FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to equipment used to remove snow and ice from raised surfaces. More particularly, the invention is directed towards a portable device that can be assembled and used to remove snow and ice from difficult to reach surfaces, such as the roof surfaces of truck trailers and other heavy equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In winter months snow and ice can accumulate on the tops of trucks, trailers and other freight vehicles, posing a safety risk for other vehicles on the road if it is not properly cleared. The operator is obliged at least for liability reasons to take care that their vehicle is regularly monitored for snow accumulation, and cleared as needed. In some provinces and states in North America, regulations have been put in place requiring operators to maintain the surfaces of their vehicles free from snow and ice, and imposing a significant fine for those found violating the regulations. However, it can be difficult to clean the snow and ice from such large vehicles when the operator is on the road, where automated snow removal equipment typically used to clean these surfaces is unavailable. Often the operator is forced to climb to the top of the trailer and shovel off any snow or ice by hand, which itself presents a safety risk, especially in icy conditions.

Automated snow removal devices have been described previously, such as the snow remover described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0282708. This application describes an apparatus for removing snow from the roofs of trucks and tractor trailers in which two vertical supports and a cross piece spanning them are provided with an adjustable V-shaped plow. The V-shaped plow is designed so that as the truck or trailer proceeds through the device, and snow build-up is pushed off its sides instead of primarily towards its back. However, snow removal devices of this type are not useful to the operator when in transit between locations, especially for long haul operators that may spend several days or even weeks away from the terminal where the snow removal equipment is housed. Other more portable products are available for clearing snow, which generally include a snow rake attached to an elongated handle. These are often sold at hardware stores for removing snow from the rooftops of houses. However, these devices generally have a lightweight design to make them maneuverable, and are better adapted for removing snow from a sloped roof, i.e. with the assistance of gravity. Removing heavy snow and ice loads from a flat roof or surface using this type of tool can be difficult, and often results in the device bending under the heavy load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a portable device and associated kits, storage compartment and method to facilitate removal of snow and ice from raised surfaces, such as the rooftops of freight trucks, trailers and the like.

Accordingly, the invention relates to a portable device (10) for use in removing snow, ice or a combination thereof from a raised surface, the device (10) comprising:

a base portion (15) comprising a frame (20) and a translating element (23) housed within the frame (20), the frame (20) further defining a channel (25) extending longitudinally along substantially the entire top surface of the frame (20) and through which a connection member (27) of the translating element (23) extends, the translating element (23) being freely movable within the frame (20) along a longitudinal axis thereof, the connection member (27) comprising at least one attachment point;

a telescoping extension element (30) comprising a first end (32) and a second end (33), the first end (32) being adapted to connect securely to the connection member (27) of the translating element (23) of the base portion (15), the second end (33) comprising at least one attachment point;

an angled extension element (40) comprising a first end (42) and a second end (43), each of the first end (42) and the second end (43) comprising at least one attachment point, the first end (42) of the angled extension element (40) being adapted to connect securely to the telescoping extension element (30) at the second end (33) thereof;

a straight extension element (50) comprising a first end (52) and a second end (53), each of the first end (52) and the second end (53) comprising at least one attachment point, the first end (52) of the straight extension element (50) being adapted to connect securely to the angled extension element (40) at the second end (43) thereof; and

at least one functional element (60) for removing snow, ice or a combination thereof from said raised surface, the at least one functional element (60) comprising at least one attachment point at a connection portion (62) thereof, the connection portion (62) being adapted to connect securely to the straight extension element (50) at the second end (53) thereof.

The invention also relates to a kit for use in combination with a separate telescoping extension element (30) to assemble a portable device (10) for removing snow, ice or a combination thereof from a raised surface. As with the device described above, the telescoping extension element (30) comprises a first end (32), a second end (33) and at least one attachment point at each of the first and second ends thereof. In such embodiments the kit comprises:

a base portion (15) comprising a frame (20) and a translating element (23) housed within the frame (20), the frame (20) defining a channel (25) extending longitudinally along substantially the entire top surface of the frame (20) and through which a connection member (27) of the translating element (23) extends, the translating element (23) being freely movable within the frame (20) along a longitudinal axis thereof, the connection member (27) comprising at least one attachment point adapted to connect securely to the telescoping extension element (30) at said first end (32) thereof;

an angled extension element (40) comprising a first end (42) and a second end (43), each of the first end (42) and said second end (43) comprising at least one attachment point, the first end (42) of the angled extension element (40) being adapted to connect securely to the telescoping extension element (30) at the second end (33) thereof;

a straight extension element (50) comprising a first end (52) and a second end (53), each of the first end (52) and the second end (53) comprising at least one attachment point, the first end (52) of the straight extension element (50) being adapted to connect securely to the angled extension element (40) at the second end (43) thereof; and

at least one functional element (60) for removing snow, ice or a combination thereof from the raised surface, the at least one functional element (60) comprising at least one attachment point at a connection portion (62) thereof, the connection portion (62) being adapted to connect securely to the straight extension element (50) at the second end (53) thereof. In addition, there is provided herein a storage box (90) for storing and securing components of the kit described above, the storage box (90) defining a storage compartment (91) to store the base portion (15) and comprising a plurality of attachment elements (92a-g) to secure the telescoping extension element (30), the angled extension element (40), the straight extension element (50) and the at least one functional element (60). The storage box also comprises a plurality of openings (95) in the top thereof to permit at least a portion of the telescoping extension element (30), the angled extension element (40), and the straight extension element (50) to pass therethrough when secured to the attachment elements (92d-g).

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for removing snow, ice or a combination thereof from a raised surface. The method comprises the steps of:

positioning the base portion (15) of the portable device (10) described above at a base of a raised area to be cleaned such that the longitudinal axis of the base portion (15) is approximately perpendicular to a face of the raised area;

adjusting the telescoping extension element (30) to a length that positions the functional element (60) at a height suitable to reach the raised surface and remove snow, ice or a combination thereof from the raised surface;

moving the translating element (23) forward along the channel (25) of the frame (20) to position the functional element (60) in a region of the raised surface containing snow, ice or a combination thereof to be cleared;

moving the translating element (23) back along the channel (25) of the frame (20) to draw the functional element (60) backwards along with said snow, ice or a combination thereof; and

repeating said steps until sufficient snow, ice or a combination thereof is removed from said raised surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein: 443

FIG. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the portable device described herein, illustrated during operation by a user to remove snow and/or ice from the roof of a trailer unit;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the portable device illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of the base portion of the portable device illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of the translating element comprising a wheel mechanism;

FIG. 4 shows a close up view of an the embodiment of the portable device illustrated in FIG. 1 , showing an example of the connection between the base portion and telescoping extension element;

FIG. 5 shows an example of two optional functional elements that may be incorporated into embodiments of a kit of the present invention, including (A) a broom head, and (B) a shovel head, each adapted to be connected to the straight extension element;

FIG. 6 shows an example of a storage box in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, attached to the back of a tractor cab;

FIG. 7 shows further details of the storage box shown in FIG. 6, illustrating the storage compartment (A) filled with components of the kit, and (B) empty, showing examples of attachment elements and layout for storing the kit components, in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of example only and without I limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

Described herein is a portable device (10) which can be employed by a user (1) to remove snow and other debris from raised areas, and especially the flat raised surface of a freight trailer (5).

As shown generally in FIG. 1, the device includes a base portion (15), a telescoping extension > element (30), an angled extension element (40), a straight extension element (50) and a functional element (60) for removing snow and/or ice from the raised surface. These components are preferably configured so that they are removable from each other to facilitate storage.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show each of the parts of the device (10) in greater detail, and as individual components. In the examples shown, the base portion (15) comprises a frame or housing (20) and a translating element (23) housed within the frame (20). The frame (20) includes a channel (25) which extends longitudinally along substantially the entire top surface of the frame (20). A connection member (27) of the translating element (23) passes through the channel (25), such that the translating element (23) can freely move within the frame (20) in the direction shown by arrows in FIG. 3, i.e. along a longitudinal axis of the base portion (15). The connection member (27) further comprises at least one attachment point, which facilitates connection of the connection member (27) to the telescoping extension element (30) as shown in more detail in FIG. 4. In the non-limiting embodiment of the base portion (15) illustrated, the translating element (23) comprises a wheel mechanism (24) mounted to the base of the connection member (27). Thus, the wheel of the wheel mechanism (24) can rotate freely within the base and enable the translational movement needed to move the translating element (23) back and forth within the frame (20). However, it is envisioned that other mechanisms can also be used, such as track systems and the like.

The telescoping extension element (30) comprises a first end (32) and a second end (33). The first end (32) is adapted to connect to the connection member (27) of the base portion (15) via an attachment point, again as shown in FIG. 4. The second end (33) of the telescoping extension element (30) also includes an attachment point which facilitates connection to the angled extension element (40). In the embodiment of the telescoping extension element (30) shown in FIG. 2, this element is shown as a load bar typically used in the freight industry for securing cargo within a trailer or van. Load bars are commonly known and widely used in this particular industry. As such they can be practically incorporated into the present device, or a kit containing all other elements of the device needed for use together with a load bar that the operator already owns. Load bars have a telescoping mechanism that locks in place, and can withstand significant loads under stress. Due to their strength and versatility, load bars are particularly useful in embodiments of device (10) designed for trucking applications.

However, it is envisioned that any telescoping device which has a lockable extension mechanism, appropriate dimensions and suitable strength qualities can be employed in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the load bar includes two foot portions (35) which are removed from the load bar and set aside when the device (10) is in use. The foot portions (35) may be bolted to the first (32) and second (33) ends of the load bar, although it is particularly advantageous to use a quick release locking mechanism instead to facilitate assembly of the device (10), and later replacement of the foot portions (35) as needed. In one non-limiting example, a locking pin connector (28) as shown in FIG. 4 can be used both to assemble the device (10) as well as for securing the foot portions (35) to the load bar.

The angled extension element (40) also includes a first end (42) and a second end (43), each having at least one attachment point. The first end (42) of the angled extension element (40) is adapted to connect securely to the telescoping extension element (30) at the second end (33) thereof, and the second end (43) of the angled extension element (40) is adapted to connect securely to the straight extension element (50). As shown throughout the figures, the angled extension element (40) includes a bar (45) with an angled portion (47) extending from the bar (45) at an angle of about 90°. However, it is envisioned that this angle can vary depending on the particular application the device (10) is directed to. For instance, a rounded or sloped surface may require a slightly different angle. Thus, the angled portion (47) may potentially extend from the bar (45) at other angles, such as but not limited to angles ranging from about 85° - 95°, or even from about 75° - 105°, including angles within these ranges.

The straight extension element (50) comprises a first end (52) and a second end (53), each having at least one attachment point. The first end (52) of the straight extension element (50) is adapted to connect securely to the angled extension element (40) at the second end (43) thereof. The second end (53) of the straight extension element (50) is adapted to connect securely to at least one functional element (60) at a connection portion (62) thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the functional element (60) comprises a head portion of a snow rake, which is particularly well adapted for removing snow and ice by dragging the snow rake along a surface, e.g. the roof of a van or truck trailer (5). However, other snow removal devices are available, and can be used in other non-limiting embodiments of the invention. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, 5B and 5C, other functional elements such as the broom head (70) shown in FIG. 5A, the shovel head (80) shown in FIG. 5B and the rake head (85) shown in FIG. 5C may be provided. These functional elements, similar to the snow rake example of the functional element (60) shown in FIG. 2, include attachment portions (72, 82, 92) adapted to connect securely to the straight extension element (50) at either of the first or second ends (52, 53) thereof. For example, yet without wishing to be limiting in any way, the attachment may be effected via a mating connection and a locking pin connector (28) as shown in FIG. 5A, 5B and 5C. When connected to the straight extension element (50), the broom head (70), shovel head (80) and rake head (85) provide useful additional tools that are commonly used by truck operators.

The attachment points used for connection of the various elements of the device (10) can be variable, as any attachment mechanism can be used to secure the parts together. However, in the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the figures, the attachments are made via male/female mating connections between the respective component ends, and a locking pin connector (28) at said connection points. However, other connectors are envisioned as well, including the use of threaded connections, cotter pins and the like.

To assemble the device (10), each of the components are fitted together, e.g. by fitting the male and female ends of the respective parts together and securing with locking pin connectors (28) through holes drilled through the ends as illustrated in FIG. 4. There is no particular order required to assemble components of the device (10), provided they are assembled as shown in FIGS. 1-2.

In use, the operator positions the base portion (15) of the device (10) at a base of the area to be cleaned, e.g. the rooftop of a trailer or van, such that the longitudinal axis of the base portion (15) is perpendicular to the face of the trailer or van. The telescoping extension element (30) is then adjusted to a length that positions the functional element (60), e.g. snow rake head, at a height suitable to reach the top of the trailer or van, and locked in place. The operator then moves the translating element (23) (along with the remainder of the device attached thereto) forward along the channel (25) of the frame (20) to position the functional element (60) in a region containing snow and/or ice. The operator then moves the translating element (23) back along the channel (25) of the frame (20), thereby drawing the functional element (60) backwards along with said snow and/or ice. These steps can be repeated along the length of the trailer or van as many times as are needed to clear the snow and/or ice from the surface, roof, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a storage box (90) for storing and securing components of the device (10), or a kit comprising elements of the device (10), will now be described.

FIG. 6 illustrates the storage box (90) in one non-limiting embodiment when secured to the back of a tractor cab. The storage box (90) has a narrow side profile that allows it to house the components of the device (10) or kit, while at the same time leaving room for the trailer to be attached to the tractor. The storage box (90) includes a hinged door with a lockable handle (97), so that the device (10) or kit can be safely stored and locked to avoid theft.

The storage box (90) can be mounted in a variety of ways as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, an angle bracket mounting system can be attached to the frame of the truck, using threaded rod that passes through the angle bracket and is secured with washers and nuts. A similar angle bracket mounting system can also be welded to the back of the truck cab. In one particular example, the brackets used may be 2 X 2 inch aluminum or steel angle brackets. The back of the storage box (90) can then be mounted to the frame through holes formed in the steel box and the angle bracket system, and secured, e.g. with nuts and bolts.

Referring to FIG. 7 A and 7B, the storage box (90) has a storage compartment (91) dimensioned with clearance to insert and house the base portion (15), preferably at the bottom of the storage box (90). In addition, to avoid damage to all of the components of the device (10) or kit, the storage box (90) is dimensioned with relatively minimal clearance for the base portion (1 ), and with a plurality of attachment elements (92a-h) to secure the telescoping extension element (30), the angled extension element (40), the straight extension element (50) and at least the functional element (60), i.e. to avoid sliding or movement during transit. The storage box (90) also preferably includes attachment elements (92a-h) to secure the optional broom head attachment (70), the shovel head attachment (80) and the rake head attachment (85). To accommodate the varying lengths of the telescoping extension element (30), the angled extension element (40) and the straight extension element (50), the storage box (90) further comprises a plurality of openings (95) in the top to permit these components to be secured to the attachment elements (92d-g), and passed through the top of the storage box (90). The storage box (90) may also include other secure shelving or compartments as desired, e.g. to carry antifreeze or motor oil bottles (100) and the like. Providing additional storage such as this is advantageous for the operator, since carrying open antifreeze and motor oil containers inside the cab can be hazardous. This is especially true for vehicles with a sleeping area, since the fumes from these fluid containers can be dangerous if inhaled over extended periods. For compatibility, it is envisioned that similar attachment mechanisms will be provided in the storage box (90) as are used in the device (10). Thus, in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, the attachment elements (92d-g) are configured with male or female ends to mate with the respective parts of the device (10), and holes for securing them in place with the locking pin connectors (28).

As described herein, it is envisioned that the device (10) may be provided alone, or as part of a kit. The kit may include all components of the device (10), or specific parts thereof. For example, users may already have a load bar, and thus the kit can be provided with components needed to retrofit existing load bars so that they may operate with the remaining parts of the device (10) provided in the kit. The kit may also include additional parts or components, such as the broom head attachment (70) and/or shovel head attachment (80) and/or rake head attachment (85), as well as the storage box (90).

One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by way of example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.