Abstract:
A device for removing ice and snow from roofs ( 10 ) comprising an inflatable sleeve ( 19 ) secured to a mounting frame secured on a roof under shingles or panels ( 56 ). Inflating the sleeve ( 19 ) fractures ice and snow adhering to the top of the apparatus, causing ice and snow to fall to the ground in a controlled manner. An inflation mechanism can be provided suitably adapted to prevent moisture damage to the system, and to provide warm air to the inflatable sleeve ( 19 ) to facilitate the release of ice and snow. Alternatively, a non-inflatable flexible cover ( 121 ) can be provided and secured to an eave or side of a building, and then agitated to remove ice and snow. A flexible gutter apparatus ( 223 ) can also be provided, having a flexible gutter disposed onto rigid support frame segments and secured to its edges so that the contents of the gutter can be expelled by lifting the flexible gutter over the frame.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/040,005, filed Mar. 3, 1997. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a device and method for removing ice and snow from roofs and overhangs. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A common problem found throughout the world is the buildup of ice and snow on the roofs of buildings during the winter months of the year. The problem can be seen on all types of buildings, from small cottages to the largest of industrial and commercial complexes. Typically, as the snow sits on a sloped roof, the bottom portion of the roof area will begin to show ice buildup in the form of ice dams after only a few days. As ice begins to form on the roof, the problem is further compounded by the formation of icicles and other ice formations in the gutter and eave section of many roofs. While the formation of ice may cause damage to a building&#39;s gutters, roof, eave and walls, the formation of icicles can lead to a much greater problem—falling ice. The resulting problems of ice and snow buildup on outdoor structures are well known and include damage to structures, interior and exterior water damage, excessive roof loading, which may eventually lead to roof failure, falling ice, which may injure people located below the ice formation, window damage, gutter damage, etc. 
     One of the main problems caused by ice dams is water damage to exterior and interior structures of a building. Even when underlayment materials are laid down between the wood decking and shingles, leaking remains a problem—especially on roofs that have a shallow slope. The shallower the slope of the roof, whether it comprises metal, fiberglass and plastic panels, tiles or shingles, the greater the potential for leaking to occur. 
     Particular problems exist with shallow sloped panel roofs. The snow and ice compresses and the bottom layer next to the roof turns into a solid sheet of ice. Under its own weight and in response to the roofs slope angle, the entire ice and snow pack will slide down the roof and extend over the edge. In many cases the bottom layer will turn into a solid sheet of ice, in some cases several inches thick, and will actually slide outward from the edge of the roof by several feet. Most pedestrian walk ways and parking lots near these roofs are barricaded in the winter because of the hazard created. Eventually the ice pack will either slide off all at once or break off. In either case, up to one hundred pounds or more of ice and snow pack per foot of roof line may suddenly come crashing down. Even though the ice pack can slide down the roof up to a few inches per day, it still acts as a dam and may cause runoff to back up on the roof and cause leaking. Another problem created by the ice and snow pack remaining on the edge of a building, especially around parking lots, truck docks, freight terminals, restaurants, shopping malls, post offices and other high traffic areas is the melting of the ice that drips down and may refreeze on the ground surfaces. 
     Ice dams become very serious problems when interior leaking occurs. When it happens, it is not a problem that can be solved quickly, safely, or easily. Typically, someone must be hired to begin shoveling snow off of the roof. Next, the person may use an ax and ice melting chemicals to remove the ice dam. The person must stand on a slippery roof near the edge, which is very hazardous. Ice strongly bonds to shingles, making it hard to remove. During chopping with an ax, damage to the shingles often results. The work is very labor intensive, expensive, and dangerous. 
     Several devices and techniques have been employed in the prior art to attempt to overcome these problems. One method is to use an electric heating tape strung over vast sections of roofs to melt ice and snow. Not only are heating tapes unsightly, but also draw expensive electric power. 
     Another method is to climb onto a roof and shatter the ice with a hard, blunt object, like a shovel, hammer, pipe, or ax. This has the disadvantage of being extremely dangerous, since a person must climb onto a slippery roof. Also, the action of shattering ice with a hard object may also damage the roof. 
     Another method is to climb onto a roof and chip away at the ice using a sharp object, like an ice chopper or hatchet. This method is even more likely to cause damage to the roof and associated structures. 
     Similarly, the prior art method for removing icicles is to knock them down from below with a long object like a stick. This method is extremely dangerous. 
     The methods of shattering with a blunt object, chipping with a sharp object, and knocking down from below, have the additional disadvantage having very high labor costs. Companies that provide these services charge high rates, since the work is hazardous and seasonal. The use of a heating tape to melt large snow and ice on large sections of a roof is also unsatisfactory, since the tape uses wasteful amounts of electric power during a time of year when electricity use is already high. They are also ineffective, since they only heat their immediate area. 
     Another method involves the use of rigid flashing along the lower roof line of a building. While it does help remove snow from roofs with a fairly moderate to steep slope, they are not very effective in allowing snow to slide off on shallow sloped roofs. Because of the many variable involved, such as the regularity, depth, and frequency of snowfall, temperature, melting and refreezing, sunlight, ice dams, and icicles still form on roofs with metal ice flashing installed. Typically, once the runoff drips down over the eave surface, the ice will freeze to and get a grip on the lower area of a roof. The ice dam problem remains. If the ice stays on the flashing, the ice dam will grow. If the ice dam and icicles fall off the roof, their timing is unpredictable, posing as a hazard. Often times falling ice will cause damage to the eave. The ice flashing is a permanent installation and remains on the roof year round. While it is primarily used on commercial buildings, its use is limited for residential roofs because of its unsightly appearance. Once ice has formed however, the incline of the roof does not easily allow the ice to fall because it may be frozen to the eave of the roof. The other major problem with this design is that there is no way of determining when the ice will fall, creating a dangerous situation. 
     Another method and device that has been used is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/703,642, by Timothy C. Bonerb. That invention uses an inflatable bladder and mounting flange that breaks off ice and snow when inflated. However, that application does not disclose the substantial improvements that are the subject of the present invention. 
     For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an apparatus for removing ice and snow in a controlled manner from the roofs and overhangs of buildings that does not cause damage, can be operated remotely, does not waste energy, and does not require an operator to be on a roof or underneath ice and snow falling from above. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention is to allow the user a simple and affordable method for inflating an inflatable sleeve by utilizing an electrical or piston driven leaf blower. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a protective exterior cover that will protect the roof from leaking. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an extension beyond the buildings sidewall or eave area so that runoff will not freeze and form on the side of the building. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide the user with a safe and effective method for controlling ice formations as they slide down shallow sloped metal roofs. As the ice formations slide and protrude over the edge of the roof, the ice formations may be broken up and allowed to fall under the user&#39;s supervision. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow the use a high level of safety for controlling and dislodging ice formations as they slide down shallow sloped, panel-type roofs. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a smooth and slick surface on the exterior surface of a roof for snow and ice to slide off. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow the user to manually agitate the flexible shield of the invention to induce the ice and snow to fall off the roof. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a protective cover over the existing roof surface (shingles) during ice and snow removal procedures that involve shoveling, scraping, etc. Snow and ice get a good grip on shingles, making it very difficult to get the “ice dam” off the roof even after all the snow above has been removed. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow moisture that may collect in the inflatable sleeve to drain out without causing damage to the system. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a flexible shield with insulation inside to isolate the roofs heat from the snow so that little or no melting takes place. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a leak proof, flexible and removable barrier to protect the roof, as well as the interior and exterior surface of the building from water damage. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow the user to remove the ice from the roof while still frozen, reducing the melting and dripping that may run down the walls of the building and cause damage to the building. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow the user to remove the ice from the roof of the building before its melts, drips and may refreeze on pedestrian walkways, roadways and parking lots which may cause dangerous and slippery conditions. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow the gutter systems on the eave to remain functional, preventing ice and snow from refreezing in the gutter and overflowing uncontrolled onto the ground. 
     Another object of the invention is to use a heat tape mounted on or behind the flexible cover to provide heat to melt snow and ice as well as a smooth surface so the ice and snow can slide off the roof. 
     Another object of the invention is to use warm or hot air to inflate the flexible inflatable sleeve as well as to recirculate the warm air to melt any snow or ice that may be stuck to the flexible shield. 
     The foregoing objects are accomplished using a device for removing ice and snow from roofs and overhangs comprising an inflatable sleeve made of a flexible material, an installation mounting frame and method that can be easily interfaced with existing building designs, and a means for inflating the sleeve. This and other features and embodiments of the invention will be made clear in the following drawings and description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of a building with a panel-type roof. The figure shows that the existing bottom panel has been cut and shortened to end at or near the sidewall of the building. Under the panel and above the bottom purlin or roof decking, a rigid insert is installed. The mounting tab, with the inflatable sleeve secured is sandwiched between the bottom of the panel and the rigid insert. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of a building with a panel type roof. A rigid u-shaped fixture is secured to the sidewall of the building so that its top side contacts the bottom most panel on the roof. A mounting tab and inflatable sleeve assembly is secured to the rigid U-shaped fixture under the roof panel and extends and is secured to the adjacent side of the U-shaped bracket. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of a building with a very shallow sloped panel-type roof system. An inflatable sleeve is sandwiched between a structural fixture that is fastened to the sidewall of the building. 
     FIG. 4 is the side view of a building with a panel-type roof. The bottom panel is slid up and under the panel above so that its bottom end aligns with the sidewall of the building, allowing space for the rigid insert panel and inflatable sleeve assemblies. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of one configuration of the rigid insert panel. The figure shows that a rigid angle has been added to the underside of the rigid insert panel to act as a drip edge and mounting base for the inflatable sleeve. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of a building showing the detail of an insert secured inside the ridge on a panel roof with the rigid insert panel installed. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of a building with a flat roof. The figure shows the detail of the mounting tab and inflatable sleeve assembly installed. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of a building with a flat roof. The figure shows the detail of a drainage assembly with an inflatable device around the drain. The inflatable device is shown as being made of an elastic or non-elastic waterproof material. 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of a building with a shingled roof. The figure shows the detail of a flexible shield with a weighted bottom end and pull cord assembly. 
     FIG. 10 shows the underside of a flexible shield (non-inflatable) with loop and bungee cord assembly. Further detail shows the pull cord assembly attached to the bottom loop on the flexible shield. 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of a building with the flexible shield installed. The figure shows the detail of a manually controlled hook that is connected to the pull cord assembly to agitate the lower portion of the flexible shield. 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of a building. The figure shows the use of rigid flashing installed at the bottom of the roof. Further detail shows the use of an inflatable sleeve device secured at the edge of the roof. (Could be just the flexible shield.) 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of a building with a rigid shield and an inflatable sleeve mounted on the lower section of the roof. (Could be just the flexible shield.) 
     FIG. 14 shows the use of the flexible shield installed over a large area of a building&#39;s roof. 
     FIG. 15 is an overhead view of a flexible shield installed with end tabs secured under shingles adjacent to the end of the shield. 
     FIG. 16 is an overhead view of a sectional piece of the flexible shield used in a roofs valley section. 
     FIG. 17 is an overhead view showing the underside of the end of an inflatable sleeve component. The figure shows the detail of the end of the bungee cord configuration fixed to a grommet in the end of the sleeve. The bungee cord loop is shown pulled away from the sleeve and secured to a mounting bracket using a cable tie. 
     FIG. 18 is a bird&#39;s eye view of the inflatable sleeve installed on the end of a roof. The figure shows how the loop assembly is pulled taught and secured to a mounting. bracket on the eave of the building. 
     FIG. 19 is an end view of various methods for securing the stitching when the flexible sleeve is cut to size. 
     FIG. 20 is a side view of an end clasp being affixed to the end seam of the flexible cover and Velcro, locking the stitching and components down and tight. 
     FIG. 21 is an view of the flexible sleeve and loop assembly with the stitching held in place with glue. 
     FIG. 22 is a bird&#39;s eye view of the end of the Velcro strip and flexible cover. The end stitching is held in place by cross stitching over the end seam. 
     FIG. 23 shows a seam that is heat sealed or glued without the use of stitching. 
     FIG. 24 is a side view of a building having a lower roof section that is sloped very shallow. A flexible shield is installed so that the snow may be removed by pulling the top straps on the shield. 
     FIG. 25 is a side view of a building with a gutter installed on the eave. A non-inflatable end section of the inflatable sleeve is provided to lay in the gutter so that the gutter remains functional. 
     FIG. 26 shows an inflatable sleeve having a non-inflatable section that lays in a gutter that acts to empty the gutter when the sleeve is inflated. 
     FIG. 27 is a side view of the flexible cover installed on a building&#39;s roof. The bottom end of the shield has a pull cord assembly so that the end of the shield can be pulled so that it lifts out of the gutter. A cleat is also shown mounted on cover to hold ice in place until shield is agitated. 
     FIG. 28 is a side view of a building&#39;s roof section. The top end of the flexible shield is shown affixed under a shingle on the roof while its bottom end is fastened to the edge of the roof. 
     FIG. 29 is a bird&#39;s eye view of a flexible shield section with heat tape mounted and held in place by a pocket type cover on the back side of the shield. 
     FIG. 30 is a side view of a roof section with an inflatable sleeve using an elastic fabric material. In this embodiment, the elastic inflatable sleeve is attached to a rigid mounting plate. 
     FIG. 31 is a side view of the building&#39;s roof with a flexible cover installed under the bottom end of flashing. 
     FIG. 32 is a side view showing a flexible shield affixed to an eave with a hook and loop fastening assembly and weighted end. 
     FIG. 33 is a side view of roof with a flexible gutter. 
     FIG. 34 is a view of a roof with a cover and water diverter secured over the cover. 
     FIG. 35 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention adapted to remove ice, snow, and debris from a gutter using an inflatable sleeve. 
     FIG. 36 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention adapted to remove ice, snow, and debris from a gutter using a manual agitation. 
     FIG. 37 is a side view of a roof with a fence feature for preventing ice and snow from sliding off the roof. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of the bottom end of a metal, panel-type roof that is modified for use with this configuration of the invention. A bottom end  56   a  of roof panel  56  is cut back to position  56   b . Fasteners  16   a  and  16   b  are removed, allowing roof panel  56  to be lifted from its secured position on the roof beam (purlin)  176 . A rigid insert panel  173  is installed and caulk or other types of gasketing and sealant materials are applied above and below the insert panel  173  to form a watertight seal. Sandwiched between the bottom  56   b  of the roof panel  56  and the insert panel  173  is a mounting tab  151 . Once all components are in place, fasteners  16   a  and  16   b  are reinstalled. The end  178  of the insert panel is positioned away from the sidewall  110  of the building to keep water runoff away from the building. The end  178  acts as a drip edge. Hole(s)  177  are provided approximately every 46 cm along the bottom part of the insert panel  173  to provide a mounting point to hold the shock or bungee cord  21  secured so that the inflatable sleeve  19  is anchored properly. A hook and loop (VELCRO) fastening system  180  is provided to attach an inflatable sleeve  19  to the mounting tab  151  and to allow for easy removal and reinstallation as the seasons dictate. Waterproof sealant  169   a ,  169   b ,  169   c ,  169   d ,  169   e , such as butyl tape, silicone caulk, and others well known in the art are used in the joint  174  to prevent leaking through the roof panels  56 . Special sealants  169  are generally required that have elasticity to move with the roof panels  56  as they constantly expand and contract due to the constant heating and cooling that normally occurs. 
     FIG. 1 clearly shows the advantages of manufacturing and installing a device for removing ice and snow from roofs. For a panel-type roof, the method comprises the steps of cutting back the panel from the edge of the roof, installing the top part of an inflatable sleeve  19  or cover, and securing the bottom part of the inflatable sleeve or cover to the eave or side of the building. 
     FIG. 2 shows a mounting fixture  108   a  mounted directly to the eave sidewall  110  of a building. It can also be mounted to the eave. In this configuration of the invention, the roof panel  56  is not modified or removed. The mounting tab  151  is fitted to a mounting fixture  108   a  with fasteners  16   x  and  16   y . Other fastening materials such as adhesives, zippers, hook &amp; loop assemblies and sealants and others may be used. To provide additional support to the mounting fixture  108   a , a support gusset  181  may be used. The top end of the inflatable sleeve assembly  19  is secured to the mounting tab  151  with a hook and loop assembly  180 . A non-inflatable  26  section is provided between the inflatable sleeve  19  and the top of the flexible shield at a fastening assembly  180 . The bottom of the inflatable sleeve  19  is secured by an attached cable-tie  179  between a shock cord  21  and a hole  177  in the lower section of the mounting fixture  108   a . The bottom ends  178   a  and  178   b  are designed to allow any moisture runoff to fall away from the building sidewall  110 . 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of a shallow sloped, panel roof. A mounting fixture  108   a , which may be a simple plate or standard structural metal or plastic angle, tubing, wood, or other formed component can be affixed to the sidewall  110  or the eave just beneath the bottom edge  56   b  of the panel roof  56 . Caulk or sealant  169  may be under the bottom  56   b  of the roof panel  56  at the joint area  183 . The top end  156  of the inflatable sleeve  19  is sandwiched between the mounting fixture  108   a  and sidewall  110  with fasteners  16   a  and  16   b . To provide greater adjust ability, a cable-tie  179  secures a bungee cord  21  contained in a loop  124  with a hook  23 . Foam rubber could be used inside the sleeve or against the sidewall as a fixture  108   a.    
     FIG. 4 is a side view of a sectional, panel roof assembly. While most metal roof seams are mechanically crimped together to ensure they are leak proof, some panel type roofs are fastened down in sections using screws and hardware. Rather than cutting the panel  56   x  shorter to reduce the extension length of an insert panel  173  and the top end  19   a  of the inflatable sleeve  19 , fasteners  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  can be removed, allowing the panel  56   x  to be slid up and under a panel  56   y  so that the end  56   a  of the panel  56   x  is in the desired location. FIG. 4 also illustrates another method of installing the present invention. The method comprises the steps of loosening the fasteners on a roof panel, sliding the panel under another uphill panel, and then installing an inflatable sleeve or cover on the exposed area of the roof below the panel. 
     FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of the drip edge extension  182  that can be a separate component such as metal or plastic angle, strip or other structure. Sealant  169  is placed in the exterior joint where the drip edge  182  angle is fastened to the insert panel  173  with a rivet  16 . The insert panel  173  may be made of metal, plastic, fiberglass, or wood. Hole(s)  177  are installed to provide an anchored location to secure the bottom of the inflatable sleeve. The drip edge is useful for directing drips and the flow of water away from the side of a building. 
     FIG. 6 Is a side view of a panel roof system with the insert panel  173  installed. An insert support plug  186  is installed in an opening  175  to prevent foreign materials, insects, birds, water, snow, ice, and such from entering under the panel  56 . Additional sealants, polyurethane foams, caulks and other materials may be used to help seal the opening  175 . A screw  16  may be installed through the panel  56 , insert support plug and purlin  176  to form a tight and secure fit. During the inflation action of the invention, the end of the panel  56  should be bolstered down tightly to the roof and free from any crevices where ice could form. Installing an insert support plug with other sealants, foams, and caulks, or not, is another method of installing the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of a building with a flat roof. A waterproof membrane  192 , which can be a rubber sheeting or vinyl coated fabric material, rests on the roof decking  10 . The waterproof membrane  192  is typically installed on the roof in 91 cm-152 cm wide rolls. The edges of the rolls are seamed together by adhesives or heat sealing. After the waterproof membrane  192  is installed, stones or other types of aggregate material is spread on the roof to hold the membrane  192  in place. A mounting tab  151  is adhered to the waterproof membrane  192  (adhesive or heat sealing depending on the material and recommended sealing technique) so that the inflatable sleeve assembly  19 , which can be made of a non-reinforced, elastic rubber sheeting or a coated fabric material, can be attached with a hook and loop connection  180 . The inflatable sleeve assembly  19  can be directly adhered to waterproof membrane  192  for a permanent installation. A metal flashing  191  is joined at the top corner joint between the membrane  192  and the sidewall  110 . A bungee cord  21  contained in a loop  124  on the inflatable sleeve  19  is attached to a hook  23  mounted on the sidewall  110  of the building. Attaching the flat membrane can be another step in the method of installing the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of a building with a flat roof showing the detail of a drainage assembly  193 . Surrounding a cage  194  on the surface of the roof  10 , is an inflatable ring  19   r  held in place by a clamp ring  195 . The material  196  that is used on the right half of the inflatable ring  19   r  is elastic, showing full inflation at position  196   a . The left half of the inflatable ring  19   r  is made of non-elastic material  197  and is shown at its full inflation position at  197   a . In actual use, one would use either elastic or non-elastic material for inflatable ring  19   r.    
     FIG. 9 is a side view of a shingled roof with a flexible cover  121  installed. A top end of the cover  121  is connected to a mounting tab  151  by a hook and loop fastening system  180 . The top end of the cover  121  can be fastened directly to the roof for a more permanent installation. A bottom end  122   a  of the cover  121  is made as a loop or insert compartment to hold insert material  122   b , such as a section of rigid rod, PVC pipe, chain, or even sand. The insert material  122   b  helps weigh down the end of the cover and to provide a more aesthetic, non-wrinkled appearance. A pull cord assembly  204  is located on the backside of the cover  121  to allow the user to manually agitate the cover  121  to help break ice and snow off of the roof  10 . 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the underside of the flexible cover  121 . The pull cord assembly  204 , which could be made of cable, rope, webbing or fabric, is attached at approximately 46 cm intervals along the same stitch seam  204   a  as the top of the insert loop  122   a . Further detail of the loop  124  and bungee cord  21  arrangements are shown. Individual bungee cord loop(s)  124   x  with an attachment tab  124   y  may be attached to the underside of the cover  121  in place of using the continuous cord  21 . The cord  21  may be elastic or non-elastic. 
     FIG. 11 shows the side view of a roof with the flexible cover  121 , which may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or reinforced material such as PVC coated fabric, installed. Cover  121  materials may be fabricated using adhesives, sewing, heat-sealing, and other fastening methods well-known in the art. The user may use a rigid pole  205  with an end hook  205   a  to grab pull the cord assembly  204  to manually agitate the cover  121 . Position  121   n  of the cover  121  shows the partial range of movement when the cover  121  is agitated. Although not shown in this figure, in place of using the pull cord assembly  204  and end hook  205   a  on the pole  205  to grab hold of and manually agitate the cover  121 , a loop component of a VELCRO hook and loop fastening system, or other similar brands, can be installed along the bottom underside of the cover  121  in place of the pull cord assembly. The hook component can be attached to the end of the pole  205  so that when the loop component of the cover  121  and hook component on the end of pole  205  can engage to allow the user to manually agitate the cover  121  to help remove ice and snow from the roof  10 . 
     FIG. 12 shows a rather simple configuration of the inflatable sleeve  19  sandwiched between a section of rigid flashing  207 , such as stainless steel or galvanized metal sheeting and the roof decking  10 . The bottom end  19   t  of the inflatable sleeve  19  may be weighted down so that it hangs down properly and does not flap in the wind. The bottom part of the inflatable sleeve  19  does not always have to be secured to the eave  113 . 
     FIG. 13 shows another configuration of the inflatable sleeve  19  used with rigid flashing  207 . In this embodiment, the inflatable sleeve is attached to the roof  10  under a bottom end of the flashing  207  and above the edge  10   m  of the roof  10 . Position  19   p  shows the inflatable sleeve  19  at maximum expansion when inflated. 
     FIG. 14 shows a side view of a building with a shallow roof  10   i  and a steeper roof  10   j . A large flexible cover  121  may be placed over the shallow roof  10   i  to prevent leaking from melting ice and snow. The cover has a slippery top surface so that ice and snow will not adhere to it. This feature protects the roof from the elements while making it easy to remove ice and snow. While snow is likely to slide off the steeper roof  10   j , it is very likely to sit on a shallow roof, causing considerably more problems and damage. Side flaps  121   w  of the cover  121  hold the cover down, preventing wind from blowing it off. 
     FIG. 15 is a top view of a shingled roof  10  showing ends tabs  121   x ,  121   y  of the flexible cover  121  placed under shingles and secured in place. Another method for holding the cover  121  ends down on the roof  10  involves equipping an end tab  121   z  with a VELCRO hook and loop fastener secured to its underside. Using the same or similar material that the cover  121  is made of, an anchor tab  121   za  is permanently fastened under a shingle to the roof  10 . The end tab  121   z  can be easily secured to the roof  10  under a shingle to anchor tab  121   za  so that removal and reinstallation of the cover  121  can be performed easily. Securing the ends of a cover or sleeve using end tabs is another method of installing the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a top view of the roof  10 . A flexible, non-inflatable cover  121  is used in the valley section of the roof  10 , to provide a continuing cover surface connecting adjoining inflatable sleeves  19 R and  19 L. The top, left vertical end of the sleeve  19 R and the top right vertical end of the sleeve  19 L are equipped with a hook component of a VELCRO strip. The valley cover  121  sections vertical ends are equipped with the loop components strips. Attaching the valley cover  121  to both inflatable sleeves  19 R and  19 L is made by a connection  180 . Lower valley flashing  208  is adhered to upper valley flashing  208   a , enabling the top end of the cover  121  to fit underneath and allowing valley runoff to flow over the lower flashing  208  and the cover  121 . This feature of the invention makes it possible to join several sections of the device in a modular fashion. This is helpful because most buildings to not have a single, continuous length of roof, but are varied in height and direction to suit architectural demands. 
     FIG. 17 is a top view showing the detail of the bottom underside bungee assembly of the inflatable sleeve  19 . To keep outward and lateral tension on the opposite ends of a bungee loop assembly  124 , a bungee cord  21 L is passed though an opening  210  (grommet) and made into a loop by securing a locking clip  209  on the bungee cord  21 . The bungee cord loop  21 L is secured to the hook  23  using a cable-tie  179 . Both the bungee cord  21  and loop assembly  124  are pulled outward using the loop  21 L in conjunction with the hook  23  and cable-tie  179  components. The outward and lateral tension keeps the invention taut, wrinkle-free, and secured properly to the roof. It comprises an addition step in the method of installing the invention, that of providing lateral tension in the bottom of the device using a loop of cord at each end with is secured to the roof beyond the edge of the sleeve or cover. Use of a bungee cord or other elastic material and devices such as a spring allows upward movement of the inflatable sleeve  19  as it is inflated and aids in pulling the inflatable sleeve back in position during deflation and for holding the cover securely against the roof. The air pressure required to inflate the inflatable sleeve  19 , even when a heavy loading of ice and snow exists, generally requires less than about 35 kPa. An air inflation means such as a pump, blower, or even a leaf blower, is pneumatically attached to the sleeve to via an air inlet fixture to inflate the sleeve. A bungee cord loop  21 L may be connected directly to the hook  23  instead of using a cable tie  179  to provide extra adjustment. A small opening  19   xt  (approximately 3.2 mm diameter), that can even be a simple puncture, may be applied to a bottom edge on the underside of the inflatable sleeve  19  to allow moisture to drain out of the sleeve. 
     FIG. 18 is a bird&#39;s eye view showing further detail of the right end of the bungee cord  21  and loop assembly  21 L secured to the eave  113  of a building. A cable-tie  179  is used because it can be adjusted easily to the desired length during installation. To prevent winds from getting under the invention at the ends of a roof and causing damage, an end flap  121   a  is extended over the roof edge  10   s  and secured to the side of roof with fasteners  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c . The end flap  121   a  extends between the flexible cover&#39;s top end  121   t  at the shingle  14  downward to the inflatable seam  190 . The flap  121   a  is actually an extension of the non-inflatable section  26  of the cover  121 . Providing an end flap is a method to hold down the system at its edges to prevent wind from pulling it up and causing damage. 
     FIG. 19 is an end view of the cover  121  showing three methods for securing or binding the loose stitching ends  121   q  when the cover  121  is measured and cut to size. It is an advantage of the present invention that the sleeves or covers can be manufactured in long, continuous lengths and cut to size on site. A rivet  211   a , a staple  211   b  and a grommet  211   c  are used respectively to lock down the cut end seams of different plies and components of the cover  121  as well as the loose stitching ends  121   q  that occur after cutting. These fasteners lock down the various plies, stitching  121   q  and materials used in the cover  121  and inflatable sleeve so that they can not unravel and come apart. 
     FIG. 20 shows an end clasp  211   d  in place at the end of a seam. The clasp  211   d  can be metal or plastic and pressed, heated, melted or locked into position as desired. The end clasp  211   d  locks together ends of a VELCRO strip  180 , stitching end  121   q  and cover fabric  121 . 
     FIG. 21 is end view of a cut off seam involving two plies of the flexible cover  121  and stitching end  121   q  using adhesive  211   e  to hold ends together. 
     FIG. 22 is a bird&#39;s eye view of the cover  121  that has been recently cut to size. A VELCRO strip  180 , stitching  121   q  and cover material  121  are joined together by cross stitching  211   f.    
     FIG. 23 is an end view of a seam  121   r  formed by folding over the cover  121 . The seam  211   g  is formed by heat sealing. 
     FIG. 24 is a side view of a building with a shallow sloped porch area where snow  11  typically collects. A flexible cover  121  provides a waterproof barrier over the roof  10 . The flexible cover  121  is held down on the sides of the roof using an end flap  121   a  and a VELCRO connection  180  between an interior surface of the end flap  121   a  and an eave area of roof  113 . The front end of the cover  121  is held to the front of the eave  113  by a standard fastening means of the invention. At the rear bottom corner of the roof  10 , a VELCRO connection  180   f  is used to hold the corner of the cover  121  secured to the corner of the roof  10 . A VELCRO connection  180   g  is used in a similar manner to hold the back, top end of the cover  121  to a building sidewall  110 . Cover straps  121   w  may be pulled by attaching a rope  213  by any suitable means, such as manpower, a winch, truck, etc., to remove the snow off the roof  10 . 
     FIG. 25 is a side view of a roof showing an end flap  19   q  from the bottom of the inflatable sleeve  19  held down by a shock cord  21  and a hook  23  so that the end flap  19   q  rests in a gutter  13  so that gutter remains functional while the invention is in use. The end  19   s  of the end flap  19   q  is secured to the front exterior of the gutter by a hook  23   d . Any suitable means of attachment may be used to secure the end  19   s  of the end flap  19   q  to the gutter  13 . The gutter can act as a brake to hold snow and ice of the roof and keep it from falling until the system is operated. This feature adds to the safety of the system. This version provides a method both clean out the gutter and to remove ice and snow from a roof. 
     FIG. 26 is a side view of a roof  10  showing an end flap  19   q  anchored to an end ring  13   i  of a support fixture  13   j  as the end flap  19   q  extends from the bottom of an inflatable sleeve  19 . The end flap  19   q  and inflatable sleeve  19  are also secured to the eave by attaching a shock cord  21  to a hook  23  on the eave  113 . The support fixture(s)  13   j  are affixed to the eave approximately every 61 cm to 91 cm to provide adequate support to a rod  19   si  containing with a loop on the end of the end flap  19   q . When the inflatable sleeve  19  is deflated, end flap  19   q  forms a flexible gutter component. When the inflatable sleeve  19  is inflated, as shown by inflated position  19   p , the end flap  19   q  is raised from its rest position, functioning as a gutter, to an almost vertical position  19   pq  so that the contents of the gutter (not shown) such as ice, snow, dirt, and water, are automatically removed. The support fixture  13   j  is similar in design to an actual gutter support and is secured to the eave  113  with a fastener  16 . As ice and snow melts during the day, after the inflatable sleeve  19  is inflated to remove ice and snow from the roof  10  and raises and cleans out the end flap  19   q , the end flap resumes its function as a gutter to catch dripping ice and snow runoff from landing on the ground and may refreeze, causing a hazardous condition. After inflation, a bungee cord  21  helps pull the end flap  19   q  and inflatable sleeve  19  back into position. This configuration of the invention provides the ability to perform as a gutter in addition to removing ice and snow from a roof. The need for a rigid gutter trough is eliminated. The gutter also functions as a brake to hold snow and ice onto the roof until the inflatable sleeve is inflated. When inflated, the gutter no longer operates as a brake and ice and snow fall to the ground at the command of the operator. 
     FIG. 27 shows a side view of a roof section with further detail showing the use of the flexible cover  121  held in the gutter by a VELCRO connection  180 . A pull cord assembly  204  can be used to agitate the cover  121  to help remove snow and ice from the roof  10 . A fastening assembly using a bungee cord  21  helps restrain the cover  121  in its proper position. A cleat  214  may be attached to the cover  121  or the inflatable sleeve to hold ice formations of the roof  10  until the unit is inflated or manually agitated. The cleat  214  may be fastened through the cover  121  or adhere to the top surface. When inflated or agitated, ice and snow will most likely free itself from the cleat. 
     FIG. 28 is a side view of a roof  10  with a flexible cover  121  attached on the roof surface  10  with a fastener  16   b  under a shingle  14   a  extending downward and attached on the eave  113  of the roof  10  with a fastener  16   a . The top side of the cover is a slippery, non-stick surface that facilitates the removal of ice and snow. 
     FIG. 29 is a bird&#39;s view of a section of the cover  121  showing a heat wire  211  enclosed in a compartment  218  on the underside of the cover  121 . Snow typically has a strong grip on shingles where heat tape is used, allowing substantial amounts of snow and ice to remain and form on a roof while the heat wire is in operation. The heat tape, in conjunction with the smooth and slippery surface of cover  121  will allow greater amounts of ice and snow to be removed from a roof. When large chunks of ice do fall, the heat tape will not be pulled off the roof as is so commonly seen with the use of heat tape. This also makes it very easy to install heat tape. 
     FIG. 30 is a side view of a roof  10  with elastic inflatable cover  19   bc  mounted on a sheet  207   p . The sheet  207   p , which may be rigid or flexible, is secured to roof under a shingle  14  with a fastener  16   a  and secured at the bottom to the eave  113  with another fastener  16   b . In fact, any of the sleeves and covers described can be made of either elastic or inelastic materials. 
     FIG. 31 is a side view of a building&#39;s roof with flashing  207  installed over the lower section of a roof  10 . A flexible cover  121   ab  is installed under the bottom end of the flashing  207 . A cover hangs downward to keep ice from forming on eave  113 . The cover  121   ap  can be made in several other configurations such as an inflatable sleeve, elastic material, etc. The cover  121   ap  can be equipped with a pull cord assembly for manual agitation. In almost all of the configurations of the flexible cover, the bottom side closest to the edge can be manipulated from behind with the user pushing the cover from a window or balcony. Another embodiment of this invention uses a VELCRO hook and loop fastener  180   v  and  180   x  to removably fasten a back side of the cover  121   ap  to the eave  113 . No bungee cord is required in this configuration. The flashing prevents ice buildup on the eave. 
     FIG. 32 shows a cover  121  fastened to a roof  10  with a fastener  16 . The cover  121  hangs down over the edge of the roof  10 . A bottom end  122   a  of the cover is folded to form a space that can contain material  122   b  to hold down the bottom end so that it will not be blown out of its proper position by the wind. The material  122   b  can be sand, PVC pipe, or any convenient material. A pull cord assembly  204  is provided and is secured near the bottom end  122   a.    
     FIG. 33 is the side view of a building&#39;s lower roof  10  and the eave  113  area showing detail of a flexible gutter  223 . A top end  223   a  of the flexible gutter is sandwiched between a clamp bar  224  and the eave  113  surface with a fastener  16   b . A support frame  225  is attached to the eave  113  by inserting the fastener  16   a  through a support frame flange  225   a . The support frame  225  may be attached to the eave  113  at intervals of approximately 46 cm along the eave  113 . An outward end loop  223   b  of the flexible gutter  225  may have an insert support  223   c , such as an about 6.4 mm diameter plastic or metal rod, installed to hold the gutter in an open position. An end bracket  225   b  will hold the insert support  223   c  firmly in place. A face plate  225   c  and a bottom corner plate  225   d  may be added to the support frame  225  to provide a more standard and aesthetically-pleasing appearance to the flexible gutter  223 . Bottom openings between the support frames  225  enable a person to push the bottom of the flexible gutter  223  upwards for clean-out purposes. The flexible gutter  223  is shown and at extended and raised position  223   x . Flexible insert openings  223   d  and  223   e , fabricated by using two plies of material, may be added to the flexible gutter  223  with heat tape  211   a  and  211   b  installed to help melt ice and snow that forms in the flexible gutter  223 . Any suitable means, such as a VELCRO fastener, can be used to hold the ends  223   a  and  223   b  of the flexible gutter  223  secured in a proper position on the eave  113 . VELCRO and other fastening components may be used to hold the flexible gutter  223  in a folded or extended position. The flexible gutter may or may not be provided with an aesthetic facade. When the flexible gutter is pushed upward from its bottom its shape goes from substantially concave to substantially convex, thereby emptying any ice, snow, or debris that may have accumulated within the gutter. 
     FIG. 34 is a bird&#39;s eye view of a building with a flexible shield  121  installed on the roof  10 . A water diverter  226  may be made of any substantially rigid material such as light weight aluminum, steel or plastic angle or similar structural material. The water diverter  226  may be attached directly to the flexible shield  121  using rivets, adhesives, sealants, hook and loop fasteners, screws, or other fasteners. If a permanent diverter is already or about to be installed directly on the roof surface  10 , a pocket (not shown) may be formed and fabricated on the cover  121  for the diverter to fit into and not damage the underside of the cover  121 . The cover  121 , in addition to being an apparatus for removing ice and snow, also has the benefit of forming a water-proof cover to the roof  10  and preventing damage from exposure to moisture. 
     FIG. 35 is a side view of the roof  10  showing a flexible cover  234  secured to the roof  10  under the bottom row of shingles  14 . The flexible cover  234  can be made of a non-reinforced rubber, vinyl or plastic sheeting and may be elastic or as a rubber, vinyl or plastic coated fabric. Bottom flap  234   b  ends are secured by an adhesive, sewing, heat sealing or clamping to the cover  234  at locations  234   d  and  234   c , forming an inflatable compartment  238 . The bottom flap end  234   b  is fastened to an outside edge of a gutter  235  by using an adhesive, VELCRO or clamping means. The gutter  13  cradles and supports the cover  234 , with an inflatable compartment  238  so that runoff moisture, rain, ice, snow, leaves and other debris cannot contact and damage the sidewall  113   c  of the eave  113 . The sidewall  113   c , gutter  113  and fasteners that hold the gutter  113  to the eave  113  are kept dry and out of the elements, preventing rusting of metal parts and other damage to eave such as paint flaking, rotting wood and other water damage. A hose  237  may be passed through a hole  236  in the gutter  113  and connected to the inflatable compartment  238  to provide an air source for inflating and expanding the inflatable compartment  238 . A leaf blower may be used to inflate cover  234 . At full inflation a cover  234   a  pushes upward, removing ice, snow, leaves, dirt, water and other debris, making the gutter  13  operational. Location  234   x  shows the cover  234   a  at full inflation. The bungee or non-elastic cord  124  may be secured to the hook  23  to provide extra hold down support to the cover  234 . An inflation hose may be secured to a gutter downspout. 
     FIG. 36 is a side view of the roof  10  showing the flexible cover  234  secured to the roof  10  under the shingle  14 . A top end of the cover  234  may be glued, stapled, or fastened to the roof  10  with a screw  16 . Caulk or adhesive  239  may be applied on a top surface of the cover  234  to hold the shingle  14  against the roof  10 , especially for installations that may be subject to high wind conditions. The bottom end of the flexible cover  234  is attached to the gutter  13  at location  235 . The hole  236  in the gutter  13  may be used to allow one to use a broom handle or other stick like object to raise the cover  234  upward to location  238   x  to remove water, snow, ice, leaves, branches and other debris from the gutter  13 . The cord  124 , which may be elastic, will help hold the cover  234  in place in the gutter  13  if used with the cover  234 . The cover  234  prevents water from freezing and expanding between the sidewall  113   c  and the gutter  13 , which can cause damage to the gutter  13  and the eave  113 . The cover  234  may be held in place with gutter mounting fixture(s)  240  fastened to the eave  113  and used without the support of the gutter  13 . In effect, the version in FIG. 116 does with the use of a stick like object what the version in FIG. 115 does with inflation. A porous material  241  is disposed between the gutter  13  and cover  234  to enable caulk or other adhesive to adhere to materials like metal and vinyl. Mesh or porous material  241  can be attached to cover  234  during manufacturing 
     FIG. 37 is a side view of a roof  10  showing a top non-inflatable section  26  of an inflatable sleeve  19  secured to the roof  10  under the roof covering (shingle, panel-type roofing, tile or membrane type)  14  with a fastener  16 . A fence  242 , which may be made of wood, plastic, metal or other building materials is fastened to a bottom section of the roof  10 . The fence  242  acts as an obstruction along the roof surface to help prevent snow and ice from sliding off the roof  10  and causing damage or injury below. This is especially a major problem with panel type roofs because snow and ice can easily slide down their slippery surface. A tab  244  extends from the underside of the inflatable sleeve  19  and may be sandwiched between the fence  242  and roof  10  or otherwise anchored in position. As snow, water, ice and other debris collects in the trough  243  and against the fence  242 , an operator may inflate the inflatable sleeve  19 , which as it expands upward will lift material in the trough  243  at a level higher than the fence  242 , allowing it to be removed from the roof  10 . A shock cord  124 , or other elastic material, is connected to a hook  23  on the eave  113  so that the bottom end of the inflatable sleeve  19  is able to move as it is inflated while being held secure to the eave  113 . The fence forms a gutter and brakelat once. 
     While there have been described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention and it is, therefore, aimed to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.