Method and apparatus for preventing a build up of snow or dust

• US 9,834,180 B2
• Filed: 07/30/2013
• Issued: 12/05/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Craig Mcconnell
• Original Assignee: Craig Mcconnell
• Inventors: McConnell, Craig
• Primary Examiner(s): Markoff, Alexander
• Application Number:
  US13/954,172
• Publication Number:
  US 20130313334A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,589 Days
• Field of Search: 134 34, 134 37, 134123, 153001, 15301, 15313, 153161, 15322
• 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. 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 that are open directly to atmosphere and a deflector positioned around a periphery of the vehicle tail light;

preventing snow or dust from landing on the tail light by creating an air curtain that covers the vehicle tail light, the air curtain being created by directing a stream of air from each of the plurality of air nozzles such that the deflector deflects the streams of air to direct deflected streams of air across the vehicle tail light and toward the center of the vehicle tail light such that the deflected streams of air from the air nozzles converge and interfere to form the air curtain, and

using the air nozzles to direct the stream of air away from the tail light prior to being deflected by the deflector, and the deflector being separated and distinct from the air nozzles.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a deflector comprises providing a transparent deflector in order to prevent the deflector from obscuring visibility of the light.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing the plurality of air nozzles comprises providing a plurality of duck bill nozzles.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing the deflector with drainage holes to facilitate draining liquid away from the tail light.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a dedicated air source that provides air solely to the air nozzles.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of powering the dedicated air source using a battery.

7. 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 that are open directly to atmosphere and a deflector positioned around a periphery of the vehicle tail light;

connecting the air nozzles exclusively to an air source so only air is supplied to the air nozzles;

preventing snow or dust from landing on the tail light by creating an air curtain that covers the vehicle tail light, the air curtain being created by directing a stream of air from each of the plurality of air nozzles such that the deflector deflects the streams of air from each air nozzle to direct deflected streams of air in a direction that crosses the vehicle tail light and is toward the center of the vehicle tail light such that the deflected streams of air from the air nozzles intersect and interfere to form the air curtain, and

using the air nozzles to direct the stream of air away from the tail light prior to being deflected by the deflector, and the deflector being separated and distinct from the air nozzles.