Snow removal tool

Abstract

Disclosed is an improved snow shovel having a graphite in-laid polyethylene blade with outwardly propagating reinforced ribs providing a flex resistant blade of minimal thickness. A shaft of the shovel is constructed of a low cost steel pipe covered with a polyethylene sleeve with knurled grip surfaces. The sleeve conforms to the pipe diameter upon application of heat during manufacture. A one-piece handle is attached to the free end the shaft. For storage purposes a cutout is provided on a top edge of each shovel allowing nesting of similarly shaped shovels. A straight blade shovel and a pusher type shovel are two embodiments disclosed herein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to hand tools and, more particularly, to shovels used for removal of snow and the like substance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe shovel is a well known hand tool used primarily for transfer of loose objects from one location to another. Despite the use, a primary concern with shovel design is the strength to weight ratio. Typically the stronger a shovel, the heavier it is, due to the amount of material mass required for rigidity. For instance, the blade of a shovel made from steel is suitable for transferring of heavy material. However, the weight of steel becomes critical if the blade is to be lifted, especially if the person lifting the blade is not trained in proper lifting techniques. If the blade is made too thin, it will bend under load. Thus, a shovel constructed from steel is typically of a thickness to make the weight noticeable creating a hand tool that is hefty to operate.Further, since a shovel blade is used to move m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention satisfies this need through provision of a light weight shovel assembly having a graphite impregnated plastic blade reinforced with concavely outwardly extending ribs with a base thickness compensated by substantially perpendicular tabs formed in integral to the back surface of the ribs. A shaft made from low cost steel covered with a knurled plastic sleeve provides superior rigidity with low cost manufacturing.

As disclosed within the detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the shovel of the instant invention includes a blade constructed of a thin piece of molded plastic impregnated with graphite. The graphite forms a slick surface which is reinforced by the outwardly extending ribs and centrally disposed reinforcement tabs located along the rear surface of the ribs. A stainless steel metal skid is riveted to the leading edge of the blade to prevent premature wear of the plastic.

The shaft of the shovel is constructed from a low cost metal tube which is suitable for acceptance of a polyethylene plastic sleeve which slides over the metal tube. Heating of the plastic causes the sleeve to shrink conforming it to the tube forming a unitary shaft which prevents slippage. In this manner a low cost unfinished steel tube facilitates adhesion of the plastic. The result is a shaft having high strength with the advantages of plastic, namely, insulation from cold steel surfaces and elimination of rusting surfaces. A handle made from molded plastic is coupled to the end of the shaft providing a shovel that can be used in a conventional manner.

Thus, an objective of the instant invention is to provide a shovel blade using outwardly curved ribs with reinforcing tabs to eliminate flexing of the blade yet allow for a blade of thin thus lightweight construction for slicing through snow.

Still another objective of the instant invention is to disclose the use of a low cost, high strength shaft constructed from a steel tubing covered by a heat shrinkable plastic sleeve providing the rigidity capable only with a steel handle yet retaining the benefits of plastic.

Problems solved by technology

Typically the stronger a shovel, the heavier it is, due to the amount of material mass required for rigidity.

However, the weight of steel becomes critical if the blade is to be lifted, especially if the person lifting the blade is not trained in proper lifting techniques.

If the blade is made too thin, it will bend under load.

Thus, a shovel constructed from steel is typically of a thickness to make the weight noticeable creating a hand tool that is hefty to operate.

Further, since a shovel blade is used to move material, it is constantly subjected to abrasion which will quickly deteriorate even high quality finishes.

This leads to premature failure of the tool especially in areas of the country where the tool is used for snow removal.

The combination of moisture and possible road salt can quickly rust steel tools.

Without reinforcement of an aluminum blade to prevent counter-flexing, such as stepping on the back of the blade, the aluminum blade can easily bend in half thereby ruining the tool.

Another problem with the shovels of the prior art is that the shaft and associated handle further add to the weight of the tool leaving manufacturers to try to remedy the situation with various types of materials.

In this instance steel is most suitable when used as tubing but is not used due to weight for the shaft and handle due to the inability to compensate for the retainment of the surrounding ambient temperature when used during frigid months.

Further, since a steel shaft and handle must be painted, the operator can easily wear off the coating since both must be grasped in an abrasive manner quickly leading to rust abrasion.

However, a problem with wood is that unless properly treated, water can rot the wood especially where the components are coupled together.

However, the problem with plastic is strength.

A plastic shaft may flex causing the shaft to bend since the shaft becomes a fulcrum point during use.

A blade made of plastic further presents a number of problems including control of flexing and wear.

However, plastic does not flex like metal; thus, the thickness of the plastic must be increased to provide sufficient strength.

The shaft of the shovel also demonstrates the complications when a shaft is formed entirely from plastic by claiming a complicated cross pattern that is expensive to manufacture.

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