METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING A BUILD UP OF SNOW OR DUST

• US 20130313334A1
• Filed: 07/30/2013
• Published: 11/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Craig Mcconnell
• Original Assignee: Craig Mcconnell
• Inventors: McCONNELL, Craig
• Granted Patent: US 9,834,180 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 239/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/54 using gas, e.g. hot air
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/60 for signalling devices, e.g. reflectors

Abstract

An apparatus for preventing a build up of snow or dust. The apparatus includes a plurality of air nozzles positioned around a periphery of a target area to be kept clear of snow or dust. Each of the nozzles directs a stream of air away from the target area. A deflector is positioned around a periphery of the target area. The deflector deflects the stream of air from each nozzle across the target area, wherein an air curtain is formed preventing snow or dust from landing on the target area.

Claims

1-8. -8. (canceled)

9. A method for preventing a build up of snow or dust on a cover for a vehicle tail light, comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of air nozzles positioned around a periphery of the vehicle taillight, and a deflector positioned around a periphery of a target area;

while operating the vehicle, continuously directing a stream of air from each of the plurality of air nozzles such that the deflector deflects the stream of air toward the center of the vehicle tail light such that the deflected streams of air interfere with stream of air from the other air nozzles to form an air curtain that prevents snow and dust from landing on the target area.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of using the air nozzles to direct the stream of air away from the target area prior to being deflected by the deflector.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of forming the target area as a cover for a light source.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of forming the deflector to be transparent in order to prevent the deflector from obscuring visibility of the light.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of forming each of the air nozzles as duck bill nozzles.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing the deflector with drainage holes to facilitate drain of liquid away from the target area.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of arranging the stream of air to be a dedicated air source that provides air solely to the air nozzles.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of using a battery as a power source for the stream of air.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of using the battery to provide power solely to the stream of air.