U.S. patent application number 12/399738 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for seam clamp.
This patent application is currently assigned to Roofers World Inc.. Invention is credited to Craig Elliot, Jiri Krupka, Robin Nelson, Mark Sunderland, Han Yao.
Application Number | 20100058701 12/399738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41060237 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100058701 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yao; Han ; et al. |
March 11, 2010 |
SEAM CLAMP
Abstract
A seam clamp for attachment to a standing seam on a metal roof
does not damage the seam during use. The clamp is easily assembled
and disassembled by the user. Roofing accessories can be attached
to the seam clamp.
Inventors: |
Yao; Han; (Ottawa, CA)
; Sunderland; Mark; (Ottawa, CA) ; Krupka;
Jiri; (Ottawa, CA) ; Elliot; Craig; (Ottawa,
CA) ; Nelson; Robin; (Ottawa, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP
575 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10022-2585
US
|
Assignee: |
Roofers World Inc.
Ottawa
ON
|
Family ID: |
41060237 |
Appl. No.: |
12/399738 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61095186 |
Sep 8, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/547 ;
52/749.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/10 20130101;
E04D 13/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/547 ;
52/749.12 |
International
Class: |
E04D 1/34 20060101
E04D001/34; E04D 15/00 20060101 E04D015/00 |
Claims
1. A seam clamp, comprising: a first jaw and second jaw, said first
and second jaws each comprising: a top portion; an inner surface
for engaging a standing seam; and an outer surface; said first and
second jaws converging when positioned against the standing seam; a
clamping bracket positioned over said first and second jaws, said
clamping bracket comprising: a base portion having a first leg and
second leg, each leg wedged adjacent a respective one of said outer
surfaces of said jaws; an upper portion joining said legs, said
upper portion positioned adjacent the top portion of said first jaw
and second jaw; wherein said clamping bracket includes an
attachment means for attachment of equipment and supplies.
2. The seam clamp of claim 1, wherein said inner surface comprises
a cavity for receiving an abutment of said standing seam.
3. The seam clamp of claim 1, wherein said clamping bracket is
further secured to said jaws with a securing bolt.
4. The seam clamp of claim 3, wherein the securing bolt penetrates
one of the first or second legs of said clamping bracket.
5. The seam clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second jaws
are flexibly connected to each other.
6. The seam clamp of claim 1, wherein said attachment means is an
eye bolt or a base element of a roof bracket.
7. The seam clamp of claim 1, wherein the clamping bracket supports
equipment selected from the group consisting of a safety lanyard, a
guard railing system, a roof bracket and a guy tire system.
8. The seam clamp of claim 1, wherein said inner surface comprises
rubber or an elastomer.
9. A seam clamp, comprising: a first jaw and second jaw, said first
and second jaws each comprising: a top portion; an inner surface
for engaging a standing seam; and an outer surface; said first jaw
parallel to said second jaw when positioned against the standing
seam; a clamping bracket positioned over said first and second
jaws, said clamping bracket comprising: a base portion having a
first leg and second leg, each leg positioned adjacent a respective
one of said outer surfaces; an upper portion joining said legs,
said upper portion positioned adjacent the top portion of said
first jaw and second jaw; and an attachment means for attachment of
equipment and supplies; and a securing means penetrating one of the
first or second legs of said clamping bracket for securing said
clamping bracket to said first and second jaws, and clamping said
first and second jaws to the standing seam.
10. The seam clamp of claim 8, wherein said inner surface comprises
a cavity for receiving an abutment of said standing seam.
11. The seam clamp of claim 8, wherein the first jaw and second jaw
are flexibly connected to each other.
12. The seam clamp of claim 8, wherein said attachment means is an
eye bolt or a base element of a roof bracket.
13. The seam clamp of claim 8, wherein said inner surface comprises
rubber or an elastomer.
14. A seam clamp, comprising: a first jaw and second jaw, said
first and second jaws each having: a top portion; an inner surface
defined by a top flange and a bottom flange separated by a cavity
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 joining said legs, said upper portion
positioned adjacent the top portion of said first jaw and second
jaw; and an attachment means for attachment of equipment and
supplies; 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.
15. The seam clamp of claim 14, wherein the first jaw and second
jaw are flexibly connected to each other.
16. The seam clamp claim 14, wherein the bottom flange comprises
rubber or an elastomer.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to clamps. More specifically,
the present invention relates to clamps attached to standing seams
on metal roofs.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Due to the rising cost of oil, metal-paneled roofs are often
more economical to use than oil-based shingles. Unlike shingle
roofs, metal roofs are comprised of contiguous metal panels that
are joined at standing seams. These seams are typically the only
point of attachment for equipment and supplies used by roof
workers.
[0003] Several types of clamps have been disclosed in the prior art
for the attachment to standing seams of specific roofing equipment
such as safety lanyards, snow-guards or wind-uplift prevention
bars.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,033 discloses a clamp to control uplift
on a metal roof. The clamp includes a mounting body having a slot
extending therethrough. The clamp is attached to the metal seam by
a number of blunt-nosed screws that are engaged directly to the
seam, causing a permanent dent in the seams. However, the seam is
disfigured permanently by bolts that attach the clamp to the seam
directly; thereby leading to the breakdown of the interlocking
mechanism between metal panels. This, for example, increases the
likelihood of roof leakage.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,623 discloses a standing seam metal roof
wind uplift prevention bar that employ a transverse bar to provide
a structural anti-lift bracket on the roof panel. The transverse
bar goes across the standing seams of the metal roof. Clamps hold
the transverse bar onto the standing seams. The clamps are shaped
specifically to hold the transverse bar. In addition, the clamps
are attached to the standing seams with a plurality of small screws
that directly engage the seams.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,612 discloses a two-piece clamp for
standing seams. The clamp comprises a C-shaped clamp body and an
insert that interfaces with the lower portion of the clamp body.
The clamp is secured to the standing seam by positioning the clamp
body over the seam, and tightening a screw type fastener, which
compresses the standing seam against the insert. As the fastener is
tightened, an indentation forms on the surface of the standing
seam.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,338 discloses a multi-piece clamp for
standing seams. The clamp includes a clamp body with a slot for
receiving a standing seam and at least one insert. In one
embodiment, a single L-shaped insert is secured to the clamp body
with one or more threaded screw type fasteners. As the fastener is
tightened, the L-shaped insert frictionally engages the surface of
the standing seam, securing the clamp in place. In another
embodiment, two inserts are used, with one insert positioned on
either side of the standing seam. As the fastener is tightened, the
first insert compresses the standing seam resulting in the
formation of an indentation on the surface of the standing seam,
which in turn compresses the second insert.
[0008] In both U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,013,612 and 7,100,338 the screw
type fasteners that secure the clamp to the seam also disfigure the
surface of the standing seam permanently. In addition, when these
clamps are secured to "T" style standing seams, which are typically
no higher than 11/2'', the clearance between the base of the clamp
body and the surface of the roof panel is extremely limited. As a
result, the placement of the insert or inserts within the clamp
body is more challenging and time consuming. In addition, the
insert could also slide or move out of position while the fastener
is tightened unless the worker holds the insert in position while
tightening. Depending upon the clearance, this might even
necessitate the installer to remove his or her gloves in order to
place the insert into the proper position. The placement of the
fastener below the top of the standing seam further complicates the
assembly of the clamp due to the close proximity to the surface of
the roof panel. In "T" style standing seams, which are typically on
the order of 3/4'' to 1'' in height, a specialized jointed tool
might even be required to tighten the fastener. There is also a
possibility that after long-term heavy use, the position between
the clamp body, and the insert might have offset, such that the
insert might slide out of the clamp body. Due to the complex
structure of the clamp, the components will also need to be
machined with a sufficient level of tolerance to ensure that the
components will fit each other properly. In addition, where a minor
deformation is present on the standing seam, these clamps cannot be
slightly adjusted to compensate for the deformation.
[0009] US Patent Publication No. 20050217203A1 discloses a two
piece mounting clamp for trapezoidal rib profile roofing panels.
The clamp is secured by mating the two clamp halves together across
a trapezoidal rib profile roofing panel, and fastening the halves
with a threaded screw type fastener. However, as the more the
fasteners are tightened to engage the two clamp halves together,
the greater the likelihood that the clamp might slide off the
seam.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,770 discloses a roof anchor that
includes a pair of blocks positioned on opposite sides of the seam.
Each block has an inner surface with notches cut therein to receive
a standing seam. The blocks are aligned together by use of a small
pin. A bracket is positioned over the blocks. The bracket and
blocks are clamped to the seam by use of a plurality of threaded
fasteners that penetrate each block and the bracket above the seam.
The fasteners further employ small washers and nuts. Furthermore,
the roof anchor is designed specifically for the attachment of a
safety lanyard. The clamp disclosed in this patent is also clamped
together by bolts that pass above the seam and penetrate the entire
width of the clamp. This leads to an indirect gripping force on the
seam that would cause the top face of the blocks to converge and
apply less force to the portion of the seam against the roof. This
uneven application of force against the standing portion of the
seam can result in deformation, and damage to the seam.
[0011] Canadian Patent No. 2,094,310 discloses a seam clamp that
comprises a first elongate part having a mating surface, a
longitudinal recess having dimensions like those of the seam; a
second elongate part having a mating surface opposing the recess
and mating surface of the first part; and a fastener for drawing
the two parts together. The clamp design must conform to the
specific shape of the seam. As such, a different clamp design must
be made for "I", "T", and inverted "L"-shaped seams, respectively.
For all practical purposes, the fastener is a bolt that penetrates
both elongate parts, and is tightened with the use of small parts,
such as a washer and nut.
[0012] In U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,725,623 and 7,240,770 as well as US
Patent Publication No. 20050217203A1, the clamp is specifically
designed for a particular type of roofing attachment, thereby
making the clamp inadaptable 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 cited prior art require a number
of small parts and screws for attachment to the seam, thereby
increasing the both the complexity of clamp installation, along
with the maintenance of the clamp itself.
[0013] There is thus a requirement for a versatile clamp that can
attach to different shapes of metal roof seams, while serving as a
base for the attachment of a variety of roofing accessories and
equipment. In addition, in order to prevent deforming or damaging
the seam, the assembled clamp should apply an even force to the
standing portion of the seam, while avoiding the direct engagement
of bolts (or blunt-edged screws) to the seam. Finally, the clamp
should be simple enough to install and maintain, without the use of
small parts such as screws, washers and nuts.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a seam
clamp that neither damages nor punctures the roofing panels. The
seam clamp can be installed and removed quickly, if required, even
if the roofer is wearing gloves. Alternatively, the seam clamp can
be permanently coupled to the seam. For ease of maintenance and
assembly, the seam clamp comprises a minimum number of parts of a
conveniently manageable size that are easy to combine. The seam
clamp can also be applied to a variety of seam shapes. Furthermore,
the seam clamp can serve as a base for different types of roofing
supplies and equipment. A plurality of seam clamps can be used to
secure the seams of a metal roof at high stress points, such as
near roof edges and corners, thereby adding stability to the metal
roof against wind lift.
[0015] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a seam clamp comprising a first jaw and second
jaw, the first and second jaws each comprising a top portion, an
inner surface for engaging a standing seam and an outer surface.
The first and second jaws converge when positioned against the
standing seam. A clamping bracket is positioned adjacent to one of
the first or second jaws. The clamping bracket comprises a base
portion having a first leg and second leg. Each leg is wedged
adjacent the top of a respective one of the outer surfaces of the
jaws. An upper portion join the legs. The upper portion is
positioned adjacent the top portion of the first jaw and second
jaw. The clamping bracket includes an attachment means for
attachment of equipment and supplies.
[0016] The inner surface may include a cavity for receiving an
abutment of the standing seam. The portion of the inner surface
that engages the standing seam may comprise rubber or an elastomer.
While the clamping bracket is wedged onto the converging jaws, it
can be additionally secured to the jaws with a securing bolt, which
penetrates one of the first or second legs of the clamping bracket,
without penetrating the jaws. There is therefore no need of small
screws, nuts or washers.
[0017] While the clamping bracket serves as a clamping means, it
also provides an interface point for attaching equipment such as a
safety lanyard, a guard railing system, a roof bracket or a guy
wire system. The attachment means include an eye bolt, a base
element of a roof bracket for platform support, slot or other
suitable attachment mechanism. For ease of transport, the jaws can
be flexibly connected to each other if needed.
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a seam clamp, comprising a first jaw and second jaw. The
first and second jaws each comprise a top portion, an inner surface
for engaging a standing seam and an outer surface. The first jaw is
about parallel to the second jaw when positioned against the
standing seam. A clamping bracket is positioned over the first and
second jaws. The clamping bracket comprises a base portion having a
first leg and second leg, each leg positioned adjacent a respective
one of the outer surfaces, an upper portion joining the legs which
is positioned adjacent the top portion of the first jaw and second
jaw and an attachment means for attachment of equipment and
supplies. In addition, a securing means penetrates one of the first
or second legs of the clamping bracket for securing the clamping
bracket to the first and second jaws and clamping the first and
second jaws to the standing seam.
[0019] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a seam clamp, comprising a first jaw and second jaw. The
first and second jaws each have a top portion, an inner surface
defined by a top flange and a bottom flange separated by a cavity
for receiving a standing seam and an outer surface. A clamping
bracket is positioned over the first and second jaws. The clamping
bracket comprises a base portion having a first leg and second leg.
Each leg is positioned adjacent a respective one of the outer
surfaces. An upper portion which is positioned adjacent the top
portion of the first and second jaws joins the legs. The upper
portion also comprises an attachment means for attachment of
equipment and supplies. A securing bolt penetrates 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.
[0020] The objects, features and advantages of the present
invention are further illustrated in the following detailed
description of the embodiments as shown in the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seam clamp in one
embodiment of the present invention attached to a seam of a
metal-paneled roof.
[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the seam clamp in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3a is a front planar view of the cross-section taken at
3-3' of the seam clamp in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIGS. 3b and 3c illustrate the engagement of the seam clamp
(shown in FIG. 3a) to different shaped seams.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a top view of the clamp in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a front planar view of the clamp in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a left planar view of the clamp in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a right planar view of the clamp in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a front planar view of the cross-section of the
seam clamp in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a side view of the seam clamp shown in FIG.
9.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention attached to a seam of a metal-paneled roof.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the seam clamp in FIG.
11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a seam clamp (5) in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates the seam clamp (5) clamped onto a raised
seam (12) of a metal roof (10). The assembled seam clamp (5)
includes a clamping bridge (15) that straddles two parallel jaws
(20a, 20b), which are clamped onto the vertical portion of the
raised seam (12) via a clamping or fastening bolt (30). Clamping or
fastening bolt (30) may be positioned on either side of the seam
clamp (5). The clamping bridge (15) has an attachment means (25)
such as the illustrated eye bolt which is affixed on its top
surface for the attachment of multifunctional building components.
The attachment means (25) may also be a slot or other device to
couple multifunctional building components to the seam clamp.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the seam clamp (5)
shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, the seam clamp (5) consists of the
two parallel jaws (20a, 20b), a clamping bridge (15), and a
clamping or fastening bolt (30) that engages the clamping bridge
(15) to the outside surface (40) of one of the jaws (20a). This in
turn engages the second jaw (20b) to the standing seam (not shown)
since both jaws (20a, 20b) work in apposition to each other. The
clamping or fastening bolt (30) only penetrates the clamping bridge
(15), but does not penetrate either jaw (20a or 20b). Since the
jaws (20a, 20b) work in parallel, there is no wedge effect to
secure the clamping bridge (15) onto the jaws (20a, 20b). An
additional means, such the clamping or fastening bolt (30), is
required to secure the clamping bridge (15) onto jaws (20a,
20b).
[0037] As seen in FIG. 2, each jaw (20a, 20b) has an inner surface
(35) and an outer surface (40). During assembly, a cavity (55) is
formed and extends the length of each jaw (20a, 20b) from one end
thereof to the other. The inner surface (35) is defined by two
flanges, a lower flange (45) and an upper flange (50) which are
separated by the cavity (55) for receiving a standing seam of a
metal roof. The lower flange (45) of each jaw (20a, 20b) may
comprise material with a suitable hardness that grips the seam,
such as rubber or an elastomer that neither scratches nor corrodes
the roof. The clamping bridge (15) consists of a base portion
having a pair of legs (65a, 65b) and an upper portion (60) joined
to the legs (65a, 65b), resembling an inverted "U". One of the legs
(65a or 65b) has a threaded bore-(58) for receiving the clamping or
fastening bolt (30). The upper portion (60) of the clamping bridge
(15) has an attachment threaded bore (75) for the attachment of
roofing supplies and equipment. For example, a screw-eye can be
attached therein as a primary tethering point for equipment, such
as a safety lanyard, a guard railing system, a roof bracket or a
guy wire system. Alternatively, the upper portion (60) can have an
alternate means for securing roofing equipment or supplies such as
a slot, not shown in FIG. 2.
[0038] FIG. 3a illustrates the engagement of the jaws (20a, 20b)
with the raised seam (12), as seen from a cross-section taken along
3-3' in FIG. 1. The lower flange (45) engages the vertical portion
of the raised seam (12), while the cavity (55) is large enough to
allow for the acceptance a horizontal abutment (14) of the seam
(12). In the illustrated embodiment, the raised seam is "T"-shaped.
However, it is clear that the seam clamp of the present invention
accepts seams in the art that have other shapes, including
partially horizontal abutments, such as an inverted "L" shape seam
(12') shown in FIG. 3b comprising horizontal abutment (14') or no
horizontal abutment whatsoever, such as an "I"-shape seam (12'')
shown in FIG. 3c.
[0039] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate the top, front planar, left planar and
right-planar views, respectively, of the seam clamp shown in FIG.
1.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear-planar view of a cross-section of
the assembled seam clamp (5).
[0041] The fastening bolt (30) penetrates only one of the legs
(65a) of the clamping bridge (15) through a threaded bore (70).
[0042] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 8, when the seam clamp (5) is coupled
to the seam (12), the lower flanges (45) of each jaw (20a, 20b) are
engaged with one another by the tightening of the fastening bolt
(30) through the affixed clamping bridge (15).
[0043] The seam clamp (5) illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 is applied as
follows. The user opens the jaws (20a, 20b), and closes them on
opposite sides of the standing seam (12). The user applies the
clamping bridge (15) over the jaws (20a, 20b), thereby engaging the
upper flanges (50) of each jaw (20a, 20b) together, and the lower
flanges (45) to the vertical portion (12) of the roof seam. The
clamp (5) is attached to the seam (12) by turning the head of the
clamping or fastening bolt (30) through the threaded bore (70) in
the leg (65a) of the clamping bridge (15). A tool, such as a torque
wrench is used to tighten the clamping or fastening bolt (30)
against the jaw (20a), thereby clamping the seam claim (5) to the
seam (12). The seam clamp (5) can be applied to the seam (12) in
either direction, i.e., the clamping or fastening bolt (30) can be
on the left or right, making the clamp easily accessible for the
left handed user. When the attachment means is a device that is of
uniform cross-section, such as the eye bolt illustrated in the
FIGS. 1-8, the position of the clamping or fastening bolt (30) does
not matter as the clamp (5) may be turned prior to coupling to suit
the user. The fitting of the clamping bridge (15) over the jaws
(20a, 20b) is considerably less complex and time consuming than the
placement of the inserts into the clamping bodies of the
multi-component clamps in the prior art. In addition, there is no
need for small parts (such as washers and nuts) when using the
clamping or fastening bolt (30), resulting in a seam clamp that is
easy to install and maintain.
[0044] It should be noted that the clamping or fastening bolt (30)
may also be applied at an angle through the clamping bridge (15).
In this arrangement, not illustrated, the tip of the fastening bolt
(30) applies pressure to the lowest part of the seam, which reduces
distortion of the seam. Furthermore, this alignment enables a tool,
such as a socket wrench or a torque wrench, to be attached to the
head of the fastening bolt and turned with maximum clearance from
the roof panels.
[0045] The seam clamp (5) can be easily moved along the same seam
by loosening the clamping or fastening bolt (30) with a tool, such
as a torque wrench, sliding the seam clamp to its new location, and
tightening it once again with the tool. In addition, it can be
quickly disassembled, and clamped to a different seam in a short
span of time.
[0046] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment in accordance
with the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the various components of
the seam clamp (105) prior to the placement of the clamping bridge
(115) onto the two converging jaws (120a, 120b) which are
optionally flexibly connected to each other via a flexible jaw
connection (121). In this embodiment, the clamping bridge (115) has
a lanyard connection ring (125) affixed on its top surface, and an
optional fastening bolt (130) on one of its legs (122b). As the
clamping bridge (115) is pulled over the converging jaws (120a,
120b), it squeezes the jaws together, like a wedge, and holds the
seam clamp in place onto the raised seam (112) of the metal roof
(110). The user can further secure the clamping bridge (115) onto
the converging jaws (120a, 120b), if needed, by tightening the
fastening bolt (130) with a tool such as a wrench. While the
fastening bolt (130) penetrates the clamping bridge (115), it does
not penetrate either of the converging jaws (120a, 120b), and
therefore, it does not directly engage the raised seam (112).
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the assembled seam clap
shown in FIG. 9, in which the clamping bridge (115) is wedged onto
the converging jaws (120a, 120b), which in turn engage the raised
seam (112) with a substantially even force applied to the seam
(112). If the fastening bolt (130) is used, it does not engage the
seam (112) at all. In either case, there is no deformation or
damage to the seam (112). The lower portion of each converging jaw
(120a, 120b) is made of material with a suitable hardness that
grips the seam (112), such as rubber or an elastomer that neither
scratches nor corrodes the roof.
[0049] The clamping bridge (115) provides an interface point for
attaching equipment other than a lanyard. For example, it can serve
as a platform for supplies by removing the ring (125) and adding a
second clamping bridge adjacent to the first. The entire assembly
can then be moved up and down the roof with a tool box or other
accessory attached to it, without the use of a fastening bolt or
wrench.
[0050] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment in accordance
with the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates the seam clamp
(205) clamped onto a raised seam (212) of a metal roof (210). The
assembled seam clamp (205) comprises a first clamping member (220a)
and a second clamping member (220b), which are clamped onto the
vertical portion of a raised seam (212) via a clamping or fastening
bolt (230). The assembled seam clamp (205) forms a slot (225) for
the attachment of multifunctional building components. The second
clamping member (220b) can include a groove (250) in which fits
clamping or fastening bolt (230).
[0051] Referring to FIG. 12, the first clamping member (220a)
includes lower and upper concave-shaped recesses (240a, 241a), and
the second clamping member (220b) includes lower and upper
convex-shaped distal ends (240b, 241b) respectively. Distal end
(240b) has an additional cup shape about 2-4 degrees deep to allow
for relatively sharper edges in the convex shape which assist in
gripping the seam (212) during use. The recesses (240a, 241a) and
distal ends (240b, 241b) may have matching contours. The first
clamping member (220a) and second clamping member (220b) are made
of a material with a suitable hardness to grip the raised seam
(212), such as rubber or an elastomer that does not corrode the
roof.
[0052] As recess (241a) and distal end (241b) are engaged, and
fastening bold (230) is tightened, recess (240a) and distal end
(240b) compress against the surface of raised seam (212) forming a
dimple or slight indentation on the surface of raised seam (212).
This dimple or indentation provides for a more secure engagement of
the seam clamp (205). Raised seam (212) is not penetrated or unduly
bent.
[0053] Clamping or fastening bolt (230) fits within a bore in each
clamping member (220a, 220b). The bore is about 2-4 degrees off the
horizontal (not shown in figures), such that when the fastening
bolt (230) is tightened and the seam clamp (205) clamps to the
raised seam (212), the tightened clamping members (220a, 220b)
straighten into place and the clamp becomes about perpendicular to
the roof panel axis. As such the concave-shaped recesses (240a,
241a) work in conjunction to offset the small angle of the clamping
or fastening bolt (230) during operation.
[0054] A nut (260) engages fastening bolt (230) to secure the
clamping members (220a, 220b) together. Optionally, nut (260) may
be configured to be press fit into groove (250) such that groove
(250) is spaced to frictionally engage the nut (260) of fastening
bolt (230) and permit fastening bolt (230) to be tightened without
the use of a wrench. As such, seam clamp (205) may be secured to
the raised seam (212) in a quick and efficient manner. Optionally,
recess (240a) and distal end (240b) may be sized to form a
relatively larger dimple or indentation on the surface of raised
seam (212) if a permanent engagement is desired.
[0055] The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12 can also be
modified to accommodate minor deformations in the standing seam,
providing increased flexibility and reducing assembly time. This
embodiment also engages the standing seam from above and below the
top of the seam, which provides increased performance.
[0056] In addition, the slight seam deformation which occurs during
use of this embodiment is approximately perpendicular to the axis
of the roof panel, unlike the clamps of the prior art where the
seam deformation is parallel to the axis of the roof panel and in
the direction of the standing seam. This strengthens the seam clamp
during operation, especially when subjected to heavier loads.
[0057] It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
present invention is not limited to the embodiments described
herein, but includes all embodiments within the scope of the
claims.
* * * * *