Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to retention systems and, more particularly, for a
modular retention system for retaining snow, ice, items and other objects on a wall,
rooftop and other structure using cross member having an anchor assembly configured
to join to a latch assembly of top block and clamp assembly and hold the cross member.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Conventional assemblies and methods for snow and/or ice retention systems use a mounting
system for mounting to a wall, roof or other structure to restrain from falling such
as, for example, snow, ice, or other items and/or objects. The mounting system is
adapted to mount thereto a cross-bar, rod, stop, decorative insert, snow break, or
other member typically oriented parallel to the peak or otherwise transverse to the
snow, ice or other objects. Additionally, when the structure is a metal roof with
a standing seam, conventional mounting systems require numerous parts and assemblies
that add cost to the manufacture and installation. Consequently, conventional assemblies
are costly to manufacture as well as installation time is increased because of the
assembly required onsite that adds time on the roof for the installer and overall
costs for the installation.
[0003] Consequently, there is a long felt need for a simple and effective means to attach
the cross-member to a clamp assembly for mounting to a wall, roof or other structure.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of conventional
retention systems to satisfy a long felt need for a simple and effective means to
attach the cross-member to a mounting clamp assembly to a wall, roof or other structure.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a retention, apparatus, system
for securing to a structure such as a standing seam of a metal roof having less components,
direct approach transverse method of interconnecting, and improved installation. The
retention apparatus comprising a clamp assembly having a clamp body for attaching
to the structure. The clamp body has an attachment for receiving a fastener to attach
items and objects thereto. A top block is configured to be joined to the clamp assembly
by the fastener having an flange located adjacent a side of the clamp body adapted
to allow rotation of the top block and a latch assembly located on a side of the top
block opposite the flange adapted to receive an anchor assembly of a cross member
assembly and join the latch and anchor assemblies to operably connect the cross member
to the clamp assembly secured to the structure. The cross member assembly including
a coupler channel configured to operably connect an ice flag and/or to receive a connector
therein. A clamp stand-off surface on an end an arm extension of the cross member
abuts a side of the clamp body upon securing said anchor assembly and said latch assembly
for opposing forces applied by snow, ice or other objects to one or more of the cross
member and/or ice flag.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described
with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals
refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.
[0007] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the
following Description of the Embodiments, which is to be read in association with
the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together
with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed
implementations, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating the retention assembly, system and method in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view, taken along lines A-A of FIG. 6A, illustrating
the top block and clamp assembly of the apparatus, system and method in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view, taken along lines B-B of FIG. 6B, illustrating
the ice flag and cross member assemblies of the apparatus, system and method in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an end view illustrating the cross member assembly of the apparatus, system
and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are side views illustrating the operation of operable connection
between the top block, clamp assembly and cross member assembly in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a retention system, and FIG. 6B is an assembled
perspective view illustrating retention system according to an embodiment of the apparatus,
system and method of the present invention;
FIG. 7A is a side perspective view illustrating a clamp assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 7B is a side view illustrating a leaf spring adapted to bias the top block toward
the clamp assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,
and FIG. 7C is a side perspective view illustrating a fastener used in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a side perspective view illustrating a top block of the apparatus, system
and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a side perspective view illustrating a connector of the apparatus, system
and method of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an ice flag of the apparatus, system and method
of the present invention
FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a cross member of the apparatus, system and method
of the present invention; and
FIGS. 12A and 12B are side and top views illustrating a top block of the apparatus,
system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Description of the Embodiments
[0008] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference
to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements
throughout. While the invention has been described in detail with respect to the preferred
embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that upon reading and understanding of
the foregoing, certain variations to the preferred embodiments will become apparent,
which variations are nonetheless within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0009] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The
term "plurality", as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term
"another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including"
and/or "having", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).
The term "coupled", as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily
directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
[0010] Reference throughout this document to "some embodiments", "one embodiment", "certain
embodiments", and "an embodiment" or similar terms means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included
in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such
phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments
without limitation.
[0011] The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any
one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means any of the following: "A; B;
C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur
only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently
mutually exclusive.
[0012] The drawings featured in the figures are provided for the purposes of illustrating
some embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be considered as limitation
thereto. Term "means" preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired
function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices,
or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art
could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use
of the term "means" is not intended to be limiting.
[0013] As is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 12A-12B, retention apparatus system and method
is generally shown as element 100 is useful to attach to a standing seam 102 of a
metal roof 104 as well as to display outwardly a portion of the metal roof 106 for
decorative purposes as desired, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5D and 6B. The apparatus
system and method 100 comprises may be configured as a clamp assembly 110, top block
130 secured by a fastener 180 to the clamp assembly 110, and a cross member assembly
200 configured with an anchor assembly 230 to operably connect by a 90° approach to
a latch assembly 140 formed in the top block 130, and a snow and/or ice flag 240 configured
to operably connect to the cross member assembly 160. Two or more cross members 200
of the retention apparatus, system and method 100 may be joined together by a connector
190 so as to extend across a desired length of the metal roof 104. Moreover, the cross
member assembly 200 may be formed in various dimensions, for example, a thin accent
formed by two segments 202 and 204, that is scalable to various widths by adding additional
segments (e.g. three by adding segment 206, four by adding segment 208,..., n) to
the extruded cross member body 201 as described herein. According to an embodiment
of the present invention, the retention apparatus, system and method 100 is described
as a modular assembly using a minimum number of components to operably connect to
a seam 102 of a metal roof 104 to retain snow and/or function as a snow break. The
retention apparatus, system and method 100 also may formed and utilized without the
portion of the metal roof 106. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
apparatus system and method 100 may find further used for mounting other items and
things to a structure such as a wall, building or rooftop, shingled roof, and structures
other than a metal roof.
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, 5A-5D, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, 8 and 12A and 12B, the top block 130
may be formed from a block body 132 configured with a pair of sides 131, 133, an upper
surface 134 and a lower surface 139 having a generally planar segments to secure the
fastener 180 and mounted on the clamp assembly 110, respectively, and a latch assembly
140. The fastener 180 is configured to be received in a guide shaft 155 (e.g. a bore
or an opening) extending between the upper and lower surfaces 134, 139 with a suitable
dimension to provide rotational movement when operably connecting cross member assembly
200 to the top block 130 and clamp assembly 110, as illustrated in FIG. 5B as well
as generally FIGS. 5A-5D and 6A-6B. The block body 132 be formed from suitable materials
that are durable, resist corrosion, maintain strength at high temperatures, and are
easy to maintain such as, for example, 6063-T6 and/or 6061-T6 aluminum alloy (e.g.
containing magnesium and silicon as its major alloying elements), stainless steel
alloys, plastics and carbon fiber products. The top block 130 may be formed in a dimension
of 1.25 inches long, which dimension is non-limiting and as top block may be scaled
as desired. The upper surface 134 may be formed with a tail 135 having an integral
flange 150 with a pivot 151 and a rotation surface 152 formed at an angle for a rotation
bevel 153 located adjacent the clamp assembly 110 functioning to provide movement
when operably connecting the cross member 200 to the clamp assembly 110 and top block
130. The upper surface 134 may be formed at an angle with a tail bevel 135 to remove
excess material from the top block 130 so as to save material costs and to create
a lighter component advantageously useful during the labor and installation of the
retention apparatus, system and method 100 while operating on a metal roof 104 or
other structure. The upper surface 136 may be configured with a tong nose 136 and
tong nose bevel 137 formed at an angle so as to provide clearance with the cross member
200 when connecting with the latch assembly 140.
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5A-5D, 6A-6B, and 12A-12B, the top block 130 may be configured
with a latch assembly 140 formed between the upper surface 134 and the lower surface
139 so as to operably connect to the cross member assembly 200 by direct connection
by placing crosswise, at right angles to the long axis of the cross member 200 by
inserting the cross member 200 in a transverse approach to the latch assembly 140
the top block 130. The latch assembly 140 comprises a lip 142, a hook 144, a recess
146 and an anchor 148 to secure and hold the cross member 200 by the applied force
imparted on the top block 130 by the fastener 180. The latch assembly 140 may be formed
by milling such as, for example, computer numeric controlled (CNC) machining to mill
an entry lip bevel 143 formed at an angle to the lip 142, whereby the entry lip bevel
143 functions to allow lifting of the top block 130 when the anchor assembly 230 is
positioned for entry to the top block 130. The tip surface 141 may be formed in a
vertical axis dimension or may be part of the original extrusion or block of material.
The entry lip bevel 143 functions to rotate top block 130 having the fastener 180
secured to the clamp assembly 110. The entry lip bevel 143 may be formed at an angle
of approximately between thirty degrees (30°) and forty-five degrees (45°), which
is non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The latch assembly 140 also may be formed with a hook bevel 145 formed at an angle
joining the lip 142 to the hook 144 and recess 146 by CNC milling manufacturing techniques.
The hook bevel 145 functions to latch and hold the cross member 200 after entry and
transitioning of the lip 142 by the anchor assembly 230. The hook bevel 143 may be
formed at an angle of approximately ten degrees (10°), which is a non-limiting angular
dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The body anchor 148
may be formed with a body anchor bevel 149 formed at an angle and functioning to transfer
the applied forces of the fastener 180 to anchor assembly 230 so as to secure and
hold the cross member 200 to the top block 130. The body anchor bevel 149 may be formed
at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees (45°), which is non-limiting angular
dimension, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, the
guide shaft 155 is configured with a portion extending into the body anchor 148 and
body anchor bevel 149 so as to allow rotation of the top block 130 in cooperation
with the entry lip bevel 143 when the anchor assembly 230 is positioned for entry
to the top block 130 thereby functioning to allow lifting of the top block 130 and
transitioning of the lip 142 by the anchor assembly 230 to latch and hold the cross
member 200. According to an embodiment of the present invention, each top block 130
surface of the lip 142, entry lip bevel 143, hook 144, hook bevel 145, recess 146,
anchor 148 and anchor bevel 149 are configured or otherwise formed at an angles suitable
to conform to the joining section(s) on the anchor assembly 230 of the cross member
assembly 200.
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5A-5D, 6A-6B and 11, the block body 130 can be configured
with a flange 150 on one end. The flange 150 functions to rotate the top block 130
around pivot 151 so as to allow the block body 131 to open and receive the anchor
assembly 230 as shown in FIG. 5B. The flange 150 further functions to arrange and
orient the top block 130 on the upper surface 134 of the clamp assembly 110 so as
to align opening of the guide shaft 155 with an attachment shaft 113 of the clamp
assembly 110 as shown in FIG. 5C. For example, the fastener 180 may be inserted through
the opening of the guide shaft 155 to the attachment shaft 113 in the upper surface
112 of the clamp assembly 110 shown in FIGS. 2,5A-5D, 6A-6B and 7A. The fastener 180
may be tightened and loosened by the threads, for example, turning clockwise and counter-clockwise
so as to operably connect the top block 130 to the clamp assembly 110 as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. The flange 150 may be configured with a clamp rotation surface 152
in a suitable rotation flange bevel 153 formed at an angle so as to provide clearance
in allowing pivoting of the top block 130 at pivot 151 for insertion of the anchor
assembly 240 as shown in FIGS. 7B, 7C and 11. The flange 150 further provides a predetermined
distance as registered on the pivot 151 on a side 154 of clamp assembly 110 to the
edge of the clamp stand-off surface 229 on the cross member assembly 200 so as to
provide a stable structure for the operable connection as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5A-5D,
and 7, although one skilled in the field will understand that either side 154 or 156
may be utilized by the flange depending upon orientation of the clamp assembly 110
on the standing seam 102 as shown.
[0017] In operation, the flange 150 is configured to provide rotation and orientation and
to register the load of any ice or snow supported to the clamp stand-off surfaces
219 and 229 of the cross member 220 thereby directed these applied forces to the clamp
assembly 110 secured to the seam 102 of the metal roof 104 as shown in FIG. 6B. Accordingly,
the arm 216a is configured for multiple use to provide structural support, holding,
maintaining, and preventing rotation by (1) the clamp stand-off surface 219 against
a side 156 of the body 111 of the clamp assembly 110 when snow, ice or other object
forces are applied to one or more of the cross member 200 and ice flag 240, and (2)
the nub projection 220, with support of the clamp-off surface 219, of the arm 216a
extension provides holding of the ice flag 240 so as to resist deflecting, collapse
and/or disengagement from coupler channel 203 of the cross member 220 when snow, ice
or other object forces are applied to the ice flag 240. Similarly, the anchor arm
extension 224 is configured for multiple use to provide structural support, holding,
and preventing rotation by (1) the clamp stand-off surface 229 against a side 156
of the body 111 of the clamp assembly 110 when snow, ice or other object forces are
applied to one or more of the cross member 200 and ice flag 240, and (2) the hook
portion 222a provides holding of the ice flag 240 so as to resist deflecting, collapse
and/or disengagement from the cross member 220, whereby the coupler channel 203 allows
for securing an ice flag 240, a connector 190, or both. The arm 216b extension is
configured with hook portion 222b for holding of the ice flag 240 in the coupler channel
207 so as to resist deflecting, collapse and/or disengagement from the cross member
220 when snow, ice or other object forces are applied to the ice flag 240, whereby
coupler channel 207 provides for securing an ice flag 240, a connector 190, or both.
Similarly, the nub 220b on end 221 b of the anchor arm extension 224 adjacent upper
surface 217b is configured to provide structural support, holding, and preventing
rotation the ice flag 240 in the coupler channel 207 so as to resist deflecting, collapse
and/or disengagement from the cross member 220 when snow, ice or other object forces
are applied to the ice flag 240, whereby the coupler channel 207 allows for securing
an ice flag 240, a connector 190, or both.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 14, 5A-5D, 6A-6B, and 11, the cross member assembly 200 comprises
a body 201 having 2 or more segments 202, 204 and 206 with integral coupler channels
203, 205 and 206 for affixing thereto the connector 190 and a snow or ice flag 240
is described. The body 201 may be formed from metal extrusion in elongated sections
from suitable metals and/or alloys used in the production of extrusions including
long constant cross-section structural shapes produced by pushing metal through a
shaped die such as, for example, 6061-T6 and/or 6063-T6 aluminum alloy. The cross
member assembly 200 extrusion may be configured with a front surface 210 and a back
surface 214. The front surface 210 may be formed with a tab 211 and a tab 213 disposed
on each edge thereby forming a channel 212 configured to receive a decorative portion
of the metal roof 106. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cross member 200 is configured to accept a decorative, matching section of metal
roof 106 disposed slidably into a channel 212 on a facing, front surface 212 of the
cross member 200. The cross member 200 is configured to accept a decorative, matching
section of metal roof placed into a channel 212 on a facing, front surface of a cross-member.
The cross-member is configured to accept an ice flag 240 mountable to a back surface
214 of the cross member 200 using an integral tong portion 251 cooperating with one
or more coupler channels 203 and 207 formed in segments 202 and 226 of the cross member
200. The ice flag 240 also includes a surface or forward face 246 having a channel
249 configured to accept insertion of a decorative, matching section of metal roof
106 disposed into the channel 249 to display a similar appearance with the decorative,
matching section of metal roof 106 disposed into a channel 212 on a facing, front
surface 210 of the cross member 200, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6B. Consequently, the
cross member 200 along with one or more ice flags 240 advantageously may be located
or assigned to a particular place along the metal roof 104, at different heights above
the metal roof by the selection of the coupler channel 203 or 207, as desired to retain
snow and ice from sliding off thereby preventing a hazardous condition.
[0019] As is illustrated more particularly in FIGS. 3, 4 and 11, the cross member assembly
200 may be configured with one or more extensions 216 connected to and projecting
from the body 201 on the back surface 214 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The arm extension 216 extends generally transversely from the body portion
201 configured with an upper surface 217, a lower surface 218, and a clamp stand-off
surface 219 on an end 221 of the arm extension 216. The end 221 of the arm extension
216 may be formed with a protuberance projection or nub 220 as well as a locking projection
222 configured or otherwise formed at an angle to secure and hold a connector 190
and the ice flag 240 in the coupler channel 203. For example, referring to segment
202, the arm extension 216a is configured with upper surface 217a, a lower surface
218a, Similarly, referring to segment 206, the arm extension 216b is configured with
a lower surface 218b having the locking projection 222 and an upper surface 217b having
a nub 220 on an end 221b thereof to secure and hold a connector 190 and/or the ice
flag 240 in the coupler channel 207. It should be appreciated that the number of segments
of the cross member assembly 200 is scalable and may be formed, for example, from
two segments 202 and 204 in a short, thin design, or in a wider, taller design formed
from multiple segments 202, 204, 206, 208,..., n for a desired appearance for the
metal roof 104 by the addition of an arm extension 216 with a locking projection 222
and a nub 220 to secure and hold a connector 190 and/or the ice flag 240 in the coupler
channel 207 as shown in FIGS 3 and 4.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 11, the cross member assembly 200 may be configured with a segment
204 having an anchor arm extension 224 and an anchor assembly 230. The anchor arm
extension 224 may be formed with portion 225 and portion 227 extending from the body
210 with portions 225 and 227 connecting to a cross-bar portion 226 so as to give
a particular shape to the coupler channel 205 so as to secure and hold a connector
190. The anchor assembly 230 may be configured as an extension 231 connecting to the
cross-bar portion 226 and extending generally transverse therefrom. The extension
231 may be formed with a clamp stand-off surface 229 on lower surface adjacent the
locking projection 222 of segment 202 connecting to the locking projection 222 by
an ice flag locking bevel 223. The extension 231 may be formed with a locking a protrusion
232 at an end thereof and a hook portion 234. The protrusion 232 and hook portion
234 may be configured to join the tip 232 to the cross-bar portion 226 by the a lip
entry surface 233, recess joining surface 235, a hook bevel surface 236, a lip mating
surface 237, a lip bevel mating surface 238 along an upper surface of the extension
231. The lip entry surface 233 may be formed at an angle to allow entry of the protrusion
232 to the top block 130 and suitable to join with the angle of the entry lip bevel
143, for example, an angle approximately between thirty degrees (30°) and forty-five
degrees (45°), which is non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment
of the present invention. The hook bevel surface 236 may be formed at an angle suitable
to join with the hook bevel 145 of the top block 130, for example, at an angle of
approximately ten degrees (10°), which is a non-limiting angular dimension, according
to an embodiment of the present invention. The lip bevel mating surface 238 may be
formed at an angle suitable to join with the angle of the entry lip bevel 143 of the
top block 130, for example, at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees (45°),
which is non-limiting angular dimension, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 6A and 6B, the cross member 200 along
with one or more ice flags 240 advantageously may be assigned to a particular place
or position along the metal roof 104, at different heights above the metal roof by
the selection of the coupler channel 203 or 207, as desired to snow and ice from sliding
off thereby preventing a hazardous condition. The applied force and load of any ice
or snow is supported by the structure of the hook 144 of the top block 130 and hook
portion 234 of the anchor assembly 240. In addition, the joined surfaces of the top
block 130, for example, the surface of the lip 142, entry lip bevel 143, hook 144,
hook bevel 145, recess 146, anchor 148 and anchor bevel 149 are configured to conform
to the joining section on the anchor assembly 230 of the cross member assembly 200.
Principally, the joined surfaces of the top block 130 are joined to the adjacent surfaces
of the tip 232 to the cross-bar portion 226 by the a lip entry surface 233, recess
joining surface 235, a hook bevel surface 236, a lip mating surface 237, a lip bevel
mating surface 238 along an upper surface of the extension 231. Consequently, the
cross-member 200 is configured with the anchor assembly 230 advantageously forming
a snap connection with the top block 130 and clamp assembly 200 (e.g. fastener 180,
top block 130 and latch assembly 140) by inserting thereto (i.e. snap in place to
the clamp assembly 110 and top block 130) in a direct contact, transverse approach,
or alternatively securing the fastener 180 through spring and/or leaf spring 160 and
guide shaft 155 of the top block 130, and to clamp assembly 110 (e.g. an A2 SI clamp
or A2-N™ clamp).
[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, and 10, an ice flag 240 of the retention apparatus,
system and method 100 can be configured with a body 241 having a lower segment 242
and an upper segment 250. The body 241 of the ice flag 240 may be formed from metal
extrusion in elongated sections from suitable metals and/or alloys in the production
of extrusions including long constant cross-section structural shapes produced by
pushing metal through a shaped die such as, for example, 6061-T6 and/or 6063-T6 aluminum
alloy. The body 241 may be cut to dimensions such as, for example, approximately 3
inch or 8 cm sections, which dimension is non-limiting, easily disposed between standing
seams 102 of the metal roof 104 operating to retain snow and ice from slipping off
the metal roof 104. The lower segment 242 includes a rear face 244 operable to retain
and apply a pressure force against snow and ice accumulation between the standing
seams 102 on the metal roof 104. The lower segment or to further includes a forward
face 246 configured with tabs 247 and 248 forming a channel 249 for insertion of a
decorative portion of the metal roof 106 that may be displayed facing an observer
from the ground. The installed cross-member 200 and ice flag 240 may each receive
a decorative portion of the metal roof 106 in the channel so as to match the color
of the metal roof 104 and form an appealing decorative appearance.
[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, 10 and 11, the upper segment 250 of the ice flag
240 can be configured with a tong portion 251 extending from a hinge spring portion
252 operably connected to the body 241 and lower segment 242. The tong portion 251
has an upper arm 254 and a lower arm 260 extending from the hinge spring portion 252.
The upper arm 254 may be configured with a tongue end 255 having an upper surface
256 that may be formed as a continuous surface that is relatively smooth, a forward
end 257 on a distal end of the upper surface 256 and a tooth 258 on a proximal end
of the upper surface 256. The upper surface 256 is may be configured to engage and
register against the upper surface 218 (e.g. 218a of coupler channel 203 shown in
FIG. 3) within a particular coupler channel 203 or 207 as shown in FIGS. 3,6A-6B,
and 11. The forward end 257 may be configured to provide a smooth engagement with
a particular coupler channel 203 or 207 as shown in FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, and 11. The tooth
258 configured or otherwise formed at an angle to engage and operably connect with
the locking projection 222 of the cross member assembly 200 as shown in FIGS. 3 and
6A.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 3, 10 and 11, the tooth 258 can be formed with an inward beveled
edge forming a back angle of approximately forty degrees (40°), which is non-limiting,
so that the tooth 258 prevents unwanted collapse of the tong 251 and spring 252 portions
thereby releasing of the ice flag 240 from a coupler channel 203 or 207 of the cross
member 200 by the applied force of snow, ice or other object imparting a force on
back surface 244 of the lower segment 242. Similarly, the lower arm 260 may be configured
with a nose 261 having an arcuate sliding surface 262, a proximal surface 263, a recess
264, a register edge 265 and a protrusion 266. The arcuate sliding surface 262 is
configured to provide a smooth engagement and transition (e.g. to slide over the nub
220) with a particular coupler channel 203 or 207 as shown in FIGS. 3, 6A-6B, and
11. The recess 264 can be configured with a shape so as to align adjacent surfaces
between the nub projection 220 on the cross member 200 and the surfaces of the proximal
surface 263, the register edge 265 and the protrusion 266 of the ice flag 240. The
connection between the nub 220 and the recess 264 is configured to prevent unwanted
disengagement, release and/or collapse of the tong 251 and spring 252 portions thereby
releasing of the ice flag 240 from a coupler channel 203 or 207 of the cross member
200 by the applied force of the load from snow, ice or other object imparting a force
on back surface 244 of the lower segment 242. In addition, the protuberance or projection
266 adjacent the register edge 265 may be formed of a suitable length and extension
to engage a portion of the lower surface 218 (e.g. lower surface 218a of coupler channel
203 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11) so as to provide further engagement and locking of
the ice flag 240 to the cross member 200, thereby preventing unwanted release therefrom
by the applied force of snow, ice or other object imparting a force on back surface
244 of the lower segment 242. As discussed herein, the ice flag 240 may be placed
at selectable predetermined heights for snow and/or ice retention purposes as desired
(e.g. in a higher or lower position above the metal roof 104) by selection and insertion
into the coupler channel 203 or 207 of the cross member 200.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 9, a connector 190 may be configured to operably connect sections
of the cross member 200 so as to create extended lengths on a metal roof 104 according
to an embodiment of the retention apparatus, system and method 100 of the present
invention. The connector 190 may be configured as an elongated bar or rod from suitable
materials such as AISI 300 Series 1B-B stainless steel. A generally rectangular shaped
connector 190 may be formed having a top 191, bottom 192, side 193, side 194, front
195, back 196 and a notch 197 at a mid-portion thereof. The notch 197 is useful to
register the mid-portions of the connector when inserting into coupler channels 203,
205 and 207 of the cross member assembly 200. In operation, each of the coupler channels
203, 205 and 207 is configured to receive the connector 190 and sliding engagement
thereof as shown in FIG. 6A. The dimensions of the connector 190 and the coupler channels
203, 205 and 207 may be adapted so that the connector 190 engages the side walls body
201, upper surface 217, lower surface 218 and locking projection 222. Additionally
the connector 190 is configured to be received in the anchor arm extension 224 formed
at a mid-portion of the body 201 and, more specifically within the box-like coupler
formed by the body segment 201, portion 225, portion 227, and crossbar portion 226
as is illustrated in FIG. 11. In operation one or more connectors 190 may be inserted
into one or all of the coupler channels 203, 205 and 207 to the mid-portion notch
197 in one cross member 200. Another cross member 200 may be aligned to one or all
of the coupler channels 203, 205 and 207, as utilized, to receive the connector into
corresponding coupler channels 203, 205 and 207.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5A-5D, 6A-6D and 7A, the retention apparatus, system and
method 100 utilizes a clamp assembly 110 for mounting to a standing seam 102 of a
metal roof 104. The clamp assembly 110 can be configured with an attachment shaft
113 opening to receive the fastener 180 so as to secure the top block 130 thereto
with the cross member 200 there-between as described herein. The attachment shaft
113 may be formed smooth, threaded, or both, to secure to the threads 185 of the fastener
180, or alternatively made smooth for a self-tapping fastener 180 having a hardened
composition that cuts threads in the 6063 aluminum alloy upon tightening. The clamp
assembly 110 comprises a body 111 having a generally U-shaped form with downwardly
extending legs 114 and 118 forming a slot 117 configured to receive the standing seam
102 of a metal roof 104. The body 111 is configured with an upper surface 112 having
a generally planar shape with the attachment shaft 113 centrally located in the upper
surface 112 for receiving a fastener 180 to attach items and objects thereto on the
metal roof 104. The leg 114 is configured with a foot 115 and a toe portion 116 at
an end of the generally downwardly extending leg 114 segment thereof configured to
be located adjacent the standing seam 102 and underneath any crimped ends or roll
of the standing seam 102 of the metal roof 104 inserted in slot 117. The foot 115
and toe portion 116 have an increased grip used advantageously to secure to the standing
seam 102 in the slot 117, whereby the applied forces are spread across the standing
seam 102 through the edge 116a of the toe portion 116 so as to increase a holding
force as well as to reduce puncturing (e.g. causing a hole where water and elements
may enter into the structure or home through the roof) or other damage such as, for
example, to a paint or hydrophobic coating (e.g. Teflon®) of the metal roof. The leg
118 can be configured with an arcuate surface 119, one or more pins 120, 122 disposed
in smooth pin channels 121, 123 formed in the leg 118 of the body 111 and extending
to the slot 117 along a path to one or more pockets 129 formed the inner surface of
the leg 114. The one or more pockets 129 are configured to cooperate with the pins
120, 122 for increasing the holding force of the clamp assembly 110, whereby in operation
tightening the fastener urges the pins 120, 122 against the standing seam 102 causing
an indentation or recess in the standing seam 102 by causing pressing force on the
seam 102 between the end of the pins 120, 122 and the one or more pockets 129 on the
leg 114. A suitable claim assembly 110 is manufactured by PMC Industries, Inc. identified
by clamp product part Ace Clamp®, A2® and/or A2-N™. The clamp assembly 110 of the
present invention has advantages of improved holding force configured to withstand
harsh environmental conditions (e.g. heat, wind, vibration, seismic, storms and other
forces) so as to maintain the clamp assembly 110 secured to the standing seam 102
such as, for example, seismic, vibration, wind, hurricanes, and other adverse conditions.
The clamp assembly 110 of the present invention has advantages of improved holding
force load characteristics of at least a thirty percent (30%) increase compared to
conventional clamp assemblies such as, for example, increased holding force ranging
approximately up to and including 1,600 lb. vertical load.
[0027] Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the arcuate surface
119 formed in leg 118 may be configured to allow forming the one or more pin channels
121, 123 corresponding to pins 120, 122 at a predetermined angle 172. The predetermined
angle 172 may be established along the arcuate surface 119 such as, for example, in
a range between predetermined angle 172a and predetermined angle 172b. Accordingly,
the clamp assembly 110 can be configured during manufacture to change, vary or modify
the predetermined angle 172 of the pins 120,122 as desired so as to change where pins
120, 122 will press against the standing seam 102. Consequently, the leg 118 of the
body 111 of the clamp assembly 110 provides for customization for different pin channels
and configurations of the metal roof 106 available from various metal roof manufacturers.
[0028] For example, as illustrated by phantom lines 172a and 172b in FIG. 7A, certain metal
roof 106 pin channels have different configurations of the standing seam 102, whereby
fastener 124 and washer 128 of clamp assembly 110 may direct the pins 120, 122 along
the predetermined angles 172a or 172b, so as to join the standing seam 102 sufficiently
below the rolled metal of the seam for improved strength. Moreover, the clamp assembly
110 may be configured to direct the pins 120, 122 along the predetermined angle 172b
so as to improve clearance for tools utilized by the installer, e.g. difficulty reaching
and driving fasteners between standing seams 102 when certain tools are positioned
horizontal and/or otherwise at angles parallel to the metal roof 104. In an alternative
embodiment of the present invention, the leg 118 of the clamp assembly 110 may be
formed offset pin channels 121, 123 along the arcuate surface 119, for example, a
pin channel 121 formed at predetermined angle 172a and a pin channel 123 formed a
predetermined angle 172b so as to offset the holding part of each pin 120, 122 whereby
the washer 128 is of suitable size to urge pins 120, 122 against the standing seam
102.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the fastener 180 of the retention apparatus, system and
method 100 further comprises a head 181, a washer 182 formed integral to the head
with serrations 183 on the surface of the washer 182 oriented, for example, adjacent
the top block, and an elongated shaft 184 that may be threaded 185. The fastener 180
may be formed from suitable materials having sufficient strength, durability, and
ability to withstand environmental conditions such as, for example, a serrated flange
hex head screw formed from AISI 300 Series stainless steel with dimensions of 3/8
- 16 x 1" long. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
fastener 180 may be used to secure the top block 132 the clamp assembly 110 by inserting
the fastener 180 in the guide shaft 150 and the attachment shaft 113 of the clamp
assembly. The fastener 180 and the fastener 122 for the clamp assembly 110 may be
the same thereby providing the reduction in components of the retention apparatus
and system 100 and advantages and cost and installation of the retention apparatus
and system 100, whereby the cross member 200 may be inserted to the top block 130,
emitting an audible sound (e.g. snap or clicking) for holding the cross member 200
securely that is advantageous in installations of the retention apparatus and system
100 on steep pitches of the metal roof 104, one person installations, whereby the
audible sound provides the installer with information on the positive engagement of
the cross member 200 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D
[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the
retention apparatus, system and method 100 may be configured preassembled with the
fastener 180 secured through the top block 130 to the attachment shaft 1113 of the
clamp assembly 110 with the fastener 180 tightened to a predetermined distance 170,
as shown in FIGS. 5B. The predetermined distance 170 may be established as the distance
for the anchor assembly 230 to be inserted so as to traverse the lip 142 to reach
recess 146 to engage the hook portion 144 such as, for example, .125 inch or 3.25
mm, which is non-limiting, utilizing the pivot 151. The preassembled retention apparatus,
system and method 100 may be formed with a suitable fastener 180 for example a threaded
hex bolt inserted into the threaded channel 127 or a self-tapping threaded bolt secured
in the attachment shaft 113. Alternatively, the preassembled retention apparatus,
system and method 100 may be formed in a predetermined distance range 171, whereby
the range is a distance such that (1) the anchor assembly 230 may be inserted to the
recess 146 and (2) unwanted rotation of the top block 130 is prevented when the fastener
180 is tightened. The predetermined distance range 171 for unwanted rotation may be
limited to where the tail of the flange 150 or the rotation surface 152 does not rise
above the upper surface 112 of the body 111 of the clamp assembly 110. For example,
the retention apparatus 100 has the fastener 180 and top block 130 affixed to the
clamp body 111 at a predetermined distance range 171 set at, for example, approximately
a range approximately between about 0.125 to 0.157 inches or 3.25 to 4.0 mm, as shown
in FIG. 5C.
[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7B, the retention
assembly 100 may be configured a spring or leaf spring 160 located between the top
block 130 and the fastener 180 for biasing the top block 130 toward the clamp body
111. Accordingly, the fastener 180 may be disposed through a spring or leaf spring
160, the guide shaft 155 and secured to the attachment shaft 113 of the clamp assembly
110 so as to provide a spring-loaded attachment whereby the cross member 200 may be
inserted to the latch assembly 14 of top block 130 clicking and holding the cross
member 200 securely. The planar lower surface 139 of top block 130 is placed adjacent
the upper surface 112 of clamp body 111 with the leaf spring 160 arranged on the upper
surface 134 of the top block 130 aligning guide shaft 155 and attachment shaft 113
for inserting therethrough the fastener 180 to affix securely to a clamp assembly
110. The embodiment of the present invention where the retention apparatus and system
100 is configured with the leaf spring 160 is advantageous for on person installations
of the metal roof and where an audible sound provides the installer with information
on the positive engagement of the cross member 200. The leaf spring 160 may be formed
from suitable materials having sufficient strength, durability and ability to withstand
environmental factors such as, for example, stainless steel with suitable bias and
elastomeric properties when disposed on the seam 102 of a metal roof 104 for extended
periods of time as shown in FIG. 6B. Consequently, the retention assembly, system
and method 100 is configured to connect the anchor assembly 230 of the cross-member
200 using the leaf spring 160 providing biasing of the top block 130 against the fastener
180, whereby the cross member 200 may be inserted in the latch assembly 140 and snap
into place and the fastener 180 may then be tightened uniformly to finalize the installation.
[0032] While certain configurations of structures have been illustrated for the purposes
of presenting the basic structures of the present invention, one of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that other variations are possible which would still fall
within the scope of the appended claims. Additional advantages and modifications will
readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader
aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown
and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents.
1. A retention system for securing to a structure, the retention apparatus comprising:
a clamp assembly for attaching to the structure, said clamp assembly comprising a
clamp body for attaching to the structure, said clamp body configured with an upper
surface with the attachment shaft centrally located in the upper surface for receiving
a fastener to attach items and objects thereto, said clamp body having a generally
planar shape;
a top block configured with an upper surface and a lower surface configured with a
generally planar shape with a guide shaft formed therein extending between said upper
and lower surface wherein said guide shaft being adapted to receive said fastener
thereby joining the top block to said attachment shaft of said clamp body, said top
block comprising an flange located adjacent a side of said clamp body wherein said
flange being adapted to allow rotation of said top block, a latch assembly located
on a side of said top block opposite said flange; and
a cross member assembly configured with a body consisting of a generally elongated
planar shape with a front surface and back surface, said back surface provided with
two or more segments formed by an anchor arm extension and at least one arm extension,
said anchor arm extension extending generally transverse from a back surface of said
body comprising an anchor assembly adapted to operably connect to said latch assembly
and clamp assembly, said arm extension extending generally transverse from a back
surface of said body comprising a coupler channel configured to operably connect an
ice flag and/or to receive a connector therein.
2. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a clamp stand-off located on at
least one of said arm extension and/or said anchor arm extension of said cross member,
said clamp stand-off being configured with a clamp stand-off surface adapted to abut
a side of said clamp body when said anchor assembly is secured in said latch assembly
for opposing forces applied by snow, ice or other objects to one or more of the cross
member and/or ice flag.
3. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a clamp stand-off located on said
anchor arm extension of said cross member, said clamp stand-off located on is configured
with a clamp stand-off surface on a lower surface of said anchor assembly adapted
to abut a side of said clamp body when said anchor assembly is secured in said latch
assembly for opposing forces applied by snow, ice or other objects to one or more
of the cross member and/or ice flag.
4. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a clamp stand-off located on said
arm extension of said cross member, said a clamp stand-off located on is configured
with a clamp stand-off surface on an end of said arm extension spaced apart from said
anchor arm extension adapted to abut a side of said clamp body upon securing said
anchor assembly and said latch assembly for opposing forces applied by snow, ice or
other objects to one or more of the cross member and/or ice flag.
5. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a nub located on said arm extension
of said cross member, said nub is configured on an end of said arm extension spaced
apart from said anchor arm extension adapted to oppose forces applied by snow, ice
and/or other objects to said ice flag.
6. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a tooth located on said arm extension
of said cross member, said tooth being configured on an end of said arm extension
spaced apart from said anchor arm extension adapted to oppose forces applied by snow,
ice and/or other objects to said ice flag.
7. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a tooth located on said arm extension
of said cross member, said tooth being configured on an end of said arm extension
adjacent said anchor arm extension adapted to oppose forces applied by snow, ice and/or
other objects to said ice flag.
8. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a pivot located between said lower
surface and said flange of said top block, said pivot rotating said top block upon
insertion of said anchor assembly in said latch assembly.
9. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a clamp rotation surface having
a rotation flange bevel formed at an angle on an clamp rotation surface of said flange
on said top block, said clamp rotation surface providing clearance for rotating said
top block upon insertion of said anchor assembly in said latch assembly.
10. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising an ice flag comprising an ice
flag body configured with an upper segment and a lower segment, said upper segment
consisting of an integral tong portion composed of an upper arm and a lower arm extending
from a hinge spring portion connected to the ice flag body and lower segment, whereby
said tong portion and hinge spring portion is configured to operably connect to one
or more coupler channels of said cross member assembly, said lower segment comprising
a front face and a rear face, said rear face operable to retain and apply a pressure
force against snow, ice and/or other objects and further including a forward face
configured with tabs forming a channel for insertion of a decorative portion of the
structure.
11. The retention system of claim 1, wherein said tong portion further comprises a tongue
end having a tooth formed with an inward beveled edge of said upper arm whereby the
tooth operably connects to a tooth on said arm extension of said cross member so as
to oppose collapse of said tong portion and hinge spring portions thereby disengaging
said ice flag from said coupler channel of said cross member by the applied force
of snow, ice and/or other object imparting a force on back surface of the lower segment.
12. The retention system of claim 1, wherein said tong portion further comprises a recess
formed on said lower arm whereby said operably connects to a nub on said arm extension
of said cross member so as to oppose collapse of said tong portion and hinge spring
portions thereby disengaging said ice flag from said coupler channel of said cross
member by the applied force of snow, ice and/or other object imparting a force on
back surface of the lower segment.
13. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a leaf spring adapted to bias
the top block toward the clamp assembly, said leaf spring arranged on said upper surface
of said top block aligning said guide shaft and attachment shaft for inserting therethrough
said fastener to affix securely to a clamp assembly.
14. The retention system of claim 1, wherein said front surface said cross member and/or
said ice flag further comprising a tab at an upper edge and a tab at a lower edge
forming a channel adapted for inserting an object providing a decorative appearance
to said front surface of said cross member.
15. The retention system of claim 14, wherein said object comprising an portion of a metal
roof.