Metal roofing light transmitting panel

STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to natural lighting systems for roofs, and more particularly, to a light transmitting panel connectable within a metal roofing system.

2. Description of the Related Art

For many years commercial buildings have utilized sheet metal roofs. Recently it has become more common and popular to utilize sheet metal roofs on residential homes, shops, patios and the like. Typically, the standing seam metal roof utilizes metal sheets having lateral upturned edges. The panels are laid side by side with the lateral edges of one panel contiguous with the upstanding edge of adjacent panels. The panels are joined together by a cap piece or by folding over the upstanding edge to tightly hold the panels together. The roofs are sloped so that water runs down the trough formed between the upstanding edges of each panel.

The above referenced roofing systems may take many forms such as, but not limited to, trapezoidal, 90-degree modular, architectural, and industrial. Metal roofs may have minor ribs, stiffener ribs, or no ribs of all and may be a screw down roofing system. All of these roofing systems are similar in the requirement of attaching the panels at adjacent edges or side rails.

It is very often desirable with metal roofing systems to have additional natural lighting whereby sunlight is permitted to enter the structure through the roof. Heretofore, this natural lighting was provided by installing domed skylights of either the curb or curbless variety. Unfortunately, skylights can be expensive and create water leakage. One of the causes of water leakage is due to the restricted flow path of water between the domed skylight and the standing seam, whereby the water level rises such as to penetrate the roof at the panel junctions. Additional problems arise with domed skylights when freezing temperatures are encountered. Ice and/or snow may collect between the skylight and the dome, and as the ice melts it is blocked by ice dams resulting in the level of water rising and penetrating the panel seam.

Curbed skylights include a “curb” which is a raised structure formed around the opening in the roof upon which the transparent material is attached. The curb raises the seal between the curb and the transparent material above the point of water flowing down the roof. However, curbs are expensive to construct and to install. If not installed correctly leaks will develop around the curb and roof junction resulting in expensive repair. Additionally, installing curbed skylights requires cutting a hole in the existing roof which is performed at the job site increasing the cost of the skylight.

Curbless skylights have been utilized and by definition do not require a raised frame. However, the prior art skylights typically utilize flashing, mechanical fasteners, and or sealing rings to install and to alleviate water leakage. Although curbless skylights do provide benefits over curbed skylights they often increase the weight of the panel with framing, increase the likelihood of water leakage and increase the cost of the metal roofing.

In addition, OSHA requires that skylights be less than twelve inches square or metal grate is required to be placed over the skylight. This so called OSHA 252 bag test is instituted to prevent people, in particular, workers from falling through the skylight when it is stepped or sat on. In order to meet these requirements the skylights and light transmitting panels in the prior art required a combination of fasteners, clips, clips, and fasteners, flanges, etc. in order to secure the transparent or semi-transparent material to the sheet metal surfaces. The differences in the respective linear coefficients of expansion of the various materials of construction resulted in systems that would inherently fail over time. The failures resulted from movement of the various materials in various directions due to the heating and cooling affect that occurs every day. With materials often moving in opposite directions fatigue occurs causing cracks, leaks and the inability to meet OSHA and UL testing requirements as discussed below.

During the heating and cooling cycle of a typical day, the metal roof and its components expand and contract. For example, it is not an unusual occurrence in a normal pitched roof to expand and contract as much as 6″ over a 100 linear feet. As a result of this and other effects, UL 90 requires that a panel withstand a 90 mph wind created uplift without loss of containment. In order to achieve this, again the prior art systems employed very elaborate clip and/or conventional fasteners. However, due to the vastly different linear expansion coefficients of the fasteners, metal panels, clips, and metal panels and light transmitting panels, loss of containment or component failure would occur as noted above over time.

It would be a benefit therefor, to have a light transmitting panel adapted for connection in a metal roofing system that did not comprise the use of clips, fasteners and the like to secure the light transmitting panel to the metal panel while at the same time meeting OSHA 252 bag test and UL 90 requirements. It would be a further benefit to have a light transmitting panel which has side rails adapted for connecting with metal roofing panels. It would be a still further benefit to have a light transmitting panel prefabricated for installation on site in a metal roofing system in the same manner as standard metal roofing panels. It would be a still further benefit to have a light transmitting panel having substantially the same strength characteristics as adjacent metal panels.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of this invention to provide a light transmitting panel for use in metal roofing systems for allowing ambient light to enter a structure and which meets UL 90 and OSHA 252 bag test specifications without the use of conventional fasteners or clips.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a light transmitting panel which is inexpensive and may be constructed off site.

It is a still farther object of this invention to provide a light transmitting panel which is readily connectable in a metal roofing system in the same manner as standard metal roofing panels.

Accordingly, a light transmitting panel of the type for connecting within a metal roofing system is provided. The light transmitting panel includes a translucent panel, a metal panel and a linear coefficient buffer therebetween.

The linear coefficient buffer is adapted to connect the translucent panel and the metal panel in such a was as to allow the translucent panel and metal panel to expand and contract according to its individual linear coefficient relative to the other without loosing containment.

The linear coefficient buffer may comprise any material which allows the light transmitting panel to expand and contract along the metal panel and vice versa, without loss of containment or seal therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the linear coefficient buffer comprises and may be selected from the group consisting of adhesives, adhesive gaskets, adhesive foam and adhesive rubber. In a most preferred embodiment the linear coefficient buffer is a SIKA 452 adhesive, manufactured by SIKA Industries. In order to allow for the expansion and contraction of the materials the linear coefficient buffer thickness will be generally in the range of about 0.1 mil.-20 mil., and more specifically in the range of 2 mil.-10 mil. in thickness. While we have disclosed that certain adhesives, gaskets, and other materials may comprise the buffer, one skilled in the art will understand that any material capable of adhering to the translucent panel and the metal panel so as to allow the respective panels to move according to their respective linear coefficients without resulting in a loss of containment so that if they can do that, then they fall within the scope of the linear coefficient buffers according to the present invention.

The light transmitting panel may further comprise a pair of side rails on both the metal panel and light transmitting panel. The side rails may form a 90° angle, a trapezoid shape or any other shape. In this embodiment, the light transmitting panel side rails are disposed adjacent to the metal panel side rails in the metal roofing system.

The light transmitting panel may comprise material such as, but not limited to, fiberglass, polycarbonates, and acrylic so as to allow ambient or exterior light to enter a structure through the light transmitting panel. It is not required for the translucent material to be transparent The translucent section may be planar, substantially planar, or have a domed section formed therein. The translucent section has a planar section running approximate the lateral or longitudinal sides which may turn into an angled portion extending from the planar portion. The angle of departure between the angled portion and the planar portion is chosen so as to match the configuration of the side rail of the particular metal roofing system in which it is to be installed.

The side rails are chosen to match the roofing system in which the light transmitting panel is to be installed. The side rails may be obtained from cutting the middle section out of an existing metal panel. The side rails may be individually turned to match particular roofing systems. Typically the side rails will have at least one horizontal portion and an angled portion extending therefrom. The adhesion surface of the horizontal portion, and the angled portion if desired, should be cleaned to remove foreign material, protective coatings and metal oxides before the adhesive is applied to join the side rails with the translucent material.

Once the translucent material is formed to match the side rails chosen for the installation a chemical adhesive or bonding material is applied to either or both the translucent material and the adhesion surface of the side rails. A neutral cure 100 percent silicon adhesive is desired because of its ability to bond many combinations of material with a chemical degradation and its strength. The side rails and translucent material are then compressed at the contact point and the adhesive is allowed to cure. Once the adhesive has cured the light transmitting panel will have substantially the same configuration and strength characteristics of the metal roofing panels for a particular installation. In particular, the light transmitting panel will have properties which allow it to be installed in a metal roofing system in a manner so as not to require metal grating to be installed in conjunction. The light transmitting panel may then be shipped to the site to be installed and will not require any additional equipment or additional expertise of the on-site personnel for installation.

Once on site the light transmitting panel may be installed in the same manner as the metal roofing panels utilized in the construction. The adjacent side rails may be connected by rolling, folding, or caps and additionally may include screws or other types of mechanical fasteners. Light transmitting panels may be installed adjacent to other light transmitting panels and/or metal roofing panels.

The foregoing has outlined the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a light transmitting panel of the present invention.

FIG. 2

is a front, planar view of the light transmitting panel of the present invention in connection with adjacent panels.

FIG. 3

is a front, planar view of an alternative connection of the light transmitting panel of the present invention and an adjacent panel.

FIG. 4

is a perspective view of another configuration of the light transmitting panel of the present invention.

FIG. 5

is a perspective view of another embodiment of a light transmitting panel of the present invention.

FIG. 6

is a plan view of another embodiment of the light transmitting panel.

FIG. 7

is a front, planar view of the embodiment of the light transmitting panel of FIG.

6

.

FIG. 8

is a perspective view of the embodiment of the light transmitting panel of FIG.

6

.

FIG. 9A

is a plan view of another embodiment of the light transmitting panel.

FIG. 9B

is a layered view of the embodiment of the light transmitting panel of FIG.

9

A.

FIG. 9C

is another layered view of the embodiment of the light transmitting panel of FIG.

9

A.

FIGS. 9D and 9E

are illustrative embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.

FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a light transmitting panel of the present invention, generally designated by the numeral

10

. Light transmitting panel

10

includes a translucent section

12

, first side rail

14

, second side rail

16

, and a chemical adhesive

18

.

Translucent section

12

in the embodiment shown is constructed of fiberglass and permits the passage of light exterior of the structure, such as sun light, to be transmitted into a structure on which it is installed. Translucent section

12

may be constructed of thermoset material such as, but not limited to, fiberglass, polycarbonates, and acrylic either singularly or in combination. Translucent section

12

is constructed of material so as to substantially match the characteristics of the metal panels utilized in the roofing system. It is desired that translucent section

12

have strength characteristics which alleviate requirements of metal grating. As shown, and in the present embodiment, light transmitting panel

12

is constructed so as to withstand at least 200 pounds per square foot of pressure so as not to require metal grating pursuant to OSHA regulations.

Translucent section

12

includes a planar section

20

, and may have a first and second lateral, angled portion

22

,

24

. As shown in

FIG. 1

, lateral portions

22

,

24

are angled approximately perpendicular to planar section

20

to form a 90-degree modular system. Translucent section

12

may be formed to fit and match any metal roofing design configuration.

Side or locking rails

14

,

16

are constructed of metal of the same type as the roofing system in which the present invention is to be installed. Side rails

14

,

16

are formed by taking a metal panel section of the design type chosen for a roof and cutting the side rails from the metal panel. As shown in

FIG. 1

, side rails

14

and

16

are adapted for incorporation in metal roofing systems in which the roofing panels have male and female side rails

14

,

16

which are interconnected by rolling or folding, and possibly caps or mechanical fasteners. However, the present invention is adaptable to many shapes, and forms of side rails

14

,

16

, three examples of which are shown in

FIGS. 1 through 4

.

As shown in

FIG. 1

, first side rail

14

is a female side rail having a first horizontal portion

26

and a first angled portion

28

which extends substantially perpendicular, and upward from first horizontal portion

26

. Second side rail

16

is a male side rail also having a first portion

26

and first angled portion

28

which extends substantially perpendicular and upward from first horizontal portion

26

. Both side rails

14

and

16

have a top locking section

30

. In the female side rails, top locking section

30

of side rail

14

extends in the same direction as first horizontal portion

26

and is substantially parallel to first portion

26

. In the male side rails, top locking section

30

of side rail

16

extends in the opposite direction as first portion

26

and is substantially parallel to first portion

26

. As shown in

FIG. 1

, side rails

14

and

16

are adapted for connecting to adjacent light transmitting panels

10

or adjacent metal roofing panels

32

(

FIG. 2

) by rolling or folding and therefor include tongues

34

. One or both tongues

14

may be deleted still allowing a rolled connection via locking section

30

. Additionally, at least first horizontal portion

26

and possibly first angled portion

28

have an adhesion surface

36

for connecting translucent section

12

such that section

12

is located below side rails

14

and

16

. However, as shown in

FIGS. 5 and 6

, translucent section

12

may be adhered atop side rails

14

and

16

.

Side rails

14

and

16

are connected to translucent section

12

by an adhesive or bonding agent to form light transmitting panel

10

. Examples of adhesives or bonding agents are UNI-WELD, a two-part epoxy from Kent Industries, and adhesives from Dynatron Bondo Adhesives. In particular, it is desired to utilize a neutral 100 percent silicone adhesive.

To connect side rails

14

and

16

to translucent section

12

adhesion surface

36

and the surface of a portion of first planar section

20

adjacent to lateral angled portion

22

and lateral angled portion

22

should be cleaned to remove any foreign materials, protective coatings such as terne, and metal oxides. An adhesive or bonding agent

18

is applied to adhesion surface

36

and/or translucent section

12

and side rails

14

and

16

are placed in position whereby horizontal portions

26

are disposed upon a portion of planar section

20

and first angled portion

28

is disposed upon first lateral portion

22

of translucent section

12

. Side rails

14

and

16

and translucent section

12

are compressed together and adhesive

18

is allowed to cure to form light transmitting panel

10

.

FIG. 2

is a front, planar view of light transmitting panel

10

of the present invention in connection with adjacent metal roofing panels

32

. As shown, adjacent side rails

14

and

6

are positioned so that a male side rail

16

overlaps a female side rail

14

. To connect panels

10

and panels

32

or panels

10

to adjacent panels

10

(not shown) by folding tongues

34

in the direction of the arrows. It should be recognized that tongue

34

is not necessary.

FIG. 3

is a front, planar view of an alternative connection of light transmitting panel

10

of the present invention and an adjacent metal roofing panel

32

.

FIG. 3

demonstrates the connection of adjacent roofing panels

10

and

32

utilizing a cap

38

. Metal roofing panel

32

utilizes a female side rail

14

as does light transmitting panel

10

. Each panel

32

and

10

are placed side by side in a manner such that side rails

14

are adjacent and top locking sections

30

extend away from each other. A cap

38

is slid onto both side rails

14

along top locking sections

30

or cap

38

is placed atop locking sections

30

and crimped thereon. Although not shown this connection may be made between adjacent light transmitting panels

10

in the same manner.

FIG. 4

is a perspective view of another configuration of light transmitting panel

10

of the present invention shown in a trapezoidal configuration. In the trapezoidal configuration translucent section

12

has a first angled portion

22

which extends upwardly from planar portion

20

at an angle to match the angle that first angled portion

28

of side rails

14

and

16

extends from first horizontal portion

26

of side rails

14

and

16

. In this embodiment translucent material

12

is connected to side rails

14

and

16

in the same manner as described above. Additionally, light transmitting panel

10

as shown in

FIG. 4

may be connected to adjacent light transmitting panels

10

and/or metal roofing panels as shown in FIG.

2

.

FIG. 5

is a perspective view of another embodiment of light transmitting panel

10

of the present invention. Light transmitting panel

10

includes a translucent section

12

, first side rail

14

, second side rail

16

, and a chemical adhesive

18

.

Translucent section

12

in the embodiment shown is constructed of fiberglass and permits the passage of light exterior of the structure, such as sun light, to be transmitted into a structure on which it is installed. Translucent section

12

may be constricted of thermoset material such as, but not limited to, fiberglass, polycarbonates, and acrylic either singularly or in combination. Translucent section

12

is constructed of material so as to substantially match the characteristics of the metal panels utilized in the roofing system. It is desired that translucent section

12

have strength characteristics which alleviate requirements of metal grating.

Translucent section

12

includes a planar section

20

, and may have a first and second lateral, angled portion

22

,

24

. As shown in

FIG. 1

, lateral portions

22

,

24

are angled approximately perpendicular to planar section

20

to form a 90-degree modular system. Translucent section

12

may be formed to fit and match any metal roofing design configuration.

Side or locking rails

14

,

16

are constructed of metal of the same type as the roofing system in which the present invention is to be installed. Side rails

14

,

16

are formed by taking a metal panel section of the design type chosen for a roof and cutting the side rails from the metal panel.

Although not shown, it is contemplated to connect a cap or seal atop or about translucent section

12

so as to aid in the prevention of water entry through the connection between section

12

and side rails

14

,

16

. It should also realized that the embodiment as disclosed applies to all forms of

Use of light transmitting panel

10

is now described with reference to

FIGS. 1 through 5

. A metal roofing panel (not shown) is taken and the panel is cut so as to provide two side rails

14

and

16

. Side rails

14

and

16

may be of any configuration so as to match the roofing system in which light transmitting panel

10

is to be installed. Additionally, side rails

14

and

16

may be turned individually to match the side rails of the roofing installation in which to be installed. A translucent section

12

formed of thermoset material such as, but not limited to, fiberglass, polycarbonates, and acrylic is formed so as to have a planar section

20

and may have an adjacent lateral angled section

22

. Translucent section

12

is formed so that lateral angled portions

22

are angled from planar section

20

to match the angle between first horizontal section

26

and first angled portion

28

of side rails

14

,

16

. Adhesion surface

36

of side rails

14

,

16

should be cleaned as well as the contacting surface of translucent material

12

. An adhesive or bonding agent

18

is applied to adhesion surface

36

and/or translucent section

12

. Side rails

14

and

16

are placed in contact with translucent material

12

such that horizontal portions

26

and planar sections

20

and angled portions

28

and lateral angled portions

22

are aligned. Compression is applied to side rails

14

,

16

and translucent section

12

and adhesive

18

is allowed to cure. Once adhesive

12

is cured light transmitting panel

10

is completed and may be shipped for installation in a metal roof system. Light transmitting panel

10

may be installed in any system in which side rails

14

,

16

are adapted, whether it be by rolling, folding, caps, and/or mechanical fasteners for connection with adjacent metal roofing panels.

With reference to

FIGS. 6-9

, further embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. The embodiment of

FIGS. 6-8

shows a bonded light transmitting panel

10

′ comprising translucent panels

12

′

a

and

12

′

b

, a roofing panel

32

′. The utilization of a standard roofing panel

32

′ in this embodiment provides compatibility with other roofing panels

32

′ and/or light transmitting panels

10

′.

With reference to

FIG. 6

, a plan view of the bonded light transmitting panel

10

′ is shown. In this embodiment, the roofing panel

32

′ has a portion cut-out, allowing exposure of the planar sections

20

′

a

and

20

′

b

, corresponding to translucent panels

12

′

a

and

12

′

b

(FIG.

8

). Thus, the light can be transmitted through translucent panels

12

′

a

and

12

′

b

(

FIG. 8

) while the exterior portions of roofing panel

32

′—as described below—allow connection with other roofing panels and/or light transmitting panels.

With reference to

FIG. 7

, a front, planar view of the bonded light transmitting panel

10

′ is shown. Translucent panels

12

(indicated

12

′

a

and

12

′

b

in

FIG. 8

) includes a planar section

20

′ (indicated

20

′

a

and

20

′

b

in FIG.

6

), and may have a first and second lateral, angled portion

22

′,

24

′. In this embodiment, lateral portions

22

′,

24

′ are angled approximately perpendicular to planar section

20

′ to form a 90-degree modular system. While these lateral portions

22

′,

24

′ are shown in this embodiment, other embodiments may not have them. In the embodiment shown in

FIG. 7

, lateral portions

22

′,

24

′ extend upward toward side rails

14

′,

16

′. By this illustration, it should become apparent to one of ordinary skilled in the art that translucent panels

12

(indicated

12

′

a

and

12

′

b

in

FIG. 8

) may be formed to fit and match any roofing design configuration.

With reference to

FIG. 8

, a perspective view of the bonded light transmitting panel

10

′ is shown. The two translucent panels

12

′

a

and

12

′

b

in this embodiment permit the passage of light exterior of the structure, such as sun light, to be transmitted into a structure on which it is installed. The translucent panels

12

′

a

and

12

′

b

may be constructed of thermoset material such as, but not limited to fiberglass, polycarbonates, and acrylic either singularly or a combination of polycarbonates. Furthermore, the translucent panels

12

′

a

and

12

′

b

can be constructed so as to substantially match the characteristics of the roofing panels utilized in the roofing system.

In the embodiment shown in

FIG. 8

, side rails

14

′ and

16

′ of roofing panel

32

′—as briefly described above—are adapted for incorporation in roofing systems in which the roofing panels have male and female side rails

14

′,

16

′ which are generally interconnected by rolling or folding, or by utilizing caps or mechanical fasteners. As an illustrative example, roofing panel

32

′ can be a standard roofing panel, adapted to connect with other standard roofing panels, which is removed and cut out in the manner describe with reference to FIG.

6

. In other embodiments, the light transmitting panels

10

′ can be adaptable to many shapes and forms of side rails

14

,

16

(both from standard roofing panels and those adapted for connection with the metal roofs, in general).

With reference once again to

FIG. 8

, first side rail

14

′ is a female side rail and second side rail

16

′ is a male side rail. Both side rails

14

′ and

16

′ have a top locking section

30

′. As shown in

FIG. 8

, side rails

14

′ and

16

′ are adapted for connecting to adjacent light transmitting panels

10

′ or adjacent roofing panels

32

′. At least horizontal portion

26

′ and possibly first angled portion

28

′ are coupled to the roofing panels

32

′.

With reference to

FIGS. 9A-9C

, another embodiment of the invention is shown with a translucent section

12

′ coupled to a roofing panel

32

′.

FIGS. 9A-9C

are similar to the embodiment of

FIGS. 6-8

in that a standard roofing panel

32

′ can be utilized with a portion thereof cut-out, exposing the translucent section

12

′.

FIG. 9A

shows a top plan view of a single translucent section

12

′ being divided by a portion of the roofing panel

32

′ into two separate light transmitting areas. As will be appreciated by those in the art, such a configuration can be used in some embodiments to facilitate structural integrity (e.g., desired force per surface area support) of each light transmitting area of the translucent section

12

′.

FIG. 9B

is a layered view showing the translucent section

12

′ with the roofing panel

32

′ shown in partial phantom view.

FIG. 9C

is another layered view showing an illustrative example of an area for the location of the linear coefficient buffer

18

′, generally referenced in other embodiments. It will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that such an area can change depending on the desired structural dynamics of light transmitting panel

10

′ and linear coefficient buffer

18

′ utilized.

With reference to

FIGS. 9D-9E

, an illustrative embodiment shows how the side rails

14

′ and

16

′ can be connected to translucent section

12

′ by a linear coefficient buffer

18

′, thereby absorbing the expansion and contraction between the roofing panel

32

′ and the translucent section

12

′. Additionally, this illustrative embodiment shows how the linear coefficient buffer

18

′ may also serve as an adhesive or bonding agent to form the bonded light transmitting panel

10

′. Examples of adhesives or bonding agents are UNI-WELD, a two-part epoxy from Kent Industries, adhesives from Dynatron Bondo Adhesives, and adhesives by SIKA. In addition, it may be desirable to utilize a neutral core silicone adhesive on the edges of the translucent section

12

′ as a secondary seal.

To connect side rails

14

′ and

16

′ to translucent section

12

′ adhesion surface

36

and the surface of a portion of first planar section

20

′ adjacent to lateral angled portion

22

′ and lateral angled portion

22

′ should be cleaned according to procedures known in the art to remove any foreign materials, protective coatings such as terne, and metal oxides. The linear coefficient buffer

18

′ is applied to adhesion surface

36

′ so that translucent section

12

′ may be disposed upon a portion of planar section

20

′ and first angled portion

28

′. Side rails

14

′ and

16

′ and translucent section

12

′ are compressed together and adhesive

18

′ is allowed to cure to form light transmitting panel

10

′.

As can be seen with reference to embodiments of

FIGS. 9A-9E

, the translucent section

12

′ of the light transmitting panel

10

′ can be connected to side rails

14

′ and

16

′ or directly to the roofing panel

32

′. In addition, as discussed above, the side rails

14

′ and

16

′ may be adapted individually to match the side rails of the roofing installation in which they are to be installed. Therefore, the translucent section

12

′ can be formed to fit and match any metal roofing design configuration.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, many configurations of metal roofing panels exist to which the light transmitting panel of the present invention may be adapted, many translucent materials are available for use in the light transmitting panel, and additionally it is contemplated that mechanical fasteners such as screws and nuts and bolts may be used for additional security between adjacent metal roofing panels and light transmitting panels, and adhesion of the light transmitting panels along a single portion or section of the side rails.

The invention will be further described by the following example. This example is not intended to be limiting, in any way, the invention being defined by the appended claims.

EXAMPLE

A light transmitting panel assembly according to the present invention was constructed for testing under UL 90 test requirements. A five (5) panel assemble was created wherein one of the panels included a light transmitting panel. The panels were nominally ten feet (10′) in length and two feet (2′) wide. The panel which comprised the light transmitting panel assembly included a metal panel including one cut-out nominally 17″×53″ and two cut-outs that nominally 17″×24″. A translucent fiberglass panel nominally 8 oz./ft

2

(˜0.045″ thick) was overlaid onto the metal panel so as to cover the cut-outs. A SIKA 252 adhesive was used as the linear coefficient buffer and was disposed between the metal panel and translucent fiberglass panel to a thickness of 2.5 mil. A neutral cure silicone (Silpruf manufactured by Bayer Corporation) was used as an addition adhesive/buffer on the light transmitting panel edges as a secondary seal and to prevent the infusion of air or water under the panel in the event of a void in the SIKA adhesive. The five (5) panel assembly including the light transmitting panel assembly was testing according to ASTM specification UL 90. After the testing, the light transmitting panel assembly was inspected and no break down or fatigue of the component parts was observed.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the preferred embodiment are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the components, circuit elements, circuit configurations, and signal connections, as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry and construction and method of operation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Number	Name	Date	Kind
2790400	Wasserman	Apr 1957	A
4009548	Hicks	Mar 1977	A
4117638	Kidd, Jr. et al.	Oct 1978	A
4449344	Dodich	May 1984	A
4473979	Bruhm	Oct 1984	A
4549379	Hoy et al.	Oct 1985	A
4649680	Weisner et al.	Mar 1987	A
4730426	Weisner et al.	Mar 1988	A
4825608	Makin	May 1989	A
4848051	Weisner et al.	Jul 1989	A
4860511	Weisner et al.	Aug 1989	A
5323576	Gumpert et al.	Jun 1994	A

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	09/493381	Jan 2000	US
Child	09/860156		US

Metal roofing light transmitting panel

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