Patent Publication Number: US-2020277746-A1

Title: Back-Saver Snow Shovel

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation and claims priority under 35 USC § 120 to U.S. patent application to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/256,697, filed on Jan. 24, 2019, which is a continuation and claims priority under 35 USC § 120 to U.S. patent application to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/808,772, filed on Jul. 24, 2015, which claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/029,004, filed on Jul. 25, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates to tools for snow removal, and more particularly to a snow shovel that requires less effort to use and, thus, results in less strain on and/or injury to the users. 
     Shoveling snow puts a strain on various parts of the body, including the wrists, neck shoulders, back, and hips, and can result in injury. For example, one study published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine (Watson et al, January 2011) found that an average of 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies were treated in U.S. emergency departments every year from 1990 to 2006. And these numbers do not account for those individuals who are injured and do not seek medical treatment. Shovels have been around for thousands of years, but changes have been few regarding design and functionality. 
     SUMMARY 
     A back-saver snow shovel is a cost-effective, specially designed snow shovel that makes it easier to move snow, thereby reducing the number of injuries associated with the use of conventional shovels. The shovel is a pivoting (moving left or right), self-leveling, mini-push snow plow, which is designed to make snow removal easier and faster. The shovel can alleviate strain and pressure on the human body. The details of one or more of the embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and descriptions below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the descriptions, drawings, and from the claims. 
     In one aspect, an apparatus includes a handle configured to be held by a user. The apparatus also includes a curled bucket configured to collect material. The curled bucket having a base configured to be moved along a surface to collect the material. The apparatus also includes a pivot member connecting the handle and the curled bucket. The pivot member allows the angular orientation of the curled bucket relative to the handle to be adjusted as directed by a force being applied to the pivot member by the handle. 
     Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The pivot member may allow the angular orientation of the curled bucket relative to the handle to be adjusted in one of two opposing directions. The pivot member may allow the angular orientation of the curled bucket relative to the handle to be adjusted over first angular range in one direction and a second angular range in a second direction. The first angular range may be substantially equivalent to the second angular range. The first angular range may be different from the second angular range. The first angular range and the second angular range may be approximately ten degrees. The handle may include a T-grip. The curled bucket may include a tapered font edge. The curled bucket may include a foot rest. A front edge of the curled bucket may be rounded. The base of the curled bucket may include grooves for moving the curled bucket along the surface to collect the material. 
     These and other aspects, features, and various combinations may be expressed as methods, apparatus, systems, etc. 
     Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a back-saver snow shovel&#39;s pivoting capabilities. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a tapered snow shovel. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a tapered work shovel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In shovel design (which is referred to as the Back-Saver Snow Shovel) a variety of features are provided, e.g., the ability to self-level due to its flat-bottom base, in combination with a pivot-pin, which also allows for slight play in movement (e.g., in the horizontal direction, vertical direction, etc.). Another feature appears on the front of the bucket-blade—at both ends, the tips are slightly rounded to act as a guide to go over cracks, ridges and seams in walkways, decks, or patios, etc. The ability of the bucket to self-level combined with the angle of the blade and the slightly rounded ends allows the user to push snow without stopping abruptly due to cracks or seams, which can cause injury to the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  illustrates, in one arrangement, a mini-push snow plow  100  with a curled bucket  101 . Various types of materials (e.g., plastics, composites, metals, etc.) may be used produce the components of the mini-push snow plow  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , another perspective view of a shovel (e.g., the mini-push snow plow  100 ) is provided to show the base of a curled bucket  200  may include a flat-like platform that allows the plow to level itself with the help of a specially designed pivot mechanism (shown in  FIG. 4 , as including an over-sized cavity  401  and a pivot/locking pin  402 ), which is located at the base of the handle/shaft. In one arrangement, an exemplary handle  500  is presented in  FIG. 5 . In one arrangement, the bottom surface of the base of a bucket (e.g., the curled bucket  200  shown in  FIG. 2 ) may include one or more surface patterns such as recessed grooves to reduce friction. Further, in some arrangements, for example shown in  FIG. 2 , a blade  201  may extend slightly past the top of the curl. However, in some arrangements the blade may precede or be in substantial alignment with the blade. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , angles of a plow  300  are illustrated that are used to disperse snow to the right, left or forward. Various angular ranges (e.g., between 0 and 90 degrees) may achieved based upon the design. In some arrangements the range of angles provided in one direction (e.g., to the right) may be equivalent to the range of angles provided in the opposite direction (e.g., to the left). However, such angles provided in the two opposing direction need not be equivalent. For example, a larger angular swing may be provided in one direction (e.g., to the left) and less of an angular swing may be provided in the opposing direction (e.g., to the right). For example, the size, shape, etc. of the interface of the handle and curled bucket (e.g., the over-sized cavity  401  and the pivot/locking pin  402 ) may be adjusted to provide various angular ranges in one or both of the opposing directions (e.g., to the left and to the right). 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the pivot is strategically located for both balance and resistance, and in this arrangement is centered at the base of the shovel, illustrating the over-sized cavity  401  to accept a handle/shaft (e.g., the handle  500  shown in  FIG. 5 ).  FIG. 4  also illustrates the pivot/locking pin  402  that allows the handle/shaft to disconnect. The over-sized cavity  401  and the pivot/locking pin  402  allow the bucket to swivel approximately 10 degrees right and left, in this example. However other angles can be achieved through design, which may or may not depend upon the size of the cavity. The mini-plow also can operate at zero degrees, meaning at no angle or just plowing forward. The over-sized cavity  401  may also be designed to allow movement in other directions (e.g., the vertical direction). Operating the plow is automatic; in other words, it&#39;s how the user approaches the snow with the shovel that will determine how the mini-plow works. For example, if the bucket first catches the snow on the right edge, the mini-plow will automatically pivot to the right, or likewise to the left. In general, the pivot/locking-pin connects the handle/shaft to the bucket, and also allows the bucket to pivot to the right or left. There are a number of ways to achieve this effect. One method to achieve this pivoting effect is to have a durable pin run through the housing of the base—and then through a hole in the handle/shaft and back into the base. Another method is a self-contained pivot mechanism, whereby the handle/shaft can be screwed, snapped, etc. on to the pivot mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , illustrates a side view of one shovel arrangement. From this viewing perspective, the angular relationship of the shovel components is presented. In this particular example, the shovel includes the handle  500  and slightly rounded ends or tips  501  on a bucket blade (e.g., a bucket blade  201  shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another potential shovel arrangement is presented. In this example, the shovel handle includes a T-grip  600 . The benefits of this feature can include making it easier for the user to push the plow, and requiring no bending, thus greatly reducing the risk of soreness and/or injury to the back muscles. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , another shove arrangement is presented. In this example, features of a tapered snow shovel  700  are shown as related to the back-saver shovel when in its angular position. The benefits of the tapered snow shovel include having a tapered bucket blade  701  in combination with a slightly rounded high front guard tip  702  that can act as a guide to glide over various surface imperfections such as cracks, seams, ridges, and divots in terrain such as walkways, driveways, etc. Because the bucket is tapered at an angle, it is able to cut under snow with less effort than the standard straight-edged shovel. This feature also can also be an advantage in cutting through layers of ice that might be under the snow pack. The tapered snow shovel  700  can be used like a standard snow shovel in lifting snow. In some arrangements, the tapered snow shovel can be personalized by being a left- or right-handed shovel by reversing the taper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , one arrangement of a tapered work shovel has slightly rounded ends  802 . As with the tapered snow shovel, the combined features of having a tapered angle and slightly rounded ends, allows the shovel to glide over imperfections such as cracks, seams, ridges, and divots in terrain such as walkways, driveways, etc. The user also is able to cut under a pile of debris (i.e., dirt, gravel) with less effort than the standard straight-edged shovel. It can be used as a combination of shovels, like a flat shovel, spade, or an edger. Also, the tapered angle of front edge may be designed for particular individuals, e.g., personalized by being a left- or right-handed shovel by reversing the taper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , this illustrates a tapered work shovel  900  with an optional foot rest  901  that allows additional pressure from the users leg/foot, thereby making it easier to dig. 
     A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the processes and techniques described herein. In addition, other components can be added to, or removed from, the described subject matter. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.