V Snow Shovel

Abstract

A snow shovel device is provided that allows a user to remove snow from pathways. The shovel comprises a “V” shaped blade surface attached to a telescoping main shaft, which is fixedly attached to a push handle. The “V” shape of the blades provides a plow device to efficiently pierce deep snow in order to create a clear pathway. The main shaft may be pivoted in a plurality of directions to allow the user to adjust the yaw angle of the blade surface as well as the pivot angle of the main shaft with respect to the blades. Adjustment of the pivot angle and shaft length reduces strain on the user as snow is displaced.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 328,027 filed on Apr. 26, 2010, entitled “V Snow Shovel.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a snow shovel device for removing snow from pathways and in particular to a snow shovel device having a “V” shaped wedge for plowing and compacting snow.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Residents of cold weather climates often find their daily lives impeded by the accumulation of snow on the ground. If the snowfall is anticipated, individuals will often place rock salt down on pathways and driveways to melt falling snow and prevent it from accumulating. In the event that the snowfall is unexpected or the amount of accumulation is larger than anticipated, individuals may not be able to take adequate steps to prevent the snow from building-up. The accumulation of snow on sidewalks, driveways, and streets ca...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of snow shovels now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new handle positioning mechanism wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when removing large amounts of snow from pathways. The snow shovel device has a “V” shaped blade surface for efficiently piercing through dense snow to create a pathway. The blades are substantially wide, and include grooves to funnel snow to the sides of the shovel as the device is pushed forward by a user. Two support bars internal to the blades provide support and resistance for the device while the shovel is in use, assisting with the removal of large amounts of snow along a pathway.

[0014]The support bars are also used to attach the handle shaft of the shovel to the blades by means of a revolute joint. The joint allows pivoting of the shaft about the support bars, along with a lockable pivot motion to create a yaw angle of the shovel blades with respect to the handle shaft. Varying the tilt angle of the shaft allows the user to adjust the angle of approach between the user and the snow shovel, raising or lowering the shove handle to reduce strain as the shovel is pushed forward. In addition to the vertical position of the handle, the blades of the shovel may be oriented at an angle from the user's forward motion. The length of the handle shaft may likewise be adjusted by loosening a securing means that secures a telescoping inner and outer portion. Risk of injury may be reduced if users adjust the length and angular position of the shaft according to his or her shoveling needs, while the head of the shovel may be adjusted to one side or another to plow snow at an angle.

[0017]Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved snow shovel that has a pivoting shaft allowing the user to adjust the angle of the shaft to more comfortably remove snow with less strain on a user's back.

[0018]Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved snow shovel that has an adjustable length shaft that may be lengthened or shortened to suit a user's needs.

[0021]Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved snow shovel that has a wide, V-shaped blade surface for clearing large accumulations of densely packed snow along a pathway.

Problems solved by technology

Residents of cold weather climates often find their daily lives impeded by the accumulation of snow on the ground.

In the event that the snowfall is unexpected or the amount of accumulation is larger than anticipated, individuals may not be able to take adequate steps to prevent the snow from building-up.

The accumulation of snow on sidewalks, driveways, and streets can result in slippery surfaces that make walking or driving hazardous.

The weight of snow being lifted, or the speed with which it is extricated can be problematic for users, placing considerable strain on the user's arms and back.

Serious injuries are possible if proper technique is not utilized with these traditional snow shovel devices.

To reduce this risk, users may try to lift smaller amounts of snow with each pass; however this approach lengthens the time needed to clean a pathway.

Physical exertion while in cold temperatures can lead to serious health risks for elderly users or those with cardiac and pulmonary weaknesses.

These shovels suffer the same drawbacks as the traditional shovel: too much resistance can lead to back and leg strain, as well as serious health risks for elderly users or those with cardiac and pulmonary conditions.

The prior art devices do not address the need for a snow shovel that has a handle of adjustable angle and length.

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