Patent Publication Number: US-6711794-B1

Title: Starting and ending platform for a roof seaming machine

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a starting and ending platform for a roof seaming machine. 
     Buildings having roofs formed from panels which are joined edgewise by standing seams are common. The seams typically run down the slope from the ridge of the roof to each eave, perpendicular to the eave. 
     The panels of a such a roof are normally joined by a machine which folds and crimps vertical flanges of preformed panels, forming a seam which stands up above the plane of the roof One such machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,308. The machine has to be placed over the flanges by hand initially, and is removed manually at the end of the seam. Having to lift the machine at the edge of the roof poses dangers for workers. This danger was reduced by prior starting platforms which supported the weight of the machine at the edge of the roof. 
     Prior patents generally pertinent to this invention include U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,412,060, 4,102,285, 4,195,586, 4,334,662 and 4,918,797. 
     The prior art platforms pose some problems. For example, a known prior device grips the very seam being worked on, which presents a difficulty when the seam is just being started, since workers have to remove the clamp as the seamer is moving up the seam. 
     With the Butler MR-24® Roof System, a seaming machine called a Roof Runner®, which is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,828, is used to seam the corrugations. To start the Roof Runner®, it is necessary that it be placed beyond the eave of the roof The seaming machine has been supported at this point by a platform that extends beyond the eave. The platform is secured, by clamping, to the very corrugation being seamed. 
     The normal seaming process is to install the panels down one side of the building roof and then proceed back on the other side. There are projects, however, where both sides of the roof are installed at once. In these situations, either the panels must be seamed from eave to ridge on one side and from ridge to eave on the other slope, or a left hand machine must be used on one slope. Catching and removing the Roof Runner at the end of a down slope run can be dangerous. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to provide a starting and ending platform for a roof seaming machine which will safely support loads over the eave of a roof, and which attaches to seams other than the seam being created. 
     These and other objects are attained by a starting and ending platform for a roof seaming machine as described below. 
     The new platform provides a way of attaching the platform to adjacent corrugations that eliminates the need for a gate, as currently used, and the vertical frame provides some additional security to the operator of the seamer. 
     The new platform adjusts to accommodate 12″ through 24″ wide panels. 
     It provides redundant attachment points, thus greater security in retaining the platform during seaming operations, and uses twice the number of clamps. 
     The invention also enables the operator to straighten the Roof Runner machine when placing it on the panel seam for starting the seaming operation. 
     The platform folds up when not in use to minimize storage volume and shipment-packaging requirements. 
     The platform may be used at the gable trim of the roof, and supports the leading edge on the roof panel, rather than from the gable trim (which may or may not be attached when it is seamed in). 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the accompanying drawing, 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a starting and ending platform for a roof seaming machine embodying the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a similar view, showing the machine in operation. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A device embodying the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a frame  10  which includes a pair of roof-engaging support assemblies  11 , each of which includes an arm  12  made of structural steel. A lower sleeve  14  is welded to one end of the arm and extends along a vertical axis perpendicular to the length of the arm. A channel member  16  is welded across the top surface of the opposite end of the arm, the length of the channel member being horizontal and perpendicular to the length of the arm. A slot  18 , extending parallel to the length of the arm, is cut in the bottom of each channel member. The spacing between the slots is twice the roof seam spacing, for a reason which will be apparent. A brace  20  extends diagonally back from the end of the channel. An upper sleeve  22 , coaxial with the lower sleeve, is welded to the upper end of the brace. 
     A removable tubular column  24  extends between the upper and lower sleeves, on the same vertical axis. The column is retained in this position from below by a vertical leg  26  which extends upward from a knuckle  28 . The upper end of the leg is inserted through the lower sleeve into the lower end of the column, where it is retained by a fastener  30  which passes through aligned holes in the column and the leg. The upper end of the column is retained in alignment with the upper sleeve by a tubular free end  32  of a handle  34 . Collars  36  on the ends  32  of the handle limit its insertion depth. Fasteners  38  and pins  40  (on tethers  42 ) retain the handle within the upper sleeves and columns. 
     The platform  50  is supported on a crossbrace  52  which passes through both a tube  54  welded to the bottom of the platform and bores of the knuckles  28  on either side. The crossbrace is retained by fasteners  56  which pass through holes in it and in the knuckles. The platform can pivot upward freely, but its downward movement is limited to about horizontal by a pair of eye-terminated wire cables  58 . The upper end of each cable is secured to the column by a fastener  38 , while the lower end is connected to a side wall  60  by means of a bolt  62 . An end wall  64  extends between the two side walls. The platform has a raised corrugation  66  between the side walls. The corrugation is shaped to conform to a corresponding seam rib on a target metal roof. 
     In use (FIG.  2 ), the apparatus is placed on a roof, with the platform end near the eave, and the arms extending upslope from the eave. The device spans three seams “S” of the roof: the central seam runs under or toward the rib on the platform, while the outer seams are aligned with the slots  18  in the channels  16 , and protrude through the slots when the device is properly seated on the roof Now a clamp, such as locking pliers “P” , is applied to each seam where it passes through the slot  18 , to lock the apparatus in position, and to prevent it from tipping when weight is applied to the platform. A worker can now place the seaming machine on the platform and begin the seaming process. 
     Since the invention is subject to modifications and variations, it is intended that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as only illustrative of the invention defined by the following claims.