Snow melting and removal machine

Abstract

A snow melting and removal machine includes a cart carrier movable by hand, the cart carrier including a support frame, front and back wheels and a handle that a user holds to control the direction and speed of the cart carrier. A heating system is mounted upon the cart carrier. The heating system includes a torch assembly comprising torches, wherein the torch assembly is coupled to a gas tank feeding gas through a controller to the torch assembly, wherein flames emitted from the torches directly contact ice and snow thereby melting same. A distribution assembly is provided for treatment of melted snow and ice to prevent the accumulation of ice on the cleared surfaces.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a snow and/or ice removal machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a machine for melting accumulated snow and/or ice, and then treating the melted snow to ensure that it does not refreeze.

2. Description of the Related Art

Snow removal, particularly in northern areas where snow accumulation is great, has been a problem from the standpoint of time, effort and cost. This is particularly true for the sidewalks and driveways of small businesses and homes where it is difficult and cost prohibitive to use large snow removal equipment.

As a result, most homes and small business remove snow manually by shoveling or using motor driven snow blowers. Both of these methods merely redistribute the snow. The moved snow must then be cleared away or melted, often by simply waiting for warmer weather. The use of snow melting chemicals is time consuming, costly and often leaves residual damage to the ground surface.

The prior art has recognized the above shortcomings and has developed various apparatuses for melting snow to facilitate removal thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 636,987 to Hendryx, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,174,477 and 3,291,118 to Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,137 to Lambertoni, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,926 to Schmidt all show equipment for melting snow using a burner for generating hot air that is directed at the snow areas to be melted using a blower. U.S. Pat. No. 1,526,903 to Connolly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,977,695 to Kesecker and U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,055 to Lazarecky relate to snow removing equipment having a heated plow to facilitate rapid snow removal. U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0194353 to Hoerle et al. shows a snow blower combined with a liquid or solid anti-icing material.

While efforts have been made in facilitating the removal of snow, it is clear an improved snow removal device is needed. The present invention provides such a snow removal device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a snow melting and removal machine. The machine includes a cart carrier movable by hand, the cart carrier including a support frame, front and back wheels and a handle that a user holds to control the direction and speed of the cart carrier. A heating system is mounted upon the cart carrier. The heating system includes a torch assembly comprising torches, wherein the torch assembly is coupled to a gas tank feeding gas through a controller to the torch assembly, wherein flames emitted from the torches directly contact ice and snow thereby melting same. A distribution assembly is provided for treatment of melted snow and ice to prevent the accumulation of ice on the cleared surfaces.

It also an object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the torch assembly includes a series of torches fueled by gas from the gas tank.

It another object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the torch assembly includes a duct covering the torches for directing the flames generated by the torches toward snow and/or ice in an efficient manner.

It a further object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the duct includes a hatch.

It also an object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the distribution assembly includes a container shaped and dimensioned for storage of a large quantity of rock salt or other surface treatment material, the container including an outlet directly coupled to a dispensing member for selective dispensing of rock salt or other treatment materials onto the areas where the snow is melted to prevent ice build-up as a result of subsequent freezing.

It another object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the controller includes a gas valve connected to a gauge.

It a further object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the torch assembly includes 2 to 4 torches.

It also an object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein a mounting assembly supports the torches for pivotal movement.

It another object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the duct has an elongated funnel-like shape having a wide opened end and a narrow back end that connects to the cart carrier.

It a further object of the present invention to provide a machine wherein the torches are positioned approximately 3 inches apart.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the snow melting and removal machine in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional view of the machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is schematic of the duct with a torch assembly therein.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing mounting of the torches within the duct.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the present snow (and/or ice) melting and removal machine 10 includes a cart carrier 12 movable by hand. A torch assembly 14 for melting snow is mounted upon the cart carrier 12. A propane gas tank 16 feeds gas through a controller 18 to, for example, a gas valve 50 connected to a gauge 52 of a splitter 54, to the torch assembly 14 to efficiently heat snow and ice. The machine 10 is further provided with a rock salt (or other treatment material) distribution assembly 20 for treatment of the melted snow and ice to prevent the accumulation of ice on the cleared surfaces. The present machine 10 is mobile, safe and easy to use for removal of accumulated snow from sidewalks and driveways.

More particularly, and with reference to the various figures, a mobile, manually operated snow melting and removal machine 10 is disclosed. The snow melting and removal machine 10 includes a heating system 22 for melting snow and/or ice. The heating system 22 is mounted on the cart carrier 12. The cart carrier 12 includes a support frame 24, front and back wheels 26, 28 and a handle 30 that a user holds to control the direction and speed of the cart carrier 12 by manually pushing the same. Although a manually driven cart carrier 12, and ultimately snow melting and removal machine 10, is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate the present machine 10 may be provide with a powered drive system well known to those skilled in the art of lawn mowers and snow blowers.

The heating system 22 includes the torch assembly 14 for heating snow and/or ice sufficiently to melt snow and/or ice. In fact, the torch assembly 14 is oriented such that the flames issued therefrom directly contact the snow and/or ice for direct heating thereof. The torch assembly 14 includes a series of torches 32a-c each including a dispening end 33a-c. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there are 2 to 4 torches, and most preferably 3 torches. The torches 32a-c are supported by a mounting assembly 58 for positioning along the front end of the present snow melting and removal machine 10 such that the dispensing ends 33a-c of the respective torches 32a-c are positioned adjacent the opened end 43 of the duct 40. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the torches are moveably attached to the mounting assembly 58 and are fueled by propane gas from the propane gas tank 16, which is also supported upon the cart carrier 12. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the torches 32a-c are positioned in a spaced relationship along the forward edge 34 of the cart carrier 12. The gas supplied by the propane gas tank 16 is distributed by a gas line 36 through a gas controller 18 to the series of torches 32a-c.

Preferably, the propane gas tank 16 is a conventional design of the type that is used for propane cooking grills and it can be purchased at a variety of market sites. As such, the propane gas tank 16 is selectively secured to the cart carrier 12 for easy removal and replacement as the propane gas tank 16 is emptied and additional tanks are required.

With particular reference to the torch assembly 14, the torch assembly 14 includes a duct 40 covering the torches 32a-c for directing the flames generated by the torches 32a-c toward, and into direct contact with, the snow and/or ice in an efficient manner to thereby directly heat the snow and/or ice and to protect the user from the flames of the torches 32a-c. The duct 40 is provided with a hatch providing ready access to the torches 32a-c mounted therein. The duct 40 covering is an elongated funnel-like shape having a wide opened end and a narrow back end that connects to the cart carrier 12. The duct 40 is shaped and dimensioned to cover the flame to, in effect, shield the user from the flame. The shape of the duct 40 includes a metal lip 41 which actually aids in the efficient melting of snow and ice.

More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the torch assembly 14 includes a mouting assembly 58 upon which three torches 32a-c are supported for directing flames toward the ice or snow. The mounting assembly includes a plurality of pivot bearing members 60 that are fixedly secured to the duct 40 at transverse positions along the width of the duct 40. A pivot rod 62 extends transversly across the duct 40 and is mounted to the pivot bearing members 60 for pivotal movement relative thereto. Respective brackets 66a-c secure the torches 32a-c to the pivot rod 62 for permitting pivotal movement of the torches 32a-c allowing for adjustment of the angle at which the flames emit from the output ends 64 of the torches 32a-c. Controlled movement of the pivot rod 62, and ultimately the torches 32a-c, is achieved by providing the pivot rod 62 with a control arm 668 that extends out beyond the internal structure of the duct 40 for actuation by an operator of the present machine 10.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 4, where a duct 40 having a transverse dimension of approximately 17.5 inches is utilized, the torches 32a-c will be positioned approximately 3 inches apart with approximately 5.75 inches separating the first and third torches 32a, 32c from the furthest lateral extents of the duct 40. While dimensions are provided above in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated other configurations could be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the torch assembly 14 is ignited utilizing an electronic ignition or using a conventional pilot (not shown) located adjacent the output of the various torches making up the torch assembly 14. While a preferred ignition technique is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate other ignition techniques may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As briefly mentioned above, the present snow melting and removal machine 10 also includes a salt (or other treatment material) distribution assembly 20. The distribution assembly 20 includes a salt container 44 shaped and dimensioned for storage of a large quantity of rock salt or other surface treatment material. The salt container 44 includes an outlet 46 directly coupled to a dispensing member 48. The dispensing member 48 covers the outlet 46 of the salt container 44 for selective dispensing of rock salt or other treatment materials onto the areas where the snow is melted to prevent ice build-up as a result of subsequent freezing. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing member 48 is a conventional dispensing structure well known to those skilled in the art. In particular and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser is similar to fertilizer dispensers well known to those skilled in the art. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing member 48 is driven by a chain drive 56 coupled between the wheels 26 of the snow melting and removal machine 10 and the dispensing member 48.

In use, the connections between the propane gas tank 16 and the torch assembly 14 are checked and the gas controller 18 is opened to allow propane gas to feed to the torches 32. The pilot or electric ignition ignites the torches 32 that then directs heat, in particular, flames generated by the torches 32, to the area directly in front of the cart carrier 12 under the control of the hatch 38 and duct 40. After a few minutes, the snow melting and removal machine is moved to the area where snow has accumulated for removal thereof and the heat of the flames generated by the torches 32 is directed toward, and into direct contact with, the snow and/or ice under the control of the hatch 38 and duct 40. The user moves the snow melting and removal machine 10 slowly across the snow accumulation area under the control of the handle 30 and wheels 26, 28. The heat generated by the flames of the torch assembly 14 melts the snow and/or ice. The speed that the machine 10 is moved depends upon the amount of snow to be melted and the user can visually monitor this. As the machine is moved, the wheels actuate the salt dispensing member 48 with the chain drive to spread a layer of salt or similar snow melting chemicals on the surface just cleared to ensure ice is not built up by the melting of the snow. After the snow accumulation area is melted, the gas controller 18 closes the gas line 36. Once the torches 32 are properly extinguished, and after a few minutes of cooling, the snow melting and removal machine may be stored in a convenient place for future use. The salt container 44 may be removed to a dry place so the salt does not crystallize. The propane gas tank 16 is stored in an open area to ensure any small leaks will be dissipated.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A snow melting and removal machine, consisting of:

a cart carrier movable by hand, the cart carrier including a support frame, front and back wheels and a handle that a user holds to control the direction and speed of the cart carrier;

a heating system mounted upon the cart carrier, the heating system including a torch assembly comprising a plurality of torches, wherein the torch assembly is coupled to a gas tank feeding gas through a controller to the torch assembly, wherein flames emitted from the torches directly contact ice and snow thereby melting same;

a distribution assembly for treatment of melted snow and ice to prevent the accumulation of ice on the cleared surfaces, the distribution assembly includes a container shaped and dimensioned for storage of a large quantity of rock salt or other surface treatment material, the container including an outlet directly coupled to a dispensing member for selective dispensing of rock salt or other treatment materials, wherein the distribution assembly is positioned rearwardly of the torch assembly to spread a layer of salt or other treatment materials on previously melted areas to prevent ice build-up as a result of subsequent freezing.

2. (canceled)

3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the torch assembly includes a duct covering the torches for directing the flames generated by the torches toward snow and/or ice in an efficient manner.

4. The machine according to claim 3, wherein the duct includes a hatch.

5. (canceled)

6. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller includes a gas valve connected to a gauge.

7. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the torch assembly includes 2 to 4 torches.

8. The machine according to claim 1, wherein a mounting assembly supports the torches for pivotal movement.

9. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the duct has an elongated funnel-like shape having a wide opened end and a narrow back end that connects to the cart carrier.

10. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the torches are positioned approximately 3 inches apart.