SNOW SHOVEL WITH BRUSH ASSEMBLY
A snow shovel which includes a brush assembly provided on a rear surface of the shovel's scoop adjacent a ground-contacting edge thereof. The scoop is used to remove accumulated snow from a surface and bristles on the brush assembly are used to remove snow left behind by the scoop; where that remaining snow is located in cracks in the surface and adjacent surface protrusions. The brush assembly may be molded as part of the scoop or may be a separate component that is selectively detachably engaged to the scoop.
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to snow shovels. More particularly, this invention is directed to hand-held snow shovels. Specifically, this invention is directed to a snow shovel which includes a brush assembly provided on a rear surface of the shovel's scoop adjacent a ground-contacting edge thereof. The scoop is used to remove accumulated snow from a surface and bristles on the brush assembly are used to remove snow left behind by the scoop; where that remaining snow is located in cracks in the surface and adjacent surface protrusions.
2. Background Information
Shoveling snow with a hand-held plow or snow shovel is not always ideal. This is particularly true if the surface over which the snow shovel has to move is rough, cracked or uneven. This is the case if that surface is cobble stone or interlocking stone or if there are ridges and cracks in an asphalt or concrete driveway or sidewalk. In these instances, the ground-contacting edge of the shovel will tend to catch on the small changes in ground elevation and forward movement will be suddenly stopped. The overall effect of this is that a fair bit of snow can be left on the surface in the dips and cracks and immediately adjacent thereto. This situation might be okay on a private driveway or walkway, but on surfaces that the general public will contact, such as the sidewalk in front of a business, for example, these small areas of snow may pose a danger to people walking over the same. It is important to keep these surfaces as clear of snow as possible to minimize the risk that someone could slip and fall.
SUMMARYThere is therefore a need in the art for a snow shovel which more adequately clears surfaces of snow, particularly those areas of surfaces which include cracks and ridges.
A snow shovel is disclosed which includes a brush assembly provided on a rear surface of the shovel's scoop adjacent a ground-contacting edge thereof. The scoop is used to remove accumulated snow from a surface and bristles on the brush assembly are used to remove snow left behind by the scoop; where that remaining snow is located in cracks in the surface and adjacent surface protrusions. The brush assembly may be molded as part of the scoop or may be a separate component that is selectively detachably engaged to the scoop.
In one aspect, the invention may provide a hand-held snow shovel comprising a handle having a first end adapted to be held in the hands of a user; and a second end remote therefrom; a scoop having a front surface, a rear surface, a first edge and an opposed second edge; wherein the first end of the handle is engaged with the scoop; and wherein the front surface of the scoop is adapted to gather a quantity of snow from a snow-covered surface when the second edge is moved across the snow-covered surface; and a brush assembly provided on the rear surface adjacent the second edge, said brush assembly including a plurality of bristles extending at least partially beyond the second edge; and wherein the bristles are adapted to retain the second edge a distance off the snow-covered surface when the handle is oriented to angle the scoop to push snow off the snow-covered surface.
A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReferring to
Scoop 12 has a front surface 12a, a rear surface 12b (
In accordance with an aspect of the invention and with reference to
Brush assembly 22 is further provided on rear surface 12b of scoop 12 and at a location that is from about ½ inch up to about 2 inches away from second edge 12d of scoop 12 and along rear surface 12b. Brush assembly 22 is provided rearwardly of convexly-shaped region 12g. Brush assembly 22 includes a plurality of bristle tubes 24 with which bristles 26 are engaged. Each bristle tube 24 may include one or more bristles 26. Bristles 26 may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as plastic, wire, hair etc. Bristles may be sufficiently stiff enough to brush snow off a surface but insufficiently stiff enough to cut through ice on said surface.
In a first embodiment of shovel 10, a first embodiment of brush assembly 22 is engaged with scoop. The bristle tubes 24 of brush assembly 22 are molded with the rest of scoop 12. Bristle tubes 24 originate in rear surface 12b and extend outwardly therefrom for a distance. Bristle tubes 24 are molded as an integral part of rear surface 12b of scoop 12 and may be arranged in a plurality of spaced-apart rows. Each row of bristle tubes 24 is oriented generally at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y” and extends from proximate first side 12e of scoop 12 to proximate second side 12f. A first row of bristle tubes 24 is provided a short distance away from second edge 12d of scoop and a last row of bristle tubes 24 is provided a greater distance away from second edge 12d than the first row. Three rows of bristle tubes 24 are shown in
Bristle tubes 24 may further be arranged in spaced apart columns which extend outwardly from the rear surface 12b with a first column of bristle tubes 24 being provided proximate first side 12e of scoop 12 and a last column of bristle tubes being provided proximate second side 12f. Each column as illustrated herein includes three bristle tubes with a first of these three bristle tubes being located proximate second edge 12d and a last of these three bristle tubes being located a distance from second edge 12d. Each row therefore includes a plurality of bristle tubes 24 that are laterally spaced from each other and each column includes a plurality of bristle tubes 24 that are longitudinally spaced from each other. It should be understood, however, that any pattern or configuration of bristle tubes 24 may be utilized in brush assembly 22.
Scoop 12 is able to move across surface 32 in at least two different ways in order to clear snow 36 from surface 32.
It will be understood that any type of bristle 26 may be provided on brush assembly 22. Preferably, the bristles 26 are relatively stiff in nature so that they are strong enough to be able to brush accumulated snow 36 off surface 32. Bristles 26 are not so stiff that they would be able to cut through ice on surface 32. A suitable material for fabricating bristles is plastic or fibrous material that would typically be used in a broom. By angling shovel 10 or pushing down hard on shovel 10 and bending back the bristles 26, second edge 12d of scoop 12 may be moved sufficiently close enough to surface 32 so as to gather up the majority of snow 36 on surface 32 in scoop 12. Bristles 26, which are located rearwardly of scoop 12 tend to sweep up any left-behind snow, such as snow 36a, out of cracks and dips in surface 32.
A second embodiment of a brush assembly is provided on scoop 112, and is generally indicated at 122. In this instance, brush assembly 122 is a separate component that is detachably securable to scoop 112. Brush assembly 122 includes a base 150 that is engageable with scoop 112 and a plurality of bristles 126 that are provided on base 150. Base 150 has a first surface 150a, a second surface 150b, a first edge 150c, a second edge 150d, a first side 150e, and a second side 150f. First and second sides 150f comprises a first leg of base 150, and second edge 150d comprises a second leg of base 150. The first leg and second leg of base 150 are oriented at an angle relative to each other. Second edge 150d is arcuate in shape and includes a first section “D” and a second section “E”. Second edge 150d is concave in shape and the first section “D” thereof extends in a first direction upwardly away from first and second sides 150e, 150f. First section “D” is oriented generally at right angles to second surface 150b. Second section “E” of second edge 150d extends in a second direction downwardly from first and second sides 150e, 150f. Second section “E” is oriented at an angle greater than 90° relative to first surface 150a. First section “D” forms a lip that is configured to interlockingly engage second edge 112d of scoop 112 as illustrated
A plurality of spaced apart apertures 152 are defined in base 150 proximate with and generally parallel to first edge 150c. Apertures 152 are through-holes which extend from first surface 150a through to second surface 150b. Each aperture 152 is configured and positioned receive a projection 154 therethrough, where projections 154 extend outwardly from rear surface 112b of scoop 112. (Projections 154 are spaced apart from each other at an interval that is substantially identical to the spacing interval of apertures 152.) Projections 154 may be sized to be snap-fittingly received in apertures 152 and thereby hold base 150 to scoop 112.
A plurality of bristle tubes 124 are integrally injection molded with base 150. Bristle tubes 124 may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns in much the same manner as bristle tubes 24 are arranged on scoop 12. Strengthening braces 134 extend between the first row of bristle tubes 24 and an interior surface of second section “E” of base 150. Strengthening braces 134 also extend between the last row of bristle tubes 24 and first surface 136a of base 150. One or more bristles 126 extend outwardly from a recess 128 defined in each bristle tube 124 and are secured to an interior wall of bristle tube 124 in much the same manner that bristles 26 are secured to bristle tubes 24. Bristles 126 are of a sufficient length that they will keep a lowermost edge of second edge 150d of base 150 a distance off the surface 32 to be cleared of snow when shovel 110 is in the second position (i.e., a position similar to that illustrated in
As previously indicated, base 150 is a separate, injection-molded component that is selectively detachably engageable with scoop 112. In order to engage base 150 with scoop 112, first section “D” of base 150 is positioned in interlocking engagement with second edge 112d of scoop 112. Base 150 is then rotated so that apertures 152 in base 150 move into alignment with projections 154 on scoop 112. Base 150 is pressed inwardly toward rear surface 112b of scoop until projections 154 extend through apertures 152. Thus, base 150 is snap-fittingly engaged with scoop 112. At least one fastener bristle tube 156 (
Shovel 110 is used in much the same manner as shovel 10 except that if base 150 becomes damaged over time (e.g. if a sufficient number of bristles 126 thereon are damaged or are ripped out of bristle tubes 124 during use) then base 150 may be detached from scoop 112 by reversing the steps of engagement described above. A replacement base (not shown) may then be engaged with scoop 112.
Referring now to
Shovel 210 includes a third embodiment of a brush assembly thereon, with the brush assembly being generally indicated at 222. Brush assembly 222 is a separate component that is detachably securable to scoop 212. Brush assembly 222 includes a base 250 having a first surface 250a, a second surface 250b, a first edge 250c, a second edge 250d, a first side 250e, and a second side 250f. Second edge 250d is similarly configured to second edge 150d of base 150. Second edge 250d is selectively engageable with second edge 212d of scoop 212 in much the same manner as second edge 150d is engaged with second edge 112d of scoop 112.
Base 250 may further include two L-shaped rails 251, 253, which extend outwardly from first surface 250a of base 250. Rails 251, 253 are oriented generally parallel to each other and rails 251, 253 and first surface 250a together define two C-shaped channels 260, 262. Channels 260, 262 open toward each other and are configured to receive an insert 264 therein. When brush assembly 222 is engaged with scoop 212, rails 251, 253 are oriented generally at right angles to longitudinal axis and generally parallel to second edge 212d of scoop 212. Insert 264 includes a planar member 264 which is slidable into and out of channels 260, 262. Planar member 264 has a first surface that is positioned adjacent first surface 250a of base 250 when insert 264 is engaged in channels 260, 262. An opposite surface to this first surface of planar member 264 has a plurality of bristle tubes 224 integrally molded therewith. Bristle tubes 224 may be provided in any desired pattern on insert 264. As illustrated herein, three rows of bristle tubes 224 are provided on insert 264, although other numbers of rows may be utilized instead. Bristle tubes 224 may also be organized into columns on insert 264. Bristle tubes 224 extend outwardly from insert and are substantially identical in structure and function to bristle tubes 24 and 124. Each bristle tube 224 defines a recess 228 into which one or more bristles 226 are secured.
First edge 250c of base 250 extends outwardly for a distance from rail 253 and in a first direction. First edge 250c defines a plurality of spaced-apart holes 266 therein. Holes 266 are through-holes which extend from first surface 250a through to second surface 250b. Fasteners 268 are inserted through holes 266 to secure base 250 to rear surface of scoop 212b after second edge 250d of base 250 has been engaged with second edge 212d of scoop 212. Fasteners 268 may be plastic snaps, screws, nuts and bolts, or any other such type of connector. When brush assembly 212 is engaged with scoop 212 then the lowermost edge of second edge 250d of brush assembly 212 will become the surface-contacting region of scoop 212. Shovel 210 is used in substantially the same manner as shovel 110 and shovel 10.
It should be noted that in all three embodiments disclosed herein all of the bristle tubes 24, 124 and 224 are illustrated as being generally at right angles to the surfaces from which they extend. It will be understood, however, that some or all of these bristle tubes may be oriented at angles other than 90° to the surface from which they extend.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims
1. A hand-held snow shovel comprising:
- a handle having a first end adapted to be held in the hands of a user; and a second end remote therefrom;
- a scoop having a front surface, a rear surface, a first edge and an opposed second edge; wherein the first end of the handle is engaged with the scoop; and wherein the front surface of the scoop is adapted to gather a quantity of snow from a snow-covered surface when the second edge is moved across the snow-covered surface; and
- a brush assembly provided on the rear surface adjacent the second edge, said brush assembly including a plurality of bristles extending at least partially beyond the second edge; and wherein the bristles are adapted to retain the second edge a distance off the snow-covered surface when the handle is oriented to angle the scoop to push snow off the snow-covered surface.
2. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1; wherein the shovel is movable between a first position where the second edge is adapted to contact the snow-covered surface while substantially all of the bristles are lifted off the snow-covered surface; and a second position where the second edge of the scoop is lifted off the snow-covered surface and substantially all of the bristles contact the surface.
3. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 2, wherein the shovel is adapted to scoop snow from the snow-covered surface when the shovel is in the first position; and the shovel is adapted to sweep snow from the snow-covered surface when the shovel is in the second position.
4. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush assembly is provided on the rear surface of the scoop at a location from about ½ inch up to about 2 inches inwardly from the second edge.
5. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the scoop includes a first region and a second region when viewed from one side; wherein the first region is generally concave in shape and extends from the first edge of the scoop downwardly toward the second edge thereof; and the second region originates along a lower portion of the first region and terminates at the second edge; and wherein the second region is generally convex in shape.
6. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 5, wherein the brush assembly is provided on the rear surface of the scoop rearwardly of the convex second region.
7. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush assembly is integrally molded with the scoop.
8. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 7, wherein the brush assembly includes a plurality of bristle assemblies; and each bristle assembly includes a bristle tube which is integrally molded with the scoop.
9. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 8, further comprising a recess defined in each bristle tube; and one or more bristles engaged in the recess of the bristle tube.
10. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 9, wherein the bristles are secured to an inner surface of the bristle tube which defines the recess.
11. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush assembly includes a base with an upper surface and a lower surface; and a plurality of bristles extend outwardly from the lower surface thereof; and wherein the base is selectively detachably engaged with the scoop.
12. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 11, wherein the base snap-fittingly engages with the scoop.
13. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 12, wherein the base includes a plurality of snaps which snap fit into holes defined in the scoop.
14. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 11, further comprising an arm extending outwardly from one end of the base and at an angle relative to the upper surface thereof; and wherein the second edge of the scoop is positioned between the arm and the upper surface of the base; and at least a portion of the arm extends for a distance below the second edge of the scoop.
15. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 14, wherein at least the portion of the arm has a lowermost end and the lowermost end is adapted to contact the snow-covered surface when the scoop is angled to remove accumulated snow from the snow-covered surface.
16. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 15, wherein the scoop has a height measured from the upper edge to a portion of the scoop which is adapted to contact the snow-covered surface; and when the base is engaged with the scoop the height of the arm is increased.
17. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 16, wherein the arm is concave in shape.
18. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the brush assembly includes:
- a frame member that is selectively detachably engageable with the scoop; and
- an insert that is selectively engageable with the frame member; and wherein the insert has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the exterior surface thereof includes a plurality of bristle assemblies thereon.
19. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 18, wherein the exterior surface of the frame member defines at least one channel therein; and the insert is received in the at least one channel.
20. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 19, wherein the insert slides laterally into and out of the at least one channel on the frame member.
21. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, further comprising a handle mounting bracket extending outwardly from the rear surface of the scoop; and wherein the handle mounting bracket is located a distance away from brush assembly and is spaced both vertically and horizontally a distance away from brush assembly along the rear surface of the scoop.
22. The hand-held snow shovel as defined in claim 1, wherein the bristles are sufficiently stiff enough to brush snow off a surface but are insufficiently stiff enough to cut through ice on said surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 22, 2015
Publication Date: Jul 28, 2016
Inventors: Michael E. Reid (Toronto), Julian Low (Toronto)
Application Number: 14/602,441