SNOW REMOVAL SYSTEM

Abstract

A snow removal device and system configured to facilitate the rapid removal of snow from a large area such as a driveway or sidewalk nearly instantly is described. The system employs at least two winches disposed in communication with heavy-duty cables. The cables are preferably yoked such that each cable connects to multiple contact points of an industrial-strength, burlap-based tarp. The tarp is extended across the target area, such as a driveway. Upon snow accumulation on the tarp, the winches pull the tarp off of the driveway, into a second area such as a yard. A hydraulic jack, disposed within the second area, is configured to rise, causing the tarp to form a cone, allowing the snow to fall off of the tarp so as to be deployed atop the target area again for further snow collection and removal.

Claims

1. A snow removal system configured to move snow from a first area to a second area comprising: a tarp, said tarp disposed across the first area; a first winch, said first winch disposed in communication with a first post; a second winch, said second winch disposed in communication with a second post; a first cable, said first cable extending from said first winch to a first connection point and a second connection point of said tarp; a second cable, said second cable extending from said second winch to a third connection point and a fourth connection point of said tarp; wherein said first post and said second post are positioned in line, parallel to a border disposed between the first area and the second area, outside of the second area; a hydraulic jack, said hydraulic jack centrally disposed within the second area; wherein said first winch and said second winch are configured to pull said tarp via said first cable and said second cable from the first area to the second area; and upon arrival of said tarp to the second area, said hydraulic jack is configured to rise, causing said tarp to form a cone, permitting snow to fall off of said tarp onto the second area.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first post and said second post are cemented into position.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said hydraulic jack is cemented into position.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said first winch and said second winch are connected to a power source.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said hydraulic jack is connected to a power source.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a central point, disposed at a center of said tarp; wherein said central point is reinforced; and wherein said central point is configured to interface with said hydraulic jack.

7. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a central point, disposed at a center of said tarp; wherein said central point is reinforced; and wherein said central point is configured to interface with said hydraulic jack.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said hydraulic jack is cemented into position.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein said first winch and said second winch are connected to a power source.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said hydraulic jack is connected to a power source.

11. A system for relocating snow from a first area to a second area comprising: at least one winch, said at least one winch disposed in communication with a multitude of cables; at least one post, said at least one post disposed in communication with said at least one winch; a tarp, said tarp dispersed flat across the first area; an edge of said tarp, said edge equipped with reinforced connection points; and wherein said multitude of cables are disposed in communication with said connection points.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a hydraulic jack, said hydraulic jack centrally disposed within the second area; a central point, said central point disposed at a center of said tarp; and wherein said central point is configured to interface with said hydraulic jack when said tarp is pulled via said at least one winch from the first area to the second area.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said central point is reinforced with additional stitching.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein said central point is reinforced with additional tarp fabric.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein said central point is reinforced with additional stitching and plastic.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising: at least one post, said at least one post disposed in communication with said at least one winch.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said at least one winch has a capacity greater than one-half ton.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0008] 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.

[0009] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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

[0012] 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).

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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:

[0018] First the user purchases the system of the present invention from an authorized retailer. (105)

[0019] The user then removes all components from the packaging and ensures that all components are present. (110)

[0020] 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)

[0021] 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)

[0022] The cables are connected to the contact points with carabiners or similar conventional heavy-duty attachment mechanisms. (140)

[0023] The winches are connected to AC power supply. (150)

[0024] A hydraulic jack is disposed centrally within the second area to which the snow is to be dumped. (160)

[0025] When snowfall is approaching, the user extends the tarp over the target area. (170)

[0026] 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.

[0027] The winches, via the cables, pull the tarp off of the target area, brining the collected snow with the tarp. (190)

[0028] 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)

[0029] 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)

[0030] 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)

[0031] Steps 8-13 are repeated until snowfall ceases. (230)

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.