Modular Snow Retention System with Triangular Extrusion Tubes and Extender Joints

Abstract

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. Each stand features a 2-inch high barrier to prevent ice build-up and sliding.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular triangular rail system comprising:
 a triangular rail structure;   a plurality of stands;   at least one rod; and   a plurality of end caps;   wherein said triangular rail structure connects to a roof;   wherein said at least one rod connects to said plurality of stands;   wherein said plurality of end caps connects to each end of said at least one rod; and   wherein each end cap of said plurality of end caps are sized to block axial migration of said at least one rod relative to said stands.   
     
     
         2 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said at least one rod has a triangular or substantially triangular cross-section defined by three primary vertices and three sides.   
     
     
         3 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 2 ,
 wherein said triangular cross-section is equilateral with included angles of 58-62°.   
     
     
         4 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 2 ,
 wherein said triangular cross-section is isosceles with one vertex angle of 40-80° and two equal angles.   
     
     
         5 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 1 ,
 wherein each stand of said plurality of stands has a complementary through-bore with three longitudinal lands configured to engage the three sides of said at least one rod in line to surface contact.   
     
     
         6 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 5 :
 wherein said stands further comprise longitudinal micro-serrations or texture; and   wherein said lands further comprise complementary micro-serrations.   
     
     
         7 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one extender joint;   said at least one extender joint further comprising 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; and   wherein said at least one extender joint couples a first rod of said at least one rod to a second rod of said at least one rod.   
     
     
         8 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a barrier;   wherein said barrier extends from said plurality of stands.   
     
     
         9 . A modular triangular rail system comprising:
 a triangular rail structure;   a plurality of stands;   a barrier;   at least one rod; and   a plurality of end caps;   wherein said triangular rail structure connects to a roof;   wherein said at least one rod has a triangular or substantially triangular cross-section defined by three primary vertices and three sides;   wherein said at least one rod connects to said plurality of stands;   wherein each stand of said plurality of stands has a complementary through-bore with three longitudinal lands configured to engage the three sides of said at least one rod in line to surface contact;   wherein said barrier extends from said plurality of stands;   wherein said plurality of end caps connects to each end of said at least one rod; and   wherein each end cap of said plurality of end caps are sized to block axial migration of said at least one rod relative to said stands.   
     
     
         10 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 9 ,
 wherein said triangular cross-section is equilateral with included angles of 58-62°.   
     
     
         11 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 9 ,
 wherein said triangular cross-section is isosceles with one vertex angle of 40-80° and two equal angles.   
     
     
         12 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 9 :
 wherein said stands further comprise longitudinal micro-serrations or texture; and   wherein said lands further comprise complementary micro-serrations.   
     
     
         13 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one extender joint;   said at least one extender joint further comprising 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; and   wherein said at least one extender joint couples a first rod of said at least one rod to a second rod of said at least one rod.   
     
     
         14 . A modular triangular rail system comprising:
 a triangular rail structure;   a plurality of stands;   a barrier;   at least one rod;   a plurality of end caps; and   at least one extender joint;   wherein said triangular rail structure connects to a roof;   wherein said at least one rod has a triangular or substantially triangular cross-section defined by three primary vertices and three sides;   wherein said at least one rod connects to said plurality of stands;   wherein each stand of said plurality of stands has a complementary through-bore with three longitudinal lands configured to engage the three sides of said at least one rod in line to surface contact;   wherein said barrier extends from said plurality of stands;   wherein said plurality of end caps connects to each end of said at least one rod;   wherein each end cap of said plurality of end caps are sized to block axial migration of said at least one rod relative to said stands;   said at least one extender joint further comprising 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; and   wherein said at least one extender joint couples a first rod of said at least one rod to a second rod of said at least one rod.   
     
     
         15 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 9 ,
 wherein said triangular cross-section is equilateral with included angles of 58-62°.   
     
     
         16 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 9 ,
 wherein said triangular cross-section is isosceles with one vertex angle of 40-80° and two equal angles.   
     
     
         17 . The modular triangular rail system of  claim 9 :
 wherein said stands further comprise longitudinal micro-serrations or texture; and   wherein said lands further comprise complementary micro-serrations.