Load sensitive snow barrier device

Abstract

A snow-retaining device comprises a detachable upper member attached to a base anchor. The base anchor is adapted to be coupled to a roof. The upper member prevents snow from sliding off the roof during regular snow conditions. In order to prevent catastrophic damage to the roof, if a snow load on the roof exceeds a maximum threshold, the upper member detaches from the base anchor to allow some or all of the snow to slide off the roof. The device optionally integrates a snow melting device.

1 . A snow-retaining device comprising a detachable upper member attached to a base anchor, said base anchor adapted to be coupled to a roof; wherein:
 a. said upper member remains attached to said base anchor when snow having a given load accumulates on said roof; and   b. said upper member detaches from said base anchor when snow having more than said given load accumulates on said roof.   
   
   
       2 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 1 , wherein said upper member is flexibly attached to said base anchor. 
   
   
       3 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 2 , wherein a spring-load means is used to flexibly attach said upper member to said base anchor. 
   
   
       4 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 2 , wherein said upper member comprises a fold-away means. 
   
   
       5 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 1 , wherein said upper member is removably attached to said base anchor and detaches from said base anchor when said given load is attained. 
   
   
       6 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 1 , wherein said base anchor is coupled to said roof using adhesive or mechanical means. 
   
   
       7 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 1 , further comprising a means for melting said snow and ice. 
   
   
       8 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 1 , wherein said given load is 750 lbs. 
   
   
       9 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 1 , wherein said upper member and base anchor comprise polycarbonate. 
   
   
       10 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 1 , wherein said upper member has a flat surface. 
   
   
       11 . The snow-retaining device of  claim 10 , wherein said flat surface has a shape of a polygon, circle, or an area defined by a combination of lines and curves. 
   
   
       12 . A method of protecting a roof from damage due to excessive snow accumulation, said method comprising placing a plurality of snow-retaining devices on said roof; said snow-retaining device comprising an upper member attached to a base anchor, wherein said base anchor attaches to said roof; said upper member retains snow accumulated on said roof until a maximum allowable snow load for said upper members is attained.