Multi-part reinforcement clip to allow attachment to a raised seam roof

Abstract

This is a multi part clip installed under the seam of a raised seam roof that allows secure attachment of objects to the roof. One component of the invention is a base clip constructed from thin gage sheet metal and having multiple holes with some dimpled for fasteners. Another component of the invention is a vertical clip also constructed from thin gage sheet metal and having slots on either side to allow fasteners for attachment through the vertical clip. The two components when installed under a new or a pre-existing raised seam roof allows secure permanent or temporary attachment of objects using clamping force applied over the reinforcement clip without the need for deforming or changing the visual esthetics of the roof panels. This produces more support for vertical, lateral, and downward pressure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method of securely attaching objects to a raised seam roof without damaging, deforming or changing the visual esthetics of the roof panels. A raised seam roof system is made up of multiple panels formed to have interlocking seams. These connections, or seams, run the length of the entire roof and are spaced evenly along its width providing both a visually appealing roof and protection from exterior elements. Because of the thin gage of the sheet metal used in creating the roof panels they have very little weight bearing capability without drilling into or fastened thru the roof panels into the sub roof or structural parts of the building. The present methods used often deform or leave holes in the panel that must be sealed to avoid leaks and thereby requiring a significant amount of time to seal the holes in the roof panels to avoid leaks.

Accordingly, there is presently a need for a method allowing secure temporary or permanent attachment of objects to a raised seam roofing system without deforming, puncturing, or drilling holes into the roof panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be highly desirable to provide a method for a reinforced attachment point, or points, to a raised seam roof without deforming, drilling into, or changing the visual esthetics of raised seam roof panels.

It would be highly desirable to provide a method of attachment witch takes into account the normal expansion and contraction of the roof panels due to changes in the ambient temperature.

Furthermore, the invention would allow temporary attachment points on a roof for fall protection during repair or regular maintenance on the roof or permanent attachment of other types of objects.

Finally, the invention would allow installation onto new or persisting roofs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vertical and lower member of the reinforcement clip.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing each part of the reinforcement clip.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the clip installed and an object attached by way of a clamping force to the clip area of the raised seam roof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings that assist in illustrating its various pertinent features.

FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention clip assembly 2 showing the main parts made up of a vertical member 4 and the lower member 5.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the parts that are installed under the raised seam roof 11. The vertical member 4 is inserted into the lower member 5. The fasteners 6 are driven through holes 7 into the sub roof 9.

FIG. 3 presents the proper installation of the invention, for convenience hereby referred to as the clip assembly 2 is installed under a raised standing seam 3 of a raised seam roof 11. The vertical member 4 of the reinforcement clip assembly 2 is inserted into the lower member 5 of the reinforcement clip 2. The attachment of the clip assembly 2 onto the sub roof 12 is accomplished by use of fasteners 6 driven through the holes 7 present in the clip lower member 5 and the slots 8 the clip vertical member 4. The fasteners 6 are driven through both parts of the clip 2 and into the sub roof 12 with enough force to secure the clip 2 to the sub roof 12 through dimpled holes on the bottom of plate which prevents it from being tightly driven as to restrict movement of the dimpled holes which vertical member 4 fits over thus allowing for expansion.

FIG. 3 shows the installed clip 2 under a raised standing seam 3 and the attachment of a clamping force device to securely attach objects to the raised standing seam 3. The clamping force device 10 rests upon the raised standing seam 3 and applies clamping force horizontally to the standing seam 3 and thereby to the clips vertical member 4.

Claims

1. A method of attaching objects to a raised seam roof without drilling hole into the roof panels.

2. A method of attachment that allows both temporary and permanent attachment of objects to a raised seam roof.

3. A method of attachment that allows multiple contact points on a raised seam roof allowing for load distribution.

4. A method of reinforced attachment that meets or exceeds OSHA standards for fall protection attachment.

5. A method of attachment reinforcement that is underneath the roof panel seams and does not change the roofs visual appearance.

6. A method of attachment reinforcement that allows for normal expansion and contraction of the roof panels.