Abstract: Provided are stone-like or brick-like veneer systems for covering walls. Specifically provided in embodiments are facade panels comprising: (i) a molded brick-like or stone-like panel; and (ii) a suspension rail partially embedded in the panel comprising: a first four-sided frame with horizontally and vertically disposed sides; one or more cross bar joining two or more sides of the first frame; a plurality of posts extending perpendicularly from the first frame or cross bars; a second four-sided frame in communication with the plurality of posts; a tab in communication with the frame for connecting the suspension rail to a surface.

Abstract: A panel for attachment to a mounting surface includes a fastener edge defined along one edge of the panel and a butt edge defined opposite the fastener edge. The fastener edge contacts the mounting surface. The panel includes a plurality of raised faces formed between the fastener edge and the butt edge. The raised faces are oriented at a first angle to the mounting surface, such that the raised faces are further from the mounting surface toward the butt edge. The panel also includes a tapered keyway linking each of the raised faces. The tapered keyway extends from the raised faces toward the mounting surface and is at a second angle to the raised faces. An offset hem is formed on the fastener edge and extends away from the mounting surface.

Abstract: The modular unit for generating solar power comprises a plurality of diamond-shaped cover plates (3.2, . . . , 3.3) for forming a surface trapping sunlight. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) contain photovoltaic elements (106.1, 106.2, 106.3). The system further comprises a plurality of support rods (54) having a number of pre-manufactured fastening positions (55), said rods being arranged at a predetermined angle >0° to the horizontal and extending in the direction of a line of slope. Every fastening position is associated with a fastening device (50) which connects two corners of the overlapping cover plates (3.2, 3.3) to the support rod (54) in the fastening position. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) are arranged diagonally and so as to overlap in a scale-type fashion with respect to a longitudinal direction of the support rod (54) in such a manner that the surface trapping the sunlight is at the same time rain water-repellent. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) have a first cut-out section (15.

Abstract: A fastening system for a plate-shaped structural element on a pitched roof is provided. The plate-shaped structural element is bordered in a water-tight manner in a frame and fully replaces the roof covering, and the eaves-side and ridge-side cross beams of the frame which run transversely to the ridge-eaves direction have profiles which are matched to each other and engage in each other. The top side of the eaves-side cross beam has a mounting that surrounds the edge of the plate-shaped structural element, and the bottom side thereof has a support for fastening to the roof structure. The support includes a web that extends from the mounting to the support, a protrusion extending beneath the mounting and receives an extension that extends from the ridge-side cross beam thereof.

Abstract: A molded synthetic polymer based shingle is provided as is a roof made up of underlying and overlying of courses of such shingles. The shingles are generally rigid and are provided with upwardly protruding moisture guards on the upper surfaces of their headlap portions, for guarding against wind-blown moisture entering fastener locations at which fasteners are used to attach shingles to a roof. The moisture guards may be of various configurations and by either completely or incompletely surround the fastener locations. Shields having recesses for receiving moisture guards therein, or other downward projections, may be provided at under surface locations of the shingles in cooperative engagement for further protection against moisture penetration and for facilitating alignment of shingles relative to other shingles.

Abstract: A molded synthetic polymer based shingle is provided as is a roof made up of underlying and overlying of courses of such shingles. The shingles are generally rigid and are provided with upwardly protruding moisture guards on the upper surfaces of their headlap portions, for guarding against wind-blown moisture entering fastener locations at which fasteners are used to attach shingles to a roof. The moisture guards may be of various configurations and by either completely or incompletely surround the fastener locations. Shields having recesses for receiving moisture guards therein, or other downward projections, may be provided at under surface locations of the shingles in cooperative engagement for further protection against moisture penetration and for facilitating alignment of shingles relative to other shingles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for covering a support surface comprising a panel including a body presenting a plane and having a top edge and a bottom edge. The body has a first locking element presenting a nailing hem and a second locking element for spacing the bottom edge of the body from the support surface. The panel has a spacer interconnecting the first locking element and the body of the panel for spacing the top edge of the body from the support surface such that the plane is substantially parallel to the support surface. Additionally, the siding system includes a second panel substantially similar to the first panel such that the second panel interlocks with the first panel. The cooperation of the spacer and the second locking element results in the alignment of the plane of the first panel with the plane of the second panel such that both planes are substantially parallel to the support surface.

Abstract: A seam clip assembly is disclosed. The seam clip assembly includes a seam clip attachable to a thermal barrier. The seam clip is connected to the thermal barrier, and the thermal barrier is connected to a structure, such as a roofing structure. The thermal barrier prevents or at least limits heat conduction from the seam clip into the roofing structure. The thermal barrier improves uplift strength of the seam clip attached to adjoining roofing panels.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for securing an ancillary device (16) to a standing seam (8), the standing seam comprising a protruding web portion (10) with a head portion (12) at an outer extremity. The clamp assembly includes a substantially rigid member (18; 54) adapted to overlie and contact the head portion of the standing seam. First and second substantially rigid arms (22, 24; 58, 60) extend from the member and are adapted to embrace the head portion in co-operation with the member, at least one of the arms (24; 58, 60) being pivotally interconnected with the member at hinge means (28; 62, 64). The first and second arms have first and second free extremities (36, 38; 70, 72) adapted to face one another and to contact opposite sides of the web portion. Threaded fastener means (40, 41; 86) passes through the ancillary device and into a threaded aperture (46; 88) in the member, from an outer surface of the member.

Abstract: A building product is configured for attachment to a surface of a building. In one example, the building product includes a siding product including a first side and a second side. In one example, the siding product is a pultruded product. A first engagement feature is disposed on or near the first side. A second engagement feature is disposed on or near the second side. The second engagement feature is configured to selectively frictionally engage with the first engagement feature of another similar siding product such that any curvature in the siding product increases frictional engagement between the siding product and the other similar siding product. In one example, the building product includes a spacer clip for attachment of the building product to the surface of the building.

Abstract: A system for decoratively covering a support surface is provided. The system comprises a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a top, a bottom, and first and second ends. Each panel includes a nailing hem for mounting the panel to the support surface. Each panel also includes first and second rows of decorative portions simulating building materials. A riser interconnects the first and second rows. Each panel further includes a flap extending from the riser at the first end and a catch extending from the riser at the second end. The flap and catch mate with a corresponding catch and flap of horizontally adjacent panels. The flap and catch are both sloped upwardly toward the top at an acute angle to provide a mating fit between corresponding flaps and catches.

Abstract: An improved sliding clip for a standing seam roof, the clip having a clip base supporting a clip tab adapted to connect to a standing seam, the clip tab slidably supported by the clip base along a slide track on the clip base, the clip tab permitted to travel a selected range along substantially the full length of the clip base so that the length of the travel path can exceed or be less than the length of the clip base. Stop members on the clip base and clip tab are positioned to abut when the clip tab is moved in either direction along the slide track. Alternate tab stops can be provided to selectively determine the extent of travel of the clip tab along the travel path.

Abstract: A building product includes a pultruded part that constitutes exterior siding of a building. In one example, the building product includes a pultruded part that constitutes siding and the structural sheathing of a building. In one example, the building product includes a pultruded part that constitutes siding and the structural sheathing of a building and is configured to be weather-tight.

Abstract: A wall covering comprised of a plurality of panels formed with a simulated hand laid brick and mortar design. The panels are mounted in horizontal courses with a lower marginal edge region of one panel being in overlying relation to the upper marginal edge region of a panel in a previously mounted course. The upper and lower marginal edge regions have a tapered seating design which enable close positioning of the brick and mortar of two mating panels with the mortar lines between the brick being in substantially coplanar relation with each other and with the simulated brick each protruding a uniform distance from the mortar lines with an esthetic and natural appearance. The junction between mating panels is substantially unnoticeable and the uniformity of the brick and mortar design does not incur unsightly shadowing that can detract from the natural appearance.

Abstract: A clip for attaching overlapping siding boards to the wall of a structure includes a rearward hook having a top horizontal flange with a forward portion and a rearward portion, and a rearward vertical flange with a top portion and a bottom portion. The rearward portion of the top horizontal flange connects with the top portion of the rearward vertical flange. A body portion connects with the forward portion of the top horizontal flange. A forward hook has a bottom horizontal flange with a forward portion and a rearward portion, and a forward vertical flange having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the forward vertical flange connects with the forward portion of the bottom horizontal flange. The rearward portion of the bottom horizontal flange connects with the body portion. A catch extends downwardly from the bottom horizontal flange.

Abstract: A spacer is provided for use in a standing seam roof system in which roof panels are provided having a base portion and upstanding side flanges along opposed longitudinal sides of the panel. The panels are installed sequentially along roof purlins in a working direction. Occasionally a portion of each panel being installed trails in the working direction in relation to the remainder of the panel. A spacer element is provided with a hook for being suspended in the seam between upstanding side flanges of adjacent panels to advance the trailing portion of the panels and thereby straighten the panels of the roof system.

Abstract: A wall covering for a pair of wall surfaces that form a corner. The wall covering includes (1) plurality of wall panels each having a plurality of horizontal tiers of simulated building elements and (2) a plurality of corner moldings each having a single tier of building elements. The corner moldings each have mounting flanges and an interlock and alignment pin that facilitate adjustable positioning of the corner molding with a selected tier of building elements of an adjacent wall panel. The corner molding mounting flanges and building elements further define relatively deep wall panel receiving pockets for positively retaining the side of an adjacent wall panel and forming a water barrier.

Abstract: A bracket for use in retrofitting building panels to a structure is provided with forward, rearward and top walls which define a channel therebetween. The channel is sized and shaped to substantially enclose existing fasteners on the structure to substantially prevent lateral movement of the bracket along the existing building panels. The lower end portion of the bracket is shaped to marry the profile of the existing building panels. A single series of fasteners secure the new building panel to the bracket, the existing building panel and preferably the frame of the structure.

Abstract: A shingle system, mountable to a support surface, includes overlapping shingle assemblies. Each shingle assembly comprises a support bracket, having upper and lower ends, secured to a shingle body. The upper end has an upper support portion, extending away from the shingle body, and an upper support-surface-engaging part, engageable with a support surface so that the upper edge of the shingle body is positionable at a first distance from the support surface to create a first gap therebetween. The lower end has a lower support portion extending away from the lower surface. The support brackets create: (1) a second gap between shingle bodies of the first and second shingle assemblies, and (2) an open region beneath the first shingle assembly fluidly coupling the first and second gaps.

Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.

Abstract: Aircraft frames having multiple bracket mounting holes, corresponding brackets, and associated methods are disclosed. An aircraft frame member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes multiple sets of mounting holes, each set having one or more mounting holes. Brackets in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can be attached to either of at least two of the sets of mounting holes, for example, using snap fit attachment devices or other attachment devices. Each bracket can support one or more components (e.g., insulation, wiring, ECS ducting) relative to the aircraft frame member. The bracket can also span between two or more aircraft frame members. Each bracket can be installed in any of a variety of positions without the use of tools and can support any of a variety of devices. Accordingly, the time and cost associated with manufacturing, inventorying, installing and repositioning the brackets and the devices they support can be reduced.

Abstract: A panel clip assembly for use with skylight or roof panel systems and having allowance for reduced movement of panels both parallel and perpendicular to the seam formed by adjoining panels, together with improved allowance for rotational and pivotal movement of said panels. The panel clip includes a base member with a base plate and upward extending flanges; an interim mount member movably attached to the upward extending flanges of the base member by a pin assembly; and an upper clip assembly for receiving and constraining the panels. The upper clip member is movably attached to the mount member such that said clip member can slide in a direction parallel to the seam formed by adjoining roof panels. In addition, the mount member is capable of rotational movement in the plane of the panels and pivotal movement about the axis of the pin assembly.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting apparatus for use with a solar panel includes a base element having an elongated upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is structured for engagement with a rooftop by being positioning underneath the shingles of a rooftop and secured thereto through the apertures of the upper portion and/or lower portion of the base element. One or more support elements extend perpendicularly from the lower portion of the base element. A front plate is situated upon the support elements and is parallel to the base element and structured for engagement with the solar panel.

Abstract: A plastic panel for attachment to an exterior wall of a building includes a body, an attachment hem attached to the body and defining at least one aperture for a fastener, and a side flange extending laterally outwardly of the body. The side flange defines a fastening slot for attaching the panel to a building wall. The fastening slot extends at a predetermined acute angle relative to horizontal, preferably about 10-20° relative to horizontal, and about 15° in a particularly preferred embodiment. The fastening slot is preferably elongated and narrow so that the head of a metal fastener extends over opposed upper and lower edges of the slot.

Abstract: A panel clip assembly for use with skylight or roof panel systems and having allowance for reduced movement of panels both parallel and perpendicular to the seam formed by adjoining panels, together with improved allowance for rotational and pivotal movement of said panels. The panel clip includes a base member with a base plate and upward extending flanges; an interim mount member movably attached to the upward extending flanges of the base member by a pin assembly; and an upper clip assembly for receiving and constraining the panels. The upper clip member is movably attached to the mount member such that said clip member can slide in a direction parallel to the seam formed by adjoining roof panels. In addition, the mount member is capable of rotational movement in the plane of the panels and pivotal movement about the axis of the pin assembly.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting apparatus for use with a solar panel includes a base element having an elongated upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is structured for engagement with a rooftop by being positioning underneath the shingles of a rooftop and secured thereto through the apertures of the upper portion and/or lower portion of the base element. One or more support elements extend perpendicularly from the lower portion of the base element. A front plate is situated upon the support elements and is parallel to the base element and structured for engagement with the solar panel.

Abstract: A plastic panel for attachment to an exterior wall of a building includes a body, an attachment hem attached to the body and defining at least one aperture for a fastener, and a side flange extending laterally outwardly of the body. The side flange defines a fastening slot for attaching the panel to a building wall. The fastening slot extends at a predetermined acute angle relative to horizontal, preferably about 10-20° relative to horizontal, and about 15° in a particularly preferred embodiment. The fastening slot is preferably elongated and narrow so that the head of a metal fastener extends over opposed upper and lower edges of the slot.

Abstract: The open joint wall panel system includes panels having a standardized shape attached to an extrudable track that, in turn, is attached to an exterior wall. Each panel is vertically positioned using dead load anchors and positioned relative to the exterior wall with anchor clips.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: A molded plastic panel for covering an exterior building wall includes a laterally directed lead fin, a laterally extending groove below the lead fin, and a rearwardly directed middle wall between rows of simulated shingles, all for joining laterally adjacent panels. A side flange extending outwardly of the panel may also be included. The molded plastic panel preferably also includes at least one row of simulated shingles separated by a plurality of gaps each having a randomly varying width in order to camouflage spacings between adjacent panels that change because of thermal contraction and expansion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the panel body includes a locking tab and a folding flange. The folding flange includes a locking lip for engaging a locking tab on an adjacent panel and a flexible hinge connecting the locking lip to the panel body. The flexible hinge allows the folding flange to be disconnected from the locking tab when replacing a single panel.

Abstract: An exterior sheathing element includes a first edge portion having a channel, and includes a second edge portion opposite the first edge portion and including a channel. At least a part of the second edge portion has a mounting tab projecting clear of the second edge portion in a substantially co-planar relationship with respect to the main body of the sheathing element.

Abstract: A fastening member for the vertical board siding, which comprises; a main metal fitting comprising a flat substrate, first and second upright portions formed at the upper and lower end portions of the flat substrate, respectively and extending in the horizontal direction, a third upright portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the flat substrate, and an engaging portion formed at a distal end of the third upright portion; and an auxiliary metal fitting adapted to be detachably engaged with the main metal fitting and comprises a first horizontal portion adapted to be placed on the second upright portion of the main metal fitting, and a second horizontal portion adapted to support a lower end portion of the siding board to be fastened.

Abstract: Improved welding stud (20) includes a generally cylindrical body (34). A first series of annular rings (42) are disposed on a first end portion (18) of the cylindrical body (34). A second series of annular rings (44) are disposed on a second end portion (26) of the cylindrical body (34). The rings (42, 44) are asymmetrical and have reverse configurations. Thus, the annular rings (42) on one end portion of the stud are a mirror image of the rings (44) on the opposite end portion of the stud. Either end of the stud (20) may be stud welded to a base member (14) using the drawn arm short cycle or gas arc stud welding processes. A cap (24) may then be press fitted onto the opposite end of the stud to secure insulation.

Abstract: Roof shingles (14) from used tires (10) are provided as well as a method of making the same. Used tires (10) are cut along the circumference on each edge to separate a tread piece (13) from the side walls (12) and the bead steel. Tread piece (13) is then cut by dye, shear or other method into a number of shorter pieces or shingles (14). The shingles are then secured in overlapping relationship, typically tread side outward, to form a waterproof covering on a building or other structure.

Abstract: A clip for slidably mounting new standing seam-type or rib-type metal roof panels in spaced relationship above an existing rib-type or standing seam-type roof structure includes a base member and a slide member for attachment to the base member and the new panel. The base and slide members are interfitted in a manner which permits the slide member to shift longitudinally relative to the base member. The base and slide members include interfitted sections which are U-shaped in cross section, and the interfitted sections include a cutout and detent which cooperate to limit the amount of relative shifting between the base and slide members.

Abstract: Roof shingles (14) from used tires (10) are provided as well as a method of making the same. Used tires (10) are cut along the circumference on each edge to separate a tread piece (13) from the side walls (12) and the bead steel. Tread piece (13) is then cut by dye, shear, or other method into a number of shorter pieces or shingles (14). The shingles are then secured in overlapping relationship, typically tread side outward, to form a waterproof covering on a building or other structure.

Abstract: A clip connector having a base and a clip, the base including a washer/spacer to prevent the base from clamping upon the clip to allow free movement of the clip in the base. The washer has a bore having a flared portion to collect shavings generated by a self-drilling screw. The clip connector includes a clip, or use with a roof, having a series of regularly spaced holes to allow sealant to pass therethrough. The clip further preferably has a rounded head which nests snugly with associated panels and includes a fastener extending through the foot of the clip to retain the foot in the desired position. In this manner, the overlapping portions of the foot remain pressed together, thereby facilitating the sliding of the clip within the base. The clip preferably includes a shelf to support panels during connection of the panels to the clip of the present invention.

Abstract: A siding attachment system includes a bracket and a clip for use in securing conventional siding panels to a wall. The bracket comprises a vertical extending web having legs extending rearwardly from a rear surface of the web at upper and lower ends of the web. A shoulder extends forwardly and downwardly from the front surface of the web at the lower end of the web. The shoulder is insertable in a channel formed in a rear surface of conventional siding. The shoulder supports the siding panel but permits the panel to slide longitudinally with respect to the bracket. A plurality of nail holes are uniformly spaced in linear alignment across a top portion of the web along its entire length. Nails or related fasteners may be selectively driven through the nail holes for securing the bracket to a wall. The siding clip generally comprises a rectangular sheet having a height corresponding to the height of the web and having at least one nail hole extending through an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming exterior convex vinyl siding corners for use with external walls intersecting at angles greater than 90 degrees including a vinyl siding corner member with two exterior siding members intersecting in the steady state position at 90 degrees. The exterior corner is of a flexible material such as vinyl and defines two internal slots therein within which one or more expander members is positionable to spread the exterior corner member to an angle greater than 90 degrees and approximately equal to the obtuse angle of the intersection between the first and second surfaces. The expander member may be adjustably movable to vary different angles such as would be used in the external convex corners for mounting of bay windows and other similar obtusely oriented exterior walls.

Abstract: A clip for slidably attaching a ribbed metal roof panel to a structural support underlying the roof panel includes a base member and a slide member which are interfitted in a manner which permits tile slide member to shift relative to the base member. The base and slide members include interfitted sections which are U-shaped in cross section, and the interfitted sections include a cutout and detent which cooperate to limit the amount of relative shifting between the base and slide members. A particular embodiment of the clip is well-suited for use when mounting a ribbed panel in spaced relationship above a ribbed panel of an existing roof structure.

Abstract: Sheet metal roofing or siding batten system (10) and standing seam system (30) are disclosed. The batten system (10) comprises pan (11), mounting bracket (16) and batten (23) sections. The standing seam system (30) comprises pan (31) and mounting bracket (32) sections. Both mounting bracket designs include a base (13,33), upwardly extending .legs (15,35), and downwardly extending securing legs (16,36) having inwardly extending protrusions (17,37) used to secure lateral borders (28 and 38,39) of the pans to the brackets. The invention ensures positive interlock of the components while allowing for thermal expansion and variations in pan geometry inherent in metal roofing systems.

Abstract: A double roofing structure in which a water-proof drain plate is set on a backing. The rafter is fixed on the backing through the drain plate with a fixing member. Roof material or roof material holding member and inner layer material are placed and fixed on the rafter. A spacing layer communicating with an opening of the eaves is formed between the drain plate on the backing and the roof plate. The part communicating with the fixing member in the drain plate is formed with a projection.

Abstract: A standing-seam roof system with elevated sub-purlins supported on concealed slip assemblies is provided. A uniform thermal-insulating value of the roof system is maintained by elevating the roof panels substantially above the undeformed depth of the thermal-insulating blanket. Each clip assembly consists of two parts allowing level adjustment after the fastening of the clip assembly.

Abstract: A siding clip is formed from a planar sheet folded to create forward and rearward legs connected along a horizontal upper fold, with the forward leg being bent forwardly and then downwardly to form a downwardly opening longitudinal slot with respect to the rearward leg. The rearward leg depends downwardly beyond the lower end of the forward leg, and is then bent forwardly and downwardly so as to be received within a longitudinal slot in a siding panel. A fastener may be affixed through an aperture in the forward and rearward legs so as to connect the siding clip to a wall.

Abstract: A ballast block is disclosed in the form of a planar plate member. The plate member has a top and bottom surface, front and rear end portions and oppositely disposed lateral edges. The end portions include a mechanism for preventing substantial uplift and rotational displacement of the block when its end portions are interlinked in overlapping relationship with the corresponding end portions of like ballast blocks.

Abstract: Support structure for holding a plurality of roof panels during assembly of a standing seam roof on a prefabricated building including a spacer block having an elongated body with predetermined shaped ends thereon. In one embodiment one end is of square configuration and the other end is of compound tapered configuration. In another embodiment the end of square configuration is provided with a projecting tenon thereon for positive engagement with inside flanges of a roof panel yoke fastening/retainer clip. In a modification of this embodiment, pre-formed notches or recesses are provided for ease in installation of this end with the roof panel fastening/retainer clip. The other end of the spacer block having a pointed configuration may be of compound tapered form, conical form, semi-elliptical or oval form, or a combination of these described shapes. Also, the end may be completely rounded or semi-rounded with a blunt tip.

Abstract: A roofing plate (10), such as a corrugated, interlocking tile, is at its upper side surface provided with a proofing strip (27) arranged extending across the corrugations of the roofing plate at the upper edge thereof. The proofing strip (27) is constituted by a strip of upright synthetic fibres, such as a combination of polyamide fibres of a length of 3 mm and of a length of 5 mm and of thickness of 0.05 mm (22 dtex). The strip (27) is adapted to provide a barrier when its is clamped between the upper side surface of the roofing plate and the lower side surface of an adjacent roofing plate, and the barrier permits the passage of air from the inside of a loft defined below the roofing plates and out and form the outside and into the loft and further permits the passage of water from the inside of the loft and out, and blocks the passage of water and dust form the outside and into the loft.

Abstract: A prefabricated building panel comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending transversely spaced trusses, each truss comprising opposed channel members and undulating truss member joined to and extending between the channel members. One of the channel members of each truss is fastened to a sheet. A plurality of spring clips are fastened to the other of the channels at longitudinally spaced points. Each clip includes wings extending transversely of the channel. A second sheet is provided and has longitudinally extending grooves with the grooves having a configuration such that the spring clips extend into the grooves and the wings engage portions of the grooves to laterally restrain the sheet.

Abstract: A system for attaching a bridge deck panel to a bridge structure which allows the panel to expand in lengthwise and sidewise directions independent of a bridge deck support structure. Brackets attached to members of a bridge deck support structure have undercuts on opposing ends which accommodate flanges on the bridge deck panel. Portions of the bracket overlying the undercut and flange prevent the deck panel from being separated from the deck support structure, but do not prevent the deck panel from lengthwise movement independent of the bridge structure due to temperature changes. To enable the panel to move in a sidewise direction, a space is provided between the outermost edge of the deck panel flange and the length of the undercut.

Abstract: A roof structure and its components comprises a series of metal panels having flanges that interlock when the panels are laid side by side and which are subsequently tightly seamed together to convert the individual panels into an integrated roof forming membrane. The roof structure may be insulated through the use of a blanket vapor barrier and insulation under the panels preferably along with thermal blocks located over the purlins. The roof structure includes unique flexible panel mounting clips that attach the panels to the purlins in such a way as to permit the panels to expand or contract in response to temperature and pressure changes, thereby minimizing roof stressing.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/000,345, filed 03/18/83, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).