Restrainer Having Integral Penetrator Patents (Class 52/26)
  • Patent number: 10829937
    Abstract: A system and method of roofing. The present invention includes a fabric sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes one of a hook and loop fastener and the lower surface is configured to be attached to a roof decking. The present invention further includes a plurality of tiles each having an upper edge, a lower edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The other of the hook and loop fastener is attached to the bottom surface. The plurality of tiles are releasably attached to the upper surface of the fabric sheet via the hook and loop fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Millennium Slate, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Wallingford Whitridge, Jr., Phil C. Prehoda, Thomas J. Collard
  • Patent number: 9097021
    Abstract: Lightweight tile roofs using a single overlap of tiles between adjacent tile courses are protected from wind, rain, snow, ice, humidity and sun with a base layer of water resistant weatherproofing material and with a series of waterproof or water resistant shield strips. The shield strips are laterally spaced apart so as to underlie the cracks, joints or channels formed between the adjacent side edges of each pair of juxtaposed tiles. This double layer of weatherproofing material extends the useful life of lightweight tile roofs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventors: John M. Williams, Robert B. Williams
  • Patent number: 8910427
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a snow stop, and methods of manufacture and use, that can be manufactured in a flat and easily transportable form and then hand-folded into a folded snow stop at an installation site. The snow stop is formed in a flat chevron shape that is stackable so as to ease transportation of large numbers of snow stops to an installation site. The snow stop includes first, second, and third fold lines enabling installers to hand fold the flat snow stops into folded snow stops in a repeatable manner. The snow stops can further include raised portions that can delineate and form the fold lines and increase structural integrity of the folded snow stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Steven P. Clisset
  • Patent number: 8898961
    Abstract: Snow guards and mounts for attaching to seams of metal roofs have tops, spaced sides and inward and downward extending holes for elliptical tipped set screws. Square recesses opposite inner extremities of the holes form square bends in the seams. One screw and recess deform two layers below a rolled seam. Another screw and recess deform five layers in the rolled seam. Bottom lobes near one support provide a lowered hole and a lowered opposite recess. Snow blades extend upward and outward from the top and sides and downward to near a level of the bottoms of the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Roger M. Cline
  • Patent number: 8857108
    Abstract: A snow barricade mounting system for use with a membrane roof system is provided. The system includes a bracket having a base plate and an upstanding arm, and a means for securing the bracket to membrane roof. The system further comprises a membrane patch comprised of a material corresponding to the membrane layer. In one embodiment, bracket is coated with a material corresponding to the membrane layer and the membrane patch, such that when membrane patch is secured a complete seal between both the membrane patch and the base plate, and between the membrane patch and the membrane layer, is achieved. In an alternative embodiment, a sheet of material corresponding to the membrane layer material is secured to the top side of the base plate. A method of securing a snow barricade mounting system to a membrane roof system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sno-Gem Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael V. Smeja
  • Patent number: 8763311
    Abstract: A snow-inhibiting device for inhibiting the movement of snow and ice on a solar-paneled roof. The device includes a base adapted for attachment to the surface of a roof. A planar guard member is securely attached to the surface of the base. The planar guard member has a proximal and distal end, where the proximal end is adjacent to the base, and the distal end projects away from the base. The distal end projects to a height greater than the height of the surface of a solar panel on the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: PC Support Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Lupski
  • Patent number: 8756870
    Abstract: Roof clamps and methods of securing roof clamps are provided. The roof clamps include a saddle, a wedge, and a securing member. The securing member facilitates engaging a seam of a roof with the clamp and removably fixing the roof clamp to the seam through the camming action of the wedge against a region of the saddle. The securing member also serves as the connection point for an auxiliary item, such as a solar panel or a snow guard. The placement of the securing member allows the roof clamp to be secured from, and the auxiliary item to be attached at, a top surface of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: A. Raymond et cie
    Inventors: William Teller, Dorian J. Kilgore, Walter B. Pipp, Elio G. Evangelista
  • Patent number: 8607507
    Abstract: A system is provided for mounting on a standing seam of a roof and supporting a snow fence rail. A first surface of the bracket is oriented toward the standing seam and includes a first plurality of protrusions that are abutted against the standing seam. An opening configured to receive a snow fence rail is located in the bracket above the first plurality of protrusions. A second surface of the bracket is oriented opposite the first surface of the bracket, and a fastener is configured to secure the bracket to the roof by pressing the plurality of protrusions into the standing seam roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: TRA Snow Brackets, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry E. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130305622
    Abstract: A snow barricade mounting system for use with a membrane roof system is provided. The system includes a bracket having a base plate and an upstanding arm, and a means for securing the bracket to membrane roof. The system further comprises a membrane patch comprised of a material corresponding to the membrane layer. In one embodiment, bracket is coated with a material corresponding to the membrane layer and the membrane patch, such that when membrane patch is secured a complete seal between both the membrane patch and the base plate, and between the membrane patch and the membrane layer, is achieved. In an alternative embodiment, a sheet of material corresponding to the membrane layer material is secured to the top side of the base plate. A method of securing a snow barricade mounting system to a membrane roof system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Sno-Gem Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael V. Smeja
  • Publication number: 20130167453
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a snow stop, and methods of manufacture and use, that can be manufactured in a flat and easily transportable form and then hand-folded into a folded snow stop at an installation site. The snow stop is formed in a flat chevron shape that is stackable so as to ease transportation of large numbers of snow stops to an installation site. The snow stop includes first, second, and third fold lines enabling installers to hand fold the flat snow stops into folded snow stops in a repeatable manner. The snow stops can further include raised portions that can delineate and form the fold lines and increase structural integrity of the folded snow stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Steven P. Clisset
  • Patent number: 8256180
    Abstract: A roof tile with a central brim and at least one lateral cover or water beading and a watercourse located between them, in whose region a water stop is disposed. This water stop is partially pressed with its edges in the region of the watercourse, of the central brim and of the lateral beading into the material of the roof tile blank. Such water stop is comprised of a flexurally elastic, thin small plate, and specifically of a material which does not conform to the material of the roof tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Monier Technical Centre GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Fink
  • Patent number: 7997032
    Abstract: A snow guard and snow guard cover are provided which allow the cover to be attached to the snow guard to conceal the snow guard from view. The cover allows the snow guard to better match the finish of the roof, and protects the snow guard from sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Pioneer Metal, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Riley, Yancy Whipple
  • Patent number: 7921605
    Abstract: A roof structure and a method of installing a snow guard on the base of a roof is provided, wherein the roof structure includes a plurality of synthetic shingles of thermoplastic materials, and where a snow guard is provided having an outwardly projecting snow-engaging platform and an oppositely provided hook at an upper end, wherein the hook is adapted to engage over and upper edge of a butt portion of one or more shingles in an underlying course of shingles, and wherein a tab portion of a shingle in a next-overlying course of shingles is disposed over the upper end of the snow guard, substantially covering its base, and wherein the snow-engaging platform is adapted to receive snow and ice that may slide down the roof, to intercept the same or break the snow or ice up into small harmless particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory F. Jacobs, Robert L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7874105
    Abstract: A roof structure and a method of installing a snow guard on the base of a roof is provided, wherein the roof structure includes a plurality of synthetic shingles of thermoplastic materials, and where a snow guard is provided having an outwardly projecting snow-engaging platform and an oppositely provided hook at an upper end, wherein the hook is adapted to engage over and upper edge of a butt portion of one or more shingles in an underlying course of shingles, and wherein a tab portion of a shingle in a next-overlying course of shingles is disposed over the upper end of the snow guard, substantially covering its base, and wherein the snow-engaging platform is adapted to receive snow and ice that may slide down the roof, to intercept the same or break the snow or ice up into small harmless particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory F. Jacobs, Robert L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7774989
    Abstract: A snow guard and a method of attaching a snow guard to a seam of a metal roof wherein the snow guard includes a base having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top wall that define a seam receiving channel. The first side wall is provided with at least one opening. The second side wall has at least one fixed projection extending from the second side wall into the seam receiving channel and toward the opening. At least one moveable fastener extends through the opening into the seam receiving channel and toward the projection, and a blade is attached to a base receiving end of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Levi's Nail and Screws
    Inventor: Levi S. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20100000161
    Abstract: A snow guard and a method of attaching a snow guard to a seam of a metal roof wherein the snow guard includes a base having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top wall that define a seam receiving channel. The first side wall is provided with at least one opening. The second side wall has at least one fixed projection extending from the second side wall into the seam receiving channel and toward the opening. At least one moveable fastener extends through the opening into the seam receiving channel and toward the projection, and a blade is attached to a base receiving end of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Levi S. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20090205262
    Abstract: The invention provides a snow-retaining roof bracket in which the bracket is secured by a hooked end in which the element which hooks over the batten is also provided with two sharp spikes to anchor the bracket if the batten is thicker than the hook's opening. The snow-retaining element is configured with peripheral flanges to strengthen the bracket and grip the snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas G. Andrew
  • Patent number: 7487617
    Abstract: A decorative snow guard assembly attachable to raised portions of a building surface such as a standing seam roof. The assembly includes a decorative snow brake plate integral with a base, means spanning between adjacent bases, and means connecting said spanning means to said bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Hockman
  • Patent number: 7469505
    Abstract: A decorative snow guard assembly attachable to raised portions of a building surface such as a standing seam roof. The assembly includes a decorative snow brake plate integral with a base, means spanning between adjacent bases, and means connecting said spanning means to said bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Hockman
  • Patent number: 7467497
    Abstract: A snow guard which attaches to the vertical leg of a formed metal roof seam utilizing the formed seam and a movable toggle lock to attach the snow guard without the use of penetrations or seam deformations. Roof accessories other than a snow guard can be connected to a raised roof seam using the disclosed movable toggle lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Hockman
  • Patent number: 7404271
    Abstract: The barrier comprises a vertical strap, a pair of opposing centering elements for guiding extending outwardly from the vertical strap and a pair of brackets inserted into the pair of opposing centering elements for guiding. Each pair of brackets includes a flat, curved element situated in a plane perpendicular to the vertical strap and has at one extremity a cutout. A guiding plate situated in a plane parallel to the vertical strap is attached to another extremity of the flat, curved element. The guiding plate is inserted into opposing centering elements for guiding. A rail is inserted into the pair of brackets, through the cutout of each of the flat, curved element. Several U-brackets are secured to a roof structure and disposed behind the vertical strap embrace a rafter. The roof barrier includes features for attachment the vertical strap with the pair of brackets to U-brackets, through the rafters, to the roof structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Robert William Kersbergen
  • Patent number: 7240770
    Abstract: A roof anchor including a pair of blocks positioned side-by-side. The blocks have adjacent, inner surfaces with notches cut therefrom for receiving a standing seam of a metal roof. The blocks also have outer surfaces remote from the inner surfaces. A bracket is positioned over the pair of blocks. The bracket includes a base portion having a pair of legs, each being positioned adjacent a respective one of the outer surfaces of the blocks, and a crosspiece, positioned adjacent the tops of the blocks, joining the legs together. A loop portion is affixed to the base portion for securement of a workman's safety lanyard. A threaded fastener penetrates the pair of blocks and the pair of legs for: fastening the pair of blocks together, securing the bracket to the pair of blocks, and clamping the pair of blocks upon a standing seam of a metal roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Construction Specialty Anchors LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Wayne Mullins, Douglas Scott Mullins
  • Patent number: 7213373
    Abstract: A decorative snow guard assembly attachable to raised portions of a building surface such as a standing seam roof. The assembly includes a decorative snow brake plate integral with a base, means spanning between adjacent bases, and means connecting said spanning means to said bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Hockman
  • Patent number: 7174677
    Abstract: A snow guard for a shingled roof in which the flat attachment strap positionable between layers of shingles has mounted thereon a detachable mounting bracket that projects upwardly from the attachment strap. The body portion of the mounting bracket has a wedge-shaped receptacle on the top surface to mount devices such as a snow guard attachment, which can be locked into place on the mounting bracket by a threaded fastener that passes through the mounting bracket into the base of the snow guard attachment. The snow guard attachment can be easily replaced with aesthetically different snow guard members or a snow fence that spans across several aligned mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Amerimax Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Dressler
  • Patent number: 7069698
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of coupling structures to a roof is made up of a multi-layered roofing assembly having a structure with a first portion disposed between the layers and a second portion disposed outside the layers. The structure may be embodied as a snow guard to help maintain snow on a roof or as a cable holder to help space a cable from a roof surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen F. Nee
  • Patent number: 6996938
    Abstract: Snow stop includes a base member, and a snow-restraining member. The snow stop can have a series of holes for ventilation of adhesive as well as for forming “glue-rivets” with cured adhesive, and can have slots (grooves) to the holes or boundary of the snow stop to assist in ventilating adhesive solvent. The holes and grooves also can provide for increased physical bonding with the adhesive and hence, roof. The base may be round with the snow-restrainer included in intersecting upstanding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Michael J. Mullane
  • Patent number: 6868647
    Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a roof anchor (10) on a roof support structure (30) having an underside surface (32), the roof fully or partially covered with roof covering material (39), the roof anchor (10) including an attachment means (12) and a shaft (14), the method including the steps of: a) making a first hole (50) in the covering material (39) and the roof support structure (30), which first hole (50) is capable of receiving the shaft (14); b) forming an aperture (38) in the covering material (39) adjacent the first hole (50) and the roof support structure (30); c) inserting an anchor block (20), having a second hole (22) capable of fixedly engaging the shaft (14), through the aperture (38) and locating the anchor block (20) at the underside surface (32) such that the first and second holes (50, 22) are in registry; and d) inserting the shaft (14) through both the first and second holes (50, 22) whereby to fixedly engage the roof anchor (10) to the anchor block (20), such that the roof anchor (10)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Arvo Poldmaa
  • Patent number: 6857504
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a framework having two angled arms, one flat portion of each arm adapted to be fixed to a rooftop. An upright extends upwardly from each arm and top and bottom cross members extend between and are fixed to the arms. Multiple arms, uprights and cross members are joinable together to accommodate a rooftop of any lateral extent. A net extends across the area defined by and between the uprights and cross members. Also, the arms include brace structure adapted for engaging scaffolding thereacross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jerome Branter
  • Patent number: 6834466
    Abstract: A snow guard for a raised portion on a building surface, having a unitary transparent mounting body is formed from a polycarbonate material. A transparent acrylic snow-holding bar fits into the transparent mounting body. An ice-holding bar also is provided and is formed from clear acrylic. In one aspect, the mounting body includes vertical structural stiffeners 30 by walls 42 of bar supporting central columns 32 and by outside surface 38 of wall 24 and horizontal stiffeners 27 extending downwardly under top 26 and which are integral part of the mounting body and of walls 24 providing a rigid, strong connection of the two structural support sides 28, top portion 26 and horizontal stiffeners 27 and structural support sides 28 all molded in one piece, made of ultraviolet proof, high impact, high izod polycarbonate plastic. In one aspect, the mounting body include bar insertion cavities 46 and stops 52 to prevent snow-holding bar 8 from sliding through its insertion cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas P. Trevorrow
  • Patent number: 6536166
    Abstract: A snow guard assembly adapted to be attached to a metal roof seam by a mounting assembly is provided. The mounting assembly includes a mounting block having a seam-receiving groove formed in a bottom surface thereof, and at least one coupling means extending through a first side portion of the mounting block and having a terminal end adapted to move toward a central axis of the seam-receiving groove. At least one clamping member is interposed between the central axis of the seam-receiving groove and the coupling means, having a first side opposing the terminal end of the coupling means and a second side adapted to oppose a metal roof seam. The clamping member is preferably a plastically deformable metal material having a sufficiently small thickness such that, upon engagement with the terminal end of the coupling means, a protrusion is formed on the second side of the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 6499259
    Abstract: A one piece pad style snow guard which attaches to the vertical leg of a formed metal roof seam utilizing the formed seamed or locking portions of the seam to attach the guard without the use of penetrations or seam deformations. The guard is attached to a vertical seam by the use of threaded screws creating pressure across the slot which encloses the vertical seam. The location of the set screws intersect and lock under or into folds already in the seamed panel profile. In an alternate embodiment, a ridge located on the side of the guard opposite the locking screws and located below the lower edge of the completed folded seam runs the length of the slot. When the set screw is tightened, the entire length of the folded seam is engaged by this ridge under the folds locking the guard under the seam. This enables the guard to lock under the folded seam with out deforming the metal and lock the continuous length of the guard rather than only at the set screws, and without deforming the seam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Mark E. Hockman
  • Patent number: 6453623
    Abstract: A snow barrier for a roof having modular components including brackets that slidingly interfit into rails that extend up and down the slope of the roof. The brackets may be rotated to provide fences of differing heights. A corrugated fence is easily installed by reason of a self-positioning, hooked, upper flange formed along the upper edge of the corrugated fence. The corrugated fence may be modular, being built-up of smaller, corrugated strips. Pads may replace the rails in supporting the brackets or the brackets may be fastened directly to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Roofers - Annex Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Nelson, Jiri Krupka, Steven Paul Guenette, Dave Gerwing, Colin Fabian
  • Publication number: 20020066235
    Abstract: A roof mount includes a base member and an attachment mount. The base member has a protrusion, and the attachment mount defines a hollowed region for receiving the protrusion to form a compression fitting. A substantially leak proof assembly is formed when the attachment mount is placed against the base member with a sealing material therebetween and a connecting element for coupling the attachment mount to the base member extends through the sealing material. A spacer extends the base member to a roof surface. The spacer is a hollow base stand, a tube, or a side wall of the base member. The spacer has a surface area covering the roof deck less than the surface area of a side of the base member facing the roof deck. The invention includes a method of limiting wind uplift of a roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Brian C. Stearns, Alan L. Stearns
  • Publication number: 20010047627
    Abstract: A de-icer formed of a solid block of a pressed, granulated salt has at least a top portion water-proofed to prevent rapid deterioration due to precipitation. An exposed bottom surface is in contact with the upper surface of a flat, sloped roof to provide wicking absorption of water flowing down the roof into the salt. Absorption of water by the salt leads to release of the resulting saline solution to the surface of the roof, preventing formation of ice on the roof downstream of the de-icer and in the roof drain. The de-icer may be maintained in place on the surface of the roof by an adhesive tape, or by its own weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond L. Nocella
  • Patent number: 6318028
    Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for puncture-free attachment of a snow guard system to a roof seam. The assembly comprises a mounting block, at least one clamping member, and an actuation member. Once actuated, the clamping member prevents relative movement between the mounting block and the seam. At least one clamping member positioned adjacent a groove located in the base of the mounting block. The clamping member includes a first side having at least one primary contact surface outwardly protruding a first distance from the first side. The clamping member also includes at least one secondary contact surface protruding a second distance from the first side. In the preferred embodiment, the second distance is less than the first distance thereby making the primary contact surface(s) the first to engage the seam upon actuation of the member. Preferably, the clamping member includes a second side having at least one protrusion for engagement with a first end of the actuation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 6256934
    Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for puncture-free attachment of a snow guard system to a roof seam. The assembly comprises a mounting block, at least one clamping pad, and an actuation member. Once actuated, the clamping pad prevents relative movement between the mounting block and the seam. At least one clamping pad positioned adjacent a groove located in the base of the mounting block. The clamping pad includes a first side having at least one primary contact surface outwardly protruding a first distance from the first side. The clamping pad also includes at least one secondary non-spherical contact surface protruding a second distance from the first side. In the preferred embodiment, the second distance is less than the first distance thereby making the primary contact surface(s) the first to engage the seam upon actuation of the pad. Preferably, the clamping pad includes a second side having at least one protrusion for engagement with a first end of the actuation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 6070368
    Abstract: A snow-retaining bracket with an elongated body with a snow retention end and a roof attachment end. The snow retention end has a snow barrier means constructed and configured to inhibit sliding of snow from a roof to which the snow bracket is attached. The roof attachment end has mounting holes for attachment with a fastener to the upper surface of a roof. A cover extends over the mounting holes to cover heads of fasteners passing through the mounting holes. The cover includes structure for securing the cover without tools to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Terry Elmer Anderson
  • Patent number: 5890324
    Abstract: A structure for positioning on a roof to retard snow or ice accumulation thereon is provided. The structure generally comprises an elongate fin arrangement including a central vane. The central vane comprises a material which will absorb solar energy and radiate heat, to inhibit snow buildup around the structure. The elongate fin arrangement optionally comprises an upper vane structure, and a lower cover. A combination comprising a structure as described, and a roof surface, is presented. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Armand D. Maanum
  • Patent number: 5732513
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device capable of being attached to a metal roof comprises a substantially perpendicular seam. The device comprises a block. A groove is located in the base of the block, and the block is locatable on the roof by placement of the groove on the seam. There are two embodiments for securing the block to the seam. In the first embodiment, a threaded hole is located in the block between the first side wall and the groove, and a cavity is located in the groove diametrical to the threaded hole. A set screw is locatable in the threaded hole. The set screw has an opening at its terminal end for receiving an element having a curved surface, the element protruding therefrom and pivotable therewithin. Driving the set screw into the hole causes the curved surface of the element to engage the seam, driving the seam towards the cavity of the groove diametric thereto, thereby forming a pocket in the seam, and securing the block to the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 5669184
    Abstract: A snow bracket is disclosed comprising an elongated body with a snow retention end and a roof attachment end. The snow retention end has a snow barrier means constructed and configured to inhibit sliding of snow from a roof to which the snow bracket is attached. The roof attachment end is bent into a barb with a point extending toward the snow retention end, the point adapted to be held in a roof batten to inhibit the tendency of forces of the snow load on the snow bracket to straighten out the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Terry Elmer Anderson
  • Patent number: 5664374
    Abstract: An economical three-component snow guard comprising (1) a laminar strap, (2) a snow-stop and (3) a gusseted brace is reinforced and its rigidity and compressive strength greatly improved. At the same time, the resistance to damage due to re-freezing of melted snow, and internal weathering of the brace, is essentially eliminated. The disdavantages of a structurally similar prior art snow guard are unexpectedly avoided by providing particularly improved structural features. The novel snow guard, formed as a unitary structure of foldable sheet metal less than 2 mm thick, can withstand not only the forces exerted by an accumulated snow pack, but also the compressive force of a person's weight exerted in either the down-roof or vertical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Vicki Parker Lee
  • Patent number: 5655334
    Abstract: Snow stop has a base, a snow-hindering member, and a convolute hook. The convolute hook includes a forward section, a first opening section, and a further opening section; the convolute hook can be present at a distal end of a base of the snow stop, and it also can include a distal base bend section, and an extending section. The snow stop can have its base and convolute hook made to include sheet metal, for an example, copper. In general, the convolute hook can act as a spring. The hook minimizes or eliminates crushing of the same, and the snow stop can be retro-fit in slate, shake and shingle roofs efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: M. J. Mullane Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Janusz Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 5613328
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device capable of being attached to a metal roof comprises a substantially perpendicular seam. The device comprises a block. A groove is located in the base of the block, and the block is locatable on the roof by placement of the groove on the seam. There are two embodiments for securing the block to the seam. In the first embodiment, a threaded hole is located in the block between the first side wall and the groove, and a cavity is located in the groove diametrical to the threaded hole. A set screw is locatable in the threaded hole. The set screw has an opening at its terminal end for receiving an element having a curved surface, the element protruding therefrom and pivotable therewithin. Driving the set screw into the hole causes the curved surface of the element to engage the seam, driving the seam towards the cavity of the groove diametric thereto, thereby forming a pocket in the seam, and securing the block to the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: F. William Alley
  • Patent number: 5570557
    Abstract: A roofing system has a sheet surface which may include standing ridges or batten ridges, and the sheet surface has a predetermined arrangement of three dimensional features in addition to the standing ridges or the batten ridges. A snow stop may be installed in conjunction therewith, and may have lower protrusions which may be generally complimentary thereto and/or a snow wedge so as to further help keep it from being disengaged by typical shear and/or peel forces after installation. Thus, for example, as with aluminum or steel standing seamed roofs, added fence type snow guards with their brackets and so forth can be avoided, and/or individual snow stops can be installed so as to have greatly increased holding power to the roofing surface, even in notable cases when applied by underskilled workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventors: Janusz Kwiatkowski, Michael J. Mullane
  • Patent number: 5522185
    Abstract: A snow stop has a flat blade formed with curved upper and lower edges. Openings extend through the blade for weight reduction and for permitting passage of air and fluids. A slot extends upward from a center of a blade for receiving a standing seam of a metal roof, and a boss extends from the blade around the slot for fixing the blade on a roof seam. The boss has an outward extending support with a ledge, which continues outward from a top of the slot for resting on top of a standing seam. The boss extends downward and terminates downwardly in rounded lobes. Holes extend through the lobes parallel to the blade, and fasteners extend through the holes for engaging sides of a standing seam. The fasteners cooperate with the ledge to prevent movement of the snow stop on the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Real-Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Cline
  • Patent number: 5371979
    Abstract: A new snow stop includes a base, a support projecting from the base, and a restraining member attached to or made integral with and part of the support, wherein the base has a support opening therein, and the support is formed from a suitable foldable stock and is attached to the base, the support having a leg which projects upwardly from the base and which thrusts through the support opening of the base, and the support having a foot which lies underneath the base and which extends outwardly of the support opening of the base. A method to make the snow stop includes providing an intermediate restraining member and support having an extended leg with enough suitable foldable stock to provide a foot, inserting the extended leg of the intermediate through a support opening of a base, and folding the suitable foldable stock inserted therethrough to provide a foot of the support. Use of the snow stop can include attachment to a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: M. J. Mullane Co.
    Inventors: Janusz Kwiatkowski, Michael J. Mullane
  • Patent number: 5343659
    Abstract: A snow guard has a two piece base with a top portion adapted to hook over a shingle and a bottom portion with an upstanding flange defined by lower portions of each piece of the base. A figurine cast in the shape of an eagle has a stem portion riveted to this flange so that the eagle's wings define a show shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph D. Zaleski
  • Patent number: 5282340
    Abstract: A snow brake has three major portions, all of which are formed together in a single mold by casting. The first part is a gripper base having a rectangular U-shaped cross-section and an elongated side elevation. A slit extends upward from a bottom of the base to receive a roof seam. Set screw openings extend inward from one side wall and to the slit. Indentations are formed in the side opposite the set screw openings, so that the set screws may press portions of the seam into pockets formed by the indentations, deforming the seam and locking the base to the seam of a standing seam metal roof. The snow retainer is a curved plate which is inclined to the base at about a 60.degree. angle. The plate is wide at the curved bottom and is curved inward toward the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Real Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger M. Cline, Lawrence W. Boehly
  • Patent number: 5044130
    Abstract: An ice breaker which is attachable to the top surface of an inclined roof having a V-shaped front edge which lifts and retains the leading edge of a sheet of ice which slides down an inclined roof. The V-shaped edge shears the ice upon further downward movement. The ice breaker further includes a wing with a tapered front portion that acts to shear a sheet of ice that is moving too fast to be retained in the V-shaped portion. The outwardly extending sides of the wing aid in securing a sheet of ice that is already retained in the V-shaped front edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Lonnel O. Chiddister