Manually Powered Patents (Class 37/285)
  • Patent number: 11802388
    Abstract: The snow plow shovel comprises a blade, a collar, and a handle. The snow plow shovel may be a shovel for removing a wintry accumulation from a surface. As non-limiting examples, the wintry accumulation may be snow or ice and the surface may be a sidewalk or a driveway. The blade is further defined with a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel may shape the blade to form a V-plow. The V-plow may be operable to push the wintry accumulation off of the surface by placing a leading edge of the blade against the surface and pushing the blade forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventor: Kevin Belnavis
  • Patent number: 11686059
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to be secured to a shovel and provide distribution of material during use of the shovel. The present invention includes a body having a hollow interior volume. The body has an upper end with and opening providing access to the interior volume. The lower end of the body includes a first portion and second portion that extend in opposing directions. A plurality of apertures are formed in the first portion and second portion of the body so as to provide spreading of a material as the shovel is utilized. The body is releasably secured to a mount wherein the mount is secured to the handle of the shovel. The mount includes a pair of support arms that are configured to cradle the lower end of the body. The body includes a slot formed therein that is operable to be releasably secured to a clip on the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: William Matthew Szoo
  • Patent number: 9469953
    Abstract: The mechanical snow thrower includes a housing connected to a handle, along with an inlet and outlet. An auger is used to move the snow from the inlet to a fan, which propels the snow through the outlet. A pair of wheels drives the auger, while at least one pair of wheels drives the fan. A gear set connects the wheels to the auger and/or the fan. A clutch may be may use to engage or disengage the wheels from the auger and/or clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Jerome Sherman
  • Patent number: 9204587
    Abstract: A shovel accessory features a main longitudinal beam having opposing front and rear ends for supporting the handle shaft of a shovel thereon, an undercarriage depending downward from the beam to define a fulcrum point when in contact with the ground, and front and rear handle arrangements residing above the main beam at locations respectively nearer to the opposing ends thereof. The front and rear handles provide gripping points for respective hands of the user for pivoting of the main beam and shovel about the fulcrum in a direction lifting the shovel head under rearward pulling of the front handle arrangement. The dual elevated handle arrangement is particularly well suited for a rearward throwing action of material from the shovel head compared to prior fulcrum/lever shovel solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventors: Olavo Cordeiro, Ronald Maddison
  • Patent number: 8832973
    Abstract: A devise which is a blade which is connected to two wheels, one at either end of the blade. A handle is also connected to the blade which is a person uses to pull the device across the surface of material to be moved. The device can be used to move material such as dirt or sand in a manner which allows easy leveling of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jefry Stuart Gallacci
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130199061
    Abstract: A plow device includes a plow member and a handle that is pivotally connected to the plow member. The plow member is generally U-shaped, and retains snow or other loose material as the U-shaped member slides over a ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: AG-CO PRODUCTS
    Inventor: AG-CO Products
  • Publication number: 20130167411
    Abstract: A snow clearing device preferably for removing snow from a sloping house roof, including at least one plate of semi-rigid material, wherein at least one long side has corrugations or teeth for cutting sideways into a snow layer, and having handles for cutting motion arranged on at least one side of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Jan-Scott Bjørthun
  • Patent number: 8240069
    Abstract: The manually powered wheeled-levered shovel/launcher device for the purpose of snow removal, which has a handle, and shovel shaft pivoted to the handle at one end and a snow shovel head at the other end of the shovel shaft. A collapsible foldable wheel assembly acts as a fulcrum is attached to the device for easy handling a snow load. The shovel head is able to tilt downward against a spring-loaded mechanism for the purpose of altering the launch direction from upward direction due to centrifugal force around the wheel resting on the ground to forward direction when a sudden force downward is applied on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Yohans S. Adinata
  • 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: 20120055049
    Abstract: A snow removal device has a body, a shovel connected to the body and positioned at a lower end of the body, a snow catcher connected to the body, and one or more motive elements. The snow catcher is positioned behind the shovel such that when the shovel is tilted back, loose material in the shovel falls into the snow catcher. When the body is tilted back, the shovel also tilts back. The body acts as a lever arm on the shovel, allowing heavy loads to be tilted back with minimal force. A foot pedal facilitates pushing the shovel into loose material. The angle between the body and shovel is 120 degrees. The body is collapsible. The snow catcher has an outer lip and the shovel has sidewalls for retaining loose material. One or more of the motive elements serves as a pivot point for the snow removal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Yancheski
  • 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: 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: 7823303
    Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port extending through a blade. Pressurized fluid is ejected through the at least one fluid exhaust port extending through the blade and ejects towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may further include a soft pad and an ice scraper blade to assist in removing material from a surface of a motor vehicle. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to deliver a fire suppressant pressurized fluid upon a material that is burning. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to clear snow from railroad train tracks ahead of a railroad train car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Brian H. Nagamatsu, Felicia M. Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 7810259
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved snow pusher with a removable friction-reducing edge. An example embodiment includes a blade having a generally rectangular shape and being of rigid material, the blade including an angled lower portion; a slider for removable attachment to the angled lower portion of the blade, the slider being fabricated from a friction-reducing material; a handle attachment mechanism for removable attachment to the blade; and a handle for removable attachment to the handle attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Marc Goldman
  • Patent number: 7784200
    Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port located in a blade. Pressurized fluid flows through the blade and ejects out through the at least one fluid exhaust port towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may further include a brush assembly and an ice scraper blade to assist in removing material from a surface of a motor vehicle. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to deliver a fire suppressant pressurized fluid upon a material that is burning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Brian H. Nagamatsu, Felicia M. Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 7716857
    Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port located in a blade. Pressurized fluid flows through the blade and ejects out through the at least one fluid exhaust port towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Brian H. Nagamatsu, Felicia M. Nagamatsu
  • 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: 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: 7631443
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of hinge apparatus, which may be used, for example, to hingedly connect upper and lower frame members of a device or tool. In one embodiment of a hinge apparatus, first and second linking members each include a base portion, sidewalls, and flange portions. The flange portions define sets of openings configured to receive a portion of a first connector, for selectively adjusting the angular orientation of the upper frame member relative to the lower frame member in an open, ready-for-use configuration. The linking members include connector openings configured to receive a portion of a second connector. When the first connector is not engaged with any set of openings, the upper frame member is pivotably movable relative to the lower frame member about the second connector to a closed, collapsed configuration in which the upper frame member is alongside the lower frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Snow Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Mark Noonan, Stephen C. Fog
  • Patent number: 7549451
    Abstract: A double-folded envelope of felt (or other fabric resistant to snow adhesion) into which a snow shovel may be inserted, folded over to enclose the shovel and temporarily closed in place by snaps or Velcro—doubled over where the shovel blade would rest so as to afford optimal protection against marring the finish of a car or sport utility vehicle when the shovel handle is grasped to push or scrape snow from off the vehicle's surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Barbara Ann Sanchelli
  • Publication number: 20090100625
    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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Smetana
  • Patent number: 7305779
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft that has proximal and distal end portions. The shaft includes spaced grip covers conjoined about an outer surface thereof and is provided with a centrally registered sleeve formed therein. An arcuately shaped plow section is affixed to the distal end portion and includes a heel support that has an arcuately shaped top surface for assisting to maintain the plow section registered along a horizontal plane. The plow section further includes fastening members spaced along the bottom edge for removing the bottom edge to be sharpened or replaced. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for pivoting the plow section between alternate radial paths during operating conditions. A mechanism is included for automatically biasing the plow section to an equilibrium position after the plow section is biased to a pivoted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Richard A. Purvis
  • Patent number: 7296368
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated pole that has a longitudinal axis and further has axial proximal and distal ends. A central anchor includes brackets equidistantly and radially spaced about a perimeter thereof. The anchor threadably receives the proximal end. Coextensive paddles are pivotally connected to the brackets that articulate along a unique pivot axis between extended and retracted positions, and are radially extended from and equidistantly juxtaposed along an outer perimeter of the anchor when a user exerts a linear force towards the proximal end of the pole, fanning the paddles to an extended position. A flexible canvas is connected to the paddles for collecting snow therein when the paddles are fanned to an open position. The canvas is foldable to a compact position when the paddles are at a closed position, and further has an outer edge provided with a radius equal to a longitudinal length of the paddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Louis Rigo
  • Publication number: 20070227048
    Abstract: The manually powered wheeled-levered shovel/launcher device for the purpose of snow removal, which permits user to stand relatively upright; while, engaged in shoveling with minimal effort and limited bending posture resulting in safer operation. The shoveling device has a handle at one end to a tool head, such as a snow shovel head. A collapsibly foldable wheel assembly acts as a fulcrum is attached to the device for easy handling a snow load. Shovel head is able to tilt downward coupled with spring-loaded mechanism for the purpose of altering the launch direction from upward direction due to centrifugal force around the wheel resting on the ground to forward direction when a sudden force downward is applied on the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Yohans S. Adinata
  • Patent number: 7124521
    Abstract: An apparatus for resurfacing an ice surface includes a dolly including a body, a handle and a plurality of wheels attached thereto. The apparatus includes a device for operably receiving fluid from a reservoir and distributing fluid substantially evenly onto an ice surface. The device includes a valve connecting the reservoir to an elongate pipe that has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced perforations for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. An elongate support member extends along the length of the pipe and is secured thereto. An applicator is preferably connected to the support member for receiving fluid and for assisting to evenly apply fluid onto an ice surface. The opposed end portions of the pipe and support member are movable between up and down positions for adjusting the amount of water dispensed onto an ice surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Adam Paul Medoro
  • Patent number: 7111418
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a shovel disposed on a relatively large wheel and a method of using the apparatus for handling a load of material. The apparatus involves a shovel having a handle formed at the end of an elongate yoke, the yoke being mounted, at its middle portion, onto the axle of a relatively large wheel for the purpose of picking up of a load, transporting it to a location, and propelling the load overboard with a quick arm/body motion on the part of a person operating the handle. The substantially waist-high wheel is adapted to receive the body force of an operator as an effective leverage through the handle and cause a recoil action from the wheel to enhance the throwing power of the apparatus of the invention, comprising the shovel, the wheel and the yoke as the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Snow Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Mark Noonan
  • Patent number: 7063114
    Abstract: An envelope of felt (or other fabric resistant to snow adhesion) into which a regular eighteen—twenty-two inch size snow shovel may be inserted, folded over to enclose the shovel and temporarily clasped in place by snaps or Velcro—and reinforceable in the area where the shovel blade would rest so as to afford optimal protection against marring the finish of a car or sport utility vehicle when the shovel handle is grasped in pushing snow from off the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Barbara Ann Sanchelli
  • Patent number: 6944980
    Abstract: A combination shovel broom tool that includes a shovel blade, a broom mounted behind the blade and including bristles that extend downwardly and terminate in a bristle working surface such that the blade and bristle working surface can simultaneously clean a surface as the device is pushed along the surface to be cleaned and a wheel set disposed within the bristles to facilitate such pushing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Jacqueline J. Lefrancois
  • Patent number: 6922920
    Abstract: A snow removal apparatus in the form of a shovel in which a leveraged arrangement is used to lift snow gathered on the shovel blade by lateral movement of such blade while supported by a handle adjustably secured upon the blade and the shovel handle is rested upon an underlying surface while snow is being lifted and moved to a dumping area by leveraged foot movement upon a pivot arm pivoted upon the handle and attached to the blade thus avoiding strain on a shovelers arms and spine while shoveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Stratz
  • Publication number: 20040244228
    Abstract: A wheeled push blade device comprises a frame having at least one load bearing wheel, a push blade, means for adjusting the blade at an angle from the line of travel of the device, a moment mechanism located on a lower portion of the blade allowing the blade to pivot, and position correction device for bringing the blade back into the original position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Charles E. Thaemert
  • Patent number: 6735887
    Abstract: A snow plough which has a handle on one end and a large snow scoop on the other. The plough is supported on a frame which is mounted on a pair of large wheels placed well behind the snow scoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Mohiuddin M. Muzzammel
  • Patent number: 6643958
    Abstract: A snow throwing shovel device for easily removing snow from narrow sidewalks and from steps where a conventional snow blower cannot be used. The snow throwing shovel device includes a scoop assembly including a housing having top, bottom, side, and back walls, and also having an open front; and also includes an elongate chute being attached to the scoop member and through which snow is moved; and also includes a discharge spout being rotatably mounted to the elongate chute; and further includes handle members being attached to the elongate chute; and also includes an assembly of picking up snow and moving snow through the elongate chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond E. Krejci
  • Patent number: 6578890
    Abstract: A snow removal device for elevated positions, such as roofs, while remaining on the ground. The device includes a shovel type head 10 which folds back, to assist the slide motion up the surface of a pitched roof. The shovel type head 10 is spring 14 loaded to open upon the pull action. When in use, the operator places the shovel type head 10 end of the device on top of the snow covered surface. In this position, the shovel type head 10 is hinged back so as to have the convex side of the shovel type head 10 to the surface of the snow. This allows the device, with a pushing motion, while extending the pole handle 15, to slide on or near the surface. When the desired distance is reached, the pulling back motion of the handle 15 opens the shovel type head 10 with assistance of the spring 14 and resistance to the snow. This forms a scoop, or plow action, dislodging and removing snow downward from the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Blaine Gilmore, Dale Marvin Ross
  • Patent number: 6457757
    Abstract: A snow shoveling apparatus includes a handle mounted to an intermediate portion of a base of a mobile frame such that the handle can undergo pivotal movement between selected vertical angles relative to the base, a tool mounted to a front end of the base such that the tool can undergo pivotal movement between selected horizontal angles relative to the base, a handle angle adjustment mechanism adapted to undergo relative reciprocal movement between latched and unlatched positions so as to allow changing of the vertical angle of the handle relative to the base when the mechanism is in the unlatched position and to hold the handle at a selected one of the vertical angles relative to the base when the mechanism is in the latched position, and a tool angle adjustment mechanism adapted to undergo relative pivotal movement between latched and unlatched positions as to allow changing of the horizontal angle of the tool relative to the base when the mechanism is in the unlatched position and to hold the tool at a sele
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: John D. Hendrick
  • Patent number: 6357148
    Abstract: A double shovel for shoveling snow. The blade has a sharp top edge and a sharp bottom edge suitable for shoveling snow, so that when the bottom edge is worn out, the blade can be turned upside-down so that the edge which was originally the top edge can now be used for shoveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: David Salmonsen
  • Publication number: 20020005001
    Abstract: A snow removing machine comprising a forward and aft drivechangeover switch, a height control operation lever for adjusting the height of a snow removing plate, both mounted to one of grip portions, and a speed control operation lever mounted to the other one of the grip portions. Gripping the grip portions with his respective hands, an operator can manipulate the forward and aft drive changeover switch and the height control operation lever by one of his hands and the speed control operation lever by the other one of his hands, thereby making the operator avoid single hand driving of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Isao Yoshida, Yasunori Yamamoto, Norikazu Shimizu, Seishu Sakai, Masakatsu Kono
  • Patent number: 6338210
    Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of accumulated material, such as snow, by an elongated control member attached to the edge of a curved scoop, with a strut mechanism extending from the elongated control member to the curved scoop and attached to a mechanism for facilitating the movement of the curved scoop over a surface having accumulated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Peter C. Mele
  • Patent number: 6334640
    Abstract: A snow shovel system for easily removing snow from a surface without requiring significant physical effort by a user. The snow shovel system includes a blade member having a first edge and a second edge, a frame attached to a rear surface of the blade member, a handle pivotally attached to the frame, and a wheel rotatably attached to the frame for maintaining the blade member in a substantially horizontal position. The handle may be rotated approximately 180 degrees with respect to the blade member for allowing the user to select which edge of the blade member will be utilized to engage the surface to be cleaned of snow which determines whether the snow is pushed to the left side or right side of the user during a forward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventors: August A. Werner, Robert J. Jahner, Donald M. Jahner
  • Publication number: 20010045029
    Abstract: This invention is in the field of snow removal. More particularly, the invention provides a snowplow blade and an attachment apparatus to be secured to the front of a contractors type wheelbarrow and operated manually. Snow removal is facilitated by the ability to add ballast to the wheelbarrow, which preserves momentum, and by the unique design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Eustis Fulton
  • Patent number: 6237258
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a planar engagement member (20), a plurality of support members (30, 40), and a cylindrical handle member (60). The engagement member (20) can move a bulk material across a substantially planar surface. The plurality of cylindrical support members (30, 40) is fixedly attached to the engagement member (20). The cylindrical handle member (60) is fixedly attached to the plurality of support members (30, 40). The handle member (60) transfers a force through the support members (30, 40) to the engagement member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen E. Biro
  • Patent number: 6219944
    Abstract: A manual dozer comprising a frame having a front and a rear and wheels for supporting the frame and allowing the frame to roll, The frame includes a handle extending upwardly from the frame for pushing pulling and steering the frame. A container is mounted on the frame, the container having a closed rear end and an open front end. A scoop is pivoted on the frame adjacent the front end thereof and extending in front of the open front end of the container. The scoop normally assumes a down position wherein a front edge of the scope is proximate the surface over which the manual dozer rolls. An arrangement is provided for pivoting the scoop from the down position to a raised position in which the front edge of the scoop tilts back toward the opening in the container to move scooped material into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Dannie R. Byers
  • Patent number: 6209235
    Abstract: A snow blocker attachment for a device used to move snow including a snow blocker having a wall member with a hole through central portion and near a bottom edge thereof, a frame to strengthen the wall, and at least one brace member formed about the hole. The snow blocker is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis and upon a hub member which is securely attached to a bracket member which is securely attached to the snow moving device. A stop member is also securely attached to the bracket member and is used to limit the rotation of the snow blocker. In a second embodiment, the snow blocker attachment includes three plate-like members, two of which are securely attached along one side of the snow moving device and the other of which is attached across the top of the snow moving device. Instead of snow spilling over both sides of the snow moving device, the snow blocker attachment limits the snow spilling to just one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Boyd D. Schiltz
  • Patent number: 6202329
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing snow from an inclined surface, including a frame member having snow-cutting legs and connected to an elongated handle member, wheels of at least 3 inches in diameter attached to the snow-cutting legs for allowing the frame member to traverse the inclined surface without being hindered by uneven terrain, a snow cutting element extending between the snow-cutting legs and disposed a predetermined distance from the inclined surface, an elongated flexible snow slide member having an end proximate the snow cutting element and a low coefficient of friction to facilitate the sliding of snow down the snow slide member when the snow slide member is disposed on the inclined surface, and a snow rake member hingedly coupled to the frame member for raking snow from the inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Avalanche Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph Supplee, Glenn P. Willing
  • Patent number: 6189942
    Abstract: Devices and methods for removing snow are disclosed. A snow removal device in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate handle having a distal end and a proximal end, and a flexible sheet having a leading edge and a leading portion proximate the leading edge. The leading portion of the flexible sheet is fixed to the elongate handle proximate the distal end thereof. The flexible sheet has a first position defining a gliding surface, and a second position wherein the flexible sheet is substantially flat. The flexible sheet is, preferably, biased to assume the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Francis Peterson, Paul Maire
  • Patent number: 6170112
    Abstract: A push broom operable by a person in a more comfortably upright stature and with less force than required in using straight-handled push brooms has a front handle portion which extends conventionally upwardly and rearwardly from a brush block having downwardly depending bristles. The handle includes a posterior portion which angles upwardly and rearwardly from the front handle portion, thereby orienting the rear, upper end of the posterior handle portion is in a more nearly vertical position than that of straight handled brooms. Preferably, the handle is doubly bowed, the posterior portion of the handle including an intermediate handle portion inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the front handle portion, and a rear handle portion inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the intermediate handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Roy Mayfield, Vanessa Mayfield