Ergonomic Snow Removal Implement

Abstract

An ergonomic snow removal implement incorporates a structure which provides an efficient flexure of the implement during the lifting and releasing of the load. In addition, the load carrying portion of the implement is specifically designed to provide a reduced area and consequently, a self limit to the load of each shoveling action.

1 . A snow removal implement comprising:
 an elongated handle;   a blade unit mounted to said handle, said blade unit being semi-flexible and having a generally triangular shape; and   a fulcrum disposed at an intermediate position of said blade unit, wherein a load applied to said blade unit causes said blade unit to flex about said fulcrum and resiliently return to a non-flexed configuration when said load is removed.   
     
     
         2 . The snow removal implement of  claim 1  wherein said handle is semi-flexible. 
     
     
         3 . The snow removal implement of  claim 2  wherein said handle is bamboo. 
     
     
         4 . The snow removal implement of  claim 1  wherein said blade unit comprises a distal plough member and a plurality of tines connecting said plough member and attached to said handle. 
     
     
         5 . The snow removal implement of  claim 1  wherein said tines converge in overlapping fashion to form an apex and said tines are attached to said handle. 
     
     
         6 . The snow removal implement of  claim 1  wherein said tines are attached to said handle by a band connector. 
     
     
         7 . The snow removal implement of  claim 1  wherein said fulcrum comprises a cross-piece which extends transversely relative to said handle. 
     
     
         8 . A snow removal implement comprising:
 an elongated semi-flexible handle defining a longitudinal axis;   a blade unit comprising a plurality of tines disposed in a fan-shaped, generally triangular configuration with an apex portion being attached to said handle and a base portion mounting a plough member extending transversely to said longitudinal axis;   a fulcrum disposed at an intermediate location of said blade unit and attached to said handle, wherein when a load is applied to said blade unit, said blade unit flexes about said fulcrum, and when said load is removed, said blade unit springs back to a non-flexed configuration.   
     
     
         9 . The snow removal implement of  claim 8  wherein said fulcrum comprises a cross-piece disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said handle. 
     
     
         10 . The snow removal implement of  claim 9  further comprising a second cross-piece connected to said first piece wherein said cross-pieces sandwich said tines. 
     
     
         11 . The snow removal implement of  claim 8  wherein said handle is formed from bamboo. 
     
     
         12 . The snow removal implement of  claim 8  wherein said plough member has a generally trapezoidal shape. 
     
     
         13 . The snow removal implement of  claim 8  wherein said plough member has a generally rectangular shape. 
     
     
         14 . The snow removal implement of  claim 8  wherein said plough member is fastened to each said tine. 
     
     
         15 . The snow removal implement of  claim 8  wherein there are 9 tines.