Abstract:
A foldable shovel structured for scooping/pushing is provided. The disclosed foldable shovel includes two arcuate members that are hinged together at one end. In the folded configuration the two arcuate members are nested. Further, the coupling device includes a locking disk assembly structured to allow the arcuate members to be configured in different positions relative to each other. Thus, the foldable shovel may be optimally configured as either a scooping device or a pushing device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/862,846, filed Aug. 25, 2010, entitled FOLDING SNOW SHOVEL. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to shovels and, more specifically to a folding shovel. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Shovels typically serve one of two purposes, digging or scooping/pushing. A traditional garden shovel, i.e. a digging shovel, has a narrow pointed blade whereas a traditional snow shovel, i.e. a scooping/pushing shovel, has a wide, arcuate blade with a flat leading edge. Generally, folding shovels have been constructed as digging shovels having a narrow pointed blade. These devices typically include a pole-like handle constructed of a plurality of collapsible links and/or of a plurality of telescoping members. It is noted that shovels having only a telescoping handle are typically describes as “collapsible” rather than “folding.” Foldable, or collapsible, scooping/pushing shovels exist as well and typically include a telescoping handle. 
     Folding/collapsing shovels are structured to occupy a limited space in their unexpanded configuration. Foldable digging shovels are typically used by soldiers and campers. Folding/collapsing scooping/pushing shovels are typically stored in vehicles for emergency use. Because of the purpose/intended use of such shovels, the ability to be reduced to as small as possible is an important feature of folding shovels. Collapsing scooping/pushing shovels, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. D543,426 and 7,571,945 suffer from the disadvantage of having the handle member extend well beyond the perimeter of the blade. This disadvantage is not seen, or is not as pronounced, in folding digging shovels, see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. D551,524. Preferably, a scooping/pushing shovel includes an arcuate blade as this shape is better adapted for moving snow. An arcuate blade, however, increases the space required for storage of the shovel in the unexpanded configuration. U.S. Pat. No. 7,571,945 addresses this issue by providing an arcuate handle/shaft that is stored over the arcuate blade. In the expanded configuration, the entire shovel, i.e. the blade and handle, have an arcuate shape that is not conducive to pushing snow. 
     A further disadvantage of telescoping handles is that the handle is in a fixed relationship (angle) to the blade. As such, the shovel is not optimized for either pushing or scooping. Further, telescoping handles typically include an expensive/complicated locking mechanism that is subject to degradation from debris becoming lodged therein. This is less of a problem with simple hinged folding shovels. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable shovel that is structured for scooping/pushing. Such a shovel combines the advantages of a folding shovel with the capabilities of a scooping/pushing shovel. The disclosed foldable shovel includes two arcuate members, or an arcuate member and a generally flat member, that are hinged together at one end. In the folded configuration the two arcuate members are nested and, because the coupling device is disposed at the ends of the members, the member that acts as a handle does not extend significantly beyond the member that acts as a blade. Further, the coupling device includes a locking disk assembly structured to allow the arcuate members to be configured in different positions relative to each other. Thus, the foldable shovel may be optimally configured as either a scooping device or a pushing device. Further, the arcuate members may be made from a highly visible color and configured at an acute angle. In this configuration, the shovel may also be used as an indicator for a hazard. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the snow shovel in a fully extended configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the snow shovel in a folded configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the snow shovel in an extended configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the locking disk assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the snow shovel in a extended configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the snow shovel in a fourth configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the snow shovel in a fully extended configuration. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As used herein, “handle” and “grip” are defined as follows. A “handle” is any member, or a portion of a member, that may be grasped comfortably. A “grip” is any member, or a portion of a member, that is structured to be grasped. For example, the shaft of a typical long handle shovel may be grasped virtually anywhere over its length; thus the entire shaft is a “handle.” Some long handle shovel may include a padded portion at the distal tip of the shaft, the distal tip may be slightly enlarged, and/or the distal tip may have a textured surface. Structures such as these are “grips.” Further, any member structured to be gripped which extends generally perpendicular to a shaft, e.g. a T-grip or a D-grip, is a “grip” as used herein. As used herein, “telescoping” means any configuration with an elongated member moving axially within another hollow member. 
     As used herein a “highly visible color” means any bright, reflective, or fluorescent color as well as any high contrast color combinations, such as, but not limited to, yellow and black (as on a yield sign), red and white (as on a stop sign), and green and white (as on a highway road sign). 
     As used herein, a “vertex” is an area where two generally straight members meet. 
     As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs. 
     As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. 
     As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. 
     As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. 
     As used herein, an “edge” means a portion of the perimeter of a member. An “edge” is not limited to a corner or another sharp rim like structure. Further, the presence of an opening at an edge does not reduce the limit of the edge. For example, if a body has a U-shape, the upper edge extends between the tips of the “U” despite the presence of a gap/opening. 
     As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are structured to fit together. For example, two identical spoons “correspond” to each other and may be placed in a nested configuration. One component, however, may have a slightly different size than the other. For example, a protective case for a cellular telephone “corresponds” to the shape of the telephone but is slightly larger than the telephone. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , a folding snow shovel  10  includes a first curved surface member  11  having a body  12  and a second curved surface member  13  having a body  14 , or, in a second embodiment as shown in  FIG. 7 , the second member  13 A may be a planar member having a generally planar body  14 A. It is noted that the remaining features of the alternate embodiment ( FIG. 7 ) are substantially similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . As such, common names and reference numbers will be used to indicate the same features when applicable. The first curved surface member body  12  is thin (compared to the length and width), generally arcuate and elongated having a first proximal edge  16 , a second distal edge  18 , a width and two, i.e. first and second, lateral sides  20 ,  22 . The first curved surface member body lateral sides  20 ,  22  are, preferably, generally parallel. The second member body  14  is also thin (compared to the length and width), generally arcuate, or in the alternate embodiment ( FIG. 7 ), a generally planar body  14 A, and elongated with a first proximal edge  24 , a second distal edge  26 , a width and two, i.e. first and second, lateral sides  28 ,  30 . The second member body lateral sides  28 ,  30  may be generally parallel or tapered toward the second member second distal edge  26 . In the first embodiment, the second curved surface member body  14  has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the first curved surface member body  12 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , each curved surface member body  12 ,  14  member is shaped generally as an arc having a center  32 ,  34  (first and second curved surface member, respectively) and defining a chord  36 ,  38  (first and second curved surface member, respectively) extending from the proximal edge  16 ,  24  to the distal edge  18 ,  26 . It is noted that in the alternate embodiment, shown in  FIG. 7 , the planar member  14 A does not define a chord. A longitudinal line  38 A, however, serves the purpose of enabling this description to identify selected angles. Accordingly, it is understood that the “chord” of the alternate embodiment, i.e. planar member  14 A, is a longitudinal line, or alternately, an infinite chord. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7 , the first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A preferably each include first and second stiffening members  40 ,  42  and  44 ,  46  (first and second member, respectively). The first and second stiffening members  40 ,  42  and  44 ,  46  are disposed at the lateral sides  20 ,  22  and  28 ,  30  of the first and second member bodies  12 , 14  or  14 A, respectively. Each include first and second stiffening members  40 ,  42  and  44 ,  46  and preferably have a U-shaped cross-section with the “tines” of the U-shape extending outwardly and generally parallel to the arc defined by the associated member body  12 ,  14  or  14 A. Each first and second stiffening members  40 ,  42  and  44 ,  46  may include support ribs  48  extending between the “tines” of the U-shaped cross-sectional stiffening members  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 . 
     The first curved surface member body second distal edge  18  defines a blade  50 . The blade  50  may be a thin and/or tapered portion of the first curved surface member body  12 . Alternatively, the first and second member bodies  12 ,  14 ,  14 A may be made from a non-metallic material and the blade  50  may be a metal blade  50 A that is coupled to the first curved surface member body second distal edge  18  defines a blade  50 . Further, the first curved surface member body  12  includes a radial extension  52 . The radial extension  52  extends generally toward the center of the arc defined by said first curved surface member body  12 . This extension  52  is structured to resist the movement of snow, or any material being moved, over the first curved surface member body proximal edge  16 . 
     The first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A are rotatably coupled together adjacent, or at, each member&#39;s first proximal edge  16 ,  24 . The axis of rotation extends substantially perpendicular to each of the first and second members&#39;  12 ,  14  or  14 A longitudinal axis. The first and second members  12 ,  14  or  14 A are preferably coupled by a device that may be maintained in a selected configuration, e.g. a hinge assembly having a ratchet and pawl (not shown). In one embodiment, the coupling device is a locking disk assembly  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the locking disk assembly  60  includes an axle  62 , a cam member  64 , at least two disks  66 ,  68 . The at least two disks  66 ,  68  includes a first disk  66  and a second disk  68 , each disk having a center opening  70 . The first disk  66  has an interface side  72  and an outer side  74 . The first disk interface side  72  has a plurality of radial ridges  76  and grooves  78 . Similarly, the second disk  68  has an interface side  80  with a plurality of radial ridges  82  and grooves  84 . The second disk interface side radial ridges and grooves  82 ,  84  correspond to the first disk interface side radial ridges and grooves  76 ,  78 . The first and second disks  66 ,  68  are disposed with their interface sides  72 ,  80  engaging each other. The axle  62  extends through the center opening  70  of each of the first and second disks  66 ,  68 . The axle  62  has a cap  88  on each end structured to prevent the axle  62  sliding through the center openings  70 . 
     The cam member  64  has an L-shaped body  90  with a lever arm  92 , an extension  94 , and a cam surface  96 . The lever arm  92  is, preferably, longer than the extension  94 . The lever aim  92  and the extension  94  are coupled at a vertex  98 . The cam surface  96  extends over the outer surface of the vertex  98 . 
     When the locking disk assembly  60  is assembled, the cam member  64  is pivotally coupled to the axle  62  with the extension  94  engaging an axle cap  88 . The cam surface  96  engages the first disk outer side  74 . The axle  62  is sized to prevent the first and second disks  66 ,  68  from substantially separating. That is, the axle  62  has a sufficient length to allow the first and second disks  66 ,  68  to separate a distance slightly more than the height, or depth, of the ridges  76 ,  82  or grooves  78 ,  84 . In this configuration, the cam member  64  is structured to move between a first, locked position, wherein the lever arm  92  extends generally parallel to the first disk outer side  74  and wherein the first and second disks  66 ,  68  are biased together with the ridges  76 ,  82  and grooves  78 ,  84  interlocking, and a second, open position, wherein the lever arm  92  extends at an angle to the first disk outer side  74  and wherein the first and second disks  66 ,  68  are not biased together thereby allowing the first and second disk interface sides  72 ,  80  to rotate relative to each other. In this configuration, the disks  66 ,  68  may be positioned and locked in a selected orientation relative to each other. The first disk  66  is fixed to the first curved surface member body  12  and the second disk  68  is fixed to the second member body  14  or  14 A. Thus, as discussed below, the first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A may be moved into a selected orientation relative to each other and locked in that configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the preferred embodiment, both the first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A have openings  100 ,  102 ,  104  at, or adjacent to, the associated proximal end  16 ,  24 . That is, the first curved surface member body  12  includes an opening  100  at the first curved surface member body proximal edge  16 . The first curved surface member body proximal edge opening  100  is laterally elongated and extends substantially across the lateral width of the first curved surface member body  12 . Thus, the two first curved surface member body first and second stiffening members  40 ,  42  extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first curved surface member body  12 . 
     The second member body  14  or  14 A includes a first and second opening  102 ,  104 , with one opening adjacent to each of the second member body proximal and distal edges  24 ,  26 . An opening that is adjacent to an edge, as opposed to an opening that is at an edge, does not extend to the edge. That is, the second member body first opening  102  is an elongated lateral opening extending substantially parallel and adjacent to the second member body second distal edge  24 . The second member body first opening  104  extends substantially across the lateral width of said second member body  14  or  14 A. As with the first curved surface member body proximal edge opening  100 , this configuration leaves the two stiffening members  44 ,  46  on either side of the second member body first opening  102 . Further, because the second member body first opening  102  is adjacent, rather than at, the second member body second distal edge  26 , there is also a lateral member extending across the second member body second distal edge  26 . This lateral member is the first grip  120  discussed below. 
     The second member body second opening  104  is an elongated lateral opening extending substantially parallel and adjacent to the second member body first proximal edge  24 . As before, the second member body second opening  104  results in the two stiffening members  44 ,  46  extending on either side of the second member body second opening  104 . Further, because the second member body second opening  104  is adjacent, rather than at, the second member body first proximal edge  24 , there is also a lateral member extending across the second member body first proximal edge  24 . This lateral member is a tubular portion  110 . 
     The tubular portion  110  operates cooperatively with an embodiment of the locking disk assembly  60  having four disks, i.e. a first disk  66  and a second disk  68 , and, a third disk  67  and a fourth disk  69 . The third and fourth disks  67 ,  69  are substantially similar to the first and second disks  66 ,  68 , and identical reference numbers shall be used to identify the ridges, grooves and openings on the third and fourth disks  67 ,  69 , respectively. The first disk  66  is located at the first curved surface member body proximal edge  16 , and more specifically at the tip of the extending stiffening member  40  located on the first curved surface member body first lateral side  20 . The third disk  67  is located at the first curved surface member body proximal edge  16 , and more specifically at the tip of the extending stiffening member  42  located on the first curved surface member body second lateral side  22 . The second disk  68  is disposed at the second member body proximal edge, and more specifically, on an axial face of the tubular portion  110  on the second member body first lateral side  28 . The fourth disk  69  is disposed at the second member body proximal edge  22 , and more specifically, on an axial face of the tubular portion  110  on the second member body second lateral side  30 . Further, the tubular portion  110  includes a center opening  112 . In this configuration, the axle  62  extends through, in order, the cam member  64 , the first and second disks  66 ,  68 , the tubular portion  110 , and the fourth and third disks  69 ,  67 . An axle cap  88  is disposed on the outer side of the third disk  67 . As before, the cam member  64  is structured to move between a first, locked position, wherein the lever  92  extends generally parallel to the first disk outer side  74  and wherein the first and second disks  66 ,  68  and the third and fourth disks  67 ,  69  are biased together with the ridges  76 ,  82  and grooves  78 ,  84  interlocking, and a second, open position, wherein the lever arm  92  extends at an angle to the first disk outer side  74  and wherein the first and second disks  66 ,  68  and the third and fourth disks  67 ,  69  are not biased together thereby allowing the first and second disk interface sides  72 ,  80  to rotate relative to each other. 
     The folding snow shovel  10  preferably includes a plurality of grips. A first grip  120  is defined by the lateral member disposed at the member body second distal edge as discussed above. The first grip  120  is shaped/contoured to be comfortable when grasped by a user. The first grip  120  may also include padding or texturing (not shown). The first grip  120  may also extend over the two stiffening members  44 ,  46  on either side of the second member body first opening  102 . That is, in this configuration, the second member first grip  120  is U-shaped having a first portion  122 , a second portion  124 , and a third portion  126 . The second member first grip first portion  122  extends across the second member second distal edge  26  and is, essentially, the embodiment of the grip described above. The grip second and third portions  124 ,  126  extend generally perpendicular to the grip first portion  122  and along the outer edges, which are preferably the two stiffening members  44 ,  46 , of the second member body  14  or  14 A immediately adjacent the grip first portion  122 . 
     A second grip  130  is spaced from said first proximal edge  24  on the second member body  14  or  14 A. That is, the inner edge of the second member body second opening  104  may act as a grip  130 . Thus, the inner edge of the second member body second opening  104  may be shaped/contoured to be comfortable when grasped by a user. The second grip  130  may also include padding or texturing (not shown). 
     The first and second grips  120 ,  130  are disposed on the second member body  14  or  14 A and are primarily used when operating the folding snow shovel  10 . A third grip  140  may be used as a carrying grip. That is, the tubular portion  110  described above may be shaped/contoured to be comfortable when grasped by a user. The third grip  140  may also include padding or texturing (not shown). When the first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A are in the folded configuration, described below, the third grip  140  provides a convenient location to hold on to the folding snow shovel  10 . 
     When the first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A are rotatably coupled by the locking disk assembly  60  as described above, the first and second members  11 ,  13  are structured to move between a first, folded configuration, and a second, extended configuration, wherein the chords  36 ,  38  defined by said first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A are at an obtuse angle α, as shown in  FIG. 5 . In this configuration, the folding snow shovel  10  may be used as a scoop. The first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A may be moved to a third, fully extended configuration, wherein the chords  36 ,  38  defined by the first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A are at an angle greater than about 130 degrees. In the third, fully extended configuration the folding snow shovel  10  may be used as a snow pusher. It is noted that when the bodies are first and second curved surface member bodies  12 ,  14  the first and second curved surface members  11 ,  13  are nested together in the first configuration. 
     While not a primary use of the folding snow shovel  10 , the disclosed configuration further allows the folding snow shovel  10  to be used as an indicator for a hazard. That is, the folding snow shovel  10  may be placed in a fourth configuration, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this configuration, the chords  36 ,  38  defined by said first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A are at an acute angle thereby allowing the folding snow shovel  10  to be set upon the first and second member bodies second distal edges  18 ,  26 . To enhance the effect as an indicator for a hazard, the first and second member bodies  12 ,  14  or  14 A may be made from a material having a highly visible color. Alternatively, at least one of the first and second members  11 ,  13  or  13 A may have a material of a highly visible color, such as, but not limited to a strip of reflective tape, coupled thereto. 
     As a folding snow shovel  10  is structured for portability and storage in a small space, the size of the snow shovel  10  is important. Preferably, the first curved surface member body  12  has a length of between about 13 inches and 17 inches, and more preferably about 16 inches. The first curved surface member body  12  has a width of between about 8⅝ inches and 10½ inches, and more preferably about 9½ inches. The first curved surface member body  12  has radius of curvature of between about 19 inches and 22 inches, and more preferably about 20% inches. The second member body  14  has a length of between about 12 inches and 16 inches, and more preferably about 15¾ inches. The second member body  14 ,  14 A has a width of between about 5 inches and 8 inches, and more preferably about 7⅝ inches. If the second member body  14  is arcuate, the second curved surface member body  14  has radius of curvature of between about 14 inches and 16 inches and more preferably about 15¼ inches. 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.