ROOF ANCHORING SYSTEM

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present disclosure pertains to a roof anchoring system designed to enhance the structural resilience of buildings and prevent roof uplift during severe weather conditions such as storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The system addresses the need for a cost-effective, easily installable solution that can integrate with existing roof structures or new roof builds, thereby providing greater rigidity, among other benefits. Components include a base affixed to a bearing wall, a vertical reinforcement member extending from the base, radius arms connected to the vertical reinforcement member via angular adjustment members, and radius brackets securing the radius arms to the roof rafters and timber walls/sheeting.

Claims

1. A roof anchoring system comprising: a base configured and dimensioned to affix to a bearing wall; said base operatively connected to a vertical reinforcement member; said vertical reinforcement member configured and dimensioned to receive at least one angular adjustment member; said at least one angular adjustment member operatively connected to a radius arm; and said radius arm configured and dimensioned to operatively connect to a radius bracket.

2. The roof anchoring system of claim 1 wherein said base, said vertical reinforcement member, said at least one angular adjustment member, said radius arm, and said radius bracket are composed of steel.

3. The roof anchoring system of claim 1 wherein said base comprises at least one aperture configured and dimensioned to receive at least one bolt.

4. The roof anchoring system of claim 3 further comprising at least one threaded rod configured and dimensioned to remain nestled within a bearing wall and configured to connect to at least one turn buckle.

5. The roof anchoring system of claim 4 wherein said at least one turn buckle is configured and dimensioned to remain nestled within a bearing wall, configured and dimensioned to receive said at least one threaded rod, and configured and dimensioned to receive said at least one bolt.

6. The roof anchoring system of claim 5 wherein said at least one threaded rod, said at least one turn buckle, and said at least one bolt is configured and dimensioned to affix and anchor said base to a bearing wall.

7. The roof anchoring system of claim 1 wherein said vertical reinforcement member is operatively connected to said base at a perpendicular orientation thereto.

8. The roof anchoring system of claim 1 wherein said vertical reinforcement member comprises at least one guide track and at least one aperture.

9. The roof anchoring system of claim 8 wherein said at least one guide track of said vertical reinforcement member is configured and dimensioned to receive said at least one angular adjustment member.

10. The roof anchoring system of claim 9 wherein said at least one angular adjustment member is selectably positioned between a tensioned position and an un-tensioned position.

11. The roof anchoring system of claim 10 wherein said at least one angular adjustment can move about said at least one guide track of said vertical reinforcement member when said at least one angular adjustment member is in an un-tensioned position.

12. The roof anchoring system of claim 10 wherein said at least one angular adjustment is restricted from moving about said at least one guide track of said vertical reinforcement member when said at least one angular adjustment member is in a tensioned position.

13. The roof anchoring system of claim 10 wherein said radius arm is rotatable about said at least one angular adjustment member when said at least one angular adjustment member is in an un-tensioned position.

14. The roof anchoring system of claim 10 wherein said radius arm is barred from rotating about said at least one angular adjustment member when said at least one angular adjustment member is in a tensioned position.

15. The roof anchoring system of claim 1 wherein said radius bracket further comprises at least one semi-circular channel configured and dimensioned to allow said radius arm to connect to said radius bracket.

16. The roof anchoring system of claim 1 wherein said radius bracket further comprises at least one sheeting channel to allow said radius arm to connect to sheeting.

17. The roof anchoring system of claim 1 further comprising at least one wing bracket configured and dimensioned to secure a rafter to sheeting.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present disclosure, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roof anchoring system, depicted as partially installed on a portion of a roof.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a roof anchoring system, depicted as partially installed on a bearing wall.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of a roof anchoring system.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a portion of a roof anchoring system, depicted as partially installed on a portion of a roof.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a roof anchoring system, depicted as partially installed on a portion of a roof.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a roof anchoring system, depicted as installed on a portion of a roof.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wing brackets of a roof anchoring system, depicted as installed on a portion of a roof.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wing bracket of a roof anchoring system, depicted as installed on a portion of a roof.

[0027] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Turning now descriptively to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a roof anchoring system 100, depicted as partially installed on a portion of a roof. As can be seen, the roof anchoring system comprises a base 110, which is configured and dimensioned to affix to a bearing wall (where what might be described as a bearing wall is depicted in FIG. 1). The base may comprise at least one aperture 111, which allows at least one bolt 112 to pass therethrough. As may be apparent, the at least one bolt 112 allows the base 110 to become affixed to a structure underneath the base 110 (in this case, as is depicted in FIG. 1, a portion of wood that may be described as a bearing wall, despite the fact that it not a vertical wall or structure that ultimately becomes load bearing). The at least one bolt 112 may be operatively connected to a turn buckle 113, wherein the turn buckle 113 is operatively connected to a threaded rod 114. The elements of the bolt 112, turn buckle 113, and threaded rod 114 may be fully or at least partially nestled within a bearing wall (as will be described and as is not depicted in FIG. 1).

[0029] In perpendicular orientation to the base 110 may be a vertical reinforcement member 120. This member 120 may be operatively connected to the base 110 via being formed therewith, being welded thereto, or connected by other means of connection (such as via a lock nut). As such, the vertical reinforcement member 120 may comprise at least one guide track 121 and at least one aperture 122. The vertical reinforcement member 120 may also be of different lengths/heights. The at least one guide track 121, may traverse the majority of the height of the at least one guide track 121, but, the guide track 121 may be enclosed at the distal ends of the vertical reinforcement member 120. Further, there may be multiple apertures 122 present on the vertical reinforcement member 120. The at least one guide track 121 and/or at least one aperture 122 can be used to allow the vertical reinforcement member 120 to affix to a rafter (where a rafter can be seen in FIG. 1) and/or allow at least one angular adjustment member 130 to affix to the vertical reinforcement member 120.

[0030] As such, considering the at least one angular adjustment 130, as may be apparent, the at least one angular adjustment 130 allows for the rotation of at least one radius arm 140 (as will be described) about the vertical reinforcement member 120. That said, the at least one angular adjustment member 130 may affix to the vertical reinforcement member 120 by common connection means to those known in the art (such as via a lock nut), at the at least one guide track and/or at least one aperture 122 of the vertical reinforcement member 120. Further, the at least one angular adjustment member 130 may be selectably positioned between a tensioned state/position and an un-tensioned state/position, at least when the angular adjustment member 130 is affixed (or in the process of becoming affixed to the vertical reinforcement member 120). However, notably, while the angular adjustment member 130 may transition between states/positions, it may be operatively connected to the at least one radius arm 140 (as previously mentioned, the at least one radius arm 140 may make up a portion of the angular adjustment member 130). As such, in the un-tensioned position/state, the angular adjustment member 130 May move along the path of the guide track 121 (while remaining therein and not detaching from the guide track 121). In addition, in the un-tensioned position/state, the angular adjustment member may allow the radius arm 140 to rotate about the vertical reinforcement member 120. Indeed, one feature of the roof anchoring system 100 is to allow the radius arm 140 to move along different angles of rafters and be able to connect to joists at various positions, meaning that the radius arm may exist at multiple angles in relation to the vertical reinforcement member 120 depending on the roof that the instant system 100 may be installed on.

[0031] Therefore, as the angular adjustment member 130 may transition to a tensioned position/state, in this tensioned position, the angular adjustment member 130 may be barred from moving about the path of the guide track 121, locking the angular adjustment member 130 in place along the guide track 121. Further, in the tensioned position/state, the radius arm 140 may be barred from rotating about the vertical reinforcement member 120, locking the radius arm 140 at a specific angle in relation to the vertical reinforcement member 120. With brief reference to FIG. 2, the radius arm rotational movement 145 can be seen, depicted as the angular adjustment member's ability to rotate (which allows the radius arm 140 to move up or down about the rotational point of the angular adjustment member 130).

[0032] With reference back to FIG. 1, the radius arm 140 can be seen as extending away from the vertical reinforcement member 120, and as mostly parallel to the joist. As may be apparent, the radius arm may be positioned along the joist, but in FIG. 1, it is not depicted as such. That said, as is depicted, the radius arm 140 has apertures or a track, which, if the radius arm 140 was positioned along the joist, would allow for a connector (such as a lock nut connection) to connect the radius arm 140 to the joist. That said, as can be seen, the radius arm 140 has two distal ends, one connected to or forming the angular adjustment member 130, and the other allowing the radius arm 140 to connect to a radius bracket 150 (via means such as a lock nut), the radius bracket 150 being connected to the rafter, effectively allowing the radius arm 140 to connect to the rafter. This connection (the connection between the radius bracket 150 and the radius arm 140), will be described in greater detail, as well as the radius bracket 150 itself, and the wing bracket 160 itself. That said, it may be noted that each the base 110, at least one bolt 112, turn buckle 113, vertical reinforcement member 120, at least one angular adjustment member 130, at least one radius arm 140, at least one radius bracket 150, and at least one wing bracket 160 may be formed of steel. Further, for more precise measurements, the base 110 may be, but is not required to be 2 inches wide. The vertical reinforcement member 120 may also be 2 inches wide. The radius arm 140 may also be 2 inches wide and range between 8 inches in height to one foot in height/length. The threaded rod(s) 114 may be 1 inch to 12 feet in length. However, these dimensions are not necessary, and can be adapted depending on the size and dimensioning of a roof that the instant system 100 is installed on.

[0033] Further, while not depicted, along a guide track 121 may be multiple angular adjustment members 130, each connected to a separate radius arm 140, and each radius arm 140 then effectively connecting to a rafter. Alternatively, one multiple angular adjustment member 130 may be present along a guide track 121, with multiple radius arms 140 connected to the single angular adjustment member 130, where each radius arm 140 may be effectively connected to a rafter at different points along a rafter. As will be described, the aforementioned orientations would be able to provide greater structural support and/or rigidity for a roof.

[0034] Turning now to FIG. 2, a separate example of how the roof anchoring system 100 may be used is visible, with not all elements being present as were described in FIG. 1. Instead, FIG. depicts what might be described as a bearing wall 500 (but see FIG. 1 and the description of a bearing wall pertaining to FIG. 1). In FIG. 2, the bearing wall is concrete blocks that are filled in with insulation, concrete or another substance. As such, it can be seen that the base 110 of the instant system 100 is operatively affixed to a bearing wall 500 via at least one bolt 112 passing through the base aperture 111 and extending into the bearing wall 500. In FIG. 2, the bearing wall 500 is transparent such that the viewer can see the bolt 112 within the wall 500. While the turn buckle 113 and threaded rod 114 are not present in FIG. 2, it is a feature of the instant system that the turn buckle 113 connects to the bolt 112, and a threaded rod 114 connects to the turn buckle (as can be envisioned with reference to FIG. 3). As such, considering FIG. 2, it can be noted that the turn buckle 113 and threaded rod 114 may be nestled within a bearing wall 500, where the bolt 112 may be partially nestled within a bearing wall 500. Further, with brief reference to FIG. 3, while not depicted, at the distal end of the threaded rod 114, an anchor screen may be connected, anchoring the threaded rod to a more stable/study structure. As such, these orientations described above allow for the base 110 (and all elements connected thereto, such as the vertical reinforcement member 120, angular adjustment member 130, radius arm 140, and radius bracket 150) to resist uplifting forces imparted unto a roof by natural forces such as winds from a storm, hurricane, or tornado. In fact, should uplifting forces be imparted unto a roof, they may travel down the radius arm 140, into the vertical reinforcement member 120, and the base 110 (with the bolt 111, and possibly turn buckle 113 and threaded rod 114) preventing the uplifting forces from allowing the roof to deform or falter.

[0035] With reference now to FIG. 4, the instant system 100 can be seen. More specifically, the radius bracket 150 and wing brackets 160 are more clearly visible. As such, it may be noted that sheeting (such as ply) may be affixed to the radius bracket 150 and wing brackets 160 upon the visible open faces thereof. In effect, when sheeting/ply is affixed to the radius bracket 150, uplifting forces on the ply may be distributed to the instant system 100, furthering the roof's (that the system 100 is installed on) ability to withstand uplifting forces. In addition, when sheeting/ply is affixed to the wing bracket(s) 160, uplifting forces on the ply may be distributed about the rafter, down to the instant system 100, furthering the roof's (that the system 100 is installed on) ability to withstand uplifting forces.

[0036] With reference now to FIG. 5, the radius bracket 150 can more clearly be seen. However, it should be noted that the turn buckle 113 and threaded rod 114 are visibly present in the Figure as well. While the turn buckle 113 is affixed to the threaded rod 114, the turn buckle is not affixed to a least one bolt 112, so the turn buckle 113 and threaded rod 114 can be referenced in this FIG. for visual reference purposes only. That said, considering the radius bracket 150, the semi-circular channel 152 can be seen. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it should be noted that should the radius bracket 150 be rotated (to accommodate the various angles that sheeting/ply may be placed along a rafter (the rafter being able to have multiple angles created between it and the joist), the semi-circular channel 152 allows the radius arm 140 to still connect to the radius bracket 150. Indeed, the semi-circular channel 152 accounts for the length of the radius arm 140 and the various angles that it may connect to the radius bracket 150 as the radius bracket 150 may be rotated to allow a flush fitting sheeting/ply to be laid top the rafter and radius bracket 150 (such that the radius bracket 150 may connected to the sheeting/ply via its sheeting channel 154). As for the sheeting channel 154, the channel 154 allows for the radius bracket 150 to connect/affix to sheeting/ply via commonly known connection means. As may be apparent, more than one radius bracket 150 may be present on the instant system (as multiple radius arms 140 may be used).

[0037] Turning now to the wing brackets 160, one or multiple wing brackets 160 may be used to connect rafter to sheeting/ply. Wing brackets 160 may be used as extra reinforcement means, ensuring that uplifting forces are ultimately distributed from the roof and into a bearing wall 500. As such, with reference to FIG. 7, it can be noted that a wing bracket 160 may be inserted into and connected to a rafter, with open faces and apertures so as to allow the wing bracket 160 to connect to sheeting/ply. For reference, FIG. 8 is a depiction of a wing bracket 160 connecting rafter to sheeting/ply. It should be noted that connections between the aforementioned elements may be made and/or secured via lock nuts throughout the various portions of the instant system 100.

[0038] Now that the foregoing has been described, the following provides an example of one use of a roof anchoring system 100. A construction team prepares to install the roof anchoring system on a new building located in a hurricane-prone area. The first step involves attaching the base to the building's bearing wall 500. Before the bearing wall 500 is cured (i.e., before concrete of a bearing wall dries), a threaded rod 114, connected to a turn buckle 113 is inserted deep therein. The bearing wall 500, is then left to cure, with an opening at its top, having a receptacle leading to the turn buckle 113. The base 110, made of steel, includes at least one aperture 111 designed to receive a bolt 112. A bolt 112 passes through the aperture 111 and into the turn buckle 113, securing the base 110 to the bearing wall 500. A vertical reinforcement member 120 has been pre-welded to the base and it is also made of steel. As such, it is operatively connected to the base 110 in a perpendicular orientation. This member 120 supports the angular adjustment member 130, which is integral to the system's adjustability. The vertical reinforcement member 120 features a guide track 121 and apertures 122 that facilitate the installation and adjustment of the angular adjustment member 130.

[0039] The angular adjustment member 130 is then installed into the guide track 121 of the vertical reinforcement member 120 via traditional screw connection means. This installation allows for pivotal adjustments (of the radius arm 140) and vertical/height adjustments (also of the radius arm 140) which are crucial during the installation and future adjustments. Once securely in place, the angular adjustment member 130 serves as the pivot point for the radius arm 140. This arm can be adjusted to various angles to align or come in contact with different parts of the roof structure, such as the joist and rafters, enhancing the adaptability of the system to varied roof designs.

[0040] As such, the distal end of the radius arm 140 (opposite to the distal end at the angular adjustment member 130) can connect to the radius bracket 150, which may have been pre-attached to the roof's rafter. Indeed, the radius bracket 150 is equipped with a semi-circular channel 152 that allows for variable positioning of the radius arm 140 and to ensure that a face of radius bracket will be positioned to affix to sheeting/ply. This flexibility is vital for achieving optimal tension and alignment, providing a secure and stable connection to the roof structure.

[0041] As the construction progresses, adjustments to the tension of the angular adjustment member 130 are made by shifting it along the guide track 121. When in a fully tensioned position, this component locks into place, stabilizing the radius arm 140 in its optimal orientation for maximum reinforcement. This tensioning is crucial especially when preparing for impending severe weather, as it ensures the roof structure holds firm against uplifting forces.

[0042] If the roof requires realignment or further adjustments due to settling or after an inspection, the system's design allows for easy re-tensioning or loosening. The angular adjustment member can be shifted to a partially tensioned or un-tensioned position, allowing the radius arm 140 to rotate or become vertically oriented in further as needed. This adjustability makes the system highly practical for ongoing maintenance and adjustments without requiring complete disassembly.

[0043] The installation can conclude with the affixing of wing brackets 160, which are used to further secure the roofing material to the rafters, enhancing the overall stability of the roof against uplift. The wing brackets 160, like the radius brackets 150, are integral in distributing the load evenly across the roof, minimizing the risk of damage during severe weather conditions.

[0044] Once fully installed, the roof anchoring system 100 provides a robust defense against the dynamic forces exerted by high winds and storms. The interconnectedness of the base 110, vertical reinforcement member 120, angular adjustment member 130, radius arm 140, radius bracket 150, and wing bracket 160 distributes the forces across the structure and allows a bearing wall to brunt a significant amount of resistance force, significantly reducing the risk of damage. Further, the steel construction of the system's 100 components, ensure a durable and lasting solution to roof stability challenges.

[0045] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to a roof anchoring system, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.