Patent Description:
Snow removal from cars, trucks, and other vehicles has long presented a challenge. The challenge has long been particularly great when the accumulation of snow on the vehicle is substantial.

For example, in order to remove ice from a large vehicle front or rear window with an ice scraper, it can be difficult to reach the center area of the window unless the scraper is mounted to a long handle. Such scrapers exist but their typically fixed length consumes substantial space when stored in the vehicle such as on a rear seat or on the floor adjacent the rear seat.

Some such scrapers have long included a snow brush mounted on the handle for brushing snow off the vehicle. The snow brush bristles are typically quite flexible in order to prevent the bristles from scratching the vehicle's outer surfaces when used to remove snow from them. The snow brush is therefore typically easily bent, including by resistance presented by snow on the vehicle. As a result, removing snow from the vehicle with the brush can be difficult and time consuming, especially if the snow is deep or wet and heavy.

When snow is deep or wet and heavy, one common snow removal technique has been to use a conventional fixed-length snow shovel or a smaller, collapsible snow shovel. Conventional fixed-length show shovels are bulky and consume substantial storage space in the vehicle. Many vehicles are too small for such shovels. Smaller, collapsible snow shovels consume less space and are storable in most cars and trucks. Such shovels commonly have a collapsible handle, a shovel extending from one end of the handle, and a T-shaped grip extending transversely from the opposite end of the handle. They have been made of a variety of materials, such as aluminum or plastic.

These types of collapsible snow shovels are still somewhat bulky due to the rigid shovel extending from one end of the collapsible handle. They have not included an integral window scraper, and they have required a somewhat horizontal snow shoveling technique which can be difficult to employ when snow is in difficult-to-reach areas such as on the roof of the car or in a truck bed.

The Rapala Folding Pack Shovel with Bag has a foldable handle that can be folded and rotated with respect to the shovel to abut the shovel. This product can be stored in its accompanying bag. When extended, the handle is short and only approximately <NUM>-<NUM> inches long. Thus, this product is difficult to use for snow removal, especially on larger vehicles. It also does not include an ice scraper suitable for use on vehicle windows. When collapsed, the handle bends to fold upon itself and then rotates to abut the shovel end, providing a relatively thick, space-consuming folded shovel.

<CIT> relates to a multifunctional cleaning device having a collapsible handle, and discloses a collapsible apparatus according to the pre-amble of appended independent claim <NUM>.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a collapsible apparatus as defined in appended independent claim <NUM>, and a method of removing snow from a vehicle as defined in appended claim <NUM>. Embodiments of the present invention are defined in appended claims which depend on either independent claim <NUM> or claim <NUM>.

The inventors believe they have discovered at least some of the issues - and the severity of those issues - identified in the Background section above. The inventors have therefore invented a collapsible snow shovel, or paddle, providing in one arrangement an apparatus with a paddle (shovel) end opposite a window-scraper end.

In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible handle is rotatably mounted to a paddle. In some instances a rotatable mount is disposed on a back surface of the paddle intermediate the opposed paddle end and window-scraper end of the handle.

In accordance with the present invention, the handle telescopes from a collapsed position to an extended position and vice versa. At least some such applications can thus provide a snow paddle with a relatively short handle when fully collapsed for storage while also providing a snow paddle with a relatively long handle when extended for use. Some embodiments provide a handle with three or more telescoping sections so that the handle can be adjusted to provide any of several differing handle lengths during use.

Some arrangements include a handle grip at the end of the handle opposite the paddle. The handle grip can extend transverse to a longitudinal axis of the handle.

Some applications include a hand grip tube mounted about the thickest of the telescope sections.

The collapsible handle can have an elliptical or oblong cross-section with opposed widened sides extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle. Some such applications can provide greater torsional stability for the handle.

In accordance with the present invention, the snow paddle has a substantially planar paddle surface. The paddle may be rotatable about the paddle mount on the handle from a fully extended open position generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle to a fully closed position with its planar surface generally parallel to and abutting the handle. The paddle includes a relatively soft snow shovel cap along one edge.

In the fully extended or open position, the snow paddle can be used to push or pull snow off of a surface such as a vehicle surface. For example, in some embodiments the user can grip the handle with one or two hands to push or pull the paddle and thereby push or pull snow with either surface of the paddle. In some embodiments, the user can alternatively use a scraper edge opposite the snow shovel cap to scrape snow or ice off of a surface. In some instances the user may position the scraper edge into snow on a surface and simultaneously use the scraper edge to scrape the surface and the paddle surface to push or pull snow off of the surface.

Some applications can allow the user to use the snow paddle with the handle telescoped to its minimum length and then grip the telescoped handle and scape snow or ice off of a surface with the paddle in either its collapsed or open position.

Embodiments can provide any or all of the features described above embodied in a unitary, light weight, and durable snow paddle and scraper that may be quite compact when telescoped and collapsed. Some embodiments can be small enough to store under a vehicle seat or in some other relatively small space in the vehicle.

There are other novel features and advantages of the disclosure of this specification. They will become apparent as this specification proceeds. In this regard, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and not by whether it addresses an issue because it is set forth in the Brief Background or provides a feature because it is set forth in this Brief Summary.

The preferred and other embodiments are disclosed in association with the accompanying Figures in which:.

This Detailed Description describes some embodiments but is not limiting of the scope of the invention. Further, components of these embodiments may be mixed and matched in differing permutations and combinations.

With reference now to <FIG>, a fully extended, collapsible snow paddle, generally <NUM>, has a telescoping handle <NUM> with a handle grip <NUM> at the handle's narrow end <NUM> and a snow paddle/scraper <NUM> at the handle's thickest, enlarged end <NUM>. The handle grip <NUM> is transverse to a laterally-extending axis of the telescoping handle <NUM>, and, in the extended, open position of <FIG>, the snow paddle/scraper <NUM> is also generally transverse to the laterally-extending axis of the telescoping handle <NUM>. A relatively soft, flexible, and resilient foam tube <NUM> is mounted about the handle's thickest, enlarged end <NUM> so that a user can grip the handle grip <NUM> with one hand and the enlarged end <NUM> through the foam tube <NUM> with the other hand.

The snow paddle/scraper <NUM> has a planar, somewhat rectangular, rigid central snow-removal paddle <NUM> with a laterally extending ice scraper edge <NUM> opposite a laterally extending lower edge <NUM>. A relatively softer (as compared to the central snow removal paddle <NUM> and ice scraper edge <NUM>), flexible, laterally extending, and resilient plastic lower edge cap <NUM> is mounted to surround the lower edge <NUM> of the central snow paddle <NUM> in order to prevent the lower edge <NUM> from scratching vehicle surfaces such as painted metal, windows, and seals.

The edge cap <NUM> is removable from, and replaceable on, the lower edge <NUM> central snow removal paddle <NUM>. Thus, the edge cap <NUM> can be easily replaced as it becomes damaged or worn down, which can economically extend the usability of the remaining components of the paddle <NUM> as well as provide further revenue for a business directed to selling the snow paddle <NUM> and its replaceable edge cap <NUM>.

<FIG> depict the basic snow paddle <NUM> of <FIG> with yet additional structure, such as an additional, outwardly and laterally extending sharpened but relatively thin scraper edge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the scraper edge <NUM> is made of material more rigid than that of a relatively more flexible and soft central snow-removal paddle <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the handle grip <NUM> has a central. laterally extending tubular section <NUM> mounted within a T-shaped rigid plastic grip/mount <NUM>. An I-component <NUM> of the T-shaped mount <NUM> is narrowed with respect to its transverse component <NUM> surrounding the central tubular section <NUM>. The lower end <NUM> of the I-component <NUM> is securely mounted within, and penetrates, the telescoping handle's narrow end <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments the three telescoping handle tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have an oblong, tubular cross-section and an oblong, tubular, flexible, compressible, resilient foam grip <NUM> surrounds the widest handle tube <NUM> adjacent a rotatable paddle mount <NUM> to which the paddle <NUM> is mounted. The widths W1-W1, W2-W2, and W3-W3 of the three telescoping handle sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, are substantially greater than their respective depths D1-D1, D2-D2, and D3-D3. In one embodiment, the widths and depths are as follows: W1-W1, W2-W2, and W3-W3 are <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM>,<NUM>, and <NUM> inches), respectively, and D1-D1, D2-D2, and D3-D3 are <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> inches), respectively; and the thickness of the foam grip <NUM> is <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM> inches). The tubular walls of the telescoping handle sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are approximately <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM> inches) thick.

The telescoping handle <NUM> could have more than <NUM> telescoping sections to provide, for example, greater reach in some applications; or the telescoping handle could have fewer than three sections. The handle could be other than tubular in cross-section, such as square for example. The handle sections may all be of the same length or they may be of differing lengths as desired. In some embodiments the handle <NUM> may consist of only one section.

Referring now to <FIG>, when the snow paddle <NUM> is in the fully opened position, a plane P1 of the paddle <NUM> is parallel to the axis of the handle grip <NUM> and defines an angle A of about <NUM> degrees to a plane P2 of the lowermost side <NUM> of the foam grip <NUM>. The scraper edge <NUM> extends from the central paddle <NUM> at an angle A1 of approximately <NUM> degrees from the plane P1 of the paddle <NUM>. This angle A1 could vary from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees; and angle A may also vary by up to about plus or minus <NUM> degrees. As shown in <FIG>, the scraper edge <NUM> may have a generally triangular cross-section with a somewhat rounded scraping edge <NUM> on its distal end <NUM> opposite its wider end <NUM> integrally formed on, or otherwise secured to, the central paddle <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the lateral length of the fully extendable telescoping handle L1-L1 is about <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM> inches). A spring biased, handle collapsing button <NUM> extends laterally outwardly coaxial with the central axis of the I-component <NUM> of the T-shaped grip/mount <NUM>. Pressing this button <NUM> and pushing of the handle grip <NUM> causes internal collapsing structure (not shown) to fully collapse the telescoping handle <NUM> so that, as shown in <FIG>, the length L2-L2 of the telescoping handle is shortened to <NUM> inches. The internal collapsing structure is of the same type used to collapse telescoping luggage handles.

With reference back to <FIG>, the overall lateral length of the fully extended and opened snow paddle L3-L3 is <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM> inches). With contrasting reference to <FIG>, the overall lateral length of the fully collapsed and closed snow paddle L4-L4 is <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM> inches).

Referring now to <FIG>, the outer surface <NUM> of the central paddle <NUM> can include indicia <NUM> such as trade identify information for example. The indicia <NUM> may be formed on the central paddle <NUM> in any suitable way, such as, for example, by painting on, or laser cutting into, the outer surface <NUM>. The central paddle <NUM> may also have rounded peripheral corners <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent damaging a surface (including human skin) with which they may come into contact during use or when stored or other non-use.

Referring now to <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> of the central paddle <NUM> can also include indicia <NUM> formed in any suitable way. The paddle mount <NUM> can be mounted closer to the scraper edge <NUM> than the lower edge <NUM> surrounded by the edge cap <NUM>, providing a substantially larger paddle surface area <NUM> below the paddle mount <NUM> and the telescoping handle <NUM> extending from the paddle mount <NUM>. The paddle's inner surface <NUM> can therefore be used to pull material, such as snow, off pf a surface; and, with contrasting reference to <FIG>, the paddle's outer surface <NUM> can be used to push material off of a surface.

The paddle's height H1-H1 can be about <NUM> inches and its width W4-W4 can be about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The thickness of the edge cap material can be approximately <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM> inches). With reference back to <FIG>, the thickness T1-T1 of the central paddle <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM>/8th of an inch), for example.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, by collapsing the telescoping handle <NUM> as described above and then pressing and depressing a spring-biased paddle rotation button <NUM> within a tubular button housing <NUM> with its axis extending (i) transverse to the axis of the handle <NUM> within the paddle mount <NUM> and (ii) parallel to the axis of the handle grip <NUM>, the snow shovel <NUM> fully collapses to a collapsed position as shown in <FIG>. With reference to <FIG>, in the fully collapsed position, the snow paddle/scraper <NUM> has been rotated and locked so that the edge cap <NUM> securely abuts the lowermost underside <NUM> of the foam grip <NUM> and the collapsed telescoping handle <NUM> is securely locked in the collapsed state. In one embodiment, the edge cap has a thickness ET of <NUM>, a height EH of <NUM>, a weight of <NUM>, and a durometer shore <NUM> rating of <NUM> to <NUM>, for example <NUM>; and the snow removal paddle <NUM> has a durometer shore A rating of from <NUM>-<NUM>, for example <NUM>.

In the fully collapsed position, the scraper edge <NUM> of the snow paddle <NUM> can be used as an ice scraper. Alternatively, when in the fully collapsed position, pressing the paddle rotation button <NUM> can allow the user to rotate the paddle/scraper to its fully extended and opened position (not shown in <FIG>) and use this arrangement of the snow paddle either as a shortened snow-removal paddle or snow or ice scraper.

With reference now to <FIG>, the depth D4-D4 of the collapsed snow paddle <NUM> is approximately <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM> and <NUM>/8th inches). The relatively small volume and size of this embodiment of the collapsed snow paddle <NUM> frequently can be stored under a vehicle seat, behind a seat, on a vehicle floor, or in a utility container or drawer such as on the back of a truck.

With reference now to <FIG>, the snow paddle when collapsed can be attractively stored in a snow paddle bag such as the bag <NUM> shown in <FIG>. One embodiment of this bag <NUM> can be approximately <NUM>-<NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM>-<NUM> inches) high by <NUM>-<NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM> m (<NUM>-<NUM> inches) wide. The external periphery of the snow paddle bag can also include indicia, such as trademark(s), web site url, and other information as desired.

With reference back to <FIG>, the following components may be made with the following materials:.

One of more of the plastic components above may also include anti-freeze mixed within it or coated on the outer surface. In one embodiment, at least the foam grip <NUM>, paddle mount <NUM>, and T-shaped mount include such anti-freeze.

The entire collapsed snow paddle of <FIG> weighs approximately <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> lbs). In the depicted embodiment it may weigh about <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> lb). The snow paddle bag <NUM> of <FIG> weighs about <NUM> (<NUM> ounces). The collapsed snow paddle and bag are thus not only compact but also light weight and economical to ship, store, and transport.

An alternative embodiment of the snow padde (not shown) may be substantially larger than the snow paddle of <FIG>, such as for use with large vehicles like trucks and large SUVs. For example, such a snow paddle may weigh <NUM> (<NUM> lbs. ) and have a fully extended length, from snow paddle to the opposed handle, of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and a fully collapsed length, of <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

One method of use of the snow paddle and bag is as follows:.

Yet other variations for use of the snow paddle are set forth above, and they may be mixed and matched with steps set forth in the preceding sentence in this paragraph.

Embodiments of the snow paddle can also be used to: remove debris from vehicles, decks, railings, and other structures; remove snow from the area around a vehicle; and quickly remove snow from tree wells to rescue snow boarders, skiers, etc..

Further, components of the snow paddle may be replaceable. For example, the scraper edge and the edge cap may be sized and formed to be replaceable on the paddle. Similarly, the foam grip may be removable and replaceable on the thickest telescoping tube section.

The process parameters, functions, system features, and sequence of steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and may be varied and mixed and matched as desired. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms "a" or "an," as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning "at least one of. " In addition, for ease of use, the words "including" and "having," as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word "comprising. " Also, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items prefaced by "at least one of" indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood to be alternately modified in all instances by the term "approximately. " At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which alternately modified by the term "approximately" should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

All dimensions herein or in the Figures can be varied for varying circumstances, uses, and objects. They may be varied by ranges of plus or minus. <NUM>% through up to <NUM>% or even higher - also with the ranges in some embodiments varying by differing amounts for differing components.

As used in this specification, the term "laterally extending" means along a length of a referenced component that is at least fifty percent longer than the width of the component.

Claim 1:
A collapsible apparatus comprising:
an elongated collapsible handle (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of telescoping sections (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), the elongate collapsible handle (<NUM>) having a longitudinal axis; and
a rotatable coupling (<NUM>) affixed to a proximal extremity of the handle (<NUM>);
characterized in that the collapsible apparatus is a snow paddle (<NUM>) and further comprises a rigid, substantially planar snow removal paddle (<NUM>) having a substantially planar rear surface (<NUM>), the rotatable coupling (<NUM>) affixed to the rear surface (<NUM>) of the snow removal paddle (<NUM>); and
wherein the rigid, substantially planar snow removal paddle (<NUM>) has a flexible, laterally extending and resilient plastic cap (<NUM>) disposed along an edge (<NUM>) of the snow removal paddle (<NUM>), the cap (<NUM>) being relatively softer than the snow removal paddle (<NUM>) and mounted to surround the edge (<NUM>) in order to prevent the edge (<NUM>) from scratching surfaces of a vehicle in use.