Abstract:
A chute system includes a pair of support rails, each having a bent reinforcement member secured to it. The chute is made up of multiple chute panels, which nest within one another for ease of storage and transportation. A spacer bar sets the system width and provides overall support. The system also includes a pair of hinged anchors for adjustably securing the system to the edge of a roof. There is also a roof eave debris stop for preventing debris from sliding off the roof onto landscaping, humans and animals below.

Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of facilitating removal of roof materials and in particular to a new and useful chute system for safely and efficiently delivering materials and debris from roof structures. 
     A typical roof shingle weighs approximately 3 lbs. per square ft. A normal roof replacement consists of removing two layers of asphalt shingles. The typical roof area of an average single family dwelling is about 2300′ sq. feet of roof area. The weight of the roofing being removed is about 13,800 lbs, and, half that weight comes off the front of the dwelling and the other half off the rear. That represents about 7000 lbs of roofing materials being pushed of the roof edge on either a one- or two-story dwelling, potentially free falling and landing on the area below. The landing area typically consists of walkways, driveways, expensive landscaping, finished siding, finished decks, fencing, windows, doorways, and human and pet traffic into and out of the dwelling. 
     Depending on the roof size there may be several workers engaged in this roof ripping process. As the shingles are detached, the loose shingles are pushed down slope towards the roof edge. If the slope is steep, the shingles tend to slide on their own down to the roof edge. Some contractors, at best, place a light-weight tarp on the roof edge and drape it down to the ground. The tarp is hung at an extreme vertical direction to cover the façade of the dwelling and the surroundings directly below. Such tarps have no structural integrity, and rip quite readily. They offer very limited protection when the heavy items, such as asphalt shingles free-fall to the area below. These tarps also create blind spots for both the homeowner walking out from the dwelling and the workers. Even those workers on the ground level cannot see people are coming out of the dwelling. These conditions worsen when the work is performed on multi-family dwellings (e.g., condominiums, co-ops, or apartments) and commercial properties. 
     UK Patent Application GB2185735 by Pateman discloses a chute for use in conveying tiles from a roof. It includes multiple elongate flat-bottomed chute members each adapted to be supported between the stiles of a ladder, with an end of a chute member being received within an end of an adjacent chute member. Each chute member is attached to the ladder by a hook engaging a ladder rung. 
     However this chute was designed to rest on a standard industry single rung ladder to support the chute. This design requires a ladder and constrains the chute width to the width of the ladder. The width of a standard industry Werner aluminum ladder, for example, is only available at a maximum width of 20⅝″ (off the side rails). The ladder side rails are typically 1⅜″ wide. This only gives an overall inside width of 18″. This limits a chute to an 18″ width on the flat base of the chute. It limits the overall length of a chute system to 24′. As well, the ladder support is limited to its sloping ability. A ladder is only designed to be placed a short distance off the vertical wall of the building, which creates an extreme vertical downward slope. This limits the placement of a chute in relationship to the building surroundings. Thus, the invention disclosed by Pateman is limited to positioning the chute into a waste container or dump truck, as there are also many variable surrounding conditions next to a building structure: trees, shrubs, expensive landscape beds, walkways, decks, mechanical equipment, windows, doors, people and pets. Debris will travel rapidly down the chute causing unsafe conditions to workers, and possible damage to surroundings. As well, the ladder support lacks a means to safely secure the ladder to the building at the roof elevation. 
     The Pateman chute width of 18″ is inferior to adequately transport the removal of asphalt roof shingles during the rip phase of a re-roofing project. It also limits the removal of general construction material and debris from an elevated building structure. 
     The placement of the chutes as taught by Pateman offered limited placement adjustment, and creates difficulty in the initial erecting and placement of the chutes onto the ladder. To attach the upper chute while the ladder is place against the building structure presents many issues regarding safety and compliance with OSHA standards. 
     US Patent Application US 2008/0230346 by Kohler teaches a construction debris chute system which includes a construction debris chute formed by multiple common panels with the multiple common panels each including a first panel, a second panel and a bottom panel that are linked to each other by a set of hinged anchors. It also includes a construction debris receiver box including a frame box and a chute-receiving portion extending at an angle from the frame box. The bottom discharge unit includes a discharge platform frame fitted to extend over a portion of a dumpster and a chute-supporting base extending upwards at an angle from the discharge platform frame for receiving a second end of the construction debris chute. 
     Among other problems, the Kohler chute requires a column support near the bottom. It is desirable to provide a chute system which does not require any mid-span pole/column supports under the chutes regardless the slope placement. 
     The present invention is directed to solving these and other problems in the field of removing asphalt roofing shingles from residential and commercial sloped roof structures. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for making the demolition process more efficient by providing an effective and convenient system for sending the debris directly into a debris dumpster or dump truck. 
     It is also an object of the invention to provide a device which will save many labor hours by avoiding the one-at-a-time handling of debris. 
     It is a further object to provide a versatile construction chute system that can be used to remove roofing debris, roof or stadium snow, and general construction debris. 
     These and other objects are achieved by a chute system includes a pair of support rails, each having bent reinforcement members secured along their sides. The chute is made up of multiple chute panels, which nest within one another for ease of storage and transportation. A spacer bar, which may be positioned at multiple locations, sets the system width and provides overall support. The system also includes a pair of hinged anchors for adjustably securing the system to the edge of a roof. There is also provided a roof eave debris stop for preventing debris from sliding off the roof onto landscaping, humans and animals below. 
     The bent chute panels of the present system are made to nest into one another for ease of assembly and shipment. The chute panels lock into place along the rails during assembly. There is also provided a T-shaped chute engaging pole to set the position of the chute panels. 
     Typical embodiments of the system are 24′ in length. However, it is within the scope of the invention for the system to be of any convenient length, such as, for example, 40′. These are exemplary lengths, provided for illustration. It is within the scope of the invention for the system to extend any length to address the needs of a particular project. 
     The tops of the side rails which support the chutes of the system are attached to the structure with steel hinged anchors, which allow the chute to proceed at a downward angle to bear on a debris dumpster or directly into a truck. 
     This system is meant to make the demolition process more efficient by providing for the delivery of the debris directly into a dumpster or truck. Thus, the materials are only handled once. The present system is designed so that the time needed for assembly and break-down will be far less than the labor hours needed to handle the debris a second time. That is, handling the debris that, absent the present invention, was not delivered directly into the dumpster or truck. 
     The present versatile chute system can be used for various purposes, including, but not limited to 1) removal of asphalt roofing shingles safely from slope roof structures on both residential and commercial structures; 2) removing debris from interior renovations; 3) hoisting equipment; 4) moving materials up to and down from the work areas; and 5) snow removal from roof structures and stadium seating isles. 
     The present invention, includes, as well, roof edge debris stops which prevent debris from falling below, creating a safer work space for both workers and property owners. The present debris stops also help reduce the possibility of damage to the landscaping, building façade, and overall surroundings. All debris is transported safely down the chute. 
     The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of the present chute system; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view showing the present chute system positioned against the roof of a house at one end and dumpster on another end; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the bent roof eave debris stop; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the support rail extender gusset plate; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear elevational view of the present chute system; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the present chute system; and 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of detail area  8 - 8  shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the adjustable hinged anchor; 
         FIG. 10  is a close-up, side perspective view of a support rail; 
         FIG. 11  is a close-up, rear perspective view of the present system, showing adjustable hinged anchors in place; 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of an adjustable hinged anchor in place, showing the anchor secured by stainless steel bolts and associated components; 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the system, showing three chute panels, the support rails and the bent roof eave debris stop; 
         FIG. 14  is a close-up, top, rear perspective view, showing the orientation of the hole in a chute panel and the hoisting rope affixed therethrough; 
         FIG. 15  is close-up, top, side perspective view of a support rail; 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the chute system, showing the T-shaped chute engaging pole thereof; and 
         FIG. 17  is a further, closer top perspective view of the T-shaped chute engaging pole. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7  show an overview of the present chute system  10 . 
     The system  10  includes a pair of support rails  20  and associated components, namely a bent reinforcement elements  24  (for providing additional load-bearing support), spacer bar  28 , and adjustable hinged anchors  42 . It is preferred that the support rail  20 , the spacer bar  28 , and the adjustable hinged anchors  42  be made of steel. It is also preferred that the bent reinforcement element  24  be made of aluminum. However, these components may be made of any convenient material effective for achieving the objectives of the invention discussed herein. 
     In typical embodiments, there two support rails  20  used to support the chute on each side. In certain embodiments, the support rails  20  are 16′ long. In other embodiments, the support rails  20  are 24′ long. In certain embodiments of the system  10 , support rails  20  may be connected with a support rail extender gusset plate  50  ( FIG. 5 ), to produce a 40′ support rail  20 . As detailed below, the length of the support rails  20  is a function of the length of the chute  30  employed. The support rails  20  may be any length convenient for achieving the objectives of the invention discussed herein. 
     A pair of 16′ support rails  20  will accommodate up to two 8′ chute panels  32 ,  34 . A 16′, i.e., a two panel  32 ,  34  embodiment of the system  10  is appropriate for servicing a one- or two-story dwelling. A pair of 24′ support rails  20  will accommodate up to three 8′ chute panels  32 ,  34 , and  36 . The extended 40′ support rails  20  may accommodate five 8′ chute panels  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 , and  40 . This extended length is adapted to service a typical three story residence. It may also service a commercial building having a height of 30′. These lengths are exemplary and any necessary length may be achieved within the scope of the invention. There is also provided a T-shaped chute engaging pole  52 , shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , to set the position of the chute panels. As best shown in  FIG. 17 , the T-shaped chute engaging pole  52  is collapsible for ease of storage and transportation. The T-shaped engaging pole  52  may be stored on the side rail  20  or on the spacer bar  28  during transportation. 
     Typically, an individual support rail  20  employed is no heavier than a standard industry aluminum or fiberglass extension ladder. This allows one person to handle the support rail without difficulty. 
     In typical embodiments, the two support rails  20  are two galvanized steel joist members, such as the JOISTRITE members, described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,765,771, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     In preferred embodiments, attached to the rails are “Z” bent reinforcement elements  24  ( FIGS. 8, 10, 15 ). The “Z” bent reinforcement elements  24  are typically 0.080″ wide and 8′ long, but may of any dimension necessary to achieve the objectives of the invention. As best shown in  FIGS. 8 and 15 , the “Z” bent reinforcement elements  24  are attached to the rails using any convenient and effective fastening means such as, for example, one or more pop rivets  94 . 
     The side rails  20  are spaced according to the chute  30  width. The support rails  20  are connected to each other by a spacer bar  28 . The spacer bar  28  is employed to set the precise span for chute  30  placement on the side rails  20 . It also stabilizes the cooperating side rails  20 , and stabilizes the system  10 , generally. The spacer bar  28  is received into the rails  20  and affixed thereto. There are multiple locations on the rails  20  to which the spacer bar  28  may be affixed by, for example, a spacer bar connection  74  ( FIGS. 10 and 15 ). The spacer bar  28  may be stored on the rails  20  during transport. The spacer bar  28  is commercially available as a KINDORF B-907HS bar from Thomas &amp; Betts. 
     Attached to the top of each support rail  20  is an adjustable hinged anchor  42 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, the support rail  20 , the bent reinforcement elements  24 , and the spacer bar  28  all cooperate to support the chute  30  in position. 
     The bases of the support rails  20  are designed in a way that the system  10  can rest on a dump truck, stationary dumpster, or be placed directly on the ground. This unique design affords the present chute system  10  adaptability to all possible usage applications. For example,  FIG. 3  shows that the system  10  is easily adapted to rest between a typical residential structure  100  and a dumpster  200 . 
     Once the support rails  20  are firmly secured the building structure, the panels  32 ,  34 ,  36  can be easily set into place. 
     The support rails  20  are designed to connect to the top edge of any slope or flat roof structure (i.e., the eave), by employing an adjustable heavy gauge steel hinged anchor part, referred to as an adjustable hinged anchor  42  herein. This adjustable hinged anchor  42 , shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, and 11-13 , may be permanently attached to the support rail  20 . These allow the support rail  20  to be fastened to almost any type roof structure without modification in the field by workers. The wide range of angles offered by the adjustable hinged anchor  42  makes it adaptable to any angle transition from any roof slope or window opening. The adjustable hinged anchor  42  is commercially available under the brand name GUARDIAN from GF Protection Inc. (Part #00455). One adjustable hinged anchor  42  is attached to each side support rail  20 , attached permanently to the top reinforcement element  24  by any convenient fastening means such as, for example, by a pop rivet  94  (e.g., 3/16″ Aluminum pop rivets). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9, 11, and 12 , the adjustable hinged anchor  42  has two flaps  44  which are connected at a hinge  46 . The hinge  46  is formed by passing a D-ring  48  through respective openings at facing ends of the flaps  44 . With the adjustable hinged anchors  42  attached to the support rails  20 , the D-rings  48  serve as points for securing and hoisting the respective side rails  20  to position the system  10  at a desired location on a roof. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the adjustable hinged anchor  42  may be further secured to the support rails  20 , by stainless steel bolts  54 , an associated washers  56 , and a nylock nut (not shown). 
     In addition to the support rail  20  and its components, discussed above, a typical system  10  also includes three elongated bent aluminum chute panels  32 ,  34 , and  36  ( FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 ), each approximately 8′. These chutes are typically provided in ½″ width increments, so they may be nested into one another for ease of assembly and site relocation. 
     The typical width of the bent aluminum chutes  32 ,  34 , and  36  is in the range of 24″ to 48″. This gives a wide range of flexibility depending on the requirements of a given project, however other widths are well within the scope of the invention. The vertical sides of each chute panel  32 ,  34 ,  36  are of a height of approximately 8″ to 9″, though other heights are well within the scope of the invention. The spacing of the support rails  20  is determined by the width of the chute panels  32 ,  34 ,  36 . The spacer bar  28  is sized to accommodate the appropriate chute width. 
       FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 15  also show the chute transition stops  70  according to the invention. In certain embodiments, the chute transition stops  70  are adjustable. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2, 7, 8, 13, and 15 , the chute panels are secured into place on the support rails during assembly by the adjustable chute transition stops  70 . In the embodiment shown, the chute transition stops  70  are attached to the low side of the middle chute panel  34  and the top chute panel  36 , allowing an overlap of the bottom chute panel  32  with the middle chute panel  34  and the middle chute panel  34  with the top chute panel  36 . It is within the scope of the invention for the location of the chute transition stops  70  to be adjusted at 6″ increments. 
     The chute transition stops  70  are typically an assembly of the following components: a stainless steel hex cap screw (typically ½″-13×3″), two stainless steel flat washers (½″), a PVC bushing sleeve, and a stainless steel nyloc-nut  98  (½″-13). 
     As seen in  FIG. 11 , the chute panels  32 ,  34 ,  36  are provided with holes  90  near their top edges. These holes are provided for receiving a hoisting rope  92  ( FIG. 14 ) for hoisting the chute panels  32 ,  34 ,  36  up to the desired locations along the length of the side rails  20  during assembly in the field. 
     A further feature of the invention is a bent roof eave debris stop  60  and an associated flat transition plate  80 . A typical system  10  is provided twelve 8′ bent aluminum L-angle roof eave debris stops  60 , and one aluminum flat transfer plate  80 , which services as a roof-to-chute-transition-plate. It is preferred that these elements be made of aluminum but they may be made of any convenient material effective for achieving the objectives of the invention, discussed herein. 
     Thus, the present support rail and chute system  10  is a complete self-contained system. The integrated dual rail supports  20  dispense with the need to obtain the support of a ladder, as well as any need for column/pipe supports of any kind. 
     The present versatile chute system can be employed for various purposes, such as the removal of roofing debris, transporting tools, and equipment off commercial roof areas. It may also be employed to remove snow from roof structures or transport snow down aisles at stadiums. It may also be employed to transport debris or materials from the interiors of residential and commercial structures through exterior windows, or wall openings. 
     While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.