ROOF MOUNTING BRACKET
A roof mounting bracket is disclosed which creates a deformation in a roof panel seam using opposing set points. In a preferred embodiment, a generally U-shaped bracket includes two or more threaded fasteners in a first arm of the bracket and one or more opposing threaded fasteners in the second arm. Void in bracket is placed over the panel seam, with the first arm on a first side of the seam and the second arm on the opposite side of the seam. First screws inserted into the fasteners in first arm pass through the first arm and the first screw heads contact the first side of the seam, slightly engaging the seam and creating first deformations in the seam as the set screws are tightened. Second screws inserted into the fasteners in the second arm pass through the second arm and the second screw heads contact the second side of the seam in the spaces between the first deformations on the opposite side of the seam, engaging the seam and creating second deformations in the seam as the second screws are tightened. The opposing contact points create a “wave” deformation in the seam, securing the bracket to the seam. The opposing set points of the present invention allow secure attachment of the bracket to the seam without having to “dimple” or dent the panel seam using a single set screw, requiring less force by the user. Bracket can include varying numbers of opposing fasteners in first and second arms for varying numbers of opposing set points. In an alternative embodiment, bracket can further comprise divots into which first deformations are recesses to create a deeper “wave” the seam for stronger attachment to seam.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/476,664, filed on Sep. 3, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/873,204, filed on Sep. 3, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/893,028, filed on Oct. 18, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDRoof mounting systems are used to attach various structures to roofs, such as snow barricades, solar panels, lightening protection, mechanical equipment and other accessories such as signage and poles. Roof mounting systems are known for attaching to various types of roofs and roofing materials, including seamed or metal roofs, wood roofs and membranous roofs. Due to the weight of, or weight that must be supported by, such structures, and to the need for the structures to remain stable in weather conditions, the secure attachment of the structures to the roofs is critical. In the case of seamed roofs, where roof mounting systems are attached to panel seams of the roof, the brackets or clamps are secured to the panel seams and serve as the support for the attached structures. Existing brackets comprise two-piece brackets that must be secured to each other around the panel seams, requiring additional parts during installation. Other existing bracket systems comprise a single piece, but to secure the bracket to the panel seam the user must create a dimple in the panel seam metal using a screw; these brackets requiring a large amount of torque to be applied by the installing user.
SUMMARYThe present invention solves the existing limitations. The present invention relates to a roof mounting bracket for mounting roof systems and accessories to panel seam roofs. In particular, the present invention provides a roof mounting bracket for use with panel seam roofs, wherein the bracket creates a deformation or distortion in the panel seam using opposing set points to secure the bracket to the panel seam.
A roof mounting bracket is disclosed which creates a deformation in a roof panel seam using opposing set points. In a preferred embodiment, a generally U-shaped bracket includes two or more projections, such as threaded fasteners or screws, in a first arm of the bracket and one or more opposing projections, such as threaded fasteners or screws, in the second arm. The void or channel in the bracket is placed over the panel seam, with the first arm on a first side of the seam and the second arm on the opposite side of the seam. First screws inserted into the fasteners in first arm pass through the first arm and the first screw heads contact the first side of the seam, slightly engaging the seam and creating first deformations in the seam as the set screws are tightened. Second screws inserted into the fasteners in the second arm pass through the second arm and the second screw heads contact the second side of the seam in the spaces between the first deformations on the opposite side of the seam, engaging the seam and creating second deformations in the seam as the second screws are tightened. The opposing contact points create a “wave”-like deformation in the seam, securing the bracket to the seam. The opposing set points of the present invention allow secure attachment of the bracket to the seam without having to “dimple” or dent the panel seam using a single set screw, requiring less force by the user. Many other clamps that utilize multiple set screws are secured by using high torques on the screws to create a compression or friction-type attachment. These high torques can have the tendency to damage and mar the paint finish or even pierce the panel. The existing invention deforms the panel metal material by using a single set screw to push the metal in between two other set screws and/or set positioning points, creating a wave which will keep the clamp from sliding while achieving the same or greater security with less torque than existing clamps.
Bracket can include varying numbers of opposing fasteners in first and second arms for varying numbers of opposing set points. Bracket can also include, on the underside of the top wall, a notch for aligning the panel seam within the void.
In an alternative embodiment, bracket is comprised of first and second members. The first member comprises two or more posts and the second member comprises corresponding receiving channels. Posts create first deformations in the panel seam 44 as first screws are tightened and deformations are set into receiving channels to secure first and second members together around the seam. The second member includes a third fastener through which second screw passes, and as the second screw is tightened, the screw head engages the seam in the space between the deformations on the opposite side of the seam, engaging the seam and creating a second deformation in the seam as the screw is tightened.
In a further embodiment, bracket can includes two or more divots on the inside of the first arm. The divots are positioned opposite the threaded fasteners of the second arm and are shaped correspond to heads of screws threaded through fasteners, such that when the screws are tightened to create the first deformations in panel, the first deformations are reset into the divots to create a more secure attachment of the bracket to the panel. A second screw is then inserted into a fastener of the first arm and threaded therethrough until the head of the screw contacts the opposing side of the seam in the space between the first deformations, engaging the seam and creating a second opposing deformation in the seam as the screw second is tightened to create the “wave”-shaped distortion in the seam, securing the bracket to the seam. It is further contemplated that this embodiment of the bracket can include varying numbers of fasteners in arms of bracket and varying numbers of corresponding divots for creating additional wave deformations in panel seam using additional opposing screws.
In a further alternative embodiment, bracket can include an extrusion portion extending from the first arm into the opening between the first arm and the second arm to aid in centering the bracket on the seam, and the extrusion portion can be shaped to fit varying configurations of seams. In yet a further contemplated embodiment, bracket may include a lip extending from first arm the second arm which can hook under a portion of the panel seam to prevent the bracket from riding up the seam as the opposing screws are torqued to create the first deformations and opposing “wave” deformation.
Other objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the invention will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.
The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more embodiments of the present invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in order to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 10 is manufactured by aluminum extruding. Secondary operations are required to cut, drill, tap, machine and stamp a logo with various tools such as a CNC machine. Each part will then be put through a process called tumbling to create a smooth finish.
To secure the bracket 10 to the panel 40, the void in the bracket 10 is placed over the seam 44 with the first arm 12 on a first side of the seam 44 and the second arm 20 on the opposite side of the seam 44, as shown in
Bracket 10 can be used in numerous applications for installing accessories to roofs. As seen in
As seen in
In alternative contemplated embodiments, the bracket can include varying numbers of fasteners in arms of bracket for creating additional wave deformations in panel seam using additional opposing screws. As seen in the embodiment in
In a further alternative embodiment shown in
In another embodiment shown in
It is further contemplated that this embodiment of the bracket can include varying numbers of fasteners in arms of bracket and divots for creating additional wave deformations in panel seam using additional opposing screws. As seen in the embodiment in
In a further alternative embodiment shown in
In yet a further embodiment seen in
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalent thereof.
Claims
1. A roof mounting bracket for securing accessories to seamed panel roof systems, the roof mounting bracket being mounted on a roof panel seam having a generally planar first side and a generally planar second side opposite and parallel to the first side prior to attachment of the roof mounting bracket, in a manner that creates a generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam with parallel first and second sides of the wave-shaped distortion, the roof mounting bracket comprising:
- a first member, the first member having threadably coupled thereto two or more first projections disposed on a first side of the roof panel seam, each of the first projections having a head, wherein the two or more first projections define a space between each of the two or more first projections;
- a second member disposed opposite the first member on an opposite side of the roof panel seam, the second member having threadably coupled thereto one or more second projections, each of the second projections having a head, wherein the one or more second projections are positioned opposite the space defined between the two or more first projections;
- wherein the two or more first projections are movable relative to the first member to engage the first side of the roof panel seam to create two or more first deformations in the roof panel seam; and,
- wherein the one or more second projections are movable relative to the second member to engage the second side of the roof panel seam to create one or more second deformations in the roof panel seam in the spaces defined between the two or more first deformations, thereby creating the generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam such that the first and second sides of the roof panel seam remain generally parallel.
2. The roof mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the first side of the roof panel seam comprises a first wall and the second side of the roof panel seam comprises a second wall, the first and second walls are directly adjacent one another.
3. The roof mounting bracket of claim 1 further comprising a third member connecting the first and second members.
4. The roof mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the heads of the first and second projections are ellipsoid shaped.
5. A roof mounting bracket for securing accessories to seamed panel roof systems, the roof mounting bracket being mounted on a roof panel seam having a generally planar first side and a generally planar second side opposite and parallel to the first side prior to attachment of the roof mounting bracket, in a manner that creates a generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam with parallel first and second sides of the wave shaped distortion, the roof mounting bracket comprising:
- a first member, the first member having threadably coupled thereto two first projections disposed on a first side of the roof panel seam, each of the first projections having a head, wherein the two first projections define a space between therebetween;
- a second member disposed opposite the first member on an opposite side of the roof panel seam, the second member having threadably coupled thereto a second projection, the second projection having a head, wherein the second projection is positioned opposite the space defined between the two first projections;
- wherein the first projections are movable relative to the first member such that the head of the first projections engage the first side of the roof panel seam to create two first deformations in the roof panel seam; and,
- wherein the second projection is movable relative to the second member to engage the second side of the roof panel seam to create a second deformation in the roof panel seam in the space defined between the two first deformations, thereby creating the generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam such that the first and second sides of the roof panel seam remain generally parallel.
6. The roof mounting bracket of claim 5 further comprising a third member connecting the first and second members.
7. The roof mounting bracket of claim 6, wherein the roof mounting bracket is generally U-shaped.
8. The roof mounting bracket of claim 5, wherein the heads of the first and second projections are ellipsoid shaped.
9. A roof mounting bracket for securing accessories to seamed panel roof systems, the roof mounting bracket being mounted on a roof panel seam having a generally planar first side and a generally planar second side opposite and parallel to the first side prior to attachment of the roof mounting bracket, in a manner that creates a generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam with parallel first and second sides of the wave-shaped distortion, the roof mounting bracket comprising:
- a first member, the first member having threadably coupled thereto two or more first projections disposed on a first side of the roof panel seam, each of the first projections having a head, wherein the two or more first projections define a space between each of the two or more first projections;
- a second member disposed opposite the first member on an opposite side of the roof panel seam, the second member having threadably coupled thereto one or more second projections, each of the second projections having a head, wherein the one or more second projections are positioned opposite the space defined between the two or more first projections;
- wherein the two or more first projections are movable relative to the first member to engage the first side of the roof panel seam to create two or more first deformations in both the first and second sides of the roof panel seam; and,
- wherein the one or more second projections are movable relative to the second member to engage the second side of the roof panel seam to create one or more second deformations in both the first and second sides of the roof panel seam in the spaces defined between the two or more first deformations, thereby creating the generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam such that the first and second sides of the roof panel seam remain generally parallel.
10. The roof mounting bracket of claim 9 further comprising a third member connecting the first and second members.
11. The roof mounting bracket of claim 10, wherein the roof mounting bracket is generally U-shaped.
12. The roof mounting bracket of claim 9, wherein the heads of the first and second projections are ellipsoid shaped.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 14, 2020
Publication Date: Apr 1, 2021
Inventor: Michael V. Smeja (Inverness, IL)
Application Number: 17/120,913