Patent Publication Number: US-11041314-B2

Title: Retention apparatus, system and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/254,892 filed Sep. 1, 2016 entitled “Retention Apparatus, System and Method” that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/218,567, filed Sep. 14, 2015 entitled “Wire Management Clip For Mounting Clamp For A Metal Roof Seam,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/219,657, filed Sep. 16, 2015 entitled “Color Snap Snow Rail Assembly, System And Method,” which are incorporated in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to retention systems and, more particularly, for a modular retention apparatus, system and method for retaining snow, ice, items and other objects on a wall, rooftop and other structure using cross member having an anchor assembly configured to join to a latch assembly of top block and clamp assembly and hold the cross member. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional assemblies and methods for snow and/or ice retention systems use a mounting system for mounting to a wall, roof or other structure to restrain from falling such as, for example, snow, ice, or other items and/or objects. The mounting system is adapted to mount thereto a cross-bar, rod, stop, decorative insert, snow break, or other member typically oriented parallel to the peak or otherwise transverse to the snow, ice or other objects. Additionally, when the structure is a metal roof with a standing seam, conventional mounting systems require numerous parts and assemblies that add cost to the manufacture and installation. Consequently, conventional assemblies are costly to manufacture as well as installation time is increased because of the assembly required on-site that adds time on the roof for the installer and overall costs for the installation. 
     Consequently, there is a long felt need for a simple and effective means to attach the cross-member to a clamp assembly for mounting to a wall, roof or other structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of conventional retention systems to satisfy a long felt need for a simple and effective means to attach the cross-member to a mounting clamp assembly to a wall, roof or other structure. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a retention, apparatus, system for securing to a structure such as a standing seam of a metal roof having less components, direct approach transverse method of interconnecting, and improved installation. The retention apparatus comprising a clamp assembly having a clamp body for attaching to the structure. The clamp body has an attachment for receiving a fastener to attach items and objects thereto. A top block is configured to be joined to the clamp assembly by the fastener having an flange located adjacent a side of the clamp body adapted to allow rotation of the top block and a latch assembly located on a side of the top block opposite the flange adapted to receive an anchor assembly of a cross member assembly and join the latch and anchor assemblies to operably connect the cross member to the clamp assembly secured to the structure. The cross member assembly including a coupler channel configured to operably connect an ice flag and/or to receive a connector therein. A clamp stand-off surface on an end an arm extension of the cross member abuts a side of the clamp body upon securing said anchor assembly and said latch assembly for opposing forces applied by snow, ice or other objects to one or more of the cross member and/or ice flag. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified. 
       For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the following Description of the Embodiments, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view illustrating the retention assembly, system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view, taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 6A , illustrating the top block and clamp assembly of the apparatus, system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view, taken along lines B-B of  FIG. 6B , illustrating the ice flag and cross member assemblies of the apparatus, system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an end view illustrating the cross member assembly of the apparatus, system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D  are side views illustrating the operation of operable connection between the top block, clamp assembly and cross member assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is an exploded perspective view of a retention system, and  FIG. 6B  is an assembled perspective view illustrating retention system according to an embodiment of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a side perspective view illustrating a clamp assembly of the present invention;  FIG. 7B  is a side view illustrating a leaf spring adapted to bias the top block toward the clamp assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 7C  is a side perspective view illustrating a fastener used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view illustrating a top block of the apparatus, system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view illustrating a connector of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view illustrating an ice flag of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention 
         FIG. 11  is a side view illustrating a cross member of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are side and top views illustrating a top block of the apparatus, system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. While the invention has been described in detail with respect to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that upon reading and understanding of the foregoing, certain variations to the preferred embodiments will become apparent, which variations are nonetheless within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
     Reference throughout this document to “some embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation. 
     The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. 
     The drawings featured in the figures are provided for the purposes of illustrating some embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. Term “means” preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the term “means” is not intended to be limiting. 
     As is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 12A-12B , retention apparatus system and method is generally shown as element  100  is useful to attach to a standing seam  102  of a metal roof  104  as well as to display outwardly a portion of the metal roof  106  for decorative purposes as desired, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 5D and 6B . The apparatus system and method  100  comprises may be configured as a clamp assembly  110 , top block  130  secured by a fastener  180  to the clamp assembly  110 , and a cross member assembly  200  configured with an anchor assembly  230  to operably connect by a 90° approach to a latch assembly  140  formed in the top block  130 , and a snow and/or ice flag  240  configured to operably connect to the cross member assembly  160 . Two or more cross members  200  of the retention apparatus, system and method  100  may be joined together by a connector  190  so as to extend across a desired length of the metal roof  104 . Moreover, the cross member assembly  200  may be formed in various dimensions, for example, a thin accent formed by two segments  202  and  204 , that is scalable to various widths by adding additional segments (e.g. three by adding segment  206 , four by adding segment  208 , . . . , n) to the extruded cross member body  201  as described herein. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retention apparatus, system and method  100  is described as a modular assembly using a minimum number of components to operably connect to a seam  102  of a metal roof  104  to retain snow and/or function as a snow break. The retention apparatus, system and method  100  also may formed and utilized without the portion of the metal roof  106 . As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the apparatus system and method  100  may find further used for mounting other items and things to a structure such as a wall, building or rooftop, shingled roof, and structures other than a metal roof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2, 5A-5D, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, 8 and 12A and 12B , the top block  130  may be formed from a block body  132  configured with a pair of sides  131 ,  133 , an upper surface  134  and a lower surface  139  having a generally planar segments to secure the fastener  180  and mounted on the clamp assembly  110 , respectively, and a latch assembly  140 . The fastener  180  is configured to be received in a guide shaft  155  (e.g. a bore or an opening) extending between the upper and lower surfaces  134 ,  139  with a suitable dimension to provide rotational movement when operably connecting cross member assembly  200  to the top block  130  and clamp assembly  110 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5B  as well as generally  FIGS. 5A-5D and 6A-6B . The block body  132  be formed from suitable materials that are durable, resist corrosion, maintain strength at high temperatures, and are easy to maintain such as, for example, 6063-T6 and/or 6061-T6 aluminum alloy (e.g. containing magnesium and silicon as its major alloying elements), stainless steel alloys, plastics and carbon fiber products. The top block  130  may be formed in a dimension of 1.25 inches long, which dimension is non-limiting and as top block may be scaled as desired. The upper surface  134  may be formed with a tail  135  having an integral flange  150  with a pivot  151  and a rotation surface  152  formed at an angle for a rotation bevel  153  located adjacent the clamp assembly  110  functioning to provide movement when operably connecting the cross member  200  to the clamp assembly  110  and top block  130 . The upper surface  134  may be formed at an angle with a tail bevel  135  to remove excess material from the top block  130  so as to save material costs and to create a lighter component advantageously useful during the labor and installation of the retention apparatus, system and method  100  while operating on a metal roof  104  or other structure. The upper surface  136  may be configured with a tong nose  136  and tong nose bevel  137  formed at an angle so as to provide clearance with the cross member  200  when connecting with the latch assembly  140 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5A-5D, 6A-6B, and 12A-12B , the top block  130  may be configured with a latch assembly  140  formed between the upper surface  134  and the lower surface  139  so as to operably connect to the cross member assembly  200  by direct connection by placing crosswise, at right angles to the long axis of the cross member  200  by inserting the cross member  200  in a transverse approach to the latch assembly  140  the top block  130 . The latch assembly  140  comprises a lip  142 , a hook  144 , a recess  146  and an anchor  148  to secure and hold the cross member  200  by the applied force imparted on the top block  130  by the fastener  180 . The latch assembly  140  may be formed by milling such as, for example, computer numeric controlled (CNC) machining to mill an entry lip bevel  143  formed at an angle to the lip  142 , whereby the entry lip bevel  143  functions to allow lifting of the top block  130  when the anchor assembly  230  is positioned for entry to the top block  130 . The tip surface  141  may be formed in a vertical axis dimension or may be part of the original extrusion or block of material. The entry lip bevel  143  functions to rotate top block  130  having the fastener  180  secured to the clamp assembly  110 . The entry lip bevel  143  may be formed at an angle of approximately between thirty degrees (30°) and forty-five degrees (45°), which is non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch assembly  140  also may be formed with a hook bevel  145  formed at an angle joining the lip  142  to the hook  144  and recess  146  by CNC milling manufacturing techniques. The hook bevel  145  functions to latch and hold the cross member  200  after entry and transitioning of the lip  142  by the anchor assembly  230 . The hook bevel  143  may be formed at an angle of approximately ten degrees (10°), which is a non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The body anchor  148  may be formed with a body anchor bevel  149  formed at an angle and functioning to transfer the applied forces of the fastener  180  to anchor assembly  230  so as to secure and hold the cross member  200  to the top block  130 . The body anchor bevel  149  may be formed at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees (45°), which is non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, the guide shaft  155  is configured with a portion extending into the body anchor  148  and body anchor bevel  149  so as to allow rotation of the top block  130  in cooperation with the entry lip bevel  143  when the anchor assembly  230  is positioned for entry to the top block  130  thereby functioning to allow lifting of the top block  130  and transitioning of the lip  142  by the anchor assembly  230  to latch and hold the cross member  200 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, each top block  130  surface of the lip  142 , entry lip bevel  143 , hook  144 , hook bevel  145 , recess  146 , anchor  148  and anchor bevel  149  are configured or otherwise formed at an angles suitable to conform to the joining section(s) on the anchor assembly  230  of the cross member assembly  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5A-5D, 6A-6B and 11 , the block body  130  can be configured with a flange  150  on one end. The flange  150  functions to rotate the top block  130  around pivot  151  so as to allow the block body  131  to open and receive the anchor assembly  230  as shown in  FIG. 5B . The flange  150  further functions to arrange and orient the top block  130  on the upper surface  134  of the clamp assembly  110  so as to align opening of the guide shaft  155  with an attachment shaft  113  of the clamp assembly  110  as shown in  FIG. 5C . For example, the fastener  180  may be inserted through the opening of the guide shaft  155  to the attachment shaft  113  in the upper surface  112  of the clamp assembly  110  shown in  FIGS. 2, 5A-5D, 6A-6B and 7A . The fastener  180  may be tightened and loosened by the threads, for example, turning clockwise and counter-clock-wise so as to operably connect the top block  130  to the clamp assembly  110  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The flange  150  may be configured with a clamp rotation surface  152  in a suitable rotation flange bevel  153  formed at an angle so as to provide clearance in allowing pivoting of the top block  130  at pivot  151  for insertion of the anchor assembly  240  as shown in  FIGS. 7B, 7C and 11 . The flange  150  further provides a predetermined distance as registered on the pivot  151  on a side  154  of clamp assembly  110  to the edge of the clamp stand-off surface  229  on the cross member assembly  200  so as to provide a stable structure for the operable connection as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 5A-5D, and 7 , although one skilled in the field will understand that either side  154  or  156  may be utilized by the flange depending upon orientation of the clamp assembly  110  on the standing seam  102  as shown. 
     In operation, the flange  150  is configured to provide rotation and orientation and to register the load of any ice or snow supported to the clamp stand-off surfaces  219  and  229  of the cross member  220  thereby directed these applied forces to the clamp assembly  110  secured to the seam  102  of the metal roof  104  as shown in  FIG. 6B . Accordingly, the arm  216   a  is configured for multiple use to provide structural support, holding, maintaining, and preventing rotation by (1) the clamp stand-off surface  219  against a side  156  of the body  111  of the clamp assembly  110  when snow, ice or other object forces are applied to one or more of the cross member  200  and ice flag  240 , and (2) the nub projection  220 , with support of the clamp-off surface  219 , of the arm  216   a  extension provides holding of the ice flag  240  so as to resist deflecting, collapse and/or disengagement from coupler channel  203  of the cross member  220  when snow, ice or other object forces are applied to the ice flag  240 . Similarly, the anchor arm extension  224  is configured for multiple use to provide structural support, holding, and preventing rotation by (1) the clamp stand-off surface  229  against a side  156  of the body  111  of the clamp assembly  110  when snow, ice or other object forces are applied to one or more of the cross member  200  and ice flag  240 , and (2) the hook portion  222   a  provides holding of the ice flag  240  so as to resist deflecting, collapse and/or disengagement from the cross member  220 , whereby the coupler channel  203  allows for securing an ice flag  240 , a connector  190 , or both. The arm  216   b  extension is configured with hook portion  222   b  for holding of the ice flag  240  in the coupler channel  207  so as to resist deflecting, collapse and/or disengagement from the cross member  220  when snow, ice or other object forces are applied to the ice flag  240 , whereby coupler channel  207  provides for securing an ice flag  240 , a connector  190 , or both. Similarly, the nub  220   b  on end  221   b  of the anchor arm extension  224  adjacent upper surface  217   b  is configured to provide structural support, holding, and preventing rotation the ice flag  240  in the coupler channel  207  so as to resist deflecting, collapse and/or disengagement from the cross member  220  when snow, ice or other object forces are applied to the ice flag  240 , whereby the coupler channel  207  allows for securing an ice flag  240 , a connector  190 , or both. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14, 5A-5D, 6A-6B, and 11 , the cross member assembly  200  comprises a body  201  having 2 or more segments  202 ,  204  and  206  with integral coupler channels  203 ,  205  and  206  for affixing thereto the connector  190  and a snow or ice flag  240  is described. The body  201  may be formed from metal extrusion in elongated sections from suitable metals and/or alloys used in the production of extrusions including long constant cross-section structural shapes produced by pushing metal through a shaped die such as, for example, 6061-T6 and/or 6063-T6 aluminum alloy. The cross member assembly  200  extrusion may be configured with a front surface  210  and a back surface  214 . The front surface  210  may be formed with a tab  211  and a tab  213  disposed on each edge thereby forming a channel  212  configured to receive a decorative portion of the metal roof  106 . According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cross member  200  is configured to accept a decorative, matching section of metal roof  106  disposed slidably into a channel  212  on a facing, front surface  212  of the cross member  200 . The cross member  200  is configured to accept a decorative, matching section of metal roof placed into a channel  212  on a facing, front surface of a cross-member. The cross-member is configured to accept an ice flag  240  mountable to a back surface  214  of the cross member  200  using an integral tong portion  251  cooperating with one or more coupler channels  203  and  207  formed in segments  202  and  226  of the cross member  200 . The ice flag  240  also includes a surface or forward face  246  having a channel  249  configured to accept insertion of a decorative, matching section of metal roof  106  disposed into the channel  249  to display a similar appearance with the decorative, matching section of metal roof  106  disposed into a channel  212  on a facing, front surface  210  of the cross member  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6B . Consequently, the cross member  200  along with one or more ice flags  240  advantageously may be located or assigned to a particular place along the metal roof  104 , at different heights above the metal roof by the selection of the coupler channel  203  or  207 , as desired to retain snow and ice from sliding off thereby preventing a hazardous condition. 
     As is illustrated more particularly in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 11 , the cross member assembly  200  may be configured with one or more extensions  216  connected to and projecting from the body  201  on the back surface  214  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The arm extension  216  extends generally transversely from the body portion  201  configured with an upper surface  217 , a lower surface  218 , and a clamp stand-off surface  219  on an end  221  of the arm extension  216 . The end  221  of the arm extension  216  may be formed with a protuberance projection or nub  220  as well as a locking projection  222  configured or otherwise formed at an angle to secure and hold a connector  190  and the ice flag  240  in the coupler channel  203 . For example, referring to segment  202 , the arm extension  216   a  is configured with upper surface  217   a , a lower surface  218   a , Similarly, referring to segment  206 , the arm extension  216   b  is configured with a lower surface  218   b  having the locking projection  222  and an upper surface  217   b  having a nub  220  on an end  221   b  thereof to secure and hold a connector  190  and/or the ice flag  240  in the coupler channel  207 . It should be appreciated that the number of segments of the cross member assembly  200  is scalable and may be formed, for example, from two segments  202  and  204  in a short, thin design, or in a wider, taller design formed from multiple segments  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 , . . . , n for a desired appearance for the metal roof  104  by the addition of an arm extension  216  with a locking projection  222  and a nub  220  to secure and hold a connector  190  and/or the ice flag  240  in the coupler channel  207  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the cross member assembly  200  may be configured with a segment  204  having an anchor arm extension  224  and an anchor assembly  230 . The anchor arm extension  224  may be formed with portion  225  and portion  227  extending from the body  210  with portions  225  and  227  connecting to a cross-bar portion  226  so as to give a particular shape to the coupler channel  205  so as to secure and hold a connector  190 . The anchor assembly  230  may be configured as an extension  231  connecting to the cross-bar portion  226  and extending generally transverse therefrom. The extension  231  may be formed with a clamp stand-off surface  229  on lower surface adjacent the locking projection  222  of segment  202  connecting to the locking projection  222  by an ice flag locking bevel  223 . The extension  231  may be formed with a locking a protrusion  232  at an end thereof and a hook portion  234 . The protrusion  232  and hook portion  234  may be configured to join the tip  232  to the cross-bar portion  226  by the a lip entry surface  233 , recess joining surface  235 , a hook bevel surface  236 , a lip mating surface  237 , a lip bevel mating surface  238  along an upper surface of the extension  231 . The lip entry surface  233  may be formed at an angle to allow entry of the protrusion  232  to the top block  130  and suitable to join with the angle of the entry lip bevel  143 , for example, an angle approximately between thirty degrees (30°) and forty-five degrees (45°), which is non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hook bevel surface  236  may be formed at an angle suitable to join with the hook bevel  145  of the top block  130 , for example, at an angle of approximately ten degrees (10°), which is a non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lip bevel mating surface  238  may be formed at an angle suitable to join with the angle of the entry lip bevel  143  of the top block  130 , for example, at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees) (45°), which is non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In operation, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3, 6A and 6B , the cross member  200  along with one or more ice flags  240  advantageously may be assigned to a particular place or position along the metal roof  104 , at different heights above the metal roof by the selection of the coupler channel  203  or  207 , as desired to snow and ice from sliding off thereby preventing a hazardous condition. The applied force and load of any ice or snow is supported by the structure of the hook  144  of the top block  130  and hook portion  234  of the anchor assembly  240 . In addition, the joined surfaces of the top block  130 , for example, the surface of the lip  142 , entry lip bevel  143 , hook  144 , hook bevel  145 , recess  146 , anchor  148  and anchor bevel  149  are configured to conform to the joining section on the anchor assembly  230  of the cross member assembly  200 . Principally, the joined surfaces of the top block  130  are joined to the adjacent surfaces of the tip  232  to the cross-bar portion  226  by the a lip entry surface  233 , recess joining surface  235 , a hook bevel surface  236 , a lip mating surface  237 , a lip bevel mating surface  238  along an upper surface of the extension  231 . Consequently, the cross-member  200  is configured with the anchor assembly  230  advantageously forming a snap connection with the top block  130  and clamp assembly  200  (e.g. fastener  180 , top block  130  and latch assembly  140 ) by inserting thereto (i.e. snap in place to the clamp assembly  110  and top block  130 ) in a direct contact, transverse approach, or alternatively securing the fastener  180  through spring and/or leaf spring  160  and guide shaft  155  of the top block  130 , and to clamp assembly  110  (e.g. an A2® clamp or A2-N™ clamp). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, and 10 , an ice flag  240  of the retention apparatus, system and method  100  can be configured with a body  241  having a lower segment  242  and an upper segment  250 . The body  241  of the ice flag  240  may be formed from metal extrusion in elongated sections from suitable metals and/or alloys in the production of extrusions including long constant cross-section structural shapes produced by pushing metal through a shaped die such as, for example, 6061-T6 and/or 6063-T6 aluminum alloy. The body  241  may be cut to dimensions such as, for example, approximately 3 inch or 8 cm sections, which dimension is non-limiting, easily disposed between standing seams  102  of the metal roof  104  operating to retain snow and ice from slipping off the metal roof  104 . The lower segment  242  includes a rear face  244  operable to retain and apply a pressure force against snow and ice accumulation between the standing seams  102  on the metal roof  104 . The lower segment or to further includes a forward face  246  configured with tabs  247  and  248  forming a channel  249  for insertion of a decorative portion of the metal roof  106  that may be displayed facing an observer from the ground. The installed cross-member  200  and ice flag  240  may each receive a decorative portion of the metal roof  106  in the channel so as to match the color of the metal roof  104  and form an appealing decorative appearance. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, 10 and 11 , the upper segment  250  of the ice flag  240  can be configured with a tong portion  251  extending from a hinge spring portion  252  operably connected to the body  241  and lower segment  242 . The tong portion  251  has an upper arm  254  and a lower arm  260  extending from the hinge spring portion  252 . The upper arm  254  may be configured with a tongue end  255  having an upper surface  256  that may be formed as a continuous surface that is relatively smooth, a forward end  257  on a distal end of the upper surface  256  and a tooth  258  on a proximal end of the upper surface  256 . The upper surface  256  is may be configured to engage and register against the upper surface  218  (e.g.  218   a  of coupler channel  203  shown in  FIG. 3 ) within a particular coupler channel  203  or  207  as shown in  FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, and 11 . The forward end  257  may be configured to provide a smooth engagement with a particular coupler channel  203  or  207  as shown in  FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, and 11 . The tooth  258  configured or otherwise formed at an angle to engage and operably connect with the locking projection  222  of the cross member assembly  200  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6A . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 10 and 11 , the tooth  258  can be formed with an inward beveled edge forming a back angle of approximately forty degrees (40°), which is non-limiting, so that the tooth  258  prevents unwanted collapse of the tong  251  and spring  252  portions thereby releasing of the ice flag  240  from a coupler channel  203  or  207  of the cross member  200  by the applied force of snow, ice or other object imparting a force on back surface  244  of the lower segment  242 . Similarly, the lower arm  260  may be configured with a nose  261  having an arcuate sliding surface  262 , a proximal surface  263 , a recess  264 , a register edge  265  and a protrusion  266 . The arcuate sliding surface  262  is configured to provide a smooth engagement and transition (e.g. to slide over the nub  220 ) with a particular coupler channel  203  or  207  as shown in  FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, and 11 . The recess  264  can be configured with a shape so as to align adjacent surfaces between the nub projection  220  on the cross member  200  and the surfaces of the proximal surface  263 , the register edge  265  and the protrusion  266  of the ice flag  240 . The connection between the nub  220  and the recess  264  is configured to prevent unwanted disengagement, release and/or collapse of the tong  251  and spring  252  portions thereby releasing of the ice flag  240  from a coupler channel  203  or  207  of the cross member  200  by the applied force of the load from snow, ice or other object imparting a force on back surface  244  of the lower segment  242 . In addition, the protuberance or projection  266  adjacent the register edge  265  may be formed of a suitable length and extension to engage a portion of the lower surface  218  (e.g. lower surface  218   a  of coupler channel  203  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 11 ) so as to provide further engagement and locking of the ice flag  240  to the cross member  200 , thereby preventing unwanted release therefrom by the applied force of snow, ice or other object imparting a force on back surface  244  of the lower segment  242 . As discussed herein, the ice flag  240  may be placed at selectable predetermined heights for snow and/or ice retention purposes as desired (e.g. in a higher or lower position above the metal roof  104 ) by selection and insertion into the coupler channel  203  or  207  of the cross member  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a connector  190  may be configured to operably connect sections of the cross member  200  so as to create extended lengths on a metal roof  104  according to an embodiment of the retention apparatus, system and method  100  of the present invention. The connector  190  may be configured as an elongated bar or rod from suitable materials such as AISI 300 Series 1B-B stainless steel. A generally rectangular shaped connector  190  may be formed having a top  191 , bottom  192 , side  193 , side  194 , front  195 , back  196  and a notch  197  at a mid-portion thereof. The notch  197  is useful to register the mid-portions of the connector when inserting into coupler channels  203 ,  205  and  207  of the cross member assembly  200 . In operation, each of the coupler channels  203 ,  205  and  207  is configured to receive the connector  190  and sliding engagement thereof as shown in  FIG. 6A . The dimensions of the connector  190  and the coupler channels  203 ,  205  and  207  may be adapted so that the connector  190  engages the side walls body  201 , upper surface  217 , lower surface  218  and locking projection  222 . Additionally the connector  190  is configured to be received in the anchor arm extension  224  formed at a mid-portion of the body  201  and, more specifically within the box-like coupler formed by the body segment  201 , portion  225 , portion  227 , and crossbar portion  226  as is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . In operation one or more connectors  190  may be inserted into one or all of the coupler channels  203 ,  205  and  207  to the mid-portion notch  197  in one cross member  200 . Another cross member  200  may be aligned to one or all of the coupler channels  203 ,  205  and  207 , as utilized, to receive the connector into corresponding coupler channels  203 ,  205  and  207 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5A-5D, 6A-6D and 7A , the retention apparatus, system and method  100  utilizes a clamp assembly  110  for mounting to a standing seam  102  of a metal roof  104 . The clamp assembly  110  can be configured with an attachment shaft  113  opening to receive the fastener  180  so as to secure the top block  130  thereto with the cross member  200  there-between as described herein. The attachment shaft  113  may be formed smooth, threaded, or both, to secure to the threads  185  of the fastener  180 , or alternatively made smooth for a self-tapping fastener  180  having a hardened composition that cuts threads in the 6063 aluminum alloy upon tightening. The clamp assembly  110  comprises a body  111  having a generally U-shaped form with downwardly extending legs  114  and  118  forming a slot  117  configured to receive the standing seam  102  of a metal roof  104 . The body  111  is configured with an upper surface  112  having a generally planar shape with the attachment shaft  113  centrally located in the upper surface  112  for receiving a fastener  180  to attach items and objects thereto on the metal roof  104 . The leg  114  is configured with a foot  115  and a toe portion  116  at an end of the generally downwardly extending leg  114  segment thereof configured to be located adjacent the standing seam  102  and underneath any crimped ends or roll of the standing seam  102  of the metal roof  104  inserted in slot  117 . The foot  115  and toe portion  116  have an increased grip used advantageously to secure to the standing seam  102  in the slot  117 , whereby the applied forces are spread across the standing seam  102  through the edge  116   a  of the toe portion  116  so as to increase a holding force as well as to reduce puncturing (e.g. causing a hole where water and elements may enter into the structure or home through the roof) or other damage such as, for example, to a paint or hydrophobic coating (e.g. Teflon®) of the metal roof. The leg  118  can be configured with an arcuate surface  119 , one or more pins  120 ,  122  disposed in smooth pin channels  121 ,  123  formed in the leg  118  of the body  111  and extending to the slot  117  along a path to one or more pockets  129  formed the inner surface of the leg  114 . The one or more pockets  129  are configured to cooperate with the pins  120 ,  122  for increasing the holding force of the clamp assembly  110 , whereby in operation tightening the fastener urges the pins  120 ,  122  against the standing seam  102  causing an indentation or recess in the standing seam  102  by causing pressing force on the seam  102  between the end of the pins  120 ,  122  and the one or more pockets  129  on the leg  114 . A suitable claim assembly  110  is manufactured by PMC Industries, Inc. identified by clamp product part Ace Clamp®, A2® and/or A2-N™. The clamp assembly  110  of the present invention has advantages of improved holding force configured to withstand harsh environmental conditions (e.g. heat, wind, vibration, seismic, storms and other forces) so as to maintain the clamp assembly  110  secured to the standing seam  102  such as, for example, seismic, vibration, wind, hurricanes, and other adverse conditions. The clamp assembly  110  of the present invention has advantages of improved holding force load characteristics of at least a thirty percent (30%) increase compared to conventional clamp assemblies such as, for example, increased holding force ranging approximately up to and including 1,600 lb. vertical load. 
     Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the arcuate surface  119  formed in leg  118  may be configured to allow forming the one or more pin channels  121 ,  123  corresponding to pins  120 ,  122  at a predetermined angle  172 . The predetermined angle  172  may be established along the arcuate surface  119  such as, for example, in a range between predetermined angle  172   a  and predetermined angle  172   b . Accordingly, the clamp assembly  110  can be configured during manufacture to change, vary or modify the predetermined angle  172  of the pins  120 ,  122  as desired so as to change where pins  120 ,  122  will press against the standing seam  102 . Consequently, the leg  118  of the body  111  of the clamp assembly  110  provides for customization for different pin channels and configurations of the metal roof  106  available from various metal roof manufacturers. 
     For example, as illustrated by phantom lines  172   a  and  172   b  in  FIG. 7A , certain metal roof  106  pin channels have different configurations of the standing seam  102 , whereby fastener  124  and washer  128  of clamp assembly  110  may direct the pins  120 ,  122  along the predetermined angles  172   a  or  172   b , so as to join the standing seam  102  sufficiently below the rolled metal of the seam for improved strength. Moreover, the clamp assembly  110  may be configured to direct the pins  120 ,  122  along the predetermined angle  172   b  so as to improve clearance for tools utilized by the installer, e.g. difficulty reaching and driving fasteners between standing seams  102  when certain tools are positioned horizontal and/or otherwise at angles parallel to the metal roof  104 . In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the leg  118  of the clamp assembly  110  may be formed offset pin channels  121 ,  123  along the arcuate surface  119 , for example, a pin channel  121  formed at predetermined angle  172   a  and a pin channel  123  formed a predetermined angle  172   b  so as to offset the holding part of each pin  120 ,  122  whereby the washer  128  is of suitable size to urge pins  120 ,  122  against the standing seam  102 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the fastener  180  of the retention apparatus, system and method  100  further comprises a head  181 , a washer  182  formed integral to the head with serrations  183  on the surface of the washer  182  oriented, for example, adjacent the top block, and an elongated shaft  184  that may be threaded  185 . The fastener  180  may be formed from suitable materials having sufficient strength, durability, and ability to withstand environmental conditions such as, for example, a serrated flange hex head screw formed from AISI 300 Series stainless steel with dimensions of ⅜-16×1″ long. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastener  180  may be used to secure the top block  132  the clamp assembly  110  by inserting the fastener  180  in the guide shaft  150  and the attachment shaft  113  of the clamp assembly. The fastener  180  and the fastener  122  for the clamp assembly  110  may be the same thereby providing the reduction in components of the retention apparatus and system  100  and advantages and cost and installation of the retention apparatus and system  100 , whereby the cross member  200  may be inserted to the top block  130 , emitting an audible sound (e.g. snap or clicking) for holding the cross member  200  securely that is advantageous in installations of the retention apparatus and system  100  on steep pitches of the metal roof  104 , one person installations, whereby the audible sound provides the installer with information on the positive engagement of the cross member  200  as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D   
     In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the retention apparatus, system and method  100  may be configured preassembled with the fastener  180  secured through the top block  130  to the attachment shaft  1113  of the clamp assembly  110  with the fastener  180  tightened to a predetermined distance  170 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . The predetermined distance  170  may be established as the distance for the anchor assembly  230  to be inserted so as to traverse the lip  142  to reach recess  146  to engage the hook portion  144  such as, for example, 0.125 inch or 3.25 mm, which is non-limiting, utilizing the pivot  151 . The preassembled retention apparatus, system and method  100  may be formed with a suitable fastener  180  for example a threaded hex bolt inserted into the threaded channel  127  or a self-tapping threaded bolt secured in the attachment shaft  113 . Alternatively, the preassembled retention apparatus, system and method  100  may be formed in a predetermined distance range  171 , whereby the range is a distance such that (1) the anchor assembly  230  may be inserted to the recess  146  and (2) unwanted rotation of the top block  130  is prevented when the fastener  180  is tightened. The predetermined distance range  171  for unwanted rotation may be limited to where the tail of the flange  150  or the rotation surface  152  does not rise above the upper surface  112  of the body  111  of the clamp assembly  110 . For example, the retention apparatus  100  has the fastener  180  and top block  130  affixed to the clamp body  111  at a predetermined distance range  171  set at, for example, approximately a range approximately between about 0.125 to 0.157 inches or 3.25 to 4.0 mm, as shown in  FIG. 5C . 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the retention assembly  100  may be configured a spring or leaf spring  160  located between the top block  130  and the fastener  180  for biasing the top block  130  toward the clamp body  111 . Accordingly, the fastener  180  may be disposed through a spring or leaf spring  160 , the guide shaft  155  and secured to the attachment shaft  113  of the clamp assembly  110  so as to provide a spring-loaded attachment whereby the cross member  200  may be inserted to the latch assembly  14  of top block  130  clicking and holding the cross member  200  securely. The planar lower surface  139  of top block  130  is placed adjacent the upper surface  112  of clamp body  111  with the leaf spring  160  arranged on the upper surface  134  of the top block  130  aligning guide shaft  155  and attachment shaft  113  for inserting there-through the fastener  180  to affix securely to a clamp assembly  110 . The embodiment of the present invention where the retention apparatus and system  100  is configured with the leaf spring  160  is advantageous for on person installations of the metal roof and where an audible sound provides the installer with information on the positive engagement of the cross member  200 . The leaf spring  160  may be formed from suitable materials having sufficient strength, durability and ability to withstand environmental factors such as, for example, stainless steel with suitable bias and elastomeric properties when disposed on the seam  102  of a metal roof  104  for extended periods of time as shown in  FIG. 6B . Consequently, the retention assembly, system and method  100  is configured to connect the anchor assembly  230  of the cross-member  200  using the leaf spring  160  providing biasing of the top block  130  against the fastener  180 , whereby the cross member  200  may be inserted in the latch assembly  140  and snap into place and the fastener  180  may then be tightened uniformly to finalize the installation. 
     While certain configurations of structures have been illustrated for the purposes of presenting the basic structures of the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other variations are possible which would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.