Plow back blade for snow removal

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a device and method of use of a plow back blade for snow removal. The plow back blade is attached to a snowplow or snow blower to assist with removing snow from areas that are otherwise difficult to access with conventional snow removal equipment. The plow back blade is rotatably attached to a snowplow blade at a pivot point. The plow back blade is engaged into a locked position as the vehicle moves in reverse to assist with the scraping of ice and packed snow from pavement. The plow back blade enters a free position as the snowplow plows in its forward position which also sharpens the plow back blade lower edge. Furthermore the plow back blade allows additional applications for snowplows and snow blowers such as dirt leveling.

1 . A snowplow comprising:
 a snowplow blade supported by a support system;   a plow back blade having a support arm rigidly fastened to a scraper blade;   the support arm rotatably connected to the snowplow blade;   wherein the plow back blade is rotatable between a locked position when the snowplow blade is operated in a reverse direction and a free position when the snowplow blade is operated in a forward plowing direction;   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the plow back blade is self sharpened when in the free position. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the plow back blade is biased against the support system in a transport position. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the scraper blade extends below a bottom edge of the snowplow blade. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the scraper blade has a concave working surface. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the scraper blade includes a removeable wear plate. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  also having the scraper blade having a lower edge with a bevel to remove ice as the snowplow blade travels in a reverse direction. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the plow back blade has a hinge. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the support arm is an angle iron. 
     
     
         10 . A snow blower comprising:
 a plow back blade attached to an auger housing;   a plow back blade having a support arm rigidly fastened to a scraper blade;   the support arm rotatably connected to the auger housing;   the plow back blade also attached to a lift mechanism;   wherein the plow back blade is rotatable between a locked position and a free position using the lift mechanism.   
     
     
         11 . A method of plowing snow in a reverse direction comprising:
 attaching a plow back blade to a snow plow blade;   biasing the plow back blade against the snow plow blade into a locked position;   plowing material with the plow back blade as the snow plow blade travels in its reverse direction.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  also having the step of sharpening the plow back blade as the snow plow blade travels in its forward direction. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the plow back blade can be configured in a “V” configuration. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the plow back blade can be used to level soil. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  also having the step of biasing the snow plow blade into a transport position.