Patent Abstract:
A snow rake used to clear snow or ice from roofs, with air or steam assistance, respectively. A system comprising a rake head, at least one extension tube, a control handle, two pressurized supply lines, wherein the pressurized supply lines carry a fluid, and a fluid source. A rake head comprising a platform, a blade, at least one pressurized transport feed line, at least one nozzle, a tubular connecting column and a quick release connector. When used in air assistance mode, the snow rake lifts snow from the roof prior to clearing the snow with the blade. When used in steam assistance mode, the snow rake melts ice dams on the roof. The system can further comprise a yoke and additional extension tubes, wherein the yoke acts as a fulcrum for the system to facilitate ease of use in air or steam assistance modes.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The disclosure generally relates to devices and methods to remove snow or ice from roofs. In particular, the disclosure relates to a snow rake used to clear snow or ice from roofs. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Ice dams can form on a roof of a house that has poor insulation. Heat travels through the roof and melts snow over the center of the house. The resulting water can then flow down the roof and eventually freeze near roof overhangs. The water freezes at these overhangs because overhangs are not typically exposed to heat in a poorly insulated house due to the lateral location of the overhangs relative to the house. This can cause an accumulation of ice near the roof overhang and gutter area. When snow accumulates near the center of the house and subsequently melts into water, the water may not be able to drain properly and can collect on the roof. This can ultimately lead to roof damage due to water leaks. 
         [0003]    Snow rakes may be used to clear snow from roofs, typically by a person standing on the ground or on a ladder. The snow rake may consist of a rake head coupled to a pole and may be made of aluminum. While holding onto the pole, the person can drag the rake head down the roof to remove the snow. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one or more embodiments, the snow rake system may include a rake head, a series of connected extension tubes that may be coupled to the rake head, an insulated heat resistant control handle that may be coupled to the series of connected extension tubes, a primary pressurized supply line that may be coupled to both the rake head and control handle, and a secondary pressurized supply line that may be coupled to the control handle and a fluid source. Both of the pressurized supply lines (primary and secondary) may carry either gas or liquid, such as air, water, or steam. In one or more embodiments, the supply line may carry air to remove snow from roofs or the supply line may carry steam to remove an ice dam from a roof. In one or more embodiments, the system may include the use of a yoke that may be coupled to the series of connected extension tubes and a second series of extension tubes. The yoke may act as a fulcrum for the system. This insulation (plastic, rubber, or otherwise) may be used to protect the operator from the heat of the metallic portions. 
         [0005]    The operator may assemble the snow rake system before using it to remove snow from a roof. To assemble the snow rake system, the operator may obtain a plurality of extension tubes (depending on the height of the roof), may connect the plurality of extension tubes in series to achieve the desired length, may obtain a primary pressurized air supply line, may couple one end of the primary pressurized air supply line to the snow rake head, may couple the snow rake head to one end of the series of extension tubes, may couple the remaining end of the primary pressurized air supply line to a control handle, may couple the control handle to the remaining end of the series of extension tubes, may couple one end of a secondary pressurized air supply line to the control handle, and may couple the remaining end of the secondary pressurized air supply line to an air compressor. 
         [0006]    The operator may use the snow rake system to clear snow from a roof. The operator may lift the snow rake head above the snow on the roof, may rest the rake head on the snow, may turn on the air compressor, may switch the on/off controller on the control handle to “on,” may wait for the air to loosen the snow, and may pull the snow rake head down the roof, towards the operator, to remove the snow from the roof. In one or more embodiments, a means for lifting the snow rake head above snow on the roof may include a yoke that can act as a fulcrum. 
         [0007]    The operator may assemble the snow rake system before using it to remove an ice dam from a roof. To assemble the snow rake system, the operator may obtain a plurality of extension tubes (depending on the height of the roof), may couple the plurality of extension tubes in series to achieve the desired length, may obtain a primary pressurized steam supply line, may couple one end of the primary pressurized steam supply line to the snow rake head, may couple the snow rake head to one end of the series of extension tubes, may couple the remaining end of the primary pressurized steam supply line to a control handle, may couple the control handle to the remaining end of the series of extension tubes, may couple one end of a secondary pressurized steam supply line to the control handle, and may couple the remaining end of the secondary pressurized steam supply line to a steam generator. 
         [0008]    The operator may use the snow rake system to clear an ice dam from a roof. The operator may position the snow rake head above the ice dam, may turn on the steam generator, may switch the on/off controller on the control handle to “on,” may wait for the steam to melt the ice, and may pull the snow rake head towards the edge of the roof, such as towards the operator. In one or more embodiments, a means for positioning the snow rake head above the ice dam may include a yoke that acts as a fulcrum. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    These as well as other objects and advantages of this air or steam snow rake will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the air or steam snow rake system in use on a house; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the air or steam snow rake head; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the air or steam snow rake head; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the control handle; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the yoke. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Although the subject matter is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Advantages and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are illustrated by the following examples, but the particular materials and amounts recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to limit this disclosure unduly. For example, with regard to materials, when the composition of a component is described as “metallic material,” the metallic material can include aluminum, steel, copper, stainless steel, etc. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the air or steam snow rake system  100  in use on the roof of a house. The air or steam snow rake head  102  may be coupled to a plurality of in-series coupled extension tubes  104  that couple to a control handle  106 . A primary operator may grip the extension tubes  104  near the control handle  106  while operating the system. The control handle  106  may be coupled to a secondary pressurized air or steam supply line  108  that may couple to an air compressor or steam generator  110 . In one or more embodiments, a yoke  112  may be used to act as a fulcrum for the system. The yoke  112  may attach to a second series of extension tubes  114 , and a second operator may grip the extension tubes  114  while operating the fulcrum part of the system. The yoke  112  may attach by using a locking mechanism, such as fitted tubes, a screw and thread, or a spring-ball and hole. The extension tubes  114  can be substantially similar to the extension tubes  104 . 
         [0018]    To use the snow rake system to clear snow from a roof, the snow rake may first be assembled. An operator may assess the approximate height of the roof when assembling the appropriate number of extension tubes  104 . The extension tubes  104  may be of the same or various lengths. An operator may approximate the length of the primary pressurized air supply line that is to run the length of the series of extension tubes and may obtain the appropriate length of primary pressurized supply line. The primary pressurized supply line is the line that runs from the control handle to the blade. The primary pressurized supply line can be a smaller diameter than a secondary pressurized supply line. The primary pressurized supply line can include the extension tubes  114  or consist of the extension tubes  114  and be extendable, such as shown in  FIG. 1 . The primary pressurized supply line can be integral with the extension tubes  114  or the primary pressurized supply line can be a separate member. The secondary pressurized supply line  108  can run from an air compressor or gas generator  110  to the control handle. An operator may couple the primary pressurized air supply line to the snow rake head  102  and may mount the snow rake head  102  to the extension tubes  104 . An operator may then couple the primary pressurized air supply line to the control handle  106  and may mount the control handle  106  to the extension tubes  104 . The control handle  106  can be a heat resistant control handle  106 . An operator may couple the secondary pressurized air supply line  108  to the control handle  106  and air compressor or steam generator  110 . 
         [0019]    After the snow rake is assembled, the primary operator may use the snow rake system  100  to remove snow from a roof. The primary operator may lift the snow rake head  102  above the snow on a roof, may then rest the snow rake head  102  on the top of the snow, may then turn on the air compressor, may then switch the on/off controller on the control handle  106  to “on,” may then wait for the air to loosen much of the snow, and may pull the snow rake head  102  down the roof, towards the operator, to remove the snow. This process may be repeated. 
         [0020]    In one or more embodiments, the primary operator may use a second operator, a yoke  112 , and a second series of extension tubes  114  to lift the snow rake head  102  above the snow. In the assembly instructions herein, before coupling the primary pressurized air supply line to the snow rake head  102  and mounting the snow rake head  102  to the extension tubes  104 , the extension tubes  104  may be inserted into the yoke  112 . The yoke  112  may then be coupled to the second series of extension tubes  114 . 
         [0021]    As the primary operator operates the snow rake, the second operator may grip the second series of extension tubes  114  and may lift the extension tubes  104  and snow rake head  102  vertically while walking the yoke  112  toward the control handle  106 . The second operator and the primary operator may steer the snow rake head  102  to the location where the snow is to be removed and may lift the snow rake head  102  above the snow. 
         [0022]    To use the snow rake system  100  to remove an ice dam from a roof, the snow rake may first be assembled. An operator may assess the approximate height of the roof and may assemble an appropriate number of extension tubes  104 . The extension tubes  104  may be of the same length or various lengths. An operator may approximate the length of the primary pressurized steam supply line that runs the length of the series of extension tubes and may obtain the appropriate length of primary pressurized supply line. An operator may couple the primary pressurized steam supply line to the snow rake head  102  and may mount the snow rake head  102  to the extension tubes  104 . An operator may couple the primary pressurized steam supply line to the control handle  106  and may mount the control handle  106  to the extension tubes  104 . An operator may couple the secondary pressurized steam supply line  108  to the control handle  106  and steam generator  110 . 
         [0023]    To remove an ice dam, an operator may position the snow rake head  102  above the ice dam, turn on the steam generator, switch the on/off controller on the control handle  106  to “on,” wait for the steam to melt the ice, or may pull the snow rake head  102  towards the edge of the roof, such as towards the operator (not necessarily in that order). These techniques may be repeated. 
         [0024]    In one or more embodiments, the primary operator may use a second operator, a yoke  112 , and a second series of extension tubes  114  to position the snow rake head  102 , such as above the ice dam. In the assembly instructions herein, before coupling the primary pressurized steam supply line to the snow rake head  102  and mounting the snow rake head  102  to the extension tubes  104 , the extension tubes  104  may be inserted into the yoke  112 . The yoke  112  may then be coupled to the second series of extension tubes  114 . 
         [0025]    As the primary operator operates the snow rake to remove an ice dam, the second operator may grip the second series of extension tubes  114  and may lift the extension tubes  104  and snow rake head  102  vertically while walking the yoke  112  toward the control handle  106 . The second operator or the primary operator may steer the snow rake head  102  to the location at or near where the ice dam is to be removed and may position the snow rake head  102  above the ice dam. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of an example embodiment of the air or steam snow rake head  102 . The platform  202  may form the base of the rake head and may be fabricated from metallic material. The right wing  204  may extend from the platform  202 . The right wing  204  may impede snow from tumbling out laterally during operation of the snow rake. The right wing  204  may be fabricated from metallic material. The left wing  206  may extend from the platform  202 . The left wing  206  may impede snow from tumbling out laterally during operation of the snow rake. The left wing  206  may be fabricated from metallic material. A blade  208  may extend from the platform  202 . The blade  208  may guide the snow rake head  102  into the snow and may act as a drag scoop for the platform. The blade and air can burble or billow the snow as the snow rake is dragged down the roof. The blade  208  may be fabricated from metallic material. The blade  208  may include a leading edge  220  that may have a square tip. The blade  208  may include a leading edge  220  that may include other configurations, for example angled, v-tipped, etc. The leading edge  220  may help the blade  208  cut into the snow. In one or more embodiments, the snow rake may include a skid plate  218 . The skid plate  218  may help to reduce contact between the blade  208  and the roof. The skid plate  218  may include metallic material. 
         [0027]    The left flat angle long brace  210  may support the platform  202  to a rake head tubular connecting column  224  ( FIG. 3  provides additional detail related to the rake head tubular connecting column  224 ). The flat angle short brace  212  may support the platform  202  to the rake head tubular connecting column  224 . The right flat angle long brace  214  may further support the platform  202  to the rake head tubular connecting column  224 . The left flat angle long brace  210 , flat angle short brace  212 , or right flat angle long brace  214  may include metallic material. 
         [0028]    The air or steam pressure transport feed line  216  may carry air to allow the snow rake to be used to clear snow, or may carry steam to allow the snow rake to be used to clear ice dams from a roof. A purpose of the air is to at least partially lift the snow when raking. A purpose of the steam is to at least partially melt the ice dams. The air or steam snow rake head  102  can have several air or steam pressure transport feed lines  216 . In one or more embodiments of the air or steam pressure transport feed line  216 , the outer diameter may be about ⅜ inches (9.525 mm) and inner diameter may be a ¼ of an inch (6.35 mm). The air or steam pressure transport feed line  216  may include metallic material. The air or steam pressure transport feed line  216  may be subject to less pressure than the pressurized air or steam supply line  108  ( FIG. 3  further describes the pressurized air or steam supply line  340 ). 
         [0029]    A nozzle  222  may be connected to each air or steam pressure transport feed line  216 . In one or more embodiments, nozzle  222  may have an opening that can be of various sizes or diameters, such as a jet opening, of an appropriate size to create backpressure in the air or steam pressure transport feed line  216 . The size of the opening may be adjusted. In one or more embodiments that utilize pressurized air, the paths of the jets may cross about 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) from the leading edge  220 . In one or more embodiments that utilize steam, nozzle  222  may extend substantially down to the leading edge  220 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a perspective side view of an example embodiment of the air or steam snow rake head  102 . The platform  202  may form the base of the rake head and may include metallic material. The right wing  204  may extend from the platform  202 . The right wing  204  may impede snow from tumbling out laterally during operation of the snow rake. The right wing  204  may include metallic material. The blade  208  may extend from the platform  202 . The blade  208  may guide the snow rake head  102  into the snow and may act as a drag scoop for the platform. The blade  208  may include metallic material. The blade  208  may have a leading edge  220  that may have a square tip. Alternatively, the blade  208  may have a leading edge  220  that has other shapes, such as a curved or angled shape or a v-tipped shape, etc. The leading edge  220  may help the blade  208  cut into the snow. 
         [0031]    The flat angle short brace  212  may support the platform  202  to the rake head tubular connecting column  224 . The flat angle short brace  212  may include metallic material. At an end portion of the rake head tubular connecting column  224  the tube may be tapered into the extension handle receiver  318 . This may allow the extension handle receiver  318  to be coupled to a tubular connecting column. The rake head tubular connecting column  224  may protect the air or steam pressure transport feed line  216 , manifold  320 , extension nipple  322 , flexible connector union  324 , lower connector clamp  326 , upper connector clamp  328 , and/or union  330 . The rake head tubular connecting column  224  and extension handle receiver  318  may include metallic material. The air or steam pressure transport feed line  216  may carry air if the snow rake is being used to clear snow from a roof or may carry steam if the snow rake is being used to clear an ice dam from a roof. 
         [0032]    The manifold  320  may split the air or steam into multiple streams so that each air or steam pressure transport feed line  216  may be serviced. One end of the manifold  320 , which is distal to the operator, may be welded or adhered to the air or steam pressure transport feed line  216 , such as by using an epoxy or other such structural adhesive. The other end of the manifold  320 , which is proximal to the operator, may have a female thread to couple to the male portion of an extension nipple  322 . In some embodiments, this coupling may be secured with a thread-locking fluid. The manifold  320  may include metallic material. 
         [0033]    The end of the extension nipple  322  proximal to the operator and opposite to that connected to the manifold  320 , may be coupled with the flexible connector union  324 . In one or more embodiments, this connection may be tightened by using the lower connector clamp  326 . The extension nipple  322  may be fabricated from metallic material. The lower connector clamp  326  may be fabricated from chrome plated steel, stainless steel, etc. 
         [0034]    The end of the flexible connector union  324  that is proximal to the operator may be connected to the union  330 . The male portion of the union  330  may be coupled with the flexible connector union  324 . In one or more embodiments, this connection may be tightened, such as by using the upper connector clamp  328 . The upper connector clamp  328  may include chrome plated steel or stainless steel, among other metallic materials. The flexible connector union  324  may be used to eliminate shock on the manifold  320  to air or steam pressure transport feed line  216  weld or epoxy connection; the flexible connector union  324  may absorb vibrational energy. The flexible connector union  324  may be fabricated from a high-pressure hose that may be steam rated to allow it to carry both steam and air. 
         [0035]    An end portion of the union  330  proximal to the operator may be coupled to a rake head quick release connector  332 . One end portion of the quick release connector  332  may have a female thread, which may couple to the standard threaded male portion of the union  330 . The union  330  may include metallic material. A rake head collar cup  338  may have a hole through its center, and may be used as a washer between the union  330  and rake head quick release connector  332 . The rake head collar cup  338  may be inserted into the extension handle receiver  318  and the male threads of the union  330  may be inserted into the hole in the rake head collar cup  338 . The rake head quick release connector  332  may be threaded onto the threaded male portion of the union  330 . In one or more embodiments, rake head collar cup  338  may provide support for the air or steam pressure transport feed line  216 , manifold  320 , extension nipple  322 , flexible connector union  324 , lower connector clamp  326 , upper connector clamp  328  and union  330 . The rake head collar cup  338  may include metallic material. 
         [0036]    The distal end of the rake head quick release connector  332  may be coupled to the union  330 , and the proximal end of the rake head quick release connector  332  may be coupled to the male portion of a rake head air supply connector  334 . The sleeve portion of the rake head quick release connector  332  may be pulled back, the male portion, such as a barbed or knobbed male portion, of the rake head air supply connector  334  may be inserted into the rake head quick release connector  332 , and the sleeve portion may be released to make the connection. The rake head quick release connector  332  may couple the pressurized air or steam supply line  340  to the flexible connector union  324 . The rake head quick release connector  332  may include metallic material. 
         [0037]    The end of the rake head air supply connector  334  proximal to the operator may be connected to the pressurized air or steam supply line  340 . The barbed male portion, such as a barbed or knobbed male portion, of the rake head air supply connector  334  may be coupled to the pressurized air or steam supply line  340 . In one or more embodiments, this coupling may be tightened by using the distal upper connector clamp  336 . The distal upper connector clamp  336  may include chrome plated steel or stainless steel, among other materials. The rake head air supply connector  334  may include metallic material. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of an example embodiment of the air supply connector  402 , control handle  106 , and extension tube  104 . The control handle  420  may be fabricated from material that provides insulating characteristics and has integrity to form a handle. The control handle  420  can be heat resistant. The extension tube  104  proximal to the operator, such as an extension tube  104  most proximal to the operator, may include a tapered proximal end, a male, or tail end, thus forming a tail end extension tube  418 . The proximal male end of the extension tube  418  proximal to the operator, such as a proximal male end of the extension tube  418  most proximal to the operator, may be coupled to the distal female end of the control handle  420 . The control handle  420  may protect the standard ball cock valve  408  and may facilitate coupling to the tail end extension tube  418  and pressurized air or steam supply line  340  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The extension tube  418  distal to the operator may mechanically couple to other extension tubes, which can ultimately couple to the rake head extension handle receiver  318  in  FIG. 3 . The tail end extension tube  418 , as well as other extension tubes, may include metallic material. 
         [0039]    The control handle air supply connector  402  may mechanically couple the control handle  420  to a pressurized air or steam supply line. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism  422 , such as an attachment nut, quick release, spring-ball, or other attachment mechanism, may be included at the distal end of the control handle air supply connector  402 . In such embodiments, the proximal threaded end of the lower extension nipple  404  may be inserted into the attachment mechanism  422  and the attachment mechanism may be tightened to make the coupling. The proximal end of the control handle air supply connector  402  may be attached to a quick disconnect that may be coupled to the pressurized air or steam supply line. The control handle air supply connector  402  may be fabricated from metallic material. The control handle collar cup  406  may include a hole through its center, and may be used as a washer between the lower extension nipple  404  and control handle air supply connector  402 . The control handle collar cup  406  may also be used to stabilize the control handle air supply connector  402 . The control handle collar cup  406  may be inserted into the control handle  420 , and the outer most circumference of the control handle collar cup  406  may allow for a friction fit with the internal surface of the control handle  420 . The male threads of the lower extension nipple  404  may be inserted into the hole in the control handle collar cup  406 , and the attachment nut on the control handle air supply connector  402  may be threaded onto the threaded male portion of the lower extension nipple  404 . The control handle collar cup  406  may include plastic or other such structural material. 
         [0040]    An end portion of the lower extension nipple  404  distal to the operator may be coupled to the standard ball cock valve  408  by threading it into the female end of the standard ball cock valve  408 . In one or more embodiments, this joint may be soldered. An end of the lower extension nipple  404  may be male threaded. The lower extension nipple  404  may be used to position the control handle air supply connector  402  beyond the control handle  420 . The lower extension nipple  404  may include metallic material. 
         [0041]    The end of the standard ball cock valve  408  distal to the operator may be coupled to the upper extension nipple  414  by inserting one of the threaded ends of the upper extension nipple  414  into the female end of the standard ball cock valve  408 . In one or more embodiments, this joint may be soldered. Both end portions of the standard ball cock valve  408  may be female threaded. The standard ball cock valve  408  may be fabricated from brass, among other materials. One purpose of the standard ball cock valve  408  is to allow fully open, partial restriction, and/or full restriction modes for the air or steam. Switching between modes may be accomplished via the on/off controller  412 . The on/off controller  412  may be coupled to the standard ball cock valve  408  with a fastener, such as a screw, and the on/off controller  412  may include steel and include a nonmetallic covering. The covering may be made of plastic or any other thermally insulating material that can prevent user burn, such as when the snow rake system is operating in steam mode. An internal valve clip  410  may slide over each end of the standard ball cock valve  408 , and the outer most circumferences of the clips may allow for a friction fit with the internal surface of the control handle  420 . Each internal valve clip  410  may include a hole through its center. The internal valve clips  410  may keep the standard ball cock valve  408  centered and in place, and may include rubber or plastic. 
         [0042]    An end portion of the upper extension nipple  414  distal to the operator may be coupled to the control handle quick release connector  416  by threading it into the female end of the control handle quick release connector  416 . Both ends of the upper extension nipple  414  may be male threaded. The upper extension nipple  414  may be used to position the control handle quick release connector  416  beyond the control handle  420  and into the tail end extension tube  418 . The upper extension nipple  414  may include metallic material. 
         [0043]    The end of the control handle quick release connector  416  distal to the operator may be coupled to a male air supply connector, which may be coupled to the pressurized air or steam supply line. This connection may be substantially similar to the connection shown in  FIG. 3 . The sleeve portion of the quick release connector  416  may be pulled back, the male portion of a male air supply connector may be inserted into the quick release connector  416 , and the sleeve portion may be released to complete the coupling. The control handle quick release connector  416  may mechanically couple the upper extension nipple  414  to the pressurized air or steam supply line in the tail end extension tube  418 . The control handle quick release connector  416  may include metallic material. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the yoke  112 . The yoke base  502  may be inserted into the female end of the support tubular connecting column  528 . A setscrew  526  may be inserted through the wall of the support tubular connecting column  528  and into the wall of the yoke base  502 . The setscrew  526  may keep the yoke base  502  stable with the female end of the support tubular connecting column  528 . The setscrew  526  may include metallic material. The support tubular connecting column  528  may support the yoke mast  506  and may offset the weight of the snow rake system, such as by acting as a fulcrum (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ). The support tubular connecting column  528  may include metallic material. The yoke extension handle receiver  530  may facilitate coupling to the female end of additional extension tubes  114 , which may be gripped by a second operator (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0045]    The yoke base  502  may hold the yoke base shaft  518 . The yoke base  502  may include metallic material. The yoke stop  504  may be part of the yoke base  502  and may include metallic material as well. The yoke stop  504  may surround, stabilize, or retain a yoke wishbone  508 . The yoke base shaft  518  may be inserted into the yoke base  502 , and the yoke shaft collar stop  516  may be coupled with the yoke stop  504 . Upon insertion of the yoke base shaft  518  into the yoke base  502 , the yoke base shaft  518  may hold the yoke wishbone  508 , and may allow for 360° rotation of the yoke wishbone  508 , such as by creating a loose fit between the yoke base shaft  518  and the yoke base  502 . The yoke mast  506  may couple the yoke wishbone  508  to the yoke base shaft  518 . The yoke base shaft  518  may include metallic material. The yoke shaft collar stop  516  may be part of the yoke base shaft  518 , and may include metallic material. 
         [0046]    A washer  520  may fit over the yoke base shaft  518  and may mechanically couple with the yoke base  502 . In one or more embodiments, the washer  520  may include plastic. A snap ring  522  may then be coupled with the plastic washer  520 . In one or more embodiments, the snap ring  522  may be a 270° semi-circle that may snap into the snap ring rill  524 . The snap ring rill  524  may be a portion of material removed by a lathing technique from the yoke base shaft  518 , for example. The snap ring rill  524  may facilitate attachment of the snap ring  522 . The snap ring  522  may keep the yoke base shaft  518  tight in its socket. The snap ring  522  may include metallic material. The washer  520  may provide a buffer between the metallic material yoke base  502  and metallic material snap ring  522 . 
         [0047]    The yoke wishbone  508  may attach to the yoke swivel  510  and may allow for 360° rotation of the yoke swivel  510 . The yoke wishbone  508  may include metallic material. The yoke swivel  510  may retain the extension tube  514  and may include two swivel attachment posts  512 . The swivel attachment posts  512  may be inserted into the yoke wishbone  508  via a loose fitting, such as to allow for 360° rotation of the yoke swivel  510 . In one or more embodiments, these junctions may be greased. The yoke swivel  510  and the two swivel attachment posts  512  may be fabricated from metallic material. The extension tube  514  may be used to extend the rake head (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) and may house the pressurized air or steam supply line. 
         [0048]    The air or steam snow rake system  100  can allow an operator to stay on the ground while removing snow or ice. Such a system can be more efficient, safe, cheaper per operation, or cheaper for those purchasing the air or steam snow rake system  100 . Also, when a snow drift is being removed there can be a lot of repetitive arm motion that can be above the operators heart. For some, this can be life threatening due to the fact that this can cause a heart attack. By using the air or steam snow rake system  100  it can be faster or less physically demanding. Further, the air or steam snow rake system  100  may cause less damage to a roof surface, due to reduced scraping on the roof. 
         [0049]    Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, feature locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0050]    Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the subject matter may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, and are within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4