Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Cover with projecting restrainer; e.g. – snow stop – Rod-type with plural supports
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-01
2001-10-09
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Cover with projecting restrainer; e.g., snow stop
Rod-type with plural supports
C052S024000, C052S712000, C052S714000, C248S237000, C248S207000, C248S217400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298608
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention is directed to a device to secure a snow guard to a roof. More particularly, the roof comprises an outer layer attached to a substrate layer, and the present invention is directed to a device to secure the snow guard below the substrate layer of the roof.
2. Background Information
It is often desirable to secure a snow guard to the roof to prevent the snow and ice which accumulates on the roof from falling off, thereby potentially damaging persons and/or property located in the fall path of the snow and ice.
Roofs are well known in the art and include, for example, metal roofs, shingle roofs and membrane roofs. Roofs typically comprise an outer layer, such as metal panels, shingles or a rubber membrane, attached to a substrate layer, such as plywood or particle board.
In a metal roof, the outer layer typical comprises a plurality of metal panels, each running the length of the roof. The panels are laid side by side to cover the width of the roof, and the abutting panels are typically crimped together to form a water-resistant joint. Snow guards are typically attached to a metal roof by placing same over a portion of the joint and securing the snow guard to the joint, e.g., via set screws.
In a shingle roof, the outer layer typical comprises multiple rows of shingles placed in ascending fashion on the substrate layer, optionally with tar paper therebetween. Snow guards are typically attached to a shingled roof by placing same onto the outer layer of the shingles and driving screws through the snow guard into the substrate layer of the roof.
In a membrane roof, the outer layer typical comprises a rubber membrane which covers the substrate layer of the roof. Snow guards are typically attached to a membrane roof by securing a base of the snow guard to the substrate layer via screws, placing the membrane over the substrate layer and base of the snow guard, removing a portion of the membrane so that a portion of the base is exposed therethrough, and then securing an upper portion of the snow guard to the exposed portion of the base.
In areas which experience very heavy snow fall and/or ice buildup, an extreme load is often placed on the snow guard from the snow and ice which has accumulated on the roof. The load which is pressed against the snow guard creates a torque thereon, potentially causing the trailing edge of the snow guard to lift from the roof. When this occurs, the leading edge of the snow guard could cut into the outer layer of the roof, causing the roof to leak. Where the load on the snow guard is excessive, the snow guard could be torn from the roof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a device to secure a snow guard to a roof, the device being attached to the roof to withstand substantial loads placed on the snow guard, thereby minimizing the possibility of the snow guard being torn from the roof.
The present invention can be attached to any type of roof, including but not limited to a metal roof, a shingle roof, a tar roof or a membrane roof. The roof preferably comprises an outer layer, such as metal panels, shingles, a layer of tar or a rubber membrane. The outer layer is preferably attached to a substrate layer, such as plywood or particle board.
In the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a block having a first and a second side wall, a base and a top, a snow guard operatively attached to the block, and two rods, each rod having a first and a second terminal end and a predetermined length therebetween. The first terminal end of each rod is operatively attached to the block, preferably to the base of the block.
In order to secure the block to the roof, two holes are drilled or otherwise made through the outer layer and substrate layer of the roof. The two holes are preferably located and of sufficient diameter to accommodate the two rods. The base of the block is placed in juxtaposition with the outer layer of the roof, with the second terminal ends of the two rods located through the holes in the roof.
The length of the two rods is preferably sufficient to allow the second terminal ends thereof to extend below the substrate layer of the roof.
The block is preferably secured to the roof via two securement devices. The first and second securement devices are located on the portion of the first and second rods, respectively, which extend below the substrate layer of the roof to secure the second terminal ends of the two rods below the substrate layer of the roof, thereby securing the block to the roof.
More particularly, the rods further comprise a threaded portion located near the second terminal ends thereof, and the securement devices comprise a structure having internal threads threadable about the threaded portion of the rods.
In another preferred embodiment, the second terminal ends of the rods do not extend below the substrate layer of the roof when the base of the block is located on the outer layer of the roof. Rather, the second terminal ends of the rods are located within the holes of the roof.
The block is secured to the roof via two securement devices. Each securement device preferably comprises a substantially tubular structure having a first and a second terminal end and an end cap secured to the first terminal end.
Internal threads are preferably located within at least a portion of the tubular structure. The second terminal end of each tubular structure is locatable within one of the holes of the roof, and a portion of the internal threads thereof are threadable about a portion of the threaded portion of the rod located therewithin.
The end cap of each securement device is located below the substrate layer, relative to the outer layer of the roof, when the base of the block is located in juxtaposition with the outer layer of the roof, thereby securing the block to the roof.
In both embodiments, a mounting bracket is optionally locatable between the base of the block and the outer layer of the roof when the base of the block is located in juxtaposition with the outer layer of the roof. Additionally, in both embodiments, a lock plate is optionally locatable between the substrate layer of the roof and the first and second securement devices.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1925263 (1933-09-01), Levow
patent: 2079768 (1937-05-01), Levow
patent: 5092088 (1992-03-01), Way
patent: 5609326 (1997-03-01), Stearns et al.
patent: 5613328 (1997-03-01), Alley
patent: 5732513 (1998-03-01), Alley
patent: 5873201 (1999-02-01), Fey
Friedman Carl D.
Syres Christy M.
Tager Clifford L.
LandOfFree
Device to secure snow guard below substrate layer of roof does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device to secure snow guard below substrate layer of roof, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device to secure snow guard below substrate layer of roof will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2610973