U.S. patent application number 09/932775 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-20 for systems and methods for connecting skylight components.
This patent application is currently assigned to Solatube International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chao, Bing-Ling, Prenn, Joseph W., Rillie, David W., Stevens, Christian P., Warren, Philip Edward.
Application Number | 20010052209 09/932775 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23640286 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010052209 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rillie, David W. ; et
al. |
December 20, 2001 |
Systems and methods for connecting skylight components
Abstract
Various skylight connectors are disclosed. A sheet is integrally
formed with tabs along opposed axial edges of the sheet, and the
sheet can be bent into a tubular configuration with the tabs along
one edge engaging tab holes along the other edge and vice-versa to
hold the sheet in the tubular configuration. Also, a skylight dome
fastener adaptor includes a hollow body, and ribs are formed on the
outer surface to engage a hole in a skylight dome to impede
rotation of the body in the hole when a fastener is disposed in the
adaptor and threadably engaged with a dome flashing. Additionally,
various quick connect zip ties and clips are disclosed for quickly
and easily engaging components of a skylight assembly.
Inventors: |
Rillie, David W.; (Del Mar,
CA) ; Prenn, Joseph W.; (San Diego, CA) ;
Warren, Philip Edward; (Solana Beach, CA) ; Stevens,
Christian P.; (Carlsbad, CA) ; Chao, Bing-Ling;
(San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John L. Rogitz
Suite 3120
750 B Street
San Diego
CA
92101
US
|
Assignee: |
Solatube International,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23640286 |
Appl. No.: |
09/932775 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09932775 |
Aug 17, 2001 |
|
|
|
09414175 |
Oct 7, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 2013/0345 20130101;
E04B 9/32 20130101; E04D 13/03 20130101; F21S 11/00 20130101; Y10T
24/1441 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/200 |
International
Class: |
E04B 007/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A light transmitting member for a skylight, comprising: a sheet
defining opposed axial edges, the sheet being configurable in a
light transmitting configuration, wherein the axial edges are
juxtaposed with each other and a light transmitting channel is
established by the sheet; and at least first and second sets of
axially spaced tab elements formed along respective axial edges of
the sheet, at least a first tab element in the first set including
a tab, at least a second tab element in the second set defining a
tab opening, the tab being movable between an engage configuration,
wherein the tab can be received through the tab opening, and a lock
configuration, wherein the tab cannot be removed from the tab
opening to thereby hold the sheet in the light transmitting
configuration.
2. The light transmitting member of claim 1, wherein each set of
tab elements includes at least two tab elements, the tab elements
in the first set being juxtaposed with respective tab elements in
the second set when the member is in the light transmitting
configuration to establish plural tab element pairs, each tab
element being integral to the sheet.
3. The light transmitting member of claim 2, wherein at least upper
and lower tab elements include respective tabs and respective tab
openings, the tab of each tab element in a pair being receivable
through the tab opening of the other tab element in the pair.
4. The light transmitting member of claim 3, wherein the sheet
defines an axial dimension and a radial dimension when in the light
transmitting configuration, and wherein the sheet is formed with at
least two upper tab elements in each set of tab elements, the upper
tab elements of at least one set being axially and radially spaced
from each other to facilitate selectively establishing one of: a
frusto-conical shape, and a cylindrical shape, of the sheet in the
light transmitting configuration.
5. The light transmitting member of claim 4, wherein the sheet
defines an inside surface when in the light transmitting
configuration, and the member further includes a reflective film on
the inside surface.
6. The light transmitting member of claim 5, wherein the sheet
defines an upper end and a lower end, and the member further
includes a skylight dome positioned over the upper end and a light
diffuser positioned under the lower end.
7. The light transmitting member of claim 1, wherein the tab is
integral to the sheet such that the tab is movable about a living
hinge.
8. A method for forming a skylight tube, comprising the acts of:
providing a sheet defining first and second opposed edges; forming
plural tabs along at least the first edge and forming plural tab
openings along at least the second edge; advancing the tabs through
respective tab openings with the sheet in a light transmitting
configuration; and bending the tabs to hold the sheet in the light
transmitting configuration.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the advancing act further
includes; selectively establishing one of: a frusto-conical shape,
and a cylindrical shape, of the sheet in the light transmitting
configuration.
10. A skylight tube, comprising: a sheet having a reflective
surface; and fasteners formed integrally on the sheet and movable
to hold the sheet in a light transmitting configuration, wherein
the reflective surface is an inside surface.
11. The tube of claim 10, wherein the sheet defines opposed axial
edges that are juxtaposed with each other when the sheet is in the
light transmitting configuration, and the fasteners include: at
least first and second sets of axially spaced tab elements formed
along respective axial edges of the sheet, at least a first tab
element in the first set including a tab, at least a second tab
element in the second set defining a tab opening, the tab being
movable about a living hinge between an engage configuration,
wherein the tab can be received through the tab opening, and a lock
configuration, wherein the tab cannot be removed from the tab
opening to thereby hold the sheet in the light transmitting
configuration.
12. The tube of claim 11, wherein each set of tab elements includes
at least two tab elements, the tab elements in the first set being
juxtaposed with respective tab elements in the second set When the
member is in the light transmitting configuration to establish
plural tab element pairs, each tab element being integral to the
sheet.
13. The tube of claim 12, wherein at least upper and lower tab
elements include respective tabs and respective tab openings, the
tab of each tab element in a pair being receivable through the tab
opening of the other tab element in the pair.
14. The tube of claim 13, wherein the sheet defines an axial
dimension and a radial dimension when in the light transmitting
configuration, and wherein the sheet is formed with at least two
upper tab elements in each set of tab elements, the upper tab
elements of at least one set being axially and radially spaced from
each other to facilitate selectively establishing one of: a
frusto-conical shape, and a cylindrical shape, of the sheet in the
light transmitting configuration.
15. A skylight dome fastener adaptor, comprising: a hollow body
defining an outer surface; and plural ribs formed on the outer
surface and configured for engaging a hole in a skylight dome in an
interference fit to impede rotation of the body in the hole.
16. The adaptor of claim 15, wherein the body defines an axial
dimension and each rib includes an axially aligned outer edge, the
ribs being formed integrally with the body.
17. The adaptor of claim 16, wherein the adaptor includes at least
three ribs.
18. The adaptor of claim 16, wherein the body is formed with
opposed chamfered ends.
19. The adaptor of claim 18, wherein each rib includes a respective
rib extension formed on each end of the body.
20. The adaptor of claim 15, further comprising: a plastic skylight
dome having at least one hole for receiving the body therein; a
metal flashing having at least one hole juxtaposed with the hole of
the dome; and at least one fastener disposed in the hollow body and
engaged with the hole of the flashing.
21. A lower skylight assembly, comprising: a skylight dress ring
having a vertical flange formed with at least one clip hole; a
skylight support ring having a vertical flange closely spaced from
the vertical flange of the dress ring and terminating in a
horizontal flange defining a ratchet aperture; and a zip clip
having an elongated body defining opposed first and second
elongated surfaces, a clip protruding from one of the surfaces and
received in the clip hole of the dress ring, at least one of the
surfaces being formed with ratchet structure configured to engage
the ratchet aperture of the support ring and thereby hold the dress
ring onto the support ring.
22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the dress ring is formed with
an abutment, the zip clip defining a lower end sandwiched between
the abutment and the vertical flange of the dress ring.
23. The assembly of claim 22, further comprising a piece of felt
disposed in the ratchet aperture.
24. A zip clip for holding a skylight dress ring onto a skylight
support ring, comprising: an elongated body defining an elongated
outer surface and an opposed elongated inner surface; a ratchet
structure formed on at least a segment of the outer surface; and a
clip formed on the inner surface and protruding away therefrom.
25. The zip clip of claim 24, further comprising: a skylight dress
ring having a vertical flange formed with at least one clip hole
and an abutment opposite the vertical flange; and a skylight
support ring having a vertical flange closely spaced from the
vertical flange of the dress ring and terminating in a horizontal
flange defining a ratchet aperture, wherein the clip of the zip
clip is received in the clip hole of the dress ring and the zip
clip is sandwiched between the vertical flange of the dress ring
and the abutment, the ratchet structure of the zip clip engaging
the ratchet aperture of the support ring to hold the dress ring
onto the support ring.
26. A zip tie, comprising: an elongated body defining first and
second ends, a ratchet structure being formed on the body; and a
clip arm attached to and extending perpendicularly away from the
first end of the body, the clip arm defining a channel configured
to receive a threaded fastener in self-tapping threadable
engagement.
27. The zip tie of claim 26, comprising the fastener.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to connectors for
tubular skylights.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tubular skylights have been provided for illuminating the
interiors of buildings in an aesthetically pleasing and energy
efficient way with natural sunlight. An example of a commercially
successful skylight is disclosed in the present assignee's U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,099,622, and further examples of effective tubular
skylights are disclosed in the present assignee's U.S. Pat. No.
5,896,713 and in allowed U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/126,331, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0003] In tubular skylights such as the those mentioned above, a
transparent plastic dome is mounted on a roof of a building by
means of a metal flashing that is attached to the roof. Extending
down from the dome is a metal tube that has a highly reflective
inner surface. The tube extends down to the ceiling of the interior
room sought to be illuminated, where it terminates at a disk-shaped
light diffuser mounted on the ceiling by means of one or more
support rings that engage the lower end of the tube.
[0004] It will be appreciated that with the above general
description of tubular skylights in mind, many components must be
connected together. As but one example, the tube itself is
ordinarily made from a flat sheet of metal that is bent into a
cylindrical shape to form the tube, with the opposite ends of the
sheet of metal slightly overlapping each other in the cylindrical
configuration and being held in the cylindrical configuration by
manually taping the length of the joint between the ends of the
bent sheet. As understood by the present invention, while
effective, the above-mentioned manual means for forming the tube
can result in tubes having diameters that might exhibit deviations
slightly from design. Moreover, it is sometimes desirable that the
tube slightly taper, i.e., assume a slightly frusto-conical shape,
and it is difficult to precisely configure a tube to have such a
shape using the manual taping method described above. Fortunately,
the present invention recognizes that it is possible to easily and
with a high degree of repeatability effect a precisely-configured
skylight tube.
[0005] As another example, consider the connection between the
plastic dome and metal flashing. A metal screw is advanced through
an ABS washer that is positioned in a hole in the dome, and the
screw engages the metal flashing. As recognized herein, the washer
can sometimes undesirably rotate in the hole of the dome, thereby
rendering it less than optimally effective as a connection
interface with the screw and, hence, the flashing to which the dome
is mounted.
[0006] As yet other examples, connecting the diffuser and the
various support rings to the lower end of the tube and to the
ceiling must be accomplished in relatively confined areas, and
accordingly can be a cumbersome and time-consuming task. The
present invention understands that such connections can be effected
quickly and securely by the novel connecting systems and methods
disclosed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A light transmitting member for a skylight includes a sheet
defining opposed axial edges. The sheet can be bent into a light
transmitting configuration, wherein the axial edges are juxtaposed
with each other and a light transmitting channel is established by
the sheet. First and second sets of axially spaced tab elements are
formed along respective axial edges of the sheet. A first tab
element in the first set includes a tab while a second tab element
in the second set defines a tab opening. As disclosed in detail
below, the tab is movable between an engage configuration, wherein
the tab can be received through the tab opening, and a lock
configuration, wherein the tab cannot be removed from the tab
opening to thereby hold the sheet in the light transmitting
configuration. Indeed, at least upper and lower tab elements
include respective tabs and respective tab openings, and the tab of
each tab element in a pair is receivable through the tab opening of
the other tab element in the pair.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, each set of tab elements includes
at least two tab elements. The tab elements in the first set are
juxtaposed with respective tab elements in the second set when the
member is in the light transmitting configuration to establish
plural tab element pairs. Each tab element is integral to the
sheet, i.e., the sheet is cut to form the tabs, with the tabs being
retained on the sheet by an uncut living hinge.
[0009] Furthermore, the sheet is formed with at least two upper tab
elements in each set of tab elements. The upper tab elements of one
set are axially and radially spaced from each other to facilitate
selectively establishing one of: a frusto-conical shape, and a
cylindrical shape, of the sheet in the light transmitting
configuration.
[0010] In another aspect, a method for forming a skylight tube
includes providing a sheet defining first and second opposed edges,
and forming plural tabs along at least the first edge and forming
plural tab openings along at least the second edge. The method
further includes advancing the tabs through respective tab openings
with the sheet in a light transmitting configuration. Then, the
tabs are bent to hold the sheet in the light transmitting
configuration.
[0011] In yet another aspect, a skylight tube includes a sheet
having a reflective surface. Fasteners are formed integrally on the
sheet. The fasteners can be moved to hold the sheet in a light
transmitting configuration, wherein the reflective surface is an
inside surface.
[0012] In another aspect, a skylight dome fastener adaptor includes
a hollow body defining an outer surface. Plural ribs are formed on
the outer surface and are configured for engaging a hole in a
skylight dome in an interference fit to impede rotation of the body
in the hole.
[0013] In still another aspect, a lower skylight assembly includes
a skylight dress ring that has a vertical flange formed with at
least one clip hole. A skylight support ring has a vertical flange
closely spaced from the vertical flange of the dress ring and
terminating in a horizontal flange defining a ratchet aperture. Per
present principles, a zip clip has an elongated body defining
opposed first and second elongated surfaces, and a clip protrudes
from one of the surfaces and is received in the clip hole of the
dress ring. Also, at least one of the surfaces of the zip clip is
formed with ratchet structure that engages the ratchet aperture of
the support ring to thereby hold the dress ring onto the support
ring.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, a zip tie has an elongated body
defining first and second ends. A ratchet structure is formed on
the body. Moreover, a clip arm is attached to and extends
perpendicularly away from the first end of the body. Still further,
the clip arm defines a channel. The channel is configured to
receive a threaded fastener in self-tapping threadable
engagement.
[0015] The details of the present invention, both as to its
structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to
like parts, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skylight tube sheet prior
to fastening the sheet in the light transmitting configuration;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a skylight tube sheet in the
light transmitting configuration, in an exploded relationship with
a skylight dome and a diffuser plate;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the skylight dome fastener
adaptor, in exploded relationship with a skylight dome, fastener,
and flashing, with portions of the dome and flashing cut away for
clarity;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lower end of
a skylight, showing a zip clip engaging the dress ring with the
support ring, with the zip clip illustrated as being displaced into
the support ring to better illustrate the ratchet opening;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present zip tie with
dry wall screw receiving channel, in operable engagement with a
ceiling ring and dress ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a light transmitting
member is shown, generally designated 10, for transmitting light
from a roof-mounted plastic transparent dome 12 to a
ceiling-mounted diffuser plate 14. As disclosed in detail below,
the member 10 can be formed in a cylindrical configuration or in a
slightly tapered, i.e., frusto-conical, configuration to establish
a skylight tube.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the member 10 includes a metal sheet 16
that defines opposed axial edges 18, 20. When the sheet 16 is bent
in the light transmitting configuration shown in FIG. 2, the axial
edges 18, 20 are closely juxtaposed with each other and indeed
overlap each other. In the light transmitting configuration, the
sheet 16 defines a light transmitting channel 21 that is bounded by
an inside surface on which is disposed a reflective coating 22, to
render the inside surface highly reflective.
[0023] In accordance with the present invention, to provide a means
for holding the sheet 16 in the light transmitting configuration
shown in FIG. 2, fasteners are formed on the sheet 16. More
specifically, first and second sets 24, 26 of tab elements,
generally designated 28, are formed integrally in the sheet 16
along respective axial edges 18, 20, as best shown in FIG. 1. The
tab elements 28 in a set accordingly are axially spaced from each
other. More specifically, each set 24, 26 of tab elements includes
two upper elements 28 as shown, two lower elements 28, and a single
middle element 28, although other element patterns can be
established in accordance with present principles. In any case, as
can be appreciated in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tab elements
28 in the first set 24 are juxtaposed with respective tab elements
28 in the second set 26 when the sheet 16 is in the light
transmitting configuration, to establish plural tab element pairs
for purposes to be shortly disclosed.
[0024] In the second set 26 of tab elements, the elements 28 are
colinear with each other as shown in FIG. 1. Also, in the second
set 26, the two upper and two lower tab elements 28 each include a
respective tab 30 formed by a cut in the sheet 16 around three
sides of the tab 30, with a fourth side of the tab 30 being uncut
and consequently establishing a living hinge 32 about which the tab
30 can be pivoted. The free end 34 of each tab 30, i.e., the end
opposite the respective living hinge 32, can be rounded as shown
for safety. When the tab 30 is pivoted away from the sheet 16, a
tab opening 36 is established as shown best in FIG. 1. If desired,
the tab of the middle tab element 28M in the second set 26 can be
removed, such that the middle element 28M consists of a permanent
aperture as shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] The tab elements 28 in the first set 24 are essentially
identical in construction and operation to the tab elements 28 in
the second set 26 shown in FIG. 1 and described above, with the
following exceptions. The top-most element 28T, middle element 28N,
and bottom-most element 28B are axially aligned with each other as
shown. On the other hand, a second top element 28TS that is closely
spaced from the top-most element 28T and second bottom element 28BS
that is closely spaced from the bottom-most element 28B are axially
aligned with other and are slightly axially and radially spaced
from the top-most and bottom-most elements 28T, 28B, respectively.
The middle element 28N of the first set 24 of elements includes
both a tab and a tab opening as shown.
[0026] With the above disclosure in mind, it may now be appreciated
that the tab 30 of the top-most element 28T in the first set 24 can
be moved about its respective living hinge 32 to an engage
configuration, wherein the tab 30 extends radially outwardly from
the sheet 16 and the tab 30 can be received through the tab opening
36 of the corresponding tab element 28 in the opposite set 26.
Also, the tab 30 can be moved to a lock configuration, wherein the
tab 30 is folded back away from the opening 36 in which it is
received to overlap the sheet 16, such that the tab 30 cannot be
easily removed from the tab opening 36 (without bending the tab) to
thereby hold the sheet 16 in the light transmitting configuration.
Likewise, the tab 30 of the middle element 28N in the first set 24
can be engaged with the middle element 28M of the second set 26,
and the bottom-most element 28B of the first set 24 can engage the
corresponding element in the second set 26 of tab elements. It is
to be understood that the tabs 30 in the second set 26 can be
likewise interlocked with tab openings 36 in the first set 24 of
tab elements. In the example above, the second top element 28TS and
second bottom element 28BS are not used, and a skylight tube is
provided that has a cylindrical configuration and a maximum
diameter.
[0027] It is to be further appreciated that instead of using the
top-most and bottom-most elements 28T, 28B, the second top element
28TS and second bottom element 28BS can be used in conjunction with
the middle element 28N of the first set 24, thus providing a
skylight tube with a cylindrical configuration and a minimum
diameter. Still further, a skylight tube can be provided that has a
slightly frusto-conical shape by using the top-most element 28T,
middle element 28N, and second bottom element 28BS of the first set
24. Or, a skylight tube can be provided that has a slightly
frusto-conical shape by using the second top element 28TS, middle
element 28N, and bottom-most element 28B of the first set 24.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a skylight dome fastener adaptor 40 that can be
disposed in a hole 42 of a plastic transparent skylight dome 44.
The top lip portion of a metal flashing 46 can be juxtaposed with
the dome 44. The flashing 46 is formed with a hole 48 that is
juxtaposed with the hole 42 of the dome 44 and that indeed is
coaxial therewith. With this structure, the threaded shank 50 of a
fastener 52 is advanced through the adaptor 40 and can be
threadably engaged with the hole 48 of the flashing 46 (or with a
nut opposite the hole 48) to hold the dome 44 against the flashing
46.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the adaptor 40 includes a hollow hard
plastic rigid body 54 that defines an outer surface 56, and plural,
preferably three, ribs 58 are formed on the outer surface 56. The
ribs 58 engage the hole 42 in the skylight dome 44 in an
interference fit to impede rotation of the body 54 in the hole 42
when torque is applied to the fastener 52.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment shown, each rib 58 includes an
axially aligned outer edge 60 and opposed ramped sides 62, 64 that
extend from the edge 60 to the outer surface 56 of the body 54.
Thus, the ribs 58 have triangular cross-sections. As intended by
the present invention, the ribs 58 are formed integrally with the
body 54.
[0031] In one preferred embodiment, the body 54 is formed with
opposed chamfered ends 66, 68 as shown. If desired, each rib 54 can
include respective rib extensions 70, 72 that are formed on
respective ends 66, 68 of the body 54.
[0032] Now referring to FIG. 4, a lower portion of a skylight
assembly is shown, generally designated 80. The assembly 80
includes a ring-shaped plastic skylight dress ring 82 that supports
a disk-shaped diffuser plate 84. In the preferred embodiment shown,
the dress ring 82 is formed with a ring-shaped vertical flange 86
that in turn is formed with one or more clip holes 88. Moreover, a
metal or plastic ring-shaped skylight support ring 90 has a
vertical flange 92 that is closely spaced from and parallel to the
vertical flange 86 of the dress ring 82. As shown in FIG. 4, the
vertical flange 92 of the support ring 90 terminates at its upper
edge in a ring-shaped horizontal flange 94 that defines at least
one ratchet aperture 96 therethrough. A ratchet tooth 97 extends
into the ratchet aperture 96. If desired, a resilient ring-shaped
rubber or plastic seal 98 can be disposed between the vertical
flange 86 of the dress ring 82 and a lower metal skylight tube
segment 100.
[0033] In accordance with present principles, a flexible plastic
zip clip 102 holds the dress ring 82 and support ring 90 together.
To facilitate this, the zip clip 102 has an elongated body as shown
that defines opposed inner and outer elongated surfaces 104, 106. A
small parallelepiped-shaped clip 108 protrudes from the inner
surface 104, and the clip 108 is closely received in the clip hole
88 of the dress ring 82. Furthermore, the outer surface 106 of the
zip clip 102 is formed with zip tie-like ratchet structure 110 that
is configured to engage the ratchet tooth 97 of the support ring 90
and thereby hold the dress ring 82 onto the support ring 90. Both
the clip 108 and ratchet structure 110 are made integrally with the
body of the zip clip 102.
[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dress ring 82 is
formed with a ramp 110 that terminates in an abutment 112. As shown
in FIG. 4, the lower end of the zip clip 102 is sandwiched between
the abutment 112 and the vertical flange 86 of the dress ring 82,
to support the zip clip 102. If desired, a small piece of felt 114
can be glued into the ratchet aperture 96, with the zip clip 102
being biased against the felt 114 as indicated by the arrow 116 in
FIG. 4.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a flexible plastic zip tie 120 that includes an
elongated body defining first and second ends 122, 124. A zip
tie-like ratchet structure 125 is integrally formed on the zip tie
120 as shown. Furthermore, a rigid clip arm 126 is formed
integrally with and extends perpendicularly away from the end 124
of the tie. In accordance with present principles, the clip arm 126
defines a channel 128 generally parallel to the body of the zip tie
120 and thus perpendicular to the clip arm 126. It is to be
appreciated in reference to FIG. 5 that the channel 128 receives a
threaded fastener 130, such as a dry wall screw, with the fastener
130 self-tapping in the channel 128 as it is engaged therewith.
[0036] With this structure, the zip tie 120 can be used to
interconnect skylight assembly components such as a ceiling ring
132 and dress ring 134 holding a diffuser plate 136 with a portion
of dry wall. More specifically, the zip tie 120 ratchetably engages
the ceiling ring 132 and dress ring 134 in respective ratchet slots
138, 140, and then a structure such as a beam or ceiling or wall
can be clamped between the arm 126 and ceiling ring 132. Moreover,
the fastener 130 can be manipulated to engage further wall or
ceiling structure above the zip tie 120. Completing the description
of FIG. 5, the ceiling ring 132 engages a lower portion 142 of a
skylight tube, and a resilient seal ring 144 can be sandwiched
between the dress ring 134 and lower portion 142.
[0037] While the particular SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONNECTING
SKYLIGHT COMPONENTS as herein shown and described in detail is
fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of the
invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently
preferred embodiment of the present invention and is thus
representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated
by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention
fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to
those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present
invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the
appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular
is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so
stated, but rather "one or more". All structural and functional
equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred
embodiment that are known or later come to be known to those of
ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by
reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.
Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address
each and every problem sought to be solved by the present
invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims.
Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present
disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of
whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly
recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed
under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph,
unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means
for".
* * * * *