SNOW BLOWER AND NON-CLOGGING CHUTE

Abstract

A snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheels, and a chute body. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be circumferentially bounded about a chute axis. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute body may extend from the frame along the chute axis above the outletopening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to power tools, such as snow blower power tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Power tools are generally utilized to make working conditions easier. For example, snow blowers eliminate the need for shoveling snow. Instead of manually lifting snow from a surface (e.g., a driveway or sidewalk) to move the snow therefrom, the operator can push or walk a snow blower through the snow. The snow blower lifts the snow and discharges it a distance from the underlying surface. Typically, this involves moving snow from a rotating auger to a downstream chute that can direct the moving snow away from the snow blower. In this regard, snow blowers make snow removal easier than previous manual operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although snow blowers can greatly reduce the amount of human effort to clear an area of snow, existing appliances still maintain certain drawbacks during use. For instance, it is common for the chute of existing snow blowers to become clogged especially over extended use. Specifically, snow can become packed within the chute and restrict the flow of snow from the rotatable auger. In certain cases, this can cause the entire chute to become obstructed, which may prevent the passage of any snow therethrough. If left untreated, this may cause snow agitated by the rotatable auger to fly forward or otherwise flow to an undesired location. Damage to the snow blower may even occur. In order to treat clog conditions, a user must typically stop the snow blower and manually unpack or dislodge any clogged masses from the chute. This can be tedious and obviously slows down any snow clearing operations.

Accordingly, snow blowers, features, or methods of operation are desired in the art. In particular, systems or methods that passively (e.g., without direct user intervention) prevent or discourage snow from clogging on, within, or upstream of the chute would be advantageous.

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheels, and a chute body. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be circumferentially bounded about a chute axis. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute body may extend from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening. The outlet opening may define an average cross-sectional area of an enclosed outlet volume over an outlet height. The outlet opening may further define an opening ratio of the average cross-sectional area over the outlet height. The opening ratio may be is greater than or equal to 350.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheel, and a chute body. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The rotatable auger may define an auger axis and be mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The rotatable auger may include a first auger segment and a second auger segment movable relative to the first auger segment. The second auger segment may be spaced apart from the first auger segment along the auger axis. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute body may extend from the frame downstream from the outlet opening and the rotatableauger.

In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheel, a chute body, and a breaker collar. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be circumferentially bounded about a chute axis. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute body may extend from the frame along the chute axis downstream from the outlet opening. The breaker collar may be disposed on the frame upstream from the chute body. The breaker collar includes one or more radial blades extending toward the chute axis to disperse snow from the auger to the chute body.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a front perspective view of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an auger housing and chute of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an auger housing and chute of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides a side elevation view of a portion of an auger housing and chute of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a side sectional view of a portion of an auger housing and chute of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 provides a side perspective view of a portion of an auger housing and chute of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view illustrating forces acting on a blocked outlet opening of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a portion of a frame of a snowblower to receive a breaker collar according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A provides a top plan view of a breaker collar to be received within an outlet opening of a frame of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B provides a perspective view of another breaker collar to be received within an outlet opening of a frame of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises.” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a snow blower 100 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Generally, snow blower 100 defines a mutually orthogonal vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. The snow blower 100 includes a frame 102, one or more motors 104 (e.g., element motor 104a or wheel motor 104b) and an auger 106 coupled (e.g., rotatably mounted) to the frame 102 (e.g., disposed in auger housing 108) to rotate about a defined auger axis A_A. Snow blower 100 may further include a handle assembly 110 extending from the frame 102. As illustrated, the handle assembly 110 can extend from a rear end of the frame 102 in a generally vertical direction. A battery compartment 112 can be coupled to the frame 102 to receive one or more batteries (not illustrated) which can provide power to the one or more motors 104a, 104b (e.g., one more electric motors). In other embodiments, motors 104 can include an engine powered by fuel. In such embodiments, the battery compartment 112 can be replaced or supplemented with a fuel storage tank (not illustrated) which stores fuel for powering the engine.

The snow blower 100 is supported by one or more walking elements, e.g., wheels 114. Generally, one or more wheels 114 define a wheel axis Aw (e.g., parallel to the lateral direction L) about which the wheels 114 rotate. In optional embodiments, the wheels 114 are provided as a pair of driven wheels that can be driven or rotated by a discrete wheel motor 104b (e.g., separate from element motor 104a). As illustrated, the wheel motor 104b may be supported on the frame 102 apart from the element motor 104a. Although the driven wheels 114 may be motivated or rotated by wheel motor 104b, an operator or user may selectively push the snow blower 100 (e.g., manually).

It is noted that although the illustrated snow blower 100 is shown as a single-stage snow blower, the present disclosure is not limited to the same and may be applicable to any suitable snow blowing power tool, such as a dual-stage (e.g., impeller) snow blower, self-propelled snow blower, manually propelled or push snow blower, etc.

In some embodiments, a controller 150 may be provided in operative communication with one or more components of snow blower 100 (e.g., motors 104a, 104b, sensors 152a, 152b, 152c, etc.). The controller 150 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of snow blower 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes non-transitory programming instructions stored in memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate snow blower 100 or execute an operation routine. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 150 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller 150 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout snow blower 100. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 150 and various operational components of snow blower 100. One or more components of snow blower 100 may be in operative communication (e.g., electric communication) with controller 150 via one or more conductive signal lines or shared communication busses.

In optional embodiments, one or more operational sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are provided on snow appliance 100 in operative (e.g., wired or wireless) communication with controller 150. Generally, such operational sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are configured to detect one or more operational conditions of the snow blower 100 and transmit signals corresponding to the same (e.g., to controller 150). Such operational conditions may be related to performance of the snow blower 100. As an example, a motor sensor 152a may be provided (e.g., at controller 150) to detect a motor loading signal received from the auger motor 104a according to an operational load (e.g., voltage draw) on the auger motor 104a. Such motor loading signals and sensors 152a, 152b, 152c for the same are generally understood. As an additional or alternative, example, a speed sensor 152b may be mounted on frame 102 and configured to detect a velocity of the snow blower 100. The detected velocity may generally correspond to forward movement of the snow blower 100. For instance, speed sensor 152b may detect velocity based on a rotational speed of one or more wheels 114. To that end, and as would be understood the speed sensor 152b may include a rotational sensor (e.g., Hall effect sensor, inductive sensor, eddy-current sensor, photodiode array, etc.) be configured to detect rotational movement at the wheels 114 (or an axle thereof).

Separate from or in additional to performance of snow blower 100, operational conditions may relate to the environment (e.g., ambient area or geographic location) that the snow blower 100 is located in. As an example, a temperature sensor 152c may be provided to detect an ambient air temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 152c may be mounted to the frame 102 (e.g., apart from the motor(s) thereof). As would be understood, the temperature may include a thermistor, thermocouple, or any other suitable electric temperature sensing element.

Optionally, the snow blower 100 can include one or more lighting elements (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, commonly referred to as LEDs) configured to illuminate one or more areas of the environment in which the snow blower 100 is operating. For example, the snow blower 100 can include a light 134 disposed on the auger housing 108 of frame 102.

In certain embodiments, handle assembly 110 include a top handle 110c (e.g., as an unbroken unitary piece or having left and right portions to receive a user's left and right hands, respectively). One or more inputs for controlling snow blower 100 may be provided on or proximal to top handle 110c. Although top handle 110c is shown as a single-piece construction handle having left and right portions to receive a user's left and right hands, respectively. In other instances, the handle assembly 110 can include a multi-piece construction (e.g., having multiple discrete handles to receive a user's hands). The top handle 110c can be coupled to one or more additional portions, which extend from the frame 102 to the first and second handles 110a and 110b (e.g., to support the top handle 110c or permit selective height adjustments or storage configurations of the handle assembly 110).

The handle assembly 110 generally include one or more controls associated with controlling operational aspect(s) of the snow blower 100. By way of non-limiting example, the handle assembly 110 can include a power button 122 and one or more speed inputs (e.g., speed input 124) operably coupled to a controller 150. One or more position sensors 152a, 152b, 152c (e.g., a potentiometer, Hall effect sensor, infrared proximity sensor, capacitive displacement sensor, inductive sensor, eddy-current sensor, photodiode array, etc.) may be attached to or in operable communication with a speed input 124 to detect the relative position of an input (e.g., on handle assembly 110) and communicate the same (e.g., to a controller 150).

The auger housing 108 generally houses the auger 106. As shown, auger housing 108 may include multiple walls, which house or at least partially enclose auger 106. For instance, auger housing 108 may include a top wall 108a vertically bounding or disposed above auger 106 (e.g., such that the auger 106 is housed below the top wall 108a), a pair of side walls 108b laterally bounding auger 106, and a rear wall 108c transversely bounding or disposed rearward from auger 106. Generally, auger housing 108 defines two or more openings to permit snow therethrough. For instance, auger housing 108 may define an inlet opening 160 (e.g., at a front portion of auger housing 108) to permit snow to the rotatable auger 106. The inlet opening 160 may be defined in front of the rotatable auger 106, such as by a pair of side walls 108b and top wall 108a. When assembled, auger 106 may be mounted to frame 102 and disposed rearward from the inlet opening 160. Separately from or in addition to inlet opening 160, auger housing 108 may define an outlet opening 162 to permit snow to flow from rotatable auger 106 (e.g., as motivated by the same) and out of auger housing 108 through outlet opening 162. In some embodiments, outlet opening 162 is defined through top wall 108a. In turn, rotatable auger 106 may be mounted to frame 102 below outlet opening 162 to motivate snow therethrough.

Auger housing 108 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with a chute or chute body 116. Moreover, the auger housing 108 can be connected with the chute 116 mechanically, electrically, or both. The chute 116 can extend, for example, above the auger housing 108. Optionally, chute 116 can include or be provided as a solid, nonpermeable body extending along a chute axis A_C (e.g., generally vertical axis), upward or downstream from outlet opening 162. Additionally or alternatively, chute body 116 may define a unenclosed slot extending perpendicular to the chute axis A_C and therealong from the outlet opening 162 (e.g., to a movable flap 118). Thus, a horizontal cross-section of chute body 116 may generally form a U-shape. In some embodiments, chute body 116 includes or is formed from a relatively durable or resilient material, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene(UMHP).

During use, the chute 116 can direct discharged snow in a desired direction. In an embodiment, the chute 116 can rotate about a (e.g., generally vertical) chute axis A_C. The chute 116 can include a moveable interface 118 configured to rotate the discharge direction about a horizontal axis. In this regard, the direction and height of discharged snow can be controlled. In certain instances, the direction of at least one of the chute 116 and moveable interface 118 can be controlled by the operator at the handle assembly 110. For instance, a chute lever 126 may be provided on the handle assembly 110 to selectively rotate the chute 116. Additionally or alternatively, a movable flap lever may be provided on the chute 116 to selectively rotate the movable interface 118.

It is noted that although a single chute 116 mounted at a lateral midpoint on top wall 108a is shown in some of the included drawings, alternative embodiments may provide one or more chutes mounted at additional or alternative locations. As an example, one or more chutes may be laterally offset from the lateral midpoint of the top wall 108a (e.g., while still being to top wall 108a above a corresponding outlet opening). Thus, at least one chute may be mounted to the side instead of the middle of the auger housing 106. As an additional or alternative embodiment, one or more chutes may be mounted to or disposed on at least one side wall 108b. For instance, a chute may extend laterally outward or upward from an upstream outlet defined through a corresponding side wall 108b (e.g., as indicated in phantom lines at FIG. 1). Optionally, multiple discrete outlet openings or chute openings may be provided for different types of snow (e.g., relatively heavy and light snow, relatively wet and dry snow, or relatively dense and loose snow).

Turning especially to FIGS. 4 through 9, the outlet opening 162 may generally resist clogging (e.g., accumulating packed or static snow sufficient to cover or block the passage of snow through outlet opening 162 from auger housing 108 to chute 116).

As shown, the outlet opening 162 may be circumferentially bounded about chute axis A_C. In some embodiments, a minimum throat diameter di may be defined in a radial plane (e.g., perpendicular to the chute axis A_C) and define a set cross-sectional area Sx for outlet opening 162. The minimum throat diameter di may be defined, for instance, through auger housing 108, such as through top wall 108a. Moreover, minimum throat diameter d_t may set the minimum radial aperture for snow passing from auger housing 108 to chute 116. As shown, the bottom portion of chute 116 may be disposed radially outward from outlet opening 162. Optionally, the minimum throat diameter d_t may be a constant diameter. Thus, set cross-sectional area Sx may be a circular area (e.g., lying in the radial plane) calculated by x*r², wherein (r=d_t/2).

Along the bounded portion of the outlet opening 162, an enclosed outlet height h_t may be defined. For instance, the outlet height h_t may be defined relative to the chute axis A_C or vertical direction V. Generally, the outlet height h_t axially or vertically bounds at least a portion of the outlet opening 162. In the illustrated embodiments, the outlet height h_t is defined between an outlet bottom 164 an outlet top 166. In turn, the minimum throat diameter de may be axially or vertically disposed between the auger housing 108 and the chute body 116. Optionally, the minimum throat diameter d_t may span the entire outlet height h_t (e.g., as a constant diameter).

Additionally or alternatively, the frame 102 (e.g., at top wall 108a) may encircle the chute axis A_C to define the outlet opening 162 and the enclosed volume along the chute axis A_C for an entirety of the outlet height h_t.

In certain embodiments, the outlet height h_t and the cross-sectional area (e.g., Sx) therebetween define an enclosed volume (e.g., disk-shaped region). Moreover, an average cross-sectional area may be defined (e.g., as the enclosed volume divided by the outlet height h_t). Furthermore, from the average cross-sectional area and the outlet height h_t, an opening ratio (PR) may be defined (e.g., as the average cross-sectional area over the outlet height h_t). Thus, the outlet opening 162 may define an average cross-sectional area of the enclosed outlet volume over the outlet height h_t and the opening ratio (PR) of the average cross-sectional area over the outlet height h_t.

In order for a solid or clogging disk of snow to form within the outlet opening 162, the stress of weight σ on the disk over the strength of snow t would need to be less than or equal to 1. For instance, stress σ may be calculated from the formula

$\mathrm{\sigma \sigma }=\frac{-3333{\mathrm{dd}}^{33}\mathrm{gg}}{88{\mathrm{hh}}^{22}};$

• • wherein:
  • ρ is the known density of snow,
  • d is the diameter of the snow disk (e.g., minimum throat diameter di),
  • g is gravity, and
  • h is the height of the snow disk (e.g., outlet height h_t).

Strength t may be calculated from the empirically derived formula

$\mathrm{\tau \tau }=9.4*{10}^{-7}{\mathrm{\rho \rho }}^{2.91}.$

The opening ratio (PR) in certain embodiments is insufficient to permit formation of a solid or clogging disk and may, thus, advantageously resist clogging (e.g., without requiring active or movable elements, which may otherwise require direct intervention or be less reliable than the enclosed embodiments). For instance, the opening ratio (PR) may be greater than or equal to 350. Optionally, the opening ratio (PR) may be greater than or equal to 1000. Additionally or alternatively, the opening ratio (PR) may be less than or 2000.

Turning now especially to FIG. 3, rotatable auger 106 generally defines an auger axis A_A about which rotatable auger 106 rotates. In some embodiments, auger axis A_A is parallel to the lateral direction L or wheel axis Aw. In alternative embodiments, however, auger axis A_A is non-parallel to the lateral direction L (e.g., as indicated in phantom dash-dot lines at A_A1). For instance, one lateral side (e.g., right side) of auger axis A_A may be disposed at a lower height (e.g., relative to the vertical direction V) than the opposite lateral side (e.g., left side). Rotation of rotatable auger 106 may, thus, draw snow not only rearward and upward due to interaction with the back wall, but also upward and to one lateral side (i.e., the higher lateral side) due to non-parallel orientation of the auger axis A_A. Optionally, the pitch (e.g., axial distance along the auger axis A_A between crests or flights of rotatable auger 106) may be variable. For instance, along the auger axis A_A, the pitch defined by flights may increase from one lateral end to the opposite lateral end (e.g., at a steady or variable rate of pitch relative to axial distance). Thus, the pitch of rotatable auger 106 may generally change or increase from one lateral side of auger axis A_A to the other lateral side of auger axis A_A.

In some embodiments, rotatable auger 106 includes multiple discrete auger segments that are separably rotatable. Such auger segments may be axially spaced apart (e.g., spaced apart from each other along the auger axis A_A). Optionally, such

discrete auger segments may still be coaxial (e.g., rotatable about the same auger axis A_A). Optionally, at least a first auger segment 106a and a second auger segment 106b may be included and movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to each other. For instance, a separate auger motor (e.g., from multiple auger motors), gear system, or driveshaft may be provided to rotate the first auger segment 106a at a separate time or at a separate rotational velocity relative to second auger segment 106b. In some embodiments, first auger segment 106a (or second auger segment 106b) is configured to overrun relative to second auger segment 106b (or first auger segment 106a), such as by a selective or slip gear, and thereby reduce turning resistance at the auger or otherwise notably make it easier for a user to turn snow blower 100 during use. In additional or alternative embodiments, rotatable auger 106 includes three discrete segments. Optionally, a pair of fixed helixes segments may be provided at opposite lateral sides of rotatable auger 106 while a middle helix (e.g., between the two fixed helixes) is provided as an articulating helix.

Turning now to FIG. 10, including FIGS. 10A and 10B, some embodiments include a breaker collar 170 disposed on the frame 102. Specifically, breaker collar 170 is disposed upstream from chute body 116. For instance, breaker collar 170 may be mounted within outlet opening 162 (e.g., to direct or interrupt snow therethrough). As shown, breaker collar 170 includes one or more radial blades 172 that generally extend inward toward chute axis A_C (e.g., from a collar body 174). The radial blades 172 are generally fixed within frame 102 and, thus, do not move relative to the same. Although extending toward chute axis A_C, the distal tip (e.g., distal to the collar body 174) of the radial blades 172 may still be radially spaced apart from the chute axis A_C (e.g., not reach the center of outlet opening 162). The radial blades 172 may in turn include a plurality of rigid radial blades 172 radially spaced apart from the chute axis A_C.

Generally, the radial blades 172 partially interrupt the passage to chute body 116 to advantageously disperse snow from the rotatable auger 106 to the chute body 116 and thereby prevent clogging. Any suitable shape of the radial blades 172 may be provided. As an example, and as shown in FIG. 10A, the radial blades 172 may be formed according to a vortex shape, such as to provide one or more of the radial blades 172 as a curved cantilever blade. As another example, and as shown in

FIG. 10B, the radial blades 172 may be formed according to a multi-aperture shape, such as to provide one or more of the radial blades 172 as anchored tab blades defining a corresponding aperture (e.g., parallel to the chute axis A_C).

Further aspects of the invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

Embodiment 1. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about a chute axis; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; and a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening, wherein the outlet opening defines an average cross-sectional area of an enclosed outlet volume over an outlet height and an opening ratio of the average cross-sectional area over the outlet height, and wherein the opening ratio is greater than or equal to 350.

Embodiment 2. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame encircles the chute axis to define the outlet opening and the enclosed volume along the chute axis for an entirety of the outlet height.

Embodiment 3. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and a top wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined through the top wall.

Embodiment 4. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the opening ratio is greater than 1000.

Embodiment 5. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the opening ratio is less than 2000.

Embodiment 6. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the chute body defines a unenclosed slot extending perpendicular to the chute axis and therealong from the outlet opening.

Embodiment 7. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the one or more wheels define a wheel axis parallel to a lateral direction and about which the one or more wheels rotate, and wherein the rotatable auger defines an auger axis non-parallel to the lateral direction and about which the rotatable auger rotates.

Embodiment 8. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the rotatable auger comprises a first auger segment and a second auger segment movable relative to the first auger segment, the second auger segment being spaced apart from the first auger segment along the auger axis.

Embodiment 9. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising a breaker collar disposed on the frame upstream from the chute body, the breaker collar comprising one or more radial blades extending toward the chute axis to disperse snow from the auger to the chute body.

Embodiment 10. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the one or more radial arms comprises a plurality of rigid radial blades radially spaced apart from the chute axis.

Embodiment 11. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a rotatable auger defining an auger axis and mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening, the rotatable auger comprising a first auger segment and a second auger segment movable relative to the first auger segment, the second auger segment being spaced apart from the first auger segment along the auger axis; one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; and a chute body extending from the frame downstream from the outlet opening and the rotatableauger.

Embodiment 12. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and an upper wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined through the upper wall.

Embodiment 13. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and an upper wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined one sidewall of the pair of sidewalls.

Embodiment 14. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the one or more wheels define a wheel axis parallel to a lateral direction and about which the one or more wheels rotate, and wherein the rotatable auger defines an auger axis non-parallel to the lateral direction and about which the rotatable auger rotates.

Embodiment 15. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising a breaker collar disposed on the frame upstream from the chute body, the breaker collar comprising one or more radial blades extending toward the chute axis to disperse snow from the auger to the chute body.

Embodiment 16. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the one or more radial arms comprises a plurality of rigid radial blades radially spaced apart from the chute axis.

Embodiment 17. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about a chute axis; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis downstream from the outlet opening; and a breaker collar disposed on the frame upstream from the chute body, the breaker collar comprising one or more radial blades extending toward the chute axis to disperse snow from the auger to the chute body.

Embodiment 18. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the one or more radial arms comprises a plurality of rigid radial blades radially spaced apart from the chute axis.

Embodiment 19. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and an upper wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined through the upper wall.

Embodiment 20. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and an upper wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined one sidewall of the pair of sidewalls.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about a chute axis;a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening;one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; anda chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outletopening,wherein the outlet opening defines an average cross-sectional area of an enclosed outlet volume over an outlet height and an opening ratio of the average cross-sectional area over the outlet height, andwherein the opening ratio is greater than or equal to 350.

2. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the frame encircles the chute axis to define the outlet opening and the enclosed outlet volume along the chute axis for an entirety of the outlet height.

3. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and a top wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined through the topwall.

4. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the opening ratio is greater than 1000.

5. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the opening ratio is less than 2000.

6. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the chute body defines a unenclosed slot extending perpendicular to the chute axis and therealong from the outlet opening.

7. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the one or more wheels define a wheel axis parallel to a lateral direction and about which the one or more wheels rotate, and wherein the rotatable auger defines an auger axis non-parallel to the lateral direction and about which the rotatable auger rotates.

8. The snow blower of claim 7, wherein the rotatable auger comprises a first auger segment and a second auger segment movable relative to the first auger segment, the second auger segment being spaced apart from the first auger segment along the auger axis.

9. The snow blower of claim 1, further comprising a breaker collar disposed on the frame upstream from the chute body, the breaker collar comprising one or more radial blades extending toward the chute axis to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

10. The snow blower of claim 9, wherein the one or more radial blades comprises a plurality of rigid radial blades radially spaced apart from the chute axis.

11. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outletopening;a rotatable auger defining an auger axis and mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening, the rotatable auger comprising a first auger segment and a second auger segment movable relative to the first auger segment, the second auger segment being spaced apart from the first auger segment along the auger axis;one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; anda chute body extending from the frame downstream from the outlet opening and the rotatable auger.

12. The snow blower of claim 11, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and an upper wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined through the upperwall.

13. The snow blower of claim 11, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and an upper wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined one sidewall of the pair of sidewalls.

14. The snow blower of claim 11, wherein the one or more wheels define a wheel axis parallel to a lateral direction and about which the one or more wheels rotate, and wherein the rotatable auger defines an auger axis non-parallel to the lateral direction and about which the rotatable auger rotates.

15. The snow blower of claim 11, further comprising a breaker collar disposed on the frame upstream from the chute body, the breaker collar comprising one or more radial blades extending toward a chute axis to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

16. The snow blower of claim 15, wherein the one or more radial blades comprises a plurality of rigid radial blades radially spaced apart from the chute axis.

17. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about a chute axis;a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening;one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower;a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis downstream from the outlet opening; anda breaker collar disposed on the frame upstream from the chute body, the breaker collar comprising one or more radial blades extending toward the chute axis to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

18. The snow blower of claim 17, wherein the one or more radial blades comprises a plurality of rigid radial blades radially spaced apart from the chute axis.

19. The snow blower of claim 17, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and an upper wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined through the upperwall.

20. The snow blower of claim 17, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing comprising a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and an upper wall, the pair of side walls defining the inlet opening, the outlet opening being defined one sidewall of the pair of sidewalls.