U.S. patent application number 11/788727 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for roof tile fastener with attachment feature.
This patent application is currently assigned to Action Metal Fabrications, Corp.. Invention is credited to Agustin Exposito.
Application Number | 20080256887 11/788727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39870816 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080256887 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Exposito; Agustin |
October 23, 2008 |
Roof tile fastener with attachment feature
Abstract
An apparatus for attaching one or more roof tiles to a roof
ridge is disclosed. The apparatus includes a channel positioned
parallel to the roof ridge, the channel having a central planar
strip parallel to the roof ridge and flat sides that extend upwards
at an acute angle from the central planar strip. The channel
accepts adhesive for contact with a roof tile placed longitudinally
on top of the channel, and the channel accepts a screw for
fastening the roof tile to the apparatus. The apparatus further
includes a planar element connected to a distal end of, and
coextensive with, each flat side, wherein each planar element
extends towards either side of the roof ridge, and wherein each
planar element includes a coextensive flat end extending outwards
substantially parallel to the roof ridge. A plurality of orifices
located in the central planar strip allow the adhesive to penetrate
the channel.
Inventors: |
Exposito; Agustin; (Davie,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARK TERRY
950 Peninsula Corporate Circle, Suite 3020
Boca Raton
FL
33487
US
|
Assignee: |
Action Metal Fabrications,
Corp.
|
Family ID: |
39870816 |
Appl. No.: |
11/788727 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/409 ;
52/746.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 2001/3435 20130101;
E04D 1/3402 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/409 ;
52/746.11 |
International
Class: |
E04D 3/36 20060101
E04D003/36 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for attaching one or more roof tiles to a roof
ridge, comprising: a channel positioned parallel to the roof ridge,
the channel having a central planar strip parallel to the roof
ridge and flat sides that extend upwards at an acute angle from the
central planar strip, wherein the channel accepts adhesive for
contact with a roof tile placed longitudinally on top of, and
parallel to, the channel, and wherein the channel accepts a screw
for fastening the roof tile to the apparatus; a plurality of
orifices located in the central planar strip for allowing adhesive
to penetrate the channel; and a planar element connected to a
distal end of, and coextensive with, each flat side, wherein each
planar element extends towards either side of the roof ridge and
wherein each planar element includes a coextensive flat end
extending outwards substantially parallel to one side of the roof
ridge.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each flat side extends upwards
at about 10 degrees from the central planar strip.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each planar element extends
downwards substantially perpendicular from each flat side towards
either side of the roof ridge.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each flat end extends outwards
at about 60 degrees from each planar element.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the length of the apparatus is
about 10 feet.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the height of the apparatus is
from about 3 inches to about 5 inches.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each flat end accepts nails
for attaching the apparatus to either side of the roof ridge.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the channel is about 2-inches
wide.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the channel is from about 1/16
inch to about 2/16 inch deep.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises any
one of: steel, galvanized steel, metal, plastic, aluminum, sheet
metal, plastic and polypropylene.
11. An apparatus for attaching one or more roof tiles to a roof
ridge, comprising: a central planar strip positioned parallel to
the roof ridge; a first planar strip longitudinally parallel to the
central planar strip and extending upwards at an acute angle from a
first side of the central planar strip; a second planar strip
longitudinally parallel to the central planar strip and extending
upwards at an acute angle from a second side of the central planar
strip, wherein a channel formed by the central planar strip and the
first and second planar strips accepts adhesive for contact with a
roof tile placed longitudinally on top of, and parallel to, the
channel, and wherein the channel accepts a screw for fastening the
roof tile to the apparatus; a plurality of orifices located in the
central planar strip for allowing adhesive to penetrate the
channel; a first planar element connected to a distal end of, and
coextensive with, the first planar strip, wherein the first planar
element extends towards a first side of the roof ridge and includes
a coextensive flat end extending outwards substantially parallel to
the first side of the roof ridge; and a second planar element
connected to a distal end of, and coextensive with, the second
planar strip, wherein the second planar element extends towards a
second side of the roof ridge and includes a coextensive flat end
extending outwards substantially parallel to the second side of the
roof ridge.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second planar
strips extend upwards at about 10 degrees from the central planar
strip.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and second planar
elements extend downwards substantially perpendicular from the
first and second planar strips, respectively, towards either side
of the roof ridge.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each flat end extends
outwards at about 60 degrees from the first and second planar
elements, respectively.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the length of the apparatus
is about 10 feet.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the height of the apparatus
is from about 3 inches to about 5 inches.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each flat end accepts nails
for attaching the apparatus to either side of the roof ridge.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the channel is about
2-inches wide.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the channel is from about
1/16 inch to about 2/16 inch deep.
20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises any
one of: steel, galvanized steel, metal, plastic, aluminum, sheet
metal, plastic and polypropylene.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention disclosed broadly relates to the field of
commercial construction, and more particularly relates to the
commercial construction of roofs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The use of barrel roof tiles on residential housing has
increased over the years, especially in areas having substantial
amounts of precipitation. A barrel roof tile comprises a hollow,
semi-cylindrical tile, usually fabricated from a type of clay.
Barrel roof tiles are laid on a slopping roof plane in alternating
columns of convex and concave tiles. Each tile is typically `hung`
from the framework of the roof by fixing it with a fastener such as
a nail. The tiles are usually hung in parallel rows, with each row
overlapping the row below it to exclude rainwater and to cover the
nails that hold the row below. It can be particularly difficult,
however, to attach barrel roof tiles to the ridge of a roof,
wherein two roof planes meet at a protruding apex, because there is
no appropriate location for fastening the roof tile. Without an
appropriate fastening point, it can difficult to adequately secure
roof tiles to a roof ridge. Therefore, it is commonplace to see
roof tiles missing from roof ridges due to precipitation, winds and
storms.
[0006] One approach to this problem is described by U.S. Pat. No.
6,647,675, which discloses a hip and ridge attachment device that
is attached to the ridge of a roof, on top of which the roof tile
is fastened using an adhesive. The device used in this approach
includes a V-form along the top of the device so as to accept the
adhesive necessary to bond the top of the device to the underside
of a barrel roof tile. Adhesive, however, is expensive and its
application requires the use of resources. Further, excessive
adhesive can be messy and difficult to clean up.
[0007] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the
prior art as discussed above, and particularly for a more efficient
way to adequately fasten roof tiles onto a roof ridge while
reducing the amount of adhesive used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for attaching one or more roof tiles to a
roof ridge is disclosed. The apparatus includes a channel
positioned parallel to the roof ridge, the channel having a central
planar strip parallel to the roof ridge and flat sides that extend
upwards at an acute angle from the central planar strip. The
channel accepts adhesive for contact with a roof tile placed
longitudinally on top of, and parallel to, the channel, and the
channel accepts a screw for fastening the roof tile to the
apparatus. The apparatus further includes a plurality of orifices
located in the central planar strip for allowing adhesive to
penetrate the channel. The apparatus further includes a planar
element connected to a distal end of, and coextensive with, each
flat side, wherein each planar element extends towards either side
of the roof ridge, and wherein each planar element includes a
coextensive flat end extending outwards substantially parallel to
one side of the roof ridge. In one alternative, the channel is
about 2 inches wide and from about 1/16 inch to about 2/16 inch
deep and accepts adhesive for contact with a roof tile placed
longitudinally on top of, and parallel to, the channel.
[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus
for attaching one or more roof tiles to a roof ridge is disclosed.
The apparatus includes a central planar strip positioned parallel
to the roof ridge and a first planar strip longitudinally parallel
to the central planar strip and extending upwards at an acute angle
from a first side of the central planar strip. The apparatus
further includes a second planar strip longitudinally parallel to
the central planar strip and extending upwards at an acute angle
from a second side of the central planar strip. A channel is formed
by the central planar strip and the first and second planar strips,
wherein the channel accepts adhesive for contact with a roof tile
placed longitudinally on top of, and parallel to, the channel, and
wherein the channel accepts a screw for fastening the roof tile to
the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a plurality of
orifices located in the central planar strip for allowing adhesive
to penetrate the channel. The apparatus further includes a first
planar element connected to a distal end of, and coextensive with,
the first planar strip, wherein the first planar element extends
towards a first side of the roof ridge and includes a coextensive
flat end extending outwards substantially parallel to the first
side of the roof ridge. The apparatus further includes a second
planar element connected to a distal end of, and coextensive with,
the second planar strip, wherein the second planar element extends
towards a second side of the roof ridge and includes a coextensive
flat end extending outwards substantially parallel to the second
side of the roof ridge.
[0010] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following more
particular description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
features and also the advantages of the invention will be apparent
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings. Additionally, the left-most digit of a
reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference
number first appears.
[0012] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of a
roof tile attachment apparatus, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the roof
tile attachment apparatus of FIG. 1 shown positioned over a roof
ridge.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of the roof
tile attachment apparatus of FIG. 2 shown attached onto the roof
ridge.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of the roof
tile attachment apparatus of FIG. 3 shown further attached onto the
roof ridge.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of the
roof tile attachment apparatus of FIG. 4 shown fully attached onto
the roof ridge.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of the
roof tile attachment apparatus including an attachment feature, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The present invention provides an apparatus for adequately
securing one or more roof tiles to a roof ridge while reducing the
amount of adhesive used to attach a barrel roof tile to the
apparatus. The apparatus includes a channel positioned parallel to
the roof ridge, the channel having a central planar strip parallel
to the roof ridge and flat sides that extend upwards at an acute
angle from the central planar strip. The channel of the apparatus
is about 2 inches wide and from about 1/16 inch to about 2/16 inch
deep, thereby creating a shallow conduit for holding adhesive to
which the underside of barrel roof tiles are attached. The channel
also includes are least one orifice for allowing the adhesive to
penetrate the channel. Although the present invention reduces the
amount of adhesive used to attach a barrel roof tile to the
apparatus, the present invention allows for an amount of adhesive
necessary to bond the roof tile to the apparatus within desired
strengths. Furthermore, the presence of the orifice in the channel
allows the adhesive to penetrate the apparatus and therefore
increase the bond strength between the roof tile and the apparatus,
and, optionally, between the apparatus and the roof ridge.
[0019] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of a
roof tile attachment apparatus 100, according to one embodiment of
the present invention. The roof tile attachment apparatus 100
includes a channel 124 positioned parallel to the roof ridge 144,
which has a first side 140 and a second side 142. The channel 124
includes a central planar strip 108 parallel to the roof ridge 144
and flat sides 106, 116 that extend upwards at an acute angle 146
from the central planar strip 108. The acute angle 146 can be about
10 degrees. In one embodiment of the present invention, the height
148 of the apparatus 100 can be 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5
inches or any substantially equivalent height within that
range.
[0020] In one alternative, the channel 124 is about 2 inches wide
and from about 1/16 inch to about 2/16 inch deep. The channel 124
accepts adhesive for contact with a roof tile placed longitudinally
on top of, and parallel to, the channel 124. In another
alternative, central planar strip 108 of the channel 124 is about
1/4 inch in width and each flat side 106, 116 is about 7/8 inch in
width. In yet another alternative, the central planar strip 108
includes at least one orifice for allowing adhesive to penetrate
the central planar strip. As this adhesive hardens, it creates a
continuous element extending from the roof tile to the apparatus
100, through the orifice in apparatus 100 and optionally onto the
roof ridge 144. Thus, this adhesive provides additional fastening
of the roof tile to the apparatus 100, as well as additional
fastening of the apparatus 100 to the roof ridge 144.
[0021] The apparatus 100 further includes planar element 104, which
is connected to a distal end of, and coextensive with, flat side
106, wherein planar element 104, extends towards side 140 of the
roof ridge 144. The apparatus 100 further includes planar element
114, which is connected to a distal end of, and coextensive with,
flat side 116, wherein planar element 114, extends towards side 142
of the roof ridge 144. The angle 132 between element 106 and
element 104, as well as between element 116 and element 114, is
substantially perpendicular or from about 85 to 90 degrees. In one
alternative, the length of planar elements 104, 114 is about 3 and
3/4 inches.
[0022] The apparatus 100 further includes a coextensive flat end
102 (connected to the distal end of planar element 104) extending
outwards substantially parallel to side 140 of the roof ridge 144.
The apparatus 100 further includes a coextensive flat end 112
(connected to the distal end of planar element 114) extending
outwards substantially parallel to side 142 of the roof ridge 144.
The angle 130 between element 102 and element 104, as well as
between element 112 and element 114, is about 60 degrees. In one
alternative, the length of flat ends 102, 112 is about 1 and 1/4
inches. Upon fastening of the apparatus 100 to the roof ridge 144,
the underside 120 of flat end 102 contacts side 140 of roof ridge
144 and the underside 122 of flat end 112 contacts side 142 of roof
ridge 144.
[0023] The roof tile attachment apparatus 100 can be manufactured
from a variety of materials using a variety of methods. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the roof tile attachment
apparatus 100 can be manufactured from hot-forged alloy steel that
is oil quenched and tempered for maximum strength and durability.
Alternatively, the roof tile attachment apparatus 100 can be
manufactured from 26 gauge Type G-90 galvanized metal.
Additionally, the roof tile attachment apparatus 100 may include
nickel-chrome plating that resists rust.
[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the roof
tile attachment device 100 can be manufactured from aluminum or an
aluminum alloy. Aluminum can be either non-treated, clear or color
anodized. The aluminum alloys are categorized into two types,
non-heat-treatable and heat-treatable.
[0025] Type 1100 non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys are
commercially pure, low-strength alloys having corrosion resistance
and satisfactory anodizing and coating finishes. Type 3003
non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys are the most widely used
general-purpose alloys because of their corrosion resistance,
moderate strength, formability, and weldability. Type 5005
non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys are comparable to Type 3003 in
strength and formability, and have good finishing characteristics,
making it much better for anodizing. They also exhibit corrosion
resistance and weldability, but rates below Type 1100 and Type 3003
alloys for machining.
[0026] Type 5052 non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys are versatile
high-strength alloys with good forming characteristics and
excellent corrosion resistance. Although easily welded, they are
not recommended for brazing and soldering applications. Type 2024
heat-treatable aluminum alloys are high-strength alloys with nearly
twice the strength of Type 5052 and fair corrosion resistance. Type
6061 heat-treatable aluminum alloys are high-strength alloys that
are corrosion resistant and have good finishing, and welding
characteristics. Type 7075 heat-treatable aluminum alloys were
developed for aircraft applications, and re one of the highest
strength, commercially available alloys. They have fair corrosion
resistance and machinability.
[0027] The roof tile attachment apparatus 100 can further be
manufactured using a variety of methods for casting metals. Metal
casting involves the shaping of free-flowing liquid metals through
the use of dies, molds, or patterns. Castings are generally roughly
finished due to the nature of their production. In many cases,
additional finishing is required to remove burrs and other
artifacts of the casting process. Metal castings are used to design
a wide range of components and finished products. Common metal
casting processes include sand casting, die casting, permanent mold
casting, investment casting, centrifugal casting, and lost foam
casting.
[0028] Die-casting includes a number of processes in which reusable
dies or molds are used to produce casting. The die contains an
impression of the finished product together with its running,
feeding and venting systems. The die is capable of a regular cycle
and of (quickly) dissipating the heat of the metal poured into it.
Once the liquid metal has cooled sufficiently, the mold is opened
and the casting can be removed and finished. In permanent mold
casting, molten metal is poured into cast iron molds, coated with a
ceramic mold wash. Cores can be metal, sand, sand shell, or other
materials. When completed, the molds are opened and the castings
are ejected.
[0029] Investment casting involves molding patterns by the
injection of a special wax into a metal die. The patterns are
assembled into a cluster around a wax runner system. The `tree` of
patterns is then coated with eight to ten layers of a refractory
material. The assembly is heated to remove the wax. The hot mold is
cast, and when cool, the mold material is removed by impact,
vibration, grit blasting, high pressure water blasting or chemical
dissolution leaving the castings, which are then removed from the
runner system.
[0030] Centrifugal casting is used to produce castings that are
cylindrical in shape. In centrifugal casting, a permanent mold is
rotated about its axis at high speeds as the molten metal is
poured. The molten metal is centrifugally thrown towards the inside
mold wall, where it solidifies. The casting is usually a fine grain
casting with a very fine-grained outer diameter, which is resistant
to atmospheric corrosion. Lost foam casting is metal casting that
uses foam filled patterns to produce castings. Foam is injected
into a pattern, filling all areas, leaving no cavities. When molten
metal is injected into the pattern, the foam is burned off allowing
the casting to take shape.
[0031] The roof tile attachment apparatus 100 can further be
manufactured using metal injection molding (MIM) method for
preparing metals. MIM is a powder metallurgy process used for
manufacturing metal parts. Although metal injection molding uses
powder metal, it is nothing like conventional powder metal
processing. The metal powders used in MIM are ten to one hundred
times smaller than in powder metal processes. Also, the end product
of metal injection molding is much higher in density (greater than
95% theoretical density). Unlike powder metal, products
manufactured by MIM can be case or through hardened, painted, and
drilled and tapped.
[0032] The roof tile attachment apparatus 100 can further be
manufactured using a variety of metals, such as ferrous metals and
alloys. Ferrous metals and alloys are iron-based materials that are
used in a wide variety of industrial applications. Examples include
carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, tool steels, cast
iron, cast steel, maraging steel, and specialty or proprietary
iron-based alloys.
[0033] There are many types of ferrous metals and alloys. Carbon
steels are ferrous alloys that contain carbon and small levels of
other alloying elements such as manganese or aluminum. Alloy steels
contain low to high levels of elements such as chromium,
molybdenum, vanadium and nickel. Stainless steels are highly
corrosion resistant, ferrous alloys that contain chromium and/or
nickel additions. There are three basic types of products:
austenitic stainless steels, ferritic and martensitic stainless
steels, and specialty stainless steels and iron super-alloys. Tool
steels are wear resistant, but difficult to fabricate in their
hardened form. Specific grades are available for cold-working,
hot-working, and high speed applications. Cast iron is a ferrous
alloy with high amounts of carbon. This category includes ductile
iron, gray iron and white cast iron grades. Cast steel alloy grades
are made by pouring molten iron into a mold.
[0034] The roof tile attachment apparatus 100 can further be
manufactured using nickel and nickel alloys. Nickel and nickel
alloys are non-ferrous metals with high strength and toughness,
excellent corrosion resistance, and superior elevated temperature
properties. Commercially pure, unalloyed or very low alloy nickel
does not contain or contains only very small amounts of alloying
elements. By contrast, nickel alloys contain significant amounts of
added elements or constituents. Clad or bimetal stock consists of
two different alloys that are bonded integrally together. Metal
matrix composites have a composite or reinforced metal or alloy
matrix filled with a second component, which may be in particulate,
chopped fiber, continuous filament, or fabric form. Other unlisted,
specialty or proprietary nickel and nickel alloys are also
available. These materials are often based on a unique alloy
system, use a novel processing technology, or have properties
tailored for specific applications.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the roof tile
attachment apparatus 100 can be manufactured from steel using the
hot rolling method. The metallurgical process of hot rolling, used
mainly to produce sheet metal or simple cross sections from
billets, describes the method of when industrial metal is passed or
deformed between a set of work rolls and the temperature of the
metal is generally above its recrystallization temperature, as
opposed to cold rolling, which takes place below this temperature.
This permits large deformations of the metal to be achieved with a
low number of rolling cycles.
[0036] Because the metal is worked before crystal structures have
formed, this process does not itself affect its microstructural
properties. Hot rolling is primarily concerned with manipulating
material shape and geometry rather than mechanical properties. This
is achieved by heating a component or material to its upper
critical temperature and then applying controlled load which forms
the material to a desired specification or size.
[0037] Mechanical properties of the material in its final as-rolled
form is a function of: the material chemistry, reheat temperature,
rate of temperature decrease during deformation, rate of
deformation, heat of deformation, total reduction, recovery time,
recrystallisation time, and subsequent rate of cooling after
deformation.
[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, the roof
tile attachment device 100 may be hot-dipped galvanized steel.
Hot-dip galvanizing is a form of galvanization. It is the process
of coating iron or steel with a thin zinc layer, by passing the
steel through a molten bath of zinc at a temperature of around
460.degree. C. When exposed to the atmosphere, pure zinc reacts
with oxygen to form zinc oxide, which further reacts with carbon
dioxide to form zinc carbonate, a dull gray, fairly strong material
that stops further corrosion in many circumstances, protecting the
steel below from the elements. Galvanized steel is widely used in
applications where rust resistance is needed, and can be identified
by the crystalization patterning on the surface (often called a
"spangle").
[0039] The process of hot-dip galvanizing results in a
metallurgical bond between zinc and steel with a series of distinct
iron-zinc alloys. The resulting coated steel can be used in much
the same way as uncoated. Galvanized steel can be welded; however,
one must exercise caution around the resulting zinc fumes.
Galvanized steel is suitable for high-temperature applications of
up to 200.degree. C. Use at temperatures above this level will
result in peeling of the zinc at the intermetallic layer.
Galvanized sheet steel is commonly used in automotive manufacture
to enhance corrosion performance of exterior body panels of some
models.
[0040] Steel strip can be hot-dip galvanized in a continuous line.
Hot-dip galvanized steel strip (also sometimes loosely referred to
as galvanized iron) is extensively used for applications requiring
the strength of steel and resistance to corrosion. Applications
include: roofing and walling, consumer appliances and automotive
body parts. One common use is in metal pails.
[0041] Individual metal articles, such as steel girders or wrought
iron gates, can be hot-dip galvanized by a process called batch
galvanizing. Other modern techniques have largely replaced hot-dip
for these sorts of roles. This includes electrogalvanizing, which
deposits the layer of zinc from an aqueous electrolyte by
electroplating, forming a thinner and much stronger bond.
[0042] Zinc coatings prevent corrosion of the protected metal by
forming a barrier, and by acting as a sacrificial anode if this
barrier is damaged. When exposed to the atmosphere, zinc reacts
with oxygen to form zinc oxide, which further reacts with water
molecules in the air to form zinc hydroxide. Finally zinc hyroxide
reacts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to yield a thin,
impermiable, tenacious and quite insoluble dull gray layer of zinc
carbonate which adheres extremely well to the underlying zinc, so
protecting it from further corrosion, in a way similar to the
protection afforded to aluminium and stainless steels by their
oxide layers.
[0043] Hot dip galvanizing deposits a thick, robust layer that may
be more than is necessary for the protection of the underlying
metal in some applications. This is the case in automobile bodies,
where additional rust proofing paint will be applied. Here, a
thinner form of galvanizing is applied by electroplating, called
"electro-galvanization". However, the protection this process
provides is insufficient for products that will be constantly
exposed to corrosive materials such as salt water. Nevertheless,
most nails made today are electro-galvanized.
[0044] Galvanic protection (also known as sacrificial-anode or
cathodic protection) can be achieved by connecting zinc both
electronically (often by direct bonding to the protected metal) and
ionically (by submerging both into the same body of electrolyte,
such as a drop of rain). In such a configuration the zinc is
absorbed into the electrolyte in preference to the metal that it
protects, and maintains that metal's structure by inducing an
electric current. In the usual example, ingots of zinc are used to
protect a boat's hull and propellers, with the ocean as the common
electrolyte.
[0045] As noted previously, both mechanisms are often at work in
practical applications. For example, the traditional measure of a
coating's effectiveness is resistance to a salt spray. Thin
coatings cannot remain intact indefinitely when subject to surface
abrasion, and the galvanic protection offered by zinc can be
sharply contrasted to more noble metals. As an example, a scratched
or incomplete coating of chromium actually exacerbates corrosion of
the underlying steel, since it is less electrochemically active
than the substrate.
[0046] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the roof
tile attachment apparatus of FIG. 1 shown positioned over the roof
ridge 144. The roof tile attachment apparatus 100 shows the channel
124 positioned parallel to the roof ridge 144, which has a first
side 140 and a second side 142. The channel 124 includes a central
planar strip 108 parallel to the roof ridge 144 and flat sides 106,
116 that extend upwards at an acute angle 146 from the central
planar strip 108. Each flat side 106, 116, which is parallel to the
roof ridge 144, is shown as a planar strip coextensive with central
planar strip 108. FIG. 2 further shows planar element 104 extending
towards side 140 of the roof ridge 144 and planar element 114
extending towards side 142 of the roof ridge 144. In one
alternative, the depth 220 of roof tile attachment apparatus 100 is
about 10 feet.
[0047] Also note that the channel 108 of the roof tile attachment
apparatus 100 includes at least one orifice 266 for allowing
adhesive to penetrate the central planar strip 108. As this
adhesive hardens, it creates a continuous element extending from
the roof tile to the apparatus 100, through the orifice in
apparatus 100 and optionally onto the roof ridge 144. The orifices
266 may be created by standard drilling or by metal stamping or
metal punching.
[0048] FIG. 2 also shows a flat end 102 (connected to the distal
end of, and coextensive with, planar element 104) extending
outwards substantially parallel to side 140 of the roof ridge 144.
Also shown is a flat end 112 (connected to, and coextensive with,
the distal end of planar element 114) extending outwards
substantially parallel to side 142 of the roof ridge 144. The roof
tile attachment apparatus 100 is shown positioned such that the
underside 206 of apparatus 100 straddles the roof ridge 144.
[0049] Upon fastening of the apparatus 100 to the roof ridge 144,
the underside 120 of flat end 102 contacts side 140 of roof ridge
144 and the underside 122 of flat end 112 contacts side 142 of roof
ridge 144. In one embodiment of the present invention, the roof
tile attachment apparatus 100 is attached to the roof ridge 144
through the use of a fastener, such as a 1 and 1/4 inch rink shank
nail. FIG. 2 shows a rink shank nail 202 being driven through flat
end 102 and contacting side 140 of roof ridge 144. In one
alternative, a rink shank nail is driven through each flat end 102,
112 every 8 feet along the roof tile attachment apparatus 100 so as
to attach the apparatus 100 to the roof ridge 144.
[0050] Shown to the side, on side 140 of roof ridge 144, is a set
of barrel roof tiles 210. Barrel roof tiles are semi-cylindrical
tiles are typically made by forming clay around a log and laid in
alternating columns of convex and concave tiles. Barrel roof tiles
are `hung` from the framework of a roof by fixing them with nails.
The tiles are usually hung in parallel rows, with each row
overlapping the row below it to exclude rainwater and to cover the
nails that hold the row below.
[0051] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of the roof
tile attachment apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 shown attached onto the
roof ridge 144. FIG. 3 shows that, upon fastening of the apparatus
100 to the roof ridge 144, the underside 120 of flat end 102
contacts side 140 of roof ridge 144 and the underside 122 of flat
end 112 contacts side 142 of roof ridge 144. The roof tile
attachment apparatus 100 is attached to the roof ridge 144 through
the use of fasteners 304, 306, such as a 1 and 1/4 inch rink shank
nail, being driven through flat end 102 and contacting side 140 of
roof ridge 144. Note that the flat end 102 is attached to side 140
of roof ridge 144 adjacent to the tile set 210.
[0052] FIG. 3 also shows that an adhesive 302 has been applied and
sits within channel 124 of roof tile attachment apparatus 100. A
hip ridge barrel tile 308 is shown being placed on top of, and
parallel to, roof tile attachment apparatus 100 such that adhesive
302 bonds the underside 310 of the tile 308 to the roof tile
attachment apparatus 100. In one embodiment of the present
invention, adhesive 302 comprises a single-component polyurethane
adhesive.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the barrel roof
tile 308 includes an orifice 322 located at one end of the barrel
roof tile 308--the end facing the apex of the roof. The orifice 322
extends through the material of the barrel roof tile 308. A
fastener 320, such as a 2.5 inch galvanized aluminum #8 screw, may
be used to fasten the barrel roof tile 308 to the ridge 144. The
fastener 320 extends through the barrel roof tile 308 and screws
into the apparatus 100 at location 324 so as to fasten the tile 308
to the ridge 144. This fastening feature acts in addition to the
adhesive 302, which serves to fasten the barrel roof tile 308 to
the ridge 144. The additional use of the screw 320 may comply with
certain state building code requirements, such as Section 120-3.10
of the Florida Building Code, which requires that "ridge tiles are
mechanically fastened."
[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
apparatus 100 includes at least one orifice (not shown) in the
central planar strip of channel 124, which orifice allows for the
adhesive 302 to penetrate the channel 124 and provide further
fastening of the roof tile 308 to the apparatus 100. If the
adhesive 302 penetrates through the orifice and up to the ridge
144, the apparatus 100 would be further fastened to the ridge
144.
[0055] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of the roof
tile attachment apparatus 100 of FIG. 3 shown further attached onto
the roof ridge 144. FIG. 4 shows an adhesive 302 being applied to
channel 124 of roof tile attachment apparatus 100 while a hip ridge
barrel tile 308 is shown being placed on top of, and parallel to,
roof tile attachment apparatus 100 such that adhesive 302 bonds the
underside of the tile 308 to the roof tile attachment apparatus
100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive 302 is
applied to the roof tile attachment apparatus 100 using a
pressurized dispenser gun 402.
[0056] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of the
roof tile attachment apparatus 100 of FIG. 4 shown fully attached
onto the roof ridge 144. FIG. 4 shows the adhesive 302 having been
applied to channel 124 of roof tile attachment apparatus 100 while
a hip ridge barrel tile 308 is shown being placed on top of, and
parallel to, roof tile attachment apparatus 100 such that adhesive
302 bonds the underside 310 of the tile 308 to the roof tile
attachment apparatus 100. FIG. 5 further shows that end 506 of
barrel tile 308 contacts and lays on top of substantially
perpendicular barrel tile 502 on side 140 of roof ridge 144, such
that rain water and other precipitation is kept on top of the tiles
as it is brought downwards by gravity. Likewise, end 508 of barrel
tile 308 contacts and lays on top of substantially perpendicular
barrel tile 504 on side 142 of roof ridge 144.
[0057] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of the
roof tile attachment apparatus 100 including an attachment feature,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6
is an illustration of a cross sectional view of the roof tile
attachment apparatus 100 of FIG. 4 shown fully attached to the
apparatus 100. FIG. 6 shows the adhesive 302 having been applied to
channel 124 (comprised of sides 106, 116 and strip 108) of roof
tile attachment apparatus 100 while a hip ridge barrel tile 308 is
shown being placed on top of, and parallel to, roof tile attachment
apparatus 100 such that adhesive 302 bonds the underside 310 of the
tile 308 to the roof tile attachment apparatus 100.
[0058] FIG. 6 further shows that the apparatus 100 includes at
least one orifice 266 in the central planar strip 108 of channel
124, which orifice allows for the adhesive 302 to penetrate the
channel 124 and provide further fastening of the roof tile 308 to
the apparatus 100. The adhesive 302 is shown to penetrate orifice
266 and create a plug 602 forming a protrusion or bud on the
underside of the apparatus 100. Because the plug 602 is wider than
the orifice 266, the adhesive 302, once cured or hardened, cannot
be removed from the apparatus 100 easily. Because the adhesive 302
comprises a continuous element from the underside 310 of roof tile
308, through orifice 266 of apparatus 100 and under the apparatus
100, the roof tile 308 is further fastened to the apparatus 100
and, by extension, the ridge 144. If the adhesive 302 penetrates
through the orifice and further downwards to make contact with the
ridge 144 (not shown), the apparatus 100 would be further fastened
to the ridge 144 and, by extension, the roof tile 308 would be
further fastened to the apparatus 100.
[0059] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand
that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of
the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific
embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that the appended claims
cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments
within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *