Roof snow stop

Abstract

The Invention is a device for preventing snow and ice from sliding off an inclined roof Essentially, it is an L-shaped bracket, the long axis of which is installed parallel to the inclined surface of a slanted roof. The shape and surface features of the device are adapted to retain snow, and ice formed when snow melts and refreezes.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of Invention [0002] The field of the Invention is a group of devices of widely varying shape, or complexity or cost etc. designed to prevent snow and ice from sliding off an inclined roof in snowy climates. [0003] 2. Description of Prior Art [0004] There are a number of devices covered by design patents, which cover only the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of the device, which devices are intended to prevent snow and ice from sliding off an inclined roof Representative of such patents are U.S. design Pat. No. 351,989, Nov. 1, 1994 to R. M. Cline; U.S. design Pat. No. 364,338, Nov. 21, 1995 to R. M. Cline; and U.S. design Pat. No. 372,421, Aug. 6, 1996 to R. M. Cline. These design patents by definition do not cover any function or structure of the device, but only their ornamental appearance. These devices appear to have shapes which would not be very effective in retaining snow and ice on a roof or which would be difficult to install on the roof, or would n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The Invention of the Application is a simple generally L-shaped device of varying lengths which attaches to an inclined roof surface in order to prevent snow and ice from falling off the roof and harming persons or property below

Problems solved by technology

These devices appear to have shapes which would not be very effective in retaining snow and ice on a roof or which would be difficult to install on the roof, or would not be structurally strong in terms of retaining significant amounts of ice and snow.

If left alone the snow loads on a roof will break loose and slide like an avalanche causing property damage and personal injury or death.

Snow and ice weighing thousands of pounds can drop from roofs onto walkways and building entrances thus giving rise to expensive liability.

Snow and ice can cause property damage when falling from one roof to another, thus breaking roofs, plywood, and rafters.

They can also knock decks away from building

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