SNOW REMOVAL SYSTEM

Description

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of material transport, and more specifically relates to a snow removal system, configured for use by a user in a persistent location, such as a driveway of a home or a sidewalk, to transport snow, in bulk, easily via motorized device.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Snow removal, such as from one's personal driveway, porch, or sidewalk, can be a time-consuming and laborious activity. In some cases, snow removal manually, via a show shovel, can be dangerous, especially to elderly individuals, who are prone to heart attacks during the action of snow removal.

Unfortunately, there are few products available on the market that can help individuals clear snow from their driveways or sidewalks. While snow blowers exist, they are cumbersome and difficult to use, especially for the elderly. Additionally, engines of snow blowers can be difficult to start when it is cold outside.

If there were system and apparatus on the market that could automatically remove snow from a driveway or sidewalk easily without effort by the individual/homeowner, snow removal would be easier, safer, and faster.

Thus, there is a need for a new form of snow removal system and apparatus configured to seamlessly remove snow from one's driveway, sidewalk, porch, or similar location of one's own property. Such a system preferably automates the snow removal process, and performs the snow removal action in bulk sections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a snow removal system and apparatus. The system is configured to allow snow to collect atop an industrial-strength tarp disposed across the area to which snow removal is required. Winches in communication with the tarp drag the tarp, after snow has collected, off and to the side of the target area to a second dumping area parallel and adjacent to the target area. A hydraulic jack then “tents” the tarp, causing the snow to fall off of the tarp, such that it may be replaced atop the target area for subsequent snow removal iterations until snowfall ceases.

The following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings are provided to explain possible embodiments of the present invention but are not provided to limit the scope of the present invention as expressed herein this summary section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

FIG. 1 details a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as seen from the top, installed to a driveway of a user.

FIG. 2 exhibits a flow chart detailing the process of use of the apparatus of the present invention by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The present invention is a snow removal system configured to expedite the lateral transportation of snow from a first area (100), the area to be cleared of snow (also referenced as a target area), to a second area (110) (also referenced as a “dumping area”), the area to which the snow is to be moved. Both the first area (100) and the second area (110) are preferably of the same shape and approximately the same size. The system includes at least two winches (10) disposed on mounts (20) of posts (30). The winches (10) are preferably placed off and to the side of the first area (100), parallel to a border (130). The border (130) is disposed between the first area (100) and the second area (110), as an imaginary boundary between the first area (10) and the second area (110) for clarity.

The winches (10) are disposed in communication with cables (40), with one cable (40) extending from each winch (10). The cables (40) are preferably yoked so as to distribute their tension to multiple contact points (70) along an edge (50) of a tarp (60). The tarp (60) is preferably an industrial-strength, reinforced, burlap-based tarp capable of holding over one ton of material. The contact points (70) are preferably evenly distributed along the edge (50) of the tarp (60), and preferably number between four and eight.

A hydraulic jack (80) is preferably included in the system, and is disposed centrally within the second area (110). The hydraulic jack (80) is configured to interface with a central point (90) of the tarp (60) which is reinforced (with additional stitching and fabric, as well as a plastic disk in some embodiments) so as to not puncture or rip when contact is made with the hydraulic jack (80). The purpose of the hydraulic jack (80) is to facilitate rapid removal of the snow once accumulated atop the tarp (60), and dump the snow over the second area (110). The hydraulic jack (80) may be cemented into position, or otherwise anchored in place.

As outlined in FIG. 2, the process of installation and use of the apparatus of the present invention by a user is preferably as follows:

First the user purchases the system of the present invention from an authorized retailer. (105)

The user then removes all components from the packaging and ensures that all components are present. (110)

The user then installs the system of the present invention in a target location, such as a driveway by driving the posts into the ground and securing them, preferably with concrete. (120)

Next, the winches are installed to the posts and the cables are extended from the winches to the contact points on the edge of the tarp. (130)

The cables are connected to the contact points with carabiners or similar conventional heavy-duty attachment mechanisms. (140)

The winches are connected to AC power supply. (150)

A hydraulic jack is disposed centrally within the second area to which the snow is to be dumped. (160)

When snowfall is approaching, the user extends the tarp over the target area. (170)

After snow has accumulated on the tarp, the user activates the winches. (180) Alternately, the winches may be activated automatically if weight sensors are installed under the tarp to detect when a sufficient amount of snow has fallen atop the tarp.

The winches, via the cables, pull the tarp off of the target area, brining the collected snow with the tarp. (190)

After the cables are fully retracted into the winches, the hydraulic jack begins extending upwards, making contact with a central point of the tarp. (200)

Once the jack is fully extended, the tarp is “tee-peed” in a conical form, causing the snow to fall off of the tarp onto the second area. (210)

The user then sets the winches to ‘release’ and pulls the tarp back across the target area to collect more snow if more accumulation is expected. (220)

Steps 8-13 are repeated until snowfall ceases. (230)

The preferred shape of the tarp (60) is rectangular, however other embodiments may employ a square tarp for certain deployments. Further, it should be understood that the hydraulic jack (80) is preferably an industrial jack equipped with a piston-like head. The hydraulic jack (80) may be of other varieties of jack capable of lifting at least one-half ton of material.

It should be noted that, for every two feet of snowfall anticipated, an additional tarp (60) may be used atop the first iteration of the tarp (60). Use of the additional tarp (60) reduces strain on the contact points (70) on the tarp(s). In other embodiments of the present invention, more durable materials may be employed to ensure that the heavy weight of the snow, especially at an end of a driveway where snow is often plowed and piled up, does not compromise the efficacy of the system. Other materials such as Kevlar TM may be used in such instances.

Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.