Snow Shovel Patents (Class 294/54.5)
  • Patent number: 11859357
    Abstract: An implement for manually clearing snow, slush, or ice comprises an elongated handle and relatively narrow, shallowly curved blade and can permit a standing stationary operator to drive or otherwise draw the front face of the blade more or less face-on into fallen snow, slush, or ice to manually plow, propel, launch or otherwise move snow to a spot remote from the operator in a lateral direction outwardly away from the User, for example forward, sideways, or rearward. The implement can also be employed wherein the blade skims the pavement at a shallow angle permitting a rapid pushing motion to send a charge ballistically ahead of the blade to a distant spot and can also be employed in a traditional shoveling mode. The implement can clear open or narrow spaces, wide or narrow steps with or without parapet walls, rails, or other barriers, and it can be economically produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Metzger
  • Patent number: 11483954
    Abstract: A shovel handle connecting device includes a connecting assembly configured to connect a shovel handle and a shovel scoop. The connecting assembly includes a connecting seat embedded in the shovel scoop and a connecting member inserted and fixed in the connecting seat; a front end of the connecting member is provided with a connecting portion and a limiting portion, a limiting fastener is arranged on the connecting portion; the connecting seat is internally provided with a connecting groove allowing the connecting portion to be inserted therein, and an inner wall of the connecting groove is provided with a limiting groove allowing the limiting fastener to be snapped therein; an outer side wall of the limiting portion and an inner side wall of the connecting seat are formed into an accommodating cavity in an enclosure mode, and one end of the shovel handle is inserted and fixed in the accommodating cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: CiXi HuaJie Plastic Product Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jie Hua, Shimin Hua
  • Patent number: 10905907
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed that may have a tool head and an elongated handle attached to the tool head that has a distal end connected to the tool head and a proximal end having a curved portion forming a shape that allows the tool head to be manipulated by a user. The elongated handle has a handle shaft shape that is slightly curved in a middle region. In other embodiments, the tool may further comprise a harness and an attachment mechanism so that the elongated handle of the tool may be manipulated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Alexander Dold
  • Patent number: 10533294
    Abstract: A shovel head, with a receptacle for a shaft, and a blade with two faces; a top face and a bottom face. The blade utilizes a separate, but interlocked, wear strip on the leading edge of the blade. The wear strip is similar in length to the length of the leading edge of the blade. The wear strip has a slot built into it, with an upper lip and a lower lip, and the slot runs parallel to the blade's leading edge and is of similar size in contrast to the blade thickness. There are two concave indentations internally, with one on the top lip of the slot, and one on the bottom lip of the slot, running parallel to, and the full length of the slot. On the faces of the blade there are two convex ribs, one rib on the top face, and one rib on the bottom face. The two ribs run parallel to the leading edge of the blade. The convex ribs on the blade's top and bottom face match in contrast to the concave indentations on the upper and lower lip of the wear strip slot in both size and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Gizmo Tek LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Nieters
  • Patent number: 9764459
    Abstract: A handle replacement system for manipulating earth includes a handle that may be manipulated. The handle comprises dimensional lumber. A head is removably coupled to the handle. Thus, the head may manipulate earth. The head is structured to receive dimensional lumber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Alfred Tice
  • Patent number: 9540781
    Abstract: A tool adapted to collect, lift, and move material has a lifting structure attached to a collection element and at least one handle attached to the lifting structure. The lifting structure may have two or three segments. Each segment may have rails spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other with at least one cross member disposed there-between. The segments are oriented relative to one another to reduce the amount of bending required to lift material in the collection element. Adjacent segments in the lifting structure may be pivotally attached to each other. This tool can be free standing when used as a dustpan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 9039054
    Abstract: A hand operated shovel system for moving materials that uses spring enhanced human power to increase force during the flinging part of shoveling. A user adds propulsive force to a shovel having a spring located between the handle and the blade. Motion of the handle and blade rotates the spring to store energy expended during the initial acceleration of lifting, and applies the stored energy back into the material during the deposition step, increasing the ballistic trajectory of the material. If material deposition can be accomplished without flinging, the shovel acts as a substantially rigid body for standard shoveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Donald L. French
  • Publication number: 20150123413
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a snow shovel system with an extended and collapsed state. The system includes a blade member, handle, lower shaft member, and upper shaft member. One end of the lower shaft member is coupled to the blade member and the other is slidably coupled with the upper shaft member. A first end of the upper shaft member is coupled to a handle and the second end is slidably coupled with the lower shaft member. The slidable coupling between the lower and upper shaft members includes an extended state and a collapsed state in which the handle is separated from the blade member a greater distance in the extended state. The collapsed state includes translating a portion of the lower shaft member beyond the first end of the upper shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT, LTD.
    Inventors: Joe Spataro, Jake Hall, Thomas Laakso
  • Publication number: 20150091314
    Abstract: An improved snow shovel for reducing the suction of snow to shovel while still maintaining the overall strength of the shovel. The improved snow shovel has a face or blade scoop portion that has an array of vertical or longitudinally extending slots or slits that penetrate through the entire blade scoop portion of the snow shovel. The array is arranged with the slots aligned vertically in a top to bottom arrangement. The slots are disposed in a set of preferably one to two slots per set. The sets of slots are arranged in a symmetric pattern on the face of the shovel to ensure uniform distribution of the reduction of snow to the shovel and to ensure uniformity of the overall strength of the shovel. The shovel face can be flat or curved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Mary H. Putre
  • Patent number: 8800175
    Abstract: An adjustable snow shovel system for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow has a generally tubular, three-way adjustable shovel frame. The system has a generally tubular, adjustable handle bar horizontally located on the shovel frame. The handle bar is adjustable for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow. The system has a pivotally adjustable shovel assembly having a first shovel member and a second shovel member. The shovel assembly is generally horizontally located on the shovel frame. The shovel assembly can be affixed into a position having the first shovel member and the second shovel member in-line with one another maximizing a shovel assembly width for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow. The shovel assembly can be affixed into a position having the first shovel member and the second shovel member located at an angle with respect to one another for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Faraci, Frank Faraci, Peter Masi
  • Publication number: 20140077513
    Abstract: A snow removal device including the following components: a central bar, where the central bar is vertical when not in use; a handle end of the central bar; a blade end of the central bar; a top handle joined to the central bar at the handle end; a lower handle, where the lower handle is below the top handle and extends from one side of the central bar; and a blade joined to the central bar at the blade end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Holligan
  • Patent number: 8550515
    Abstract: A snow removal shovel includes an elongate support having an upper end and an opposed lower end, and a shovel blade having a ground engaging lower edge and an opposed upper edge, opposed side edges, a front snow-engaging side and an opposed rear side. The shovel blade is mounted to the lower end of the elongate support for pivotal movement between a snow shoveling position of the shovel blade toward the elongate support and a snow dumping position of the shovel blade away from the elongate support. A latch is mounted to the elongate support for movement between a locked position for securing the shovel blade in the snow shoveling position of the shovel blade, and an unlocked position for releasing the shovel blade in the snow shoveling position of the shovel blade for permitting the shovel blade to pivot between the snow shoveling and snow dumping positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Frank M. Castillo
  • Patent number: 8533896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing ice and snow deposits from a vehicle during winter snow season. A hand-operated device for removing ice and snow deposits from a vehicle generally includes a handle, a blade, and one or more fasteners. A slotted aperture on an end of the handle is adapted to receive a coupling portion of the blade. Fasteners are positioned through the handle and blade at the slotted aperture to secure the handle and blade. The device enables a user to separate ice and snow deposits from a vehicle without damaging the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: James Dennis Lemke
  • Patent number: 8491024
    Abstract: A dual grip handled shovel for clearing a surface is disclosed. The shovel comprises a grip handle having a front grip attached to a rear grip by way of a central portion. A tool handle includes a front truss pair attached to a first end of the central portion and a rear truss pair attached to a second end of the central portion. A tool head includes a leading edge and a lagging edge which is operatively attached to the front truss pair and rear truss pair. The central portion, the tool handle and the lagging edge of the tool head are attached in a way to form a tetrahedron which distributes the load evenly to provide an ease of use to a user. The front truss pair and the rear truss pair distribute the load evenly between the grip handle and the tool head thereby balancing the load dynamically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Brian W. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20130154289
    Abstract: A snow removal shovel includes an elongate support having an upper end and an opposed lower end, and a shovel blade having a ground engaging lower edge and an opposed upper edge, opposed side edges, a front snow-engaging side and an opposed rear side. The shovel blade is mounted to the lower end of the elongate support for pivotal movement between a snow shoveling position of the shovel blade toward the elongate support and a snow dumping position of the shovel blade away from the elongate support. A latch is mounted to the elongate support for movement between a locked position for securing the shovel blade in the snow shoveling position of the shovel blade, and an unlocked position for releasing the shovel blade in the snow shoveling position of the shovel blade for permitting the shovel blade to pivot between the snow shoveling and snow dumping positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Frank M. Castillo
  • Publication number: 20130119684
    Abstract: A manually operated shovel having a blade and a plurality of tooth members is provided. The tooth members of the shovel provide individual points of contact between the shovel blade and material, such as earth, when the blade of the shovel is pressed into the material. The tooth members provide a mechanical advantage that focuses the pressure applied to the shovel by the operator so as to penetrate material more easily than traditional uniformly bladed shovels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: LOUIS CEJA
  • Patent number: 8347528
    Abstract: The surface rake apparatus provides for use either in forward or rearward motion, by virtue of the first member's forward wings and the second member's rearward wings. Debris such as snow, leaves, and limbs, for example, can thereby be easily channeled toward a desired destination. Snow, for example, can be pushed or pulled off of a roof or other surface. An important feature of the rearward wings of the second member is the upward slant of each. Another important feature is the inclusion of wheels on the first member. The wheels ensure against scraping by elevating the lower edges of the first and second members slightly above the surface to be rid of debris. The telescopic handle provides benefit of length adjustment so that the apparatus may be most conveniently used in reaching distant surfaces and also in reduced length for those areas more proximal to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Richard E. Seltzer
  • Publication number: 20120292934
    Abstract: A dual grip handled shovel for clearing a surface is disclosed. The shovel comprises a grip handle having a front grip attached to a rear grip by way of a central portion. A tool handle includes a front truss pair attached to a first end of the central portion and a rear truss pair attached to a second end of the central portion. A tool head includes a leading edge and a lagging edge which is operatively attached to the front truss pair and rear truss pair. The central portion, the tool handle and the lagging edge of the tool head are attached in a way to form a tetrahedron which distributes the load evenly to provide an ease of use to a user. The front truss pair and the rear truss pair distribute the load evenly between the grip handle and the tool head thereby balancing the load dynamically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Brian W. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20120235432
    Abstract: An ergonomic snow removal implement incorporates a structure which provides an efficient flexure of the implement during the lifting and releasing of the load. In addition, the load carrying portion of the implement is specifically designed to provide a reduced area and consequently, a self limit to the load of each shoveling action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Francis C. McCartin
  • Patent number: 8256809
    Abstract: A tool for manipulating a material, such as snow, ice, sand, salt, dirt, gravel, concrete, vegetation, grains, debris and the like, resting on a surface has an elongated handle, an elongated shaft, and a compound blade head. The handle is attached to a proximal end of the elongated shaft and the compound blade is fixed to a distal end of the elongated shaft. The tool is capable of pushing and pulling materials when operating either the first tool section or the second tool section. The compound blade head has a first tool section adapted generally for shoveling and digging and a second tool section adapted for chopping and scraping. Tamping, compressing, and leveling is achieved when using the tools in the shoveling/digging position. The structure of the tool is designed to endure the stresses and forces of aggressive and repeated operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy M. Coutu
  • Patent number: 8182007
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shovel attachment that is designed to reduce the stress incurred on an operator's muscles, back, joints, spine, and heart during shoveling. The shovel attachment is designed to attach a second handle to a shovel so that an operator may distribute the weight of a shoveled load between both handles and therefore reduce the stress incurred while shoveling. The attachment includes an auxiliary handle having two ends, a first flexible member wherein a portion of the first flexible member extends from both ends of the auxiliary handle, a length adjuster that is attached to the free ends of the first flexible members, and a second flexible member that is attached to each length adjuster and where each end extends to a different coupling member for coupling each end of the second flexible members to either end of the leading edge of a shovel blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Fisher
  • Patent number: 8177272
    Abstract: An ergonomic shovel that has a curved, bent angle shaft that reduces the user's exertion, strain and fatigue. In addition, when not in use, shovel provides a space saving design so it can be stored nearly flat, saving storage space. This is accomplished by rotating the handle and blade 90 degrees in one direction with the use of quick release detent pins that are easily removed and re-inserted at predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony J. Schinella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8166677
    Abstract: A manual snow plow with ergonomic features comprises a snow scoop, two (2) articulating struts extending upward from the scoop and two (2) hinged rounded braces placed against a user's shoulders during use. The struts are provided with cross bracing which provide size adjustability and stability to the plow. A set of position adjustable hand grips extend from each strut in a rearward fashion to control the device during use. A pair of casters provided on a rear of the snow scoop allows the device to ride over cracks and other uneven surface variations. The snow plow becomes an extension of the user's body and thus enables the user to use the force of their entire body to move snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas L. Woyak
  • Publication number: 20120049551
    Abstract: A snow shovel kit for assembly into a snow shovel, comprising a bucket, a handle member and a pair of handle bars. A pair of first attachments attach the handle bars to the bucket and a pair of second attachments attach the handle bars to the handle member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Marc Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20120049550
    Abstract: A foldable shovel structured for scooping/pushing is provided. The disclosed foldable shovel includes two arcuate members that are hinged together at one end. In the folded configuration the two arcuate members are nested. Further, the coupling device includes a locking disk assembly structured to allow the arcuate members to be configured in different positions relative to each other. Thus, the foldable shovel may be optimally configured as either a scooping device or a pushing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: AMES TRUE TEMPER, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER GEHMAN, Joshua O. Mullen, Eric Daniel Hyp
  • Patent number: 8100447
    Abstract: A shoveling implement includes an elongate handle which may be pivotally attached to a shovelhead having at least two blade faces. The shovelhead may be configured so that the blade faces always remain at a fixed angle to the ground, or may be designed as a combination scoop and pusher shovel, with either blade being utilized by rotating the handle 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: David S. DeWinter
  • Patent number: 8070198
    Abstract: An article removal apparatus and method for the removal of debris from a surface by a user without physical bending, twisting, or strain. The article removal apparatus includes a blade, a structure for pivotal movement, a primary extension, and a secondary extension. The blade includes a first side, a second side, and a lengthwise axis. The structure for pivotal movement includes a pivotal axis adjacent to the second side. The primary extension includes a primary longitudinal axis, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is adjacent to the second side. The secondary extension includes a secondary longitudinal axis, a pivotal end portion, and an opposing end portion. The pivotal end portion is adjacent to the structure for pivotal movement. A user grasps the primary and secondary extensions, one in each hand selecting the angle between them and plows the debris from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Richard Burke
  • Publication number: 20110210572
    Abstract: A one-piece tool head comprising a scoop and at least one socket with a retention snap provided on the scoop for engaging a free end of a handle to secure the handle to the one-piece tool head, thus forming a multi-functional tool without the need for separate fasteners to secure the handle and the one-piece tool head together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Richard ROCKWELL
  • Patent number: 8001707
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of wheeled shovels. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheeled shovel generally includes a frame, a wheel, a handle, and a pivotable or steerable shovel blade. A pivot couples the shovel blade to the lower portion of the frame, such that the shovel blade is pivotable or steerable relative to the frame about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Colesworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Coles
  • Publication number: 20110198875
    Abstract: The present invention provide for snow shovels suitable for removing snow from uneven surfaces without inflicting damage to the underlying surface or jarring stops, while leaving a layer of protective snow with larger convex lower edges. The snow shovel includes an elongated handle attached to a scoop having a well for collecting snow and a front end for receiving snow. The front end defines an outwardly convex shape, such as a half-cylinder or a half-tear drop shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Carlyle Ander Smith
  • Publication number: 20110175381
    Abstract: An ergonomic shovel that has a curved, bent angle shaft that reduces the user's exertion, strain and fatigue. In addition, when not in use, shovel provides a space saving design so it can be stored nearly flat, saving storage space. This is accomplished by rotating the handle and blade 90 degrees in one direction with the use of quick release detent pins that are easily removed and re-inserted at predetermined positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony J. Schinella, JR.
  • Patent number: 7946637
    Abstract: A foldable shovel structured for scooping/pushing is provided. The disclosed foldable shovel includes two arcuate members that are hinged together at one end. In the folded configuration the two arcuate members are nested. Further, the coupling device includes a locking disk assembly structured to allow the arcuate members to be configured in different positions relative to each other. Thus, the foldable shovel may be optimally configured as either a scooping device or a pushing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Gehman, Joshua O. Mullen, Eric Daniel Hyp
  • Publication number: 20110115242
    Abstract: A snow shovel has a blade ending in a front leading cutting edge of wedge cross section. Rear vanes having coplanar bottom surfaces aligned with the cutting edge, terminate in a rounded trailing edge parallel to the leading edge. The blade leading edge can pivot upward about the trailing edge allowing the leading edge to clear irregular ground. The rear vanes cut through the snow to the ground surface, allowing minimal clearance by the leading edge and close snow removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: John McNab
  • Patent number: 7937859
    Abstract: A wheeled load transfer device has a load carrying member, a handle assembly and a pair of wheels optionally connected to a distal end of the handles and preferably offset below the plane of the handles. The load carrying member includes opposing side portions, a bottom portion. The load carrying member is rotatable between a first loading position which is preferably parallel to the ground and a second load transporting position which is inclined to the ground to better retain the load. The load carrying member can be rotated to different positions to scoop, transport and dump the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: George R. Downes
  • Patent number: 7866720
    Abstract: A shovel is provided having a scoop, a shaft coupled to the scoop, a handle coupled to the shaft, and an aperture within the center of its scoop. The aperture in the scoop is configured and positioned to provide an auxiliary handle for a user to grasp in addition to the shovel handle coupled to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Remco Products Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Haws, David L. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7762597
    Abstract: A manual snow removal tool used for the pushing and pulling of snow. The configuration of the tool allows the user to move snow by pushing the snow using a pushing blade or by pulling the snow using a pulling blade depending on the orientation of the snow removal tool. The snow removal tool may also incorporate fulcrum skids to allow the tool to remove snow more easily from rough surfaces. The fulcrum skids allow the user to raise and lower the scraping edge of the snow plow over the surface being scraped. The fulcrum skids move more easily across rough surfaces than the scraping edge of a regular plow or shovel. The snow removal tool may also have non-abrasive ends attached to the pushing and pulling blades so that it may be used on sensitive surfaces such as the painted finish on an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Carl Marlin
  • Patent number: 7695036
    Abstract: A sweeping device effectively sweeps snow and the like from variously constructed stairs. The device comprises a handle and wedge-shaped sweeping element or block. The sweeping element is preferably constructed from semi-rigid material and comprises a top side, a bottom side, a back side, a front side, and opposed lateral sides. The top and bottom sides are rectangular and parallel, while the lateral sides are quadrangular thereby defining opposed, anterior and posterior matter-sweeping surfaces. A lower end of the handle is threadably attached to the sweeping block or element for enabling a user to sweep matter such as lightly accumulated snow from stairs via the matter-sweeping surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Robert J. Smetana
  • Patent number: 7681933
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shovel. The shovel may include a handle and a pivotable bracket for securing the handle to the shovel blade. The handle may include a horizontal crossbar grip portion and two vertical grip portions generally perpendicular to at least one of the crossbar grip portion and a longitudinally extending portion of the handle extending to a blade of the shovel. The shovel is suitable for moving and removing a variety of materials, including snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Curtis J. Chesness
  • Patent number: 7681932
    Abstract: A shoveling and throwing device for moving a snow from a surface comprising a frame having a first and second ends, the frame comprising at least one frame extension extending generally upwardly and at least one wheel disposed on said first end of said frame, a manually operable lever which is pivotally attached proximate to the first end of said frame, a first member having a first end being pivotally attached to the frame extension, a second member having a first end being pivotally attached proximate to a second end of the manually operable lever, a third member having a first end being pivotally attached to a second end of the second member, and a shovel blade pivotally attached to a second end of the third member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Wesley G. Chang
  • Patent number: 7681336
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of wheeled shovels. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheeled shovel generally includes a wheel assembly having an axle and a wheel. The wheeled shovel also includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame may be disposed relative to the axle such that the axle is operable as a fulcrum about which the frame may pivot. A handle may be disposed at about the upper portion of the frame. A shovel blade may be disposed at about the lower portion of the frame. The wheel assembly, frame, handle, and shovel blade may be cooperatively configured so as to enable the wheeled shovel to throw a load of material generally upwardly and forwardly away from the shovel blade in response to a sufficient force applied to the handle for pivoting the frame relative to the axle with a recoil generated through the fulcrum at the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Snow Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Mark Noonan, Robert H. Humphries, Jr., Stephen C. Fog
  • Patent number: 7654591
    Abstract: A snow shovel includes a blade, a handle stem, a stabilizer bar, and multiple positions to couple the handle stem to the blade. The blade may include a soft edge and a hard edge. One position is achieved by coupling a taper in the handle stem to the blade at a strap for shoveling snow at the ground level with the hard edge. One position is achieved by coupling the taper in the handle stem to the blade at a folded tab for shoveling snow off a car with the soft edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffery Boyd Marble
  • Patent number: 7654592
    Abstract: a) A frame having a handle, an upright post extending therefrom having a slide stop on an upper portion, a lower and upper slide on a central portion, a lever having a central portion hinged to the frame having a rearwardly extending end, and a forwardly extending slide lift end, attached and configured through a slide lift to lift the lower slide when the rearwardly extending end is depressed; b) a shovel having a bottom snow carrying portion and an upright back portion; c) a lower shovel arm having one end hinged to a lower portion of the upright back portion of the shovel, and the other opposite end hingably connected to the upper slide; d) an upper shovel portion projecting/dumping linkage, having an upper shovel arm having one end hinged to an upper portion of the upright back portion of the shovel and having the other end hingably connected to an upper end of a pivoting arm, the other end hingably connected to the lower slide and a central portion pivotably pinned to a central portion of the lower shove
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Kent J. Stenzel
  • Patent number: 7581771
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight shovel with a large scoop type blade, a plastic coated metal handle and a compact shock absorbing cartridge located between the distal end of the metal handle and a D-shaped handgrip so as to not interfere with the operation of the shovel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Lyle A. Rosine, Torrence Anderson
  • Patent number: 7571945
    Abstract: A portable snow shovel that includes a unique collapsible mechanism. One embodiment of the shovel includes both an expanded and collapsed state. The shovel includes a blade member and an elongated shaft member. The elongated shaft member is slidably engaged to the blade member through a recess that extends through the blade member. The elongated shaft member is able to translate with respect to the blade member between the extended and collapsed states. The collapsed state relates to a configuration in which the elongated shaft member is extended through the recess and over the blade member a particular amount. The extended state relates to a configuration in which the elongated shaft member is extended through the recess and away from the blade member a particular amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, David Narajowski, Thomas Laakso, David Mellon, Chad John Whittaker
  • Publication number: 20090184527
    Abstract: The snow shovel described herein allows maximum efficiency by using the natural mechanical advantage of placing the load on a specially configured shovel head. The shovel has the ability to push snow (like a snowplow) and also to lift and dump, maximizing the use of the ground as a point of leverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Tucker J. Marion
  • Patent number: 7559591
    Abstract: A snow shovel including a middle portion interposed between, and coupled to, each of a blade portion and a handle portion. Included with the middle portion is a flex control mechanism structured for controlling an amount of downward flexing possible by the blade portion with respect to the handle portion. While collecting a volume of snow the blade portion is maintained and biased in a first normal position. When lifting a volume of collected snow, the blade portion flexes downwardly, possibly assuming a pre-established second fully flexed position. When the collected and lifted snow is tossed, the energy stored in the flexible member by the downward flexing helps assist in tossing the snow. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Frederick Henry DeSanti
  • Publication number: 20090121506
    Abstract: An extra wide snow shovel blade which may be affixed to existing, narrower conventional snow shovels. This is accomplished very quickly by simply inserting the blade of the conventional snow shovel into the ā€œVā€ shaped pocket on the back of the extra wide snow shovel blade, and then looping the elastic cord around the back of the shaft of the conventional shovel and hooking it to the eye bolt on the front of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Leo Williams
  • Publication number: 20090108602
    Abstract: A snow shovel apparatus comprises: a) a frame having an extending handle, an upright post extending from a front portion of the frame, said post having an upper end portion having a slide stop, and a central portion having a lower slide and an upper slide, and a lever having a central portion hinged to the frame, a rearwardly extending end portion, and a forwardly extending slide lift end portion, attached and configured through a slide lift connection means to lift the lower slide when the rearwardly extending end portion is depressed; b) a shovel portion having a bottom snow carrying portion and an upright back portion; c) a lower shovel arm having one end portion hinged to a lower portion of the upright back portion of the shovel portion, and having the other opposite end portion hingeably connected to the upper slide; d) an upper shovel portion projecting/dumping linkage, having an upper shovel arm having one end hinged to an upper portion of the upright back portion of the shovel portion and having the o
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Kent J. Strenzel
  • Publication number: 20090051180
    Abstract: A manual snow removal tool used for the pushing and pulling of snow. The configuration of the tool allows the user to move snow by pushing the snow using a pushing blade or by pulling the snow using a pulling blade depending on the orientation of the snow removal tool. The snow removal tool may also incorporate fulcrum skids to allow the tool to remove snow more easily from rough surfaces. The fulcrum skids allow the user to raise and lower the scraping edge of the snow plow over the surface being scraped. The fulcrum skids move more easily across rough surfaces than the scraping edge of a regular plow or shovel. The snow removal tool may also have non-abrasive ends attached to the pushing and pulling blades so that it may be used on sensitive surfaces such as the painted finish on an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Carl Marlin
  • Publication number: 20080272103
    Abstract: A heated handle construction for integration within an umbrella, cane, walker, crutches, wheelchair, snow shovel, baby stroller, golf club, hockey stick, animal lead/leash, knitting needle and crochet hook is provided having an integral stem portion constructed with a handle portion, a central shaft, and a bearing member. The handle has an outer show surface and is composed of a thermally insulating material, wound with wrapped flexible heating tape or strip, and connected through an on-off switch to a plurality of batteries present in a hollow cavity of the central shaft. Optionally, a thermally insulating foam tape is inserted between the heating element and the thermally insulating handle. An infrared reflector placed below the heating element directs heat to the user's hand. The heating element raises the temperature of the handle, radiating heat to the hand of the user, thereby providing a comfortable grip during use in wintry weather.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Robyn J. Farrington