U.S. patent application number 12/931475 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for clip assembly for standing seam roof panels.
Invention is credited to Gino Ray.
Application Number | 20120192519 12/931475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46576171 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120192519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ray; Gino |
August 2, 2012 |
Clip assembly for standing seam roof panels
Abstract
A continuous clip for connecting standing seam roof panels to
roof support members has a first Z-shaped clip member and a second
C-shaped clip member nested against the first clip member. Each
clip member has an upright portion, an upper flange and a lower
flange. The upper flanges of the clip members extend in opposite
directions and are configured to fit within the channels formed by
folded upper edges of the adjacent roof panels. The lower flanges
are attached to the roof support under the roof panels.
Inventors: |
Ray; Gino; (Slidell,
LA) |
Family ID: |
46576171 |
Appl. No.: |
12/931475 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/520 ; 52/698;
52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 3/366 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/520 ; 52/698;
52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E04D 1/34 20060101
E04D001/34; E04B 1/38 20060101 E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A clip assembly for connecting a standing seam roof panel to a
roof support member in which a roof panel has upwardly turned
opposing edges, each edge formed a generally U-shaped channel, the
clip assembly comprising: a first clip member having a first clip
upright portion, a first clip upper flange secured to an upper end
of the first clip upright portion and extending transversely
outwardly from the first clip upper portion in a first direction,
and a first clip lower flange secured to a lower end of the first
clip upright portion and extending in a second direction
substantially opposite to the first direction; and a second clip
member having a second clip upright portion secured in parallel to
the first clip upright portion, a second clip lower flange secured
to a lower end of the second clip upright portion and extending
transversely outwardly from the second clip upright portion in a
direction substantially parallel to the second direction of the
first clip lower flange, and a second clip upper flange secured to
an upper end of the second clip upright portion and extending in a
direction substantially opposite to the first direction of
extension of the first clip upright portion.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip upper flange is
configured to fit within the U-shaped channel of a roof panel and
the second clip upper flange is configured to fit within the
U-shaped channel of an adjoining roof panel.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first clip lower
flange and the second clip lower flange comprises a first proximate
part secured to a respective upright portion and extending at a
generally right angle thereto, a second middle part unitary
connected to the first proximate part and extending at a generally
obtuse angle to the first proximate part, and a third distant part
unitary connected to the middle part and extending at a generally
obtuse angle to the middle part.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the distant parts of the first
clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange are oriented at
a vertical level above the proximate parts of the first clip lower
flange and the second clip lower flange.
5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the distant part of the second
clip lower flange contacts an underside of the roof panel when
installed.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip lower flange has
a longitudinal dimension at least slightly greater than a
longitudinal dimension of the second clip lower flange.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip upright portion
contacts the second clip upright portion along substantially entire
length thereof.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly forms a
continuous body extending along lengths of adjoining roof
panels.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip lower flange and
the second clip lower flange is each configured to extend in a
generally parallel relationship to each other.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip lower flange
and the second clip lower flange is each configured for attachment
to the roof support member below the roof panel.
11. A clip assembly for connecting a roof panel to a roof support
member in which a roof panel has upwardly turned opposing edges,
each edge formed a generally U-shaped channel, the clip assembly
comprising: a generally Z-shaped first clip member having a first
clip upright portion, a first clip upper flange secured to an upper
end of the first clip upright portion and extending transversely
outwardly from the first clip upper portion in a first direction,
and a first clip lower flange secured to a lower end of the first
clip upright portion and extending in a second direction
substantially opposite to the first direction; and a generally
C-shaped second clip member having a second clip upright portion
secured in parallel to the first clip upright portion in a gapless
relationship, a second clip lower flange secured to a lower end of
the second clip upright portion and extending transversely
outwardly from the second clip upright portion in a direction
substantially parallel to the second direction of the first clip
lower flange, and a second clip upper flange secured to an upper
end of the second clip upright portion and extending in a direction
substantially opposite to the first direction of extension of the
first clip upright portion.
12. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first clip upper flange
is configured to fit within the U-shaped channel of a roof panel
and the second clip upper flange is configured to fit within the
U-shaped channel of an adjoining roof panel.
13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the first clip lower
flange and the second clip lower flange comprises a first proximate
part secured to a respective upright portion and extending at a
generally right angle thereto, a second middle part unitary
connected to the first proximate part and extending at a generally
obtuse angle to the first proximate part, and a third distant part
unitary connected to the middle part and extending at a generally
obtuse angle to the middle part.
14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the distant parts of the
first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange are
oriented at a vertical level above the proximate parts of the first
clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange.
15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the distant part of the
second clip lower flange contacts an underside of the roof panel
when installed.
16. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first clip lower flange
has a longitudinal dimension at least slightly greater than a
longitudinal dimension of the second clip lower flange.
17. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first clip upright
portion contacts the second clip upright portion along
substantially entire length thereof.
18. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the clip assembly forms a
continuous body extending along lengths of adjoining roof
panels.
19. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip lower flange
and the second clip lower flange is each configured to extend in a
generally parallel relationship to each other.
20. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first clip lower flange
and the second clip lower flange is each configured for attachment
to the roof support member below the roof panel.
21. A method of installing standing seam roof panels to a roof
support member in which each roof panel has upwardly turned
opposing edges, each edge formed a generally U-shaped channel, the
method comprising the steps: (a) providing a continuous clip
assembly having a first generally Z-shaped clip member and a second
generally C-shaped clip member secured together to form a clip
unit, said first clip member having a first clip upright portion
and an upper flange oriented in a first direction, said second clip
member having a second clip upright portion fixedly attached to the
first clip upright portion and a second clip upper flange oriented
in a direction opposite to the first direction of the first clip
upper flange; (b) installing said continuous clip assembly on the
roof support member; (c) engaging a first roof panel with the
continuous clip assembly by locking the first clip upper flange
within the U-shaped channel of the first roof member; (d)
positioning a second roof panel in a parallel adjacent relationship
to the first roof panel; (e) engaging the second roof panel with
the continuous clip assembly by locking the second clip upper
flange within the U-shaped channel of the second roof member; and
(f) repeating steps (b) through (e) until installation of all
required roof panels is complete.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said first clip member is
provided with a first clip lower flange, said second clip member is
provided with a second clip lower flange, and wherein said first
clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange extend in a
generally parallel direction to each other.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said step of installing the
continuous clip assembly on the roof member comprises a step of
fastening the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower
flange to the roof support member.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the first clip lower
flange and the second clip lower flange comprises a first proximate
part secured to a respective upright portion and extending at a
generally right angle thereto, a second middle part unitary
connected to the first proximate part and extending at a generally
obtuse angle to the first proximate part, and a third distant part
unitary connected to the middle part and extending at a generally
obtuse angle to the middle part.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the distant parts of the first
clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange are oriented at
a vertical level above the proximate parts of the first clip lower
flange and the second clip lower flange.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein the first clip lower flange and
the second clip lower flange is each configured to extend in a
generally parallel relationship to each other.
27. The method of claim 22, wherein the first clip lower flange and
the second clip lower flange is each configured for attachment to
the roof support member below the roof panel.
28. The method of claim 21, wherein the first clip upright portion
and the second clip upright portion are secured together in a
parallel gapless relationship.
29. The method of claim 21, wherein the first clip upright portion
and the second clip upright portion are secured together by button
punching.
30. The method of claim 21, wherein the clip assembly forms a
continuous body extending along lengths of adjoining roof panels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates hold-down clips for connecting
standing seam metal roof panels. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a continuous clip assembly designed to provide
structural integrity of the seam connecting adjacent standing seam
roof panels in buildings.
[0002] Large structures, such as warehouses, commercial,
institutional, and industrial buildings typically have large roofs
that are secured to roof supports or purlins. Large metal roof
panels are pre-formed by folding and crimping edges of metal
sheeting and creating a panel ready for interlocking with adjacent
similarly-formed roof panels to form a standing seam. The seam is
formed above the plane of the roof to prevent leakage.
[0003] Conventionally, hold-down clips connectedges of the roof
panels; the clips are mechanically attached by nails or screws to
the purlins or other support structure. The nails or screws
penetrate the roof purlin or other support structure particularly
for "Tee panel" style standing seam roof that has a continuous
clip.
[0004] Usually, a roofer installs a long row of C-shaped clips on
the roof, then measures a pre-determined distance from the first
row of clips and installs a second row of C-shaped clips. A roof
panel is then "fished in" between the clips. Since the roof panel
is configured to fit rightly between the clips, the roof panel is
slightly bowed in the center so that the edges of the roof panel
can engage the clips on opposite sides of the panel. This 3-step
process is laborious and time-consuming.
[0005] Further, to meet loading requirements, using an intermitted
clip (single piece) the thickness of the roof panel must be
increased or the span of the roof panel must be decreased by
additional purlins in hurricane-prone areas. Either increases the
costs associated with metal roofs.
[0006] The present invention contemplates elimination of drawbacks
associated with conventional systems and methods and provision of a
clip assembly for standing seam roof panels that can be used both
in a new construction and in retrofitting. The clip assembly is
designed for standard roof with pre-formed metal roofing panels
that would increase the roof's resistance to winds by using a
"continuous clip" in lieu of a "fixed clip" (single piece).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is, therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a clip assembly for use with standing seam roof panels such
as Tee style panel.
[0008] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
continuous clip assembly for standing seam roof panels that allows
elimination of at least one step in the installation of the roof
panels.
[0009] These and other objects of the invention are achieved
through a provision of a continuous clip for connecting standing
seam roof panels to roof support members has a first Z-shaped clip
member and a second C-shaped clip member nested against the first
clip member.
[0010] Each clip member has an upright portion, an upper flange and
a lower flange. The upper flanges of the clip members extend in
opposite directions and are configured to fit within the channels
formed by folded upper edges of the adjacent roof panels. The lower
flanges are attached to the roof support under the roof panels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the clip assembly according
to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clip assembly of the
present invention installed with roof panels.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an end view of the profile of the clip assembly of
the instant invention with connected roof panels.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an end profile view of a Z-shaped member of the
clip assembly.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an end profile view of a C-shaped member of the
clip assembly.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the clip assembly of the
present invention installed with a roof panel and a clip
fastener.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10
designates a clip assembly according to this invention. The clip
assembly 10 comprises a first clip member 12 and a second clip
member 14. The first clip member has an elongated body with a
generally Z-shaped cross-section. The second clip member 14 has an
elongated body with a generally C-shaped cross-section.
[0019] The first clip member 12 has an upright portion 16, an upper
flange 18 extending transversely to the upright portion 16 and a
lower flange 20. The lower flange 20 has a first proximate part 22
unitary secured to the upright portion 16 and extending
horizontally therefrom in a direction opposite to the direction of
extension of the upper flange 18. The lower flange 20 has a second
middle part 24 unitary connected to the first proximate part 22 and
extending at an obtuse angle upwardly from the first proximate part
22.
[0020] A third distant part 26 of the lower flange 20 is unitary
connected to the second middle part 24 and forms a distant part of
the lower flange 20. The third distant part 26 is connected at an
obtuse angle to a free end of the middle part 24. The third distant
part of the lower flange 20 is oriented substantially parallel to
the first proximate part 22, while being vertically spaced apart
from the first part 22. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the third distant
part 26 extends at a vertical level higher than the first proximate
part 22 and the second middle part 24.
[0021] The second member 14 of the clip assembly comprises an
upright portion 30, an upper flange 32 secured to an upper end of
the upright portion 30 at a substantially right angle thereto, and
a lower flange 34 secured to a lower end of the upright portion 30.
The lower flange 34 of the second member 14 has a first proximate
part 36 unitary secured to the upright portion 30. Unlike the first
proximate part 22 of the lower flange 20, the first part 36 of the
lower flange 34 extends horizontally from the upright member 30 in
a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of
the upper flange 32. Similarly to the lower flange 20 of the first
member 12, the lower flange 34 of the second member 14 has a second
middle part 38 unitary connected to the first proximate part 36 and
extending at an obtuse angle upwardly from the first proximate part
36.
[0022] A third distant part 40 of the lower flange 34 is unitary
connected to the second middle part 38 and forms a distant part of
the lower flange 34. The third distant part 40 is connected at an
obtuse angle to a free end of the middle part 38. The third distant
part of the lower flange 34 is oriented substantially parallel to
the first proximate part 36, while being vertically spaced apart
from the first part 36. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the third distant
part 40 extends at a vertical level higher than the first proximate
part 36 and the second middle part 38.
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates the first member 12 and the second member
14 joined together. In one aspect of the invention, the upright
portions 16 and 30 are secured together by the so-called `button
punch" 42 (FIG. 1) with practically no gap between the upright
portions. The button punch is used to indent the thickness of metal
forming the upright portions 16 and 30, forming a button or dimple
that holds the first member 12 and the second member together
securely. The upright portions 16 and 30 are contact with the clip
members 12 and 14 are joined together. Such method of securing the
two members together makes a watertight fastening. The clip members
12 and 14 be joined together at a manufacturing facility and rolled
to form a desired length to create a continuous clip assembly.
[0024] In the assembled configuration of FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the
first and second clip members 12 and 14 are mated together. In this
configuration, the upright portions 16 and 30 extend parallel to
each other, the upper horizontal flanges 18 and 32 extend in
opposing directions forming a "T" with the upright portions, while
the lower flanges 20 and 34 extend in the same direction. As can be
seen in greater detail in FIG. 7, the lower horizontal flange 34 of
the second clip member 14 is positioned over the lower horizontal
flange 20, with the proximate part 36 being parallel to the
proximate part 22, the middle part 38 being parallel to the middle
part 24, and the distant part 40 being parallel to the middle part
26. The proximate parts 22 and 36 form a "dip" in the lower flanges
20 and 34.
[0025] In one of the preferred embodiments, the longitudinal
dimensions of the upright portion 16 of the first clip member 12 is
at least slightly greater than the longitudinal dimensions of the
upright portion 30 of the second clip member 14. For instance, the
upright portion 16 is about 2.32'' (5.89 cm) in length, while the
upright portion 30 is about 2.29'' (5.82 cm) in length. The
difference in length allows the second clip member 14 to be
"nested" in the angular position of the upright member 16 and the
lower flange 20 of the first clip member 12. The length of the
upper flanges 18 and 32 can be about 0.5'' (1.27 cm), while the
longitudinal dimensions of the lower flange 20 of the first clip
member 12 is at least slightly greater than the longitudinal
dimensions of the lower flange 34. In one of the embodiments, the
lower flange 20 is about 2.62'' (6.65 cm) in length, while the
lower flange 34 is about 2.59'' (6.58 cm) in length.
[0026] In one aspect of the invention, the clip member 12 and 14
are formed 24 gauge Galvalume or stainless steel or galvanized
material (0.0250'' or 0.635 mm) in thickness. Of course, the above
dimensions are exemplary and will vary according to the preferred
materials used for the roof panels. The roof panels may be steel
panels having 24 gauge (0.0322'' or 0.027 mm) in thickness or more.
The roof panels may be 16-18'' wide (40.64-45.72 cm).
[0027] As can be seen in FIG. 7, A fastening member 50 is used to
attach the lower flanges 20 and 34 to a support structure 52, such
as a purlin. The fastening member 50, which can be a screw shown in
the drawing, passes through aligned openings formed in the
proximate parts 36 and 22 and into the support member 52. In the
preferred embodiment, two such fasteners 50 are used for each
support member.
[0028] During installation of the roof, the roofer first installs a
row of clip assemblies 10 along the length of the roofing panels by
attaching the continuous clip assembly 10 to the roof support 52
using fasteners 50. As can be seen in the drawings, each pre-formed
standing seam roof panel 60 has a predetermined width and length.
It is made from a sheet metal with upwardly turned opposing edges
62, 63 (standing seams). The edges 62 and 64 are folded to form a
generally U-shaped channel 64 and 65, respectively. The clip
assembly 12 is configured to have the upper flanges 18 and 32 fit
into the channels 64 and 65 of the adjacent roof panels 60 and
60a.
[0029] Once the roofer installs the clip assemblies 10 along one
line on the roof supports 52, the roofer installs a roof panel 60
or 60a. The installation can proceed from left to right or from
right to left, as desired. For the purposes of explanation, it is
assumed that the roofer first installs the panel 60. The roofer
forces the roof panel 60 into engagement with the clip assembly 10
by moving the upper edge 62 over the upper flange 32 of the second
clip member 14. The roof panel 60 is positioned above the lower
flanges 20 and 40, as shown in FIG. 7. The distant portions 26 and
40 of the clip members 12 and 14 may or may not touch the underside
of the roof panel 60. When the distant portions 26 and 40 contact
the underside of the roof panels they provide additional strength
and rigidity to the roof panels.
[0030] The roofer then positions the second roof panel 60a and
causes the upper edge 63 to move over the upper flange 18 of the
first clip member 12. A batten cap 68 can then be positioned over
the clip assembly 10 and the edges 62, 63 of the adjacent roof
panels 60 and 60a, closing the areas of connection between the roof
panels and the clip assemblies 10. The installation of the
continuous clip assemblies 10 and the roof panels 60 continues
until the entire roof is covered with the roof panels.
[0031] A distinct advantage of the instant invention that a human
error in measuring the distance between parallel clips is
minimized. The roofer does not need to install the second
continuous clip until the second roof panel is in place and engaged
with the first row of clips. The step of fishing in of the roof
panels is eliminated altogether since the roof panels are installed
in sequence following the installation of one continuous clip
assembly 10. The installation of the roof panels is performed in
one direction, with no pre-measuring required, no fishing and no
bowing up of the panels to make the panel fit between the two
clips. This procedure significantly decreases the time and labor
needed for roof installation or retrofitting.
[0032] The fastening members for the clips are all installed before
the roof panels are placed over the roof. As a result, the roof
panel is not penetrated and the possibility of a rusted hole in the
roof is eliminated.
[0033] The continuous clip assembly of the present invention is
preferably formed of a length matching the roof panels (or any
length), which allows the clip assembly to be attached continuously
at pre-determined locations as opposed to certain attachment points
as used with intermitted one piece clips. Such design significantly
improves wind resistance of the roof structure.
[0034] Many changes and modifications can be made in the design of
the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I,
therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention be limited
only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *