Patent Application
20140115933
The disclosure generally relates to devices and methods to remove snow or ice from roofs. In particular, the disclosure relates to a snow rake used to clear snow or ice from roofs.
Ice dams can form on a roof of a house that has poor insulation. Heat travels through the roof and melts snow over the center of the house. The resulting water can then flow down the roof and eventually freeze near roof overhangs. The water freezes at these overhangs because overhangs are not typically exposed to heat in a poorly insulated house due to the lateral location of the overhangs relative to the house. This can cause an accumulation of ice near the roof overhang and gutter area. When snow accumulates near the center of the house and subsequently melts into water, the water may not be able to drain properly and can collect on the roof. This can ultimately lead to roof damage due to water leaks.
Snow rakes may be used to clear snow from roofs, typically by a person standing on the ground or on a ladder. The snow rake may consist of a rake head coupled to a pole and may be made of aluminum. While holding onto the pole, the person can drag the rake head down the roof to remove the snow.
In one or more embodiments, the snow rake system may include a rake head, a series of connected extension tubes that may be coupled to the rake head, an insulated heat resistant control handle that may be coupled to the series of connected extension tubes, a primary pressurized supply line that may be coupled to both the rake head and control handle, and a secondary pressurized supply line that may be coupled to the control handle and a fluid source. Both of the pressurized supply lines (primary and secondary) may carry either gas or liquid, such as air, water, or steam. In one or more embodiments, the supply line may carry air to remove snow from roofs or the supply line may carry steam to remove an ice dam from a roof. In one or more embodiments, the system may include the use of a yoke that may be coupled to the series of connected extension tubes and a second series of extension tubes. The yoke may act as a fulcrum for the system. This insulation (plastic, rubber, or otherwise) may be used to protect the operator from the heat of the metallic portions.
The operator may assemble the snow rake system before using it to remove snow from a roof. To assemble the snow rake system, the operator may obtain a plurality of extension tubes (depending on the height of the roof), may connect the plurality of extension tubes in series to achieve the desired length, may obtain a primary pressurized air supply line, may couple one end of the primary pressurized air supply line to the snow rake head, may couple the snow rake head to one end of the series of extension tubes, may couple the remaining end of the primary pressurized air supply line to a control handle, may couple the control handle to the remaining end of the series of extension tubes, may couple one end of a secondary pressurized air supply line to the control handle, and may couple the remaining end of the secondary pressurized air supply line to an air compressor.
The operator may use the snow rake system to clear snow from a roof. The operator may lift the snow rake head above the snow on the roof, may rest the rake head on the snow, may turn on the air compressor, may switch the on/off controller on the control handle to “on,” may wait for the air to loosen the snow, and may pull the snow rake head down the roof, towards the operator, to remove the snow from the roof. In one or more embodiments, a means for lifting the snow rake head above snow on the roof may include a yoke that can act as a fulcrum.
The operator may assemble the snow rake system before using it to remove an ice dam from a roof. To assemble the snow rake system, the operator may obtain a plurality of extension tubes (depending on the height of the roof), may couple the plurality of extension tubes in series to achieve the desired length, may obtain a primary pressurized steam supply line, may couple one end of the primary pressurized steam supply line to the snow rake head, may couple the snow rake head to one end of the series of extension tubes, may couple the remaining end of the primary pressurized steam supply line to a control handle, may couple the control handle to the remaining end of the series of extension tubes, may couple one end of a secondary pressurized steam supply line to the control handle, and may couple the remaining end of the secondary pressurized steam supply line to a steam generator.
The operator may use the snow rake system to clear an ice dam from a roof. The operator may position the snow rake head above the ice dam, may turn on the steam generator, may switch the on/off controller on the control handle to “on,” may wait for the steam to melt the ice, and may pull the snow rake head towards the edge of the roof, such as towards the operator. In one or more embodiments, a means for positioning the snow rake head above the ice dam may include a yoke that acts as a fulcrum.
These as well as other objects and advantages of this air or steam snow rake will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
Although the subject matter is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives.
Advantages and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are illustrated by the following examples, but the particular materials and amounts recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to limit this disclosure unduly. For example, with regard to materials, when the composition of a component is described as “metallic material,” the metallic material can include aluminum, steel, copper, stainless steel, etc.
To use the snow rake system to clear snow from a roof, the snow rake may first be assembled. An operator may assess the approximate height of the roof when assembling the appropriate number of extension tubes 104. The extension tubes 104 may be of the same or various lengths. An operator may approximate the length of the primary pressurized air supply line that is to run the length of the series of extension tubes and may obtain the appropriate length of primary pressurized supply line. The primary pressurized supply line is the line that runs from the control handle to the blade. The primary pressurized supply line can be a smaller diameter than a secondary pressurized supply line. The primary pressurized supply line can include the extension tubes 114 or consist of the extension tubes 114 and be extendable, such as shown in
After the snow rake is assembled, the primary operator may use the snow rake system 100 to remove snow from a roof. The primary operator may lift the snow rake head 102 above the snow on a roof, may then rest the snow rake head 102 on the top of the snow, may then turn on the air compressor, may then switch the on/off controller on the control handle 106 to “on,” may then wait for the air to loosen much of the snow, and may pull the snow rake head 102 down the roof, towards the operator, to remove the snow. This process may be repeated.
In one or more embodiments, the primary operator may use a second operator, a yoke 112, and a second series of extension tubes 114 to lift the snow rake head 102 above the snow. In the assembly instructions herein, before coupling the primary pressurized air supply line to the snow rake head 102 and mounting the snow rake head 102 to the extension tubes 104, the extension tubes 104 may be inserted into the yoke 112. The yoke 112 may then be coupled to the second series of extension tubes 114.
As the primary operator operates the snow rake, the second operator may grip the second series of extension tubes 114 and may lift the extension tubes 104 and snow rake head 102 vertically while walking the yoke 112 toward the control handle 106. The second operator and the primary operator may steer the snow rake head 102 to the location where the snow is to be removed and may lift the snow rake head 102 above the snow.
To use the snow rake system 100 to remove an ice dam from a roof, the snow rake may first be assembled. An operator may assess the approximate height of the roof and may assemble an appropriate number of extension tubes 104. The extension tubes 104 may be of the same length or various lengths. An operator may approximate the length of the primary pressurized steam supply line that runs the length of the series of extension tubes and may obtain the appropriate length of primary pressurized supply line. An operator may couple the primary pressurized steam supply line to the snow rake head 102 and may mount the snow rake head 102 to the extension tubes 104. An operator may couple the primary pressurized steam supply line to the control handle 106 and may mount the control handle 106 to the extension tubes 104. An operator may couple the secondary pressurized steam supply line 108 to the control handle 106 and steam generator 110.
To remove an ice dam, an operator may position the snow rake head 102 above the ice dam, turn on the steam generator, switch the on/off controller on the control handle 106 to “on,” wait for the steam to melt the ice, or may pull the snow rake head 102 towards the edge of the roof, such as towards the operator (not necessarily in that order). These techniques may be repeated.
In one or more embodiments, the primary operator may use a second operator, a yoke 112, and a second series of extension tubes 114 to position the snow rake head 102, such as above the ice dam. In the assembly instructions herein, before coupling the primary pressurized steam supply line to the snow rake head 102 and mounting the snow rake head 102 to the extension tubes 104, the extension tubes 104 may be inserted into the yoke 112. The yoke 112 may then be coupled to the second series of extension tubes 114.
As the primary operator operates the snow rake to remove an ice dam, the second operator may grip the second series of extension tubes 114 and may lift the extension tubes 104 and snow rake head 102 vertically while walking the yoke 112 toward the control handle 106. The second operator or the primary operator may steer the snow rake head 102 to the location at or near where the ice dam is to be removed and may position the snow rake head 102 above the ice dam.
The left flat angle long brace 210 may support the platform 202 to a rake head tubular connecting column 224 (
The air or steam pressure transport feed line 216 may carry air to allow the snow rake to be used to clear snow, or may carry steam to allow the snow rake to be used to clear ice dams from a roof. A purpose of the air is to at least partially lift the snow when raking. A purpose of the steam is to at least partially melt the ice dams. The air or steam snow rake head 102 can have several air or steam pressure transport feed lines 216. In one or more embodiments of the air or steam pressure transport feed line 216, the outer diameter may be about ⅜ inches (9.525 mm) and inner diameter may be a ¼ of an inch (6.35 mm). The air or steam pressure transport feed line 216 may include metallic material. The air or steam pressure transport feed line 216 may be subject to less pressure than the pressurized air or steam supply line 108 (
A nozzle 222 may be connected to each air or steam pressure transport feed line 216. In one or more embodiments, nozzle 222 may have an opening that can be of various sizes or diameters, such as a jet opening, of an appropriate size to create backpressure in the air or steam pressure transport feed line 216. The size of the opening may be adjusted. In one or more embodiments that utilize pressurized air, the paths of the jets may cross about 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) from the leading edge 220. In one or more embodiments that utilize steam, nozzle 222 may extend substantially down to the leading edge 220.
The flat angle short brace 212 may support the platform 202 to the rake head tubular connecting column 224. The flat angle short brace 212 may include metallic material. At an end portion of the rake head tubular connecting column 224 the tube may be tapered into the extension handle receiver 318. This may allow the extension handle receiver 318 to be coupled to a tubular connecting column. The rake head tubular connecting column 224 may protect the air or steam pressure transport feed line 216, manifold 320, extension nipple 322, flexible connector union 324, lower connector clamp 326, upper connector clamp 328, and/or union 330. The rake head tubular connecting column 224 and extension handle receiver 318 may include metallic material. The air or steam pressure transport feed line 216 may carry air if the snow rake is being used to clear snow from a roof or may carry steam if the snow rake is being used to clear an ice dam from a roof.
The manifold 320 may split the air or steam into multiple streams so that each air or steam pressure transport feed line 216 may be serviced. One end of the manifold 320, which is distal to the operator, may be welded or adhered to the air or steam pressure transport feed line 216, such as by using an epoxy or other such structural adhesive. The other end of the manifold 320, which is proximal to the operator, may have a female thread to couple to the male portion of an extension nipple 322. In some embodiments, this coupling may be secured with a thread-locking fluid. The manifold 320 may include metallic material.
The end of the extension nipple 322 proximal to the operator and opposite to that connected to the manifold 320, may be coupled with the flexible connector union 324. In one or more embodiments, this connection may be tightened by using the lower connector clamp 326. The extension nipple 322 may be fabricated from metallic material. The lower connector clamp 326 may be fabricated from chrome plated steel, stainless steel, etc.
The end of the flexible connector union 324 that is proximal to the operator may be connected to the union 330. The male portion of the union 330 may be coupled with the flexible connector union 324. In one or more embodiments, this connection may be tightened, such as by using the upper connector clamp 328. The upper connector clamp 328 may include chrome plated steel or stainless steel, among other metallic materials. The flexible connector union 324 may be used to eliminate shock on the manifold 320 to air or steam pressure transport feed line 216 weld or epoxy connection; the flexible connector union 324 may absorb vibrational energy. The flexible connector union 324 may be fabricated from a high-pressure hose that may be steam rated to allow it to carry both steam and air.
An end portion of the union 330 proximal to the operator may be coupled to a rake head quick release connector 332. One end portion of the quick release connector 332 may have a female thread, which may couple to the standard threaded male portion of the union 330. The union 330 may include metallic material. A rake head collar cup 338 may have a hole through its center, and may be used as a washer between the union 330 and rake head quick release connector 332. The rake head collar cup 338 may be inserted into the extension handle receiver 318 and the male threads of the union 330 may be inserted into the hole in the rake head collar cup 338. The rake head quick release connector 332 may be threaded onto the threaded male portion of the union 330. In one or more embodiments, rake head collar cup 338 may provide support for the air or steam pressure transport feed line 216, manifold 320, extension nipple 322, flexible connector union 324, lower connector clamp 326, upper connector clamp 328 and union 330. The rake head collar cup 338 may include metallic material.
The distal end of the rake head quick release connector 332 may be coupled to the union 330, and the proximal end of the rake head quick release connector 332 may be coupled to the male portion of a rake head air supply connector 334. The sleeve portion of the rake head quick release connector 332 may be pulled back, the male portion, such as a barbed or knobbed male portion, of the rake head air supply connector 334 may be inserted into the rake head quick release connector 332, and the sleeve portion may be released to make the connection. The rake head quick release connector 332 may couple the pressurized air or steam supply line 340 to the flexible connector union 324. The rake head quick release connector 332 may include metallic material.
The end of the rake head air supply connector 334 proximal to the operator may be connected to the pressurized air or steam supply line 340. The barbed male portion, such as a barbed or knobbed male portion, of the rake head air supply connector 334 may be coupled to the pressurized air or steam supply line 340. In one or more embodiments, this coupling may be tightened by using the distal upper connector clamp 336. The distal upper connector clamp 336 may include chrome plated steel or stainless steel, among other materials. The rake head air supply connector 334 may include metallic material.
The control handle air supply connector 402 may mechanically couple the control handle 420 to a pressurized air or steam supply line. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism 422, such as an attachment nut, quick release, spring-ball, or other attachment mechanism, may be included at the distal end of the control handle air supply connector 402. In such embodiments, the proximal threaded end of the lower extension nipple 404 may be inserted into the attachment mechanism 422 and the attachment mechanism may be tightened to make the coupling. The proximal end of the control handle air supply connector 402 may be attached to a quick disconnect that may be coupled to the pressurized air or steam supply line. The control handle air supply connector 402 may be fabricated from metallic material. The control handle collar cup 406 may include a hole through its center, and may be used as a washer between the lower extension nipple 404 and control handle air supply connector 402. The control handle collar cup 406 may also be used to stabilize the control handle air supply connector 402. The control handle collar cup 406 may be inserted into the control handle 420, and the outer most circumference of the control handle collar cup 406 may allow for a friction fit with the internal surface of the control handle 420. The male threads of the lower extension nipple 404 may be inserted into the hole in the control handle collar cup 406, and the attachment nut on the control handle air supply connector 402 may be threaded onto the threaded male portion of the lower extension nipple 404. The control handle collar cup 406 may include plastic or other such structural material.
An end portion of the lower extension nipple 404 distal to the operator may be coupled to the standard ball cock valve 408 by threading it into the female end of the standard ball cock valve 408. In one or more embodiments, this joint may be soldered. An end of the lower extension nipple 404 may be male threaded. The lower extension nipple 404 may be used to position the control handle air supply connector 402 beyond the control handle 420. The lower extension nipple 404 may include metallic material.
The end of the standard ball cock valve 408 distal to the operator may be coupled to the upper extension nipple 414 by inserting one of the threaded ends of the upper extension nipple 414 into the female end of the standard ball cock valve 408. In one or more embodiments, this joint may be soldered. Both end portions of the standard ball cock valve 408 may be female threaded. The standard ball cock valve 408 may be fabricated from brass, among other materials. One purpose of the standard ball cock valve 408 is to allow fully open, partial restriction, and/or full restriction modes for the air or steam. Switching between modes may be accomplished via the on/off controller 412. The on/off controller 412 may be coupled to the standard ball cock valve 408 with a fastener, such as a screw, and the on/off controller 412 may include steel and include a nonmetallic covering. The covering may be made of plastic or any other thermally insulating material that can prevent user burn, such as when the snow rake system is operating in steam mode. An internal valve clip 410 may slide over each end of the standard ball cock valve 408, and the outer most circumferences of the clips may allow for a friction fit with the internal surface of the control handle 420. Each internal valve clip 410 may include a hole through its center. The internal valve clips 410 may keep the standard ball cock valve 408 centered and in place, and may include rubber or plastic.
An end portion of the upper extension nipple 414 distal to the operator may be coupled to the control handle quick release connector 416 by threading it into the female end of the control handle quick release connector 416. Both ends of the upper extension nipple 414 may be male threaded. The upper extension nipple 414 may be used to position the control handle quick release connector 416 beyond the control handle 420 and into the tail end extension tube 418. The upper extension nipple 414 may include metallic material.
The end of the control handle quick release connector 416 distal to the operator may be coupled to a male air supply connector, which may be coupled to the pressurized air or steam supply line. This connection may be substantially similar to the connection shown in
The yoke base 502 may hold the yoke base shaft 518. The yoke base 502 may include metallic material. The yoke stop 504 may be part of the yoke base 502 and may include metallic material as well. The yoke stop 504 may surround, stabilize, or retain a yoke wishbone 508. The yoke base shaft 518 may be inserted into the yoke base 502, and the yoke shaft collar stop 516 may be coupled with the yoke stop 504. Upon insertion of the yoke base shaft 518 into the yoke base 502, the yoke base shaft 518 may hold the yoke wishbone 508, and may allow for 360° rotation of the yoke wishbone 508, such as by creating a loose fit between the yoke base shaft 518 and the yoke base 502. The yoke mast 506 may couple the yoke wishbone 508 to the yoke base shaft 518. The yoke base shaft 518 may include metallic material. The yoke shaft collar stop 516 may be part of the yoke base shaft 518, and may include metallic material.
A washer 520 may fit over the yoke base shaft 518 and may mechanically couple with the yoke base 502. In one or more embodiments, the washer 520 may include plastic. A snap ring 522 may then be coupled with the plastic washer 520. In one or more embodiments, the snap ring 522 may be a 270° semi-circle that may snap into the snap ring rill 524. The snap ring rill 524 may be a portion of material removed by a lathing technique from the yoke base shaft 518, for example. The snap ring rill 524 may facilitate attachment of the snap ring 522. The snap ring 522 may keep the yoke base shaft 518 tight in its socket. The snap ring 522 may include metallic material. The washer 520 may provide a buffer between the metallic material yoke base 502 and metallic material snap ring 522.
The yoke wishbone 508 may attach to the yoke swivel 510 and may allow for 360° rotation of the yoke swivel 510. The yoke wishbone 508 may include metallic material. The yoke swivel 510 may retain the extension tube 514 and may include two swivel attachment posts 512. The swivel attachment posts 512 may be inserted into the yoke wishbone 508 via a loose fitting, such as to allow for 360° rotation of the yoke swivel 510. In one or more embodiments, these junctions may be greased. The yoke swivel 510 and the two swivel attachment posts 512 may be fabricated from metallic material. The extension tube 514 may be used to extend the rake head (e.g., see
The air or steam snow rake system 100 can allow an operator to stay on the ground while removing snow or ice. Such a system can be more efficient, safe, cheaper per operation, or cheaper for those purchasing the air or steam snow rake system 100. Also, when a snow drift is being removed there can be a lot of repetitive arm motion that can be above the operators heart. For some, this can be life threatening due to the fact that this can cause a heart attack. By using the air or steam snow rake system 100 it can be faster or less physically demanding. Further, the air or steam snow rake system 100 may cause less damage to a roof surface, due to reduced scraping on the roof.
Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, feature locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of this disclosure.
Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the subject matter may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, and are within the scope of the following claims.
