Roof systems and panel clip arrangements therefor
A thermal clip arrangement for a roof panel system, such as a standing seam roof system, wherein the thermal clip arrangement includes a non-metallic anchor block which holds a slideable metal clip.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/488,044, filed on Jul. 16, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to roof systems and arrangements included therewith that stabilize roofs, e.g., by providing wind uplift resistance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTypically, among the challenges that need to be addressed in providing a standing seam roof system or the like, and panel clips or the like therefor, are: thermal conductivity (as particularly regards “cold spots”, the likelihood of energy loss, and meeting building codes); wind uplift resistance; and available room for panel clips to slide in response to typical (thermal or mechanical) stress deformations.
To meet these demands and more, Star Building Systems of Oklahoma City, Okla., currently manufactures the “STARSHIELD” standing seam roof system, which involves the use of a unique metal panel clip of a two-piece cooperative sliding design which accommodates, e.g., thermal expansion. Such a clip is shown (100) in perspective view in
Other conventional metal roof clips for roof panel arrangements are widely disclosed, such as in the following U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,644 to James et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,663 to Eidson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,197 to Simpson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,341 to Watkins et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,760 to Barker et al. These patents as well as the brochure, “The Starshield Standing Seam Roof System,” identified as brochure no. PDS-SSRS-600 as published by Star Building Systems, include useful background information on standing seam roof systems in general.
However, a need has been recognized in connection with providing panel clips and related components that address the aforementioned challenges, and more, in improved fashion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is broadly contemplated a thermal clip system involving a non-metallic anchor block which holds a slideable metal clip.
Generally, there is broadly contemplated in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention a roof clip arrangement comprising: a tab portion for attachment to roof cladding; and an anchor portion; the tab portion being slidably mounted with respect to the anchor portion; the anchor portion having a coefficient of thermal conductivity less than that of metals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe present invention and its presently preferred embodiments will be better understood by way of reference to the detailed disclosure herebelow and to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The patents mentioned heretofore, as well as the brochure, “The Starshield Standing Seam Roof System,” identified as brochure no. PDS-SSRS-600 as published by Star Building Systems, include useful background information on standing seam roof systems in general.
Typically, panel clips are formed entirely from metal, as is the case with the current Star Building Systems panel clip mentioned above (and as shown in
(Conductivity [K]; Btu/Hr/ft2/F on 1″ thick homogeneous material)
Though plastic foam is mentioned above, it should be appreciated that the following materials are in particular presently contemplated for use in a panel clip, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, are: PVC (polyvinyl chloride); CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride); nylon; polypropylene; LEXAN (polycarbonate); or any of a wide variety of possible composites involving plastic or polymeric materials. For instance, there are also contemplated a wide variety of reground or recycled materials that are at least partly polymeric or plastic. Essentially any such materials may conceivably be employed, providing the thermal conductivity is low and other desired physical specifications are met (e.g., having little or no propensity for heat and UV-degradation).
A perspective view of a roof clip in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Though there is essentially illustrated and contemplated a solid, basically monolithic body for use as an anchor block 204, it should be appreciated that a vast number of analogously functioning structures may also be employed. For instance, a beehive or honeycomb type structure, having essentially the same outer cross-section but a differing internal configuration, may be employed. Essentially any external or internal configuration is conceivable, provided that the resultant management of stress flow is optimized so as not to abjectly compromise structural integrity or overall performance under load.
Preferably, the outer cross-section of block 204 may be asymmetrical via a protrusive foot portion 219 as shown, which can increase the bearing area for gravity load while providing an optional locus of attachment for fasteners 216.
It should be appreciated that the shapes and configurations illustrated in
In brief summary, among the features and benefits provided by a panel clip in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention are:
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- the elimination of a thermal short between the roof cladding and building structure, along with the associated energy efficiency and elimination of “cold spots”;
- a longer tab length, which reduces local stress concentration, thereby distributing load over a larger area, and increases wind up-lift capacity;
- a (preferably) 26 gauge tab which requires less power during a seaming process, leads to essentially no seam bulging and no corrosion, and lends itself to a stronger tab and longer service life;
- a non-metallic body for holding the sliding tab that leads to freer sliding, less resistance to binding, and less force accumulation in the attendant mutual contact;
- stabilization of Z-purlin rotation under load; and
- a reduction in sound transmission.
If not otherwise stated herein, it may be assumed that all components and/or processes described heretofore may, if appropriate, be considered to be interchangeable with similar components and/or processes disclosed elsewhere in the specification, unless an express indication is made to the contrary.
If not otherwise stated herein, any and all patents, patent publications, articles and other printed publications discussed or mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/488,044, filed on Jul. 16, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.
It should be appreciated that the apparatus and method of the present invention may be configured and conducted as appropriate for any context at hand. The embodiments described above are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims
1. A roof clip arrangement comprising:
- a tab portion for attachment to roof cladding; and
- an anchor portion;
- said tab portion being slidably mounted with respect to said anchor portion;
- said anchor portion having a coefficient of thermal conductivity less than that of metals.
2. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said anchor portion comprises a non-metallic material.
3. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said anchor portion comprises a plastic or polymeric material.
4. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said anchor portion comprises a main body consisting essentially of a plastic or polymeric material.
5. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said plastic or polymeric material comprises at least one of: plastic foam; PVC; CPVC; FRP; LEXAN; at least one composite comprising at least one plastic or polymeric material; at least one reground or recycled materials that is at least partly polymeric or plastic.
6. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said anchor portion has a coefficient of thermal conductivity less of less than 1.0.
7. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said anchor portion is formed from at least one material substantially immune to UV-degradation.
8. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said tab portion comprises a clip arrangement adapted for attachment to roof cladding.
9. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said anchor portion comprises at least one centering guide for guiding at least one fastening element to facilitate fastening of said anchor portion to a portion of a roofing arrangement.
10. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said tab portions comprise at least one notch which aligns with said at least one centering guide to facilitate centering of said tab portion with respect to said anchor portion.
11. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said anchor portion comprises a slot for accommodating said tab portion, said slot being adapted to substantially prevent movement of said tab portion in a direction different from a sliding direction.
12. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 11, wherein said slot comprises a T-shaped slot.
13. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said tab portion is formed from metal.
14. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 13, wherein said tab portion is formed from light gauge stainless steel.
15. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 14, wherein said tab portion is formed from galvanized steel with a zinc or zinc alloy coating.
16. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said anchor portion has an asymmetrical cross-section in a plane perpendicular to a direction of sliding of said tab portion.
17. The roof clip arrangement according to claim 16, wherein said anchor portion comprises an asymmetrical foot portion for accommodating at least one fastening element.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 19, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 20, 2005
Inventor: Kwon Kim (Oklahoma City, OK)
Application Number: 10/828,013