HEATED SNOW SHOVEL SYSTEM

Abstract

A heated snow shovel system including: a snow shovel assembly having an adjustable shaft with a first-section and a second-section, a first-handle, a blade-member, a powerer, a heating element, and a switch. The first-section and the second-section form the adjustable shaft in relation to each other allowing a user to adjust a length of the shaft to accommodate the user's height and comfort. The heating element causes heat to be transferred to the first-handle and the blade-member via an electric current when activated by the user. The powerer provides rechargeable wireless power to the heating element. The snow shovel assembly is configured to provide a heated-snow-shovel for use in breaking ice and snow.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of shovels and more specifically relates to snow shovels.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

In many climes, winter weather means lots of snow and ice. Although picturesque on lawns and roofs, the snow and ice must be removed from steps and public walkways to ensure safe pedestrian passage. Many jurisdictions have ordinances that require the removal of snow and/or ice from public sidewalks and walkways that are frequented by pedestrian traffic. Thus, the homeowner or business proprietor will often have on hand at least one tool for the removal of snow and/or ice. The ubiquitous, conventional snow shovel is usually the tool of choice. The conventional snow shovel, though relatively rugged, is often ineffectual when employed to remove a layer of ice, especially if the ice has been allowed to harden in low temperature weather. In such instances, a second tool is required to chop or break the hardened ice. Often the second tool is an axe or a garden hoe, neither of which are designed to efficiently or effectively break ice. Thus, a heated snow shovel solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0139763 to Jeff Glassman relates to a heated snow shovel. The described heated snow shovel includes a heated snow shovel which combines a snow shovel with an ice chopper. Both shovel and chopper are configured to resemble a human hand or glove. Heat is supplied to both utensils via battery-powered electric heating coils. Mounted on a common handle, the ice chopper utensil can be raised and lowered relative to the shovel. The ice chopper can also be made to vibrate. Controls are provided to regulate the heat supplied to each utensil. The handle is ergonomically configured to enhance comfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known shovels art, the present disclosure provides a novel heated snow shovel system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a snow shovel with a heated blade for cleaning and breaking up snow and ice.

A heated snow shovel system is disclosed herein. The heated snow shovel system includes a snow shovel assembly having an adjustable shaft with a first-section and a second-section, a first-handle, a blade-member, a powerer, a heating element, and a switch. The first-section is proximal to and includes the handle and the second-section is proximal to and includes the blade-member. The first-section and the second-section are able to be manipulated in relation to each other and locked to a desired length to accommodate user height and comfort. The heating element causes heat to be transferred to the first-handle and the blade-member via an electric current. The switch activates the heating element when manipulated by a user. The powerer is configured to provide rechargeable wireless power to the heating element. The powerer, the switch, and the heating element are in electrical communication with each other. The heating element is disposed along an inner surface of the blade-member, the first-handle, and the second-handle to emit the heat when activated. The second-handle may be configured to fold up or down for use. When in a folded position the second-handle is flush and folded into the shaft. The snow shovel assembly is configured to provide a heated-snow-shovel for use in breaking ice and snow.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a heated snow shovel system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to shovels and more particularly to a heated snow shovel system as used to improve the use snow shovels for the removal of snow and ice.

Generally, the heated snow shovel system includes a snow shovel having a heated shovel head for cleaning and breaking up hard snow and ice. The shovel may be plugged into a wall unit to charge. The battery provides power and heats heat up wires that are placed throughout the shovel head. A button may activate the device when needed. The device may they aid in breaking up and splitting hard snow or ice. The shovel may include an on/off switch. A user may select the heat options for either the base and/or the handle for approximately 1-2 hours without needing to be charged.

The heated snow shovel system may provide an adjustable setting option for different heights and comfort levels. A second handle may also be included to aid with heavier loads and comfort. In certain embodiments, the shovel may be transparent, with a LED night lighting screen/feature, which allows the entire shaft of the shovel to light up. An inner salt dispenser may be provided in the shaft of the shovel and the transparency allows a user to see how much salt is in the shovel. The device may further include a retractable power cord. The device may be equipped with a headphone jack. A first-section of the shovel near the first-handle may be thinner than the second-section towards the blade of the shovel.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of a heated snow shovel system 100. FIG. 1 shows a heated snow shovel system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the heated snow shovel system 100 may include a snow shovel assembly 110 having an adjustable shaft 120 with a first-section 122 and a second-section 126, a first-handle 130, a blade-member 156, a powerer 160, a heating element 164, and a switch 168.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the heated snow shovel system 100 may include the snow shovel assembly 110 having the adjustable shaft 120 with the first-section 122 and the second-section 126, the first-handle 130, the blade-member 156, the powerer 160, the heating element 164, and the switch 168. The first-section 122 is proximal to and includes the first-handle 130 and the second-section 126 is proximal to and includes the blade-member 156. The first-section 122 and the second-section 126 form the adjustable shaft 120 in relation to each other. The heating element 164 causes heat to be transferred to the first-handle 130 and the blade-member 156 via an electric current. The switch 168 activates the heating element when manipulated by a user. The powerer 160 is configured to provide rechargeable power to the heating element 164. The powerer 160, the switch 168, and the heating element 164 are in electrical communication with each other. The snow shovel assembly 110 is configured to provide a heated-snow-shovel for use in breaking ice and snow.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the snow shovel assembly 110 may further include a salt dispenser 170 and dispensing channel located within the first-section 122 of the adjustable shaft 120. The dispensing channel dispenses salt to the blade-member 156 through an aperture. The salt dispenser 170 dispenses salt to dissolve and melt away ice for aiding in the removal of snow and ice. The combination of the heated-snow-shovel and salt dispenser 170 provides an efficient device for minimizing the labor of removing snow and ice. The snow shovel assembly 110 may further comprise a second-handle 132 positioned at about a middle-portion of the adjustable shaft 120 for providing additional leverage and power for removing tough ice and snow.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the snow shovel assembly 110 further comprises lights within the adjustable shaft 120. The adjustable shaft 120 may be transparent permitting light to emit from the adjustable shaft 120 via an illumination means provided by the lights. The adjustable shaft 120 is adjustable to suit user height comfort during use. The first-section 122 and the second-section 126 are able to be manipulated in relation to each other and locked to a desired length. The second-section 126 may comprise a smaller diameter than the first-section 122 such that the second-section 126 is configured to fit within the first-section 122 forming the adjustable shaft 120 being formed as such to provide telescoping capability. The device may include detents and spring-loaded buttons allowing the first-section 122 and the second-section 126 to lock and adjust the adjustable shaft 120. The detents are configured to receive the spring-loaded buttons and lock the adjustable shaft 120 at a desired length.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the heated snow shovel system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The powerer 160 may include a power cord or a USB charging port and cord for charging and wireless use of the snow shovel assembly for approximately 1-2 hours on one battery charge. The power cord may be retractable. The device may be charged with a wall charger. The heating element 164 is able to heat the first-handle 130, the second-handle 132, and the blade-member 156 in combination or selectively. The heating element(s) 164 are provided in a series-circuitous-path within the blade-member 156, the first-handle 130, and the second-handle 132. The heating element 164 is disposed along an inner surface of the blade-member 156, the first-handle 130, and the second-handle 132 to emit the heat when activated. The heating element 164 comprises a plurality of wires in communication with the powerer 160. A switch 168 activates and deactivates the powerer as desired. A switch 168 may also activate and deactivate the lights within the adjustable shaft as desired.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A heated snow shovel system comprising:

a snow shovel assembly having; an adjustable shaft; a first-section; and a second-section; a first-handle; a blade-member; a powerer; a heating element; and a switch;

wherein said first-section is proximal to and includes said first-handle;

wherein said second-section is proximal to and includes said blade-member;

wherein said first-section and said second-section form said adjustable shaft in relation to each other;

wherein said heating element causes heat to be transferred to said first-handle and said blade-member via an electric current;

wherein said switch activates said heating element when manipulated by a user;

wherein said powerer is configured to provide rechargeable power to said heating element;

wherein said powerer, said switch, and said heating element are in electrical communication with each other; and

wherein said snow shovel assembly is configured to provide a heated-snow-shovel for use in breaking ice and snow.

2. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said snow shovel assembly further comprises a salt dispenser and dispensing channel located within said first-section of said adjustable shaft.

3. The heated snow shovel system of claim 2, wherein said dispensing channel dispenses salt to said blade-member.

4. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said snow shovel assembly further comprises a second-handle positioned at a middle-portion of said adjustable shaft.

5. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said snow shovel assembly further comprises lights within said adjustable shaft.

6. The heated snow shovel system of claim 5, wherein said adjustable shaft is transparent permitting light to emit from said adjustable shaft via an illumination means provided by said lights.

7. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said adjustable shaft is adjustable to suit user height comfort during use.

8. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said powerer includes a power cord.

9. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said includes a USB charging port and cord for charging.

10. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said heating element heats said first-handle, said second-handle, and said blade-member selectively.

11. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said heating element(s) are provided in a series-circuitous-path within said blade-member, said first-handle, and said second-handle.

12. The heated snow shovel system of claim 11, wherein said heating element is disposed along an inner surface of said blade-member, said first-handle, and said second-handle to emit said heat, as heating means, when activated.

13. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said first-section and said second-section are able to be manipulated in relation to each other and locked to a desired length.

14. The heated snow shovel system of claim 13, wherein said second-section comprises a smaller diameter than said first-section such that said second-section is configured to fit within said first-section forming said adjustable shaft via being formed as such to provide telescoping capability.

15. The heated snow shovel system of claim 14, wherein said snow shovel assembly further comprises detents and spring-loaded buttons for adjustability of said adjustable shaft.

16. The heated snow shovel system of claim 15, wherein said detents are configured to receive said spring-loaded buttons and lock said adjustable shaft at a desired length.

17. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said heating element comprises a plurality of wires in communication with said powerer.

18. The heated snow shovel system of claim 1, wherein said switch activates and deactivates said powerer as desired.

19. The heated snow shovel system of claim 5, wherein said switch activates and deactivates said lights within said adjustable shaft as desired.

20. A heated snow shovel system comprising:

a snow shovel assembly having; an adjustable shaft; a first-section; and a second-section; a first-handle; a blade-member; a powerer; a heating element; and a switch;

wherein said first-section is proximal to and includes said first-handle;

wherein said snow shovel assembly further comprises a second-handle positioned at a middle-portion of said adjustable shaft;

wherein said second-section is proximal to and includes said blade-member;

wherein said first-section and said second-section form said adjustable shaft in relation to each other;

wherein said adjustable shaft is adjustable to suit user height comfort during use;

wherein said first-section and said second-section are able to be manipulated in relation to each other and locked to a desired length;

wherein said second-section comprises a smaller diameter than said first-section such that said second-section is configured to fit within said first-section forming said adjustable shaft via being formed as such to provide telescoping capability;

wherein said snow shovel assembly further comprises detents and spring-loaded buttons for adjustability of said adjustable shaft;

wherein said detents are configured to receive said spring-loaded buttons and lock said adjustable shaft at a desired length

wherein said snow shovel assembly further comprises a salt dispenser and dispensing channel located within said first-section of said adjustable shaft;

wherein said dispensing channel dispenses salt to said blade-member;

wherein said heating element causes heat to be transferred to said first-handle and said blade-member via an electric current;

wherein said switch activates said heating element when manipulated by a user;

wherein said powerer is configured to provide rechargeable power to said heating element and a plurality of lights within said adjustable shaft;

wherein said heating element heats said first-handle and said blade-member selectively;

wherein said powerer includes a power cord;

wherein said includes a USB charging port and cord for charging;

wherein said adjustable shaft is transparent permitting light to emit from said adjustable shaft via an illumination means provided by said lights;

wherein said powerer, said switch, and said heating element are in electrical communication with each other;

wherein said heating element(s) are provided in a series-circuitous-path within said blade-member, said first-handle, and said second-handle;

wherein said heating element comprises a plurality of wires in communication with said powerer;

wherein said heating element is disposed along an inner surface of said blade-member, said first-handle, and said second-handle to emit said heat when activated; and

wherein said snow shovel assembly is configured to provide a heated-snow-shovel for use in breaking ice and snow.