Load sensitive snow barrier device

Abstract

A snow-retaining device comprises a detachable upper member attached to a base anchor. The base anchor is adapted to be coupled to a roof. The upper member prevents snow from sliding off the roof during regular snow conditions. In order to prevent catastrophic damage to the roof, if a snow load on the roof exceeds a maximum threshold, the upper member detaches from the base anchor to allow some or all of the snow to slide off the roof. The device optionally integrates a snow melting device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 148,903 filed on Jan. 30, 2009 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to snow barriers or guards that are coupled to a roof to inhibit the sliding of accumulated snow from the roof up to a pre-determined load, thereby preventing damage to the roof due to excessive accumulation of snow.BACKGROUND

[0003] It is well known in the art to apply brackets, stops, or fences to a roof in order to prevent snow that has accumulated upon the roof from sliding from the roof. These devices help to keep snow from damaging eavestroughs, landscaping on the ground below, etc., or falling dangerously onto pedestrians or vehicles. Nonetheless, the devices serve to maintain snow loads on the roof itself, thereby contributing to the roof caving in or causing undue stress to the roof when the snow ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0027]General features of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). The base anchor (10), which may be made of a polycarbonate material, is attached to a roof using bolts or screws that are inserted through holes (20) and (25). Base anchor (10) optionally includes a base surface (45) that serves as a waterproof seal. The upper member (30) is removably attached to the base anchor (10) at an attachment assembly junction (35). The upper member (30) may also be made of polycarbonate material.

[0028]As illustrated, upper member (30) preferably has a generally flat face (32), that may be of any shape. The illustrated shape is generally octagonal. Other contemplated geometrical shapes for the flat face (32) of upper member (30) are depicted in FIG. 8. Further shapes for the flat face (32) of upper member (30) are contemplated (not shown), and include shapes with or without holes, screens and other barrier shapes. Such shapes may also be of recognizable silhouettes including an...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 148,903 filed on Jan. 30, 2009 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to snow barriers or guards that are coupled to a roof to inhibit the sliding of accumulated snow from the roof up to a pre-determined load, thereby preventing damage to the roof due to excessive accumulation of snow.BACKGROUND

[0003] It is well known in the art to apply brackets, stops, or fences to a roof in order to prevent snow that has accumulated upon the roof from sliding from the roof. These devices help to keep snow from damaging eavestroughs, landscaping on the ground below, etc., or falling dangerously onto pedestrians or vehicles. Nonetheless, the devices serve to maintain snow loads on the roof itself, thereby contributing to the roof caving in or causing undue stress to the roof when the snow ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0027]General features of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). The base anchor (10), which may be made of a polycarbonate material, is attached to a roof using bolts or screws that are inserted through holes (20) and (25). Base anchor (10) optionally includes a base surface (45) that serves as a waterproof seal. The upper member (30) is removably attached to the base anchor (10) at an attachment assembly junction (35). The upper member (30) may also be made of polycarbonate material.

[0028]As illustrated, upper member (30) preferably has a generally flat face (32), that may be of any shape. The illustrated shape is generally octagonal. Other contemplated geometrical shapes for the flat face (32) of upper member (30) are depicted in FIG. 8. Further shapes for the flat face (32) of upper member (30) are contemplated (not shown), and include shapes with or without holes, screens and other barrier shapes. Such shapes may also be of recognizable silhouettes including an...

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