Carrying apparatus for roofing applications

Abstract

The present invention relates to a carrying apparatus designed for roofing applications, featuring a container with a planar base and multiple sidewalls defining a cavity for carrying materials, particularly roof nails. A friction-based material, such as polyurethane open-cell foam, is removably attached to the lower surface of the container to ensure stable, removable adhesion to sloped roof surfaces. The foam condenses under pressure, providing stability. The apparatus includes multiple attachment points, such as pins and pin holes, for secure and easy replacement of the friction material. The container can be fitted with a cover to protect contents from weather and prevent spillage. Additionally, the sidewalls are collapsible for convenient storage. The container is typically shaped as a rectangular prism, cuboid, or parallelepiped, and includes evacuation holes for water drainage. This innovative design enhances safety, durability, and efficiency of roofing operations by preventing sliding and allowing easy refilling of materials.

Description

CARRYING APPARATUS FOR ROOFING APPLICATIONSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to carrying apparatuses, and in particular to a roof nail carrying apparatus having a functional design for facilitating ease of access and use of roof nails in roofing applications. This invention aims to make roofing jobs more efficient, saving time, and reducing waste.BACKGROUND

[0002] Carrying apparatuses for roofing nails, typically involving flimsy cardboard boxes, presents several significant disadvantages. Traditional cardboard packaging is prone to damage when exposed to the harsh conditions of a roofing environment, such as rain, wind, and the physical stresses of being moved across rough surfaces. This lack of durability leads to frequent breakages, resulting in lost or scattered nails, thereby increasing waste and reducing efficiency. Additionally, these conventional boxes offer no mechanism to secure them on sloped surfaces, making them prone to sliding. This instability poses a safety hazard to roof installers and increases the risk of nail spillage, further complicating the roofing process.

[0003] While employing a carrying apparatus with a lower surface composed of or coated with a material that promotes friction can enhance stability on a sloped roof, this feature has notable disadvantages. Firstly, the friction-based material may wear out quickly due to the constant pressure and abrasive contact with the roof surface, necessitating frequent replacements and increasing maintenance costs. Additionally, if the friction material becomes dirty or wet, its effectiveness may be significantly reduced, compromising the stability and safety of the apparatus. This could lead to accidental slips or falls, posing a risk to workers and potentially causing damage to the materials inside the container. Furthermore, a permanent friction-based coating could limit the versatility of the apparatus, making it less suitable for use on different types of surfaces or in varying weather conditions.

[0004] Given these challenges, there is a clear need for a stable, durable, and user-friendly solution for carrying and using roof nails on sloped surfaces.SUMMARY OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a carrying apparatus optimized for use on sloped roof surfaces. In one embodiment, the apparatus features a container with a planar base, a plurality of sidewalls forming a cavity, and a lower surface opposite the base. A key aspect of the design is the inclusion of a friction-based material, such as polyurethane open-cell foam, which is removably attached to the lower surface. This foam is designed to condense under pressure, stabilizing the container on sloped roofs. The foam typically has a thickness of about ’A inch and a density range of 1.25 - 2 lbs / pi3.

[0006] In one embodiment, the apparatus is equipped with multiple attachment points on the container's lower surface for securing the friction-based material, facilitating easy replacement. These points include a series of pins and corresponding pin holes, configured for a pressure-fit, male-female attachment, or thread-based fitting. In one embodiment, the pins have a diameter of about 1 inch and a height of about 0.582 inches and are designed so that they do not contact the roof surface, ensuring the foam remains in contact with the roof. The foam extends approximately 14 inch below the surface of the pins when installed.

[0007] Additional features of the apparatus include a cover to protect materials inside the container from weather elements and to prevent spillage, collapsible sidewalls for easy storage, and at least one evacuation hole to facilitate water drainage. The container itself is shaped as a three- dimensional orthotope, such as a rectangular prism or cuboid. A handle assembly with a set of handles and a belt is provided for easy carrying. The design ensures that the foam material covers all or substantially all of the container's lower surface, enhancing stability on sloped surfaces.

[0008] A method of using the carrying apparatus, which involves attaching the foam to the container's lower surface, filling the container with materials, transporting it along the roof surface during installation, and replacing the foam when necessary. The method includes securing the foam using pins, covering the container to protect its contents, and folding the sidewalls forcompact storage.

[0009] The carrying apparatus of the present disclosure offers a multitude of advantages that significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of roofing projects. By protecting nail spools from damage typically caused by flimsy cardboard packaging, it reduces waste and saves money on replacements. The carrying apparatus also lightens the load for roofers by eliminating the need to carry heavy spools in tool pouches, thereby reducing physical strain and fatigue, which contributes to a safer working environment. The design of the carrying apparatus ensures easy access to nails, preventing the need for repeated trips up and down the roof, saving valuable time and energy. The organized storage system keeps nails from getting tangled or falling off the roof, while the nonslip foam base ensures the caddy stays securely in place, preventing spills and accidents on the job. Overall, the carrying apparatus streamlines the process of storing, transporting, and accessing roofing nails, making roofing projects faster and more efficient.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Accordingly:

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a carrying apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a backside view of the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts the friction-based material attached to the lower surface of the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a sectional view of the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 loaded with roof nail spools with the cover according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 placed on the sloped roof surface according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIGS. 7A-B illustrate a method of using a carrying apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0021] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity,this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion.

[0022] Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. A carrying apparatus is discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a carrying apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention. The carrying apparatus 100 includes a container that consists of a planar base 102 and a plurality of sidewalls 104A-N defining a cavity and a lower surface 106 (Not shown in FIG. l) opposite to the planar base 102. The plurality of sidewalls 104A-N are collapsible to permit the apparatus 100 to be folded when not in use. The plurality of sidewalls 104A-N may be collapsed in various configurations. A friction-based material 108 (Not shown in FIG.l) is removably attached to the lower surface 106 of the container to promote removable adhesion to a sloped roof surface. The friction-based material 108 is made of soft and non-slip material configured to condense under pressure to stabilize the container on the roof surface. The friction-based material 108 may be a polyurethane open-cell foam. The foam may have a thickness of about ’A inch and a density range of 1.25 - 2 lbs / pi3.

[0024] The apparatus 100 includes a plurality of attachment points 110A-G (Not shown in FIG.1) on the lower surface 106 of the container for securing the friction-based material 108. The attachment points 110A-G facilitate easy replacement of the friction-based material 108. The friction-based material 108 covers all or substantially all of the lower surface 106 of the container. The attachment points 110A-G include a plurality of pins 112A-G (Not shown in FIG. l) and corresponding pin holes 114A-G (Not shown in FIG.1). The plurality of pins 112A-G are received within the pin holes 114A-G through a pressure-fit configuration, a male attachment or anchoringwithin a female housing, or a thread-based fitting arrangement.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plurality of pins 112A-G measure 1 inch in diameter and 0.582 inches in height and are designed to avoid contact with the roof surface. This is achieved by precisely sizing the plurality of pins 112A-G and pin heads so that when the plurality of pins 112A- G are inserted into their respective pin holes 114A-G, only a minimal amount of the friction-based material 108 surrounding the pin head compresses. As a result, significant portions of the friction- based material 108 surrounding the pin heads remain uncompressed or only moderately compressed. This design ensures that the pin heads are recessed within the friction-based material 108, and the outer surfaces of the friction-based material 108, rather than the pins themselves, maintain contact with the roof surface when the friction-based material 108 is installed on the lower surface 106 of the apparatus 100. In one example embodiment, the ’A-inch thick foam protrudes approximately 14 inch below the surface of the pins 112A-G after installation. The lower surface 106 of the container includes seven strategically positioned pin holes 114A-G with three pin holes positioned along each long side and a single pinhole centrally positioned on the lower surface 106. The pin configuration results in an efficient design for promoting securement of the the friction-based material 108 across the planar lower surface 106, while also facilitating easy replacement of worn friction-based material 108 from the lower surface 106.

[0026] The apparatus 100 includes a cover 116 (Not shown in FIG. l) for protecting materials inside the container from weather elements and preventing the materials from falling out. The lower surface 106 of the apparatus 100 has a planar or substantially planar shape, and defines a substantial surface area for receiving the materials to promote friction between the apparatus 100 and the roof. The materials may include roof nail spools. The container includes a three- dimensional orthotope shape, such as a rectangular prism, rectangular cuboid, or rectangular parallelepiped. The overall shape of the apparatus 100 may be defined by the shape and dimensions of the plurality of sidewalls 104A-N. The apparatus 100 may include at least one evacuation hole positioned on at least one sidewall or on the planar base 102 of the container to facilitate the evacuation of water from the container. The apparatus 100 includes a handle assembly 118 with a set of handles 120A-B and a belt 122 to facilitate carrying of the apparatus 100.

[0027] The friction-based material 108 attached to the lower surface 106 of the apparatus 100supports a significant amount of weight from the apparatus 100 and the roof nails it contains. Considering the apparatus 100 is used in roof installation applications where it must be repeatedly refilled with nails and moved along the roof as installation progresses, the friction-based material 108 is prone to breakdown over time. Once sufficiently worn down, the friction-based material 108 will no longer provide safe and effective adhesion to the roof surface. Therefore, the carrying apparatus 100 is designed to both securely attach the friction-based material 108 to its lower surface and allow for easy replacement of the worn friction-based material 108. In one embodiment, the foam measures i inch thick, 10.875 inches long, and 17.75 inches wide, dimensions that match or are similar to the lower surface 106 of the carrying apparatus 100.

[0028] FIG. 2 depicts a backside view of the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The back-side view 200 includes the planar base 102, the plurality of sidewalls 104A-N, the lower surface 106, and the attachment points 110A-G.

[0029] FIG. 3 depicts the friction-based material attached to the lower surface of the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The friction-based material 108 protrudes about % inch below the surface of the plurality of pins 112A-G when installed.

[0030] FIG. 4 depicts a sectional view of the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 according to various embodiments of the present invention. The sectional view 400 shows the plurality of sidewalls 104A-N in a folded configuration. The sectional view 400 shows three attachment points 110A-C on the lower surface 106 and the handle assembly 118. The attachment points 110A-C including the pins 112A-C and corresponding pin holes 114A-C. The pins 112A-C are received within the pin holes 114A-C.

[0031] FIG. 5 depicts the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 loaded with roof nail spools and with the cover according to various embodiments of the present invention. The cover 116 protects the roof nail spools 502 from weather elements and prevents the roof nail spools 502 from falling out.

[0032] FIG. 6 depicts the carrying apparatus of FIG.1 placed on the sloped roof surface according to various embodiments of the present invention. A roofer 602 places the carrying apparatus 100 appropriately on the sloped roof surface 604 to perform roofing.

[0033] FIGS. 7A-B illustrate a method of using a carrying apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention. At 702, providing a container comprising (i) a planar base and a plurality of sidewalls defining a cavity, and (ii) a lower surface opposite the planar base. At 704, removably attaching a friction-based material to the lower surface of the container to promote removable adhesion to a sloped roof surface. At 706, filling the container with materials, the friction-based material condenses under the weight of the materials to stabilize the container on the roof surface. At 708, transporting the container along the roof surface as needed during the roof installation, and replacing the friction-based material when worn.

[0034] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and / or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments, and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A carrying apparatus comprising: a container comprising (i) a planar base and a plurality of sidewalls defining a cavity, (ii) a lower surface opposite the planar base; and a friction-based material removably attached to the lower surface of the container to promote removable adhesion to a sloped roof surface, wherein the friction-based material is configured to condense under pressure to stabilize the container on the roof surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the friction-based material is foam, wherein the foam is polyurethane open cell foam.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the foam has a thickness of about / i inch and a density range of 1.25 - 2 lbs / pi3.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a plurality of attachment points on the lower surface of the container for securing the friction-based material, wherein the attachment points facilitate easy replacement of the friction-based material.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the attachment points include a plurality of pins and corresponding pin holes, wherein the pins are received within the pin holes through a pressure-fit configuration, a male attachment or anchoring within a female housing, or a thread-based fitting arrangement.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pins comprise a diameter of about 1 inch and a height of about 0.582 inches.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pins and pin heads are configured such that the pins do not come into contact with the roof surface, and the friction-based material surrounding the pin heads remains in contact with the roof surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the friction-based material protrudes about 14 inch below the surface of the pins when installed.

9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the lower surface of the container includes seven strategically positioned pin holes, with three pin holes positioned along each long side and a single pinhole centrally positioned on the lower surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a cover for protecting materials inside the container from weather elements and preventing the materials from falling out, wherein the materials comprise roof nail spools.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sidewalls are collapsible to permit the apparatus to be folded when not in use.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container is of a three-dimensional orthotope shape, such as a rectangular prism, rectangular cuboid, or rectangular parallelepiped.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprises at least one evacuation hole positioned on at least one sidewall or on the planar base of the container to facilitate the evacuation of water from the container.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the friction-based material covers all or substantially all of the lower surface of the container.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises a set of handles and a belt configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus.

16. A carrying apparatus comprising: a container comprising (i) a planar base and a plurality of sidewalls defining a cavity for carrying materials, (ii) a lower surface opposite the base; and a friction-based material removably attached to the lower surface of the container to promote removable adhesion to a sloped roof surface, wherein the friction-basedmaterial is foam, wherein the foam is configured to condense under pressure to stabilize the container on the roof surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the foam is polyurethane open cell foam.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the foam has a thickness of about i inch and a density range of 1.25 - 2 lbs / pi3.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprises a plurality of attachment points on the lower surface of the container for securing the foam, wherein the attachment points facilitate easy replacement of the foam.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the attachment points include a plurality of pins and corresponding pin holes, wherein the pins are received within the pin holes through a pressure-fit configuration, a male attachment or anchoring within a female housing, or a thread -based fitting arrangement.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the pins comprise a diameter of about 1 inch and a height of about 0.582 inches.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the pins and pin heads are configured such that the pins do not come into contact with the roof surface, and the foam surrounding the pin heads remains in contact with the roof surface.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the foam protrudes about % inch below the surface of the pins when installed.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the lower surface of the container includes seven strategically positioned pin holes, with three pin holes positioned along each long side and a single pinhole centrally positioned on the lower surface.

25. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprises a cover for protecting the materials inside the container from weather elements and preventing the materials from falling out, wherein the materials comprise roof nail spools.

26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the sidewalls are collapsible to permit the apparatus to be folded when not in use.

27. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the container is of a three-dimensional orthotope shape, such as a rectangular prism, rectangular cuboid, or rectangular parallelepiped.

28. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprises at least one evacuation hole positioned on at least one sidewall or on the planar base of the container to facilitate the evacuation of water from the container.

29. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the foam material covers all or substantially all of the lower surface of the container.

30. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus comprises a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises a set of handles and a belt configured to facilitate carrying of the apparatus.

31. A method of using a carrying apparatus, comprising: providing a container comprising (i) a planar base and a plurality of sidewalls defining a cavity, and (ii) a lower surface opposite the planar base; removably attaching a foam material to the lower surface of the container to promote removable adhesion to a sloped roof surface; filling the container with materials, wherein the foam condenses under the weight of the materials to stabilize the container on the roof surface; and transporting the container along the roof surface as needed during the roof installation, and replacing the foam material when worn.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprises securing the foam material using a plurality of pins received within pin holes in the lower surface of the container.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the foam material is replaced by removing the worn foam material and attaching a new foam material to the lower surface using the plurality of pins.

34. The method of claim 31, further comprises covering the container with a cover to protect the materials inside from weather elements and to prevent them from falling out, wherein the materials comprise roof nail spools.

35. The method of claim 31, further comprises folding the sidewalls of the container to collapse it when not in use.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein the container has a three-dimensional orthotope shape, such as a rectangular prism, rectangular cuboid, or rectangular parallelepiped.

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