Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate to standing seam clips (e.g., panel clips and perimeter clips) that allow for improved horizontal movement of decking panels while reducing or preventing the issues associated with the binding of the standing seam clips that result in damaged roofs when the roof panels expand and contract due to temperature changes of the roof panels during heating and cooling cycles.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119 
       [0001]    The present Application for a Patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/340,899 entitled “Seam Clips and Roof Decking Systems Utilizing the Seam Clips” filed on May 24, 2016 and assigned to the assignees hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to roof decking systems and standing seam clips within the roof decking systems used to connect roofing panels to framing members of buildings. More particularly, the present invention relates to clips that provide improved sliding of a portion of the clips in the horizontal direction (otherwise described as the lateral or in plane direction) and a decking system with improved performance in variable thermal conditions. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Buildings that utilize metal decking are typically large area, open floor steel frame buildings. The buildings typically are pre-engineered and are provided as kits of components for use in a wide range of industries, including agricultural, aircraft hangers, garages, riding arenas, indoor sports fields, warehouses, as well as commercial and governmental buildings. Steel buildings may feature open floor space, referred to as bays, and are commonly but not always, built on poured concrete slabs. Vertical columns may be operatively coupled to the concrete slabs, and extend from the concrete. The vertical columns may be operatively coupled to and support elongated rafters. Long bay purlins may be operatively coupled to the rafters in a transverse orientation to the rafters. A plurality of roof panels may be operatively coupled to the purlins with standing seam clips. The standing seam clips have a base that is operatively coupled to the purlins, and a connector that is operatively coupled to an edge of one or more roof panels. The base may be operatively coupled to the purlin or other joists with threaded fasteners or other means. The connector moves relative to the base to accommodate lateral movement of the roof in response to expansion and contraction of the roof panels due to heating and cooling. Typically the standing seam clips provide a gap between the purlin and the roof panels. Frequently the gap is filled with insulation to reduce heat transfer through the roof 
         [0004]    Heating and cooling cycles subject the roof to movement, which may cause the roof to buckle or become damaged over time. Some standing seam clips allow for the movement in the roof due to heating and cooling, however, some standing seam clips may bind and prevent the movement of the roof secured at the location of the standing seam clip. As such, there is a need for improved standing seam clips and roof decking systems that reduce or prevent binding of the standing seam clips, and thus, reduces or prevents damage to the roof decking panels during heating and cooling cycles. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The embodiments of the present disclosure meets the needs discussed above by providing standing seam clips that allow for improved horizontal (otherwise described as lateral or in-plane with respect to the plane of the panels and/or clips) movement while reducing or preventing the issues associated with the binding of the clips that result in damaged roofs when the roof panels expand and contract due to temperature changes of the roof panels during heating and cooling cycles. Moreover, the embodiments of the present disclosure meets the needs discussed above while maintaining or exceeding the design capacity of metal roof decking systems, including the structural strength of the clips. 
         [0006]    Embodiments of the invention comprise a decking system with improved standing seam clips and perimeter clips for providing a roof decking system with improved thermal cycle resistance. The decking system comprising a plurality of support members, a plurality of decking panels operatively coupled to the plurality of support members, a plurality of panel clips, and a plurality of perimeter clips. Each of the plurality of decking panels comprise a male edge and a female edge opposite of the male edge. 
         [0007]    The plurality of panel clips are operatively coupled to the one or more support members. Each of the plurality of panel clips comprise, a panel base comprising a panel base slot, at least two panel clip fasteners, a panel connector operatively coupled to the panel base through the at least two panel clip fasteners and the panel base slot, wherein the panel connector has a panel connector width, wherein the panel clip is operatively coupled with the male edge and the female edge of two of the plurality of decking panels, and wherein the panel connector is configured to slide with respect to the panel base as the at least two fasteners slide within the panel base slot. 
         [0008]    The plurality of perimeter clips are operatively coupled to the one or more support members. Each of the plurality of perimeter clips comprise a perimeter base comprising a perimeter base slot, at least two perimeter clip fasteners, a perimeter connector operatively coupled to the perimeter base through the at least two perimeter clip fasteners and the perimeter base slot, wherein the perimeter connector has a perimeter connector width that is greater than the panel connector width, wherein the perimeter connector is operatively coupled with the male edge and the female edge of two of the plurality of decking panels, and wherein the perimeter connector is configured to slide with respect to the perimeter base within the perimeter base slot. 
         [0009]    In further accord with embodiments of the invention, each of the plurality of panel clips further comprise first and second panel base tabs operatively coupled to the panel base, and a panel plate within the panel connector. The panel plate comprises a plate width portion, wherein the plate width portion is less than the panel connector portion, and wherein the panel connector is configured to slide with respect to the panel base until the panel plate is stopped when the plate width portion of the panel plate is stopped by the first panel base tab or the second panel base tab. 
         [0010]    In other embodiments of the invention, each of the plurality of perimeter clips further comprises first and second perimeter base tabs operatively coupled to the perimeter base, and a perimeter plate comprising a first perimeter plate slot and a second perimeter plate slot. The first perimeter base tab is located within the first perimeter plate slot and the second perimeter base tab is located within the second perimeter plate slot. The perimeter connector is configured to slide with respect to the perimeter base as the at least two perimeter clip fasteners slide within the perimeter base slot until the perimeter plate is stopped when at least one of the first perimeter base tab is stopped by the first perimeter plate slot, or the second perimeter base tab is stopped by the second perimeter plate slot. 
         [0011]    In still other embodiments of the inventions, the plurality of panel clips further comprise a panel clip centering device operatively coupling the panel base to the panel connector during installation, and wherein the panel clip centering device is configured to break during thermal cycling of the decking system to allow the panel connector to slide with respect to the panel base. Moreover, the plurality of perimeter clips further comprise a perimeter clip centering device operatively coupling the perimeter base to the perimeter connector during installation, and wherein the perimeter clip centering device is configured to break during thermal cycling of the decking system to allow the perimeter connector to slide with respect to the perimeter base. 
         [0012]    In yet other embodiments of the invention, each of the plates of the plurality of panel clips and the plurality of perimeter clips comprise a plate reinforcing portion comprising a portion of the plate folded back on the plate to improve the stiffness of the plates. 
         [0013]    In further accord with embodiments of the invention, the panel base is the same as the perimeter base. 
         [0014]    In other embodiments of the invention, each of the bases comprise ribs to improve the strength of the bases. 
         [0015]    In still other embodiment of the invention, the panel connector comprises at least one connector rib to improve the strength of the panel connector. 
         [0016]    Another embodiment of the invention comprises a panel clip for use in a decking system. The panel clip comprises a panel base comprising a panel base slot, at least two panel fasteners, a panel connector operatively coupled to the panel base through the at least two panel fasteners and the panel base slot. The panel connector comprises a panel plate portion and a connector clip portion, wherein at least a portion of the panel plate has a reduced panel plate width that is less than a connector clip width. The panel clip is configured to operatively couple with a male edge and a female edge of two adjacent decking panels, and is configured to slide with respect to the panel base as the at least two panel fasteners slide within the panel base slot. 
         [0017]    In further accord with embodiments of the invention, the panel clip further comprises first and second panel base tabs operatively coupled to the panel base. The panel connector is configured to slide until the panel plate is stopped when the panel plate portion with the reduced panel plate width is stopped by the first panel base tab or the second panel base tab. 
         [0018]    In other embodiments of the invention, the panel clip further comprises a panel centering device operatively coupling the panel base to the panel connector, wherein the panel centering device prevents the panel connector from sliding with respect to the panel base during installation, and wherein the panel centering device is configured to break during thermal cycling of the decking system to allow the panel connector to slide with respect to the panel base. 
         [0019]    In yet other embodiments of the invention, the panel plate of the panel connector of the panel clip comprises a plate reinforcing portion comprising a portion of the panel plate folded back on the panel plate to improve the stiffness of the panel plate of the panel connector A 
         [0020]    In still other embodiments of the invention, the panel base comprises at least one base rib to improve the strength of the panel base. 
         [0021]    In further accord with embodiments of the invention, the panel connector comprises at least one connector rib to improve the strength of the panel connector. 
         [0022]    Another embodiment of the invention comprises a perimeter clip for use in a decking system. The perimeter clip comprises a perimeter base comprising a perimeter base slot, at least two perimeter base fasteners, and a perimeter connector operatively coupled to the perimeter base through the at least two perimeter fasteners and the perimeter base slot. The perimeter connector comprises a perimeter plate with a perimeter plate width that is greater than the perimeter base width. The perimeter clip is configured to be operatively coupled with a male edge and a female edge of two adjacent decking panels. The perimeter connector is configured to slide with respect to the perimeter base as the at least two perimeter base fasteners slide within the perimeter base slot. 
         [0023]    In further accord with embodiments of the invention, the perimeter clip further comprises a first perimeter base tab and a second perimeter base tab, both operatively coupled to the perimeter base; and a first perimeter plate slot and a second perimeter plate slot. The first perimeter base tab is located within the first perimeter plate slot and the second perimeter base tab is located within the second perimeter base tab. The perimeter connector is configured to slide with respect to the perimeter base until the perimeter plate is stopped when at least one of the first perimeter base tab is stopped by the first perimeter plate slot, or the second perimeter base tab is stopped by the second perimeter plate slot. 
         [0024]    In other embodiments of the invention, the perimeter clip further comprises a perimeter centering device operatively coupling the perimeter base to the perimeter connector, wherein the perimeter centering device prevents the perimeter connector from sliding with respect to the perimeter base during installation, and wherein the perimeter centering device is configured to break during thermal cycling of the decking system to allow the perimeter connector to slide with respect to the perimeter base. 
         [0025]    In still other embodiments of the invention, the perimeter plate of the perimeter connector of the perimeter clip comprises a plate reinforcing portion comprising a portion of the perimeter plate folded back on the perimeter plate to improve the stiffness of the perimeter connector. 
         [0026]    In yet other embodiments of the invention, the perimeter base comprises at least one rib to improve the strength of the perimeter base. 
         [0027]    In further accord with embodiments of the invention, the perimeter base comprises at least one insulation tab for operatively coupling the base to insulation within the decking system. 
         [0028]    The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    The foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention and which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1 a    illustrates a rear perspective view a panel clip used at the connection of the edges of two panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 1 b    illustrates a front perspective view a panel clip used at the connection of the edges of two panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the panel clip of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  illustrates an enlarged view of the hook of the connector of the panel clip of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged view of the connector clip portion of the connector of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the base of the panel clip of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of the base of the panel clip of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of the connector of the panel clip of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view a panel clip used at the connection of the edges of two panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the panel clip of  FIG. 8 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  illustrates a rear view of the base of the panel clip of  FIG. 8 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view a perimeter clip used between the edges of adjacent panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view a perimeter clip used between the edges of adjacent panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  illustrates a front view of the connector of the perimeter clips of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0044]      FIG. 14 a    illustrates a perspective view of a panel clip operatively coupled to a single panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0045]      FIG. 14 b    illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a panel clip operatively coupled to a single panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0046]      FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the panel clip of  FIG. 14 a    operatively coupled to the single panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of the panel clip of  FIG. 14 a    operatively coupled to two panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0048]      FIG. 17  illustrates an end view of the panel clip of  FIG. 16  operatively coupled to the two panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0049]      FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter clip operatively coupled to a single panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0050]      FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of the perimeter clip of  FIG. 18  operatively coupled to two panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0051]      FIG. 20  illustrates an end cross-sectional view of the panel clip or perimeter clip with a locking means at the only the clip, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0052]      FIG. 21  illustrates an end cross-sectional view of the seam when only a locking means at the clip is used, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0053]      FIG. 22  illustrates an end cross-sectional view of the panel clip or perimeter clip with a locking means along the seam, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0054]      FIG. 23  illustrates an end cross-sectional view of the seam when a locking means along the seam is used, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0055]      FIG. 24  illustrates an end cross-sectional view of the panel clip or perimeter clip with a double locking means along the seam, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0056]      FIG. 25  illustrates an end cross-sectional view of the seam when a double locking means along the seam is used, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0057]      FIG. 26  illustrates a perspective view a perimeter clip used between the edges of adjacent panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0058]      FIG. 27  illustrates a front view of the connector of the perimeter clip of  FIGS. 26 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0059]      FIG. 28  illustrates an enlarged view of the hook of the connector of the perimeter clip of  FIG. 26 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0060]      FIG. 29 a    illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter clip operatively coupled to a single panel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0061]      FIG. 29 b    illustrates a perspective view of the perimeter clip of  FIG. 26  operatively coupled to two panels, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0062]      FIG. 30  illustrates a top view of a roof decking system with various zones for utilizing the panel clips and perimeter clips on the decking panels located within the various zones of the roof decking system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0063]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    illustrate rear and front perspective views of one type of a standing seam clip, described herein as a panel clip  2  (e.g., standard panel clip  3 ). The panel clip  2  has a base  10  (e.g., panel clip base) and a connector  30  (e.g., panel clip connector). The base  10  has a foot section  12  and a web section  14 . The foot section  12  includes opposed lateral foot edges  16  and opposed end foot edges  18 . In some embodiments the foot section  12  and the web section are perpendicular with each other (e.g., approximately 90 degrees), or angled with respect to each other (e.g., −45 to +45 from perpendicular). The foot section  12  defines apertures  20  that are utilized to operatively couple the foot section  12 , and thus, the base  10  of the panel clip  2  to a support member, such as a purlin, joist, or the like. The apertures  20  may each receive fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) for securing the panel clip  2  to the support member, such as the purlin, the joist, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel clip  2  defines two pairs of spaced apart apertures  20  and a center aperture  20  (e.g., five apertures), however any number of apertures  20  may be utilized. The panel clip  2  also defines a longitudinal base slot  22  in the web section  14  of the base  10 . A panel connector  30  is slidably operatively coupled to the web section  14  of the base  10 . The panel connector  30  has a plate  32  and a connector clip  34  extending from the plate  32  and a hook  36  formed within the connector clip  34 . In some embodiments of the invention the width of the plate  32  is less than the width of the connector clip  34  of the panel connector  30 . The connector clip  34  and hook  36  are operatively coupled to edges of roof panels (e.g., described below with respect to  FIGS. 14-17  and the like). The plate  32  may further include a hem  38 , which includes a portion of the plate  32  folded back on the plate  32  for additional reinforcement. 
         [0065]    The panel connector  30 , and more specifically the plate  32  of the panel connector  30  may have one or more connector ribs  31 . The one or more connector ribs may be any shape and pattern. As such, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b   , in one embodiment, the one or more connector ribs  31  may be a single rib that extends from one end of the plate  32  to an opposite end of the plate  32 . In other aspects of the invention multiple ribs  31  may extend from one end of the plate  32  to the opposite end of the plate  32 . In other aspects of the invention the connector rib  31  may have an L-shape, U-shape, I-shape, S-shape, or any other like shape. In some aspects of the invention, the connector rib  31  may be formed in just the single layer of the plate  32 , in just the double layer of the hem  38  of the plate  32 , or in both the single layer and hem  38  of the plate  32  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b   . The connector rib  31  provides improved strength to the connector  30 , and allows the connector  30  portion of the panel clip  2  to support loading and slide with respect to the base  10  without the connector  30  buckling. 
         [0066]    The web  14  of the base  10  may further comprise tabs that may be utilized to strengthen the web  14  and/or provide stops for the movement of the connector  30 . In one embodiment of the invention the tabs may comprise outer top base tabs  24  and inner top base tabs  26 . The web  14  of the base  10  may further comprise base insulation tabs  52 , which may be utilized to operatively couple insulation (e.g., foam, expanding foam, thermos block, fiberglass, or other like insulation) under the panels  106 ,  108  to the panel clips  2  (or the perimeter clips  6  described later). The web  14  of the base  10  may also further comprise one or more base ribs  54  to strengthen the web  14  of the base  10 . Like the connector ribs  31 , the one or more base ribs  54  may be any shape and/or size, but are illustrated throughout the Figures as an L-shaped in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0067]    One or more fasteners  40  (e.g., rivets, pins, rods, bolts, screws, or the like), such as a pair of fasteners  40 , extend through plate apertures  33  of the plate  32  of the panel connector  30  and through the base slot  22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a flange portion  41  (e.g., head, or the like) is located or formed on a first end of the fastener  40  and extends outwardly past a portion of a slot edge of the slot  22  adjacent a web surface of the web  14 . As such, a securing portion  42  (e.g., an expanded end, a nut, or another securing means) is located or formed on a second end of the fastener  40  and extends outwardly past a portion of a surface of the plate  32 . In other embodiments the flange portion  41  (e.g., head, or the like) may extend outwardly adjacent a plate surface of the plate  32  of the connector  30  and the securing portion  42  of the fastener extends outwardly adjacent a web surface of the web  14 . The one or more fasteners  40  slide and/or rotate within the base slot  22  such that the connector  30  moves laterally with respect to the base  10 . As such, the fasteners  40  and base slot  22  guide the travel of the panel connector  30  in response to expansion and contraction of the roof panels to which the connector clip  34 , and hook therein  36 , is operatively coupled. In some embodiments, the panel connector  30 , or panel plate  32  of the panel connector  30  will prevent further movement of the connector  30  with respect to the base  10  (e.g., prevents further sliding of the fasteners  40  within the slot  22 ) when an edge of the panel connector  30 , or panel plate  32  of the panel connector  30 , contacts a portion of the base  10 , such as a base tab (e.g., at least one of the outer top base tabs  24 , inner top base tabs  26 , or another tab). In other embodiments, the fasteners  400  will prevent further movement of the connector  30  with respect to the base  10  when the fastener  40  contacts the edge of the base slot  22 . However, in some aspects of the invention it may be beneficial for the panel connector  30  and base  10  to prevent additional sliding with respect to each other instead of the fasteners  40  contacting an edge of the base slot  22 . If the fasteners  40  are allowed to contact an edge of the base slot  22  to prevent further movement between the connector  30  and the base  10 , the fastener  40  may become jammed in the base slot  22 , and thus prevent additional sliding. 
         [0068]    Moreover, in some embodiments the panel clip  2  may also comprise an assembly device  44  (e.g., assembly pin, or the like), that helps to keep the panel connector  30  in position (e.g., prevent sliding laterally) with respect to the base  10  when assembling the panel clip  2  to the panels  106 ,  108 . In some embodiments the assembly device  44  may be removed after installation of the panel clip  2 , but in other embodiments the assembly device  44  may simply break off and allow for movement of the panel connector  30  with respect to the base  10  after a pre-determined force is applied to the assembly device  44  during a cooling and/or heating cycle of the roof panels  106 ,  108 . 
         [0069]      FIGS. 2 through 7 , illustrate the features discussed above with respect to the panel clip  2 , as well as some of the dimensions of the panel clip  2  described in Table 1. It should be understood that other dimensions listed in Table 1 relate to other figures, which will be described in further detail with respect to the other figures. Specific dimensions may be related to specific figures, but it should be understood that the dimensions listed in Table 1 may be related to the different types of clips discussed herein. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Common Clip Dimensions Unless Noted Otherwise 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Reference 
                   
                 Value 
                   
               
               
                 Dimension 
                 Component Name 
                 (inches) 
                 Range (inches) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 A 
                 Clip Height (FIG. 2) 
                 4.6035 
                 3 to 6 
               
               
                 A1 
                 Clip Height (FIG. 9) 
                 3.603 
                 2.5 to 4.5 
               
               
                 A2 
                 Clip Height Tall (FIG. 26) 
                 4.60 
                 3 to 6 
               
               
                   
                 Clip Height Short (Not Illustrated) 
                 3.22 
                 2.5 to 4.5 
               
               
                 B 
                 Base Bottom to Centering Device (FIG. 2) 
                 2.9875 
                 2.5 to 3.5 
               
               
                 B1 
                 Base Bottom to Centering Device (FIG. 9) 
                 1.987 
                 1.5 to 2.5 
               
               
                 C 
                 Base Bottom to Slide Fastener (FIG. 2) 
                 2.1875 
                 1.75 to 2.5  
               
               
                 C1 
                 Base Bottom to Slide Fastener (FIG. 9) 
                 1.187 
                 0.75 to 1.5  
               
               
                 D 
                 Base Bottom to Connector Bottom (FIG. 2) 
                 1.6835 
                 1 to 2 
               
               
                 D1 
                 Base Bottom to Connector Bottom (FIG. 9) 
                 0.683 
                 0.5 to 1.0 
               
               
                 E 
                 Connector Thickness 
                 0.0375 
                  0.03 to 0.045 
               
               
                 F 
                 Fastener Head Width 
                 0.500 
                 0.3 to 0.7 
               
               
                 G 
                 Base Top to Connector Top (First Leg) 
                 1.010 
                 0.75 to 1.25 
               
               
                 H 
                 Second Leg Length (FIG. 2) 
                 0.74 
                 0.5 to 0.9 
               
               
                 H1 
                 Second Leg Length (FIG. 28) 
                 0.5910 
                 0.4 to 0.8 
               
               
                 I 
                 Third Leg Length (FIG. 2) 
                 0.520 
                 0.3 to 0.7 
               
               
                 I1 
                 Third Leg Length (FIG. 28) 
                 0.3650 
                 0.2 to 0.6 
               
               
                 J 
                 Fifth Leg Length 
                 0.20 
                 0.1 to 0.3 
               
               
                 K 
                 Hook Bend Depth (Fourth Leg) 
                 0.08 
                 0.04 to 0.1  
               
               
                 L 
                 Connector First Bend Radius 
                 0.10R 
                 0.05R to 0.15R 
               
               
                 M 
                 Connector Second Bend Radius 
                 0.035R 
                 0.025R to 0.045R 
               
               
                 N 
                 Connector Third Bend Radius (Hook 
                 0.04R 
                 0.03R to 0.05R 
               
               
                   
                 Radius) 
               
               
                 O 
                 Second Leg Angle 
                 75 
                 50 to 90 Degrees 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Degrees 
               
               
                 P 
                 Sealant Diameter 
                 0.125 
                  0.1 to 0.15 
               
               
                 Q 
                 Base Height (FIG. 5) 
                 3.5625 
                 2 to 5 
               
               
                 Q1 
                 Base Height (FIG. 10) 
                 2.562 
                 2 to 3 
               
               
                 R 
                 Base Width 
                 6.000 
                 5 to 7 
               
               
                 S 
                 Base Slot Length 
                 4.25 
                 3.75 to 4.75 
               
               
                 T 
                 Base Bottom to Base Slot Center 
                 2.1875 
                 1.75 to 2.5  
               
               
                 U 
                 Base Slot Center to Base Top 
                 1.3750 
                   1 to 1.75 
               
               
                 V 
                 Base Slot Width 
                 0.3125 
                 0.2 to 0.5 
               
               
                 W 
                 Slot Center to Centering Device Aperture 
                 0.8000 
                 0.6 to 1.0 
               
               
                 X 
                 Base Edge to Slot Edge 
                 0.8750 
                 0.6 to 1.2 
               
               
                 Y 
                 Base Edge to Vertical Rib Center 
                 0.500 
                 0.4 to .06 
               
               
                 Z 
                 Vertical Rib Length 
                 0.8750 
                 0.6 to 1.2 
               
               
                 AA 
                 Horizontal Rib Center to Base Top Tab 
                 0.7031 
                 0.5 to 0.9 
               
               
                 BB 
                 Base Top Cutout to Base Top Tab 
                 0.2500 
                 0.15 to 0.35 
               
               
                 CC 
                 Base Edge to Centering Device Aperture 
                 2.300 
                 1.7 to 2.9 
               
               
                 DD 
                 Centering Device Aperture Diameter 
                 0.221 
                  0.1 to 0.35 
               
               
                 EE 
                 Base Edge to First Insulation Tab Uniform 
                 0.7810 
                 0.4 to 1.2 
               
               
                   
                 Opening Edge 
               
               
                 FF 
                 First Insulation Tab Uniform Opening Edge 
                 0.7100 
                 0.4 to 1.2 
               
               
                   
                 to First Insulation Tab 
               
               
                 GG 
                 First Insulation Tab to First Dual Opening 
                 0.216 
                 0.1 to 0.4 
               
               
                   
                 Edge 
               
               
                 HH 
                 Dual Opening Edge Radius 
                 0.09375R 
                 0.06R to 0.12R 
               
               
                 II 
                 First Insulation Tab Dual Opening Edge to 
                 0.6830 
                 0.4 to 1.2 
               
               
                   
                 Second Insulation Tab Uniform Opening 
               
               
                   
                 Edge 
               
               
                 JJ 
                 Second Insulation Tab Uniform Opening 
                 0.600 
                 0.4 to 1.2 
               
               
                   
                 Edge to Second Insulation Tab 
               
               
                 KK 
                 Second Insulation Tab to Second Insulation 
                 0.3080 
                 0.1 to 0.4 
               
               
                   
                 Tab Dual Opening Edge 
               
               
                 LL 
                 Second Insulation Tab Dual Opening Edge 
                 1.0040 
                 0.4 to 1.2 
               
               
                   
                 to Third Insulation Tab Dual Opening Edge 
               
               
                 MM 
                 Third Insulation Tab Dual Opening Edge to 
                 0.1820 
                 0.1 to 0.4 
               
               
                   
                 Third Insulation Tab 
               
               
                 NN 
                 Third Insulation Tab to Third Insulation 
                 0.7380 
                 0.4 to 1.2 
               
               
                   
                 Tab Uniform Opening Edge 
               
               
                 OO 
                 Third Insulation Tab Uniform Opening 
                 0.7780 
                 0.4 to 1.2 
               
               
                   
                 Edge to Base Edge 
               
               
                 PP 
                 Base Bottom to Insulation Tab Opening 
                 0.7540 
                 0.5 to 1.0 
               
               
                   
                 Bottoms 
               
               
                 QQ 
                 Insulation Tab Opening Bottoms to 
                 0.750 
                 0.5 to 1.0 
               
               
                   
                 Insulation Tab Opening Tops 
               
               
                 RR 
                 Insulation Tab Opening Tops to Base Slot 
                 0.6835 
                 0.4 to 1.0 
               
               
                   
                 Center 
               
               
                 SS 
                 Base Top Outside Tab Widths 
                 0.500 
                 0.1 to 1.0 
               
               
                 TT 
                 Base Top Inside Tab Widths 
                 0.6250 
                 0.4 to 1.0 
               
               
                 YYY 
                 Tab Angle from Horizontal Plane 
                 10 degrees 
                 0 to 60 degrees 
               
               
                 UU 
                 Space Between Outside Tab and Inside Tab 
                 0.500 
                  0.1 to 0.75 
               
               
                 VV 
                 Space Between Inside Tabs 
                 2.750 
                   2 to 3.5 
               
               
                 WW 
                 Foot Aperture Diameters 
                 0.250 
                 0.1 to 0.4 
               
               
                 XX 
                 Base Foot Edge to Outer Foot Apertures 
                 1.750 
                   1 to 2.5 
               
               
                 YY 
                 Outer Foot Apertures to Inner Foot 
                 0.750 
                 0.25 to 1.25 
               
               
                   
                 Apertures 
               
               
                 ZZ 
                 Distance Between Inner Foot Apertures to 
                 0.500 
                 0.25 to 0.75 
               
               
                   
                 Center Hole 
               
               
                 AAA 
                 Base Depth 
                 1.6977 
                   1 to 2.5 
               
               
                 BBB 
                 Inner Tab Depth 
                 0.5102 
                 0.2 to 0.8 
               
               
                 CCC 
                 Outer Tab Depth 
                 0.6148 
                 0.2 to 0.8 
               
               
                 DDD 
                 Connector Width (FIG. 7) 
                 4.250 
                 3 to 5 
               
               
                 DDD1 
                 Connector Width (FIGS. 13 and 27) 
                 12.00 
                  6 to 18 
               
               
                 EEE 
                 Connector Height 
                 2.920 
                 2 to 4 
               
               
                 FFF 
                 Connector Clip Height (FIG. 7) 
                 0.4419 
                 0.3 to 0.6 
               
               
                 FFF1 
                 Connector Clip Height (FIGS. 13 and 27) 
                 0.420 
                 0.3 to 0.6 
               
               
                 GGG 
                 Plate Height (FIG. 7) 
                 2.4781 
                 1.5 to 3.5 
               
               
                 GGG1 
                 Plate Height (FIGS. 13 and 27) 
                 2.500 
                 1.5 to 3.5 
               
               
                 HHH 
                 Plate Width 
                 2.000 
                 1 to 3 
               
               
                 III 
                 Hem Height 
                 1.020 
                 0.5 to 1.5 
               
               
                 JJJ 
                 Connector Clip to Plate Radius 
                 0.3750 
                 0.3 to 0.5 
               
               
                 KKK 
                 Connector Clip to Plate Angle 
                 90 
                 80 to 110 Degrees 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Degrees 
               
               
                 LLL 
                 Plate Bottom to Centering Device Plate 
                 1.3040 
                 0.8 to 1.8 
               
               
                   
                 Aperture 
               
               
                 MMM 
                 Plate Edge to Centering Device Plate 
                 0.300 
                 0.1 to 0.6 
               
               
                   
                 Aperture 
               
               
                 NNN 
                 Centering Device Plate Aperture Diameter 
                 0.1870 
                 0.1 to 0.3 
               
               
                 OOO 
                 Plate Bottom to Connector Fastener 
                 0.5040 
                 0.25 to 0.75 
               
               
                   
                 Aperture 
               
               
                 PPP 
                 Plate Edge to Connector Fastener Aperture 
                 0.5000 
                 0.25 to 0.75 
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 7) 
               
               
                 PPP1 
                 Plate Edge to Connector Fastener Aperture 
                 5.500 
                 2.50 to 8.50 
               
               
                   
                 (FIGS. 13 and 27) 
               
               
                 QQQ 
                 Distance Between Connector Fastener 
                 1.000 
                 0.5 to 1.5 
               
               
                   
                 Apertures 
               
               
                 RRR 
                 Connector Fastener Aperture Diameter 
                 0.257 
                 0.15 to 0.35 
               
               
                 SSS 
                 Hem Top to Connector Clip (FIG. 7) 
                 1.4581 
                 1.0 to 2.0 
               
               
                 SSS1 
                 Hem to Connector Clip (FIGS. 13 and 27) 
                 1.48 
                 1.0 to 2.0 
               
               
                 TTT 
                 Connector Slot Top to Connector Top (FIGS. 
                 1.000 
                 0.5 to 1.5 
               
               
                   
                 13 and 27) 
               
               
                 UUU 
                 Connector Slot Width 
                 3.25 
                 2.25 to 4.25 
               
               
                 VVV 
                 Connector Slot Height (FIGS. 13 and 27) 
                 0.38 
                 0.1 to 0.5 
               
               
                 WWW 
                 Connector Edge to Connector Slot Edge 
                 1.75 
                 0.25 to 2.25 
               
               
                   
                 (FIGS. 13 and 27) 
               
               
                 XXX 
                 Distance Between Connector Slots (FIGS. 13 
                 2.00 
                 1 to 3 
               
               
                   
                 and 27) 
               
               
                 AAAA 
                 First Cavity Radius (FIGS. 28) 
                 0.0970 
                 0.05 to 0.15 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (FIG. 28) 
               
               
                 BBBB 
                 First Cavity Angle (FIGS. 28) 
                 60 degrees 
                 50 to 80 degrees 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (FIG. 28) 
               
               
                 CCCC 
                 Second Cavity Radius (FIGS. 28) 
                 0.0610 
                 0.03 to 0.09 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (FIG. 28) 
               
               
                 DDDD 
                 Second Cavity Angle (FIGS. 28) 
                 45 degrees 
                 15 to 75 degrees 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (FIG. 28) 
               
               
                 A1A 
                 Connector Clip Stiffening Rib 
                 .42 
                 .31 to .63 
               
               
                 B1B 
                 Stiffening Rib Dimension 
                 1.00 
                  .75-1.50 
               
               
                 C1C 
                 Stiffening Rib Location (From Bottom) 
                 .28 
                 .125-.500 
               
               
                 D1D 
                 Stiffening Rib Length 
                 1.588 
                 1.25-1.75 
               
               
                 E1E 
                 Stiffening Rib Location (From Top) 
                 1.00 
                  .75-1.50 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0070]    It should be understood that the values and ranges of the dimensions described in Table 1, may include other values or other ranges that may be within the stated ranges, outside of the stated ranges, or overlapping the stated ranges. As such, the panel clip  2  (or other clips described herein) may have different dimension values or ranges than what is illustrated in Table 1 and the Figures illustrated herein. Moreover, the ranges described herein are inclusive of the end values in the ranges. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 8 through 10  illustrate another embodiment of the panel clip  2  in which the height of the web  14  is reduced (e.g., short clip  5 ) when compared to the panel clip  2  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 7  (e.g., standard clip  3 ). The panel clip  2  with the reduced web height may be utilized in situations for sloping a roof (e.g., when used in combination with standard panel clip), in areas where the distance between the panels  106 ,  108  and the support member  102  is reduced, or the like. The short panel clip  5  with the reduced web  14  has many of the same dimensions and features as the standard panel clip  3 ; however, it does not include the base tab openings  50  or the base tabs  52  included in the standard panel clip  3 . The dimensions of the short panel clip  5  that are different from the standard panel clip  3  are illustrated in Table 1 and  FIGS. 8-10 . 
         [0072]    Other embodiments of the panel clip  2  may include clips in which the height of the web  14  is further reduced (e.g., zero offset panel clip not illustrated in the Figures) when compared to the panel clip  2  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7  (e.g., standard clip  3 ) or  FIGS. 8-10 . The panel clip  2  with the reduced web height (e.g., zero offset panel clip) may also be utilized in situations for sloping a roof (e.g., when used in combination with standard panel clip  3 , short panel clip  5 , or the like), in areas where the distance between the panels  106 ,  108  and the support member  102  is decreased, or the like. The zero offset panel clip with the decreased web height has many of the same dimensions and features as the standard panel clip  3 ; however, it does not include the base tap openings  50  or the base tabs  52  included in the standard panel clip  3  and the web height is shorter than both the standard panel clip  3  and the short panel clip  3 . In some embodiments, the dimensions of the zero offset clip may have a clip height A equal to 3.1 inches or a range of 2 to 4 inches. Moreover, the zero offset clip may have a connector  30 , for which the bottom edge of the plate  32  or hem  38  aligns with the foot  12  of the base  10  (e.g., zero offset). 
         [0073]    Other embodiments of the panel clip  2  may include clips in which the height of the web  14  is increased (e.g., tall panel clip not illustrated in the Figures) when compared to the panel clip  2  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7  (e.g., standard clip  3 ). The panel clip  2  with the increased web height may also be utilized in situations for sloping a roof (e.g., when used in combination with standard panel clip  3 , short panel clip  5 , or the like), in areas where the distance between the panels  106 ,  108  and the support member  102  is increased, or the like. The tall panel clip with the increased web height has many of the same dimensions and features as the standard panel clip  3 . In some embodiments, the dimensions of the tall clip may have a clip height A equal to 5.1 inches or a range of 4 to 6 inches. 
         [0074]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a different type of clip used in roof assemblies, such as a perimeter clip  6  (e.g., standard perimeter clip  7 ). The perimeter clip  6 , like the panel clip  2 , has a perimeter base  10  and a perimeter connector  60 . In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the perimeter clip base  10  is the same as the panel clip base  10  previously described with respect to  FIGS. 1-7  for the panel clip  2  (e.g., standard clip  3 ), but the perimeter connector  60  of the perimeter clip  6  is different than the panel connector  30  of the panel clip  2 . The perimeter connector  60  slidably attaches to the web section  14  of the perimeter base  10 . The perimeter connector  60  has a perimeter plate  62  and a connector clip  64  extending from the perimeter plate  62  and a hook  66  within the connector clip  64 . The perimeter clip  6  may be operatively coupled to specific locations of the roof panels, such as near the perimeter of the roof systems which is described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 30 . However, it should be understood that where additional strength is needed in the roof assembly (e.g., in areas of greater uplift force) the perimeter clip  6  may be utilized anywhere in the roof assembly, and/or throughout the entire roof. 
         [0075]    One or more fasteners  40  (e.g., rivets, pins, rods, bolts, screws, or the like), such as a pair of fasteners  40 , extend through plate apertures  63  of the perimeter plate  62  and through the base slot  22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a flange portion  41  (e.g., head, or the like) is located or formed on a first end of the fastener  40  and extends outwardly past a portion of a slot edge of the slot  22  adjacent a web surface of the web  14  of the perimeter base  10 . As such, a securing portion  42  (e.g., an expanded end, a nut, or another securing means) is located or formed on a second end of the fastener  40  and extends outwardly past a portion of a surface of the perimeter plate  62  of the perimeter connector  60 . In other embodiments the flange portion  41  (e.g., head, or the like) may extend outwardly adjacent a plate surface of the perimeter plate  62  of the perimeter connector  60  and the securing portion  42  of the fastener extends outwardly adjacent a web surface of the web  14 . The one or more fasteners  40  slide and/or rotate within the base slot  22  such that the perimeter connector  60  moves laterally with respect to the perimeter base  10 . As such, the one or more fasteners  40  and slot  22  guide the travel of the perimeter connector  60  in response to expansion and contraction of the roof panels to which the connector clip  64 , and hook  66  therein, are operatively coupled. In some embodiments, the perimeter plate  62  of the perimeter connector  60  has one or more perimeter connector slots  70  (e.g., two slots in the illustrated embodiment) through which one or more base tabs (e.g., the base outer top tabs  24 , the base inner top tabs  26 , or the like) are located. As such, the one or more perimeter connector slots  70  may prevent further movement of the perimeter connector  60  with respect to the base  10  (e.g., further sliding of the fasteners  40  within the slot  22 ) when an edge of the one or more perimeter connector slots  70  contacts the base tabs (e.g., the base outer top tab  24 , or the like). As previously described with respect to the panel clip  2 , in some aspects of the invention it may be beneficial for the perimeter connector  60 ,  160  and base  10  (e.g., tabs) to prevent additional sliding with respect to each other instead of the fasteners  40  contacting an edge of the base slot  22 . If the fasteners  40  are allowed to contact an edge of the base slot  22  to prevent further movement between the perimeter connector  60 ,  160  and the base  10 , the fastener  40  may become jammed in the base slot  22 , and thus prevent additional sliding. 
         [0076]    Moreover, in some embodiments the perimeter clip  6  may also comprise an assembly device  44  (e.g., assembly pin, or the like), that helps to keep the perimeter connector  60  in position (e.g., prevent sliding) with respect to the perimeter base  10  when assembling the perimeter clip  6  to the panels  106 ,  108 . In some embodiments the assembly device  44  may be removed after installation of the perimeter clip  6 , but in other embodiments the assembly device  44  may simply break and allow for movement of the perimeter connector  60  with respect to the perimeter base  10  after a pre-determined force is applied to the assembly device  44  during a cooling and/or heating cycle of the roof panels  106 ,  108 . 
         [0077]    Stiffening ribs are typically not needed in the perimeter clip  6  because of the width of the perimeter connector  60 ,  160 ; however, the perimeter clip  6  could have stiffening ribs in some aspects of the invention to improve the strength of the perimeter connector  60 ,  160 , if needed. 
         [0078]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of the perimeter clip  6  in which the height of the web  14  is reduced (e.g., short perimeter clip  9 ) when compared to the perimeter clip  6  illustrated in  FIG. 11  (e.g., standard perimeter clip  7 ). The perimeter clip  6  with the reduced web height may be utilized in situations for sloping a roof (e.g., when used in combination with the other clips discussed herein), in areas where the distance between the panels  106 ,  108  and the support member  102  is reduced, or the like. The short perimeter clip  9  with the reduced web  14  has many of the same dimensions and features as the standard perimeter clip  7 ; however, it does not include the base tab openings  50  or the base tabs  52  included in the standard perimeter clip  7  or the standard panel clip  3 . In some embodiments, the dimensions of the short perimeter clip  9  are only different from the standard perimeter clip  7  as previously described with the difference in the bases  10  of the standard panel clip  3  and the short panel clip  5 . It should be further understood that the perimeter clip  6  may include a zero offset perimeter clip and/or a tall perimeter clip  6 , however only the perimeter clip base  10  changes and not the perimeter connector  60 , as previously discussed with respect to the panel clip  2 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 13 , illustrates the features discussed above with respect to the perimeter clip  2 , as well as the dimensions of the perimeter clip  6  described in Table 1. 
         [0080]    The connectors  30 ,  60 ,  160  ( 160  is described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 26-28 ) may have any type of configuration that allows the connectors  30 ,  60  to be operatively coupled to the edges of adjacent roof decking panels. However, in one embodiment, as illustrated by  FIGS. 1-13 , the connectors  30 ,  60  may have a connector first leg  72  that extends from, or is otherwise integral with), the plates  32 ,  62 , which extends generally vertically with respect to the clips  2 ,  6  (e.g., in the x-z plane), such as approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the clips  2 ,  6 , or in other embodiments between 60 and 120 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A connector second leg  74  extends generally horizontally from the connector first leg  72 , such as approximately 0 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the clip  2 ,  6 , or in other embodiments between −45 and +45 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A third leg  76  extends downwardly at an angle away from the base  10  of the clips  2 ,  6 , such as at an angle of 20 to 110 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane), or another value that is within, overlaps, or is outside of this range. A connector u-shaped leg  78  (e.g., fourth leg) extends from the connector third leg  76 , and a connector fifth leg  80  extends from the connector u-shaped leg  78  to form the hook  36 . The connector fifth leg  80  is bent in an orientation that is generally parallel to the connector third leg  76 . In other embodiments of the invention the connector fifth leg  80  may be between generally parallel to the horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the clips  2 ,  6  to generally parallel with the connector third leg  76  or converging with the third leg  76 . The legs of the connector clips  34 ,  64  form a general connector clip cavity  90  within the connector clips  34 ,  64 , which may include a connector first clip cavity  92  between the connector first leg  72  and the connector second leg  74 , a second connector clip cavity  94  between the connector second leg  74  and the connector third leg  76 , and a connector third cavity  96  (or hook cavity) within the hook  36 ,  66  formed by the connector third leg  76 , the connector u-shaped leg  78  (e.g., connector fourth leg), and the connector fifth leg  80 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 14 a    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the installation of panel clip  2  in a roof decking system  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 a   , a building structure, which may include a support member  102  (e.g., a purlin, joist, or other like member) may have insulation  104  operatively coupled to the support member  102  (e.g., insulation  104  resting on the member  102 , adhesive securing the two together, fastened together using fasteners, or the like). The insulation may include a thermal foam block and/or roll insulation. A first decking panel  106  is operatively coupled to the support member  102  and/or insulation  104 , such that the insulation  104  is located between the support member  102  and the first decking panel  106 . The first decking panel  106  may have any type of profile that can be utilized with the clips  2 ,  6  of the present invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the first decking panel  106  may have a male edge  110  with a male first leg  112  that extends in a generally vertical upward direction (e.g., the x-z plane), such as approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the first decking panel  106 , or in other embodiments between 60 to 120 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range). A male second leg  114  extends inwardly from the male first leg  112  back towards the first decking panel  106  in a generally horizontal direction, such as approximately 0 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the first panel  106 , or in other embodiments between −45 and +45 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A male third leg  116  extends downwardly at an angle back towards the middle of the first decking panel  106 , such as at an angle of 20 to 90 degrees from the horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane), or another value that is within, overlaps, or is outside of this range. As explained in further detail later, the male edge  110  of the first decking panel  106  is configured to fit within the cavity  90  of the connectors  30 ,  60 ,  160 . Moreover, the first decking panel  106  may include additional bends in the panel in order to connect the male edge  110  of the first decking panel  106  with a trough  107  of the first decking panel  106 . 
         [0082]    The panel clip  2  is operatively coupled to the support member  102 , such as through the use of fasteners that are inserted through the fastener apertures  20  in the foot  12  of the base  10  of the panel clip  2 . In some embodiments fasteners, such as threaded self-drilling screws extend through the aligned apertures  20  in the foot  12  of the panel clip  2  and into the support member  102 . The fasteners secure the panel clip  2  to the support structure  102  (e.g., purlin, joist, or the like). In other embodiments of the invention the panel clip  2  may be operatively coupled to the support member  102  of the roof decking system  100  in other ways, such as but not limited to different types of couplings, such as fasteners (e.g., rivets, or the like), welds, or the like. As illustrated by  FIGS. 14 a   - 17 , the support member  102  (e.g., purlin, joist, or the like) supports the insulation  104  between the support member  102  and the roof panels  106 ,  108 . At least one of the base tabs  52  may be inserted into the insulation  104  (e.g., thermo foam block), or otherwise surround the insulation  104 , in order to help secure the insulation  104  and prevent it from moving within the decking system  100 . The panel connector clip  34  is placed over the first decking panel  106  male edge  110  such that male edge  110  is located with the cavity  90  of the connector  30 . The assembly device  44  is located in the base assembly aperture  46  of the base  10  of the panel clip  2  and the connector assembly aperture  39  of the connector  30  of the panel clip  2  to prevent movement of the panel connector  30  with respect to the base  10  during installation of the decking system  100 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 14 b    illustrates a perspective view in which the connector rib  31  only extends to a position on the plate  32  of the connector  30  such that it would not interfere with the male first leg  112  of the male edge  110  of the first decking panel  106 . Moreover, in some embodiments the connector rib  31  may help to locate the male first leg  112  and/or the male edge  110  of the first decking panel  106  within the general connector clip cavity  90 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 15  illustrates an end view of the panel clip  2  operatively coupled to the male edge  110  of the first decking panel  106 . As illustrated by  FIG. 15 , the male third leg  116  is located within the connector third cavity  96  (e.g., the cavity created by the hook  36 ). The corner of the male second leg  114  and male third leg  116  is located within the connector second cavity  94 . The corner of the male first leg  112  and the male second leg  114  is located within the connector first cavity  92 . 
         [0085]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , a second decking panel  108  is operatively coupled to the support member  102  and/or additional insulation  104 , such that the insulation  104  is located between the support member  102  and the second decking panel  108 . The second decking panel  108  may have any type of profile that can be utilized with the clips  2 ,  6  of the present invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the second decking panel  108  may have a female edge  120  with a female first leg  122  that extends in a generally vertical upward direction (e.g., the x-z plane), such as approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the second decking panel  108 , or in other embodiments between 60 to 120 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A female second leg  124  extends outwardly from the female first leg  122  away from second panel  108  in a generally horizontal direction, such as approximately 0 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the second decking panel  108 , or in other embodiments between −45 and +45 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A female third leg  126  extends downwardly at an angle away from the second decking panel  108  (and towards the adjacent first decking panel  106 ), such as at an angle of 20 to 110 degrees, or another value that is within, overlaps, or is outside of this range. A female u-shaped leg  128  (e.g., fourth leg) extends from the female third leg  126 , and a female fifth leg  130  extends from the female u-shaped leg  128  to form a female hook  132 . The female fifth leg  130  is bent in an orientation that is generally parallel to the female third leg  126 . In other embodiments of the invention the female fifth leg  130  may be between generally parallel to the horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the panels  106 ,  108  and clips  2 ,  6  to generally parallel with the female third leg  126  or converging with the female third leg  126 . The legs of the female edge  120  forms a general female cavity  140  within the female edge  120 , which may include a female first cavity  142  between the female first leg  122  and the female second leg  124 , a female second cavity  144  between the female second leg  124  and the female third leg  126 , and a female third cavity  146  (e.g., female hook cavity) within the female hook  132  formed by the female third leg  126 , the female u-shaped leg  128  (e.g., the female fourth leg), and the female fifth leg  130 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 17  illustrates an end view of the panel clip  2  operatively coupled to the male edge  110  of the first panel  106  and the female edge  120  of the second panel  108 . As illustrated by  FIG. 17 , the connector clip  30  is located within the female cavity  140 . Specifically, the connector hook  36  is located within the female third cavity  146  (e.g., female hook cavity). The corner of the connector second leg  74  and connector third leg  76  is located within the female second cavity  144 . The corner of the connector first leg  72  and the connector second leg  74  is located within the female first cavity  142 . 
         [0087]    The perimeter clips  6  described herein may be utilized within the decking system  100  in a similar way as previously described with respect to the panel clips  2 . For example,  FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of the installation of the perimeter clip  6  in a roof decking system  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , a building structure, which may include one or more support members  102  (e.g., purlins, joists, or other like members) may have insulation  104  operatively coupled to the support member  102 , as previously described with respect to  FIG. 14 a   . As also previously described with respect to  FIG. 14 a   , a first decking panel  106  is operatively coupled to the support member  102  and/or insulation  104 , such that the insulation  104  is located between the support member  102  and the first decking panel  106 . The first decking panel  106  may have any type of profile that can be utilized with the clips  2 ,  6  of the present invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the first decking panel  106  may have an male edge  110  with a male first leg  112  that extends in a generally vertical upward direction (e.g., the x-z plane), such as approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the first decking panel  106 , or in other embodiments between 60 to 120 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A male second leg  114  extends inwardly from the male first leg  112  back towards the first decking panel  106  in a generally horizontal direction, such as approximately 0 degrees from a horizontal plane (x-y plane) of the first decking panel  106 , or in other embodiments between −45 and 45 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A male third leg  116  extends downwardly at an angle back towards the middle of the first decking panel  106 , such as at an angle of 20 to 110 degrees, or another value that is within, overlaps, or is outside of this range. As explained in further detail later the male edge  110  of the first panel  106  is configured to fit within the cavity  90  of the perimeter connector  60 . Moreover, the first decking panel  106  may include additional bends in the panel in order to connect the male edge  110  of the first decking panel  106  with a trough  107  of the first decking panel  106 . 
         [0088]    The perimeter clip  6  is operatively coupled to the support member  102 , such as through the use of fasteners that are inserted through the fastener apertures  20  in the foot  12  of the base  10  of the perimeter clip  6 . In some embodiments fasteners, such as threaded self-drilling screws extend through the aligned apertures  20  in the foot  12  of the perimeter clip  6  into the support member  102 . The fasteners secure the perimeter clip  6  to the support member  102  (e.g., purlin, joist, or other like member). In other embodiments of the invention the perimeter clip  6  may be operatively coupled to the support member  102  of the roofing decking system  100  in other ways, such as but not limited to other couplings, such as fasteners (e.g., rivets, or the like), welds, or the like. As illustrated by  FIG. 18 , the support member  102  (e.g., purlin, joist, or the like) supports the insulation  104  between the purlin  102  and the roof panels  106 ,  108 . At least one of the base insulation tabs  52  (if included on the base  10 ) may be inserted into the insulation  104 , or surround the insulation  104 , in order to help secure the insulation  104  and prevent it from moving within the decking system  100 . The perimeter connector clip  64  is placed over the first decking panel  106  male edge  110  such that male edge  110  is located with the cavity  90  of the perimeter connector  60 . The assembly device  44  is located in the base assembly aperture  46  of the base  10  of the perimeter clip  6 , and the connector assembly aperture  69  of the connector  60  of the perimeter clip  6  to prevent movement of the connector  60  with respect to the base  10  during installation of the decking system  100 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 19  illustrates that a second decking panel  108  is operatively coupled to the support member  102  and/or additional insulation  104 , such that the insulation  104  is located between the support member  102  and the second decking panel  108 . The second decking panel  108  may have any type of profile that can be utilized with the perimeter clips  6  of the present invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the second decking panel  108  may have a female edge  120  with a female first leg  122  that extends in a generally vertical upward direction (e.g., the x-z plane), such as approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the second decking panel  108 , or in other embodiments between 60 to 120 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range). A female second leg  124  extends outwardly from the female first leg  122  away from second decking panel  108  in a generally horizontal direction, such as approximately 0 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the second decking panel  108 , or in other embodiments between −45 and 45 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A female third leg  126  extends downwardly at an angle away from the second decking panel  108  (and towards the adjacent first panel  106 ), such as at an angle of 20 to 110 degrees from the horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane), or another value that is within, overlaps, or is outside of this range. A female u-shaped leg  128  (e.g., fourth leg) extends from the female third leg  126 , and a female fifth leg  130  extends from the female u-shaped leg  128 , to form a female hook  132 . The female fifth leg  130  is bent in an orientation that is generally parallel to the female third leg  126 . In other embodiments of the invention the female fifth leg  130  may be between generally parallel to the horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the decking panels  106 ,  108  or clips  2 ,  6  to generally parallel with the female third leg  126  or converging with the female third leg  126 . The legs of the female edge  120  form a general female cavity  140  within the female edge  120 , which may include a female first cavity  142  between the female first leg  122  and the female second leg  124 , a female second cavity  144  between the female second leg  124  and the female third leg  126 , and a female third cavity  146  (e.g., female hook cavity) within the female hook  132  formed by the female third leg  126 , the female u-shaped leg  128 , and the female fifth leg  130 . 
         [0090]    As previously described with respect to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the perimeter clips  6  illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19  are operatively coupled to the male edge  110  of the first decking panel  106  and the female edge  120  of the second decking panel  108 . As illustrated by  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the connector clip  60  is located within the general female cavity  140 . Specifically, the connector hook  66  is located within the female third cavity  146  (e.g., female hook cavity). The corner of the connector second leg  74  and connector third leg  76  is located within the female second cavity  144 . The corner of the connector first leg  72  and the connector second leg  74  is located within the female first cavity  142 . 
         [0091]    Regardless of the type of clip  2 ,  6  utilized, the seam between the first decking panel  106  and the second decking panel  108 , which may or may not include the connectors  30 ,  60 ,  160  of the clips  2 ,  6 , may be operatively coupled together manually, or automatically using a machine, for example by bending, crimping, and/or folding the female edge  120 , male edge  110 , and connector clip  64  to create the locking means in the seam. 
         [0092]      FIG. 20  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the panel clip  2  or perimeter clip  6  described in  FIGS. 1-19 , with a locking means that operatively couples the clips  2 ,  6  to the edges of adjacent decking panels  106 ,  108 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20  the locking means of the seam may include operatively coupling the seam together at only at a portion of the seam at which the edges of the decking panels  106 ,  108  meet with the clips  2 ,  6 . As illustrated by  FIG. 21 , when no clip is located between the edges of the decking panels, in some embodiments, the seam is not locked together. In some embodiments of the invention the locking means of the seam illustrated in  FIG. 20  is formed using a manual seaming tool. In other embodiments of the invention the seaming tool may be an automatic tool. 
         [0093]      FIG. 22  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the panel clip  2  or perimeter clip  6  described in  FIGS. 1-19 , with a locking panel that operatively couples the clips  2 ,  6  to the edges of adjacent decking panels  106 ,  108 . As illustrated in  FIG. 22  the locking means of the seam may include operatively coupling the seam together at a portion of the seam at which the edges of the decking panels  106 ,  108  meet with the clips  2 ,  6 , as well as along the seam at locations where the clip is not located, as illustrated by  FIG. 23 . In some embodiments of the invention the locking means of the seam illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23  is formed using an automatic bi-directional seaming device (i.e., can seam in either direction). 
         [0094]      FIGS. 20, 22, and 23  illustrate a locking means in which the male third leg  116 , the female third leg  126 , the female u-shaped forth leg  128 , and the female fifth leg  130 , and the connector third leg  76 , connector u-shaped forth leg  78 , and connector fifth leg  80  (where applicable) are crimped together and/or bent back upon the male second leg  114  and the female second leg  124 , and the connector second leg  74  (where applicable) to form the locking means. These legs may be bent back to an angle that is between 10 and 80 from the plane of the male second leg  114 , female second leg  124 , and the connector second leg  74  (e.g., from the x-y plane). 
         [0095]      FIG. 24  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the panel clip  2  or perimeter clip  6  described in  FIGS. 1-19 , with a locking means that operatively couples the clips  2 ,  6  to the edges of adjacent decking panels  106 ,  108 . As illustrated in  FIG. 24  the locking means of the seam may include operatively coupling the seam together at a portion of the seam at which the edges of the decking panels  106 ,  108  meet with the clips  2 ,  6 , as well as along the seam at locations where the clip is not located, as illustrated by  FIG. 25 . In some embodiments of the invention the locking means of the seam illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25  is formed using an automatic seaming device. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate a locking system in which the male third leg  116 , the female third leg  126 , the female u-shaped forth leg  128 , and the female fifth leg  130 , and the connector third leg  76  and connector u-shaped forth leg  78 , and connector fifth leg  80  (where applicable) are crimped together and/or bent back upon the male second leg  114  and the female second leg  124 , and the connector second leg  74  (where applicable). These legs may be bent back to an angle that is between 0 and 60 degrees from the plane of the male second leg  114 , female second leg  124 , and the connector second leg  74  (e.g., from the x-y plane), and in some these legs are bent generally parallel to each other (e.g., bent back on each other). Moreover, these legs may be further crimped and/or bent back upon the male first leg  112  and the second female leg  122 , as well as back upon the connector first leg  72  (e.g., in an orientation that is generally vertical in the z-axis) to create the locking means of the seam illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . 
         [0097]    It should be understood that the seams discussed in  FIGS. 20-25 , or other seams not specifically discussed herein, may be utilized throughout the decking system  100  in any combination. However, it should be understood that in some aspects of the invention, only a single type of seam may be utilized at the locations of the clips  2 ,  6 , while other types of seams are utilized in the locations of the seams without the clips. Moreover, as discussed throughout this application different seams may be utilized between different decking panels at different locations. 
         [0098]      FIGS. 26 through 28  illustrate another embodiment of the perimeter clip  6  described herein. As illustrated in  FIGS. 26-28  the perimeter clip  6  has the same base  10  as previously described for the other clips  2 ,  6  described herein (e.g., the standard, short, zero offset, and tall clips). Moreover, as illustrated in  FIGS. 26-28  the perimeter clip  6  also has a connector  160  that is similar to the connectors  60  previously described. However, the perimeter clip  6  illustrated in  FIGS. 26 through 28  illustrates that the connector  160  has a different connector clip  164  as well as different dimensions. As such, the perimeter connector  160  has a perimeter plate  162  and a perimeter connector clip  164  extending from the perimeter plate  162 , and in some embodiments may have a hook  166  within the connector clip  164 . 
         [0099]    In some embodiments, the perimeter plate  162  of the perimeter connector  160  has one or more perimeter connector slots  170  (e.g., two slots in the illustrated embodiment) through which one or more base tabs (e.g., the base outer top tabs  24 , the base inner top tabs  26 , or the like) are located. As such, the one or more perimeter connector slots  170  may prevent further movement of the perimeter connector  160  with respect to the base  10  (e.g., further sliding of the fasteners  40  within the slot  22 ) when an edge of the one or more perimeter connector slots  170  contacts the base tabs (e.g., the base outer top tab  24 ). In other embodiments the fasteners  40  may prevent further movement of the perimeter connector  160  with respect to the base  10  when one of the fasteners contact and edge of base slot  22 . As previously described with respect to the panel clip  2 , and the perimeter clips  6  in  FIGS. 11-13 , in some aspects of the invention it may be beneficial for the perimeter connector  160  and base  10  (e.g., tabs) to prevent additional sliding with respect to each other instead of the fasteners  40  contacting an edge of the base slot  22 . If the fasteners  40  are allowed to contact an edge of the base slot  22  to prevent further movement between the perimeter connector  160  and the base  10 , the fastener  40  may become jammed in the base slot  22 , and thus prevent additional sliding. 
         [0100]    The connector  160 , in one embodiment, as illustrated by  FIG. 28 , may have a connector first leg  172  that extends from, or is otherwise integral with, the plate  162 , which extends generally vertically with respect to the clips  2 ,  6  (e.g., in the x-z plane), such as approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the clips  2 ,  6 , or in other embodiments between 60 and 120 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A connector second leg  174  extends generally downwardly towards the base  10  and away from first leg  172 . The second leg  172  may be angled downwardly at 30 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the clip  2 ,  6 , or in other embodiments between 10 and 60 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A third leg  176  extends inwardly towards the first leg  172  at an angle from the second leg  172  of approximately 45 degrees, such as at an angle that ranges from 20 to 70 degrees, or another value that is within, overlaps, or is outside of this range. In some embodiments (not illustrated), a connector u-shaped leg extends from the connector third leg  176 , and a connector fifth leg extends from the connector u-shaped leg to form a hook. The connector fifth leg may be bent in an orientation that is generally parallel to the connector third leg  176 . The legs of the connector clip  164  forms a general connector clip cavity  190  within the connector clip  164 , which may include a connector first clip cavity  192  between the connector first leg  172  and the connector second leg  174  and a second connector clip cavity  194  between the connector second leg  174  and the connector third leg  176 . In some embodiments where the connector clip  164  also has a hook, the connector clip  164  may include a connector third cavity (or hook cavity) within the hook formed by the connector third leg, the connector u-shaped leg (e.g., connector fourth leg), and the connector fifth leg (not illustrated). It should be understood that the perimeter clip  6  described in  FIGS. 26-28  may comprise the dimensions described in Table 1 and illustrated in  FIGS. 27-28 , and the other figures herein. 
         [0101]    It should be understood that the perimeter clip  6  described in  FIGS. 26-28  may be operatively coupled to decking panels  106 ,  108  in the same or similar way as previously discussed herein with respect to the panel clips  2  and perimeter clips  6  discussed in  FIGS. 14 a   - 19 . In some aspects of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 28 , one or more sealant apertures  195  are located in the connector second leg  174  (or another leg of the connector with respect to the various embodiments of the invention described herein). As such, when the perimeter clip  6  (or another clip discussed herein with sealant apertures  195  in a leg) is operatively coupled to decking panels  106 , 108  sealant may be placed over the sealant apertures  195  in order to allow the sealant to aid in operatively coupling the male edge  210 , the connector  160 , and the female edge  220  of the panel seams. The sealant apertures  195  can be used in lieu a placing a bead of sealant  193  in a cavity between the male edge and the connector, and/or the female edge and the connector (e.g., as illustrated in some example in  FIGS. 1 a   ,  8 ,  11 , and  12 ). 
         [0102]      FIG. 29 a    illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of the installation of the perimeter clip  6  from  FIGS. 26-28  in a roof decking system  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 29 a   , a building structure, which may include one or more support members  102  (e.g., purlins, joists, or other like members) may have insulation  104  operatively coupled to the support member  102 , as previously described with respect to  FIG. 14 a   . As also previously described with respect to  FIG. 14 a   , a first decking panel  106  is operatively coupled to the support member  102  and/or insulation  104 , such that the insulation  104  is located between the support member  102  and the first decking panel  106 . In the illustrated embodiment the first decking panel  106  may have a male edge  210  with a male first leg  212  that extends in a generally vertical upward direction (e.g., the x-z plane), such as approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the first decking panel  106 , or in other embodiments between 60 to 120 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A male second leg  214  extends inwardly and downwardly from the male first leg  212  back towards the first decking panel  106  in at an angle back towards the middle of the first decking panel  106 , such as at an angle of 30 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the first decking panel  106 , or in other embodiments between 10 and 60 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A male third leg  216  extends inwardly towards the male first leg  212  at an angle from the male second leg  214  of approximately 45 degrees, such as at an angle that ranges from 20 to 70 degrees, or another value that is within, overlaps, or is outside of this range. In some embodiments (not illustrated), a u-shaped male leg extends from the male third leg  216 , and a male fifth leg extends from the male u-shaped leg to form a hook. The male fifth leg may be bent in an orientation that is generally parallel to the male third leg  216 . The first decking panel  106  may include additional bends in the panel in order to connect the male edge  210  of the first decking panel  106  with a trough  107  of the first decking panel  106 . 
         [0103]    The perimeter clip  6  is operatively coupled to the support member  102 , such as through the use of fasteners that are inserted through the fastener apertures  20  in the foot  12  of the base  10  of the perimeter clip  6 . In some embodiments fasteners, such as threaded self-drilling screws extend through the aligned apertures  20  in the foot  12  of the perimeter clip  6  into the support member  102 . The fasteners secure the perimeter clip  6  to the support member  102  (e.g., purlin, joist, or other like member). In other embodiments of the invention the perimeter clip  6  may be operatively coupled to the support member  102  of the roofing decking system  100  in other ways, such as but not limited to other couplings, such as fasteners (e.g., rivets, or the like), welds, or the like. As illustrated by  FIG. 29 a   , the support member  102  (e.g., purlin, joist, or the like) supports the insulation  104  between the purlin  102  and the roof panels  106 ,  108 . At least one of the base insulation tabs  52  (if included on the base  10 ) may be inserted into the insulation  104 , or surround the insulation  104 , in order to help secure the insulation  104  and prevent it from moving within the decking system  100 . The perimeter connector clip  164  is placed over the first decking panel  106  male edge  210  such that male edge  210  is located within the cavity  190  of the perimeter connector  160 . Specifically, the corner of the male third leg  216  and the male second leg  214  is located within the connector second cavity  194 , and the corner of the male first leg  212  and the male second leg  214  is located within the connector first cavity  192 . 
         [0104]    The assembly device  44  is located in the base assembly aperture  46  of the base  10  of the perimeter clip  6 , and the connector assembly aperture  169  of the connector  160  of the perimeter clip  6  to prevent movement of the connector  160  with respect to the base  10  during installation of the decking system  200 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 29 b    illustrates that a second decking panel  108  is operatively coupled to the support member  102  and/or additional insulation  104 , such that the insulation  104  is located between the support member  102  and the second decking panel  108 . The second decking panel  108  may have any type of profile that can be utilized with the perimeter clips  6  of the present invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 29 b    the second decking panel  108  may have a female edge  220  with a female first leg  222  that extends in a generally vertical upward direction (e.g., the x-z plane), such as approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the second decking panel  108 , or in other embodiments between 60 to 120 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range). A female second leg  224  extends outwardly and downwardly from the female first leg  222  away from the second decking panel  108 , such as at an angle of 30 degrees from a horizontal plane (e.g., the x-y plane) of the second decking panel  108 , or in other embodiments between 10 and 60 degrees, or another value or range of values within, outside, or overlapping this range. A female third leg  226  extends inwardly towards the first female leg  222  at an angle from the second female leg  224  of approximately 45 degrees, such as at an angle that ranges from 20 to 70 degrees, or another value that is within, overlaps, or is outside of this range. In some embodiments (not illustrated), a u-shaped female leg extends from the female third leg  226 , and a female fifth leg extends from the female u-shaped leg to form a hook. The female fifth leg may be bent in an orientation that is generally parallel to the female third leg  226 . As explained in further detail later the female edge  220  of the second panel  108  is configured to fit over the perimeter connector  160 . Moreover, the first decking panel  106  may include additional bends in the panel in order to connect the male edge  210  of the first decking panel  106  with a trough  107  of the first decking panel  106 . 
         [0106]    The legs of the female edge  220  form a general female cavity  240  within the female edge  220 , which may include a female first cavity  242  between the female first leg  222  and the female second leg  224 , and a female second cavity  244  between the female second leg  224  and the female third leg  226 . As illustrated by  FIGS. 29 a  and 20 b   , the connector clip  160  is located within the general female cavity  240 . Specifically, the corner of the connector third leg  176  and the connector second leg  174  is located within the female second cavity  244 , and the corner of the connector first leg  172  and the connector second leg  174  is located within the female first cavity  242 . 
         [0107]    Regardless of the type of clip  2 ,  6  utilized, the seam between the first decking panel  106  and the second decking panel  108 , which may or may not include the connectors  30 ,  60 ,  160  of the clips  2 ,  6 , may be operatively coupled together manually, or automatically using a machine, for example by bending, crimping, and/or folding the female edge  120 ,  220  male edge  110 ,  210  and connector clip  64 ,  164  to create the locking means in the seam. 
         [0108]    Different decking systems  100 ,  200  may utilize different types of panel clips  2  and/or perimeter clips  6 . In some decking systems  100 ,  200  perimeter clips  6  are utilized at the edges or corners of the roof decking system  100 ,  200  when potential wind loading or other loading exceeds the panel capacity for standard support member  102  spacing (e.g., purlin spacing, joist spacing, or the like). In some embodiments the perimeter clips  6  may also be utilized in other areas of the decking system  100 ,  200  at which there are some strong uplift winds and/or where additional strength is needed. The width of the perimeter clips  6  described herein may be 8, 12, and 16 inches (or other widths) and may be determined based on the engineering requirements for the particular application in which the perimeter clips  6  are to be utilized. However, the perimeter clips  6  may be narrowed to a single type, for example, with a width of 12 inches, which may be utilized anywhere in the decking system  100  and provide the desired strength of the decking system  100 ,  200  while providing a uniform perimeter clip  6  to reduce costs and improve instillation. 
         [0109]    As illustrated in the example decking system  100 ,  200  of  FIG. 30 , different zones may require different types of clips and/or different types of seams to create a zoned roofing system that has a zoned clip system and/or a zoned seam system. With respect to the zoned clip system, zone C at the corner of the roof (e.g., two edges of the roof) and/or zone B may require the perimeter clips  6  discussed herein. Moreover, a different number of fasteners may be utilize to couple the perimeter clip  6  to the support member  102  depending on the type of support member  102 . For example, if the perimeter clip  6  is operatively coupled to a joist, two fasteners (e.g., in any combination of the five apertures  20 ) may be utilized, while if the perimeter clip  6  is operatively coupled to a purlin three fasteners may be utilized (e.g., in any combination of the five apertures  20 , in the center aperture  20  and any of the other apertures  20 ). Alternatively, zone B at the edges of the roof may only require the use of the panel clips  2 , but a specific number of fasteners (e.g., 3 fasteners) may be required for use in operatively coupling the foot  12  of the base  10  to the associated support member  102 . Alternatively, zone A at the center of the roof may also require use of the panel clips  2 , but a specific number of fasteners (e.g., 2 fasteners) may be required for use in operatively coupling the foot  12  of the base  10  to the associated support member  102 . In still other embodiments of the invention the perimeter clip  6  may be used in zones A, B, and C with any combination of one or more fasteners. 
         [0110]      FIG. 30  further illustrates that different types of locking means may be utilized on the seams within the decking system  100 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 30 , the locking means in which only the portion of the seam with the connector is bent (as illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 20 and 21 ) may be utilized in zones A and/or B. Moreover, the locking system in which the seam and the connector, and the seam locations without the connector (as illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 22 and 23 ), are crimped and bent may be utilized in zone C and/or B. In order to provide additional strength at different locations of the roof decking system  100  the locking means in which the connector and/or seam is bent over twice in a double bend (as illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 24 and 25 ) may be utilized in different areas of the seam. For example, in some embodiments the double bend ( FIGS. 24 and 25 ) may be used in zone C, while the single bend ( FIGS. 22 and 23 ) may be used in zone B. Alternatively, the double bend (as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 ) may be utilized around the perimeter of the roof, while the single bend (as illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 ) is used in zone C, and the bend at the clip only (as illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 ) is used in zones B and A. In other embodiments of the invention, all of the seams within the decking system may be seamed in the same way. It should be understood that any type of zoned clip system and/or zoned seam system may be utilized to provide the desired strength of the overall roof systems  100 ,  200 . However, as a general matter the perimeter clips  6  and stronger seams (e.g., more bends), are located at the edges, and more particularly at the corners, because of the strong wind loading at the edges and corners. 
         [0111]    It should be understood that the improved panel and perimeter clips  2 ,  6  provide improved roof decking systems  100 ,  200 , including improved sliding and/or improved strength. For example, sliding in the horizontal direction (otherwise described as in the lateral or in-plane direction with respect to the plane of the decking panels and/or clips) is improved to allow for thermal expansion and/or contraction during cyclic heating and cooling of the roof decking system. As such, in some embodiments, when not loaded in the moveable position sliding of the connectors  30 ,  60 ,  160  with respect to the bases  10  of the clips  2 ,  6  may occur after 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more lbs. of force, or a range of forces between, outside, or overlapping any of these vales. Additionally, the panel clips  2  and/or perimeter clips  6  provide improved strength in order to prevent damage to the clips when subjected to cyclic loading, wind forces, and/or other forces in part due to the hem  38  of the connectors, the connector ribs  31 , and/or base ribs  54  included in the clips  2 ,  6 . As such, not only do the current clips provide improve sliding during cyclic heating and cooling of the roof decking systems  100 ,  200 , but the strength of the clips are at least the same or improved over traditional types of clips when subjected loading, such as wind loading or other types of loading. 
         [0112]    Moreover, by utilizing the perimeter clips  6  with the connectors  60  having greater widths than traditional clips, additional purlin or joist runs within the roof decking system are not necessary, and thus costs (e.g., material, labor for installation, or the like) of using and/or assembling purlins or joists may be reduced. 
         [0113]    It should be understood that “operatively coupled,” when used herein, means that the components may be formed integrally with each other, or may be formed separately and coupled together. Furthermore, “operatively coupled” means that the components may be formed directly to each other, or to each other with one or more components located between the components that are operatively coupled together. Furthermore, “operatively coupled” may mean that the components are detachable from each other, or that they are permanently coupled together. 
         [0114]    Also, it should be understood with respect to all of the values and ranges discussed herein that these values and ranges are provided as examples, and other values or ranges of values may be within, outside, or overlapping the values and ranges discussed herein. 
         [0115]    Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms “a” and/or “an” may mean “one or more.” 
         [0116]    While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.