Apparatus for facilitating roofing debris removal

An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating removal of debris from the roof of a construction location or other raised work site. The apparatus comprises a chute comprising multiple sections that may telescope to extend in length, where the chute is configured for implementation with a mobile platform.

BACKGROUND

During repair or replacement of a roof for a commercial or residential structure, debris, such as old shingles, tiles, nails, staples or the like, may be generated. For tall commercial structures, disposal of such debris may be achieved by placing it in a basket located on the roof, using a crane to transport the basket from the roof to the ground, transferring the debris from the basket to a dumpster located on the ground and repeating the process as required. For residential structures, disposal of such debris may be achieved by placing tarps on the ground (e.g., to protect landscaping), throwing the debris from the roof onto the tarps, and transferring the debris from the tarps to a dumpster located in the driveway.

Using a crane and basket for debris removal for tall commercial structures is time consuming due to the slower speed with which cranes must be operated. Further, use of a crane creates injury risks resulting from operation of the crane cabling system that lifts and lowers debris. Using tarps on the ground for receiving debris thrown from the roof of residential structures creates additional debris removal obligations by requiring workers to lift and transfer the debris on the tarps to a dumpster. Such movement may result in debris falling off of the tarp and places additional strain on workers to lift debris items that have already been thrown from roofs. In both examples for tall commercial structures and for residential structures, there is also the injury risk of free falling debris landing on and damaging property and/or causing personal injury.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for facilitating roofing debris removal is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of slidably connected sections, the plurality of sections forming a structure having a first open end, a second open end, and a channel connecting the first open end and second open end. The apparatus is configured for being connected to a drive mechanism. A first section included in the plurality of sections is configured for being at least substantially received by a second section included in the plurality of sections, the first section configured for telescoping out from the second section when a first force is applied to the apparatus via the drive mechanism, the first section configured for contracting into the second section when a second force is applied to the apparatus via the drive mechanism. The apparatus is configured for receiving debris via the first open end, allowing passage of debris via the channel from the first open end to the second open end, and allowing debris to exit the apparatus via the second open end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally toFIGS. 1 through 13(FIGS. 1-13), an apparatus for facilitating removal of debris (e.g., trash) from a roof is described herein. In embodiments, the apparatus100may be a chute. For example, the term “chute” as used herein may be defined as a structure having an outer wall which bounds and/or forms a channel down which falling materials are guided. In implementations, the chute100may be formed as an elongated tube which is open on both ends.FIGS. 10 through 13(FIG. 10-13) provides an exemplary set of cross-sectional shapes which the chute100may take. For instance, the chute100may have and/or may form a circular cross-section. In other examples, the chute100may have/form a rectangular cross-section, or any of a number of various other cross-section shape configurations.

In implementations, the chute100may be formed of multiple sections102which are connected to each other. For instance, one or more of the sections102may be configured as enclosed full tube (e.g., full pipe) structures with openings on both ends. In other embodiments, the one or more of the sections102may be configured as half tube (e.g., half pipe) structures. In examples, the sections102may be slidably connected with respect to each other. In embodiments, the multiple sections102may have different dimensions (e.g., diameters) for allowing the sections102to be telescopically connected to each other. For example, the sections102may be configurable to fit substantially within each other (e.g., incrementally), such as in a nested configuration. For instance, successive sections102may be configured to fit within each other (e.g., the sections102of the chute100may slide within each other, the chute100may telescope or slide within itself when contracted/retracted). The telescoping capability of the sections is demonstrated inFIGS. 2, 3, and 5(FIG. 2-5).

In examples, one or more sections102of the chute100may be rotatably (e.g., hingedly) connected with respect to (e.g., relative to) one or more of the other sections102for allowing the chute100to be collapsible (e.g., foldable), for promoting ease of transport and/or storage of the chute100. For instance, one or more of the sections102, such as the end sections (102aand102b), may be connected (e.g., rotatably connected) to their respective adjacent sections102such that they are hingedly connected to those respective adjacent sections. End section102a(i.e., a first open end) may have a funnel shape or funneling shape for easing the process of guiding debris down the chute100. Such an end section102a(e.g., end section102ainFIG. 8) has a wider opening for initial receipt of debris that narrows to a smaller diameter substantially similar to a pass-through diameter of the chute100(i.e., a diameter that each section102narrows to when the sections102telescopically connected together). End section102b(i.e., a second open end) may have half-tube shape for reducing the likelihood of debris jamming as it exits the chute100. The end section102b(e.g., end section102binFIG. 9) may be angled for a receptacle302to receive the debris falling off its end or over from either of its sides. In implementations, one or both of the end sections (102aand102b) may be formed as half-tube or half-pipe structures for facilitating folding of the chute100. For instance, the end sections (102aand102b) may be configurable for being folded toward their respective adjacent sections as shown inFIG. 4(FIG. 4).

In embodiments, the chute100may be formed of any of a number of various materials, including, but not limited to: stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminum, thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride materials, or a combination of two or more of the above. For instance, the chute100may be formed of thin-walled stainless steel, for providing a slippery, rust-resistant, abrasion-resistant, relatively light weight (e.g., compared to galvanized steel) structure.

In examples, the chute100may be configured for being implemented with (e.g., connected to) an aerial work platform200. For example, the aerial work platform200may be an aerial device, an elevating work platform, a mobile elevating work platform, a mechanized access platform, a boom lift (e.g., a boom, boom system, a man basket boom lift, telescopic boom lift, articulating boom lift, boom truck arm, telescoping support boom, telescoping boom, and/or the like), a scissor lift, or the like. In implementations, the aerial work platform200may be powered by any one or more of a number of various methods, such as via hydraulics, pneumatics, gas-powered motors, electric power, and/or the like. Such power may be used for transporting the aerial work platform200; such power may also (or alternatively) be used for extending and retracting an arm202that comprises the work platform200. In embodiments, the aerial work platform200may be a vehicle or may be mounted to a vehicle (e.g., truck) for transporting the aerial work platform200between different worksites and/or different locations on a work site. In examples, the aerial work platform200may be a self-propelled boom system (e.g., non-hydraulic).FIGS. 1 through 5(FIG. 1-5) show an exemplary aerial work platform200.

In implementations, one or more connectors (e.g., support brackets)300may be used for connecting the chute100to (e.g., mounting the chute100upon) the aerial work platform200. For example, the chute100may be connected to (e.g., supported upon) an arm (e.g., telescoping arm, boom truck arm)202of the aerial work platform200via the support brackets300. In examples, the support brackets300may be sized and shaped for allowing the chute100to be seated upon (e.g., at least substantially within) the support brackets. For instance, as seen inFIGS. 7 and 10(FIG. 7andFIG. 10), the support brackets300may generally have a half-circle or U-shaped configuration for accommodating a correspondingly tube-shaped chute100. Examples of other accommodations are seen inFIGS. 11 through 13(FIG. 11-13), where the chute100has a cross-section that is (for example) square or rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal. In implementations, the support brackets300may be connected to the chute100and/or to the arm202of the aerial work platform200. For example, any one or more of a number of various fasteners or securing mechanisms may be used for connecting (e.g., securing) the support brackets300to the chute100and/or to the arm202of the aerial work platform200.

In embodiments, the connection between the chute100and the arm202via the support brackets300is configured such that the chute100telescopes (e.g., extends) and retracts when the arm202telescopes and retracts. For example, analogous to the chute100, the arm202may include a plurality of segments204, which are sized and shaped to fit within each other in a nested configuration (as seen inFIG. 6). In implementations, as the arm202extends and retracts (e.g., via activation of the hydraulic mechanism of the aerial work platform200), the chute100also extends and retracts respectively, such that said extension of the chute100occurs concurrently with the extension of the arm202, and said retraction of the chute100occurs concurrently with the retraction of the arm202(e.g., the chute100slides within itself/contracts when as the arm202contracts/retracts). In embodiments where arm202is a telescopic arm, the support brackets300may be positioned incrementally along the length of the chute100and/or arm202, such that during extension and refraction of the chute100and arm202, the support brackets300are moved away from each other (e.g., during extension of the chute100and arm202) and collapsed toward each other (e.g., during retraction/contraction of the chute100and arm202) respectively in a same general direction (e.g., along a same axis) as the chute100and arm202. Similarly, in embodiments where arm202is a boom arm, the chute100may extend or contract with the arm202(e.g., as directed by the boom arm) such that it may be positioned at, directed to (e.g., extended up to, contracted down to), established at, and/or maintained at a desired height, as dictated by a user of the aerial work platform200and chute100.

In implementations, the arm202and chute100may be directed (e.g., extended) upward so that a first end section (e.g., top end section)102aof the chute100may extend (e.g., telescope) away from the second end section (e.g., bottom end section)102bof the chute100. The arm202and chute100may be extended in such manner until the first end section102ais established in a position which is proximal to an elevated work area (e.g., roof, edge or window of a building/house). For example, the mechanism (e.g., hydraulics) for causing extension of the arm202may be controlled by a person located on the ground who is operating the aerial work platform200, such that it may be activated (e.g., powered on) to extend the arm200and thus, the chute100and then de-activated (e.g., powered off) once the arm202and first end section102aof the chute100are located at a desired height or position. This allows for workers who are located in the elevated work area to have access to the first end section102aof the chute100so that they may take debris located in the elevated work area and direct it into the chute100via the open end of first end section102a. The first end section102amay be configured (e.g., sized, shaped) for being easily accessible for receiving debris and directing debris into (e.g., down) the chute100. When the first end section102aof the chute is proximal to the roof or window, the second end section102bof the chute100may be proximal to a base of the aerial work platform200and also proximal to a garbage receptacle302(e.g., dumpster) located on the ground, such that debris being directed through (e.g., falling down) the chute100may exit the opening of the second end section102bof the chute100and be expelled directly into the garbage receptacle302(seen inFIGS. 1 and 5). In this way, the chute100described herein promotes safety by obviating the need to throw debris directly from the roof onto tarps located on the ground. Likewise, the chute100described herein promotes efficiency by obviating the scenario in which debris would have to be thrown from the roof onto tarps located on the ground and then gathered up from tarps and transferred to a dumpster. When used in residential situations (e.g., re-roofing of houses), the chute100described herein promotes convenience in that damage to landscaping can be avoided or greatly reduced by not having to use the aforementioned tarps. Further, because the chute100may be implemented with an aerial work platform200, given the maneuverability and reach of the arm202of the aerial work platform, the chute100further promotes convenience in that the chute100may be positioned such that debris can be directly deposited from a rooftop into a dumpster located on the ground, via the chute100, without having to have the dumpster be located in close proximity to (e.g., up against) the building/house.

In examples, the chute100is sized and shaped for allowing various types of debris (e.g., shingles, boards, bricks, etc.) to easily fit within and traverse through the channel formed by the chute100, such that it may easily be directed into and exit from the chute100. For example, the chute100may be linearly-shaped, as opposed to being bent or curved, for promoting ease of movement of debris (e.g., long, straight objects) through the chute100.

Depending upon the type of aerial work platform200being used, the chute100may be easily re-positioned from a first elevated work area at a first location to a second elevated work area at a second location, such as by moving (e.g. pivoting) the arm202or re-locating the entire aerial work platform200. In this manner, the chute100can be easily relocated from work area to work area, such as along the side of a building, with the dumpster being correspondingly relocated for catching debris expelled from the chute100. Further, the chute100described herein promotes efficiency and cost-effectiveness by obviating the need to do the following: place debris in a basket located on the roof; use a crane to move the basket from the roof to a dumpster on the ground; empty the debris from the basket; use the crane to move the basket back up to the roof; and repeat the cycle.

In embodiments, the chute100is adaptable for implementation in residential scenarios (e.g., when re-roofing a house). For example, the chute100and aerial work platform200may be connected to (e.g., supported upon, mounted on) and sized for use upon a mobile platform (e.g., trailer) which a user may back into a driveway. Further, in some embodiments (e.g., some residential use embodiments), the chute100and arm202of the aerial work platform200may be driven (e.g., extended, contracted) via a self-propelled (e.g., electric) boom system. Further, when not in use, the chute100and/or arm202may be configured for being received in a cradle located on the trailer. The trailer may then be hooked back up to a vehicle (e.g., truck) and transported from the job site.

In examples, the size and style of the chute100may vary. For instance, the chute100may be self-contained on a driveable, rotating base power unit. In other embodiments, the chute100may be configured in a manner similar to a telescoping fire ladder, but with no roller systems. In implementations, the chute100may be configured (e.g., constructed, sized) for allowing large objects (e.g., persons) to fit inside of and traverse through the chute100. In such an implementation, the chute100may be used as a fire evacuation slide, with the second (e.g., bottom) end102of the chute100may be aligned with an inflatable catch bag on the ground. Further, the chute100may provide for a controlled slide to a level less than six feet off of the ground. The controlled slide may promote elimination of fall exposure according to federal regulatory (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)) standards, since if someone were to accidentally go down the chute100, this may not technically constitute a “fall”. In embodiments, the chute100may be configured with and/or may be configured into a slightly bent, curved or angled configuration, so as to provide an eased (e.g., gradual) transition from the elevated work area to the ground for persons using the chute100as a fire evacuation mechanism. Further, the chute100may be configured as substantially enclosed, which may promote safety by retaining debris within the chute100, thereby preventing it from falling onto persons located below the chute100.

In one or more embodiments, the chute100may be configured for use with different drive mechanisms for extending and contracting the chute100, aside from those drive mechanisms that are used with aerial work platforms200. In implementations, the chute100, due to its telescoping construction, is self-cleaning when it retracts.