Anchor attachment for a roof panel rib
First Claim
1. A roof panel rib anchor for attachment to a roof panel rib of a roof panel or panels, the roof panel rib having a rib head supported from the roof panel or panels on a rib neck narrower than the rib head, the roof panel rib anchor comprising, first and second opposing anchor sides depending from an anchor top forming a channel within, adapted to receive said roof panel rib head and part of the roof panel rib neck in the channel, a fastener separated from the anchor top adapted to engage the roof rib panel at the rib neck such that said rib head is receivable in the channel between the fastener and the anchor top, the fastener securing the rib head in the channel when received therein.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A roof anchor with a channel fits over a roof panel rib typically having a rib head supported by a narrower rib neck. Opposing bolts on each anchor side thread through matching threaded holes in anchor sides and into the channel, sandwiching a roof panel rib therebetween when it is received into the channel. Alternatively, bolts on a single anchor side may sandwich the roof panel rib between the bolts and the other anchor side. To prevent the anchor from lifting off the roof panel rib, the bolts are located on the anchor sides low in the anchor channel, sufficiently apart from the anchor top so that the roof panel rib head can be received between the bolts and the anchor top. A rib bar typically shaped to functionally match the roof panel rib may be inserted within the roof panel rib as a brace to prevent a roof panel rib from collapsing under force of the bolts. When the anchor bolts tighten against the roof panel rib, the panel rib sides are sandwiched between the rib bar and the bolts. At least one attachment bolt is threaded into a hole in the anchor top for attaching roof paraphernalia to the anchor after the anchor is secured to the roof panel rib.
43 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A roof panel rib anchor for attachment to a roof panel rib of a roof panel or panels, the roof panel rib having a rib head supported from the roof panel or panels on a rib neck narrower than the rib head, the roof panel rib anchor comprising,
first and second opposing anchor sides depending from an anchor top forming a channel within, adapted to receive said roof panel rib head and part of the roof panel rib neck in the channel, a fastener separated from the anchor top adapted to engage the roof rib panel at the rib neck such that said rib head is receivable in the channel between the fastener and the anchor top, the fastener securing the rib head in the channel when received therein.
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13. A roof panel rib anchor for attachment to a roof panel rib having a cavity within, the roof panel rib anchor comprising,
first and second opposing anchor sides depending from an anchor top forming a channel within, adapted to receive said roof panel rib in the channel, a fastener extending into the channel from the first anchor side directed toward the second anchor side, the fastener securing the rib in the channel when received therein, the fastener imparting clamping force on the roof panel rib preventing the anchor from sliding on it, a rib bar adapted to fit within the roof panel rib cavity opposite the fastener outside the roof panel rib, bracing it from collapse and substantially maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the roof panel rib against said clamping force as the fastener impinges with said clamping force against the rib.
- 14. A roof panel rib bar insertable in a cavity or channel of a roof panel rib, comprising an elongated body with cross section shaped to functionally match said roof panel rib cavity or channel, substantially maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the roof panel rib against forces of attachment of a device to the roof panel rib.
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16. The method of removably attaching an anchor to a roof panel rib having a rib cavity or channel within without substantial deformation or collapse of the roof panel rib therein maintaining the integrity of the rib roof structure, the anchor having an anchor channel and a fastener attached to the channel and extending into the channel from a channel side toward a channel opposite side, the method comprising the following steps:
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a. Placing a rib bar in the roof panel rib cavity or channel;
b. Placing a roof panel rib anchor over the roof panel rib opposite the rib bar within the rib, the anchor channel fitting over the roof panel rib, c. Releasably securing the anchor to the roof panel rib opposite the rib bar by engaging the fastener tightly with clamping force against the roof panel rib from outside the roof panel rib, the rib bar bracing the roof rib from collapse or substantial deformation under said clamping force as the fastener impinges with said clamping force against the rib.
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17. The method of removably attaching an anchor to a roof panel rib without collapse or substantial deformation, the roof panel rib including a raised outer rib member from a first roof panel around a raised inner rib member from a second, adjacent, panel, the roof panel rib interconnecting the two roof panels, the outer rib member including a distal end directed generally back toward the roof panels with resilient spring bias against lateral forces, the anchor having an anchor channel and a fastener attached to the channel and extending into the channel from a channel side toward a channel opposite side, the method comprising
a. Placing the roof panel rib anchor over the roof panel rib, the anchor channel fitting over the roof panel rib, b. Engaging the fastener against the roof panel rib outer rib member distal end from outside the roof panel rib, the fastener urging the outer member distal end laterally inward in partially closing the anchor channel, the resilient spring bias providing clamping force against the fastener to secure the anchor to the roof panel rib.
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19. A roof panel rib anchor for attachment to a roof panel rib of a roof panel or panels, the roof panel rib having a rib head supported from the roof panel or panels on a rib neck narrower than the rib head, the roof panel rib anchor comprising,
first and second opposing anchor sides depending from an anchor top forming a channel within, adapted to receive said roof panel rib head and part of the roof panel rib neck in the channel, a plurality of threaded bolts penetrating at least one anchor side each bolt threaded through a matching threaded hole and separated from the anchor top such that said rib head is receivable in the channel between the bolts and the anchor top, the bolts securing the rib head in the channel when received therein, wherein the bolts releasably secure the rib head in the channel and wherein the bolts undercut the roof panel rib head in the channel at the roof panel rib neck at least partially closing the channel such that said anchor head is prevented from passing out of the channel, the bolts releasable clamping the roof panel rib neck between the anchor sides when said roof panel rib is received within the channel, the bolts imparting clamping force on the roof panel rib neck preventing the anchor from sliding on the roof panel rib.
Specification