Snow guard apparatus and method

Abstract

A snow guard for a raised portion on a building metal roof surface, having a unitary transparent mounting body is formed from a polycarbonate material. A transparent acrylic snow-holding bar fits into the transparent mounting body. An ice-holding bar also is provided and is formed from clear acrylic. In one aspect, the mounting body includes vertical structural stiffeners 30 by walls 42 of bar supporting central columns 32 and by outside surface 38 of wall 24 and horizontal stiffeners 27 extending downwardly under top 26 and which are integral part of the mounting body and of walls 24 providing a rigid, strong connection of the two structural support sides 28, top portion 26 and horizontal stiffeners 27 and structural support sides 28 all molded in one piece, made of ultraviolet proof, high impact, high izod polycarbonate plastic. In one aspect, the mounting body include bar insertion cavities 46 and stops 52 to prevent snow-holding bar 8 from sliding through its insertion cavities.

Description

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of prior, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 219,220, filed Aug. 15, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,466.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The present invention relates to snow guard apparatus and method for providing protection from snow and ice falling from a roof. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a snow guard apparatus and method for installation and attachment of a snow guard to a standing seam metal roof. [0004] 2. Background [0005] In northern climates, a snow retention snow guard on a building roof is needed which controls, inhibits, and impedes the movement of snow or ice or combination of snow and ice down the pitch of the roof. [0006] Sliding snow or ice or a combination of snow and ice from roofs can be hazardous to people, the surrounding landscape, property, and building components. Snow or ice sliding from a roof above an entryway may injure passers-by. Similarly, fall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027] It is an object of the present invention to provide an on-the-roof ice and snow-holding apparatus that is easily installed, not requiring special skills for its installation and which is easily relocatable.

[0028] It is another object of the present invention to provide an on-the-roof ice and snow holding apparatus that will not puncture or brake, or tear up the seams it is installed upon.

[0031] It is another object of the present invention to provide and on-the-roof ice and snow holding apparatus that is aesthetically pleasing and which can be made to match various roof colors when required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0032] A snow guard for a raised portion on a building surface, having a unitary transparent mounting body is formed from a polycarbonate material. A transparent acrylic snow-holding bar fits into the transparent mounting body. An ice-holding bar also is provided and is formed from clear acrylic. In one aspect, the mounting body includes vertical structural stiffeners 30 by walls 42 of bar supporting central columns 32 and by outside surface 38 of wall 24 and horizontal stiffeners 27 extending downwardly under top 26 and which are integral part of the mounting body and of walls 24 providing a rigid, strong connection of the two structural support sides 28, top portion 26 and horizontal stiffeners 27 and structural support sides 28 all molded in one piece, made of ultraviolet proof, high impact, high izod polycarbonate plastic. In one aspect, the mounting body include bar insertion cavities 46 and stops 52 to prevent snow-holding bar 8 from sliding through its insertion cavities.

Problems solved by technology

While prior snow guard mechanisms are useful for an intended purpose, no mechanism is available which is aesthetically attractive when installed to prevent masses of snow from falling from a metal roof with standing seams.

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