Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
MOTORIZED SNOW SHOVELS
FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to snow shovels, and
more
particularly to motorized snow shovels which include rotatable augers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Snow shovels are widely utilized to move snow and other
environmental
debris. For example, a common use of a snow shovel is to remove snow from a
driveway
and/or sidewalk. However, most known snow shovels are purely manual tools
requiring
manual labor during use. In some situations, such manual labor can be
detrimental or
dangerous, such as in the case of the elderly or those with health conditions.
[0003] One solution to the problem of the pure manual labor required by
known snow
shovels is the use of a snow blower. However, snow blowers can be expensive
and
complicated to operate, and generally blow snow into the air during operation.
If there is
a breeze during operation of the snow blower, the snow can be blown into
unintended
locations, including for example into the user.
[0004] Accordingly, improved apparatus for moving snow and other
environmental
debris are desired. In particular, improvements to snow shovel designs which
reduce the
required manual labor while remaining simple and inexpensive would be
advantageous.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part
in the
following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be
learned through
practice of the invention.
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment, a motorized snow shovel is
provided.
The motorized snow shovel includes a shaft assembly extending along a
longitudinal axis
between a first end and a second end. The motorized snow shovel further
includes a
handle assembly connected to the first end, the handle assembly including a
first handle.
The motorized snow shovel further includes a head assembly connected to the
second
end. The head assembly includes a shovel, an auger rotatably connected to the
shovel,
and a motor operational to rotate the auger.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment, a motorized snow shovel is
provided. The motorized snow shovel includes a shaft assembly extending along
a
longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The motorized snow
shovel
further includes a handle assembly connected to the first end, the handle
assembly
including a first handle, a battery, and a trigger. The motorized snow shovel
further
includes a second handle connected to the shaft assembly between the first end
and the
second end. The motorized snow shovel further includes a head assembly
connected to
the second end. The head assembly includes a shovel and an auger rotatably
connected to
the shovel, the auger rotatable about an auger axis, the auger axis transverse
to the
longitudinal axis. The head assembly further includes a motor operational to
rotate the
auger, the motor powered by the battery and operated by actuation of the
trigger.
[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present
invention will
become better understood with reference to the following description and
appended
claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a
part of
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this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with
the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including
the best
mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in
the specification,
which makes reference to the appended figures.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorized snow shovel in
accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a motorized snow
shovel,
including a first end of a shaft assembly of the motorized snow shovel, in
accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of a head assembly of a motorized snow
shovel in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a head assembly of a
motorized snow
shovel, with a side cover plate removed for illustrative purposes, in
accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a motor, pulley assembly, and
auger of a
motorized snow shovel in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or
more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is
provided by
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way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact,
it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations
can be made
in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention. For
instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be
used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended
that the
present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the
scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0016] As used herein, the term "or" is generally intended to be
inclusive (i.e., "A or
B" is intended to mean "A or B or both"). The terms "first," "second," and
"third" may
be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not
intended
to signify location or importance of the individual components.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present disclosure is generally
directed to
motorized snow shovels 10. Motorized snow shovels 10 in accordance with the
present
disclosure advantageously reduce the required manual labor associated with
removal of
snow or other environmental debris, and are further relatively inexpensive and
simple to
utilize.
[0018] As shown, a motorized snow shovel 10 includes a shaft assembly 20
which
extends along a longitudinal axis 22 between a first end 24 and a second end
26. In
exemplary embodiments as shown, shaft assembly 20 be a single shaft which
extends
between the first end 24 and second end 26. The single shaft may be a unitary
component, as shown, or may include two or more components which, for example,
telescope or pivot with respect to each other. Alternatively, the shaft
assembly 20 may
include multiple shafts each extending between the first end 24 and second end
26. The
shafts may be spaced apart from each other along an axis transverse to the
longitudinal
axis 22, and cross-bars may extend between the shafts along this transverse
axis to
support the shaft assembly generally. Referring now additionally to FIG. 2,
snow shovel
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further includes a handle assembly 30 which is connected to the first end 24.
The
handle assembly 30 may include a first handle 32. A user may generally grasp
handle 32
during use and operation of the motorized snow shovel 10. Further, handle
assembly 30
may include a trigger 34. Trigger 34 may, for example, be partially disposed
within and
extend from the handle 32. Trigger 34 may be selectively actuatable to operate
a motor
90 (as discussed herein) of the shovel 10. For example, an electrical
connection may be
provided (such as via electrical wiring extending from the trigger through the
shaft
assembly to the motor) between the trigger and the motor. Actuation of the
trigger 34
may electrically actuate the motor, and deactuation of the trigger 34 may
cease electrical
actuation of the motor.
[0019] Handle assembly 30 may further include a battery 36. The battery
36 may, for
example, be removably connected to a battery housing 38 of the handle assembly
30.
When connected, the battery 36 may power the shovel 10 generally, such as via
an
electrical connection to the motor (e.g. via the trigger 34).
[0020] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited
to battery-
powered shovels 10. In alternative embodiments, for example, the shovel 10 may
be
connected via a wired connection to a suitable electrical outlet. In general,
shovels 10 in
accordance with the present disclosure are electrically powered.
[0021] Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, a shovel 10 may include a second
handle 40.
Second handle 40 may, as shown, be separate from the handle assembly 30. For
example, as shown, second handle 40 may be connected to the shaft assembly 20
between
the first end 24 and the second end 26. In exemplary embodiments, the second
handle 40
may be relatively more proximate the first end 24 than the second end 26.
Alternatively,
second handle 40 may be a component of the handle assembly 30.
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[0022] In some embodiments, second handle 40 may be rotatable, such as
about a
handle axis 42. The handle axis 42 may, for example, be transverse to the
longitudinal
axis 22. Further, in some embodiments, such rotation may be selectively fixed
such that
no rotation is permitted. For example, a lock assembly 44, which may for
example,
include a bolt 46, may be provided. Engagement of the lock assembly 44, such
as via
tightening of the bolt 46, may fix the handle 40 in place. Disengagement of
the lock
assembly 44, such as via loosening of the bolt 46, may allow rotation of the
handle 40. In
some embodiments, lock assembly 44, such as the bolt 46 thereof, may be
disposed along
and define the handle axis 42.
[0023] The connection of the second handle 40 to the shaft assembly 20
may, for
example, be via a sleeve 48. Sleeve 48 may be in contact with and connected to
the shaft
assembly 20, and second handle 40 may be connected to the sleeve 48. For
example, the
lock assembly 44 may connect the second handle 40 to the sleeve 48.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3 through 5, a motorized snow shovel
10 in
accordance with the present disclosure further includes a head assembly 50.
Head
assembly 50 may be connected to the second end 26 of the shaft assembly 20,
e.g.
opposite the handle assembly 30.
[0025] Head assembly 50 may include a shovel 52. The shovel 52 may,
during
operation generally be placed on the ground or another surface from which snow
or other
environmental debris needs to be removed. Shovel 52 may, for example, include
a main
body 54 which generally receives the snow and/or other environmental debris.
Main
body 54 may have a forward-facing surface 56 which has a rear portion 58 and a
base
portion 60, as shown. The rear portion 58 may have a generally arcuate cross-
sectional
profile, e.g. when viewed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis
22. The base
portion 60 may have a generally linear cross-sectional profile, and thus be a
generally
planar surface.
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[0026] Main body 54 may further include a bottom surface 62 which
generally
contacts the ground or another surface during use. The base portion 60 may be
angled
relative to the bottom surface 62, such as when viewed in cross-section, e.g.
in a direction
transverse to the longitudinal axis 22.
[0027] The forward-facing surface 56 may further include a lip 64. Lip 64
may
extend from the base portion 60, and may for example, connect the base portion
60 and
bottom surface 62. The lip 64 may be angled relative to the bottom surface 62,
such as
when viewed in cross-section, e.g. in a direction transverse to the
longitudinal axis 22. In
exemplary embodiments, the angle 65 of the lip 64 relative to the bottom
surface 62 may
be greater than the angle 61 of the base portion 60 relative to the bottom
surface 62.
[0028] The main body 54 may extend between a first side 66 and a second
side 68
along an axis (which may be parallel with an auger axis as discussed herein)
which is
transverse to the longitudinal axis 22. A first side 66 of the main body 54
may generally
define an open space which allows for snow and other environmental debris to
exit the
main body 54, as discussed herein. A sidewall 70 may border the main body 54,
such as
at the second side 68.
[0029] Shovel 52 may further include an outer casing 72, which may for
example
include a rear casing portion 74 and a side casing portion 76. The rear casing
portion 74
may, for example, generally cover a back side of the main body 54 (e.g.
opposite the
forward-facing surface 56). Rear casing portion 74 may thus be connected to
the main
body 54. The side casing portion 76 may, for example, generally cover a back
side of the
sidewall 70. Side casing portion 76 may thus be connected to the sidewall 70.
[0030] Head assembly 50 may further include an auger 80. The auger 80 may
be
positioned generally proximate the shovel 52, and may for example be
connected, such as
rotatably connected, to the shovel 52. Auger 80 may extend along an auger axis
82,
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which may be transverse to the longitudinal axis 22. Auger 80 may further be
rotatable
about the auger axis 82. As shown, in some embodiments, the auger 80 may be
connected, such as rotatably connected, to the shovel 52 proximate the first
side 66 by a
bracket 84 which extends between the main body 54 and the auger 80. The auger
80 may
further extend through and be connected, such as rotatably connected, to the
sidewall 70.
[0031] Rotational of the auger 80 may advantageously move snow and/or
other
environmental debris generally along the auger axis 82, such as from the
second side 68
towards the first side 66. The snow and/or other environmental debris may thus
exit the
shovel 52 via the open space defined by the first side 66 due to the influence
of the auger
80. Notably, such snow and/or other environmental debris is advantageously not
blown
into the air, and shovel 10 does not include any fans, blowers, or other
apparatus to
facilitate such blowing action.
[0032] Auger 80 may, for example, include a shaft 86 and a blade 88.
Blade 88 may
extend helically about, and be connected to, shaft 86. Shaft 86 may extend
along the
auger axis 82, and may be connected to the bracket 84 and extend through the
sidewall
70. In exemplary embodiments, blade 88 may extend at a constant pitch along a
length of
the blade 88, thus advantageously facilitating the side removal of snow and/or
other
environmental debris as discussed herein.
[0033] Rotation of the auger 80 may advantageously be motorized. For
example,
head assembly 50 may further include a motor 90. Motor 90 may, for example, be
electrically connected to trigger 34 and/or battery 36, as discussed herein.
The motor 90
may be operational to rotate the auger 80, and may thus be operably connected
to the
auger 80 such that operation of the motor 90 causes rotation of the auger 80.
In
exemplary embodiments, motor 90 may be a brushed DC electric motor.
Alternatively,
motor 90 may be a brushless DC electric motor. Alternatively, other suitable
motors 90,
and in particular electric motors, may be utilized.
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[0034] In exemplary embodiments, motor 90 may be housed in the outer
casing 72.
For example, motor 90 may be disposed between the rear casing portion 74 and
the main
body 54, as shown, and/or between the side casing portion 76 and the sidewall
70.
[0035] Motor 90 may, in some embodiments, be rotationally connected to
the auger
80 via a pulley assembly 92. The pulley assembly 92 may, for example, include
a first
pulley 94 connected to the motor 90 (e.g. a rotational shaft thereof), a
second pulley 96
connected to the auger 80 (e.g. a rotational shaft thereof), and a belt 98
extending
between the first pulley 94 and second pulley 96. Second pulley 96 may, for
example, be
larger than first pulley 94. Operation of the motor 90 may rotate the first
pulley 94,
which may in turn rotate the second pulley 96 due to movement of the belt
extending
therebetween, which may in turn rotate the auger 80.
[0036] In exemplary embodiments, pulley assembly 92 may be housed in the
outer
casing 72. For example, pulley assembly 92 may be disposed between the side
casing
portion 76 and the sidewall 70, as shown, and/or may be disposed between the
rear casing
portion 74 and the main body 54.
[0037] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the
best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the
invention,
including making and using any devices or systems and performing any
incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and
may include
other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are
intended to
be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do
not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent
structural elements
with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
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