Debris and snow removal apparatus and method

Abstract

An open mesh apparatus or net can be used for collecting and removing fallen snow, leaves, fruits, or other debris from an area of ground. The apparatus can include several panels hinged together for capturing snow or other material between the panels.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to property maintenance and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for snow removal.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In moist temperate climates, such as in the eastern United States north of the Carolinas, removal of snow from ground surfaces—in particular, from driveways, walkways, and other open areas—concerns property owners and property managers for at least several months in each year. For example, in the state of Connecticut the “snowy season” is commonly held to begin early in November and to continue sometimes as late as mid-May. Northward and westward from Connecticut, snowfall starts earlier and continues later in the year.[0003]As homeowners in snowy regions well know, snow removal is physically laborious and time consuming. Shoveling a single car-width path down a hundred-foot-long driveway can require two hours or more for a moderate fall of six to eight inches. Deeper snow requires rapidly increasing ef...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]According to the present invention, an open-mesh web or net is used for low-effort collection and rapid removal of snow, leaves, or other matter from an area of ground.

[0015]According to an aspect of the invention, the open mesh of the net permits pre-placement of the net on the area of ground without adverse effects on vegetation or traffic. Additionally, the open mesh significantly reduces the contact area of the net against the ground, thereby reducing friction between the net and the ground. Unexpectedly, the open mesh does not significantly detract from the efficacy of the net for removing snow or other particles significantly smaller in size than the mesh openings. Surprisingly, the open mesh also is believed to enhance speed of snow removal over the speed achievable using a continuous web of fabric.

[0016]According to an embodiment of the present invention, an area of ground is prepared for snow removal by laying out an open mesh apparatus or net across the area of ground. After snow falls on the prepared area of ground, the open mesh net is removed and the snow is removed from the prepared area of ground along with the net. The net can be removed manually or by machine. The net can be removed by rolling, folding, and / or lateral dragging. Lateral dragging is believed to be most efficacious toward complete removal of snow from the prepared area of ground, and also is the mechanically simplest of motions. However, for some varieties of snow, rolling, lifting, and carrying are preferred motions for removal of the net and the accumulated snow. Surprisingly, these methods are efficacious for snow removal although the snow flakes and snow grains are much smaller than the openings of the apparatus. Inward folding of lateral edges of the net is advantageous for retaining the snow with the net during dragging or rolling of the net. After removal, the net can be emptied of snow by sideways dumping, by pulling the free end of the net over the top of the roll and then pulling the free end away from the roll causing the roll to unroll and dump its contents, or by pulling the free end over an elevated horizontal pole arranged above a snow disposal area.

Problems solved by technology

Surprisingly, these methods are efficacious for snow removal although the snow flakes and snow grains are much smaller than the openings of the apparatus.

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