CA2547805A1 - Portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus - Google Patents
Portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2547805A1 CA2547805A1 CA 2547805 CA2547805A CA2547805A1 CA 2547805 A1 CA2547805 A1 CA 2547805A1 CA 2547805 CA2547805 CA 2547805 CA 2547805 A CA2547805 A CA 2547805A CA 2547805 A1 CA2547805 A1 CA 2547805A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ice melting
- heating elements
- melting device
- layer
- portable ice
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J11/00—Removable external protective coverings specially adapted for vehicles or parts of vehicles, e.g. parking covers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Surface Heating Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
During the winter season the accumulation of thick layers of ice on vehicle surfaces is difficult to remove and, if not removed, poses a public safety hazard. To date, no device has adequately addressed this problem. The invention put forth in this patent, is a novel removable device used to prevent the accumulation of ice directly on the surface of a motor vehicle. By applying this device to a surface of a motor vehicle, it acts as a barrier to accumulating ice, provides a means for heating and hence melting the ice, and in turn facilitates the removal of the ice layer. The novelty of this invention is derived from its portability, removable nature, unique structural design, and ease of use. This innovative device improves upon some existing permanent de-icing technologies and effectively addresses the aforementioned public safety hazards.
Description
DISCLOSURE
Field of Invention The invention presented here, relates to the general field of de-icing apparatuses and/or systems, as it relates to motor vehicles.
Background of the Invention During the winter season, freezing rain poses a public safety hazard, particularly in driving conditions. Accumulation of thick layers of ice on vehicle surfaces, results in great difficulty in its removal without damaging the vehicle. More importantly, driving with thick layers of ice (for example on the vehicle roof) can pose dangers, as the thick ice can become dislodged and be launched at great speeds into surrounding traffic and pedestrians. To this date, this problem has not been adequately addressed.
Several approaches have been put forth aimed at developing de-icing systems.
Two main approaches include the manual removal of surface ice using a scraping device, and electrical heating methods. Scraping devices (such as United States patent number US2006021175), although appropriate for use on glass/window surfaces, would be inappropriate for use on more damage-sensitive surfaces, such as the painted body of a vehicle. Electrical heating methods include the commonly used rear-windshield integrated heating elements (such as Japanese patent number JP2004210156), which although function efficiently to remove glass surface ice or moisture accumulation, do not address the problems previously mentioned. Also, permanent thermal de-/anti-icing systems have been employed for aircraft surfaces (such as Canadian patent number CA02302007), using flexible electrical and heat conducting layers coupled with electrically insulating layers in order to achieve de-/anti-icing temperatures. Finally, a permanently installed snow and ice melting blanket device (such as United States patent number US6051812) consisting of a multi-layered device applied to surfaces which uses a power source to melt snow and ice that accumulates atop of the surface of the device.
Although permanent thermal de-/anti-icing systems are available, most motor vehicles do not require them since the vehicles are not exposed to icy/freezing rain conditions consistently. Besides being esthetically distasteful, a permanent system applied to motor vehicles would be inefficient, and potentially hazardous.
Therefore, a non-permanent, removable apparatus is the preferred option for motor vehicles.
Summary of the Invention The invention presented here, a portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus, is a device used to prevent the accumulation of ice directly on the surface of a vehicle. For example, the invention could be implemented when freezing rain is forecasted, in order to prevent the accumulation of the ice directly on the surface of a vehicle. The invention accomplishes this by acting as a barrier between the surface of the vehicle and the accumulating ice. Its conjunctive purpose is to heat and melt the ice, hence facilitating the removal of the ice from its surface. The water-proof invention is composed of an insulating layer, which is in direct contact with the surface of the vehicle, preventing any heat transfer to the vehicle from the electrical and heat conducting layer.
This flexible, pliable, and durable insulating layer spans the entire bottom length of the invention. The insulating layer is reversibly secured to the vehicle surface via an attachment device comprising of, but not limited to, a suction mechanism. The electrical and heat conducting layer, found on the topical side of the insulating layer, spans almost entirely the insulating layer surface, leaving a perimeter of insulating layer available for safe handling. The electrical and heat conducting layer is found directly on top of the insulating layer. This flexible, pliable, and durable conducting layer will mediate the heating and melting of the accumulated ice by transferring heat energy produced by heating elements stabilized between the insulating and conducting layers.
These heating elements are found all across the basal surface area of the conducting layer.
These heating elements are directly connected to an electrical plug which will, in turn, draw power from an electrical source. The unique construction of the above mentioned invention allows for the heating and melting of thick ice layers on the surface of a vehicle.
Upon melting of the region of ice in direct contact with the invention, the ice is no longer securely attached to the invention and can therefore be easily removed. Once the ice has been removed, the user can easily and safely remove the invention from the vehicle and roll it up for storage, due to the flexible nature of the materials used. This damage-free process is a rapid and efficient way to remove ice from a surface of a vehicle. This novel water-proof device enables the user to remove dangerous layers of ice from the surface of their vehicle, removing the possibility of thick ice becoming dislodged and launched at great speeds into surrounding traffic and/or pedestrians.
The novelty of this invention stems from its innovative structure. By incorporating an insulating layer into this invention, its function can be applied to motor vehicles with damage-sensitive surfaces (ie. painted surfaces). Also, the attachment mechanism of the invention allows for its selective use, as determined by the user. This novel invention is safe, removable and can be easily applied for preventing and removing accumulated ice on a motor vehicle surface.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention presented here lends itself to illustrations. In the drawings which demonstrate the embodiments of the portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus, Figure 1 presents the top view of the invention, Figure 2 presents a side view of the invention, Figure 3 presents the bottom side view of the invention, and Figure 4 presents the view of the invention applied to the roof of a vehicle.
Detailed Description of the Invention Figure 1 represents the bottom side view of the invention, illustrating the basal side of the insulating layer 1 and attachment devices 5. The attachment devices 5 can be found at various locations along the basal side of the insulating layer 1, in various numbers. The displayed arrangement of attachment devices 5 on the basal side of the insulating layer 1 in Figure 1 represent one possible arrangement and number of attachment devices 5. However, the number and arrangement of attachment devices 5 are not limited to the one demonstrated in Figure 1.
In Figure 2, starting from the most topical side of the invention, is the conducting layer 2, of variable thickness, followed by the heating elements 3. Heating elements 3, found between the conducting layer 2 and the insulating layer 1, of desired gauge, producing desired conductivity, are used. Insulating layer 1 is the most basal layer of the invention and ranges in width to ensure optimal protection for the motor vehicle surface from unwanted heat transfer. Attached to the basal side of the insulating layer I is the attachment device 5, which allows for the connection between the vehicle and the invention. This connection can be mediated by any device that does not inflict damage on the vehicle, is capable of ensuring a secure attachment, and withstands normal environmental conditions, via, but not limited to, a suction mechanism (as shown in Figure 2).
Figure 3 illustrates the general shape and structure of the invention. It is not limited to a rectangular shape, but is shown as such, ranging in sizes, with various lengths and widths. The preferred embodiment would be such that the dimensions would be appropriate to cover a range of motor vehicles. The outer perimeter of insulating layer 1 of the top view presented in Figure 3 is made of an insulating material, which will facilitate the safe handling of the invention by its user. The insulating layer 1 prevents heat transfer to the damage-sensitive vehicle surface. The ideal material used for insulating layer 1 should be an excellent insulator as well as a soft and pliable material which facilitates the easy use of this invention, as seen in such materials as, but not limited to, Teflon derivatives.
The area contained within the perimeter of insulating layer 1 is the electrical and heat conducting flexible layer 2. Its dimensions range such that the perimeter of the top layer is contained within the boundaries of the perimeter of the bottom layer, and such that the top layer, in its entirety, is found only above the bottom layer of the insulating layer 1, thus producing the potential insulating layer perimeter. The ideal material used for this application should be highly flexible in nature and posses excellent heat conduction properties, as seen in such materials as, but not limited to, graphite foil.
The heating elements 3 are found between the insulating and conducting layers.
The ideal material used for the heating elements 3 should be an excellent conductive material, which can efficiently mediate the heating and melting of ice. It should be easily pliable, allowing the formation of the desired convoluted structure of the heating elements 3, as well as the bundling, folding, or rolling of the invention for storage. Such materials could comprise of, but are not limited to, copper. These heating elements 3 cover the basal side of the conducting layer 2 in a convoluted manner, therefore maximizing the heated surface area and thus heating potential. The heating element 3 is connected directly to the electrical plug 4, which is of appropriate length in order to reach and connect to a desired electrical source.
Figure 4 demonstrates a possible placement of the invention on a vehicle 6, however, its placement is not limited to the one represented in the figure.
All the examples and/or specifications in the previously given descriptions, are only examples and/or specifications, and consequently are not exclusive. Other examples and/or specifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Field of Invention The invention presented here, relates to the general field of de-icing apparatuses and/or systems, as it relates to motor vehicles.
Background of the Invention During the winter season, freezing rain poses a public safety hazard, particularly in driving conditions. Accumulation of thick layers of ice on vehicle surfaces, results in great difficulty in its removal without damaging the vehicle. More importantly, driving with thick layers of ice (for example on the vehicle roof) can pose dangers, as the thick ice can become dislodged and be launched at great speeds into surrounding traffic and pedestrians. To this date, this problem has not been adequately addressed.
Several approaches have been put forth aimed at developing de-icing systems.
Two main approaches include the manual removal of surface ice using a scraping device, and electrical heating methods. Scraping devices (such as United States patent number US2006021175), although appropriate for use on glass/window surfaces, would be inappropriate for use on more damage-sensitive surfaces, such as the painted body of a vehicle. Electrical heating methods include the commonly used rear-windshield integrated heating elements (such as Japanese patent number JP2004210156), which although function efficiently to remove glass surface ice or moisture accumulation, do not address the problems previously mentioned. Also, permanent thermal de-/anti-icing systems have been employed for aircraft surfaces (such as Canadian patent number CA02302007), using flexible electrical and heat conducting layers coupled with electrically insulating layers in order to achieve de-/anti-icing temperatures. Finally, a permanently installed snow and ice melting blanket device (such as United States patent number US6051812) consisting of a multi-layered device applied to surfaces which uses a power source to melt snow and ice that accumulates atop of the surface of the device.
Although permanent thermal de-/anti-icing systems are available, most motor vehicles do not require them since the vehicles are not exposed to icy/freezing rain conditions consistently. Besides being esthetically distasteful, a permanent system applied to motor vehicles would be inefficient, and potentially hazardous.
Therefore, a non-permanent, removable apparatus is the preferred option for motor vehicles.
Summary of the Invention The invention presented here, a portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus, is a device used to prevent the accumulation of ice directly on the surface of a vehicle. For example, the invention could be implemented when freezing rain is forecasted, in order to prevent the accumulation of the ice directly on the surface of a vehicle. The invention accomplishes this by acting as a barrier between the surface of the vehicle and the accumulating ice. Its conjunctive purpose is to heat and melt the ice, hence facilitating the removal of the ice from its surface. The water-proof invention is composed of an insulating layer, which is in direct contact with the surface of the vehicle, preventing any heat transfer to the vehicle from the electrical and heat conducting layer.
This flexible, pliable, and durable insulating layer spans the entire bottom length of the invention. The insulating layer is reversibly secured to the vehicle surface via an attachment device comprising of, but not limited to, a suction mechanism. The electrical and heat conducting layer, found on the topical side of the insulating layer, spans almost entirely the insulating layer surface, leaving a perimeter of insulating layer available for safe handling. The electrical and heat conducting layer is found directly on top of the insulating layer. This flexible, pliable, and durable conducting layer will mediate the heating and melting of the accumulated ice by transferring heat energy produced by heating elements stabilized between the insulating and conducting layers.
These heating elements are found all across the basal surface area of the conducting layer.
These heating elements are directly connected to an electrical plug which will, in turn, draw power from an electrical source. The unique construction of the above mentioned invention allows for the heating and melting of thick ice layers on the surface of a vehicle.
Upon melting of the region of ice in direct contact with the invention, the ice is no longer securely attached to the invention and can therefore be easily removed. Once the ice has been removed, the user can easily and safely remove the invention from the vehicle and roll it up for storage, due to the flexible nature of the materials used. This damage-free process is a rapid and efficient way to remove ice from a surface of a vehicle. This novel water-proof device enables the user to remove dangerous layers of ice from the surface of their vehicle, removing the possibility of thick ice becoming dislodged and launched at great speeds into surrounding traffic and/or pedestrians.
The novelty of this invention stems from its innovative structure. By incorporating an insulating layer into this invention, its function can be applied to motor vehicles with damage-sensitive surfaces (ie. painted surfaces). Also, the attachment mechanism of the invention allows for its selective use, as determined by the user. This novel invention is safe, removable and can be easily applied for preventing and removing accumulated ice on a motor vehicle surface.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention presented here lends itself to illustrations. In the drawings which demonstrate the embodiments of the portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus, Figure 1 presents the top view of the invention, Figure 2 presents a side view of the invention, Figure 3 presents the bottom side view of the invention, and Figure 4 presents the view of the invention applied to the roof of a vehicle.
Detailed Description of the Invention Figure 1 represents the bottom side view of the invention, illustrating the basal side of the insulating layer 1 and attachment devices 5. The attachment devices 5 can be found at various locations along the basal side of the insulating layer 1, in various numbers. The displayed arrangement of attachment devices 5 on the basal side of the insulating layer 1 in Figure 1 represent one possible arrangement and number of attachment devices 5. However, the number and arrangement of attachment devices 5 are not limited to the one demonstrated in Figure 1.
In Figure 2, starting from the most topical side of the invention, is the conducting layer 2, of variable thickness, followed by the heating elements 3. Heating elements 3, found between the conducting layer 2 and the insulating layer 1, of desired gauge, producing desired conductivity, are used. Insulating layer 1 is the most basal layer of the invention and ranges in width to ensure optimal protection for the motor vehicle surface from unwanted heat transfer. Attached to the basal side of the insulating layer I is the attachment device 5, which allows for the connection between the vehicle and the invention. This connection can be mediated by any device that does not inflict damage on the vehicle, is capable of ensuring a secure attachment, and withstands normal environmental conditions, via, but not limited to, a suction mechanism (as shown in Figure 2).
Figure 3 illustrates the general shape and structure of the invention. It is not limited to a rectangular shape, but is shown as such, ranging in sizes, with various lengths and widths. The preferred embodiment would be such that the dimensions would be appropriate to cover a range of motor vehicles. The outer perimeter of insulating layer 1 of the top view presented in Figure 3 is made of an insulating material, which will facilitate the safe handling of the invention by its user. The insulating layer 1 prevents heat transfer to the damage-sensitive vehicle surface. The ideal material used for insulating layer 1 should be an excellent insulator as well as a soft and pliable material which facilitates the easy use of this invention, as seen in such materials as, but not limited to, Teflon derivatives.
The area contained within the perimeter of insulating layer 1 is the electrical and heat conducting flexible layer 2. Its dimensions range such that the perimeter of the top layer is contained within the boundaries of the perimeter of the bottom layer, and such that the top layer, in its entirety, is found only above the bottom layer of the insulating layer 1, thus producing the potential insulating layer perimeter. The ideal material used for this application should be highly flexible in nature and posses excellent heat conduction properties, as seen in such materials as, but not limited to, graphite foil.
The heating elements 3 are found between the insulating and conducting layers.
The ideal material used for the heating elements 3 should be an excellent conductive material, which can efficiently mediate the heating and melting of ice. It should be easily pliable, allowing the formation of the desired convoluted structure of the heating elements 3, as well as the bundling, folding, or rolling of the invention for storage. Such materials could comprise of, but are not limited to, copper. These heating elements 3 cover the basal side of the conducting layer 2 in a convoluted manner, therefore maximizing the heated surface area and thus heating potential. The heating element 3 is connected directly to the electrical plug 4, which is of appropriate length in order to reach and connect to a desired electrical source.
Figure 4 demonstrates a possible placement of the invention on a vehicle 6, however, its placement is not limited to the one represented in the figure.
All the examples and/or specifications in the previously given descriptions, are only examples and/or specifications, and consequently are not exclusive. Other examples and/or specifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (12)
1. A portable ice melting device that can be positioned on a motor vehicle surface, for melting ice accumulating atop the surface, said ice melting device comprising of:
a) a two-layered device including a top layer and a bottom layer;
b) the said top layer being a conductive layer and the said bottom layer being a insulating layer;
c) heating elements embedded between the said top layer and the said bottom layer;
d) means for reversible attachment of the said device to the said motor vehicle surface;
and e) a means for connecting the said heating elements to a power source
a) a two-layered device including a top layer and a bottom layer;
b) the said top layer being a conductive layer and the said bottom layer being a insulating layer;
c) heating elements embedded between the said top layer and the said bottom layer;
d) means for reversible attachment of the said device to the said motor vehicle surface;
and e) a means for connecting the said heating elements to a power source
2. The portable ice melting device in claim 1, wherein said top layer is formed of flexible, pliable, water-proof and conductive material(s).
3. The portable ice melting device in claim 1, wherein said bottom layer is formed of flexible, pliable, water-proof and insulating material(s).
4. The portable ice melting device in claim 1, wherein said heating elements are formed of flexible and conductive material(s).
5. The portable ice melting device in claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein said heating elements are dispersed in between the said top and bottom layers.
6. The portable ice melting device in claim 5, where in the said heating elements are securely embedded between the said top and bottom layers described in claims 2 and 3, respectively.
7. The portable ice melting device in claim 1, wherein said means for reversible attachment is withstanding to environmental conditions between the basal surface of the said bottom layer of claim 3 and the said attached motor vehicle surface, via a means that does not inflict damage to the said motor vehicle surface.
8. The portable ice melting device in claim 1, wherein said heating elements of claim 6 are connected to an electrical plug of appropriate length that will allow the connection to a power source of the user's choice.
9. The portable ice melting device contains a connection between heating elements and a power source allowing for the flow of electricity from the power source to the heating elements required to heat the said conductive top layer.
10. The surface area of the portable ice melting device's said top layer described in claim 2 should be no larger than the surface area of the said bottom layer described in claim 3.
11. The portable ice melting device's top layer is positioned above the said bottom layer both described in claim 10, such that the perimeter of the said top layer is contained within the boundaries of the perimeter of the said bottom layer, and such that the top layer, in its entirety, is found only above the bottom layer.
12. The portable ice melting device as defined in any one claim 1 through 11 whose preferred embodiment is comprised of but not limited to:
a) a top layer made of graphite foil for heat conduction;
b) a bottom layer made of Teflon or Teflon derivatives;
c) heating elements made of cooper;
d) means for reversible attachment to the vehicle surface of the said device comprising of plastic suction devices; and e) a means for connecting the heating elements to the power source comprising of a plug that is accommodated by a standard electrical socket.
a) a top layer made of graphite foil for heat conduction;
b) a bottom layer made of Teflon or Teflon derivatives;
c) heating elements made of cooper;
d) means for reversible attachment to the vehicle surface of the said device comprising of plastic suction devices; and e) a means for connecting the heating elements to the power source comprising of a plug that is accommodated by a standard electrical socket.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2547805 CA2547805A1 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2006-04-20 | Portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2547805 CA2547805A1 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2006-04-20 | Portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2547805A1 true CA2547805A1 (en) | 2007-10-20 |
Family
ID=38606760
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2547805 Abandoned CA2547805A1 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2006-04-20 | Portable vehicle roof ice melting apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2547805A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9855920B2 (en) | 2014-09-24 | 2018-01-02 | Yolande CASTELLO | Panoramic roof panel thermal management module of panoramic roof panel |
| GB2502740B (en) * | 2011-03-09 | 2018-03-28 | Novelty First Patents Inc | Mesh heating apparatus |
-
2006
- 2006-04-20 CA CA 2547805 patent/CA2547805A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2502740B (en) * | 2011-03-09 | 2018-03-28 | Novelty First Patents Inc | Mesh heating apparatus |
| US9855920B2 (en) | 2014-09-24 | 2018-01-02 | Yolande CASTELLO | Panoramic roof panel thermal management module of panoramic roof panel |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |