Snow thrower

Abstract

A snow thrower, as provided herein, may include a body frame, a handle, a collar, and a chute. The body frame may define a body inlet and a body outlet. The handle may be attached to the body frame. The chute may be attached to the body frame to direct snow therefrom.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to snow throwers, such as battery-powered snow throwers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Snow throwers often include a frame supported, for instance, by wheels on which the frame can rotate. A handle may be attached to the frame for pushing and directing the snow thrower. An auger may be mounted within the frame to an engine that can rotate the auger. As the auger rotates, it may direct snow to a chute attached to the frame. The chute can receive snow from the auger and direct (i.e., throw) the snow in a predetermined direction relative to the frame. Some snow throwers include chutes that are moveable between various positions relative to the frame such that, in each position, the chute throws snow received from the auger in a different predetermined direction relative to the frame.[0003]Challenges exist with conventional snow throwers. As an example, it can be difficult to attach or remove various features of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention described in this patent has various benefits that can be realized through its use. These benefits may be explained in part through the description of the invention or through practice of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

As an example, it can be difficult to attach or remove various features of the snow thrower, such as the chute.

Even the requirement of a single tool can significantly impair a user's experience.

Moreover, in some instances, difficulties in assembly / disassembly can lead a user accidentally damaging a part of the snow thrower.

Another challenge for some existing snow throwers is positioning of the chute (e.g., to control the direction in which snow is directed from the chute).

Although some snow throwers include chutes that are moveable between various positions relative to the frame, such systems can be require expensive motor assemblies or can otherwise be prone to damage.

Although some snow throwers have attempted to use batteries to power one or more features of the snow thrower (e.g., an auger motor), this can present even more challenges.

As an example, it can be difficult to prevent battery damage, such as from snow or melted water.

The very nature of the snow thrower's intended environment (e.g., surrounded by snow or water for extended periods of time), creates challenges.

Moreover, it can often be difficult to ensure an adequate power supply without requiring a large or cumbersome mass of batteries.

Images