Articulated snow shovel

Abstract

A shovel has an articulated shovel blade for pivoting movement relative to a wheeled carriage on which the blade is mounted. The shovel blade is adjustably locked in position at different angles relative to the direction of travel of the carriage, for pushing snow or other material to the side of the shovel as it travels across the ground. The carriage is pushed forward using a handle or a motor is provided for self-propelling the carriage. A pivoting shovel without wheels is also disclosed.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A snow shovel comprising: 
 a support bar;    a pair of wheels rotatably attached to each end of the support bar;    a bracket pivotally connected to the support bar;    a shovel blade fixedly attached to the bracket for pivoting motion with the bracket relative to the support bar;    an arcuate slot formed in the support bar;    a releasable fastener inserted through the arcuate slot and connected with the bracket for locking the position of the shovel blade relative to the support bar; and    a handle attached to the support bar for pushing the support bar and shovel blade in a forward direction to push snow or other material ahead of the shovel blade.    
     
     
         2 . A snow shovel according to  claim 1 , wherein the releasable fastener comprises a self-tightening fastener connected with the bracket.  
     
     
         3 . A snow shovel according to  claim 1 , wherein the shovel blade is pivotable to form a maximum angle of up to 45° with the support bar.  
     
     
         4 . A snow shovel according to  claim 1 , wherein the handle and bracket are each detachable from the support bar for storage.  
     
     
         5 . A snow shovel according to  claim 1 , further comprising motor means for driving the wheels mounted to the support bar.  
     
     
         6 . A snow shovel according to  claim 5 , wherein the motor means comprises an electric motor, a battery electrically connected to power the electric motor and axles extending from the electric motor carrying the wheels.  
     
     
         7 . A snow shovel according to  claim 6 , further comprising a switch for activating or deactivating the motor means.  
     
     
         8 . A snow shovel according to  claim 1 , wherein the handle is one of U-shaped and T-shaped.  
     
     
         9 . A snow shovel comprising: 
 a support bar;    a bracket pivotally connected to the support bar;    a shovel blade fixedly attached to the bracket for pivoting motion with the bracket relative to the support bar;    at least one bracket opening through the bracket;    at least one corresponding aligned carriage opening through the support bar;    a fastener inserted through the aligned bracket and carriage openings for locking the position of the shovel blade at a pre-determined angle relative to the support bar; and    a handle extending upwardly and rearwardly attached to the support bar for directing the support bar and shovel blade.    
     
     
         10 . A snow shovel according to  claim 9 , wherein the at least one bracket opening is an arcuate bracket slot.  
     
     
         11 . A snow shovel according to  claim 9 , wherein the at least one carriage opening is an arcuate slot.  
     
     
         12 . A snow shovel according to  claim 9 , wherein the shovel blade is pivotable to form a maximum angle of up to 45° with the support bar.  
     
     
         13 . A snow shovel according to  claim 9 , wherein the handle and bracket are each detachable from the support bar for storage.  
     
     
         14 . A snow shovel according to  claim 9 , wherein the handle is one of U-shaped and T-shaped.