Patent Publication Number: US-8978313-B1

Title: Precipitation deflector

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a roofing apparatus and methods, and more particularly, to a roofing apparatus and methods for deflecting precipitation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     For outdoor sporting events, weather can have an impact on the event being played. For example, precipitation such as rain or snow can impair the playing conditions on the field and can also disturb spectators watching the sporting event. Sometimes, if the weather is severe enough, the sporting event may be delayed or cancelled. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a roof over the field or spectators. A roof can protect the field or spectators from precipitation, lighting, or other elements of the weather and can also provide shade from the sun. However, when weather is ideal, it may be desired for the field or spectators to be exposed to the outside. Indeed, even when it is raining, it may be desired for the field to be exposed to the rain if the field comprises natural grass. Thus, there is a need for a retractable roofing apparatus that can be extended and retracted as desired to selectively provide a roof over the field or spectators. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described in the detailed description. 
     In a first aspect, a roofing apparatus for deflecting precipitation comprises a first roofing panel movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The roofing apparatus further comprises an electrostatic charging device configured to selectively apply an electrostatic force to the first roofing panel to cause movement of the first roofing panel between the retracted position and the extended position. 
     In one example of the first aspect, the roofing apparatus further comprises a first attracting member. The electrostatic charging device is configured to apply a first electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel and a second electrostatic charge to the first attracting member that is opposite the first electrostatic charge to at least partially produce the electrostatic force to cause movement of the first roofing panel from the refracted position to the extended position. A free end of the first roofing panel may be configured to move in a direction toward the first attracting member as the first roofing panel moves from the retracted position to the extended position. The first attracting member may comprise a plate. The plate may be substantially parallel with the first roofing panel when the first roofing panel is oriented in the refracted position. 
     In another example of the first aspect, the roofing apparatus further comprises a repelling member. The electrostatic charging device is configured to selectively apply a first electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel and a second electrostatic charge to the repelling member that is the same as the first electrostatic charge to at least partially produce the electrostatic force to cause movement of the first roofing panel from the retracted position to the extended position. The roofing apparatus may comprise a first attracting member and the electrostatic charging device may be configured to apply a third electrostatic charge to the first attracting member that is opposite the first electrostatic charge to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. Furthermore, a free end of the first roofing panel may be configured to move in a direction away from the repelling member and toward the first attracting member as the first roofing panel moves from the retracted position to the extended position. 
     In still another example of the first aspect, the roofing apparatus comprises a gutter configured to collect precipitation from the roofing panel when the roofing panel is in the extended position. 
     The first aspect may be carried out alone or with one or any combination of the examples of the first aspect discussed above. 
     In a second aspect, a roofing apparatus for deflecting precipitation comprises a first roofing panel and a second roofing panel that are each pivotally mounted with respect to a support member configured to support a weight of the roofing panels. Each roofing panel is pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position. The roofing apparatus further comprises an electrostatic charging device configured to selectively apply an electrostatic force to each of the roofing panels to cause rotation of each roofing panel from the refracted position to the extended position. 
     In one example of the second aspect, the roofing panels are configured to rotate in opposite directions when the roofing panels are rotated from the retracted position to the extended position. 
     In another example of the second aspect, the electrostatic charging device is configured to selectively apply the same charges to the first roofing panel and the second roofing panel to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. The roofing apparatus may comprise a repelling member and the electrostatic charging device may be configured to apply a charge to the repelling member that is the same as the charge applied to the first roofing panel and the second roofing panel. 
     In still another example of the second aspect, the roofing apparatus comprises a first attracting member. The electrostatic charging device is configured to apply a charge to the first attracting member that is opposite to the charge applied to the first roofing panel to at least partially produce the electrostatic force that causes rotation of the first roofing panel from the retracted position to the extended position. The roofing apparatus may comprise a second attracting member and the electrostatic charging device may be configured to apply a charge to the second attracting member that is opposite to the charge applied to the second roofing panel to at least partially produce the electrostatic force that causes rotation of the second roofing panel from the retracted position to the extended position. 
     In still yet another example of the second aspect, the roofing apparatus comprises a first gutter configured to collect precipitation from the first roofing panel when the first roofing panel is in the extended position and a second gutter configured to collect precipitation from the first roofing panel when the second roofing panel is in the extended position. 
     The second aspect may be carried out alone or with one or any combination of the examples of the second aspect discussed above. 
     In a third aspect a method for deflecting precipitation comprises the steps of providing a first roofing panel biased by gravity and applying an electrostatic force to the first roofing panel to cause the first roofing panel to move between a retracted position and an extended position against the bias of gravity. 
     In one example of the third aspect, the method comprises the step of applying the same electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel and a repelling member to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. 
     In another example of the third aspect, the method comprises the step of applying an electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel and an opposite electrostatic charge to a first attracting member to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. 
     In still another example of the third aspect, the method comprises the step of applying the same electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel and a repelling member and an opposite electrostatic charge to a first attracting member to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. The electrostatic force causes a free end of the first roofing panel to move in a direction away from the repelling member and toward the first attracting member. 
     The third aspect may be carried out alone or with one or any combination of the examples of the third aspect discussed above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure are better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  schematically illustrates a first example embodiment of a roofing apparatus in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 1B  schematically illustrates the first example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in an extended position; 
         FIG. 2A  schematically illustrates a second example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates the second example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in an extended position; 
         FIG. 3A  schematically illustrates a third example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates the third example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in an extended position; 
         FIG. 4A  schematically illustrates a fourth example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 4B  schematically illustrates the fourth example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in an extended position; 
         FIG. 5A  schematically illustrates a fifth example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in an extended position; 
         FIG. 5B  schematically illustrates the fifth example embodiment of the roofing apparatus in a retracted position; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating steps of a method for deflecting precipitation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Apparatus and methods will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B , an example embodiment of a roofing apparatus  100  for deflecting precipitation is illustrated that comprises a first roofing panel  104 , a first attracting member  106 , and an electrostatic charger  108 . A first end  112  of the first roofing panel  104  is pivotally mounted to a support member  116  such that the first roofing panel  104  is movable between a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 1A ) and an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 1B ). In the illustrated example, the first attracting member  106  may be provided in a wide range of configurations that can carry an electrostatic charge. In just one example, the first attracting member  106  can comprise a plate  118  although the attracting member may comprise a rod, substrate or other member. In the illustrated example, the first attracting member  106  is shown suspended from a support member  120 . For instance, the first attracting member  106  can be fixedly attached to the support member  120 , although the first attracting member  106  may have a rotational attachment (e.g., a limited rotational movement) or other support arrangement with the support member  120 . In the illustrated example, the first attracting member  106  is fixedly attached to the support ember  120  in a substantially vertical position such that the first attracting member  106  extends in the direction of gravity, although non-vertical orientations may be provided in further examples. Moreover, as shown, the first attracting member  106  may be suspended from above the support member  120  although the first attracting member  106  may be supported from below in further examples. 
     In the retracted position, the first roofing panel  104  can extend in a downward direction relative to gravity. For example, as illustrated, the first roofing panel  104  can extend vertically downward from the support member  116  in the direction of gravity. In such a vertically downward orientation, a surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  may be substantially vertical and, in some examples, parallel with a surface  124  of the first attracting member  106 . When oriented as such, a gap may be defined between first roofing panel  104  and the first attracting member  106  that permits precipitation, sunlight and air to pass freely through the open roofing apparatus. Referring to  FIG. 1B , in the extended position, the gap may be narrowed with the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  arranged at a non-vertical angle such that precipitation and/or sunlight from above is at least partially blocked and/or deflected by the surface  122 . As illustrated, the surface  122  can be arranged at a downward angle such that precipitation on the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  is deflected to be guided towards the first attracting member  106 . Although not shown, in further examples, the surface  122  may be substantially horizontal or arranged at an angle that deflects precipitation toward another structure besides the first attracting member  106 . Moreover, although a narrow gap is maintained in the present example when the first roofing panel  104  is in the extended position, there may be other embodiments wherein the first roofing panel  104  contacts the first attracting member  106  and the gap between is completely closed. 
     As apparent in  FIG. 1B , precipitation deflected by the first roofing panel  104  in the extended position will either fall naturally through the narrowed gap or the precipitation will be further deflected downward by the surface  124  of the first attracting member  106 . An optional gutter  128  may be provided vertically below the narrowed gap to collect the precipitation and guide the precipitation towards a drain for removal. Thus, when the first roofing panel  104  is in the extended position, precipitation falling between the first roofing panel  104  and the first attracting member  106  will be deflected towards the gutter  128  where it can be collected and removed. In addition or alternatively, the first roofing panel  104  can provide shade for the area below. Meanwhile, in the retracted position shown in  FIG. 1A , precipitation and sunlight are allowed to pass between the first roofing panel  104  and the first attracting member  106  without such interference. 
     The first roofing panel  104  of the present example is naturally biased by gravity to the retracted position shown in  FIG. 1A . The electrostatic charger  108  is configured to selectively apply an electrostatic force to the first roofing panel  104  to cause movement of the first roofing panel  104  from the retracted position of  FIG. 1A  to the extended position of  FIG. 1B . In one example, the electrostatic charger  108  is configured to apply a first electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel  104  and a second electrostatic charge to the first attracting member  106  that is opposite the first electrostatic charge to produce the electrostatic force to cause movement of the first roofing panel  104  from the retracted position to the extended position. For example, as can be seen in  FIG. 1B , the electrostatic charger  108  may optionally provide a negative charge to the first roofing panel  104  and a positive charge to the first attracting member  106 . As a result of the opposite electrostatic charges applied to the roofing panel  104  and the first attracting member  106 , an electrostatic force is produced that causes a free end  130  of the first roofing panel  104  to move in a direction toward the first attracting member  106  until the first roofing panel  104  reaches the extended position. However, the electrostatic charger  108  in other embodiments may apply a positive charge to the first roofing panel  104  and a negative charge to the first attracting member  106  to produce the same electrostatic force to cause movement of the first roofing panel  104  from the refracted position to the extended position. Once in the extended position, in one example, the electrostatic charger  108  may optionally continue to apply the electrostatic force to hold the first roofing panel  104  in the extended position. In another example, a locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided that releasably locks the first roofing panel  104  in the extended position so that the electrostatic charger  108  may discontinue applying the electrostatic force without the first roofing panel  104  returning to the refracted position. If the first roofing panel  104  is not locked in place and the electrostatic force is discontinued, however, the first roofing panel  104  will return to the retracted position shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2A &amp; 2B , another embodiment of the roofing apparatus  200  is shown that does not include the first attracting member  106 . In this embodiment, the roofing apparatus  200  comprises a repelling member  206  that, in one example, may be attached to the support member  116  to be suspended from the support member  116 . Although not shown, the repelling member  206  may alternatively be supported from below such that the repelling member  206  extends upwardly. In some examples, the repelling member  206  may be fixedly attached to the support member  116 , although the repelling member  206  may be pivotally attached in further examples. Moreover, as shown, the repelling member  206  may be oriented substantially vertically to extend in the direction of gravity, although other orientations may be provided in further examples. The first end  112  of the first roofing panel  104  may be pivotally mounted to the repelling member  206  such that the first roofing panel  104  is supported by the repelling member  206  and is movable between a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 2A ) and an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 2B ). Therefore, the first roofing panel  104  may be indirectly supported by the support member  116  by being pivotally attached to the repelling member  206  that is in turn attached to the support member  116 . Although not shown, in further examples, the first roofing panel  104  may be pivotally attached directly to the support member  116 . For example, the repelling member  206  and the first roofing panel  104  may both be directly attached to the support member  116 . Still further, both the first roofing panel  104  and the repelling member  206  may be supported from above, such that both the first roofing panel  104  and the repelling member  206  are suspended from the support member  116 . In further examples, the repelling member  206  may be supported from below while the first roofing panel  104  is supported from above. 
     In the retracted position, in one example, the first roofing panel  104  extends vertically downward from the first end  112  such that the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  is substantially vertical to extend in the direction of gravity, although non-vertical orientations may be provided in further examples. In further examples, the first roofing panel  104  may further extend parallel with the repelling member  206 . When oriented in the retracted position of  FIG. 2A , a gap may be defined between first roofing panel  104  and a first offset member  232  that permits precipitation, sunlight and air to pass through the roofing apparatus  200 . In the extended position of  FIG. 2B , however, the gap may be narrowed with the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  arranged at a non-vertical angle such that precipitation and/or sunlight from above is at least partially blocked and/or deflected by the surface  122 . In one example, the surface  122  is arranged at a downward angle so that as precipitation landing, condensing, or otherwise provided on the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  is deflected to be guided towards the first offset member  232 . Although not shown, in further examples, the surface  122  may be substantially horizontal or arranged at an angle that deflects precipitation to be guided toward another structure besides the first offset member  232 . Moreover, although a narrow gap is maintained in the present example when the first roofing panel  104  is in the extended position, there may be other embodiments wherein the first roofing panel  104  contacts the first offset member  232  and the gap between is completely closed. 
     In the present example shown in  FIG. 2B , precipitation deflected by the first roofing panel  104  in the extended position will either fall naturally through the narrowed gap or the precipitation will be further deflected downward by a surface  234  of the first offset member  232 . An optional gutter  238  may be provided vertically below the narrowed gap to collect the precipitation and guide the precipitation towards a drain for removal. Thus, when the first roofing panel  104  is in the extended position, precipitation falling between the first roofing panel  104  and the first offset member  232  will be deflected towards the gutter  238  where it can be collected and removed. In addition or alternatively, the first roofing panel  104  can provide shade for the area below. Meanwhile, in the retracted position shown in  FIG. 2A , precipitation and sunlight are allowed to pass between the first roofing panel  104  and the first offset member  232  without such interference. 
     The first roofing panel  104  of the present example is also naturally biased by gravity to the refracted position shown in  FIG. 2A . The electrostatic charger  108  is configured to selectively apply a first electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel  104  and a second electrostatic charge to the repelling member  206  that is the same as the first electrostatic charge to produce an electrostatic force to cause movement of the first roofing panel  104  from the retracted position of  FIG. 2A  to the extended position of  FIG. 2B . For example, as can be seen in  FIG. 2B , the electrostatic charger  108  may optionally provide negative charges to both the first roofing panel  104  and the first repelling member  206 . As a result of the negative charges applied to both the first roofing panel  104  and the first repelling member  206 , an electrostatic force is produced that causes the free end  130  of the first roofing panel  104  to move in a direction toward the first attracting member  106  until the first roofing panel reaches the extended position. However, the electrostatic charger  108  in other embodiments may apply positive charges to both the first roofing panel  104  and the first repelling member  206  to produce the same electrostatic force to cause movement of the first roofing panel  104  from the retracted position to the extended position. Once in the extended position, in one example, the electrostatic charger  108  may optionally continue to apply the electrostatic force to hold the first roofing panel  104  in the extended position. In another example, a locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided that releasably locks the first roofing panel  104  in the extended position so that the electrostatic charger  108  may discontinue applying the electrostatic force without the first roofing panel  104  returning to the retracted position. 
     The two embodiments described above illustrate how a single attracting member or repelling member may be used in conjunction with a roofing panel to generate an electrostatic force to move the roofing panel from a retracted position to an extended position. However, in further examples, a combination of attracting members and/or repelling members may be used to generate an electrostatic force to move a roofing panel from a retracted position to an extended position. Providing a combination of attracting members and/or repelling members may enhance the electrostatic force to help the roofing panel(s) reach the fully extended position. For example, turning to  FIGS. 3A &amp; 3B , another embodiment of the roofing apparatus  300  is shown that comprises the first roofing panel  104 , the first attracting member  106 , and the repelling member  206  described above. In addition, the roofing apparatus  300  can optionally comprise a second roofing panel  304  and a second attracting member  306 . The repelling member  206  and the second attracting member  306  can be respectively fixed to a support member  316  and a support member  320  in a substantially vertical position such that repelling member  206  and the second attracting member  306  extend in the direction of gravity, although non-vertical orientations may be provided in further examples. The first end  112  of the first roofing panel  104  and a first end  312  of the second roofing panel  304  can be pivotally mounted to the repelling member  206  such that the first roofing panel  104  and the second roofing panel  304  are each movable between a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 3A ) and an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 3B ). 
     When the first roofing panel  104  is in the retracted position, the first roofing panel  104  can extend in a downward direction relative to gravity. For example, as illustrated, the first roofing panel  104  can extend vertically downward from the fixed end  112  in the direction of gravity. In such a vertically downward orientation, the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  may be substantially vertical and, in some examples, parallel with the repelling member  206  and the surface  124  of the first attracting member  106 . Similarly, when the second roofing panel  304  is in the refracted position, the second roofing panel  304  can extend in a downward direction relative to gravity. For example, as illustrated, the second roofing panel  304  can extend vertically downward from the fixed end  312  such that a surface  322  of the second roofing panel  304  is substantially vertical and parallel with the repelling member  206  and a surface  324  of the second attracting member  306 . Thus, a first gap may be defined between the first roofing panel  104  and the first attracting member  106  and a second gap may be defined between second roofing panel  304  and the second attracting member  306  that permit precipitation, sunlight, and air to pass freely through the open roofing apparatus  300 . In the extended position, however, the first and second gaps may be narrowed with the surfaces  122  and  322  of the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  arranged at non-vertical angles such that precipitation and/or sunlight from above are at least partially blocked and/or deflected by the surfaces  122  and  322 . 
     The first roofing panel  104  and the second roofing panel  304  of the present example are naturally biased by gravity to their retracted position shown in  FIG. 3A . The electrostatic charger  108  is configured to selectively apply electrostatic forces to the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  to cause movement of the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  from their retracted position of  FIG. 3A  to their extended position of  FIG. 3B . For example, to apply an electrostatic force to the first roofing panel  104  and cause movement of the first roofing panel  104  to the extended position, the electrostatic charger  108  can optionally apply a first electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel  104  and a second electrostatic charge to the repelling member  206  that is the same as the first electrostatic charge to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. Additionally, the electrostatic charger  108  can optionally apply a third electrostatic charge to the first attracting member  106  that is opposite to the first electrostatic charge to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. The first and second charges may be positive while the third charge is negative or the first and second charges may be negative while the third charge is positive. As a result of these charges, an electrostatic force will be applied to the first roofing panel  104  that repels the first roofing panel  104  away from the repelling member  206  and attracts the first roofing panel  104  to the first attracting member  106 , thus causing the free end  130  of the first roofing panel  104  to move in a direction toward the first attracting member  106  until the first roofing panel  104  reaches the extended position. 
     As another example, to apply an electrostatic force to the second roofing panel  304  and cause movement of the second roofing panel  304  to the extended position, the electrostatic charger  108  can optionally apply a first electrostatic charge to the second roofing panel  104  and a second electrostatic charge to the repelling member  206  that is the same as the first electrostatic charge to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. Additionally, the electrostatic charger  108  can optionally apply third electrostatic charge to the second attracting member  306  that is opposite to the first electrostatic charge to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. The first and second charges may be positive while the third charge is negative or the first and second charges may be negative while the third charge is positive. As a result of these charges, an electrostatic force will be applied to the second roofing panel  304  that repels the second roofing panel  304  away from the repelling member  206  and attracts the second roofing panel  304  to the second attracting member  306 , thus causing the free end  330  of the second roofing panel  304  to move in a direction toward the second attracting member  306  until the second roofing panel  304  reaches the extended position. 
     As yet another example, to apply electrostatic forces to both the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  and cause movement of both the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  to their extended position, the electrostatic charger  108  can optionally apply electrostatic charges to the first roofing panel  104 , the second roofing panel  304 , and the repelling member  206  that are all the same to at least partially produce the electrostatic forces. Additionally, the electrostatic charger  108  can optionally apply electrostatic charges to the first attracting member  106  and the second attracting member  306  that are both opposite to the charges applied to the first roofing panel  104 , the second roofing panel  304 , and the repelling member  206  to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. The charges applied to the first roofing panel  104 , the second roofing panel  304 , and the repelling member  206  may all be negative while the charges applied to the first attracting member  106  and the second attracting member  306  are both positive or the charges applied to the first roofing panel  104 , the second roofing panel  304 , and the repelling member  206  may all be positive while the charges applied to the first attracting member  106  and the second attracting member  306  are both negative. As a result of these charges, a first electrostatic force will be applied to the first roofing panel  104  that repels the first roofing panel  104  away from the repelling member  206  and second roofing panel  304  and attracts the first roofing panel  104  to the first attracting member  106 , thus causing the free end  130  of the first roofing panel  104  to move in a direction toward the first attracting member  106  until the first roofing panel  104  reaches the extended position. Moreover, a second electrostatic force will be applied to the second roofing panel  304  that repels the second roofing panel  304  away from the repelling member  206  and first roofing panel  104  and attracts the second roofing panel  304  to the second attracting member  306 , thus causing the free end  330  of the second roofing panel  304  to move in a direction toward the second attracting member  306  until the second roofing panel  304  reaches the extended position. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B , another embodiment of the roofing apparatus  400  is shown that comprises the first roofing panel  104  and the second roofing panel  306  but does not include any of the other attracting or repelling members described above. In this embodiment, the first end  112  of the first roofing panel  104  and a first end  312  of the second roofing panel  304  are pivotally mounted to a support member  416  such that the first roofing panel  104  and the second roofing panel  304  are each movable between a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 4A ) and an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 4B ). 
     When the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  are in the refracted position, the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  can extend in a downward direction relative to gravity. For example, as illustrated, the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  can extend vertically downward from their fixed ends  112 ,  312 . In such a vertically downward orientation, the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  may be substantially vertical and, in some examples, parallel with the surface  322  of the second roofing panel  304 . A first gap may be defined between the first roofing panel  104  and a first offset member  432  and a second gap may be defined between second roofing panel  304  and a second offset member  438  that permit precipitation, sunlight and air to pass freely through the open roofing apparatus  400 . Referring to  FIG. 4B , in the extended position, the first and second gaps may be narrowed with the surfaces  122  and  322  of first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  arranged at non-vertical angles such that precipitation and/or sunlight from above is at least partially blocked and/or deflected by the surfaces  122  and  322 . 
     The first roofing panel  104  and the second roofing panel  304  of the present example are naturally biased by gravity to their retracted position shown in  FIG. 4A . The electrostatic charger  108  is configured to selectively apply electrostatic forces to the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  to cause movement of the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  from their refracted position to their extended position. For example, the electrostatic charger  108  is configured to optionally apply a first electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel  104  and a second electrostatic charge to the second roofing panel  304  that is the same as the first electrostatic charge to produce the electrostatic forces. The charges may both be negative or the charges may both be positive. As a result of these charges, a first electrostatic force will be applied to the first roofing panel  104  that repels the first roofing panel  104  away from the second roofing panel  304 , thus causing the free end  130  of the first roofing panel  104  to move in a direction toward the first offset member  432  until the first roofing panel  104  reaches the extended position. Moreover, a second electrostatic force will be applied to the second roofing panel  304  that repels the second roofing panel  304  away from the first roofing panel  104 , thus causing the free end  330  of the second roofing panel  304  to move in a direction toward the second offset member  438  until the second roofing panel  304  reaches the extended position. In this manner, both the first and second roofing panels  104 ,  304  act as repelling members against each other. 
     The embodiments described above illustrate various combinations of attracting members, repelling members, and roofing panels that may be provided to generate an electrostatic force on a roofing panel to move the roofing panel from a refracted position to an extended position. However, similar combinations may be provided to generate an electrostatic force on a roofing panel to move the roofing panel from an extended position to a retracted position. For example, turning to  FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B , an embodiment of the roofing apparatus  500  is shown that comprises the first roofing panel  104  and a repelling member  506 . The first end  112  of the first roofing panel  104  can be pivotally mounted to a support member  516  such that the first roofing panel  104  is movable between an extended position (as shown in  FIG. 5A ) and a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 5B ). Meanwhile, a plate  518  of the repelling member  506  can be fixed to a support member  520  in a substantially vertical position such that the repelling member  506  extends in the direction of gravity, although non-vertical orientations may be provided in further examples. 
     In the retracted position, the first roofing panel  104  can extend in a downward direction relative to gravity. For example, as illustrated, the first roofing panel  104  can extend vertically downward from the support member  516  in the direction of gravity. In such a vertically downward orientation, the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  may be substantially vertical and, in some examples, parallel with a surface  524  of the repelling member  506 . When oriented as such, a gap may be defined between first roofing panel  104  and the repelling member  506  that permits precipitation, sunlight, and air to pass freely through the open roofing apparatus  500 . In the extended position, the gap may be narrowed with the surface  122  of the first roofing panel  104  arranged at a non-vertical angle such that precipitation and/or sunlight from above is at least partially blocked and/or deflected by the surface  122 . 
     The first roofing panel  104  of the present embodiment is biased to the extended position. The bias may be provided by a spring or other biasing means. Since the first roofing panel  104  is biased toward the extended position, the electrostatic charger  108  may be configured to selectively apply an electrostatic force to the first roofing panel  104  to cause movement of the first roofing panel  104  from the extended position to the retracted position. For example, the electrostatic charger  108  can optionally apply a first electrostatic charge to the first roofing panel  104  and a second electrostatic charge to the repelling member  506  that is the same as the first electrostatic charge to produce the electrostatic force to cause movement of the first roofing panel  104  from the extended position to the retracted position. The charges may both be positive or the charges may both be negative to produce the same motion. As a result of the charges, an electrostatic force will be applied to the first roofing panel  104  that repels the first roofing panel  104  away from the repelling member  506 , thus causing the free end  130  of the first roofing panel  104  to move in a direction away from the repelling member  506  until the first roofing panel  104  reaches the retracted position. Once in the extended position, in one example, the electrostatic charger  108  may optionally continue to apply the electrostatic force to hold the first roofing panel  104  in the retracted position. In another example, a locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided that releasably locks the first roofing panel  104  in the retracted position so that the electrostatic charger  108  may discontinue applying the electrostatic force without the first roofing panel  104  returning to the extended position. If the first roofing panel  104  is not locked in place and the electrostatic force is discontinued, however, the first roofing panel  104  will return to the extended position shown in  FIG. 5A . 
     The attracting members, repelling members, and roofing panels described above may comprise aluminum to permit them to be electrostatically charged while maintaining a light weight. However, the attracting members, repelling members, and roofing panels may comprise any material that permits them to be electrostatically charged. Moreover, the attracting members, repelling members, and roofing panels may take on a variety of other shapes and configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the attracting members and repelling members may comprise electrostatically charged rods or wire as opposed to an electrostatically charged plate. Furthermore, although the roofing panels described above all rotate between an extended and retracted position, other motions such as, for example, sliding may be performed to move the roofing panels between an extended and retracted position. Still further, the roofing apparatus may comprise any number of roofing panels, attracting members, and repelling members. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , an example method  600  will now be described for deflecting precipitation. The method may comprise the step  601  of providing a first roofing panel biased by gravity. The first roofing panel may be movable between a refracted position and an extended position and biased by gravity towards one of the positions. The method may further comprise the step  602  of providing a first attracting member and/or a repelling member. The first roofing panel, the first attracting member, and the repelling member may be configured and arranged, for example, according to one of the embodiments of the roofing apparatus  100  described above. The method can further include the step  603  of applying an electrostatic force to the first roofing panel to cause the first roofing panel to move between the refracted position and extended position against the bias of gravity. To apply the electrostatic force, the same electrostatic charge may be applied to the first roofing panel and the repelling member to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. In addition to or alternatively, an electrostatic charge may be applied to the first roofing panel and an opposite electrostatic charge may be applied to the first attracting member to at least partially produce the electrostatic force. The electrostatic charges and resultant electrostatic force may be applied by an electrostatic charger. For example, the electrostatic charges and resultant electrostatic force may be applied by the electrostatic charger  108  described above. The resultant electrostatic force created by the charges will cause a free end of the first roofing panel to move in a direction away from the repelling member and/or toward the first attracting member. 
     The apparatus and method described above can be useful for protecting an outdoor sporting event from the weather. When it is desired to shield the event from precipitation or other weather, the roofing panel(s) may be moved to the extended position (e.g., by applying the electrostatic force as shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2 A,  2 B,  3 A,  3 B,  4 A,  4 B, or by removing the electrostatic force as shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B). Alternatively, when it is desired to expose the event to the outdoors, the roofing panel(s) may be moved to the retracted position (e.g., by removing the electrostatic force as shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2 A,  2 B,  3 A,  3 B,  4 A,  4 B, or by applying the electrostatic force as shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B). Thus, the apparatus and method described above provide a retractable roofing apparatus that can be extended and retracted as desired to selectively provide a roof over a sporting event. Moreover, because water is polar, rain drops will be attracted to any electrostatically charged members of the roofing apparatus, thus enhancing their ability to control and deflect the rain drops toward structure for removing the rain drops, such as a gutter system. Furthermore, the roofing apparatus and method described above may be used for other purposes besides sporting events. The roofing apparatus and method described above may be used to provide a roof over any area where it is be desired to periodically expose the area to the outdoors. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.