Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02327015 2004-04-13
SNOW MELTING DEVICE
This invention relates to electrically-heated snow melting. In particular, it
relates to a self-contained, hand-propelled, electrically-heated snow melting
device
which is sufficiently compact so as to be used by a single individual to melt
down the
snow on a driveway.
Background of the Invention
The prior art includes U.S. Patent No. 5,140,762 (1992) to Monson. This patent
does show a hand-propelled, electrically-powered snow melting device. However,
the
device describe therein has an engine mounted on its frame. The engine drives
a
generator also mounted on the frame. The device is heavy, cumbersome and
difficult
for an individual to move. Another example of a prior art, electrically-
powered snow
and ice melting device is Schmitt U.S. Patent No. 5,867,926 (1999) which
requires a
blower mounted on the frame, has an open bottom, has complex circuitry, and
needs
to be always connected to an exterior electrical source. This device as
described would
be inefficient for melting snow in a driveway.
Brief Summary of the Invention
The present invention comprises a self-contained electrical snow-melting
device.
Mounted on its frame is an enclosure comprising a bottom heat-conductive plate
and
an upper cover. The frame is supported by runners or wheels or a combination
thereof
so that it can be readily moved. An electrical heater is positioned within the
enclosure.
A portable electrical power supply is supported by the device and is connected
to the
heater. The device melts the snow when propelled along a snow covered pathway.
In a preferred form of this invention, the device has a handle connected to a
wheeled frame. Mounted on the frame is an enclosure formed by a spherical
metal
dome, preferably formed of aluminum, seated on a heat-conductive flat copper
plate.
Within the enclosure is a heating coil adjacent the copper plate. A portable
power
supply such as battery or a group of batteries is connected to the heating
coil. The
CA 02327015 2004-04-13
frame has two front wheels, two rear wheels, and two horizontal bars
connecting the
two sets of wheels. The power source is a rechargeable battery which can be
housed
either inside the dome or on the handle. The attachment of the dome to the
frame can
be made so as to be readily opened for servicing of the coil, copper plate,
and battery.
The copper plate may extend over the outside of the dome.
In summary of the foregoing the present invention may be considered as
providing a hand-propelled, self-contained electrical snow-melting device
comprising:
a frame supporting an enclosure comprising a bottom heat-conductive plate and
an
upper cover; means supporting the frame for locating the plate above snow to
be
melted; electrical heating means positioned within the enclosure for heating
the plate;
and portable electrical power supply means for actuating the heating means.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of this invention.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1 with the dome removed for illustrative
purposes.
Fig. 3 is a horizontal section along line A-A of Fig. 1.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring now to the drawings, the device is mounted on a frame 10 having a
pair of front tired wheels 12 and 22 connected to a transverse housing 12b and
a pair
of rear tire wheels 13 and 23 connected to a transverse housing 22b. The front
and
rear housings are connected together by horizontal bars 12a and 22a.
Supported on the bars 12a and 22a is a heat-conductive copper plate 19.
Fitting
over copper plate 19 is an aluminum dome 11 forming an enclosure with the
copper
plate 19. Within the enclosure and adjacent the copper plate 19 is an
electrical heating
coil 18.
The device has a handle having a grip 14, and a pair of outwardly curved arms
16 and 17 terminating in the center of the housing 22b for the rear wheels 13
and 23.
The handle is pivotally connected to the housing 22b and the curved arms 16,
17 are
adapted to fit around the dome 11 when pivoted forwardly, for storage
purposes.
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CA 02327015 2004-04-13
Rechargeable battery 15 has its wires 30 and 31 extending through the arms 16
and
17 to the heating coil 18. When the battery 15 is actuated, the heating coil
heats the
copper plate 19 so as to melt the snow below. The aluminum dome 11 protects
the
heating coil and inner surface of the copper plate.
The aluminum is preferably 1/32" to 1/16" thick. The dome is preferably
hemispherically shaped and about 18" to 24" high and approximately 2~/z to 3
feet in
diameter.
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