Modular Snow Retention System with Triangular Extrusion Tubes and Extender Joints

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to snow guard systems to prevent ice and snow from sliding off rooftops, enhancing safety. Particularly, the present invention is a modular triangular rail system comprising a triangular rail structure with stands, end caps, and extender joints, made from a proprietary material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice and snow sliding off roofs pose significant safety hazards, particularly in regions with heavy snowfall. Ice and snow can seriously damage property and injure people and plants below. To prevent ice and snow build-up, snow guards are commonly installed onto rooftops. These systems seek to mitigate avalanching.

Traditional snow guards may not be effective in preventing ice build-up and subsequent sliding. Different shapes, patterns, and materials used for snow guards affect the system's efficacy of preventing avalanching. Metal snow guards can corrode over time and can encounter long-term issues of instability, rusting, and bending. In some cases, existing snow guard designs may focus the weight of snow and ice into too few areas that can jeopardize the integrity of the snow guard and the rooftop itself. Some snow guards are not designed to accommodate the size and weight requirements of different rooftops.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a novel design that enhances the retention of ice and snow on the roof, enhancing safety by preventing ice and snow from sliding off rooftops. The present invention provides a modular design that allows users to extend the present invention to accommodate different sizes of rooftops depending on the needs of the user. The present invention is a non-corrosive, lightweight, and strong system that provides users with reliable longevity. The present invention is made of a proprietary blend of materials that offer superior mechanical stability, flexibility, and resilience against harsh environmental conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a modular triangular rail system comprising a triangular rail structure with stands, end caps, and extender joints, made from a proprietary material. The present invention allows for adjustable configurations to fit various roof sizes and snow load requirements, effectively preventing snow and ice from sliding off rooftops. Said triangular rail structure comprises rods positioned 2 inches above a rooftop surface, supported by stands. Said extender joints allow said rods to be extended across the roof span. Said stands hold up to three triangular rods, which can be spaced evenly at 3, 4, or 6 inches apart. The front of each stand features a 2-inch high barrier to prevent ice build-up and sliding. Said barriers allow said stands to combine snow and ice blockage into one component without requiring additional accessories. Said end caps act as a stopper for each said triangular rod, preventing said triangular rod from sliding through the triangular holes in said stand. Said end caps prevent debris entry into said triangular rods. The base of said stand comprises an embedded triangle pattern to enhance adhesion when glued to the metal roof. Said proprietary material, known as TitanCore, provides superior strength, exceptional load-bearing capacity, and resilience, bending under extreme weight but returning to their original shape after the snow melts, unlike metal or aluminum tubes that remain deformed. Said proprietary material is rigorously tested in extreme temperatures, ranging from −40° C. to +50° C., showing no changes in strength or performance. Said proprietary material can withstand up to 14,000 Newtons of force before failure, demonstrating its exceptional durability under high stress and varying environmental conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front top right perspective view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front bottom right perspective view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear top left perspective view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear bottom left perspective view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a right elevational view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a left elevational view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a stand of a one-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a one-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a stand of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a two-rail embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a triangular rod of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an extender joint of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an end cap of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim limitation found herein and/or issuing here from that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims found herein and/or issuing here from. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header. All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of the disclosed use cases, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

In this description, a “triangular” rail or bore comprises a cross-section with three principal lobes or sides and three apices. Sides may be linear or arcuate apices may be rounded.

In this description, “substantially triangular” encompasses any profile inscribed between a circumscribed circle of radius Rc and an inscribed circle of radius Ri where Ri/Rc 0.60 and the profile exhibits three local maxima in radial distance about the axis.

In this description, corner radius limits include each apex radius 0.35Rc and a side bow maximum mid-side offset from a straight chord 0.20Rc.

In this description, land contact with each bore land contacts a corresponding rail side or rod side along a longitudinal line or narrow band to generate anti-rotation resistance.

As shown in FIG. 1-17, the present invention is a modular triangular rail system comprising a triangular rail structure 100 with stands 101, end caps 104, and extender joints 105, made from a proprietary material. The present invention allows for adjustable configurations to fit various roof sizes and snow load requirements, effectively preventing snow and ice from sliding off rooftops.

Said triangular rail structure 100 comprises rods 103 positioned 2 inches above a rooftop surface, supported by stands 101. Each of said triangular rods 103, shown in FIG. 15, is designed to interlock with said extender joints 105, allowing for adjustable lengths to cover the roof span. The innovative triangle rail design shown in FIG. 1-17 is unique to the present invention, providing structural stability and efficient snow and ice management. Said triangular rods 103 can be connected to any length using PA66 extenders, offering flexibility in installation and adaptability to various roof sizes. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said rods 103 have a triangular or substantially triangular cross-section defined by three primary vertices and three sides. In an embodiment, said triangular cross-section is equilateral with included angles of 58-62°. In an embodiment, said triangular cross-section is isosceles with one vertex angle of 40-80° and two equal angles.

In various embodiments of the present invention, said stands 101 allow for a modular design to hold a plurality of said triangular rods 103. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in one embodiment, said stands 101 are designed to hold a single triangular rod 103. As shown in FIGS. 1-10, 13, and 14, in another embodiment, said stands 101 are designed to hold two triangular rods 103, spaced 3, 4, or 6 inches apart. In another embodiment, said stands 101 are designed to hold three triangular rods 103, spaced 3, 4, or 6 inches apart. Said stands 101 can be glued or screwed down to the roof surface. The base of said stand 101 includes an embedded triangle pattern to enhance adhesion when said stand 101 is glued to a roof. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further comprises a barrier 102 integrated into the front of each said stand 101 to prevent ice build-up and sliding off a roof. Said barrier 102 can be 1.5 inch or 2 inch high depending on the needs of the user. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each stand 101 has a complementary through-bore with three longitudinal lands configured to engage the three sides of said rod 103 in line to surface contact. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said stands 101 further comprise longitudinal micro-serrations or texture and complementary micro-serrations to increase frictional roll resistance.

Said end caps 104, shown in FIG. 17, are attached to the ends of said triangular rods 103 to provide a finished look and prevent debris from entering the rods 103. Said end caps 104 are slightly larger than said triangular rods 103 and act as a stopper to prevent said triangular rod 103 from sliding through the triangular holes in said stand 101. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said end caps 104 are sized to block axial migration of said at least one rod 103 relative to said stands 101.

Said extender joints 105, shown in FIG. 16, allow for said triangular rods 103 to be extended and joined together, ensuring continuous coverage of the present invention across the roof span. Said extender joints 103 provide a pressure fit connection between the triangular rods 103. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said extender joints further comprise a matching triangular or substantially triangular outer cross section that interference fits within adjacent rod cavities with an overlap of 0.05 to 0.50 mm.

To install the present invention, said stands 101 are affixed to a roof surface at regular intervals using glue or screws. Said triangular rods 103 are inserted into said stands 101 and secured using the extender joints 105 where necessary. Said end caps 104 are placed on the open ends of said triangular rods 103.

The present invention is designed to withstand significant weight and pressure from ice and snow, preventing it from sliding off the roof.

Additional features and benefits of the present invention include innovative material composition, longevity, performance, environmental advantages, and safety advantages. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is made of a proprietary material known as TitanCore. Said proprietary material, known as TitanCore, provides superior strength, exceptional load-bearing capacity, and resilience, bending under extreme weight but returning to their original shape after the snow melts, unlike metal or aluminum tubes that remain deformed. Said proprietary material is rigorously tested in extreme temperatures, ranging from −40° C. to +50° C., showing no changes in strength or performance. Said proprietary material can withstand up to 14,000 Newtons of force before failure, demonstrating its exceptional durability under high stress and varying environmental conditions. Said triangular rods 103 and said stands 101 are made of said proprietary material, providing UV protection, resistance to temperature fluctuations, and superior strength while maintaining performance under extreme conditions. Said proprietary material can be injected into any color, offering aesthetic versatility to match various roof designs and preferences. An injected plastic construction allows the present invention to be cost-effective. The design and material combination allow the present invention to withstand forces as strong as steel, ensuring reliable performance under heavy snow and ice loads. The present invention is designed to hold substantial snow and ice loads without deformation, equivalent to the strength of steel, ensuring reliable performance throughout its lifespan. The lightweight design reduces the overall load on the roof structure, and the integrated ice prevention barrier enhances safety for pedestrians and property around the building.

Unlike conventional snow retention systems that typically use round or rectangular rails, the triangular shape of the present invention provides superior mechanical stability and resistance to bending under heavy snow loads. The present invention's unique triangle rail system evenly distributes the snow load across multiple points, reducing the risk of damage to the roof structure. The triangle rail design is not found in traditional snow guards, which often focus the load on fewer points. The ability to connect triangle rails using extenders allows for custom lengths tailored to specific roof dimensions. Existing systems do not offer this level of modularity and adaptability. Utilizing an optimized injection molding process, the present invention achieves high precision and consistent quality, ensuring reliable performance, a significant improvement over some traditional methods that can result in inconsistent quality and performance. Said barrier 102 in the base of said stand 101 effectively prevents ice buildup and sliding. This added functionality provides an extra layer of safety, which is not commonly found in existing metal snow guards. Said stand's 101 capacity to hold up to three triangle rails 103, with adjustable spacing, allows for customization based on the specific snow load requirements and roof design. This versatility is a distinct advantage over fixed-design snow guards. Incorporation of UV stabilizers ensures that the snow guard maintains its integrity and color over a prolonged period, unlike metal snow guards that can degrade or corrode over time.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.