Open lattice snow melting apparatus
First Claim
1. A heating apparatus for preventing the accumulation of snow and ice on an outdoor surface, said heating apparatus comprising:
- a) a flexible heating mat configured as an open lattice arrangement, said heating mat having a weatherproof electrically insulative exterior casing, said mat including thin web portions running transverse to relatively thick web portions aligned within said lattice arrangement; and
b) an electric heating element sinusoidally arranged and embedded within said heating mat, said electric heating element being substantially encased in said thick web portions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A heating apparatus for preventing the accumulation of snow and ice, and having an apertured heating mat in the form of a lattice or web. The heating mat is made of a durable weatherproof insulative polymer so that the mat may be installed on any outdoor surface, such as a driveway, walkway, or rooftop. The apertures within the lattice serve to increase the flexibility of the mat, thus allowing the mat to fit uneven surfaces. In addition, this flexibility allows the mat to be easily rolled up when not in use, the apparatus therefore only occupying minimal storage space. The heating mat is also constructed to be highly resistant to wear and may be left outdoors for the entire snow season, exposed to both the elements and frequent vehicular traffic without losing its effectiveness. Also included is a controller from which the apparatus can be set to a manual mode, in which the apparatus may be manually activated, or an automatic mode, in which the apparatus is automatically activated by snowfall.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A heating apparatus for preventing the accumulation of snow and ice on an outdoor surface, said heating apparatus comprising:
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a) a flexible heating mat configured as an open lattice arrangement, said heating mat having a weatherproof electrically insulative exterior casing, said mat including thin web portions running transverse to relatively thick web portions aligned within said lattice arrangement; and b) an electric heating element sinusoidally arranged and embedded within said heating mat, said electric heating element being substantially encased in said thick web portions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A heating apparatus for preventing the accumulation of snow and ice on an outdoor surface, said heating apparatus comprising:
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a) a flexible heating mat configured as an open lattice arrangement, said heating mat having a weatherproof electrically insulative exterior casing; b) an electric heating element sinusoidally arranged and embedded within said heating mat; and c) a multiplicity of elastic tethers arranged along outer edges of said heating mat for securing said heating mat in position on an outdoor surface. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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Specification