BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:
FIG. 1 is perspective view of the roof clips for securing a gutter protection system to a structure with a slate roof, according to an embodiment of the present principles;
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the initial steps for installin the roof clips according to an embodiment of the present principles;
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing another step in the installation of the roof clips according to an embodiment of the present principles;
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another step in the installation of the roof clips according to an embodiment of the present principles; and
FIG. 5 is magnified portion of the connection portion of the roof clips according to an embodiment of the present principles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows the roof clips 10 according to an embodiment of the present principles. The roof clips have a flat portion 12 that includes a folder over portion 18. The folded over portion 18 provides additional integrity and strength to the roof clip 12 without increasing the overall thickness of the same in any significant way. By folding over portions 18, a notch 14 is formed between the flat portion 12 and a tab-like vertical portion 16. By forming tab portion 16 with an angular inner side 17, the notch 14 is formed and provides a receiving area to be discussed below.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a slate roof 100 made up of several slates 20 in the commonly known staggered positions. The slates 20 at the lower most row slightly over hang the rear edge 28 of the gutter 24. Between each slate 20 is a small keyway 22, which due to the irregular edges of the slate shingles 20, also has irregular edges (not showns). The roof clip 12 is positioned such that tab 16 passes up into the keyway 22 and the flat portion 12 is sandwiched between the slate below the keyway 22 and the slate under which flat portion 12 is disposed.
The purpose for the two oppositely sided roof clips 12 is that there are instances when a keyway 22 cannot accommodate a left sided roof clip or a right sided roof clip. For example, the opposite sides can be used on the corresponding ends of the row of shingles where a finished look is required. Alternatively, the different sided roof clips can be selectively used when the flexibility of the roof shingles is greater on one side of the key way 22 as opposed to the other.
Once the roof clips 10 are positioned as shown in FIG. 2, a gutter protector 30 can be attached to the slate roof, by positioning the end 32 over the slates 20 such that the end 32 fits within the notch 14 formed by the tab 16 (See FIG. 3). The front edge 34 of the gutter protector is attached to the front edge 26 of the gutter 24 in any known manner.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, once the gutter protector is positioned as shown, the tabs 16 can be folded down over the end 32, and small screws 40 can be used to secure the tab portion 16 to the underlying flat portion 12 of the roof clip. In this manner, the roof clip 10 allows the cutter protector to be fastened to the exterior surface of a slate roof, without damaging or otherwise negatively affecting the aesthetics of the slate roof.
The roof clips can be made of any known material, and are preferably made of a metal that is the same as the gutter protector system. For example, aluminum sheet metal would be a good example of such material. Those of skill in the art will recognize that other materials may be used for the roof clips 10, without departing from the spirit of the present principles.
While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present principles. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the present principles may be incorporated in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
Patent Application
20080022605
