U.S. patent application number 12/073505 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-11 for roofing bracket for supporting a platform.
Invention is credited to Jiri Krupka, Robin Nelson, Han Yao.
Application Number | 20080302934 12/073505 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39732001 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080302934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson; Robin ; et
al. |
December 11, 2008 |
Roofing bracket for supporting a platform
Abstract
A base element for assembly of a roofing bracket comprises a
fastening means for temporarily or attaching the base element to a
metal or non-metal roof and an upper surface. The upper surface
comprises a means for engagement of an underside of an upper member
of the roofing bracket. The upper member can be selectively
attached to the base element in a first or second position.
Inventors: |
Nelson; Robin; (Ontario,
CA) ; Krupka; Jiri; (Ottawa, CA) ; Yao;
Han; (Ottawa, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARENT FOX LLP
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
39732001 |
Appl. No.: |
12/073505 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60893250 |
Mar 6, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 3/26 20130101; E04D
15/00 20130101; E04D 13/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/237 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/02 20060101
A47G029/02 |
Claims
1. A base element for assembly of a roofing bracket, said base
element comprising: a fastening means for temporarily attaching the
base element to a roof; and an upper surface, wherein said upper
surface comprises a means for engagement of an underside of an
upper member of said roofing bracket, whereby said upper member can
be selectively attached to said base element in a first or second
position.
2. The base element of claim 1, wherein the fastening means
comprises slots for receiving nails.
3. The base element of claim 1, wherein said fastening means is a
seam clamp, said seam clamp comprising: a first jaw and second jaw,
said first and second jaws each having a top portion; an inner
surface with a cavity therein for receiving a standing seam; and an
outer surface; a clamping bracket positioned over said first and
second jaws, said clamping bracket including a base portion having
a first leg and second leg, each leg positioned adjacent a
respective one of said outer surfaces, an upper portion, positioned
adjacent the top portion of said first jaw and second jaw, joining
said legs; and a securing bolt penetrating one of the first or
second legs of said clamping bracket for fastening said first and
second jaws together, securing said clamping bracket to said first
and second jaws, and clamping said first and second jaws to the
standing seam, whereby said upper portion of said clamping bracket
is attached to the upper surface of the base element.
4. The base element according to claim 1, wherein said upper
surface has keyhole slots, and wherein said underside of said upper
member has depending lugs for engaging in said keyhole slots in
either of said first and second positions.
5. The base element according to claim 1, wherein said upper
surface has an elongated slot, and wherein said underside of said
upper member has a depending elongated lug for engaging in said
elongated slot in either of said first and second positions.
6. The base element according to claim 1, further comprising a
means for locking said upper element when said upper element is
engaged to said base element.
7. The base element of claim 1, wherein said upper member has two
platform support surfaces oriented so that a first of said platform
support surfaces lies at a relatively shallow angle to said
underside, and a second of said support surfaces lies at a
relatively steep angle to said underside.
8. The base element according to claim 7, wherein said platform
support surfaces form a triangle with said underside, and wherein
said first and second positions of the upper member lie at
180.degree. to each other.
9. The base element according to claim 8, wherein said platform
support surfaces and said underside are separated by a triangular
web plate.
10. The base element according to claim 9, wherein said triangular
web plate comprises one or more apertures.
11. The base element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said first
platform support surface lies at an angle of between 40 and
50.degree. to said underside, and wherein said second platform
support surface lies at an angle of between 60 and 70.degree. to
said support.
12. The base element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said first
platform support surface lies at an angle of between 40 and
50.degree. to said underside, and wherein said second platform
support surface lies at an angle of between 85 and 95.degree. to
said support.
13. The base element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said
platform support surfaces each include a plank retaining lip at an
outer end of said platform support surface remote from the
underside, said platform support surfaces both being capable of
accommodating planks of equal size.
14. The base element according to claim 13, wherein said platform
support surfaces each accommodates a plank of size 2.times.6 or
2.times.10.
15. The base element according to claim 7, wherein said upper
member has a platform support surface that is at a right angle to
said underside.
16. The base element according to claim 15, wherein said wherein
said platform support surface accommodates a plank of size
2.times.4 or 2.times.6.
17. A roofing bracket for supporting a platform on a sloping roof
such that the platform may be generally horizontal, comprising: a
base element, said base element comprising a fastening means for
temporarily attaching the base element to a roof, and an upper
surface; an upper member having an underside readily attachable to
said upper surface of the base element in first and second
different positions, said upper member having two platform support
surfaces oriented so that a first of said platform support surfaces
lies at a relatively shallow angle to said underside, and a second
of said support surfaces lies at a relatively steep angle to said
underside, whereby said upper member can be selectively attached to
said base member in said first position at which the first platform
support surface is generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is
used on a relatively shallow angled roof, and can alternatively be
attached to the base member in said second position in which the
second platform support surface is generally horizontal when the
roofing bracket is used on a relatively steeply angled roof.
18. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said
platform support surfaces form a triangle with said underside, and
wherein said first and second positions of the upper member lie at
180.degree. to each other.
19. The roofing bracket according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said
first platform support surface lies at an angle of between 40 and
50.degree. to said underside, and wherein said second platform
support surface lies at an angle of between 60 and 70.degree. to
said support.
20. The roofing bracket according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said
first platform support surface lies at an angle of between 40 and
50.degree. to said underside, and wherein said second platform
support surface lies at an angle of between 85 and 95.degree. to
said support.
21. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said base
element has a raised portion having keyhole slots, and wherein said
underside of said upper member has depending lugs for engaging in
said keyhole slots in either of said two positions.
22. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said base
element has a raised portion having an elongated slot, and wherein
said underside of said upper member has a depending elongated lug
for engaging in said elongated slot in either of said two
positions.
23. The roofing bracket according to claim 22, wherein said base
element comprises a means for locking said upper element onto said
base element.
24. The roofing bracket according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said
platform support surfaces each include a plank retaining lip at an
outer end of said platform support surface remote from the
underside, said platform support surfaces both being capable of
accommodating planks of equal size.
25. The roofing bracket according to claim 24, wherein said
platform support surfaces each accommodates a plank with size
2.times.6 or 2.times.10.
26. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said base
element has a flat lower portion adapted to lie against a roof
surface.
27. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said base
element has a lower portion adapted to engage a seam.
28. A roofing bracket for supporting a platform on a sloping roof
such that the platform may be generally horizontal, comprising: a
base element, said base element comprising a fastening means for
temporarily attaching the base element to a roof, and an upper
surface; an upper member having an underside readily attachable to
said upper surface of the base element in first and second
different positions, said upper member having a platform support
surface that lies at a relatively right angle to said underside,
whereby said upper member can be selectively attached to said base
member in said first position or second position at which the
platform support surface is generally horizontal when the roofing
bracket is used on a relatively perpendicular roof.
29. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said first
and second positions of the upper member lie at 180.degree. to each
other.
30. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base
element has a raised portion having keyhole slots, and wherein said
underside of said upper member has depending lugs for engaging in
said keyhole slots in either of said two positions.
31. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base
element has a raised portion having an elongated slot, and wherein
said underside of said upper member has a depending elongated lug
for engaging in said elongated slot in either of said two
positions.
32. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base
element comprises a means for locking said upper element onto said
base element.
33. The roofing bracket according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said
platform support surface includes a plank retaining lip at an outer
end of said platform support surface remote from the underside.
34. The roofing bracket according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said
platform support surface includes two plank retaining lips at an
outer end of said platform support surface remote from the
underside, said retaining lips both being capable of accommodating
planks of different size.
35. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said
platform support surfaces each accommodates a plank with size
2.times.4 or 2.times.6.
36. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base
element has a flat lower portion adapted to lie against a roof
surface.
37. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base
element has a lower portion adapted to engage a seam.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/893,250 entitled "Roofing Bracket
for Supporting a Platform" filed Mar. 6, 2007. This application is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a base element used in the
assembly of roofing brackets, and to roofing brackets used for the
support of roofing accessories and equipment.
[0003] Roofing brackets have been used for many years for
supporting roofing accessories and equipment. Usually, a roofing
bracket is designed for the attachment of a specific type of
accessory. For example, a certain class of roofing brackets has
been designed for the support of one or more planks to provide a
generally horizontal platform for use by roofers. Another class of
roofing brackets can be used only for the attachment of safety
lanyards. Yet a third class includes roofing brackets designed
solely for the attachment of accessories such as a security light,
a satellite dish, an access ladder, a flag pole or a snow
guard.
[0004] Usually the brackets are fixed temporarily to the roof. In
the case of non-metal roofs, this entails the use of nails
removably fixed to the roof through holes or slots in a base
portion of the bracket such that the bracket can be easily detached
from the roof, for re-positioning, without removing the nails.
These means are typically not used for metal roofs, due to the
resulting permanent puncture damage to the roof. Rather, on metal
roofs the typical bracket is temporarily attached to a roof seam
with the aid of non-piercing bolts or clamps. In other instances,
the underside of the base element of the bracket comprises a
material that grips the metal roof.
[0005] In the case of assembling platforms for non-metal roofs,
many of the known roof brackets are designed so that the supported
platform is only truly horizontal at a particular roof angle.
However, some are designed so that the angle between the roof and
the platform supported by the bracket can be varied to suit
different degrees of roof slope. Typical of the variable-angle roof
brackets are those shown in the following U.S. patents and
published application:
[0006] Application No. 2007/0022702 to Lallier, published Feb. 1,
2007,
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,101, issued May 4, 2004 to Macri et
al.,
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,390, issued Apr. 24, 2001 to Pike,
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,102, issued Apr. 4, 2000 to
Terenzoni,
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,578, issued Nov. 23, 1999 to Davies,
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,600, issued Nov. 9, 1999 to Bitner,
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,859, issued Jan. 10, 1995 to Pigman,
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,148, issued Jun. 7, 1994 to Franco et
al.,
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,775, issued Dec. 5, 1989 to Fischer,
Jr.,
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,745, issued Aug. 15, 1989 to Mabie,
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 2,496,556, issued Feb. 7, 1950 to Nelson,
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 1,691,478, issued Nov. 13, 1928 to
Henderson,
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 1,592,384, issued Jul. 13, 1026 to Peck,
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 1,341,597, issued May 25, 1920 to
Showalter,
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 1,111,707, issued Sep. 22, 1914 to Schorn,
and
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 687,666, issued Nov. 26, 1901 to Spring.
[0022] The above patents and published application show various
means for altering the angle of the platform-supporting surface
relative to a base which attaches to a roof. Most use pivotal props
which can be engaged in different positions to hold the
platform-supporting surface at different orientations, and some use
turnbuckles. However, in practice many roofing brackets do not
permit any angular adjustment, suggesting the need for a simple and
sturdy roofing bracket that can easily be used at different angles
and does not rely on the engagement of a prop.
[0023] In EP 1,852,562 and EP 1,882,066, Hedlund discloses a
multi-bracket for non-metal roofs that specifically supports a
snow-guard, while also providing a deformation portion for
receiving and levelling excessive loads, such as pulling loads from
a falling person who is attached via a lifeline. Once deformed, a
new bracket must replace the damaged bracket.
[0024] Several types of seam clamps have been disclosed that attach
to specific roofing equipment or to assemblies that enhance the
strength of the metal roof. The prior art in this field suffers
from a number of drawbacks. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,033, the seam is
disfigured permanently by bolts that attach the clamp to the seam
directly, which increases the likelihood of roof leakage. In both
U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,623 and US Patent Publication No 2006/0096238,
the clamp is specifically designed for a particular type of roofing
attachment, thereby making the clamp unable to adapt to other
roofing accessories. A similar drawback is present in both U.S.
Pat. No. 6,725,623 and Canadian Patent No. 2,094,310, wherein the
clamp has a specific design for a particular shape of the metal
roof seam. This feature limits the use of the clamp to seams of a
certain shape. Finally, the clamps disclosed in the above prior art
require a number of small parts and screws for attachment to the
seam, thereby increasing the complexity of clamp assembly.
[0025] There is thus a need for an all-purpose, sturdy base element
that can be temporarily attached to both metal and non-metal roofs,
and which serves as a base for the attachment of a variety of upper
members that support roofing accessories and equipment. For
example, the base element can easily be used with an attachment
that supports different sized planks at different angles without
the engagement of a prop. The same base element can also be
attached to form a bracket that supports accessories such as a guy
tire an anchor, a security light, a satellite dish, an access
ladder, a flag pole or a snow guard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a base element for assembly of a roofing bracket,
wherein the roofing bracket has an upper member. The base element
comprises a fastening means for removably attaching the base
element to a roof. The upper surface of the base element comprises
a means for engagement of an underside of the roofing bracket's
upper member such that the upper member can be selectively and
removably attached to the base element.
[0027] In one embodiment, the fastening means includes slots for
receiving nails to attach the base element to a non-metal roof.
[0028] In another embodiment for metal roofs which have seams, the
fastening means is a clamping bracket of a seam clamp. Such a seam
clamp can comprise a first jaw and second jaw. Each jaw has a top
portion, an inner surface with a cavity therein for receiving a
standing seam, and an outer surface. The clamping bracket is
positioned over the first and second jaws. The clamping bracket
includes a base portion having a first leg and second leg. Each leg
is positioned adjacent one of the outer surfaces. The clamping
bracket also has an upper portion positioned adjacent the top
portion of the first jaw and second jaw, joining the legs; and a
securing bolt penetrating one of the first or second legs of the
clamping bracket for fastening the first and second jaws together,
securing the clamping bracket to the first and second jaws, and
clamping the first and second jaws to the standing seam. The upper
portion of the clamping bracket is attached to the upper surface of
the base element.
[0029] The upper surface of the base element preferably has keyhole
slots, and the underside of the upper member has depending undercut
lugs for engagement with the keyhole slots of the base member in
either of the two positions.
[0030] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the base element has
an elongated slot, while the underside of the upper member has a
depending elongated lug for engaging the elongated slot of the
upper surface in either of said two positions.
[0031] The base element preferably includes a locking mechanism to
secure the upper element to the base element.
[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a roofing bracket for supporting a platform on a
sloping roof such that the platform may be generally horizontal.
The roofing bracket comprises a base element. The base element
comprises a fastening means for removably attaching the base
element to a roof. The base element also has an upper surface that
engages an upper member. The upper member has an underside readily
attachable to the upper surface of the base element in first and
second positions. The upper member has two platform support
surfaces oriented so that one platform support surface lies at a
relatively shallow angle to the underside, and the other support
surface lies at a relatively steep angle to the underside. The
upper member can be removably attached to the base member in the
first position resulting in the first platform support surface
being generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is used on a
relatively shallow angled roof. Alternatively, the upper member can
be removably attached to the base member in the second position
resulting in the second platform support surface being generally
horizontal when the roofing bracket is used on a relatively steeply
angled roof.
[0033] The two platform support surfaces form a triangle with the
underside of the upper member so that one of these support surfaces
can be made uppermost by orientating the upper member in one of two
positions at 180.degree. to each other. Each of the support
surfaces preferably includes a plank retaining lip at the outer end
of the surface remote from the underside.
[0034] Typically the first platform support lies at an angle of
between 40 and 50.degree. to the underside, and the second platform
support lies at an angle of between 60 and 70.degree. to the
underside. As used herein, references to "relatively shallow" and
"relatively steep" are to be understood as including these angles.
Such an upper member supports any size planks, including standard
2.times.6 and 2.times.10 planks.
[0035] It is also typical that the first platform support lies at
an angle of between 40 and 50.degree. to the underside, and the
second platform support lies at an angle of between 85 and
95.degree. to the underside. Again, such an upper member supports
any size planks, including standard 2.times.6 and 2.times.10
planks.
[0036] The prior art includes many examples of roofing brackets
that are non-adjustable, from which it appears that the angle at
which the platform is held is not critical. Thus, the term
"generally horizontal" should be understood in this context as
meaning that the platform should preferably be within about
20.degree. of the horizontal, at least for most sloping roofs.
[0037] In one embodiment, the base has a flat lower portion adapted
to lie against a roof surface and has a raised portion, the raised
portion having keyhole slots, and the underside of the upper member
has depending undercut lugs for engaging in the keyhole slots in
either of the two positions.
[0038] In another embodiment, the base element has a lower portion
adapted to engage a seam, as described above.
[0039] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a roofing bracket for supporting a platform on a sloping
roof such that the platform may be generally horizontal, comprising
a base element, wherein the base element comprises a fastening
means for removably attaching the base element to the roof, and an
upper surface. The base element also comprises an upper member
having an underside readily attachable to the upper surface of the
base element in first and second different positions. The upper
member has a platform support surface that lies at about a
relatively right angle to the underside, such that the upper member
can be selectively attached to the base member in the first
position or second position. In either position, the platform
support surface is generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is
used on a roof with a relatively deep slope. This type of upper
member supports any size planks, including standard 2.times.4 and
2.times.6 planks.
[0040] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a roofing bracket comprising a base
element and an upper member that ARE either permanently attached to
each other or which together form one integral member. The base
element comprises a fastening means for removably attaching the
base element to a roof. The upper surface of the base element
comprises a means for engagement of an underside of the roofing
bracket's upper member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described
by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
base of the roofing bracket,
[0043] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 1,
[0044] FIG. 3 is a detailed side view of the base of FIG. 1,
[0045] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
the base of the roofing bracket,
[0046] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 4,
[0047] FIG. 6 is a detailed side view of the base of FIG. 4,
[0048] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
the base of the roofing bracket,
[0049] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 7,
[0050] FIG. 9 is a detailed side view of the base of FIG. 7,
[0051] FIG. 10a is a detailed side view of an embodiment of an
upper member that attaches to the base of FIG. 1,
[0052] FIG. 10b is a detailed side view of an embodiment of an
upper member similar to that of FIG. 10a,
[0053] FIG. 11 is an underside plan view of the upper member of
FIG. 10a,
[0054] FIG. 12a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket
comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG.
1,
[0055] FIG. 12b is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket of
FIG. 12a, with the upper member engaged to the base at an angle of
180.degree. relative to its position in FIG. 12a,
[0056] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
upper member designed to accommodate a 2.times.6 platform,
[0057] FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the
upper member designed to accommodate a 2.times.10 platform.
[0058] FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an
upper member that engages the base member of FIGS. 4-6.
[0059] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of an anchor that engages
the base member of FIGS. 4-6.
[0060] FIG. 17 shows a top perspective view of a roof bracket
comprising the upper element of FIG. 15 with the base member of
FIG. 4.
[0061] FIG. 18 shows a top perspective view of a roof bracket
comprising the anchor of FIG. 16 with the base member of FIG.
4.
[0062] FIG. 19a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket
comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG.
4,
[0063] FIG. 19b is top perspective view of the roofing bracket
comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 4,
at an angle of 180.degree. relative to its position in FIG.
19a,
[0064] FIG. 20 is an underside perspective view of an upper member
designed to engage the base member of FIG. 7,
[0065] FIG. 21a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket
comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG.
7,
[0066] FIG. 21b is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket
comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 7,
at an angle of 180.degree. relative to its position in FIG.
21a,
[0067] FIG. 22a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket
comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG.
7,
[0068] FIG. 22b is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket
comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 7,
at an angle of 180.degree. relative to its position in FIG.
21a,
[0069] FIG. 23 is a top perspective view an upper member engaged to
the base member of FIG. 7.
[0070] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of an eye engaged to the
base member of FIG. 7.
[0071] FIG. 25 is a side view of the roofing bracket shown in FIGS.
1-5 as used on a roof with a relatively shallow slope and showing a
plank which provides the platform,
[0072] FIG. 26 is a side view of the roofing bracket of FIG. 6, as
adapted for use on a roof with a relatively steep slope by
re-arrangement of the upper member on the base, and
[0073] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a base element for a
metal roof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate one embodiment of the base (10),
which may be a metal pressing or a casting, preferably made of
steel. It and has a flat underside portion including an attachment
strip (10a) at a normally upper end, and which divides into spaced
surface portions (10b) separated by a flat raised portion (10c)
extending down to the normally lower end. The attachment strip
(10a) has angled slots (12) for receiving nails or other suitable
attachment means allowing the strip to be temporarily and removably
secured to a roof.
[0075] The flat raised portion 10c is parallel to the underside and
connected thereto by sloping shoulders (10d). The raised portion
(10c) has a pair of keyhole-shaped slots (14) adjacent its ends,
with the larger ends of the keyhole slots being at the normally
upper end. The raised portion (10c) is preferably cast, rather than
welded, for enhanced structural strength.
[0076] FIGS. 4-6 show another embodiment of the base member (100),
in which the shoulders (100d) are vertical. In addition, there are
three slots (114), with two sets of angled slots (112) on either
side of the attachment strip (110a).
[0077] FIGS. 7-9 show another embodiment (200) of the base. Here, a
T-shaped track (216) is used instead of keyholes, to engage the
upper member. The T-shaped track extends from one extremity of the
flat raised portion 210c, towards the other extremity. However, the
track (216) does not extend completely to the other extremity, in
order to securely engage the upper member. In addition, there is
small hole (217) in each shoulder (210d) for use with a bolt (not
shown) that serves as a locking mechanism between the base and the
upper member.
[0078] FIG. 10a shows an upper member (20), which is a metal
casting, such as an aluminium-zinc alloy or ductile iron, and which
is of triangular form having flat rectangular flanges all around,
as seen in plan view in FIG. 11. Those skilled in the art would
recognize that flanges are a common occurrence in metal casting. In
addition, flanges serve to shield sharp edges and corners, thereby
enhancing the safety of the bracket. The upper member (20) has an
underside (22), a first outer surface (24) lying at an angle of
45.degree. to the underside, and a second outer surface (26) lying
at an angle of 60.degree. to the underside and meeting the surface
(24) at an apex. These surfaces are supported by a central,
triangular gusset or web plate (28), preferably apertured for
lightness. FIG. 10b shows an upper member (520) that includes a
central, triangular gusset or web plate (528) that has no
apertures. The placement location and shape of these holes (27)
allows for the even distribution of the load. Not only do the
apertures cut down on the overall weight of the upper member (20),
one can also hang equipment or other attachments from the holes
(27). In the depicted embodiment, the holes (27) are circular,
although other forms of the holes are also contemplated. The
underside (22) has two undercut lugs (30) dimensioned and spaced to
fit within and to positively engage the keyhole slots (14) in the
base portion (10c) of the base member shown in FIGS. 1-3, so that
the upper member can be selectively positioned on the base in two
different positions orientated at 180.degree. to each other. FIG.
12a shows the upper member (20) positioned on the base (10), while
FIG. 12b shows the same upper member (20) engaged to the same base
at an angle of 180.degree. relative to its position in FIG.
12a.
[0079] Each of the outer surfaces (24) and (26) has, at its outer
end, a stop member (24a), (26a), and an interned lip (24b), (26b),
designed to retain a plank in position. These stops and lips are
formed adjacent to each other and provide mutual support, and are
designed so that each surface (24), (26) can accommodate the same
size of plank. FIG. 13 shows an upper member designed to
accommodate a 2.times.6 plank, while FIG. 14 shows an upper member
designed to accommodate a 2.times.10 plank, In both FIGS. 13 and
14, the first outer surface (24) lies at an angle of 45.degree. to
the underside, and the second outer surface (26) lies at an angle
of 60.degree. to the underside.
[0080] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of an upper member (40)
that attaches to the base member of FIGS. 4-6. This upper member
(40), which is of a metal casting, such as aluminium-zinc alloy or
ductile iron, is designed to support a plank. It comprises a
platform (47) and an element (48) that emanates about
perpendicularly from the platform (47). At its extremity, the
perpendicular element (48) has a stop member (49), and an interned
lip (50), designed to retain a plank in position. FIG. 17 shows the
engagement of the upper element (40) with the base member (100) of
FIG. 4.
[0081] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of an anchor (60) that attaches
to the base member shown in FIGS. 4-6. The anchor (60) comprises a
platform (61); two legs (62a and 62b) that are each attached to the
platform (61). At the top of each leg is a hole (64) for receiving
an end of a cylindrical element (65); the cylindrical element (65)
thus connects to each of the legs. FIG. 18 shows the engagement of
the anchor (60) with the base member (100).
[0082] The base member shown in FIGS. 4-6 can also engage with an
upper member of the type shown in either of FIGS. 10a and 11. FIG.
19a shows an upper member (80) (designed to support planks) engaged
with the base member (100), while FIG. 19b shows the same upper
member (80) engaged to the same base member (100) at an angle of
180.degree. relative to its position in FIG. 19a.
[0083] FIG. 20 shows an underside perspective of an upper member 90
similar to that shown in FIGS. 10a and 11, with the exception that
the underside (91) of this upper member has a rectangular-shaped
element (92) dimensioned and spaced to fit within and to positively
engage the T-shaped slot (214) in the base portion 210c of the base
member (200) shown in FIG. 7, so that the upper member can be
selectively positioned on the base member in two different
positions orientated at 180.degree. to each other. FIG. 21a shows
the upper element (90) engaged with the base member (200), while
FIG. 21b shows the same upper element (90) engaged to the same base
member (200) at an angle of 180.degree. relative to its position in
FIG. 21a.
[0084] FIG. 22a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket
comprising an upper member (95) engaged to the base member (200).
As with the other upper members of the present invention that have
a triangular form, the upper member (95) is a metal casting, such
as of aluminium-zinc alloy or ductile iron, having flat rectangular
flanges all around. The upper member (95) has a flat portion (122),
a first outer surface (124) lying at an angle of 45.degree. to the
flat portion, and a second outer surface (126) lying at an angle of
90.degree. to the flat portion and meeting the surface (124) at an
apex. These surfaces are supported by a central, triangular gusset
or web plate (128), preferably apertured to decrease their weight.
The underside has a rectangular element dimensioned and spaced to
fit within and to positively engage the T-shaped slot (214) in the
base portion (210c) of the base member (200), so that the upper
member can be selectively positioned on the base in two different
positions orientated at 180.degree. to each other. FIG. 22b shows
the same upper member (95) engaged to the base member (200) at an
angle of 180.degree. relative to its position in FIG. 22a.
[0085] Each of the outer surfaces (124) and (126) has, at its
extremity, a stop member (124a), (126a), and a lip (124b), (126b),
designed to retain a plank in position. These stops and lips are
formed adjacent to each other and provide mutual support, and are
designed so that each surface (124), (126) can accommodate the same
size of plank.
[0086] Various shapes and configurations of upper members can be
attached to the base member. An example of a bracket for the
support of two different-sized planks is shown in FIG. 23, where
the upper member (105) is engaged to the base member (200). In this
embodiment, the upper member (105), which is of a metal casting,
such as aluminium-zinc alloy or ductile iron, comprises a
horizontal platform (147) and an element (148) that emanates about
perpendicularly from the platform (147). At its extremity, the
perpendicular element (148) has two stop members (151a), (152a),
each with a lip (151b) and (152b) designed to retain a plank in
position. The height of each lip is dimensioned to hold a plank of
a specific dimension. In this example, the bracket can support
planks such as standard 2.times.4 or 2.times.6 planks.
[0087] In another embodiment, FIG. 24 shows the attachment of an
eye (305) to base member (200). Here, the eye comprises a platform
(310), and a small blunt-edged hook (315) placed in a raised
position above the flat surface. The eye (305) is used as part of a
guy tire system. For example, one end of a rope can be tied to the
eye, while the other end is attached to a roofer, thus providing a
fall arrest system. In another application, several eyes can be
used in conjunction with ropes to hang or transport wooden
planks.
[0088] FIGS. 25 and 26 show how the bracket can be used for
supporting a plank P on roofs R and R' of differing slopes. In each
case the attachment strip (10a) is secured to the roof by nails
(16) inserted in the slots (12) and resting at the upper ends of
these slots. In FIG. 25, the bracket is used on a roof with shallow
slope, of about 45.degree., and the upper member (20) is orientated
so that surface (24) faces upwardly and supports the plank P in
horizontal position. FIG. 26 shows the situation when the bracket
is used on a steep roof angled at about 60.degree., in which case
the upper member (20) is re-positioned on the base (10) so that the
surface (26) is uppermost and supports the plank horizontally.
[0089] The sloping slots (12) of the base are designed so that the
base can easily be removed from a position on the roof, prior to
being re-positioned, merely by applying upwards force to its lower
end, and without removing the nails (16). For this purpose the
lower end of the base extends below the lower end of part (20), so
that force can be applied to the base without impacting on part
(20).
[0090] An embodiment of the base member (400) for attachment to a
metal roof is shown in FIG. 27. Here, the base element comprises an
upper surface that is a block member (410) with a T-shaped slot
(420) extending from one edge (440) of the upper surface (430),
towards the opposite edge (450). The slot does not extend through
the entire length of the upper surface. The block member (410)
includes a small hole (460) for receiving a bolt (not shown) that
locks the upper member in place. The block member is attached to a
clamping bridge (470) that constitutes part of a seam clamp as
previously described.
[0091] The foregoing has constituted a description of specific
embodiments showing how the invention may be applied and put into
use. These embodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its
broadest, and more specific aspects, is further described and
defined in the claims which now follow.
[0092] These claims, and the language used therein, are to be
understood in terms of the variants of the invention which have
been described. They are not to be restricted to such variants, but
are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention as is
implicit within the invention and the disclosure that has been
provided herein.
* * * * *