CA2670015C - Step attachment for lifting an ice scraper blade - Google Patents
Step attachment for lifting an ice scraper blade Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2670015C CA2670015C CA2670015A CA2670015A CA2670015C CA 2670015 C CA2670015 C CA 2670015C CA 2670015 A CA2670015 A CA 2670015A CA 2670015 A CA2670015 A CA 2670015A CA 2670015 C CA2670015 C CA 2670015C
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- Canada
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- handle
- leg member
- attachment according
- step attachment
- scraper
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H4/00—Working on surfaces of snow or ice in order to make them suitable for traffic or sporting purposes, e.g. by compacting snow
- E01H4/02—Working on surfaces of snow or ice in order to make them suitable for traffic or sporting purposes, e.g. by compacting snow for sporting purposes, e.g. preparation of ski trails; Construction of artificial surfacings for snow or ice sports ; Trails specially adapted for on-the-snow vehicles, e.g. devices adapted for ski-trails
- E01H4/023—Maintaining surfaces for ice sports, e.g. of skating rinks
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning Of Streets, Tracks, Or Beaches (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Abstract
A step attachment mounts on the handle of an ice scraper of the type typically comprising a frame supported on wheels and including a scraper blade at a forward end and a handle at a rearward end. The step attachment allows an operator walking behind the ice scraper to lower the rearward handle for tilting the ice scraper frame and lifting the forward scraper blade by stepping downwardly on the attachment. The attachment comprises a handle mount for mounting onto the ice scraper handle, a leg member extending downwardly from the handle mount and a step member at a bottom end of the leg member to receive the foot of the operator thereon. The leg member is pivotal between a stored position alongside the handle and a working position extending generally downwardly from the ice scraper handle.
Description
STEP ATTACHMENT FOR LIFTING AN ICE SCRAPER BLADE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an attachment for mounting on the rear handle of an ice scraper having a forward scraper blade in which the attachment includes a step member arranged to receive a foot of a user thereon to assist in pushing the rear handle downward when lifting the forward blade of the ice scraper.
BACKGROUND
In maintaining an ice rink, in particular in the sport of curling, it is common to use an ice scraper to level the ice. A typical ice scraper comprises a frame supported on two main wheels at opposing sides of the frame to be oriented for rotation about a common axis for rolling movement in a forward working direction of the scraper. A scraper blade is typically mounted forwardly of the frame to extend horizontally and perpendicularly to the forward working direction to engage the ice for scraping. A handle is typically supported at the rear of the frame to extend upwardly and rearwardly from the frame to an upper rear end to be grasped in the hands of a user walking behind the scraper. A motor is typically provided for driving forward rolling movement of the main wheels with operator controls being provided at the upper rear end of the handle for use by the operator. When moving the ice scraper between sheets of ice on a curling rink, or to a storage area off of the ice, the ice scraper must commonly be rolled over various bafflers or ramps which require the user to push down on the upper rear end of the handle so as to tilt the frame about the axis of the main wheels and lift the scraper blade at the forward end of the frame to roll over the obstacle. As the scraper blade and associated assembly can be quite heavy, for example in the order of 200 lbs and the like, it can be difficult for an operator to both lift the blade and control forward movement of the ice scraper even
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an attachment for mounting on the rear handle of an ice scraper having a forward scraper blade in which the attachment includes a step member arranged to receive a foot of a user thereon to assist in pushing the rear handle downward when lifting the forward blade of the ice scraper.
BACKGROUND
In maintaining an ice rink, in particular in the sport of curling, it is common to use an ice scraper to level the ice. A typical ice scraper comprises a frame supported on two main wheels at opposing sides of the frame to be oriented for rotation about a common axis for rolling movement in a forward working direction of the scraper. A scraper blade is typically mounted forwardly of the frame to extend horizontally and perpendicularly to the forward working direction to engage the ice for scraping. A handle is typically supported at the rear of the frame to extend upwardly and rearwardly from the frame to an upper rear end to be grasped in the hands of a user walking behind the scraper. A motor is typically provided for driving forward rolling movement of the main wheels with operator controls being provided at the upper rear end of the handle for use by the operator. When moving the ice scraper between sheets of ice on a curling rink, or to a storage area off of the ice, the ice scraper must commonly be rolled over various bafflers or ramps which require the user to push down on the upper rear end of the handle so as to tilt the frame about the axis of the main wheels and lift the scraper blade at the forward end of the frame to roll over the obstacle. As the scraper blade and associated assembly can be quite heavy, for example in the order of 200 lbs and the like, it can be difficult for an operator to both lift the blade and control forward movement of the ice scraper even
2 when a long handle is provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a step attachment for an ice scraper comprising a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement in a forward working direction, a scraper blade supported on the frame forwardly of the wheels to extend generally horizontally and transversely to the forward working direction and to be arranged to engage the ground in a working position, and a handle comprising a stem extending upwardly and rearwardly from a mounting end supported on the frame to a gripping end supporting a hand grip thereon, the step attachment comprising:
a handle mount arranged to be mounted onto the handle of the ice scraper at a location spaced rearwardly of the frame;
a leg member arranged to extend generally downwardly from the handle mount to a bottom end arranged to be spaced above the ground in the working position of the ice scraper; and a step member supported on the bottom end of the leg member and arranged to receive a foot of a person thereon.
By providing a step attachment which can be attached to the handle at the rear end of the ice scraper which allows a user to step on the step member thereof, the user can apply considerably more downward force to the handle for lifting the scraper blade from the ice in a controller manner. The location of the step member positioned below the hand grip of the handle provides a combination of ease of lifting and considerable control in guiding movement of the scraper such that the ice scraper can be easily handled and controlled by all types of users.
Preferably the leg member comprises a rigid member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a step attachment for an ice scraper comprising a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement in a forward working direction, a scraper blade supported on the frame forwardly of the wheels to extend generally horizontally and transversely to the forward working direction and to be arranged to engage the ground in a working position, and a handle comprising a stem extending upwardly and rearwardly from a mounting end supported on the frame to a gripping end supporting a hand grip thereon, the step attachment comprising:
a handle mount arranged to be mounted onto the handle of the ice scraper at a location spaced rearwardly of the frame;
a leg member arranged to extend generally downwardly from the handle mount to a bottom end arranged to be spaced above the ground in the working position of the ice scraper; and a step member supported on the bottom end of the leg member and arranged to receive a foot of a person thereon.
By providing a step attachment which can be attached to the handle at the rear end of the ice scraper which allows a user to step on the step member thereof, the user can apply considerably more downward force to the handle for lifting the scraper blade from the ice in a controller manner. The location of the step member positioned below the hand grip of the handle provides a combination of ease of lifting and considerable control in guiding movement of the scraper such that the ice scraper can be easily handled and controlled by all types of users.
Preferably the leg member comprises a rigid member.
3 Preferably the handle mount is arranged to be mounted onto the stem of the handle by clamping so as to be frictionally retained about the stem adjacent the gripping end of the handle.
Preferably the leg member is arranged to have a length which is less than the stem of the handle of the ice scraper.
Preferably there is provided a non-marking material having a low coefficient of friction mounted at a bottom of the step member in the form of a roller mounted below the step member which is supported for rolling movement in the forward working direction. Preferably the roller spans a full width of the step member in a lateral direction oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction.
Preferably the leg member is arranged to extend downwardly at rearward incline from the handle mount in fixed relation thereto in a working position of the leg member. The leg member may be oriented near vertical in orientation when the step member is positioned adjacent the ground.
Preferably the step member is supported spaced rearwardly from the wheels of the ice scraper by a distance which is greater than a distance between the scraper blade and the wheels of the ice scraper.
Preferably the leg member is pivotally supported on the handle mount for pivotal movement between a working position extending generally downwardly from the handle and a stored position extending forwardly alongside the handle.
The leg member may be arranged to be frictionally retained alongside the stem of the handle in the stored position.
Preferably there is provided a lock mechanism arranged to positively retain the leg member in fixed relation to the handle mount in the working position of the leg member. The lock mechanism may comprise a locking pin received through
Preferably the leg member is arranged to have a length which is less than the stem of the handle of the ice scraper.
Preferably there is provided a non-marking material having a low coefficient of friction mounted at a bottom of the step member in the form of a roller mounted below the step member which is supported for rolling movement in the forward working direction. Preferably the roller spans a full width of the step member in a lateral direction oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction.
Preferably the leg member is arranged to extend downwardly at rearward incline from the handle mount in fixed relation thereto in a working position of the leg member. The leg member may be oriented near vertical in orientation when the step member is positioned adjacent the ground.
Preferably the step member is supported spaced rearwardly from the wheels of the ice scraper by a distance which is greater than a distance between the scraper blade and the wheels of the ice scraper.
Preferably the leg member is pivotally supported on the handle mount for pivotal movement between a working position extending generally downwardly from the handle and a stored position extending forwardly alongside the handle.
The leg member may be arranged to be frictionally retained alongside the stem of the handle in the stored position.
Preferably there is provided a lock mechanism arranged to positively retain the leg member in fixed relation to the handle mount in the working position of the leg member. The lock mechanism may comprise a locking pin received through
4 cooperating apertures in the leg member and the handle mount.
Preferably the step member comprises a horizontal bar oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction spaced below the bottom end of the leg member by a support member connected therebetween. The step member may be centered in a lateral direction which is oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction relative to the leg member thereabove. Furthermore, the support member may comprise a top bar mounted on the bottom end of the leg member and a pair of side bars extending downwardly from opposing ends of the top bar towards the step member coupled between the two side bars spaced below the top bar.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic side elevational view of the step attachment mounted on an ice scraper in a working position of the ice scraper.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the ice scraper with the step attachment mounted thereon in which the ice scraper has been tilted into a lifted position of the blade by a user stepping on the step member of the step attachment.
Figure 3 is a planned view of the ice scraper with the step attachment shown in a stored position.
Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the step attachment.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figures there is illustrated an ice scraper step attachment generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The attachment 10 is particularly suited for an ice scraper 12 of the type commonly used for levelling rink ice, for example in the sport of curling.
The ice scraper 12 typically comprises a frame 14 supported at opposing sides by two main wheels 16 supported for rolling movement in a forward
Preferably the step member comprises a horizontal bar oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction spaced below the bottom end of the leg member by a support member connected therebetween. The step member may be centered in a lateral direction which is oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction relative to the leg member thereabove. Furthermore, the support member may comprise a top bar mounted on the bottom end of the leg member and a pair of side bars extending downwardly from opposing ends of the top bar towards the step member coupled between the two side bars spaced below the top bar.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic side elevational view of the step attachment mounted on an ice scraper in a working position of the ice scraper.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the ice scraper with the step attachment mounted thereon in which the ice scraper has been tilted into a lifted position of the blade by a user stepping on the step member of the step attachment.
Figure 3 is a planned view of the ice scraper with the step attachment shown in a stored position.
Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the step attachment.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figures there is illustrated an ice scraper step attachment generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The attachment 10 is particularly suited for an ice scraper 12 of the type commonly used for levelling rink ice, for example in the sport of curling.
The ice scraper 12 typically comprises a frame 14 supported at opposing sides by two main wheels 16 supported for rolling movement in a forward
5 working direction of the scraper. Auxiliary wheels may be provided adjacent the front end of the frame for additionally supporting the frame for rolling movement in the forward working direction.
The ice scraper 12 typically supports a scraper blade 18 at a position forward of the frame so as to be elongate and oriented horizontally and perpendicularly to the forward working direction such that a sharpened leading edge of the scraper blade is suited for engaging the ice.
The scraper 12 further comprises a handle at the rear end thereof comprising a stem 20 which is elongate and which extends upwardly and reatwardly from a mounting end mounted at the rear end of the frame to a gripping end at the upper rear end of the stem which supports a hand grip 22 thereon suitable for grasping in the hands of the user. The hand grip comprises two grips extending laterally outward from opposing sides of the stem so as to be generally T-shaped with the stem at the gripping end thereof. A motor is carried on the frame to drive the rolling movement of the wheels In the forward working direction as controlled by suitable operator controls mounted at the hand grip 22 for control by the operator walking behind the scraper.
The step attachment 10 comprises a handle mount 30 arranged to be clamped about the stem adjacent the gripping end thereof. More particularly the handle mount comprises first and second clamping portions 32 which are each arranged to extend circumferentially about a portion of the circumference of the stem
The ice scraper 12 typically supports a scraper blade 18 at a position forward of the frame so as to be elongate and oriented horizontally and perpendicularly to the forward working direction such that a sharpened leading edge of the scraper blade is suited for engaging the ice.
The scraper 12 further comprises a handle at the rear end thereof comprising a stem 20 which is elongate and which extends upwardly and reatwardly from a mounting end mounted at the rear end of the frame to a gripping end at the upper rear end of the stem which supports a hand grip 22 thereon suitable for grasping in the hands of the user. The hand grip comprises two grips extending laterally outward from opposing sides of the stem so as to be generally T-shaped with the stem at the gripping end thereof. A motor is carried on the frame to drive the rolling movement of the wheels In the forward working direction as controlled by suitable operator controls mounted at the hand grip 22 for control by the operator walking behind the scraper.
The step attachment 10 comprises a handle mount 30 arranged to be clamped about the stem adjacent the gripping end thereof. More particularly the handle mount comprises first and second clamping portions 32 which are each arranged to extend circumferentially about a portion of the circumference of the stem
6 with the two clamping portions being joined with one another at opposing ends thereof by suitable fasteners to clamp the stem therebetween. Each clamping portion is generally U-shaped including a central portion spanning a side of the stem and a pair of end portions at opposing ends thereof in which each end portion spans across a portion of a respective top or bottom surface of the stem.
Each of the clamping portions 32 further comprises an upper mounting flange 34 at the upper end thereof for mating engagement flat against the upper mounting flange of the opposing clamping portion. Bolts are received through co-operating apertures in the mounting flanges 34 for clamping the two clamping portions together.
Two lower mounting flanges 36 are mounted at the bottom ends of the pair of clamping portions 32 respectively. The lower mounting flanges are arranged to be parallel and spaced apart from one another when the handle mount is clamped about the stem such that the mounting flanges are arranged to pivotally receive a top end of a leg member 38 of the step attachment therebetween. Suitable fasteners are also provided for mounting between the two lower mounting flanges for assisting in clamping engagement of the handle mount about the stem. In the illustrated embodiment the handle mount is mounted about the stem adjacent the gripping end thereof so as to be spaced upwardly and rearwardly from the frame of the scraper.
The leg member 38 of the step attachment comprises an elongate rigid shaft which is straight and which has an overall length which is shorter than the stem of the handle of the ice scraper. As noted above the top end of the leg member is pivotally mounted between the lower mounting flanges by a suitable pivot shaft connected therebetween. The leg member is pivotal about a horizontal axis oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction of the scraper for pivotal movement
Each of the clamping portions 32 further comprises an upper mounting flange 34 at the upper end thereof for mating engagement flat against the upper mounting flange of the opposing clamping portion. Bolts are received through co-operating apertures in the mounting flanges 34 for clamping the two clamping portions together.
Two lower mounting flanges 36 are mounted at the bottom ends of the pair of clamping portions 32 respectively. The lower mounting flanges are arranged to be parallel and spaced apart from one another when the handle mount is clamped about the stem such that the mounting flanges are arranged to pivotally receive a top end of a leg member 38 of the step attachment therebetween. Suitable fasteners are also provided for mounting between the two lower mounting flanges for assisting in clamping engagement of the handle mount about the stem. In the illustrated embodiment the handle mount is mounted about the stem adjacent the gripping end thereof so as to be spaced upwardly and rearwardly from the frame of the scraper.
The leg member 38 of the step attachment comprises an elongate rigid shaft which is straight and which has an overall length which is shorter than the stem of the handle of the ice scraper. As noted above the top end of the leg member is pivotally mounted between the lower mounting flanges by a suitable pivot shaft connected therebetween. The leg member is pivotal about a horizontal axis oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction of the scraper for pivotal movement
7 between a working position extending generally downwardly to a bottom end of the leg member and a stored position in which the leg member extends generally forwardly along a bottom side of the stem of the ice scraper handle.
Accordingly the leg member extends generally downwardly and forwardly parallel to the stem in the stored position.
In the working position the leg member extends downwardly at a rearward incline in which the inclination and the length of the leg member are arranged such that the bottom end of the leg member is spaced above the ground in the normal working position of the scraper with the scraper engaged upon the ground.
Urging the leg member downwardly such that the bottom end thereof is positioned adjacent the ground results in the upper rear end of the handle of the scraper being displaced downwardly for tilting the scraper frame about the wheel axis to lift the scraper blade upwardly from the ground. In this transporting position of the ice scraper, the leg member is substantially vertical in orientation as compared to the working position of the ice scraper.
A step member 40 is mounted at the bottom end of the leg member to receive a foot of a user thereon such that a downward stepping motion on the step member 40 results in downward displacement of the step member 40 and leg member 38 together towards the ground. The step member 40 comprises a horizontal bar of rigid material which is supported spaced below the bottom end of the leg member by a suitable support frame 42 such that the step member is oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction and is centered laterally relative to the leg member thereabove. The leg member is arranged such that the step member is supported spaced rearwardly from the wheels of the ice scraper by a distance which is greater than a distance between the scraper blade and the wheels of the ice
Accordingly the leg member extends generally downwardly and forwardly parallel to the stem in the stored position.
In the working position the leg member extends downwardly at a rearward incline in which the inclination and the length of the leg member are arranged such that the bottom end of the leg member is spaced above the ground in the normal working position of the scraper with the scraper engaged upon the ground.
Urging the leg member downwardly such that the bottom end thereof is positioned adjacent the ground results in the upper rear end of the handle of the scraper being displaced downwardly for tilting the scraper frame about the wheel axis to lift the scraper blade upwardly from the ground. In this transporting position of the ice scraper, the leg member is substantially vertical in orientation as compared to the working position of the ice scraper.
A step member 40 is mounted at the bottom end of the leg member to receive a foot of a user thereon such that a downward stepping motion on the step member 40 results in downward displacement of the step member 40 and leg member 38 together towards the ground. The step member 40 comprises a horizontal bar of rigid material which is supported spaced below the bottom end of the leg member by a suitable support frame 42 such that the step member is oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction and is centered laterally relative to the leg member thereabove. The leg member is arranged such that the step member is supported spaced rearwardly from the wheels of the ice scraper by a distance which is greater than a distance between the scraper blade and the wheels of the ice
8 scraper so as to provide a mechanical advantage to a user lifting the blade by stepping on the step member.
The support frame 42 is generally U-shaped in orientation comprising a top bar 44 mounted on the bottom end of the leg member at a central location on the top bar, and two side bars 46 extending downwardly from opposing ends of the top bar 44 for supporting the step member 40 spanning between the two side bars 46 spaced below the top bar 44. The two side bars 46 are spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction to accommodate the width of an article of footwear received therebetween while the height of the side bars between the top bar 44 and the step member 40 is also sufficient to receive the article of the footwear of the user therein.
The two side bars 46 protrude downwardly beyond the step member 40 for supporting a roller 48 coupled therebetween for rotation about a respective longitudinal axis of the roller which is oriented parallel to and spaced below the step member 40. The roller is elongate in the axial direction and is arranged to span along a full length of the step member 40 between the two side bars 46 for rotation about an axis oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction such that the roller 48 rolls along the ground together with the main wheels of the scraper when engaged on the ground. The diameter of the roller 48 is sufficient that the roller protrudes downwardly beyond the bottom of the two side bars 46 at the bottom side thereof. The roller 48 is formed of a rigid non-marking material, for example various types of plastics with a smooth surface having a low coefficient of friction so as not to scratch or cause marks on an ice surface in an ice rink.
A suitable retainer is provided for retaining the leg member in either of the working or stored positions thereof. In the working position the retainer comprises a locking mechanism 50 arranged to positively hold the leg member in fixed relation to
The support frame 42 is generally U-shaped in orientation comprising a top bar 44 mounted on the bottom end of the leg member at a central location on the top bar, and two side bars 46 extending downwardly from opposing ends of the top bar 44 for supporting the step member 40 spanning between the two side bars 46 spaced below the top bar 44. The two side bars 46 are spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction to accommodate the width of an article of footwear received therebetween while the height of the side bars between the top bar 44 and the step member 40 is also sufficient to receive the article of the footwear of the user therein.
The two side bars 46 protrude downwardly beyond the step member 40 for supporting a roller 48 coupled therebetween for rotation about a respective longitudinal axis of the roller which is oriented parallel to and spaced below the step member 40. The roller is elongate in the axial direction and is arranged to span along a full length of the step member 40 between the two side bars 46 for rotation about an axis oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction such that the roller 48 rolls along the ground together with the main wheels of the scraper when engaged on the ground. The diameter of the roller 48 is sufficient that the roller protrudes downwardly beyond the bottom of the two side bars 46 at the bottom side thereof. The roller 48 is formed of a rigid non-marking material, for example various types of plastics with a smooth surface having a low coefficient of friction so as not to scratch or cause marks on an ice surface in an ice rink.
A suitable retainer is provided for retaining the leg member in either of the working or stored positions thereof. In the working position the retainer comprises a locking mechanism 50 arranged to positively hold the leg member in fixed relation to
9 the lower mounting flanges between which the top end of the leg member is mounted.
Suitable cooperating apertures are provided in the top end of the leg member and the lower mounting flanges through which suitable locking pin 52 is received. The locking pin 52 may comprise a sprung member mounted on the leg member and which is arranged to be biased into positive engagement within the apertures in the lower mounting flanges in the working position.
In the stored position, the leg member may be held alongside the stem of the scraper handle by ensuring that the pivot shaft which pivotally mounts the top end of the leg member between the lower mounting flanges is held in place with sufficient tightness to frictionally retain the leg member at any orientation to which the leg member is displaced by the user. In alternative arrangements, additional clips or flanges may be provided to which the leg member may be fastened in the stored position similarly to the locking mechanism which retains the leg member in the working position by pins received through cooperating apertures.
Under normal operation of the ice scraper, the step attachment remains mounted to the stem of the ice scraper handle with the leg member being oriented in the stored position along the bottom side of the stem. When it is desired to displace the ice scraper over various obstacles including ramps and the like and where it is desirable to push the ice scraper handle downward to tilt the frame and lift the scraper blade, the user typically first pivots the leg member into the working position and uses the locking mechanism to retain the leg in the working position relative to the handle of the ice scraper. In addition to pushing downwardly on the hand grips with the hands of the operator, the operator can also place one foot on the step member 40 to displace the step member together with the leg member and handle stem thereabove downwardly towards the ground until the roller 48 engages the ground in rolling or sliding contact therewith. The operator can thus displace the ice scraper for rolling movement along the ground in the transport position thereof with the scraper blade lifted from the ground with a greater degree of control and stability as compared to only gripping the hand grips of the ice scraper.
5 Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Suitable cooperating apertures are provided in the top end of the leg member and the lower mounting flanges through which suitable locking pin 52 is received. The locking pin 52 may comprise a sprung member mounted on the leg member and which is arranged to be biased into positive engagement within the apertures in the lower mounting flanges in the working position.
In the stored position, the leg member may be held alongside the stem of the scraper handle by ensuring that the pivot shaft which pivotally mounts the top end of the leg member between the lower mounting flanges is held in place with sufficient tightness to frictionally retain the leg member at any orientation to which the leg member is displaced by the user. In alternative arrangements, additional clips or flanges may be provided to which the leg member may be fastened in the stored position similarly to the locking mechanism which retains the leg member in the working position by pins received through cooperating apertures.
Under normal operation of the ice scraper, the step attachment remains mounted to the stem of the ice scraper handle with the leg member being oriented in the stored position along the bottom side of the stem. When it is desired to displace the ice scraper over various obstacles including ramps and the like and where it is desirable to push the ice scraper handle downward to tilt the frame and lift the scraper blade, the user typically first pivots the leg member into the working position and uses the locking mechanism to retain the leg in the working position relative to the handle of the ice scraper. In addition to pushing downwardly on the hand grips with the hands of the operator, the operator can also place one foot on the step member 40 to displace the step member together with the leg member and handle stem thereabove downwardly towards the ground until the roller 48 engages the ground in rolling or sliding contact therewith. The operator can thus displace the ice scraper for rolling movement along the ground in the transport position thereof with the scraper blade lifted from the ground with a greater degree of control and stability as compared to only gripping the hand grips of the ice scraper.
5 Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (19)
1. A step attachment for an ice scraper comprising a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement in a forward working direction, a scraper blade supported on the frame forwardly of the wheels to extend generally horizontally and transversely to the forward working direction and to be arranged to engage the ground in a working condition of the ice scraper, and a handle comprising a stem extending upwardly and rearwardly from a mounting end supported on the frame to a gripping end supporting a hand grip thereon, the step attachment comprising:
a handle mount arranged to be mounted onto the handle of the ice scraper at a location spaced rearwardly of the frame;
a leg member arranged to extend generally downwardly from the handle mount to a bottom end arranged to be spaced above the ground in the working condition of the ice scraper; and a step member supported on the bottom end of the leg member and arranged to receive a foot of a person thereon.
a handle mount arranged to be mounted onto the handle of the ice scraper at a location spaced rearwardly of the frame;
a leg member arranged to extend generally downwardly from the handle mount to a bottom end arranged to be spaced above the ground in the working condition of the ice scraper; and a step member supported on the bottom end of the leg member and arranged to receive a foot of a person thereon.
2. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the leg member comprises a rigid member.
3. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the handle mount is arranged to be mounted onto the stem of the handle.
4. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the handle mount is arranged to be clamped about the stem so as to be frictionally retained thereon.
5. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the handle mount is arranged to be mounted about the stem adjacent the gripping end of the handle.
6. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the leg member is arranged to have a length which is less than a length of the stem of the handle of the ice scraper.
7. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided a non-marking material having a low coefficient of friction mounted at a bottom of the step member.
8. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided a roller mounted below the step member which is supported for rolling movement in the forward working direction.
9. The step attachment according to Claim 8 wherein the roller spans a full width of the step member in a lateral direction oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction.
10. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the leg member is arranged to extend downwardly at rearward incline from the handle mount in fixed relation thereto in a working position of the leg member.
11. The step attachment according to Claim 10 wherein the leg member is arranged to be oriented near vertical in orientation when the step member is positioned adjacent the ground.
12. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the step member is supported spaced rearwardly from the wheels of the ice scraper by a distance which is greater than a distance between the scraper blade and the wheels of the ice scraper.
13. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the leg member is pivotally supported on the handle mount for pivotal movement between a working position of the leg member extending generally downwardly from the handle and a stored position of the leg member extending forwardly alongside the handle.
14. The step attachment according to Claim 13 wherein the leg member is arranged to be frictionally retained alongside the stem of the handle in the stored position.
15. The step attachment according to Claim 13 wherein there is provided a lock mechanism arranged to positively retain the leg member in fixed relation to the handle mount in the working position of the leg member.
16. The step attachment according to Claim 15 wherein the lock mechanism comprises a locking pin received through cooperating apertures in the leg member and the handle mount.
17. The step attachment according to Claim 1 wherein the step member comprises a horizontal bar oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction spaced below the bottom end of the leg member by a support member connected therebetween.
18. The step attachment according to Claim 17 wherein the step member is centered in a lateral direction relative to the leg member thereabove, wherein the lateral direction is oriented perpendicularly to the forward working direction.
19. The step attachment according to Claim 17 wherein the support member comprises a top bar mounted on the bottom end of the leg member and a pair of side bars extending downwardly from opposing ends of the top bar towards the step member coupled between the two side bars spaced below the top bar.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2670015A CA2670015C (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2009-06-25 | Step attachment for lifting an ice scraper blade |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2670015A CA2670015C (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2009-06-25 | Step attachment for lifting an ice scraper blade |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2670015A1 CA2670015A1 (en) | 2010-12-25 |
| CA2670015C true CA2670015C (en) | 2016-03-08 |
Family
ID=43379071
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2670015A Active CA2670015C (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2009-06-25 | Step attachment for lifting an ice scraper blade |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2670015C (en) |
-
2009
- 2009-06-25 CA CA2670015A patent/CA2670015C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2670015A1 (en) | 2010-12-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20140618 |