Electric snow-thrower

Abstract

An electric snow-thrower is disclosed having a frame, an axle supported by and extending from the frame, a snow-engaging implement supported by the frame, and an electric motor. In some forms the electric snow thrower includes a transversely oriented electric motor configured to selectively drive the axle and the snow-engaging implement, a support bracket engaging the electric motor and a battery container, and a battery container having a control panel.

1 . A snow-thrower, comprising:
 a frame;   an axle supported by the frame and extending from the frame;   a snow-engaging implement supported by the frame; and   an electric motor supported by the frame and having a drive shaft;   wherein the electric motor is oriented such that the drive shaft is transverse to the axle; and   wherein the electric motor is configured to selectively drive the axle and the snow-engaging implement.   
     
     
         2 . The snow-thrower of  claim 1 , further comprising a battery supported by the frame and positioned at least partially above the electric motor. 
     
     
         3 . The snow-thrower of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an axle plane defined by a substantially vertical plane passing through the axle;   a first battery positioned substantially on an aft side of the axle plane; and   a second battery positioned substantially on a fore side of the axle plane.   
     
     
         4 . The snow-thrower of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an axle plane defined by a substantially vertical plane passing through the axle;   wherein the electric motor is mounted substantially on a fore side of the axle plane.   
     
     
         5 . The snow-thrower of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a support bracket mounted to the frame and having a vertical portion;   a battery container mounted to the support bracket;   wherein the electric motor is mounted to the vertical portion of the support bracket; and   wherein the battery container at least partially surrounds the electric motor.   
     
     
         6 . The snow-thrower of  claim 1 , wherein the drive shaft of the electric motor is oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the axle. 
     
     
         7 . The snow-thrower of  claim 1 , wherein the snow-engaging implement is at least one of an auger, a paddle, and a brush. 
     
     
         8 . A snow-thrower, comprising:
 a frame;   an axle supported by the frame and extending from the frame;   a snow-engaging implement supported by the frame;   a support bracket mounted to the frame and having a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion;   an electric motor mounted to the substantially vertical portion of the support bracket; and   a battery container housing at least one battery and mounted to the substantially horizontal portion of the support bracket.   
     
     
         9 . The snow-thrower of  claim 8 , wherein the support bracket is mounted vertically above the axle. 
     
     
         10 . The snow-thrower of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 an axle plane defined by a substantially vertical plane passing through the axle;   a first battery housed within the battery container and positioned substantially on an aft side of the axle plane; and   a second battery housed within the battery container and positioned substantially on a fore side of the axle plane.   
     
     
         11 . The snow-thrower of  claim 10 , wherein the electric motor is mounted substantially on the fore side of the axle plane. 
     
     
         12 . The snow-thrower of  claim 10 , wherein the support bracket is integral with the frame. 
     
     
         13 . A snow-thrower, comprising:
 a frame;   an axle supported by the frame and extending from the frame;   a snow-engaging implement supported by the frame;   an electric motor supported by the frame; and   a battery container supported by the frame;   wherein the battery container includes a control panel.   
     
     
         14 . The snow-thrower of  claim 13 , wherein the control panel is oriented transverse to a vertical plane. 
     
     
         15 . The snow-thrower of  claim 13 , wherein the control panel includes at least one of a key switch, an hour meter, a battery-life indicator, and a power switch. 
     
     
         16 . The snow-thrower of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a first battery housed in the battery container;   a second battery housed in the battery container; and   a wire harness electrically engaging the first battery and the second battery;   wherein the wire harness is housed within the battery container.   
     
     
         17 . The snow-thrower of  claim 13 , further comprising a controller mounted to the battery container. 
     
     
         18 . The snow-thrower of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a control member mounted to the frame and extending upward and aftward from the frame, and defining a substantially horizontal aft line; and   an implement housing mounted to the frame and extending forward from the frame, and defining a substantially horizontal fore line;   wherein the battery container is mounted substantially at or below a sight plane extending through the substantially horizontal aft line and the substantially horizontal fore line.   
     
     
         19 . The snow-thrower of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the electric motor includes a drive shaft;   the electric motor is oriented such that the drive shaft is transverse to the axle; and   the electric motor is configured to selectively drive the axle and the snow-engaging implement.   
     
     
         20 . The snow-thrower of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a battery housed in the battery container;   a control member mounted to the frame; and   a charge port mounted to the control member and operatively engaged with the battery.