U.S. patent application number 17/120913 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for roof mounting bracket.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sno-Gem, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael V. Smeja.
Application Number | 20210095476 17/120913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005274048 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210095476 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smeja; Michael V. |
April 1, 2021 |
ROOF MOUNTING BRACKET
Abstract
A roof mounting bracket is disclosed which creates a deformation
in a roof panel seam using opposing set points. In a preferred
embodiment, a generally U-shaped bracket includes two or more
threaded fasteners in a first arm of the bracket and one or more
opposing threaded fasteners in the second arm. Void in bracket is
placed over the panel seam, with the first arm on a first side of
the seam and the second arm on the opposite side of the seam. First
screws inserted into the fasteners in first arm pass through the
first arm and the first screw heads contact the first side of the
seam, slightly engaging the seam and creating first deformations in
the seam as the set screws are tightened. Second screws inserted
into the fasteners in the second arm pass through the second arm
and the second screw heads contact the second side of the seam in
the spaces between the first deformations on the opposite side of
the seam, engaging the seam and creating second deformations in the
seam as the second screws are tightened. The opposing contact
points create a "wave" deformation in the seam, securing the
bracket to the seam. The opposing set points of the present
invention allow secure attachment of the bracket to the seam
without having to "dimple" or dent the panel seam using a single
set screw, requiring less force by the user. Bracket can include
varying numbers of opposing fasteners in first and second arms for
varying numbers of opposing set points. In an alternative
embodiment, bracket can further comprise divots into which first
deformations are recesses to create a deeper "wave" the seam for
stronger attachment to seam.
Inventors: |
Smeja; Michael V.;
(Inverness, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sno-Gem, Inc. |
McHenry |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005274048 |
Appl. No.: |
17/120913 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14476664 |
Sep 3, 2014 |
10883271 |
|
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17120913 |
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61893028 |
Oct 18, 2013 |
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61873204 |
Sep 3, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 25/615 20180501;
E04D 13/00 20130101; Y02E 10/47 20130101; E04D 13/10 20130101; F24S
2025/6003 20180501; Y02B 10/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/00 20060101
E04D013/00; E04D 13/10 20060101 E04D013/10; F24S 25/615 20060101
F24S025/615 |
Claims
1. A roof mounting bracket for securing accessories to seamed panel
roof systems, the roof mounting bracket being mounted on a roof
panel seam having a generally planar first side and a generally
planar second side opposite and parallel to the first side prior to
attachment of the roof mounting bracket, in a manner that creates a
generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam with
parallel first and second sides of the wave-shaped distortion, the
roof mounting bracket comprising: a first member, the first member
having threadably coupled thereto two or more first projections
disposed on a first side of the roof panel seam, each of the first
projections having a head, wherein the two or more first
projections define a space between each of the two or more first
projections; a second member disposed opposite the first member on
an opposite side of the roof panel seam, the second member having
threadably coupled thereto one or more second projections, each of
the second projections having a head, wherein the one or more
second projections are positioned opposite the space defined
between the two or more first projections; wherein the two or more
first projections are movable relative to the first member to
engage the first side of the roof panel seam to create two or more
first deformations in the roof panel seam; and, wherein the one or
more second projections are movable relative to the second member
to engage the second side of the roof panel seam to create one or
more second deformations in the roof panel seam in the spaces
defined between the two or more first deformations, thereby
creating the generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel
seam such that the first and second sides of the roof panel seam
remain generally parallel.
2. The roof mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the first side of
the roof panel seam comprises a first wall and the second side of
the roof panel seam comprises a second wall, the first and second
walls are directly adjacent one another.
3. The roof mounting bracket of claim 1 further comprising a third
member connecting the first and second members.
4. The roof mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the heads of the
first and second projections are ellipsoid shaped.
5. A roof mounting bracket for securing accessories to seamed panel
roof systems, the roof mounting bracket being mounted on a roof
panel seam having a generally planar first side and a generally
planar second side opposite and parallel to the first side prior to
attachment of the roof mounting bracket, in a manner that creates a
generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam with
parallel first and second sides of the wave shaped distortion, the
roof mounting bracket comprising: a first member, the first member
having threadably coupled thereto two first projections disposed on
a first side of the roof panel seam, each of the first projections
having a head, wherein the two first projections define a space
between therebetween; a second member disposed opposite the first
member on an opposite side of the roof panel seam, the second
member having threadably coupled thereto a second projection, the
second projection having a head, wherein the second projection is
positioned opposite the space defined between the two first
projections; wherein the first projections are movable relative to
the first member such that the head of the first projections engage
the first side of the roof panel seam to create two first
deformations in the roof panel seam; and, wherein the second
projection is movable relative to the second member to engage the
second side of the roof panel seam to create a second deformation
in the roof panel seam in the space defined between the two first
deformations, thereby creating the generally wave-shaped distortion
of the roof panel seam such that the first and second sides of the
roof panel seam remain generally parallel.
6. The roof mounting bracket of claim 5 further comprising a third
member connecting the first and second members.
7. The roof mounting bracket of claim 6, wherein the roof mounting
bracket is generally U-shaped.
8. The roof mounting bracket of claim 5, wherein the heads of the
first and second projections are ellipsoid shaped.
9. A roof mounting bracket for securing accessories to seamed panel
roof systems, the roof mounting bracket being mounted on a roof
panel seam having a generally planar first side and a generally
planar second side opposite and parallel to the first side prior to
attachment of the roof mounting bracket, in a manner that creates a
generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel seam with
parallel first and second sides of the wave-shaped distortion, the
roof mounting bracket comprising: a first member, the first member
having threadably coupled thereto two or more first projections
disposed on a first side of the roof panel seam, each of the first
projections having a head, wherein the two or more first
projections define a space between each of the two or more first
projections; a second member disposed opposite the first member on
an opposite side of the roof panel seam, the second member having
threadably coupled thereto one or more second projections, each of
the second projections having a head, wherein the one or more
second projections are positioned opposite the space defined
between the two or more first projections; wherein the two or more
first projections are movable relative to the first member to
engage the first side of the roof panel seam to create two or more
first deformations in both the first and second sides of the roof
panel seam; and, wherein the one or more second projections are
movable relative to the second member to engage the second side of
the roof panel seam to create one or more second deformations in
both the first and second sides of the roof panel seam in the
spaces defined between the two or more first deformations, thereby
creating the generally wave-shaped distortion of the roof panel
seam such that the first and second sides of the roof panel seam
remain generally parallel.
10. The roof mounting bracket of claim 9 further comprising a third
member connecting the first and second members.
11. The roof mounting bracket of claim 10, wherein the roof
mounting bracket is generally U-shaped.
12. The roof mounting bracket of claim 9, wherein the heads of the
first and second projections are ellipsoid shaped.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/476,664, filed on Sep. 3, 2014, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/873,204, filed on Sep. 3, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/893,028, filed on Oct. 18, 2013, all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Roof mounting systems are used to attach various structures
to roofs, such as snow barricades, solar panels, lightening
protection, mechanical equipment and other accessories such as
signage and poles. Roof mounting systems are known for attaching to
various types of roofs and roofing materials, including seamed or
metal roofs, wood roofs and membranous roofs. Due to the weight of,
or weight that must be supported by, such structures, and to the
need for the structures to remain stable in weather conditions, the
secure attachment of the structures to the roofs is critical. In
the case of seamed roofs, where roof mounting systems are attached
to panel seams of the roof, the brackets or clamps are secured to
the panel seams and serve as the support for the attached
structures. Existing brackets comprise two-piece brackets that must
be secured to each other around the panel seams, requiring
additional parts during installation. Other existing bracket
systems comprise a single piece, but to secure the bracket to the
panel seam the user must create a dimple in the panel seam metal
using a screw; these brackets requiring a large amount of torque to
be applied by the installing user.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention solves the existing limitations. The
present invention relates to a roof mounting bracket for mounting
roof systems and accessories to panel seam roofs. In particular,
the present invention provides a roof mounting bracket for use with
panel seam roofs, wherein the bracket creates a deformation or
distortion in the panel seam using opposing set points to secure
the bracket to the panel seam.
[0004] A roof mounting bracket is disclosed which creates a
deformation in a roof panel seam using opposing set points. In a
preferred embodiment, a generally U-shaped bracket includes two or
more projections, such as threaded fasteners or screws, in a first
arm of the bracket and one or more opposing projections, such as
threaded fasteners or screws, in the second arm. The void or
channel in the bracket is placed over the panel seam, with the
first arm on a first side of the seam and the second arm on the
opposite side of the seam. First screws inserted into the fasteners
in first arm pass through the first arm and the first screw heads
contact the first side of the seam, slightly engaging the seam and
creating first deformations in the seam as the set screws are
tightened. Second screws inserted into the fasteners in the second
arm pass through the second arm and the second screw heads contact
the second side of the seam in the spaces between the first
deformations on the opposite side of the seam, engaging the seam
and creating second deformations in the seam as the second screws
are tightened. The opposing contact points create a "wave"-like
deformation in the seam, securing the bracket to the seam. The
opposing set points of the present invention allow secure
attachment of the bracket to the seam without having to "dimple" or
dent the panel seam using a single set screw, requiring less force
by the user. Many other clamps that utilize multiple set screws are
secured by using high torques on the screws to create a compression
or friction-type attachment. These high torques can have the
tendency to damage and mar the paint finish or even pierce the
panel. The existing invention deforms the panel metal material by
using a single set screw to push the metal in between two other set
screws and/or set positioning points, creating a wave which will
keep the clamp from sliding while achieving the same or greater
security with less torque than existing clamps.
[0005] Bracket can include varying numbers of opposing fasteners in
first and second arms for varying numbers of opposing set points.
Bracket can also include, on the underside of the top wall, a notch
for aligning the panel seam within the void.
[0006] In an alternative embodiment, bracket is comprised of first
and second members. The first member comprises two or more posts
and the second member comprises corresponding receiving channels.
Posts create first deformations in the panel seam 44 as first
screws are tightened and deformations are set into receiving
channels to secure first and second members together around the
seam. The second member includes a third fastener through which
second screw passes, and as the second screw is tightened, the
screw head engages the seam in the space between the deformations
on the opposite side of the seam, engaging the seam and creating a
second deformation in the seam as the screw is tightened.
[0007] In a further embodiment, bracket can includes two or more
divots on the inside of the first arm. The divots are positioned
opposite the threaded fasteners of the second arm and are shaped
correspond to heads of screws threaded through fasteners, such that
when the screws are tightened to create the first deformations in
panel, the first deformations are reset into the divots to create a
more secure attachment of the bracket to the panel. A second screw
is then inserted into a fastener of the first arm and threaded
therethrough until the head of the screw contacts the opposing side
of the seam in the space between the first deformations, engaging
the seam and creating a second opposing deformation in the seam as
the screw second is tightened to create the "wave"-shaped
distortion in the seam, securing the bracket to the seam. It is
further contemplated that this embodiment of the bracket can
include varying numbers of fasteners in arms of bracket and varying
numbers of corresponding divots for creating additional wave
deformations in panel seam using additional opposing screws.
[0008] In a further alternative embodiment, bracket can include an
extrusion portion extending from the first arm into the opening
between the first arm and the second arm to aid in centering the
bracket on the seam, and the extrusion portion can be shaped to fit
varying configurations of seams. In yet a further contemplated
embodiment, bracket may include a lip extending from first arm the
second arm which can hook under a portion of the panel seam to
prevent the bracket from riding up the seam as the opposing screws
are torqued to create the first deformations and opposing "wave"
deformation.
[0009] Other objects, advantages, features, properties and
relationships of the invention will be obtained from the following
detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth
illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in
which the principles of the invention may be employed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a roof mounting
bracket in accordance with the present invention, showing two roof
mounting brackets installed on two panels of a roof and a snow
guard coupled to the brackets;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 1
showing a roof mounting bracket installed on a roof panel;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front detail view along line A-A of FIG. 1
showing a roof mounting bracket installed on a roof panel;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a roof
mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket installed on a roof panel and further
including a snow barricade coupled to bracket;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket installed on a roof panel and further
including a snow barricade coupled to bracket;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention,
showing two roof mounting brackets installed on two panels of a
roof and further including a snow barricade coupled to the
brackets;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention,
showing two roof mounting brackets installed on two panels of a
roof and further including a snow barricade coupled to the
brackets;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a front detail view of another embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket installed on an alternative roof panel;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a front detail view of another embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket installed on an alternative roof panel;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a front detail view of another embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket installed on an alternative roof panel;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a front detail view of an alternative embodiment
of a roof mounting bracket installed on a roof panel;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of
the roof mounting bracket of FIG. 12 installed on a roof panel and
further including a snow barricade coupled to bracket;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the roof
mounting bracket of FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 15A is side view of an alternative embodiment of a roof
mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 15B is a detail view of a portion of the bracket in the
embodiment in FIG. 15A, installed on a roof panel;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket of FIG. 15A, installed on a roof panel;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an another embodiment of a
roof mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a side view of the embodiment of the roof
mounting bracket of FIG. 17;
[0029] FIG. 19 is an opposite side view of the embodiment of the
roof mounting bracket of FIG. 17;
[0030] FIG. 20A is a front view of the embodiment of the roof
mounting bracket of FIG. 17;
[0031] FIG. 20B is a section view along line 20B of FIG. 20A;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a side view of the embodiment of the roof
mounting bracket of FIG. 17 with set screws threaded in
fasteners;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view along line 22 of FIG. 21
of a set screw creating a first deformation recessed into a
divot;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view along line 23 of FIG.
21;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a roof mounting bracket in accordance with the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a side view of the embodiment of the roof
mounting bracket of FIG. 25;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view along line 27 of FIG.
26;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a front view of a further alternative embodiment
of a roof mounting bracket in accordance with the present
invention, installed on a panel seam;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the roof
mounting bracket of FIG. 28; and
[0040] FIG. 29 is a front view of a further alternative embodiment
of a roof mounting bracket in accordance with the present
invention, installed on a panel seam.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] The description that follows describes, illustrates and
exemplifies one or more embodiments of the present invention in
accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to
limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather
to explain and teach the principles of the invention in order to
enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these
principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to
practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other
embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these
principles. The scope of the present invention is intended to cover
all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended
claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
[0042] FIGS. 1-8 show a preferred embodiment of a roof mounting
bracket 10. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a roof mounting bracket
10 mounted on a metal panel roof. In this embodiment, bracket 10
can be installed on roofs having varying panel and seam
configurations, but is generally installed onto the seam 44 of a
roof panel 40 and secured to seam 44 by creating deformations 30a
and 30b, 32 in the seam 44 using opposing screws 16a and 16b, 24.
In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 2-4, the bracket 10 is a
generally U-shaped bracket having a first arm 12 and a second arm
20 with a void between the first arm 12 and the second arm 20.
First arm 12 comprises two threaded fasteners 14a, 14b and second
arm 20 comprises one threaded fastener 22. The threaded fastener 22
of the second arm 20 is positioned opposite the space between the
opposing threaded fasteners 14a, 14b of the first arm 12.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 10 is manufactured by
aluminum extruding. Secondary operations are required to cut,
drill, tap, machine and stamp a logo with various tools such as a
CNC machine. Each part will then be put through a process called
tumbling to create a smooth finish.
[0044] To secure the bracket 10 to the panel 40, the void in the
bracket 10 is placed over the seam 44 with the first arm 12 on a
first side of the seam 44 and the second arm 20 on the opposite
side of the seam 44, as shown in FIG. 3. First screws 16a, 16b are
inserted into fasteners 14a, 14b and threaded therethrough until
the heads 17a, 17b contact the seam 44, slightly engaging the seam
44 and creating first deformations 30a, 30b in the seam 44 as the
screws 16a, 16b are tightened. Second screw 24 is then inserted
into the fastener 22 and threaded therethrough until the head 25
contacts the opposing side of seam 44 in the space between the
first deformations 30a, 30b, engaging the seam 44 and creating a
second opposing deformation 32 in the seam 44 as the screw 24 is
tightened. The opposing deformations 30a, 30b and 32 create a
"wave"-shaped distortion in the seam 44, securing the bracket 10 to
the seam 44. The opposing deformations 30a, 30b and 32 of the
present invention allow secure attachment of the bracket 10 to the
seam 44 without having to "dimple" or dent the seam 44 using a
single set screw, requiring less force by the user. A preferred
embodiment comprises threaded fasteners 14a, 14b and 22 aligned the
same height on arms 12 and 14 such that opposing deformations 30a,
30b and 32 created by screws 16a, 16b and 24 are in a generally
straight line. However, variations in alignment of deformations
30a, 30b and 32 are also contemplated.
[0045] Bracket 10 can be used in numerous applications for
installing accessories to roofs. As seen in FIG. 4, top wall 26 can
include one or more fasteners 27a, 27b for securing accessories to
bracket 10. As seen in FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS. 5-8, various snow
barricades 50, 50a can be mounted to bracket 10 for retaining snow
behind barricade 50, 50a. Other accessories (not shown), such as
solar panels, antennas, mounting poles, lightening protection
equipment, mechanical equipment and other similar accessories known
in the art can also be secured to bracket 10. Bracket 10 may
alternatively include varying numbers of fasteners to accommodate
various accessories. In a further alternative (not shown) set
positioning points integral to one arm clamp could be used instead
of screws.
[0046] As seen in FIGS. 3-4, in one embodiment bracket 10 may
further include, on the underside of the top wall 26, a notch 28
for aligning the seam 44. As seen in FIGS. 9-11, bracket 10 can be
configured for use with various types of seams 44. In other
embodiments, width of bracket 10 can vary to accommodate wider
seams 44, first wall 12 and second wall 20 can vary in thickness,
and void can be shaped to fit rounded seams 44. Other variations in
bracket 10 shape and configuration are also contemplated to suit
the installation needs for particular roof systems and the various
accessories to be mounted thereto.
[0047] In alternative contemplated embodiments, the bracket can
include varying numbers of fasteners in arms of bracket for
creating additional wave deformations in panel seam using
additional opposing screws. As seen in the embodiment in FIGS.
12-14, bracket 100 can include three fasteners 140a, 140b, 140c in
first arm 120 and two fasteners 220a, 220b in the second arm 200
for creating additional deformations 300a, 300b, 300c and 320a,
320c in the seam 44. Creating additional deformations creates a
stronger hold of the bracket 100 on the panel 40 by further
preventing slide of the bracket on the panel 40. To secure the
bracket 100 to the panel 40, the void in the bracket 100 is placed
over the seam 44 with the first arm 120 on a first side of the seam
44 and the second arm 200 on the opposite side of the seam 44.
First screws 160a, 160b, 160c are inserted into fasteners 140a,
140b, 140c and threaded therethrough until the heads 170a, 170b,
170c contact the seam 44, slightly engaging the seam 44 and
creating first deformations 300a, 300b, 300c in the seam 44 as the
screws 160a, 160b, 160c are tightened. Second screws 240a, 240b are
then inserted into second fasteners 220a, 220b and threaded
therethrough until heads 250a, 250b contact the opposing side of
seam 44 in the spaces between the first deformations 300a, 300b,
300c, engaging the seam 44 and creating second opposing
deformations 320a, 320b in the seam 44 as the second screws 240a,
240b are tightened. The opposing deformations 300a, 300b, 300c and
320a, 320b create two "wave"-shaped distortions in the seam 44,
securing the bracket 10 to the seam 44. Also contemplated are
additional fasteners in arms of bracket for creating additional
wave deformations in panel using additional opposing screws.
[0048] In a further alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B
and 16, bracket 500 is comprised of first member 510 and second
member 550. First 510 and second 550 members are placed on either
side of seam 44 and secured together using first screws 560a, 560b
(not shown) which are threaded through fasteners (not shown) in
second member 550 and engaged to fasteners (not shown) in first
member 510 to secure first 510 and second 550 members together
around seam 44. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-16, the first
member 510 comprises two posts 512a, 512b. Second member 550
comprises corresponding receiving channels 570a, 570b. Posts 512a,
512b create first deformations 514a, 514b in seam 44 as first
screws 560a, 560b are tightened and deformations reset into
receiving channels 570a, 570b to secure first 510 and second 550
members together around the seam 44. The second member 550 includes
a third fastener (not shown) through which second screw 580 passes.
As second screw 580 is tightened, the screw head 582 engages the
seam 44 in the space between the deformations 514a, 514b on the
opposite side of the seam 44, engaging the seam 44 and creating
second deformation 516 in the seam 44 as the screw 580 is
tightened. The opposing deformations 514a, 514b and 516 create a
"wave"-shaped distortion in the seam 44, securing the bracket 500
to the seam 44. The opposing deformations 514a, 514b and 516 allow
secure attachment of the bracket 10 to the seam 44 without having
to "dimple" or dent the seam 44 using a single set screw, requiring
less force by the user. In alternative contemplated embodiments,
bracket 500 can include varying numbers of feet in first arm 510 of
bracket 500 for creating additional wave deformations in seam 44.
For example (not shown) first arm 510 could comprise three feet to
create three first deformations in panel as first screws are
tightened to secure first 510 and second 550 members together
around the seam 44. Second arm 550 could comprise two fasteners
through which two screws pass such that screw heads create contact
the panel on the opposite side of the panel in the spaces between
the first deformations, engaging the seam 44 and creating two
second deformations in the seam 44 as the screws are tightened. The
opposing deformations in this embodiment would thus create two
"wave"-shaped distortions in the seam 44, securing the bracket 500
to the seam 44. In a preferred embodiment, the manufacturing of
bracket 500 is done by die casting, with additional holes being
drilled and tapped as a secondary operation through a CNC machine,
and then trimmed, deburred and tumbled for a smooth finish on the
final product.
[0049] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 17-23, the bracket 700
includes two or more divots 780a, 780b on the inside of the first
arm 712. The divots 780a, 780b are positioned opposite the threaded
fasteners 714a, 714b of the second arm 720. The divots 780a, 780b
are shaped to correspond to the heads of screws 716a, 716b, such
that when the screws 716a, 716b are tightened to create first
deformations 730a, 730b in the panel 44, the first deformations
730a, 730b reset into the divots 780a, 780b to create a more secure
attachment of the bracket 700 to the panel 44. A second screw 724
is then inserted into the fastener 722 of the first arm 712 and
threaded therethrough until the head 725 contacts the opposing side
of the seam 44 in the space between the first deformations 730a,
730b, engaging the seam 44 and creating a second opposing
deformation 732 in the seam 44 as the screw 724 is tightened to
create the "wave"-shaped distortion in the seam 44, securing the
bracket 700 to the seam 44.
[0050] It is further contemplated that this embodiment of the
bracket can include varying numbers of fasteners in arms of bracket
and divots for creating additional wave deformations in panel seam
using additional opposing screws. As seen in the embodiment in
FIGS. 24-26, second arm 820 of bracket 800 can include three
fasteners 814a, 814b, 814c. First arm 812 can include three divots
880a, 880b, 880c and two fasteners 822a, 822b for creating
additional deformations 830a, 830b, 830c and 832a, 832b in the seam
44. Creating additional deformations creates a stronger hold of the
bracket on the panel by further prevention for slide of the bracket
on the panel. To secure the bracket 800 to the seam 44, the void in
the the bracket 800 is placed over the seam 44 with the first arm
812 on a first side of the seam 44 and the second arm 820 on the
opposite side of the seam 44. First screws 816a, 816b, 816c are
inserted into fasteners 814a, 814b, 814c and threaded therethrough
until the heads 817a, 817b, 817c contact seam 44, slightly engaging
the seam 44 and creating first deformations 830a, 830b, 830c in the
seam 44 as the screws 816a, 816b, 816c are tightened. The first
deformations 830a, 830b, 830c reset into the divots 880a, 880b,
880c, allowing the panel 44 to be secured more firmly to the first
arm 812. Second screws 824a, 824b are then inserted into second
fasteners 822a, 822b and threaded therethrough until the heads
825a, 825b contact the the opposing side of the seam 44 in the
spaces between the first deformations 830a, 830b, 830c, engaging
the seam 44 and creating second opposing deformations 832a, 832b in
the seam 44 as the second screws 824a, 824b are tightened. The
opposing deformations 830a, 830b, 830c and 832a, 832b create two
"wave"-shaped distortions in the seam 44, securing the bracket 800
to the seam 44. Also contemplated are additional fasteners in arms
of bracket and additional corresponding divots for creating
additional wave deformations in the panel using additional opposing
screws.
[0051] In a further alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 27-28,
bracket 900 can include an extrusion portion 950 extending from the
first arm 912 into the opening between the first arm 912 and the
second arm 920. The extrusion portion 950 aids in centering the
bracket 900 on the seam 44, and can be shaped to fit varying
configurations of seams 44. Similar to the embodiments described
above, divots 980a, 980b (not shown) are positioned opposite the
threaded fasteners 914a, 914b of the second arm 920. The divots
980a, 980b are shaped to correspond to heads of screws 916a, 916b
(not shown), such that when screws 916a, 916b are tightened to
create first deformations (not shown) in panel 44, deformations
reset into divots 980a, 980b (not shown) to create a more secure
attachment of bracket 900 to panel 44. Second screw (not shown) is
then inserted into fastener (not shown) and threaded therethrough
until head contacts the opposing side of the seam 44 in the space
between the deformations (not shown), engaging the seam 44 and
creating a second opposing deformation 932 in the seam 44 as the
screw is tightened to create the "wave"-shaped distortion in the
seam 44, securing the bracket 900 to the seam 44. Extrusion portion
950 could also be coupled to second arm 920 (not shown) to
accommodate varying seam 44 configurations, and could have varying
shapes and dimensions to accommodate varying seam 44
configurations.
[0052] In yet a further embodiment seen in FIG. 29, bracket 1000
may include a lip 1060 extending from second arm 1012 which can
hook under a portion of the panel seam 44 to prevent the bracket
1000 from riding up the seam 44 as the set screws 1016a, 1016b (not
shown) and 1024 are torqued to create first deformations (not
shown) and opposing "wave" deformation 1032. Lip 1060 could also be
coupled to first arm 1012 (not shown) to accommodate varying seam
44 configurations, and could have varying shapes and dimensions to
accommodate varying seam 44 configurations.
[0053] While specific embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that various modifications and alternatives to those details
could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are
meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of
the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended
claims and any equivalent thereof.
* * * * *