164  and mounting bolts  162 . 
         [0014]    The sleeve  110  extends the entire length of the snowplow blade  160  and has first and second flare ends  120  and  122 . The sleeve  110  can comprise a pipe or other tubular structure and can be made from metal or other resilient material(s) that do not become overly brittle and break under the conditions encountered when plowing snow. Further, the sleeve  110  needs to have a relatively low coefficient of friction as it needs to glide over an artificial turf field without damaging the turf. The first and second footies  140  and  142  help to prevent contact between the sleeve  110  and the turf surface but as field use requirements may necessitate nearly complete snow removal, the footies  140  may need to be removed and the sleeve  110  lowered to be in contact with the artificial turf in some cases. 
         [0015]    Although not shown in detail in  FIG. 1 , the sleeve  110  includes a channel for receiving the main cutting edge  164  of the snowplow blade  160  therein. This ensures that the blade  160  can not contact the turf or do damage thereto. Further, the channel helps to ensure that the sleeve  110  stays properly installed on the snowplow blade  160 . Exemplary embodiments of first and second sleeve attachment means  130  and  132  are shown in  FIG. 1  as well. The illustrated sleeve attachment means  130  and  132  each comprise a bracket that is attached to the sleeve  110  and provides attachment points to affix the sleeve  110  to a snowplow blade  160 . In other embodiments, other shaped brackets are appropriate. It is contemplated that a number of various attachment means  130  and  132  will be utilized as there are a plethora of different blade designs and shapes that can employ the system  100 . 
         [0016]    The first and second footies  140  and  142  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  each comprise a relatively large, flat surface having one or more flared edges. The footies  140  and  142  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  resemble a portion of a snowboard having a long flat body and an upturned nose so that they can glide over a surface without damaging it. As discussed above, the footies  140  are designed to prevent contact between the sleeve  110  and the artificial turf or other fragile surface. Instead, the weight of the snowplow blade  160  and system  100  is distributed onto the relatively large surface area of the plurality of footies  140  and  142  (usually two, but any number of footies are contemplated). The footies  140  and  142  are designed to glide over the surface of the turf without damaging either the turf or the in-fill. As discussed above, the footies can be removed when it is necessary to reduce the snow depth as far as possible on an artificial turf field. At other times, it may be prudent to leave one, two, three or more inches of snow on the turf field. This can be accomplished by adjusting the distance between the bottom of the sleeve  110  and the footies  140  using the locking adjustment screws (see later Figures for details). For example, when plowing the turf field using a winter maintenance strategy, it is desirable to leave approximately two inches of snow on the field. Allowing more than six inches of snow to build up causes the weight to be too great to safely plow the field when it later becomes necessary to do so (e.g., to make the field ready for use in the spring). When adjusting the footies  140  and  142 , care should be taken so that they run true and straight in the direction of travel rather than at a particular angle relative to the snowplow blade  160 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces  200  in an unattached configuration. The channel  212  in the sleeve  210  can be clearly seen. As discussed above, the channel  212  is configured for receipt of the cutting edge of the snowplow blade therein. This ensures that the blade can not touch the artificial turf and damage it in any way. Also shown in  FIG. 2  is the second flare end  222  which provides a relatively safe end to the sleeve  210  such that no sharp surfaces are exposed and in a position to damage the turf. 
         [0018]    A second exemplary sleeve attachment means  232  is displayed in  FIG. 2 . Other sleeve attachment means  232  are contemplated, especially as the shape and configurations of individual snowplow blades vary considerably. In many configurations, a plurality of sleeve attachment means  232  is contemplated. In some cases, a single attachment means is sufficient, in others two or more attachment means are preferred. 
         [0019]    An exemplary embodiment of a second footie  242  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Each footie  242  is preferably shaped similar to a snowboard and has a footie attachment means  250 . Each footie attachment means  250  includes a shaft  251 , a first set of locking nuts  252 , a second set of locking nuts  253 , a safety bolt  254 , and a mounting plate  255 . The shaft  251  is mounted to the backside of the snowplow blade and/or the snowplow blade supports. The shaft  251  engages the nuts  252  and  253  above and below mounting points (or alternatively, below and above mounting points on the snowplow blade. The first and second set of locking nuts  252  and  253  are then locked in place, also thereby locking the footie in place relative to the snowplow blade. Furthermore, since the shaft  251  can be formed with threads that engage the locking nuts  252  and  253 , the action of turning the nuts causes the footie  242  to raise or lower relative to the blade of the snowplow. The locking nuts  252  and  253  can be tightened in order to lock the footie in position. The safety bolt  254  ensures that the footie  242  does not become unattached from the plow blade. Finally, the mounting plate  255  attaches the shaft  251  to the footie  242 . The plate  255  can be shaped with flared ends in order to minimize any damage to the turf that might result if the footie  242  is somehow ripped off of the footie attachment means  250 . In other embodiments, other footie attachment means  250  can be used. 
         [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces  300  in an alternate embodiment without the use of footies and unmounted. Exemplary embodiments of first and second sleeve attachment means  330  and  332  are shown in  FIG. 3 . The illustrated sleeve attachment means  330  and  332  each comprise a bracket that is attached to the sleeve  310  and provides attachment points to affix the sleeve  310  to a snowplow blade. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the brackets are simply bolted to the front of the snowplow blade by a plurality of bolts. In other embodiments, other shaped brackets are appropriate. It is contemplated that a number of various sleeve attachment means  330  and  332  will be utilized as there are a plethora of different blade designs and shapes that can employ the system  300 . One embodiment of first and second flare ends  320  and  322  can be seen in  FIG. 3  as well. The flare ends  320  and  322  are angled up at the ends of the sleeve  310  in order to ensure that ends of the sleeve  310  do not cut into or otherwise damage an artificial turf or other fragile surface during the act of removing snow from such a surface. Note that the flare ends  320  and  322  can be curved upwards instead of angled upwards. 
         [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces  400 . The components shown in  FIG. 4  are discussed in detail above, and include: a sleeve  410 , first and second flare ends  420  and  422 , first and second sleeve attachment means  430  and  432 , a plurality of footies  440  and  442 , and a plurality of footie attachment means  450  and  480 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for removing snow from artificial turf and other fragile surfaces  570 . The method comprises the following steps: Installing the Snow Removal System on a Snowplow  571 , Positioning the Snowplow at One End of the Field in Approximately the Center  572 , Lowering the Plow and System Until the Weight Is on the Footies  573 , Plowing in Straight Lines Until Windrows Get Too Deep  574 , Moving System to Edges of Field and Working Back Inwards  575 , and Avoiding Spinning Plow Vehicle&#39;s Tires or Braking  576 . 
         [0023]    The step of Installing the Snow Removal System on a Snowplow  571  involves the following: (1) Raise the plow blade; (2) Remove the skids; (3) Align the channel on the sleeve to the cutting edge of the plow blade; (4) Make sure the sleeve is centered on the plow blade; (5) Start at one side of the sleeve and use a floor jack to lift the sleeve, lightly tapping onto plow blade edge; (6) Work down the length of the sleeve until it is firmly seated against the cutting edge of the plow blade; (7) Drill holes through the turf plow bracket and plow mouldboard; (8) Install ½ bolts and locking nuts; (9) Install footies to original skid mounting bolt holes on plow; (10) Adjust footies to desired height using lower nut; (11) Align footies to direction of travel; (12) Tighten nuts to plow and lock the jam nuts; (13) Install safety bolt through top nut and screw of footies; and (14) Tighten lock nuts. 
         [0024]    The step of Positioning the Snowplow at One End of the Field in Approximately the Center  572  involves maneuvering the vehicle, plow, and system to one end of the field and positioning it in approximately the center of the field. On subsequent snow removal jobs, be sure to vary the exact starting position so that ruts are not formed in the field surface. 
         [0025]    The step of Lowering the Plow and System Until the Weight Is on the Footies  573  involves operating the plow&#39;s controls so that the weight of the plow and system is distributed onto the footies (or onto the sleeve if not using the footies). The plow should be set to float and no down pressure should be placed on the plow. 
         [0026]    The step of Plowing in Straight Lines Until Windrows Get Too Deep  574  involves plowing the turf field in straight lines and not turning, especially while the plow vehicle is at rest on the field. The vehicle works slowly outwards until the windrows of snow get too deep. 
         [0027]    The step of Moving System to Edges of Field and Working Back Inwards  575  involves repositioning the plow and system at the edges of the field (again avoid starting in the same exact position repeatedly in subsequent snow removal episodes as this may create ruts) and then plowing back inwards towards the previously plowed area. 
         [0028]    The step of Avoiding Spinning Plow Vehicle&#39;s Tires or Braking  576  involves the use of the back pressure caused by the snow impacting the plow to slow the vehicle and plow rather than application of the brakes while on the field. Also, it involves accelerating gradually and not spinning the vehicles tires and thus reducing all extra stresses on the artificial turf field when removing snow therefrom. 
         [0029]    Additional use recommendations are as follows: 
         [0030]    1. Maximum allowable weight on the field is a ¾ ton pickup truck. 
         [0031]    2. Turning must be avoided on the field. A very gradual arc might be allowable under certain circumstances. 
         [0032]    3. Avoid braking on the field (let the snow slow down the vehicle). 
         [0033]    4. Do not spin the tires. 
         [0034]    5. Avoid being parked on the field. If sitting still on the field the vehicle&#39;s front wheels must not be turned. 
         [0035]    6. Avoid sudden starts or stops. 
         [0036]    7. No fluids may leak on the field. Frequently check hydraulics on plow for leaks. Use blue hydraulic fluid as it stands out on snow. 
         [0037]    8. Operate plow at speeds under 8 mph. 
         [0038]    9. Operate the plow in float mode. 
         [0039]    10. Use a long blade (eight feet or more) to minimize the number of passes it takes to clear the field. 
         [0040]    11. Change your starting place to avoid creating ruts in the field over the winter season. 
         [0041]    12. Use diagonal passes to cut down heavy wind rows. 
         [0042]    13. Plow to opposite ends of the field to avoid heavy build up of wind rows at one end of the field. 
         [0043]    14. Reverse direction of travel to keep build up of wind rows balanced on both ends of the field. 
         [0044]    15. Make several passes across the field to clear the goal posts. 
         [0045]    16. Avoid shifting gears on the field and accelerate gently. 
         [0046]    17. Use tires having adequate tread depth and slightly decreased tire pressure to avoid spinning out and to increase traction. 
         [0047]    18. If running an automatic transmission, stay in LOW instead of DRIVE; for a standard transmission, use high range, low gear. 
         [0048]    19. A new cutting edge on the plow to be fitted with the system is recommended to provide adequate support.

Summary:
A snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces is disclosed. The present invention comprises a tubular metallic pipe or sleeve of a length sufficient to cover the entire blade on a snowplow, having flared or curved-up end components, a channel in which the snowplow blade can be placed, and relatively large-surface-area “footies” to disperse the weight of the snowplow blade and system. The footies can have flared or curved-up edges so that they can glide over the artificial turf surface instead of digging in or otherwise damaging the surface. In other embodiments, the system is used without footies. A means of attaching the device to various snowplows is described as is a recommended method of using the system to remove snow from a surface. It is to be understood that the system can be used on other, relatively fragile surfaces in addition to artificial turf.