Clip assembly for standing seam roof panels

Abstract

A continuous clip for connecting standing seam roof panels to roof support members has a first Z-shaped clip member and a second C-shaped clip member nested against the first clip member. Each clip member has an upright portion, an upper flange and a lower flange. The upper flanges of the clip members extend in opposite directions and are configured to fit within the channels formed by folded upper edges of the adjacent roof panels. The lower flanges are attached to the roof support under the roof panels.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates hold-down clips for connecting standing seam metal roof panels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a continuous clip assembly designed to provide structural integrity of the seam connecting adjacent standing seam roof panels in buildings.

Large structures, such as warehouses, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings typically have large roofs that are secured to roof supports or purlins. Large metal roof panels are pre-formed by folding and crimping edges of metal sheeting and creating a panel ready for interlocking with adjacent similarly-formed roof panels to form a standing seam. The seam is formed above the plane of the roof to prevent leakage.

Conventionally, hold-down clips connectedges of the roof panels; the clips are mechanically attached by nails or screws to the purlins or other support structure. The nails or screws penetrate the roof purlin or other support structure particularly for “Tee panel” style standing seam roof that has a continuous clip.

Usually, a roofer installs a long row of C-shaped clips on the roof, then measures a pre-determined distance from the first row of clips and installs a second row of C-shaped clips. A roof panel is then “fished in” between the clips. Since the roof panel is configured to fit rightly between the clips, the roof panel is slightly bowed in the center so that the edges of the roof panel can engage the clips on opposite sides of the panel. This 3-step process is laborious and time-consuming.

Further, to meet loading requirements, using an intermitted clip (single piece) the thickness of the roof panel must be increased or the span of the roof panel must be decreased by additional purlins in hurricane-prone areas. Either increases the costs associated with metal roofs.

The present invention contemplates elimination of drawbacks associated with conventional systems and methods and provision of a clip assembly for standing seam roof panels that can be used both in a new construction and in retrofitting. The clip assembly is designed for standard roof with pre-formed metal roofing panels that would increase the roof's resistance to winds by using a “continuous clip” in lieu of a “fixed clip” (single piece).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore an object of the present invention to provide a clip assembly for use with standing seam roof panels such as Tee style panel.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a continuous clip assembly for standing seam roof panels that allows elimination of at least one step in the installation of the roof panels.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved through a provision of a continuous clip for connecting standing seam roof panels to roof support members has a first Z-shaped clip member and a second C-shaped clip member nested against the first clip member.

Each clip member has an upright portion, an upper flange and a lower flange. The upper flanges of the clip members extend in opposite directions and are configured to fit within the channels formed by folded upper edges of the adjacent roof panels. The lower flanges are attached to the roof support under the roof panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the clip assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clip assembly of the present invention installed with roof panels.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the profile of the clip assembly of the instant invention with connected roof panels.

FIG. 4 is an end profile view of a Z-shaped member of the clip assembly.

FIG. 5 is an end profile view of a C-shaped member of the clip assembly.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the clip assembly of the present invention installed with a roof panel and a clip fastener.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10 designates a clip assembly according to this invention. The clip assembly 10 comprises a first clip member 12 and a second clip member 14. The first clip member has an elongated body with a generally Z-shaped cross-section. The second clip member 14 has an elongated body with a generally C-shaped cross-section.

The first clip member 12 has an upright portion 16, an upper flange 18 extending transversely to the upright portion 16 and a lower flange 20. The lower flange 20 has a first proximate part 22 unitary secured to the upright portion 16 and extending horizontally therefrom in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the upper flange 18. The lower flange 20 has a second middle part 24 unitary connected to the first proximate part 22 and extending at an obtuse angle upwardly from the first proximate part 22.

A third distant part 26 of the lower flange 20 is unitary connected to the second middle part 24 and forms a distant part of the lower flange 20. The third distant part 26 is connected at an obtuse angle to a free end of the middle part 24. The third distant part of the lower flange 20 is oriented substantially parallel to the first proximate part 22, while being vertically spaced apart from the first part 22. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the third distant part 26 extends at a vertical level higher than the first proximate part 22 and the second middle part 24.

The second member 14 of the clip assembly comprises an upright portion 30, an upper flange 32 secured to an upper end of the upright portion 30 at a substantially right angle thereto, and a lower flange 34 secured to a lower end of the upright portion 30. The lower flange 34 of the second member 14 has a first proximate part 36 unitary secured to the upright portion 30. Unlike the first proximate part 22 of the lower flange 20, the first part 36 of the lower flange 34 extends horizontally from the upright member 30 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the upper flange 32. Similarly to the lower flange 20 of the first member 12, the lower flange 34 of the second member 14 has a second middle part 38 unitary connected to the first proximate part 36 and extending at an obtuse angle upwardly from the first proximate part 36.

A third distant part 40 of the lower flange 34 is unitary connected to the second middle part 38 and forms a distant part of the lower flange 34. The third distant part 40 is connected at an obtuse angle to a free end of the middle part 38. The third distant part of the lower flange 34 is oriented substantially parallel to the first proximate part 36, while being vertically spaced apart from the first part 36. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the third distant part 40 extends at a vertical level higher than the first proximate part 36 and the second middle part 38.

FIG. 6 illustrates the first member 12 and the second member 14 joined together. In one aspect of the invention, the upright portions 16 and 30 are secured together by the so-called ‘button punch” 42 (FIG. 1) with practically no gap between the upright portions. The button punch is used to indent the thickness of metal forming the upright portions 16 and 30, forming a button or dimple that holds the first member 12 and the second member together securely. The upright portions 16 and 30 are contact with the clip members 12 and 14 are joined together. Such method of securing the two members together makes a watertight fastening. The clip members 12 and 14 be joined together at a manufacturing facility and rolled to form a desired length to create a continuous clip assembly.

In the assembled configuration of FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the first and second clip members 12 and 14 are mated together. In this configuration, the upright portions 16 and 30 extend parallel to each other, the upper horizontal flanges 18 and 32 extend in opposing directions forming a “T” with the upright portions, while the lower flanges 20 and 34 extend in the same direction. As can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 7, the lower horizontal flange 34 of the second clip member 14 is positioned over the lower horizontal flange 20, with the proximate part 36 being parallel to the proximate part 22, the middle part 38 being parallel to the middle part 24, and the distant part 40 being parallel to the middle part 26. The proximate parts 22 and 36 form a “dip” in the lower flanges 20 and 34.

In one of the preferred embodiments, the longitudinal dimensions of the upright portion 16 of the first clip member 12 is at least slightly greater than the longitudinal dimensions of the upright portion 30 of the second clip member 14. For instance, the upright portion 16 is about 2.32″ (5.89 cm) in length, while the upright portion 30 is about 2.29″ (5.82 cm) in length. The difference in length allows the second clip member 14 to be “nested” in the angular position of the upright member 16 and the lower flange 20 of the first clip member 12. The length of the upper flanges 18 and 32 can be about 0.5″ (1.27 cm), while the longitudinal dimensions of the lower flange 20 of the first clip member 12 is at least slightly greater than the longitudinal dimensions of the lower flange 34. In one of the embodiments, the lower flange 20 is about 2.62″ (6.65 cm) in length, while the lower flange 34 is about 2.59″ (6.58 cm) in length.

In one aspect of the invention, the clip member 12 and 14 are formed 24 gauge Galvalume or stainless steel or galvanized material (0.0250″ or 0.635 mm) in thickness. Of course, the above dimensions are exemplary and will vary according to the preferred materials used for the roof panels. The roof panels may be steel panels having 24 gauge (0.0322″ or 0.027 mm) in thickness or more. The roof panels may be 16-18″ wide (40.64-45.72 cm).

As can be seen in FIG. 7, A fastening member 50 is used to attach the lower flanges 20 and 34 to a support structure 52, such as a purlin. The fastening member 50, which can be a screw shown in the drawing, passes through aligned openings formed in the proximate parts 36 and 22 and into the support member 52. In the preferred embodiment, two such fasteners 50 are used for each support member.

During installation of the roof, the roofer first installs a row of clip assemblies 10 along the length of the roofing panels by attaching the continuous clip assembly 10 to the roof support 52 using fasteners 50. As can be seen in the drawings, each pre-formed standing seam roof panel 60 has a predetermined width and length. It is made from a sheet metal with upwardly turned opposing edges 62, 63 (standing seams). The edges 62 and 64 are folded to form a generally U-shaped channel 64 and 65, respectively. The clip assembly 12 is configured to have the upper flanges 18 and 32 fit into the channels 64 and 65 of the adjacent roof panels 60 and 60a.

Once the roofer installs the clip assemblies 10 along one line on the roof supports 52, the roofer installs a roof panel 60 or 60a. The installation can proceed from left to right or from right to left, as desired. For the purposes of explanation, it is assumed that the roofer first installs the panel 60. The roofer forces the roof panel 60 into engagement with the clip assembly 10 by moving the upper edge 62 over the upper flange 32 of the second clip member 14. The roof panel 60 is positioned above the lower flanges 20 and 40, as shown in FIG. 7. The distant portions 26 and 40 of the clip members 12 and 14 may or may not touch the underside of the roof panel 60. When the distant portions 26 and 40 contact the underside of the roof panels they provide additional strength and rigidity to the roof panels.

The roofer then positions the second roof panel 60a and causes the upper edge 63 to move over the upper flange 18 of the first clip member 12. A batten cap 68 can then be positioned over the clip assembly 10 and the edges 62, 63 of the adjacent roof panels 60 and 60a, closing the areas of connection between the roof panels and the clip assemblies 10. The installation of the continuous clip assemblies 10 and the roof panels 60 continues until the entire roof is covered with the roof panels.

A distinct advantage of the instant invention that a human error in measuring the distance between parallel clips is minimized. The roofer does not need to install the second continuous clip until the second roof panel is in place and engaged with the first row of clips. The step of fishing in of the roof panels is eliminated altogether since the roof panels are installed in sequence following the installation of one continuous clip assembly 10. The installation of the roof panels is performed in one direction, with no pre-measuring required, no fishing and no bowing up of the panels to make the panel fit between the two clips. This procedure significantly decreases the time and labor needed for roof installation or retrofitting.

The fastening members for the clips are all installed before the roof panels are placed over the roof. As a result, the roof panel is not penetrated and the possibility of a rusted hole in the roof is eliminated.

The continuous clip assembly of the present invention is preferably formed of a length matching the roof panels (or any length), which allows the clip assembly to be attached continuously at pre-determined locations as opposed to certain attachment points as used with intermitted one piece clips. Such design significantly improves wind resistance of the roof structure.

Many changes and modifications can be made in the design of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I, therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clip assembly for connecting a standing seam roof panel to a roof support member in which a roof panel has upwardly turned opposing edges, each edge formed a generally U-shaped channel, the clip assembly comprising: a first clip member having a first clip upright portion, a first clip upper flange secured to an upper end of the first clip upright portion and extending transversely outwardly from the first clip upper portion in a first direction, and a first clip lower flange secured to a lower end of the first clip upright portion and extending in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction; anda second clip member having a second clip upright portion secured in parallel to the first clip upright portion, a second clip lower flange secured to a lower end of the second clip upright portion and extending transversely outwardly from the second clip upright portion in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction of the first clip lower flange, and a second clip upper flange secured to an upper end of the second clip upright portion and extending in a direction substantially opposite to the first direction of extension of the first clip upright portion.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip upper flange is configured to fit within the U-shaped channel of a roof panel and the second clip upper flange is configured to fit within the U-shaped channel of an adjoining roof panel.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange comprises a first proximate part secured to a respective upright portion and extending at a generally right angle thereto, a second middle part unitary connected to the first proximate part and extending at a generally obtuse angle to the first proximate part, and a third distant part unitary connected to the middle part and extending at a generally obtuse angle to the middle part.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the distant parts of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange are oriented at a vertical level above the proximate parts of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the distant part of the second clip lower flange contacts an underside of the roof panel when installed.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip lower flange has a longitudinal dimension at least slightly greater than a longitudinal dimension of the second clip lower flange.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip upright portion contacts the second clip upright portion along substantially entire length thereof.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly forms a continuous body extending along lengths of adjoining roof panels.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange is each configured to extend in a generally parallel relationship to each other.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange is each configured for attachment to the roof support member below the roof panel.

11. A clip assembly for connecting a roof panel to a roof support member in which a roof panel has upwardly turned opposing edges, each edge formed a generally U-shaped channel, the clip assembly comprising: a generally Z-shaped first clip member having a first clip upright portion, a first clip upper flange secured to an upper end of the first clip upright portion and extending transversely outwardly from the first clip upper portion in a first direction, and a first clip lower flange secured to a lower end of the first clip upright portion and extending in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction; anda generally C-shaped second clip member having a second clip upright portion secured in parallel to the first clip upright portion in a gapless relationship, a second clip lower flange secured to a lower end of the second clip upright portion and extending transversely outwardly from the second clip upright portion in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction of the first clip lower flange, and a second clip upper flange secured to an upper end of the second clip upright portion and extending in a direction substantially opposite to the first direction of extension of the first clip upright portion.

12. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first clip upper flange is configured to fit within the U-shaped channel of a roof panel and the second clip upper flange is configured to fit within the U-shaped channel of an adjoining roof panel.

13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange comprises a first proximate part secured to a respective upright portion and extending at a generally right angle thereto, a second middle part unitary connected to the first proximate part and extending at a generally obtuse angle to the first proximate part, and a third distant part unitary connected to the middle part and extending at a generally obtuse angle to the middle part.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the distant parts of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange are oriented at a vertical level above the proximate parts of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange.

15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the distant part of the second clip lower flange contacts an underside of the roof panel when installed.

16. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first clip lower flange has a longitudinal dimension at least slightly greater than a longitudinal dimension of the second clip lower flange.

17. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first clip upright portion contacts the second clip upright portion along substantially entire length thereof.

18. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the clip assembly forms a continuous body extending along lengths of adjoining roof panels.

19. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange is each configured to extend in a generally parallel relationship to each other.

20. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange is each configured for attachment to the roof support member below the roof panel.

21. A method of installing standing seam roof panels to a roof support member in which each roof panel has upwardly turned opposing edges, each edge formed a generally U-shaped channel, the method comprising the steps: (a) providing a continuous clip assembly having a first generally Z-shaped clip member and a second generally C-shaped clip member secured together to form a clip unit, said first clip member having a first clip upright portion and an upper flange oriented in a first direction, said second clip member having a second clip upright portion fixedly attached to the first clip upright portion and a second clip upper flange oriented in a direction opposite to the first direction of the first clip upper flange;(b) installing said continuous clip assembly on the roof support member;(c) engaging a first roof panel with the continuous clip assembly by locking the first clip upper flange within the U-shaped channel of the first roof member;(d) positioning a second roof panel in a parallel adjacent relationship to the first roof panel;(e) engaging the second roof panel with the continuous clip assembly by locking the second clip upper flange within the U-shaped channel of the second roof member; and(f) repeating steps (b) through (e) until installation of all required roof panels is complete.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said first clip member is provided with a first clip lower flange, said second clip member is provided with a second clip lower flange, and wherein said first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange extend in a generally parallel direction to each other.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said step of installing the continuous clip assembly on the roof member comprises a step of fastening the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange to the roof support member.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange comprises a first proximate part secured to a respective upright portion and extending at a generally right angle thereto, a second middle part unitary connected to the first proximate part and extending at a generally obtuse angle to the first proximate part, and a third distant part unitary connected to the middle part and extending at a generally obtuse angle to the middle part.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the distant parts of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange are oriented at a vertical level above the proximate parts of the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange is each configured to extend in a generally parallel relationship to each other.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the first clip lower flange and the second clip lower flange is each configured for attachment to the roof support member below the roof panel.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein the first clip upright portion and the second clip upright portion are secured together in a parallel gapless relationship.

29. The method of claim 21, wherein the first clip upright portion and the second clip upright portion are secured together by button punching.

30. The method of claim 21, wherein the clip assembly forms a continuous body extending along lengths of adjoining roof panels.