Snow shovel

Abstract

The manually powered wheeled-levered shovel/launcher device for the purpose of snow removal, which permits user to stand relatively upright; while, engaged in shoveling with minimal effort and limited bending posture resulting in safer operation. The shoveling device has a handle at one end to a tool head, such as a snow shovel head. A collapsibly foldable wheel assembly acts as a fulcrum is attached to the device for easy handling a snow load. Shovel head is able to tilt downward coupled with spring-loaded mechanism for the purpose of altering the launch direction from upward direction due to centrifugal force around the wheel resting on the ground to forward direction when a sudden force downward is applied on the handle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of devices coupled with integrated tilting shovel head and adapted for engaging snow for maneuvering and manipulating purposes. More specifically, the invention is in the field such devices having shovel head for engaging snow, which include a tilting shovel head coupled with integrated spring-loaded mechanism in additional to the usual wheeled/levered shovel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wheeled and/or levered snow shovels have been invented, capable of scraping and gathering, lifting, dumping and launching quantities of material such as snow with minimal amount of physical exertion and strain on the operator, especially on the spine.

U.S. Pat. No. 20050160633 issued to Mark Noonan on Jul. 28, 2005 discloses a relatively large wheeled shovel having a handle formed at the end of an elongated yoke, the yoke in the middle is supporting through a wheel's axle of a large wheel for the purpose of picking up of a load, transporting it to a location, and propelling the load over-board with quick arm/body motion on the part of a person operating on the handle. The substantially waist-high wheel is adapted to receive the body force of an operator as an effective leverage through the handle and causes a recoil action from the wheel to enhance the throwing power of the apparatus of the invention, comprising the shovel, the wheel and the yoke as the driving member.

U.S. Pat. No. 20050160632 issued to Cyril Williams on Jul. 28, 2005 discloses a wheeled shovel with pivot mounted behind the scoop. Upon activation of a release lever, the scoop head is allowed to rotate downward, hence dumping its load. A wheel assembly mounted to an intermediate portion of the frame supports the scoop in an inclined position. Furthermore, the wheel assembly acts as a fulcrum whereby downward pressure on the handlebars of the shovel elevates the scoop for ease of transport.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,887 issued to Mohiuddin Muzzammel on May 18, 2004 discloses a wheeled shovel with a pair of large wheels placed well behind the snow scoop.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,921 issued to Vernon Samuelson on Jul. 6, 1999 discloses a levered shovel with wheel assembly connected to approximately the centre of the handle shaft of a shovel, which wheel acts as a fulcrum for the shovel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,327 issued to Marlin/Kevin Jurkowski on Apr. 30, 1996 discloses a cart-like structural wheeled shovel having a wheel centrally located. The wheel acts as a fulcrum in order to elevate the scoop by pressing downward on the handlebar.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,894 issued to Sam Emma on Dec. 1, 1981 discloses a cart-like structural wheeled shovel with wheel centrally positioned and manually operated lever and when lever is activated, it causes the scoop to rotate downward thus dumping the load off the scoop.

Tilting shovel head has been developed to address the problem with operator running forward to facilitate adequate forward force, hence preventing slippage on ice which causes injuries in order not to receive snow shower during launch-off due to centrifugal force which pivotal around the wheel resting on the ground toward the operator.

Tilting shovel head downward coupled with spring-loaded mechanism alter the centrifugal circular-upward force; hence the launch is diverted to a forward launch direction.

Although, the above devices each may be useful for its intended purpose, it would be beneficial to the field to have an alternative combination of wheel/lever shovel which overcomes these limitations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device for removing and disposing of snow comprising: a handle; a foldable wheel assembly; shovel head that tilts to launch a snow load when a sudden force downward is applied on the handle bounces back to its original position when the snow load is launched off.

With operator stationary in standing upright position, it is possible to launch the snow on the shovel head by introducing a sudden downward force on the handle by using both arms/upper body motion, hence create an additional artificial load on the shovel head on the other end and with the assistance of integrated tilting mechanism located just behind the shovel head, then snow load is launched toward horizontal direction away from the operator.

The shovel head tilts back once the snow is launched-off the shovel head, due to springs or alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material called “elastic” which retracts or bounce-back to its original length or straight-shape in a sudden manner which create an abrupt stop, which prevent snow to stick to and/or build-up on the shovel head.

The wheel assembly can be quickly folded after each use in order to save space for storing purposes.

The handle can be quickly removed after each use in order to save space for storing purposes.

The handle height can be quickly adjusted by means of telescoping to ensure perfect ergonomic comfort to the operator.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of the device showing wheel, T-shape handle at one end and shovel head assembly on the other end for gathering then launching snow load in particular.

FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1, showing the placement of shovel head assembly at the front and T-shape handle at the rear with one wheel.

FIG. 2A is a front view of FIG. 1, showing the placement of shovel head assembly at the front and T-shape handle at the rear with two wheels to enhance stability on a larger/wider shovel head.

FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2, showing the placement of shovel head assembly at one end and T-shape handle at the other end.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG. 3, showing the device from the operator side with one wheel.

FIG. 4A is a rear view of FIG. 3, showing the device from the operator side with two wheels to enhance stability on a larger/wider shovel head.

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of the device with T-shape handle being detached and the wheel assembly being folded for space-saving storage.

FIG. 6A is a wheel assembly folding sequence diagram by means of rotating method.

FIG. 6B is a wheel assembly unfolding sequence diagram by means of rotating method.

FIG. 7A is a wheel assembly folding sequence diagram by means of alternate sliding method.

FIG. 7B is a wheel assembly unfolding sequence diagram by means of alternate sliding method.

FIG. 8A is an operation diagram, indicating handle/shovel head relations to the operator at Gathering Load.

FIG. 8B is an operation diagram, indicating handle/shovel head relations to the operator at Initial Launch.

FIG. 8C is an operation diagram, indicating handle/shovel head relations to the operator at Final Launch.

FIG. 8D is an operation diagram, indicating handle/shovel head relations to the operator at Launched-Off.

FIG. 9 is a combined sequences of operation diagram, indicating handle/shovel head relations to the operator at different sequences during operation.

FIG. 10A is a close-up view of the tilting bucket assembly showing shovel head in loading position utilizing springs arrangement.

FIG. 10B is a close-up view of the tilting bucket assembly showing artificially loaded shovel head position utilizing springs arrangement.

FIG. 11A is a close-up view of the tilting shovel assembly showing shovel head in loading position utilizing alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material(s) arrangement.

FIG. 11B is a close-up view of the tilting shovel assembly artificially loaded shovel head position utilizing alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material(s) arrangement.

FIG. 12 is a close-up view of pivot assembly.

FIG. 13A is a close-up view of alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material assembly at dormant stage.

FIG. 13B is a close-up view of alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material assembly at bent stage.

FIG. 14 is a close-up view of wheel assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1-14, the details of preferred embodiments of the present invention are graphically and schematically illustrated.

As shown on FIG. 1, the wheeled-levered snow/launcher with tilting shovel head device 10 comprises a primary handle 20, bucket assembly 30, T-handle 40 and wheel assembly 50.

As shown on FIGS. 2 and 2A, handle 40 is inserted in 20 and can be adjusted up and down to suit operator height through different holes 21.

As shown on FIG. 3, is a side view of the device in gathering mode.

As shown on FIG. 4, is a rear view of the device with one wheel in gathering mode.

As shown on FIG. 4A, is a rear view of the device with two wheels in gathering mode.

As shown in FIG. 5; Shovel head handle 32 having fixed to shovel head 31 in one end and spring pin 34 on the other end with pivot 33 in between. One end of springs 35 mount to spring mounting pin 34 and the other end of springs 35 mount to spring mounting pin 23. Wheel assembly 50 is being separated by spacer 22. Spring-loaded snap-button 42 is used to secure handle 41 to desire holes of 21. Locking-pin 54 is inserted in hole 24 in order to secure folded wheel assembly from opening up unintentionally while it is in folding mode for storage.

As shown in FIG. 6A. Folding Sequence with rotating method; By pulling-out locking-pin 54 from hole 25, arm 52 will free to rotate, while rotating arm 52 clockwise, arm 53 combined with wheel 51 also require to be rotated counter clockwise until the arm 53 stop at spacer 22 where wheel 51 reaches behind shovel head 31, by keep rotating arm 52 line-up to hole 24, then locking pin 54 is inserted into hole 24 in order to secure folded wheel assembly from opening up unintentionally.

As shown in FIG. 6B. Unfolding Sequence with rotating method; By pulling-out locking-pin 54 from hole 24, arm 52 will free to rotate, while rotating arm 52 counter clockwise, arm 53 combined with wheel 51 also require to be rotated clockwise, by keep rotating arm 52 line-up to hole 25, then locking pin 54 is inserted into hole 25 in order to secure wheel assembly in unfolded ready in-use position.

As shown in FIG. 7A. Folding Sequence with sliding method; By pulling-out locking-pin 54 from hole 27, arm 52 will free to rotate, by sliding knuckle arm 28 upward along primary handle 26, the wheel 51 also move forward as a result until knuckle arm 28 reach its position at 28a, then locking pin 54 is inserted through hole 29 in order to secure folded wheel assembly from opening up unintentionally.

As shown in FIG. 7B. Unfolding Sequence with sliding method; By pulling-out locking-pin 54 from hole 29, arm 52 will free to rotate, by sliding knuckle arm 28 downward along primary handle 26, the wheel 51 also move backward as a result until knuckle arm 28 reach its position at 28a, then locking pin 54 is inserted through hole 27 in order to secure wheel assembly in unfolded ready in-use position.

As shown in FIG. 8A. Gathering Load, is possible by operator pushing the device forward, causing the snow to accumulate in the shovel head.

As shown in FIG. 8B. Initial Launch, when the operator at one end introduces a sudden force (jerk) downward on the handle and this causes the shovel head on the other side to receive an additional artificial load which overcomes the designed spring-rate of the spring. This causes the springs to extend and the shovel head assembly tilts downward.

As shown in FIG. 8C. Final Launch, with operator pushing down on the handle quickly, the entire device then rotate toward the operator around the wheel resting on the ground, hence centrifugal force is created in which the force being used to launch the load, not in upward direction but rather in diagonal forward direction due to tilted downward position of the shovel head.

As shown in FIG. 8D. Launched-Off, is completed then the springs will retract to its original length in a sudden manner which soon bottom-out. This creates an abrupt stop, which prevent any snow to stick to the shovel head.

As shown in FIG. 9

‘A1’; Handle elevation at gathering mode

‘A2’; Shovel head at gathering mode

‘B1’; Handle elevation at initial launch

‘B2’; Shovel head at initial launch

‘C1’; Handle elevations at final launch and launched-off

‘C2’; Shovel head at final launch

‘C3’; Shovel head at launched-off

As shown in FIG. 10A. Shovel head in Loading utilizing springs arrangement; Shovel head 31 is resting on the ground at gathering mode with springs 35 in dormant state. Locking pin 54 is inserted through hole 25 in order to secure wheel assembly in ready-use operation.

As shown in FIG. 10B. Artificially Loaded Shovel Head utilizing springs arrangement; Due to induced load cause by sudden jerk by operator on the other end, the springs 35 is extended and shovel head 31 tilted freely downward in vertical planes on its pivotal 33. Shovel head handle 32 then bottom-out against plastic/rubber like coated bump stop 24. Wheel assembly 50 comprises of wheel 51, arm 52 on one side and arm 53 on the other side. Arm 52 is secured on one end with wheel axle 55 and the other end is secured with locking pin 54. Arm 53 is secured on one end with wheel axle 55 and the other end is secured with pin 56. (Not shown) It is possible to use compression springs rather than extension springs as shown on FIG. 10B, by placing the compression springs on the same side as the shovel head in respect to pivot 33 (to the right of pivot 33) location in order to facilitate an equal effectiveness.

As shown in FIG. 11A. The Shovel utilizes an alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material(s) arrangement; Shovel head 31 is resting on the ground at gathering mode with elastic 39 in dormant state.

As shown in FIG. 11B. The Shovel utilizes alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material(s) arrangement; Due to induced load cause by sudden jerk by operator on the other end, the elastic 39 is bent and shovel head 31 tilted downward. Shovel head handle 32a then bottom-out against plastic/rubber like coated bump stop 24.

As shown in FIG. 12. Spring mounting pin 34 is inserted through shovel head handle 32 and welded on both sides, shoulders to retain springs are provided on both ends of spring mounting pin 34. Spring mounting pin 23 is inserted through primary handle 26 and welded on both sides, shoulders to retain springs are provided on both ends of spring mounting pin 23. Metal sleeve 38 is inserted through shovel head handle 32 and welded on both sides. Plastic like friction-free material bushing 37 then inserted in metal sleeve 38. Plastic like cove spacers 36 are provided on both sides of shovel head handle 32. Finally, hollow metal axle 33 is inserted through pivot assembly with flares on both ends to retain the whole assembly together.

As shown in FIG. 13A. Shovel head in Loading utilizing alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material(s) arrangement; Elastic 39, one end is inserted in shovel head handle 32 and the other end is inserted in shovel head handle 32a. Top half-round closure guide 27 is provided. The closure-sides to keep the bucket handle 32a from moving side to side and allowing it to rotate freely in a vertical plane. The closure-top to provide stopper on the shovel head handle 32a from bending upward.

As shown in FIG. 13B. The Shovel utilizes alternate bendable plastic/rubber like compound material(s) arrangement; Elastic 39 bent due to artificial load on the shovel head.

As shown in FIG. 14. Wheel axle 55 is inserted through arm 52 and welded on both sides. Plastic like cove spacers 58 and 59 are provided on both sides of the wheel 51. Metal sleeve 57 is inserted through arm 53 and welded on both sides. Wheel axle 55 is hollow, then inserted through wheel and again through metal sleeve 57 then flared on the end to retain the whole assembly together. It is possible for wheel assembly 50 to be folded as shown on previous FIG. 4 due to arm 53 rotate freely around the wheel axle 55 on one end and pin 56 on the other end.

The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for removing and disposing of snow comprising:

a handle having upper and lower ends;

a foldable wheel assembly connected adjacent to said lower end of said handle;

shovel head on said lower end of said handle that tilts to launch a snow load when a sudden force downward is applied on the handle; and,

spring means connected between said handle and said shovel operable to urge said shovel to bounce back to its original position when the snow load is launched off.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle is detachable quickly for compact space-saving storage.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle is adjustable quickly to suit different height operator by means of telescoping.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the height of handle is adjustable quickly between 36 to 48 inches.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device uses one wheel for smaller/narrower shovel head.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the diameter of the wheel is between 2 to 12 inches.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device uses two wheels for a larger/wider shovel head to provide additional stability, thus preventing the device from tipping side to side while launching.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the diameter of the wheels are between 2 to 12 inches.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the wheel assembly is collapsibly foldable quickly for compact space-saving storage.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the shovel head is pivotably mounted on said handle whereby to tilt downward due to a pivot proximate at the back of the shovel head to within 24 inch from the back of shovel head

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the downward tilting of the shovel head is controlled by the weight in the shovel head against pre-design springs.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the shovel head is formed of bendable plastic/rubber like material which offer elasticity proximate at the back of the shovel head whereby to enable it to tilt downward due to an alternate to within 24 inch from the back of shovel head.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the downward tilting of the shovel head is controlled by the weight in the shovel head against said bendable plastic/rubber like material.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the launching of snow in the shovel head is possible by operator creating a sudden force downward movement on the handle by using both arms/upper body motion, which cause the entire device then to rotate toward the operator around the wheel resting on the ground.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein said sudden jerk movement will also simultaneously/automatically lift and induce an additional artificial weight to the shovel head on the other end of the device, to overcome the biassing of the springs, causing the springs to extend and the shovel head assembly then to tilt downward toward the opposite side of the operator in which the launch direction is diverted from the upward direction due to centrifugal force which pivotal around the wheel resting on the ground to a forward launching direction.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the launching of snow in the shovel head is possible by operator creating a sudden force downward movement on the handle by using both arms/upper body motion, which cause the entire device then to rotate toward the operator around the wheel resting on the ground.

17. The device of claim 16 and wherein said sudden movement will also simultaneously/automatically lift and induce an additional artificial weight to the shovel head on the other end of the device, to overcome the elasticity of the plastic/rubber like material, causing the elastic material to bend and the shovel head assembly then to tilt downward toward the opposite side of the operator in which the launch direction is diverted from the upward direction due to centrifugal force which pivotal around the wheel resting on the ground to a forward launching direction.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein once the snow is launched-off the shovel head, the springs will retract to its original length in a sudden manner which soon bottom-out, hence create an abrupt stop, which prevent any snow to stick to the shovel head.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein once the snow is launched-off the shovel head, the alternate elastic material bounces back to its original straight position in a sudden manner which soon bottom-out, hence create an abrupt stop, which prevent any snow to stick on the shovel head.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the tilting shovel head alone causes the operator not require to induce an additional forward force by means of running, hence prevent slipping on ice and injury minimized because of it, in order to counter the upward force due to centrifugal force pivotal around the wheel; Therefore, the launch is altered from upward direction to forward direction, which launch the snow to a substantial distance away from the device.