Patent Publication Number: US-2012036812-A1

Title: Multi-part reinforcement clip to allow attachment to a raised seam roof

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a method of securely attaching objects to a raised seam roof without damaging, deforming or changing the visual esthetics of the roof panels. A raised seam roof system is made up of multiple panels formed to have interlocking seams. These connections, or seams, run the length of the entire roof and are spaced evenly along its width providing both a visually appealing roof and protection from exterior elements. Because of the thin gage of the sheet metal used in creating the roof panels they have very little weight bearing capability without drilling into or fastened thru the roof panels into the sub roof or structural parts of the building. The present methods used often deform or leave holes in the panel that must be sealed to avoid leaks and thereby requiring a significant amount of time to seal the holes in the roof panels to avoid leaks. 
     Accordingly, there is presently a need for a method allowing secure temporary or permanent attachment of objects to a raised seam roofing system without deforming, puncturing, or drilling holes into the roof panels. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It would be highly desirable to provide a method for a reinforced attachment point, or points, to a raised seam roof without deforming, drilling into, or changing the visual esthetics of raised seam roof panels. 
     It would be highly desirable to provide a method of attachment witch takes into account the normal expansion and contraction of the roof panels due to changes in the ambient temperature. 
     Furthermore, the invention would allow temporary attachment points on a roof for fall protection during repair or regular maintenance on the roof or permanent attachment of other types of objects. 
     Finally, the invention would allow installation onto new or persisting roofs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the vertical and lower member of the reinforcement clip. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing each part of the reinforcement clip. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the clip installed and an object attached by way of a clamping force to the clip area of the raised seam roof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings that assist in illustrating its various pertinent features. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention clip assembly  2  showing the main parts made up of a vertical member  4  and the lower member  5 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the parts that are installed under the raised seam roof  11 . The vertical member  4  is inserted into the lower member  5 . The fasteners  6  are driven through holes  7  into the sub roof  9 . 
       FIG. 3  presents the proper installation of the invention, for convenience hereby referred to as the clip assembly  2  is installed under a raised standing seam  3  of a raised seam roof  11 . The vertical member  4  of the reinforcement clip assembly  2  is inserted into the lower member  5  of the reinforcement clip  2 . The attachment of the clip assembly  2  onto the sub roof  12  is accomplished by use of fasteners  6  driven through the holes  7  present in the clip lower member  5  and the slots  8  the clip vertical member  4 . The fasteners  6  are driven through both parts of the clip  2  and into the sub roof  12  with enough force to secure the clip  2  to the sub roof  12  through dimpled holes on the bottom of plate which prevents it from being tightly driven as to restrict movement of the dimpled holes which vertical member  4  fits over thus allowing for expansion. 
       FIG. 3  shows the installed clip  2  under a raised standing seam  3  and the attachment of a clamping force device to securely attach objects to the raised standing seam  3 . The clamping force device  10  rests upon the raised standing seam  3  and applies clamping force horizontally to the standing seam  3  and thereby to the clips vertical member  4 .