STANDING SEAM ROOFING PANEL

Abstract: An interlocking roofing panel (10) is disclosed. The panel (10) has longitudinal edges (20, 22) and large (24) and small dikes (26) extending along these edges (20, 22). These dikes interlock to form a standing seam. Upon installation, the top wall of the small dike is sufficiently spaced below the top wall of the first dike of an overlapping longitudinally adjacent panel, defining an "upper gap" (34), to interrupt movement of water between the dikes. Also, the small dike features a concave portion (54) which opens towards the primary panel portion (10a) and the first dike has a linking portion (58), so that the linking portion (58) extends into the concave portion (54) while being sufficiently spaced within the concave portion (54), defining a "lower gap", that, during installation, upward movement of the first dike (24) relative to the small dike (26) is permitted.

Description: STANPINQ SEAM ROOFING PANEL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fi ld of the Invention This invention relates to roofing panels. More particularly, this invention relates to interlocking side-by-side roofing panels. Description of the Related Art The roof of a structure can be protected by a wide variety of roofing materials such as asphalt, slate, or metal. It is also known that the roof of a structure may be protected by a series of side-by-side interlocking roofing panels. However, problems arise in trying to secure such panels to a roof so that they survive substantial wind conditions and the capillary action of water (and the problems it causes to the underlying roof structure). Other problems in the art include economically increasing the strength of the interlock while decreasing the amount of time and difficulty associated with installing such panels. This list is by no means exhaustive. Some of the solutions suggested for solving these problems include: the use of tighdy engaging seams (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,772); the use of slip plates (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,331) and clip connectors or clips (see, e.g., U.S. Pat No. 4,102,105 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,356); the use of sealants (see, e.g., U.S. Pat No. 4,106,250); and the use of novel geometries for defining the seam or interlock between two panels (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,166 (return bend recess) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,250 (double-wall skirt member)). The present invention is effective in addressing the prior art problems disclosed above. In addition, it is effective in addressing a problem which has received litde, if any, attention to date. Specifically, the panel disclosed herein is effective in providing a sound, integral, leak-resistant roofing structure over nonplanar roofs. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a roofing pan which is not only effective in covering well-constructed roofing structures but effective in protecting non-planar surfaces. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an interlockingly joinable panel wit longitudinally adjacent panels of the same type. Each roofing panel compris a first and a second longitudinal edge, a large dike extending along the fir longitudinal edge and a small dike extending along the second longitudinal edg a primary panel portion between the dikes, and a secondary panel portio between the small dike and the second longitudinal edge. The small dike is sized to be received within the downwardly openin channel defined by the large dike of a longitudinally overlapping panel. Whe the large dike is "snapped" into place over the small dike, a standing seam i formed. Upon installation, the top wall of the small dike is spaced sufficientl below the top wall of the large dike of an overlapping longitudinally adjacen panel that an upper gap is defined. Among other things, this upper ga interrupts movement of water between the dikes. The standing seam defines a lower gap as well. The descending wall of th small dike defines a horizontally opening channel which opens towards th primary panel portion. The large dike has a Unking portion that extends into th channel and is suffidendy spaced within the channel that a lower gap is define During installation, this lower gap permits upward movement of the large dik relative to the small dike. This is particularly significant in the case of nonplana roof surfaces. A number of fastening arrangements are also disclosed which are effectiv for securing the panels to the roof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of die present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction widt the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a building illustrating a plurality of die standing seam roofing panels of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a roofing panel in accordance with die present invention; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a roofing panel of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a detail cross-sectional view of the standing seam of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a detail top cut away view of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a detail cross-sectional view of as taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of d e present invention; and Fig. 8 is a detail view of the smaller dike of die present invention taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figs. 1-2, Fig. 1 shows a building 9 having a roof 1 1 made up of standing seam roofing panels 10. Although Fig. 1 depicts a single panel spanning die length from the ridgeline to tiie eve of the roof, in many cases it is likely that several horizontal rows of similarly aligned panels would be used to completely span the slope of the roof. Referring to Fig. 2, each panel 10 is generally rectangular in shape and made of a rigid sheet of metal 12, preferably steel of 28 to 20 gauge metal, still more preferably steel of 26 to 24 gauge metal. .Although steel of the stated gauge is preferred, it will be understood by those skilled in die art tiiat other metals (e.g., aluminum, copper) and gauges may be employed. Each panel 10 has an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16. A large (or upper) dike 24 projects upwardly from upper surface 14 along one longitudinal edge 20, and a small (or lower) dike 26 projects upwardly from the upper surface 14 along an opposing longitudinal edge 22. The portion of the panel between dikes 24 and 26 is termed d e primary panel portion 10a; the remaining portion of the panel between the small dike and its longitudinal edge is called die secondary panel portion 10b. Referring now to Fig. 3, portions of diree panels ( 10', 10, 10") are shown. In Fig. 3, each of die panels is secured to a roof from left to right (ald ough the panels may be installed in mirror-image fashion just as well from right to left if the orientation of each panel is reversed). As shown, d e left-hand panel includes primed reference numerals (e.g., 10'); die middle panel indudes non- primed reference numerals (e.g., 10); and the right-hand panel indudes double- primed reference numerals (e.g., 10"). Referring still to Fig. 3, small dike 26' of left-hand panel 10' is visible; this portion of die left-hand panel has been secured to a roof board 28 by means of fasteners 18'. The next pand (middle panel 10) is secured in place in two ways. First, die large dike 24 is snapped into an interlocking relationship with small dike 26' of left-hand pand 10', forming a standing seam (shown in detail in Fig. 4). Second, as in the case of the left-hand panel, the secondary panel portion 10b is secured to die roof board 28 by means of nails 18. Finally, note in Figure 3 the large dike 24" of die right-hand panel 10" which is about to be snapped into position; like middle pand 10, panel 10' will be fully secured when fasteners 18" are applied to its secondary panel portion 10b" (not shown). Referring now to Fig. 4, die standing seam of die present invention is shown. Large dike 24 projects upwardly along the length of first longitudinal edge 20, and a small dike 26' projects upwardly along die length of an opposing second longitudinal edge 22'. Large dike 24 indudes an ascending wall 40, a top wall 42, and a descending wall 44; similarly small dike 26' indudes an ascending wall 46', a top wall 48', and a descending wall 50'. The interior of large dike 24 defines a downwardly opening channel 30; likewise, the interior of small dike 26' forms a downwardly opening channel 32'. Small dike 26' has been sized so as to be received within channel 30. Furthermore, small dike 26' and die large dike 24 have been sized in such a way (note die relative lengths of their ascending walls) that, upon installation, the top wall 48' of small dike 26' is suffidendy spaced below die top wall 42 of large dike 24 that an upper gap 34 is formed. .Among otiier things, upper gap 34 serves to interrupt potential capillary movement of water between die dikes. The engagement of small dike 26' with large dike 24 also serves to define a lower gap 36. The descending wall 50' of the small dike defines a horizontally opening channd (also termed a concave portion or linking channel) described by its upper wall 52, its middle wall 54, and its lower wall 56. This horizontally opening channd of the small dike opens towards die primary panel portion 10a. The large dike has a linking portion 58 extending from die bottom of the descending wall 44 of die large dike. In Fig. 4, linking portion 58 is a hook which extends into die horizontally opening channel defined by die small dike and is suffidendy spaced below die upper wall 52 of die horizontally opening channel to define lower gap 36. Lower gap 36 ensures that upward movement of large dike 24 relative to die small dike 26 * is permitted during installation. Lower gap 36 also serves a number of otiier purposes. For example, it permits die installation of a pand 10 over nonplanar surfaces. Lower gap 36 also permits the removal of panels 10 following installation without significant damage. Finally, lower gap 36 relieves die effects of thermal expansion and contraction which have been problematic for roofing structures featuring tightly fitting panels. Referring back to Fig. 3, large dike 24" and small dike 26 are arranged that the maximum widdi of downwardly opening channel 32 of small dike (sometimes termed die "bridge of die nose") is slighdy greater than the maxim width W of die downwardly opening channel 30" of large dike 24". T maximizes the stress between the large and small dikes which acts in a directi generally normal to die areas of contact between die dikes (die ascending a descending walls of die dikes). This provides frictional force which secures panel in place once installed. Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, an alternative fastening arrangement shown. Fasteners 18 secure panel portion 10b to the roof board 28. Pa portion 10b in Fig. 6 indudes a recessed section 60. This recessed section adapted to receive fasteners 18 for securing the panel to the roof board a serves to prevent the head of the fasteners from indenting the top portion 1 of die adjacent pand, a problem commonly referred to as "read through." Recessed section 60 could take any number of shapes. Generally, lo recessed section 60 indudes a descending wall 70 and a bottom wall 72. T recessed section 60 indudes a slot 62 for receipt of fastener 18. Slots 62 ser to accommodate and relieve thermal expansion and contraction of adjace panels which occurs due to changes in temperature. Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, an alternate embodiment of the panel a fastening arrangement is shown. Radier than employing a plurality of lo recessed sections 60 as shown in Fig. 5, Figs. 7 and 8 show a single recess section, or longitudinal channel 64, to receive die fasteners. The channel comprises a descending wall 74, a bottom wall 76, and an ascending wall which generally describe a "U" shape. As shown in Fig. 8, an effective desi indudes a plurality of slots 62 which guide placement of die fasteners 18. Whedier or not die alternative fastening arrangement discussed above used, some part of secondary panel portion 10b is likely to project somewh above the plane of the upper surface of die roof board 28. If the pand is comprised of a particularly tiiin sheet of metal, or the metal is particularly malleable, the problem of "read d rough" of d e fasteners will arise. That is, die head of die fastener will indent die top surface 14 of die primary portion 1 Oa of the adjacent panel. If read dirough isn't expected, dien die primary panel portion 10a may comprise a completely flat (i.e., planar) portion of the panel spanning from dike to dike. If read dirough is expected, dien a fastener dike may be employed. Referring back to Fig. 3, large dike 24 further indudes a fastener dike 86 positioned over die secondary panel portion 10b of an underlapping adjacent pand. Fastener dike 86 comprises an ascending portion 88 and a top portion 90 which covers die fasteners below. Many users would consider a visually perceptible line generated by die ascending portion 88 to be a pleasant alternative to intermittent read dirough of die fasteners in die absence of the fastener dike. Returning to Fig. 7, this panel 10a indudes one or more structural indentations or ribs, here termed structural dikes 66, to provide additional strength to the panel. Dikes 66 comprise an ascending wall 80, a top wall 82, and a descending wall 84 which generally describe an inverted "U". These dikes serve to significandy increase the panel's ability to carry a load. This capability may be important, for example, whenever the roofing pands are installed directly upon a plurality of roofing boards, radier tiian a continuous roofing surface or deck. The foregoing disdosure and description of die invention are illustrative and explanatory only, and various changes in die size, shape, materials, and components, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction and method of operation, may be made widiout departing from die spirit of die invention.

Claims: CLAIMS What is daimed is: 1. An interlocking roofing panel comprising: (a) a first and a second longitudinal edge; (b) a first dike extending along said first longitudinal edg having a first ascending wall, a first top wall connected to said first ascendin wall, and a first descending wall connected to said first top wall proximate to sai first longitudinal edge, said first dike defining a first downwardly openin channel; (c) a second dike extending along said second longitudinal edg having a second ascending wall proximate the second longitudinal edge, a secon top wall connected to said second ascending wall, and a second descending wal connected to said second top wall, said second dike defining a secon downwardly opening channel and wherein die second dike is adapted to b received within d e first downwardly opening channel of an adjacen longitudinally overlapping panel; (d) a primary panel portion between die first dike and th second dike; and (e) a secondary pand portion between the second dike and th second longitudinal edge, (f) wherein, upon installation of said first dike upon th adjacent second dike of a longitudinally underlapping panel, die second top wal is suffidendy spaced below the first top wall of an overlapping longitudinall adjacent panel, defining an upper gap, diat movement of water between th dikes is interrupted and wherein, during installation of said first dike upon th adjacent second dike of a longitudinally underlapping panel, the secon descending wall defines a linking channel which opens towards d e primary pane portion and die first dike has a linking portion extending from the bottom of th first descending wall, such that said linking portion extends into die linking channel defined by die second dike and is suffidendy spaced below an upper portion of said linking channel, defining a lower gap, diat upward movement of the first dike relative to die second dike is permitted. 2. The roofing pand of claim 1 , wherein said secondary panel portion comprises one or more recessed sections to receive fasteners for securing said roofing panel to a roof. 3. The roofing pand of daim 2 wherein said secondary panel portion comprises a plurality of recessed sections, said recessed sections each comprising one or more slots to receive a fastener. 4. The roofing pand of daim 2 wherein said secondary panel portion comprises a single recessed channel, said channel comprising one or more slots to receive fasteners. 5. The roofing pand of daim 1 wherein said primary panel portion of said roofing panel further comprises one or more structural dikes. 6. The roofing panel of daim 1 wherein said first dike further comprises a fastener dike for positioning over die secondary panel portion of an underlapping adjacent panel. 7. The roofing panel of daim 1 wherein die maximum width of die second downwardly opening channd is slighdy greater tiian die maximum width of die first downwardly opening channel. -10- 8. The roofing pand of daim 1 wherein said linking portion comprises a hook 9. The roofing panel of daim 1 further comprising one or more fasteners for securing said panel to a roof. 10. A roofing structure comprising a plurality of standing seam roofing panels, each roofing panel of said structure interlockingly joinable with longitudinally adjacent panels. of die same type, each of said roofing panels comprising a first and a second longitudinal edge; a first dike extending along said first longitudinal edge and a second dike extending along said second longitudinal edge; and a primary panel portion between the dikes and a secondary panel portion between the second dike and die second longitudinal edge, wherdn (a) said first dike indudes a first ascending wall nearest the primary pand portion, a first top wall connected to said first ascending wall, and a first descending wall connected to said first top wall, said first dike defining a first downwardly opening channel; (b) said second dike indudes a second ascending wall nearest die second longitudinal edge, a second top wall connected to said second ascending wall, and a second descending wall connected to said second top wall, said second dike defining a second downwardly opening channel and wherein d e second dike is sized to be received widiin die first downwardly opening channel of a longitudinally overlapping panel; (c) die second ascending wall is shorter than the first ascending wall of an overlapping longitudinally adjacent panel; and wherein (d) die second descending wall defines a concave portion which opens towards the primary panel portion and the first dike has a linking portion extending from the bottom of the first descending wall, such tiiat said linking portion extends into die concave portion defined by die second dike and is suffidendy spaced from said concave portion, defining a lower gap, that, during installation, upward movement of die first dike relative to die second dike is permitted. 1 1. The roofing structure of daim 10, wherein one or more of said secondary panel portions comprises one or more recessed sections to receive fasteners for securing one or more of said roofing panels to a roof. 12. The roofing structure of daim 1 1 , wherein one or more of said secondary pand portions comprises a plurality of recessed sections, said recessed sections each comprising a slot to receive a fastener. 13. The roofing structure of daim 1 1 , wherein one or more of said secondary panel portions comprises a single recessed channel, said channel comprising a plurality of slots to receive fasteners. 14. The roofing structure of daim 10, wherein one or more of said primary panel portions of said roofing panels further comprises one or more structural dikes. 15. The roofing structure of claim 10, wherein one or more of said first dikes further comprises a fastener dike for positioning over die secondary panel portion of an underlapping adjacent panel. 16. The roofing structure of daim 10, wherein the maximum widtii of one or more of die second downwardly opening channels is slighdy greater tiian the maximum widdi of d e first downwardly opening channel of an adjacent overlapping panel. 17. The roofing structure of daim 10, wherein movement of one or more of die first dikes, relative to one or more of the second dikes, is primarily prohibited by a frictional force acting along die ascending walls of said dikes and a frictional force acting along the descending walls of said dikes. 18. The roofing structure of daim 10, wherein one or more of said linking portions comprises a hook. 19. The roofing structure of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of fasteners for securing each of said panels to a roof.

Inventors: CAHOON MICHAEL P, CAHOON, MICHAEL, P.
Applicants: RAZOR ENTERPRISES INC, RAZOR ENTERPRISES, INC.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: E04D3
IPC codes: E04D3