Novel Ergonomic ice scraper for joint damage prevention and ease of use

Abstract

An ice scraper is designed in such a way as to minimize stress on joints and allows ergonomic use of muscles and joints during ice removal from vehicle windows by handicapped and elderly consumers and prevents carpel tunnel syndrome and other repetitive use injuries in healthy users. A stock and shoulder brace allow for more force delivery to the surface where the removal is occurring, while relieving forces usually generated from wrists and elbows to accomplish the task. In addition the scraper is mounted on a telescoping grooved shaft designed to work under icing conditions. The shaft is coated with a polymer to resist friction under icing conditions which might interfere with the shaft adjustment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to the field of handicap accessible and ergonomic tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of ice scraping device for automotive windshields have been in the public domain. Most are single handles blades where the blade is perpendicular to the handle. Some innovations in the configuration are in the prior art. Weinberger et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,814,610 describe an ice scraper with handles where the force is generated by the hands gripping two handles on a shaft. Marion Tucker et al. in pending U.S. patent application 20030106569 describe a similar ice scraper in that the forces are vectored through the wrists of the user via handles on a shaft. Thomas in U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,983 describes a scraper with a liquid delivery system for cleaning and de-icing. Riley et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,533 describe the addition of a forearm band to assist in the mechanical attachment of the scraper to the user to reduce the lateral strain on the wrist from gripping the device.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to develop a new ergonomic snow and ice scraper to prevent injury. Another object of the invention is to develop an ice and snow scraper which can be used by the elderly and handicapped adults with ease. Another object of the invention is to create an ice and snow scraper which makes use of shoulder generated force during use and significantly reduces wear or discomfort on the users joints. Yet another object of the invention is to make an adjustable ice and snow scraper. Yet another object of the invention is to make a collapsible ice and snow scraper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A shoulder stock is fitted onto the extremity of a collapsible two part hollow tube. The tubes are grooved to prevent ice-induced locking up. The two tubes can be fixed at a determined length. The other extremity of the device carries the blade which contacts the windshield. Each tube element has an ergonomically designed handle or grip which can be elastomer coated to spread out any mechanical forces away from concentration points which might damage tendons. The grip handles are also easier for use with arthritic patients. The handles allow to direct the force which is primarily generated by the upper body at the shoulder.

EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, two 16 inch sliding aluminum tubes, the first with 1.25 inch outer diameter with a 60 mill wall thickness receives another aluminum tube of 1 inch in outer diameter and 60 mil wall thickness, are fitted with a stock-brace which comfortably fits against the armpit on one extremity and an ice scraping blade on the other. Each tube has a perpendicular handles which extend 5 inches out and are covered with dense open cell polyurethane foam. The tubes have a sliding arrestor in the form of a ring washer system which expands an elastomer and grips the tube in place when tightened. The tubes have groves of 0.125 inches in depth which reduce contact surface area by 50% or more to reduce ice-induced blockage of twisting or sliding the tubes. The device can be adjusted for minimal wrist pressure and uses the wrists only to guide the force from the shoulder driven by abdominal and back muscles in the movement. This allows disabled, weakened or arthritic users to use the device with enough force to remove ice easily. It also can be used as a preventative measure in healthy adults which have arthritic predispositions, as well as prevent carpel tunnel syndrome in normal adults.

Claims

1) An ergonomic ice and snow scraper where the primary force is generated via a stock against the shoulder.

2) The claim in 1 where the scraper is made from a 2 part sliding extendable tube which locks for individual fitting to optimal anatomical application of the device.

3) The claim in 1 where the tube elements each have perpendicular soft durometer layer sheathed polymer handles which allow for directional force adjustment and while being ergonomically fitted to the hand and being comfortable for arthritic users.

4) The claim in 1 where the handles are replaced by acceptor receptacles for amputees.

5) The claim in where the tubes are grooved for low surface-surface contact during icing and snow conditions allowing for easy use without resistance.

6) The claim in 1 where the tube surfaces have a polymer coating to prevent ice and snow adhesion and subsequent undesirable ice and snow induced tube locking.

7) The claim in 1 where the where the adjustable tightening element which fixes the tubes in place is polymer coated to release ice and snow easily.

8) The claims in 1-7 where the polymer used for handles and coatings is silicone based.

9) The claims in 1-7. Where the mechanical elements are coated with a fluropolymer.

10) The claims in 1-9 where the extending tube elements are electropolished metal.

11) The claims in 10 where the tube metal is aluminum.

12) The claim in 10 where the tubes are made from titanium.

13) The claims in 1-9 where the tubes are alloys of aluminum and titanium.

14) The claims in 1-9 where the tubes are carbon fiber based composite.

15) The claims in 1-14 where the tubes are fixed in place by an adjustable clamp.

16) The claims in 1-14 where the tubes are fixed in place with a screw element.

17) The claims in 1-16 where at least 80 percent of the force required for scraping can be delivered by the shoulder.