Patent Publication Number: US-8122619-B2

Title: Snow removal device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/042,057, filed Apr. 3, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosed embodiments relate to the construction and use of devices for the removal of snow from a specific site. As with conventional snow removal devices such as snow blowers and snow throwers, removal of snow from a specific site typically means transferring the snow from that site to a remote site. These conventional devices may be gasoline powered or electric powered and are normally constructed for snow removal from a generally planar surface, such as a walkway, a paved driveway, a patio, a parking lot, or a roadway. The snow removal mechanism within the device can assume a variety of forms such as a rotatable blade or series or blades, a paddle wheel with a plurality of vanes, an auger, a series of spokes, and an array of brush bristles. 
     Another common or typical characteristic of prior art snow removal devices is their substantial weight as well as substantial size and the need to be pushed or driven in some manner. This is why some type of traction structure or drive train is often included and/or at least two or four wheels are provided to facilitate travel of the snow removal device. Although a few designs have been offered that are of reduced weight as a way to make the device more suitable for a wider range of users, the basic principle of use and the use on a generally planar surface remain substantially the same. This basic principle of use is to stand behind the device, grip a pushing handle with two hands, and guide the device across a generally planar surface, typically by pushing. 
     One problem that can confront individuals living in northern locations that frequently experience snowfall levels of several inches, or at least those traveling in such northern locations, is getting a vehicle stuck in deep snow. While this problem might be encountered if the vehicle slides off the road into a deep snow bank, this problem might also occur in a driveway or when driving through deep snow that might have been left from municipal or private snowplows. 
     The deep snow surrounding one or more of the vehicle&#39;s wheels causing the vehicle to become stuck in the snow needs to be shoveled or scooped away in hopes of freeing the vehicle. The vehicle wheel or wheels that are unable to get traction on a firm surface are unable to do so because of the layer of snow serving as a buffer between the wheel and traction surface, typically a road, the ground, a driveway, etc. The most common method of trying to free a vehicle that is stuck in the snow is to grab a shovel (assuming you have one) and try to dig out. This obviously requires that the driver of the vehicle remembered to include a shovel or somehow locates one. Since the mechanical principles of a shovel and its center of gravity when being used to remove snow cause it to be heavy and awkward to use, this particular method of snow removal has several drawbacks. Another concern is the ability of the user to get close enough to the wheel of the vehicle if it is off the road and stuck in deep snow. Since shovel handles are relatively short in consideration of the load at the distal end and the moment arm, it may not be possible for a vehicle driver to actually dig out without getting into the deep snow so as to get close enough to the wheel or wheels that are struck to try and remove some of the snow. Considering the weight of the shovel and the load of snow, the user can reach a point of exhaustion very quickly. Heart patients are advised to not shovel snow, further complicating the problems for such individuals. 
     Obviously, none of the conventional snow blowers or snow throwers is suitable for snow removal of the deep snow around a vehicle wheel. There has not been any attention given to trying to facilitate the removal of snow from around a vehicle wheel or tire by using some of the snow removal principles and mechanisms that are common to more conventional snow removal devices. However, if a small, portable device could be constructed that would incorporate snow removal principles of much larger systems into a more maneuverable device, it could replace the shovel, or similar manual implement, as a way to remove the snow from around the wheels (tires) of a stuck vehicle. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein provide such a device. The construction options and opportunity to include various snow removal mechanisms contribute to the flexibility, versatility, and ease of use of the disclosed devices. All of the device components and accessories are able to be packaged into a convenient carrying case as part of the overall principle of portability. This allows the carrying case to be kept in a vehicle such that the snow removal device is always available in the event the vehicle gets stuck in the snow. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A snow removal device includes a power source or is connectable to a power source for powering a drive motor that is connected to a snow removal mechanism. The overall size and construction is designed to be lightweight and portable. In this way, considering the smaller size of the snow removal mechanism and its maneuverability, it is suitable to assist in removing snow from around the tires of a vehicle that is stuck in the snow, as one example of a suitable use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a snow removal device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of a handle/motor subassembly comprising one portion of the  FIG. 1  snow removal device. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a snow removal mechanism comprising one portion of the  FIG. 1  snow removal device. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a shaft extension section comprising one portion of the  FIG. 1  snow removal device. 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a second shaft extension section providing an optional component to the  FIG. 1  snow removal device. 
         FIG. 5  is perspective view of a removable, rotatable brush mechanism suitable for use as a replacement for the  FIG. 3  snow removal mechanism. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of a replacement battery for use in the  FIG. 2  handle/motor subassembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of a DC battery charger suitable for use in recharging the battery of the  FIG. 2  handle/motor subassembly and the  FIG. 6  replacement battery. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial, perspective view of one connection arrangement for shaft extension sections according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a carrying case including various component parts and accessories, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a portable snow removal device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  is an enlarged view of the snow removal mechanism illustrated in the  FIG. 10  snow removal device. 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a portable snow removal device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a portable snow removal device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12A  is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the  FIG. 12  snow removal device. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portable snow removal device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a paddle wheel with vanes providing an alternative snow removal mechanism to the brush mechanism of the  FIG. 13  snow removal device. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portable snow removal device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a removable, rotatable blade mechanism suitable for use as a replacement snow removal mechanism for the  FIG. 1  snow removal device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and its use, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4B , there is illustrated a portable snow removal device  20  in fully assembled condition, all as according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated and disclosed in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 A and  4 B, the primary component parts can be disassembled for added convenience. Device  20  includes, as its component parts, a handle/motor subassembly  21 , a snow removal mechanism  22 , and shaft extension sections  23   a  and  23   b . In this regard, it should be understood that shaft extension section  23   b  would not have to be used if the distance from the user to the site of snow removal was fairly short. While the same could likely be said for shaft extension section  23   a , it is anticipated that virtually all situations for snow removal using device  20  would involve the use of subassembly  21  connected to shaft extension section  23   a  that is in turn connected to snow removal mechanism  22 . 
     Handle/motor subassembly  21  is constructed and arranged for manual gripping and includes a molded plastic housing  26  that houses a reversible drive motor  27  (12-18 VDC) and a removable, rechargeable battery  28 . The motor  27  is a reversible, variable speed motor and trigger  29  functions as the ON/OFF control as well as the speed control. Switch  30  controls the direction of motor shaft rotation. 
     The hollow output shaft  33  of the motor is constructed and arranged for receipt of one shaft extension section  23   a . A square drive is contemplated with a ball detent to lock this section  23   a  into the hollow shaft  33  of motor  27 . A rotatable shaft  31  is bearingly mounted inside each section. The motor shaft  33  and section shaft  31  are compatibly shaped to securely connect together such that the rotation of shaft  33  accurately translates into the rotation of section shaft  31  without any noticeable slippage. A square or D-form on the male end and a matching socket shape on the female end is one way to configure the shaft ends for connection to each other. A keyway and key is another option and either shaft can be configured with either form, so long as one shaft includes the male form and the connecting shaft includes the female form. 
     If a second shaft extension section  23   b  is used, it connects end-to-end with the first shaft section  23   a  such that the section shaft  31  of the second section  23   b  rotates in unison with the rotating motor output shaft  33 . The manner of connection between extension sections is essentially the same as the manner of connection between the motor shaft  33  and the section shaft  31  of extension section  23   a . Ideally, each extension section  23   a  and  23   b  is constructed the same with a male form connection at one end and a female form connection at the opposite end. Other connection options and arrangements are contemplated such that the motor shaft rotation is transferred to the snow removal mechanism  22 . For example, in  FIG. 8 , there is illustrated a connection concept between a first shaft section  23   c  and a second shaft section  23   d . The interior, bearingly-supported drive shaft  39  of section  23   c  has a square socket  39   a . The outer sleeve  40  includes a pin  40   a  for slot interfit with section  23   d . The interior, bearingly-supported driveshaft of section  23   d  has a square drive  43  for a close insertion fit into socket  39   a . As the square drive and square socket are mated, pin  40   a  slides into slot  44 . At the base of slot  44 , there is a right angle turn to securely seat the pin  40   a  into the closed end of slot  44  as sections  23   c  and  23   d  are securely joined together. 
     An alternative to this connection technique is to replace the pin  40   a  with a spring-biased ball detent. With this change, the slot  44  is then replaced with a circular opening located where the corner bend of the slot is now located. 
     In one embodiment of the snow removal mechanism  22 , the mechanism includes an auger  34  within a shroud  35  with a gear box  36  at one end. The gear box  36  includes an input shaft  37  for connection to an extension section  23   a  or  23   b  and an output shaft  38  for connection to or as a part of the auger  34 . In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the auger shaft  34   b  and the output shaft  38  are securely connected together by flexible coupling  47 . The right angle between shaft  37  and shaft  38  is achieved by the internal gearing within gear box  36 , preferably a bevel gear set (not illustrated). Extension  36   a  snaps into shroud  35  for added support and to permit one mechanism, such as auger  34 , to be replaced with another style. The plastic construction of extension  36   a  and of shroud  35  provides adequate flexibility so that a tab-in-slot connection is manually releasable. The overall strength and support are not compromised while still enabling one mechanism to be replaced with another. 
     The shroud  35  can assume a variety of structural forms relative to the opening or openings providing access to the auger  34 . The illustrated shroud  35  includes a first opening  41  for the entry or introduction of snow into the turning auger blade  34   a  and a second opening  42  or outlet for the discharge of snow. With a proper auger speed and with a proper auger blade shape or contour, it is possible to gather in snow adjacent the location of opening  41  and then expel the snow with a modest throwing velocity out through opening  42 . The operation of device  20  moves snow from one location site to a remote side depending on the handling and manipulation of the mechanism  22  by the user. Wherever the snow is located that needs to be removed, the user of device  20  directs the mechanism  22  portion or head to that snow location by grasping handle  21  with one hand and, for leverage and balance, the user grabs a portion of extension section  23   a  with the other hand. This allows the mechanism  22  to be moved directly into the snow such that the snow to be removed is captured in end opening  41 . In this way, the auger blade can operate on that snow and move it from one site to another. In this regard, mechanism  22  is constructed and arranged to be lighter in weight and smaller in size than a conventional push-type snow blower or snow thrower. This allows mechanism  22  to be more maneuverable and can be easily manipulated and moved into locations that might not otherwise be accessible to a conventional push-type snow blower or snow thrower. Representative of such locations are the areas around the tires/wheels of a motor vehicle that is stuck in snow. 
     It is also to be understood that the size, shape, and location of the first opening  41  in shroud  35  can be changed so long as routine manipulation of the snow removal mechanism  22  allows the inlet opening  41  in the shroud  35  to be positioned at the location of the snow that is to be moved from one site to a remote site. As for options and alternatives in the construction and arrangement of the snow removal mechanism  22 , virtually any transport mechanism is a suitable option so long as it is capable of moving snow from one location to a remote (distant) location. While an auger is one option, the auger can be replaced by a paddle wheel with flat blades or vanes in one form or with scoop-shaped blades, curved blades, or curved vanes in another form, or by a disc-shaped brush with stiff bristles radiating like spokes, as some of the examples. Exchange of one mechanism  22  for another simply involves loosening of flexible coupling (access through opening  42 ) and unsnapping extension  36   a  from shroud  35 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another option for the snow removal mechanism  22 , in lieu of an auger  34 , is illustrated in the form of a removable, rotatable brush  46 , arranged in two sections  48  and  49  that are symmetrically arranged and spaced on opposite sides of gear box  36 . Each section  48  and  49  includes radiating bristles  50  and end-extending bristles  51 . The gear box input shaft  37  connects to section  23   a  or  23   b  in the manner that has been illustrated and described. Each brush section  48  and  49  includes a driveshaft  52  and  53 , respectively. Each driveshaft is connected to gear box  36  at a right angle relative to input shaft  37 . A similar “brush” type mechanism is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The  FIG. 15  structure replaces the stiff bristles of brush  46  with heavy nylon blades that are more suited to break up “frozen” and icy snow. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , replacement battery  56 , the same as battery  28 , is illustrated. Battery  28  that is installed into the handle/motor subassembly  21  is a removable, rechargeable battery that provides wireless power to drive motor  27 . A DC battery charger  57  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated a storage and carrying case  60  for snow removal device  20 . Included as a part of the accessories that are received within case  60 , in addition to what is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , are an “extra” (i.e., a third) shaft extension section  61 , another replacement battery  62 , an AC charger  63 , and DC power cord  64 . 
     Case  60  is a molded plastic case with formed, recessed compartments  60   a  that are shaped to correspond to the shape of the component parts and spare parts as illustrated. These component parts and spare parts are generally referred to herein as “accessories”. Although a generic reference of  60   a  is being used for each of these recessed compartments, it will be understood that the compartments have different shapes so as to correspond to the shape of the article received therein. The base or tray  65  is hinged to covering lid  66  and the two-part latching clasps include portions  67   a  and  67   b  and complementing portions  68   a  and  68   b . These various clasp portions and complementing portions are positioned along the abutting edges of tray  65  and lid  66 , as illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, each compartment  60   a  in tray  65  has a depth that is at least one-half the height or thickness of the corresponding component or spare part that fits into that particular recessed compartment. Each compartment  60   a  in the lid  66  has a corresponding depth of at least one-half of the height of the corresponding component or spare part. In this manner, when the lid is closed onto the tray, the various components and spare parts are encased for protection and stability while being transported. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 10A , another embodiment is illustrated. Snow removal device  72  includes a handle grip  73 , two handle sections  74  and  75 , section connection  76 , drive unit  77 , and a detachable snow removal mechanism  78 . In the preferred embodiment, mechanism  78  is substantially the same in all respects as mechanism  22 . The handle grip  73  is formed as part of section  74 . Section  75  is assembled into drive unit  77  at one end. The opposite end of section  75  is securely jointed with section  74  by means of section connection  76 . Connection  76  includes an outer covering  76   a  that is used to cover the section-to-section joint and thereby keep out debris. The covering  76   a  also provides a gripping surface for the other hand of the user. The drive unit  77  includes the power source, preferably a rechargeable drive motor, with a rotating output shaft  81 . The snow removal mechanism  78  is connectable to and detachable from the drive unit  77  with a snap-fit onto extension  77   a , as previously described relative to extension  36   a  and shroud  35 . The interior auger  82  includes a center shaft  83  that is constructed and arranged for direct connection to output shaft  81  by way of flexible coupling  84 . 
     The detachable construction of mechanism  78  allows the auger design to be replaced with some other style or snow removal mechanism such as the removable, rotating brush  46  (see  FIG. 5 ) or the spiral brush mechanism  86  of snow removal device  87 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Device  87  is constructed and arranged the same as device  72  with the exception that the auger blade design is replaced with a spiral brush design. Accordingly, the same reference numbers are used for the same component parts between these two embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 12A , a still further embodiment is illustrated. There are principally two differences represented by snow removal device  90  that are not found in the specifics illustrated for the earlier embodiments. In the earlier embodiments, the preferred construction was to use a rechargeable battery or rechargeable drive motor. Device  90  uses a direct power cord connection for 12 VDC from the vehicle cigarette lighter socket or alternatively from any trailer wiring that would be accessible. 
     Device  90  includes, as a second primary difference from the earlier embodiments, a multiple vane paddle wheel construction as part of the snow removal mechanism  91 . Other components and portions of device  90  include the power cord  92 , first handle section  93 , second handle section  94 , upper grip  95 , lower grip  96 , drive motor  97 , paddle wheel  98 , and shroud  99 . The shroud includes two spaced-apart panels  100  and  101  such that the interior space is generally open. This allows the snow to be propelled outwardly in the direction of arrow  102  due to the rapidly rotating paddle wheel  98 , as driven by the drive motor  97 . 
     The power cord  92  is run through the two hollow handle sections  93  and  94  that are securely connected together and then the combination is inserted into and secured to the drive motor  97 . A control (ON/OFF) switch (not illustrated) in the vicinity of grip  95  allows the ON/OFF status of the drive motor to be controlled by the user. A variable speed motor can be used. The output shaft of the drive motor is coupled to the paddle wheel shaft that is bearingly mounted and supported for high speed rotation. The vanes  103  of the paddle wheel are selected to maximize the amount of snow that can be picked up and propelled with sufficient velocity to get it clear of the site where the snow is being removed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 13A , another embodiment is illustrated. Device  107  includes a handle grip  108  and a control trigger  109  for ON/OFF operation. Shaft section  110  is joined with the handle grip  108 . The snow removal mechanism  111  is configured with a rotating shaft  112  and a series of brush bristles  113 . End  110   a  of section  110  connects into socket  114  of mechanism  111 . Device  107  is a rechargeable unit and the preferred location for the rechargeable power supply is in the handle grip  108 . In this way, the entirety of mechanism  111  can be made interchangeable for different configurations of the snow removal mechanism. Another option is to allow only the brush bristle portion  113  to be removable so as to be replaced with a different style of rotating structure, such as the paddle wheel  115  illustrated in  FIG. 13A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , another embodiment is illustrated. Snow removal device  120  is similar to other, earlier embodiments disclosed herein and can be selectively configured with the range of options and alternatives already described and/or illustrated. The point of  FIG. 14  is to illustrate a different inlet configuration for gathering or intaking snow. Inlet  121  has a square shape in one plane with tapering or diverging sides so as to create a scoop or hopper configuration. The snow entering inlet  121  is conveyed to outlet  122  by mechanism  123 . The shape of inlet  121  allows a larger intake area for the snow and thereby faster removal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , another option for the snow removal mechanism  22 , in lieu of auger  34  or one of the other snow removal mechanisms described herein, is illustrated. The illustrated snow removal mechanism  146  is a removable, rotatable brush-like structure with a series of heavy nylon blades  150  and  151 , in lieu of more “conventional” bristles. Mechanism  146  is arranged in two sections,  148  and  149 , that are symmetrically arranged and spaced on opposite sides of gear box  36 . Each section  148  and  149  includes radiating blades  150  and end-extending blades  151 . The gear box input shaft  37  connects to section  23   a  or  23   b  in the manner that has been illustrated and described. Each blade section  148  and  149  includes a driveshaft  152  and  153 , respectively. Each driveshaft is connected to gear box  36  at a right angle relative to input shaft  37 . 
     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.