Foot-Assisted Snow Shovel

Abstract

A foot-assisted snow shovel with a stepbar whereas the user presses down with the foot to initiate the scooping of snow, a guide bar which travels in parallel with the stepbar, a guide channel which the upper pivot points of both stepbar and guide bar are constrained within, a linkage member which holds the stepbar and guide bar parallel throughout their movement, and a scoop clevis fastened to the rear of the snow scoop to which both stepbar and guide bar attach. The parallel configuration of the stepbar and guide bar maintains the scoop in a horizontal orientation during the scooping and the tossing of snow. A protruding feature of the upper end of the guide channels allows the scoop to remain level maintaining its load of snow even as the machine is tilted backward. Rigid uprights with grips provide the framework and the means of handling and control for the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] This invention relates generally to the field of snow removal and more specifically to a foot-assisted snow shovel. [0005] Snow shovels have long provided a means for removal of snow from walkways and other outdoor surfaces. However, the tools and methods commonly used for shoveling can place great strain on the lower back. In many cases, the old, young, and infirm are unable to physically perform manual snow shoveling due to the strength and endurance required. Typically, a conventional snow shovel is comprised of a handle attached to a broad scoop. To utilize the conventional snow shovel, a user would bend at the waist and thrust the scoop into or under a pile of snow and then lift and toss the burden of snow. These motions dictate that the user u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The primary object of the invention is a useful machine that alleviates back strain during the snow removal process. It permits the user to use body weight applied to a foot pedal to scoop snow. A secondary benefit is the capability to tilt the invention while maintaining the scoop and contents in a horizontal orientation to eliminate spillage.

[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a foot-assisted snow shovel comprising: a stepbar whereas the user presses down with the foot to initiate the scooping of snow, a guide bar which travels in parallel with the stepbar, a guide channel which the upper pivot points of both stepbar and guide bar are constrained within, a linkage member which holds the stepbar and guide bar parallel throughout their movement, and a scoop clevis fastened to the rear of the snow scoop to which both the lower pivot points of stepbar and guide bar attach. The parallel configuration of the stepbar and guide bar maintains the scoop in a horizontal orientation during the scooping and the tossing of snow. Pressing down on the stepbar with the foot employs the machine to scoop snow with minimal effort and no back strain. A scoop tilt feature located on the upper end of the guide channels allows the scoop to remain level maintaining its load of snow even as the handle is tilted backward prior to the tossing of snow.

Problems solved by technology

However, the tools and methods commonly used for shoveling can place great strain on the lower back.

In many cases, the old, young, and infirm are unable to physically perform manual snow shoveling due to the strength and endurance required.

Prior technology does not adequately provide for the scooping of snow without both alleviating back strain and providing both a reasonable and efficient method of tossing snow.

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