Patent Publication Number: US-9834181-B2

Title: Snow and ice remover for vehicle roofs

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part (“CIP”) of co-pending CIP U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/658,419 filed Oct. 23, 2012, and the original co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/807,048 filed Aug. 26, 2010. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention deals generally with brushing and cleaning and more specifically with cleaning snow and ice from the roofs of vehicles. 
     It is not an uncommon experience in localities which experience significant snowfall to see a slab of snow fly off the roof of a vehicle and strike a following vehicle. Regardless of the vehicle from which the snow is released, the experience is startling to the driver of the following vehicle. However, if the snow is from atop a large semi-trailer, and particularly if it has been hardened into ice, the event can not only be startling, but also very dangerous. 
     This has always been a concern of the trucking industry. Therefore, trucking companies spend considerable money to clear snow and ice from the roofs of trailers after every major snow storm. This effort not only takes money but also requires significant time, so that the operation of the trucks of a large fleet can be delayed significantly after a snowstorm. Furthermore, since the snow and ice removal has generally been done manually by workers shoveling from atop the trailers, employers and insurance companies are very concerned about the danger of such workers slipping and falling from the typically 13 foot high trailer roofs. Furthermore, at least one state, New Jersey, requires that such roof snow and ice be cleared before a truck moves onto a public road, but even without such requirements, there is a significant increase in fuel consumption, and therefore an increase in the cost of operation, if snow or ice is not removed. 
     Several devices exist that attempt to address this problem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,654 by Yeaglin, the inventor of the present application, discloses an immovable bridge like structure supporting a vertically adjustable wedge shaped snow plow that vehicles can move under to have snow or ice removed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,356 by Candeletti uses a snow removal scraper supported on a pillar installed on cement footings. 
     One of the problems with such structures is that they are very large in both width and height, and therefore occupy significant space, particularly considering that they must have significant free space around them to permit maneuvering semi-trailers into and through them. This problem is aggravated because the height of these structures requires particular care to assure their stability, and the situation is particularly bothersome to users who do not need a snow scraper throughout a large portion of any year. 
     Published Patent Application US200910282708 by Reed attempts to overcome this problem by supplying a structure that is not imbedded in the ground, but instead is held down by four removable concrete blocks which rest on two base plates attached at the bottom of the vertical supports of the bridge like structure. The snow scraper structure can then be moved to a storage location when not in use. This is accomplished by using two forklifts vehicles with 5000 pound capacity. The forklifts first lift each of the 3 ton concrete blocks off the base plate. Then, by inserting their forks into pockets within the two base plates at the bottom of opposite sides of the bridge structure, the two forklifts work in tandem to move the structure. This is no easy task since the structure weight is 8,800 pounds, is over 16 feet tall, and is approximately 17 feet wide. 
     Since it is clear that a movable snow scraper structure has the distinct benefit of being movable out of the way when not in use, it would be very beneficial to have such a movable snow scraper available, particularly for small businesses, that does not require the use of two heavy duty forklifts and two specially skilled operators who can operate in tandem on opposite sides of a wide, tall, and heavy structure such as the typical snow scraper. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the above-mentioned need, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a snow and ice remover for vehicle roofs. The snow and ice remover assembly for vehicle roofs has two vertical supports separated by a distance sufficient to move a vehicle between the vertical supports. A plow assembly is provided that is movable along the two vertical supports. A base structure is attached to the vertical supports and has wheels that engage a support surface upon which the snow and ice remover stands. A wheel movement prevention mechanism is also provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figure, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow and ice remover for vehicle roofs; 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed perspective view of the plow assembly used in an embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary wheel support member; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary plow wheel assembly engaging a vertical support I-beam; and 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the plow assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment that includes the basic structure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,654 by Yeaglin, which is incorporated herein by reference. Snow and ice remover  10  is constructed with vertical support “I” beams  12  and  14  and upper cross piece  16  forming an overhead bridge structure. In an embodiment, vertical support beams  12  and  14  extend approximately twenty feet above ground. They are also separated by a distance sufficient to easily move a typical semi-trailer with a container trailer or an open-top tarped trailer, deliver truck, school bus, or highway coach bus between them. The function of upper cross piece  16  is to support a winch  18 , from which a plow assembly  23  is supported by chain  22  or cable connected to an eyelet  33 . An operator at ground level can operate winch  18  to raise or lower snow plow assembly  23  to clear snow and ice from vehicles of different heights. 
     The winch  18  is a conventional electrically powered winch which is powered and controlled through cable  25 . Cable  25  follows the structure of upper cross piece  16  and either beam  12  or  14  to a conventional control station (not shown) at ground level from which an operator can operate the winch  18  to raise or lower the plow assembly  23 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , major components of the plow assembly  23  include a crossbar  27 , plow wheel assemblies  36 , plow  20 , brush assemblies  50 , and side wiper assemblies  60 . Crossbar  27  extends between I-beams  12  and  14  by fixtures  35  attached to the ends of crossbar  27  and wrapped around outer edges of flanges of I-beams  12  and  14 , respectively. Crossbar  27  is spaced from beam flanges by plow wheel assemblies  36 . Two plow wheel assemblies  36  are positioned on the crossbar  27 , at opposite ends of the crossbar  27 , so that crossbar  27  can roll along the longitudinal axis of the I-beam flanges and maintain its original spacing from the flanges as it is raised and lowered by the winch  18 . 
     Each plow wheel assembly  36  includes a plurality of wheels  38 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 , a pair of first wheels  38   a  are mounted to two elongated L-shaped fixtures  35   a . The pair of first wheels  38   a  are located in line with each other along the longitudinal axis of the “I” beams  12 , 14  and spaced apart from each other at opposite ends of the L-shaped fixtures  35   a . A first side of each first wheel  38   a  is connected to one L-shaped fixture  35   a , and a second side of each first wheel  38   a  is connected to the other L-shaped fixture  35   a . The two elongated L-shaped fixtures  35   a  are fastened to a plow facing surface of the crossbar  27 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a second wheel  38   b  is mounted on an rear surface of the crossbar  27 , opposite the plow facing surface, through an L-shaped fixture  35   c . The second wheel  38   b  is aligned in the same direction as the pair of first wheels  38   a.    
     In another embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a pair of second wheels  38   b  are mounted to a first surface of a rectangular wheel support member  71 . The pair of second wheels  38   b  are located in-line with each other along the longitudinal axis of the I-beams  12 , 14 , and spaced apart from each other at opposite ends of the rectangular wheel support member  71 . A first surface mounting bracket  72   a  is positioned between the pair of second wheels  38   b  and mounted on the first surface of the wheel support member  71 , and connects the wheel support member  71  to the rear surface of the crossbar  27 . A second surface mounting bracket  72   b  is positioned on a second surface opposite the first surface of the wheel support member  71  and connects the wheel support member  71  to the rear surface of the crossbar  27 . 
     A third wheel  38   c  is mounted to an end surface of the crossbar  27  through an L-shaped fixture  35   c . The third wheel  38   c  is aligned perpendicular to the direction of the first wheels  38   a  and second wheel  38   b , and parallel with the rear surface along the longitudinal axis of the crossbar  27 . See  FIG. 2 . 
     The plow  20  is attached at its ends to the cross bar  27  and though a support member  19  near its center. Brush assemblies  50  are attached to an edge  21  of the plow  20 . Such attachment may be by welding, through the use of suitable fasteners or other suitable attachment means. It should also be understood that the plow  20  and brush assemblies  50  may be formed as an integral sub assembly. The plow  20  and brush assembly  50  are arranged in a v-shape to push snow to the sides of the vehicle roof as it passes under the vehicle roof sweeper  10 . It should be understood that alternate shapes for the plow assembly are possible. It may be linear, angled to one side, arcuate or other suitable shapes depending upon the desired removal path for snow from the vehicle top. Each brush assembly has a base plate  56  from which one or more rows of brushes  53  extend. Although two rows are shown in the embodiment, one row, three rows or more may be chosen according to design preferences. Each brush  53  may be formed of a material selected to have sufficient stiffness to push snow or ice while having sufficient flexibility to prevent scraping or other damage to the top surface of the vehicle passing through the vehicle roof sweeper  10 . Additionally, brushes in each row may be of a different length from those in its adjacent row. For example, the brushes  53  may be formed of polypropylene, polyethylene, or other suitable brush materials and may be sized accordingly by a modular arrangement. Base plates  56  may be formed of metal and serve to both hold the brushes  53  and secure them to the plow  20  by welding, through the use of suitable fasteners or other suitable attachment means. The base plates may alternatively be formed of suitable composite or other materials. 
     The side wiper assemblies  60  are attached to an edge of the base plate  56  of brush assemblies  50 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a pair of side wiper assemblies  60  are attached to each of the opposing end portions of the base plate  56  located towards the outer sides of the plow assembly  23 . In another embodiment, the side wiper assemblies  60  are attached to opposing end portion edges  21  of the plow  20 . The attachment may be by welding, through the use of suitable fasteners or other suitable attachment means. It should also be understood that the brush assemblies  50  and the side wiper assemblies  60  may be formed as an integral sub assembly. In another embodiment, the plow  20  and the side wiper assemblies  60  may be formed as an integral sub-assembly. 
     Each side wiper assembly  60  has a mounting plate  61  and a plurality of wiper strips  62  that extend in a row from the mounting plate  61 . The mounting plate  61  can be attached to an edge  63  of the base plate  56  or to an edge  21  of the plow  20 . Although one row of wiper strips  62  is shown in  FIG. 2 , two or three rows may be used. Each wiper strip  62  may be formed of a material selected to have sufficient stiffness to push snow or ice while having sufficient flexibility to prevent scraping or other damage to the side surfaces of the vehicle passing through the vehicle roof sweeper  10 . For example, the wiper strips  62  may be formed of neoprene rubber, polypropylene, polyethylene, or other suitable wiper strip materials. The wiper strips  62  extend from the mounting plate  61  below the edge  21  of the plow  20  at a distance great enough to clear snow and ice from rounded roof edges such as those found on a typical school bus. In one embodiment, all of wiper strips  62  are equal in length. In other embodiments, the plurality of wiper strips  62  are different lengths and form a contoured lower edge, whereby the outermost wiper strips  62  are longer than the innermost wiper strips  62 . 
     Generally the pair of second wheels  38   b  are used when the brush assemblies  50  or the side wiper assemblies  60  are attached to the plow assembly  23 . The assemblies  50 ,  60  add weight to the plow assembly  23 , and the balance of the plow assembly  23  is altered because the plow assembly  23  is suspended from the chain  22 . The pair of second wheels  38   b  engaging with the I-beam surface maintains the plow assembly  23  balance and the plow assembly  23  remains vertically straight. If the plow assembly  23  were to tilt, the brushes  53  would not engage the roof surface as effectively. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the pair of second wheels  38   b  can also be used when the brush assemblies  50  or the side wiper assemblies  60  are not attached to the plow assembly  23 . 
     Lower stops  51  are used to protect the vehicle being cleared of snow or ice. Lower stops  51  are attached to beams  12  and  14  at a height appropriate for the vehicles being cleared by a particular vehicle roof sweeper  10 , so that the selected vehicle being driven under vehicle roof sweeper  10  is not damaged by plow assembly  23 . Stops  51  are typically installed  13  feet above the ground but clearly could be installed at different heights, and could also be attached by welding, or adjustably by bolts or other fasteners, so that their heights could occasionally be changed. 
     Upper stop holes  55  are located on the beams  12  and  14  just below the cross piece  16  and are also used for safety purposes. When the vehicle roof sweeper  10  is taken out of service for long periods of time, for instance during summer, the plow assembly  23  can be raised to its maximum height and support pins  56  (only one shown) inserted through upper stop holes  55 . This arrangement supports the plow assembly  23  and takes the weight off of chain  22  while the plow assembly  23  is high above any truck or trailer roofs. 
     The present invention departs dramatically from the structure of the Yeaglin patent and other such snow and ice removers by no longer embedding beams  12  and  14  in the ground, but instead, stably supporting the snow and ice remover  10  on base structures  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, retractable wheels  26  can be used. Base structures  24  can also each include a platform  28  so that when wheels  26  are retracted, as shown in the  FIG. 1 , base structures  24  sit on the support surface. When snow and ice remover  10  is in use clearing snow, ballasts  30 , typically made of concrete, can be placed on platforms  28  to prevent movement of snow and ice remover  10  as a vehicle moves through it for snow and ice clearing. Additional means to prevent such movement of the structure can include plates  31  which are attached to base structures  24  and include holes through which locking devices such as stakes or other devices can be inserted into the support surface. 
     Operation of the vehicle roof sweeper  10  will now be described. Once the working height of plow  20  is set by the use of the winch  18 , all that is required is that a vehicle be slowly driven under vehicle roof sweeper  10  in the direction indicated by arrow A. Since all that is needed is relative motion between plow  20  and the roof of the vehicle, it is immaterial that the vehicle is in motion rather than the plow, so snow and ice will be pushed off the roof and over the sides and rear of the vehicle. It should be appreciated that even with a trailer moving at only one mile per hour, it will take less than a minute to clear the roof of a typical trailer. 
     The present invention therefore provides an inexpensive, rapid, and safe way to clear snow and ice from truck and trailer roofs. 
     It is to be understood that the form of this invention as shown is merely a preferred embodiment. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of parts; equivalent means may be substituted for those illustrated and described; and certain features may be used independently from others without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 
     For example, plow  20  can be constructed with various heights to accommodate the weather of different regions, it could be constructed with a single angled blade so that snow and ice are pushed off only one side of the vehicle, or it can be constructed with a curved surface at the upper edge to deflect snow and ice downward to assure they do not go over the top of the plow. 
     Stably supporting the vehicle roof sweeper  10  are base structures  24  which include retractable wheels  26 . The base structures  24  also each include a platform  28  so that when the wheels  26  are retracted, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the base structures  24  sit on the support surface. When the vehicle roof sweeper  10  is in use clearing snow, ballasts  30 , typically made of concrete, are placed on platforms  28  to prevent movement of vehicle roof sweeper  10  as a vehicle moves through it for snow and ice clearing. Additional means to prevent such movement of the structure are plates  31  which are attached to base structures  24  and include holes through which locking devices such as stakes or other devices can be inserted into the support surface. 
     Four sets of dual wheels  26  can be mounted on swivel casters  32  held at the ends of base structures  24  by jack supports  40 . Therefore, once the wheels are lowered and lift the structure, snow and ice remover  10  can be moved in any direction. Additionally, when the wheels are retracted, the base structures sit on the ground, and, in fact, since the lowered wheels also are on the ground as the unit is lifted, the structure is never out of contact with the ground. 
     In another embodiment, wheels  26  and casters  32  are mounted on trailer type wheel jacks  34 , and each jack  34  is rated for 5,000 pound lifting capacity. When snow and ice remover  10  is to be moved, ballasts  30  are removed from platforms  28  using lifting hooks  36  or some other lifting structure. The removal of the ballasts can easily be accomplished by a small fork lift. Then wheels  26  are lowered using wheel jacks  34 , thereby raising snow and ice remover  10  so that base structures  24  are typically about 2 inches off the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, ballasts  30  each weigh 2,000 pounds, and when the ballasts are removed, snow and ice remover  10  weighs 2,700 pounds. In another embodiment, when the ballasts  30  are removed, the vehicle roof sweeper  10  weights about 4,300 pounds. 
     Vertical support beams  12  and  14  are attached to base structures  24 , and stabilizing supports  38  prevent motion between them. Stabilizers  44  are also attached between upper cross piece  16  and vertical support beams  12  and  14  to prevent distortion of the structure. Similarly, jack stabilizers  42 , which are attached between jack supports  40  and base structures  24 , stabilize jacks  34 , casters  32 , and wheels  26 . Therefore, snow and ice remover  10  will not distort or tip either when it is functioning to remove snow and ice or when it is being moved. This stability holds even when the unit is in service on, or being moved on, a rough stone surface. 
     The present invention thereby is advantageously easily and safely moveable to permit storage when it is not in use and it also advantageously provides snow/ice removal with reduced likelihood of damage to the upper surface of the vehicle being cleared. 
     It is to be understood that the form of this invention as shown is merely an exemplary embodiment. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of parts; equivalent means may be substituted for those illustrated and described; and certain features may be used independently from others without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. For example, devices other than “I” beams can be used for vertical support structures  12  and  14 , and various devices, and materials can be used for base structures  24  and stabilizers  38 ,  42  and  44 . The brush assemblies  50  and side wiper assemblies  60  can each be used independently with the plow  20 , or in combination together with the plow  20 .