Snow removal apparatus

Abstract

A snow removal apparatus having a housing with first and second chambers that are in communication with each other. A rear wall and a pair of end plates form the first chamber. Each end plate has a leading edge that is positioned in an offset manner by a transition member, and each transition member is configured to act in a wedge-like manner to split sections of hard packed snow from a larger mass of snow. An auger is positioned within the first chamber and configured so that it is able to move snow towards the second chamber in a controlled manner. The auger includes at least one feeder paddle that is configured to break-up and distribute compacted snow before it enters the second chamber. An impeller is positioned in the second chamber so that its blades project into a portion of the first chamber where they are able to engage snow that is extruded past the auger ends. The blades of the impeller include sidewalls, which also break-up and distribute compacted snow before it enters the second chamber. As the snow enters the second chamber, it is accelerated by the impeller, after which it flows into a rotatably mounted chute that directs the snow away from an area being cleared.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an accessory for powered vehicle, and more particularly to a snow removal apparatus for a skid-steer loader machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Skid-steer loader machines are old and well known to the art. Originally designed to operate with only a bucket, these machines have, with the provision of specifically designed attachments, evolved into multi-purpose machines capable of many diverse operations. Nowadays, a skid-steer loader machine may be configured to operate as a street sweeper, a posthole digger, a trencher, or a forklift, for example. A particularly desirable attachment (for northern climes) is one that removes and throws snow. Known skid-steer snow removal attachments typically comprise a housing and a discharge chute, with the housing having one or more powered augers and impellers that convey snow away from an area to be cleared. The auger is usually horizontally oriented and arranged so that its rotational axis is transverse to the direction of travel, and the impeller is usually vertically oriented and arranged so that its rotational axis is parallel to the direction of travel. In operation, the auger moves snow towards the impeller, which subsequently moves or throws the snow away from an area being cleared, via the discharge chute.

[0004] This aforementioned auger-impeller arrangement works fairly well for light, fluffy snow, however, it has drawbacks. One drawback is that it has difficulty in moving heavy, wet snow. The problem is that as the heavy, wet snow is moved by the auger along its length, it becomes increasingly compacted. As this compacted snow reaches the working or discharge end of the auger, it does not act in a fluent manner. Rather, it tends to break off in chunks, which become lodged in the impeller and its attendant chute, and impair normal operation of the snow removal attachment. Usually, such a situation forces an operator to stop the skid-steer machine, disengage the snow removal apparatus, get off the machine, unclog the impeller and the discharge chute, get back onto the skid-steer machine, and engage the snow removal apparatus. As one may imagine, this can create a considerable amount of down time, particularly if the snow to be removed is heavy and wet. Unfortunately, however, above-mentioned procedure is often not strictly adhered to, and the operator often takes shortcuts, such as not disengaging the snow removal attachment before unclogging, to reduce the amount of down time. As will be appreciated, such a situation can easily lead to tragic results.

[0005] Another drawback is that the orientation of the impeller limits its ability to move snow in an efficient manner. That is, when the impeller is arranged so that its rotational axis is parallel to the direction of travel, only one side of the impeller contacts snow. Moreover, the impeller must be positioned so that its blades do not interfere with the operation of the auger. This creates a situation where clumps of compacted, wet snow formed by the auger can be more-or-less extruded directly into the impeller, which can be become quickly overloaded and clog.

[0006] A contributing factor to the problem of clogging occurs in the transition between the impeller housing and the directional chute. A drawback to existing transitions is that they have abrupt, transverse surfaces or ledges onto which snow and ice can settle and accumulate. These accumulations reduce or constrict the effective cross-sectional area of the discharge chute and change the operational characteristics of the snow removal apparatus. And, in particularly adverse conditions, such accumulations can prevent the chute from being rotatably adjusted. In a related matter, some of the snow and ice that accumulate on the aforementioned transverse surfaces of the transition often melts and seeps into the joint between the impeller chamber and the directional chute, where it refreezes and causes the chute to become difficult to operate and adjust.

[0007] Another drawback, which affects the operation of the snow removal apparatus and the skid-steer machine, is due to the configuration and orientation of the end plates of the snow removal apparatus housing. The problem is that the end plates of prior art snow removal apparatuses are planar and parallel. This arrangement works well when the amount of snow being fed into the mouth has the same depth and consistency across the width of the mouth. However, when the amount of snow encountered does not have the same depth or consistency, as when cutting into a snow bank of a path being cleared, for example, the leading edge of the end plate catches in the snow bank and the snow removal equipment is forced to deviate from course and turn towards the side with the greater amount of snow, where it can quickly stall. This is a potentially dangerous condition because it can cause an inattentive operator to quickly lose control of the snow removal equipment. It also reduces the efficiency of the snow removal apparatus because more power has to be used by the skid-steer machine to counteract the load imbalance. Otherwise, the operator must take measures such as removing smaller sections of a bank, or lifting the snow removal apparatus off the ground and making multiple passes, or slowing the machine down to a crawl, all of which add considerable time to the snow removal process. A related drawback with the prior art end plates is that their configuration and orientation do not lend themselves to splitting sections of snow from hard, compacted snow banks. Often, only a shallow kerf is formed in the snow bank and an operator must make repeated runs at the same location. This is usually accompanied by a substantial increase in the operational speed, which reduces the overall efficiency of the snow removal equipment.

[0008] There is a need for snow removal apparatus that is able to convey snow from an area to be cleared in an efficient manner. There is a need for a snow removal apparatus with a snow conveying assembly that facilitates fluent flow of compacted snow as it moves therethrough. There is a need for a snow removal apparatus that is able to operate in conditions of uneven snow loading with a minimum amount of course deviation. There is also a need for a snow removal apparatus having a housing that is configured to assist in the snow removal process. There is yet another need for a snow removal apparatus that may be removably attached to, and powered by, a wheeled transporter. And, there is a need for a snow removal apparatus having transitional areas that facilitate fluent flow of snow and ice, and which resist formation of accretions or accumulations therealong.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A snow removal apparatus for use with a skid-steer loader machine. The apparatus comprises a housing with a first chamber and a second chamber, with the first and second chambers in communication with each other. The first chamber has a forwardly opening, elongated mouth or input end that is formed by a rear wall and end plates of the housing, and a throat or output end. Each end plate is includes a transition member and a leading or forward edge, with the transition member offsetting the leading edge in relation to the body of the end plate. The transition member is arranged and configured to facilitate the snow removal process when encountering hard, compacted snow by acting in a wedge-like manner to split off and separate small sections of snow from a larger mass of snow. The transition member also directs the split off sections of snow towards the interior of the first chamber. The first chamber is provided with a rotatably mounted, powered auger that is positioned adjacent a section of the rear wall of the housing, and configured so that when it is actuated, it is able to convey snow in a controlled manner towards the throat or output end of the first chamber.

[0010] The auger has shaft that supports two oppositely pitched, spiral blades, whose outer ends begin adjacent the end plates and whose inner ends terminate adjacent at either side of the throat the first chamber to provide operational space for the impeller. The inner ends of the spiral blades may be provided with paddles that serve to break up sections of compacted snow and direct them into the operational space of the impeller.

[0011] The second chamber has an input end and an output end, with the input end operatively connected to and coincident with the throat of the first chamber, and with the output end operatively connected to and coincident with a rotatably mounted, directional chute. There is a streamlined transition between the second chamber and the chute, which reduces snow and ice accumulation therebetween, and which, in turn, reduces the chance that snow and ice will fall back into and obstruct the second chamber. The joint between the chute and the second chamber may be provided with a non-metallic, isolator ring that facilitates movement therebetween and which also resists freezing up in wet and/or cold conditions. The second chamber is provided with a rotatably mounted, powered impeller that is positioned so that it substantially occupies the second chamber and partially extends into the first chamber.

[0012] The impeller has a shaft that supports a plurality of radially extending blades, whose bodies are in substantial alignment with the impeller shaft. Each blade body has a working or material conveying surface, and a trailing surface. Preferably, each blade body is provided with sidewalls that extend beyond its working surface. These sidewalls serve to break up masses of compacted snow as they pass the inner ends of the auger and onto the working surfaces of the impeller blades. They also serve to strengthen the blade body as well as optimize its snow conveying capacity. Each blade body also preferably includes a pair of ribs that extend from its trailing surface, which strengthen and reinforce the blade body. The impeller is configured so that when it is actuated or rotated, its blades are able to sweep not only the second chamber, but also a volume in the first chamber bounded by the paddles adjacent the inner ends of the spiral blades, and the shaft of the auger. As will be appreciated, the blades of the impeller can be fed from either side by the auger.

[0013] As the snow removal apparatus is brought into contact with snow to be removed, the transition members of the end plates break off and direct snow towards the interior of the first chamber, while at the same time, the spiral blades of the auger bite into the snow and convey it towards the mouth. When the snow reaches the inner ends of the spiral blades, paddles further fracture it before it is fed into the operational space of the impeller. As the impeller blades contact the snow, it is further fractured and then drawn into the second chamber where it is accelerated and ejected into the directional chute for final disposition.

[0014] The auger, impeller, chute and deflector are connected to a motive source, such as an actuator or motor (or actuators/motors) that is, in turn, operatively connected to a power supply. Preferably, the motive sources are powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid available from the skid-steer loader machine to which it is attached. However, it is understood that other motive sources may be used.

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a snow removal apparatus for a wheeled transport such as a skid-steer machine.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to improve the snow transport mechanism of a multi-stage snow removal apparatus.

[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to improve the handling characteristics of snow removal equipment by reducing the amount of effort needed to counteract uneven loading.

[0018] A feature of the present invention is that the housing is configured to assist in the snow removal process when encountering conditions of hard, compacted snow.

[0019] Another feature of the present invention is that the first and second stages of the snow removal apparatus are collaterally aligned.

[0020] Yet another feature of the present invention is that the inner facing ends of the auger or first stage have deflector paddles adjacent thereto, respectively, that assist in directing the flow of material to the second stage.

[0021] Another feature of the present invention is that it has a discharge chute that is isolated from the housing by a layer of non-metallic material.

[0022] An advantage of the present invention is that the flow of material between the first and second stages is maximized.

[0023] Another advantage of the invention is that the chute is less likely to bind or freeze to the housing during adverse operating conditions.

[0024] These and other objectives and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views. And, although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention, which may be embodied in other specific structure. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a preferred embodiment of the snow removal apparatus attached to a generic skid-steer loader machine;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the snow removal apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the snow removal apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the snow removal apparatus of FIG. 1 taken from the rear and looking up;

[0029] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an impeller having a plurality of radially extending blades;

[0030] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an auger with a shaft that supports spiral blades with inwardly facing ends and inboard paddles;

[0031] FIG. 6A is a partial, segmented view illustrating the interaction between the a paddle blade as it contacts compacted snow and directs it towards the impeller;

[0032] FIG. 6B is a partial, segmented view of illustrating the interaction between the other paddle blade as it contacts compacted snow and directs it towards the impeller;

[0033] FIG. 7A is a partial, side plan view of a preferred embodiment of a housing and an end plate;

[0034] FIG. 7B is a partial, sectional view of the end plate of FIG. 7A;

[0035] FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the snow removal apparatus of the present invention wherein the auger is powered at both ends;

[0036] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the housing of the snow removal apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the first chamber, the second chamber the transition between the second chamber and the chute, and the isolator ring that is positioned between the second chamber and the chute; and

[0037] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of FIG. 9 with the isolator ring omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] With reference to FIG. 1, a generic, skid-steer loader machine 10 having front extensions 12 and a mounting bracket 14 (shown in dashed lines) is depicted as having a snow removal apparatus 20 attached thereto. As can be seen, the snow removal apparatus 20 comprises a housing 22 that includes a first chamber 24, a second chamber 26, a chute 28 and a deflector 32. The skid steer machine 10 provides the power necessary to operate the snow removal apparatus, preferably through pressurized hydraulic lines (not shown for purposes of clarity). It will be appreciated, though, that the snow removal apparatus may be equipped with its own power supply, if desired.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, various aspects of the snow removal apparatus 20 will now be discussed. As mentioned above, the housing 22 comprises a pair of chambers that are in communication with each other. The first chamber 24 has a forwardly opening, elongated mouth or input end 40 formed by a rear wall 42 and end plates 44, 46. The perimeter of the mouth or input end 40 is defined by an upper edge 48, a lower edge 50 formed by the rear wall, and leading edges 52, 54 formed by the end plates 44, 46, respectively. The first chamber also has a throat or output end 56 that is formed in the rear wall 42 of the housing 22. As can be seen, throat 56 is located inboard of the end plates 44, 46 and nearer the lower edge 50 than the upper edge 48 of the housing.

[0040] The first chamber 24 is configured and arranged to rotatably retain an auger assembly 70 having a horizontally oriented auger 72 in such a fashion that the auger 72 is able to move snow therealong in a controlled manner. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the auger 72 comprises a shaft that supports two oppositely pitched spiral blades 76, 82 that convey snow from the outer ends of the first chamber 24 towards its throat 56. As depicted, the auger 72 is operatively connected to motive source 112, preferably a hydraulic motor, which, in turn, is operatively connected to the skid-steer machine 10 via suitable hydraulic lines (not shown). It is understood, however, that other motive sources may be used, including, for example, drive gears or drive belts.

[0041] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second chamber 26, has an input end and an output end, and is attached to the rear wall 42 of the housing 22 so that it extends rearwardly therefrom in a generally perpendicular relation. As will be appreciated, the input end of the second chamber 26 is coincident with the throat or output end 56 of the first chamber 24. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the second chamber 26 is provided with a rotatably mounted impeller 114 that substantially occupies the second chamber 26 and partially extends into the first chamber 24. Like the auger, the impeller 114 is also operatively connected to a motive source 128. In this embodiment, the motive source 128 is a hydraulic motor that is operatively connected to the skid-steer machine by suitable hydraulic line (not shown). It is understood, however, that other motive sources may be used, including, for example, drive gears or drive belts.

[0042] Continuing along, the top of the second chamber 26 is operatively connected to a rotatable chute 28 by a ring assembly 132 (see also, FIG. 9) that is operatively connected to a motive source 30, and which is protected by a shroud 134. The ring assembly 132 comprises a geared ring 146 that is operatively connected to the chute, and a chain 148 that engages the geared ring 146. The chain 148, in turn, is coupled to the motive source 30 such as a drive gear 150 attached to a motor. Preferably, the geared ring 146, chain 148, and drive gear 150 are formed from or coated with rust-resistant material. As with the aforementioned auger 72 and impeller 114, the motive source 30 for the chute 28 may be a hydraulic motor.

[0043] Finally, a deflector 32 is pivotally mounted on the top of the chute 28 so that it extends therebeyond and is able to direct snow that is exiting the chute 28. As with the other movable components, the deflector 32 is operatively connected to a motive source 34, preferably a hydraulic actuator.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, the rear of the snow removal apparatus 20 can be seen. As indicated in FIG. 1, the snow removal apparatus 20 is removably attached to the mounting bracket 14 of a skid-steer loader machine 10. To accomplish this, the snow removal apparatus 20 is provided with an attachment member 36 configured according to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards for skid-steer loader machines. Adjustable skid plates 38 are provided so that the lower edge 50 of the housing 22 can be raised above uneven or rough surfaces.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5A, the impeller 114, which is positioned in the second chamber 26, is rotatably supported on a shaft 116, which is, in turn, operatively connected to a motive source 128 (shown in dashed lines). As can be seen, the impeller 114 includes a plurality of blades 118 that extend radially from the shaft 116, and which are in substantial alignment therewith. Each blade 114 comprises a body 120 having a working or material conveying surface 122, and a trailing surface 124. And, each blade body 120 includes a pair of sidewalls 130 that extend beyond its working surface 122. These sidewalls 130 serve to break up masses of compacted snow in a shearing action as they exit the auger assembly 70 and move toward the throat 56 of the first chamber 24. The sidewalls 130 also serve to strengthen the blade body 120 as well as optimize its snow conveying capacity. Each blade body 120 also preferably includes a pair of ribs 126 that extend from its trailing surface 124, which strengthen and reinforce the blade body 120, and which also prevent premature failure due to repeated impacts and variable loading. As will be appreciated, the blades 118 of the impeller 114 are configured to conform to the interior dimensions of the second chamber 26 to maximize transport efficiency. It will also be appreciated that the number of impeller blades 118 may be more or less than four.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 5b, the auger assembly 70 comprises an auger 72 having a pair of spiral or helically shaped blades 76, 82 having inner and outer ends 80, 86, and 78, 84, respectively, and which are pitched in opposing directions so that, in operation, snow is conveyed towards the throat 56 of the first chamber from opposite directions (see for example, FIG. 2). Note that the spiral blades 76, 82 stop short of the throat 56, and define a gap 110 into which the impeller 114 may operate. The auger 72 also includes a pair of paddles 90, 100 that are supported by the shaft 74. Paddle 90 is located adjacent the inner end 86 of spiral blade 82 and includes first and second blades 92, 94 that extend in a generally radial direction from the shaft 74 in an opposing relation. As with the spiral blade 82, the first and second blades 92, 94 of the paddle 90 are also pitched at an angle (compare with 106 and 108 of FIG. 6A). However, the pitch of the paddle blades 92, 94 is greater than the pitch of the spiral blade 82. Preferably, the pitch of each paddle blade 92, 94 is substantially the same. Similarly, the paddle 100 located adjacent the inner end 80 of spiral blade 76 includes first and second blades 102, 104 that extend in a generally radial direction from the shaft 74 in an opposing relation. And, as with the aforementioned paddle blades, these paddle blades 102,104 are pitched at an angle 106 that is greater than the pitch angle 108 of the spiral blade (see, FIG. 6A).

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6A, the operation of one of the paddles 100 will be discussed. As can be seen, the auger 72 will have a charge of compacted snow “S” that is conveyed along the first chamber 24 and towards the throat 56 and the operational space of the impeller 114. As the snow “S” reaches the inner end 80 of the spiral blade 76, it encounters the blades 102, 104 of the paddle 100. Here, the blade 102 of paddle 100 encounters the charge of compacted snow “S” and diverts a portion thereof towards the impeller 114. By diverting a portion of the charge of snow “S”, clumping, and subsequent clogging of the snow removal apparatus is reduced. Note that the impeller blades 94 will extend into the gap 110 defined by the inner ends 80, 86 of the spiral blades 76, 82, and the shaft 74 of the auger 72. As can be seen, the angle 106 that the blade makes with respect to the shaft 74 is greater than the pitch 108 of the spiral blade 76.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6B, the auger 72 has been rotated so that the blade 104 that is adjacent the inner end 80 of the auger blade 44 can be seen. Here, the charge of snow “S” has been modified by the blade as depicted in FIG. 6A, so that the remaining snow does not break-off in large clumps that may clog the apparatus. As with the aforementioned blade, the blade 104 adjacent the inner end 80 of the spiral blade 76 has an angle 106 with respect to the shaft that is greater than the pitch 108 of the spiral blade.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 7A, and 7B, a preferred embodiment of an end plate will now be discussed. As described above, the first chamber 24 of the housing 22 includes a pair of end plates 44, 46. Since the end places essentially mirror each other, only one end plate need be discussed in great detail. As depicted, end plate 46 comprises a main body 58 and has an inner surface 60 and an outer surface 62. The end plate 46 also includes a leading or forward edge 54, which is connected to the end plate 46 via a transition member 64. As can be seen in FIG. 7B, the transition member 64 is angled with respect to the end plate 46 such that it offsets the leading edge 54 slightly beyond the body 58 of the end plate 46. As will be appreciated, the transition member 64 acts as a wedge when encountering a mass of snow, allowing it to split sections from larger masses. The transition member 64 also serves to direct the newly separated sections toward the interior of the first chamber 24. Preferably, the transition member 64 positions the leading edge 54 so that it is more or less parallel with the body 58 of the end plate 46. This may be achieved by forming the transition member 64 using parallel bend lines at predetermined angles 66, 68. For example, a first bend line could be around 5 to 80 degrees in a negative direction, and the second bend line could be around 5 to 80 degrees in the positive direction. Preferably, the predetermined angles 66, 68 are around 20 degrees.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 8, a modification of the snow removal apparatus 20 includes an auger assembly that has motive sources 112 located at the outer ends thereof.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, note that the movable components such as the auger, the impeller, the chute, the motive sources, etc., have been omitted to provide a better understanding of the invention. As can be seen, the transition 136 between the second chamber 26 and the chute 28 provides a minimum number of shelves or ledges 144 therebetween. This feature reduces the number of sites where of ice and snow may build-up and subsequently fall back into the chute, thus reducing obstructions and down time. Next, a collar 138 with a flange 140 extends thereabove. The flange 140 supports a layer of non-metallic material that serves to isolate the chute from the second chamber, and prevents the chute from binding or freezing up with the housing during adverse operating conditions. Preferably, the non-metallic material is a high molecular weight polyethylene formed into a ring 142, although other material may be used.

[0052] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. A housing for a snow removal apparatus, the housing comprising: a rear wall, a first end plate; and, a second end plate, with the rear wall and the first and second end plates forming an a chamber for receiving snow; wherein the housing is arranged and configured to assist in the process of snow removal by fracturing sections of snow from a larger, stationary mass of snow and directing the fractured sections towards the interior of the chamber as the housing is advanced into the stationary mass of snow.

2. The housing of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second end plates further comprises a leading edge, wherein the leading edge is laterally offset in relation to the end plate.

3. The housing of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second end plates further comprises a transition member, wherein the transition member is angled in relation to the end plate.

4. The housing of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second end plates further comprises a transition member and a leading edge, with the transition member connecting the leading edge to the end plate in an offset relation.

5. An auger assembly for use in a snow removal apparatus, the auger assembly comprising: an auger comprising a blade operatively connected to a rotatable shaft, the blade having an outer end and an inner end; and, a paddle having a blade, with the paddle operatively connected to the rotatable shaft of the auger so that the blade extends outwardly therefrom in a radial direction, and with the paddle positioned adjacent the inner end of the auger blade; wherein the blade of the paddle is configured to engage and divert a portion of the flow of snow, which passes out from the inner end of the auger blade when the auger assembly is rotated.

6. The auger assembly of claim 5, wherein the blade of the paddle is angled with respect to the blade of the auger.

7. The auger assembly of claim 5, wherein the blade of auger and the blade of the paddle have substantially the same radial extents.

8. The auger assembly of claim 5, wherein the blade of the auger is radially spaced from the auger shaft.

9. The auger assembly of claim 5, wherein the paddle comprises a second blade, with the second blade extending outwardly from the shaft of the auger in a radial direction; wherein the second blade of the paddle is configured to engage and divert a portion of the flow of snow, which passes out from the inner end of the auger blade when the auger assembly is rotated.

10. The auger assembly of claim 9, wherein the second blade of the paddle is angled with respect to the blade of the auger.

11. An impeller for use in a snow removal apparatus, the impeller comprising: a shaft; and, a blade, with the blade operatively connected to and extending outwardly from the shaft, and with the blade in substantial alignment with the shaft; with the blade comprising a body having a working surface and a trailing surface, and a first sidewall, the first sidewall extending from the working surface; wherein the first sidewall of the impeller blade is configured to engage and separate a portion of snow from a larger mass of snow as the impeller is rotated about its shaft.

12. The impeller of claim 11, wherein the blade further comprises a second sidewall, the second sidewall extending from the working surface; wherein the second sidewall of the impeller blade is configured to engage and separate a portion of snow from a larger mass of snow as the impeller is rotated about its shaft.

13. The impeller of claim 12, wherein the first and second sidewalls are in substantial alignment with each other.

14. The impeller of claim 12, wherein the first and second sidewalls are substantially perpendicular to the working surface of the blade.

15. The impeller of claim 12, further comprising a second blade, a blade, with the second blade operatively connected to and extending outwardly from the shaft, and with the second blade in substantial alignment with the shaft; with the second blade comprising a body having a working surface and a trailing surface, and a first sidewall, the first sidewall extending from the working surface; wherein the first sidewall of the second impeller blade is configured to engage and separate a portion of snow from a larger mass of snow as the impeller is rotated about its shaft.