SUPPORTING WEDGE ACCOMMODATING MULTIPLE ROOFTOP PROFILES

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 63/656,759 filed Jun. 6, 2024.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to rooftop supporting articles. More specifically, the present invention teaches a supporting wedge for use with an inclined roof, such as in particular a metal roof, and which provides non-skid support to a user standing on the wedge. A variant of the supporting wedge also includes a releasably attachable steel layer with a permanently affixed open cell foam layer for supporting the wedge upon any non-steel roof having any type of architectural shingled or tiled arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is documented with various roof support assemblies such as for use by workers and other individuals by providing gripping and non-sliding support. The need for level foot placement of individual upon a roof is particularly important for steeper incline surfaces as well as during wet weather conditions.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,844,616 to Rashid et al. teaches a lightweight composite roofing support system including a longitudinally extending core member having a wedge-shaped lateral cross-section, a first side, and a second side. The first side and the second side taper toward one another at a first predetermined acute angle (a), with the core member having a core material. Also included is a cover layer with a cover material, the cover layer being disposed on and covering at least one of the first side and the second side, the cover material being substantially more compressible than the core material, the core member and cover layer providing a first roofing support. Additional features include the provision of permanent magnetic alloys and ferromagnetic materials which form an electromagnet by application of an electric current.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,222, to Miller, teaches an apparatus for use on a pitched roof including a substantially solid foam rubber wedge and a substantially planar pad. These components are placed in proximity to each other so that a roofer, when situated on the pad, can readily reach roofing materials disposed against the wedge. The wedge resiliently compresses when roofing materials are placed on its upper surface. This resilient compression, the angle of orientation of the wedge's upper surface, and the frictional engagement of the wedge with the roof surface each contribute in varying degrees to holding roofing materials in position on the roof. The pad is made of material which reduces the amount of heat passing from the roofing surface to the upper surface of the pad on which the roofer is situated.

Also disclosed is U.S. Pat. No. 9,834,937, to Warner, which teaches an anti-skid mat including a skid-resistant material exhibiting flexible properties and having a generally planar configuration with a length, width and thickness. A plurality of hinges or flex lines are designed into the material and which enable the material to conform to any irregular surface associated with the metal roof. The mat underside can include any or both of magnetic attracting or conformal adhering undersides such that placement of the material upon a sloping magnetic attracting or non-attracting roof securely supports the weight of a user standing on the mat without slippage relative to the roof. The adhering undersides can further include a plurality of draping adhesion portions, each further including pluralities of microfibers extending from the body and adapted to contact and conform with the roof surface and establish anti-skid Van der Waal forces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a rooftop supported wedge for providing a secure footing while accommodating multiple profiles of roofing, including in particular steel roofing having various ridge profiles. A main body exhibits a non-skid surface and has a modified peaked shape with a bottom surface, first and second angled sides, and an interconnecting upper edge. A series of recesses or slots are configured in either or both of length and width extending directions along the bottom surface of the body, and which are adapted to seat over projecting seams or ridges associated with the roofing surface, in order to provide for flush engagement of the bottom of the wedge against the flattened area surrounding the peaked or sloped rooftop surface. Of note, each of the underside layers includes a matching arrangement of slots which collectively, with the main body, seat the projecting standing seams of a steel roofing surface. The configuration of the slots can further be varied to accommodate various steel or non-steel roofing designs.

A closed cell foam layer is permanently affixed to the bottom surface of the base. A magnet layer, such as without limitation neodymium, is provided with a rubber coating and is permanently affixed to the closed cell foam layer for magnetically attracting to the rooftop. The magnet layer can further be substituted or supplemented by separate poly-magnets with engagement/disengagement switches for generating targeted downward forces which, when disengaged, allows for ease of removal or repositioning of the wedge.

For non-metal roof applications, a removable steel metal layer magnetically attaches to the magnet layer, with a non-slip rubberized material attached to the steel metal layer to provide the needed frictional gripping support when supported upon any non-metal architectural surfaces. The use of magnets can also be substituted or supplemented by micro-fiber adhering portions for creating Van der Waal forces in order to create a strong frictional attraction of the wedge upon the sloped surface.

Additionally, poly-magnetic latches can be employed for facilitating engagement, such as in use with the micro fiber adhering portions, in order to generate strong downward forces on the micro fibers in order to create a hold-in-place latch effect that can be easily disengaged by rotating the latch to the off position. In a first variant, the poly-magnetic latches are integrated into recessed edge locations of the rigid foam body, with a second variant relocating the latches to edge extending reinforced fabric tabs which can accommodate larger poly-magnetic surface engagement and disengagement switch configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the magnetic wedge for accommodating multiple profiles of steel roofing and which includes each of a main body exhibiting a non-skid surface having a modified peaked shape with a bottom surface, first and second angled sides, and a flat interconnecting upper edge, a series of recesses or slots configured in a cross sectional width extending direction along the bottom surface of the body which are adapted to seat over projecting standing seams associated with a steel roofing surface, and further exhibiting each of a closed cell foam layer permanently affixed to the bottom surface of the base, a magnet layer, such as without limitation neodymium, being provided with a rubber coating and permanently affixed to the closed cell foam layer and with each of the underside layers including a matching arrangement of slots which collectively, with the main body, seat the projecting standing seams of the steel roofing surface, along with providing a removable steel metal layer magnetically attached to the magnet layer, with an open cell foam layer permanently attached to the steel metal layer for use with non-metal architectural roofing surfaces;

FIG. 2 presents an environmental illustration of the magnetic rooftop supported wedge depicted installed upon a steel roofing and depicting the width extending slots seating around s steel roof seam or rib;

FIG. 3 is an illustration similar to FIG. 2 and depicting the wedge of FIG. 1 applied to a second variation of steel roofing with an alternate arrangement of projecting roof seams which seat within a pair of secondary slots formed in the underside of the wedge;

FIG. 4 presents a further perspective view of the magnetic wedge applied to a non-magnetic and architectural style roofing;

FIG. 5 presents an illustration of the exposed magnetic layer from FIG. 1 including its underside width extending recesses for seating the metal roof seams;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the magnetic wedge for accommodating multiple profiles of steel roofing similar to FIG. 1 and presenting a slightly different embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7E present a series of two dimensional top, left side, front side, first end and second end views of the magnetic wedge of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a rotated underside perspective of the magnetic wedge of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective, similar to FIGS. 1 and 6, of a further embodiment of magnetic wedge which includes poly-magnet latch construction having engage/disengage switch capability for providing attraction to the roof surface when attracted, along with facilitating removal or repositioning of the wedge body when disengaged; and

FIG. 10 presents a variant of FIG. 9 in which the magnetic latches are reconfigured to mount to flexible tab arms supported at end surface locations of the wedge body, along with the use of Van der Waal effect material for providing high surface ion contact pads for creating tension.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the attached illustrations, the present invention discloses a magnetic supporting wedge for use with an inclined steel roof and which provides non-skid support to a user standing on the wedge. The present invention also teaches an attachable steel metal layer with

With reference initially to FIG. 1, an exploded view is generally shown at 10 of a magnetic wedge for accommodating multiple profiles of steel roofing. As will be further described, the magnetic wedge can likewise be employed with effective frictional gripping characteristics against any non-steel architectural roofing including without limitation asphalt shingles or ceramic tiles.

A main body exhibits a non-skid surface having a modified peaked shape, the body being constructed of any suitable material such as a durable polymer or the like, and including each of a bottom surface 12, first 14 and second 16 angled sides, and a flat interconnecting upper edge 18. A series of recesses or slots are configured in a cross sectional width extending direction along the bottom surface 12 of the body, see as shown by non-limiting example at 20, 22 and 24, and which are adapted to seat over projecting standing seams (see in FIG. 2 et seq.) associated with a steel roofing surface. Without limitation, a single cross slot can be formed in the base or body underside (see at 23) for seating such as a steel shingle lap joint.

A closed cell foam layer 26 is permanently affixed to the bottom surface 12 of the main body or base. A magnet layer 28, such as without limitation neodymium, is provided with a rubber coating and can be permanently affixed to the closed cell foam layer 26.

In instances in which the magnetic wedge is intended to be repurposed for use with a non-steel architectural roofing surface, a removable steel metal layer 30 magnetically attaches to the magnet layer 28, with an open cell foam layer 32 permanently attached to the steel metal layer for in turn providing the necessary gripping feature when applied against the non-metal roof. As will be referenced in the second variant of FIG. 9, a non-slip rubberized layer can be secured to the underside of the magnet layer for providing the desired non-skid support when placed upon the inclined steel surface.

As further shown, the adjoining closed cell foam layer 26 and magnet layer 28 each exhibit a matching arrangement of slots corresponding with the arrangement of the recesses 20, 22 and 24 formed in the width extending underside of the main base or body.

It is also envisioned that additional width extending areas of the sheet metal layer (see at 34, 36 and 38) and the bottom most open cell foam layer 32 (see at 40, 42 and 44) can likewise be removed or sectioned depending upon a given roof application in order to define an uninterrupted width extending recess or gap for seating the ridge, rib or seam (at 4 in FIG. 2), it being understood that this is typically not required when used with non-metal roofs (e.g. FIG. 4) in which no seams or projections typically are encountered. Otherwise, and as again shown, each of the underside layers 26 and 28 include a matching arrangement of slots adjoining those depicted at 20/22/24 for the main body which collectively seat the projecting standing seams 4 of the steel roofing surface as will be described in reference to each of FIGS. 2-3 with respect to the metal roof applications.

FIG. 2 presents a first environmental illustration of the magnetic rooftop supported wedge 10 depicted installed upon a steel roofing, see at 2, and depicting the width extending slots 20, 22, 24, with main or middle slot 22 seating around a steel roof seam or rib, at 4, in order to provide the wedge with a flush and magnetically secured arrangement upon the angled or pitched steel roofing surface. The main body of the wedge is again shown and, with reference to depicted angled side 16, exhibits any desired raised pattern or arrangement (see at 46) for providing enhanced gripping of the individual's shoe soles.

FIG. 3 is an illustration similar to FIG. 2 and depicting the wedge 10 of FIG. 1 applied to a second variation of steel roofing, see at 2′, with an alternate arrangement of projecting roof seams, at 4′, which seat within the outer slots (also termed as any of cutaways, recesses or seams) 20 and 24 formed into the underside of the wedge.

FIG. 4 presents a further perspective view of the magnetic wedge 10 applied to a non-magnetic and architectural style roofing, see in non-limiting representation at 6, 6′, et. seq., with overlapping shingles (not limited to ceramic or asphalt). In this application, the steel metal layer 30 and open cell bottom most layer 32 (see again FIG. 1) are attached to the inner magnetic layer 28 and operate via friction to grip to the non-metal roof.

FIG. 5 presents an illustration of the exposed magnetic layer 28 from the primary application of FIG. 1 (corresponding to environmental views FIGS. 2-3) and including its underside width extending recesses for seating the metal roof seams. Although not shown (and as previously stated), the steel metal layer 30 with fixed open cell foam layer 32 from FIG. 1 are provided for the architectural non-metal roofing applications of FIGS. 6-7.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view, generally at 100, of the magnetic wedge for accommodating multiple profiles of steel roofing which is similar to FIG. 1 and presents a slightly different embodiment of the present invention. As with the original embodiment 10, the magnetic wedge 100 accommodates multiple profiles of steel roofing and can also likewise be employed with effective frictional gripping characteristics for supporting upon any non-steel architectural roofing, including without limitation asphalt shingles or ceramic tiles having a range of angle or slope.

The magnetic wedge again includes a main body exhibiting a non-skid surface having a modified peaked shape, the body being constructed of any suitable material such as a durable polymer or the like, and including each of a bottom surface 102, with first 104 and second 106 angled sides with converge at upper ends in a curved or arc-shaped upper edge 108 (compare again as to shown at 18 in FIG. 1). As with the first variant, the body includes end faces (see at 110 and 112), each of which incorporating a recessed hand hold profile (at 114/114′ in FIG. 9) which facilitates gripping and moving the wedge by the user.

As is best shown in the rotated underside perspective view of FIG. 8, a series of recesses or slots are again configured in a cross sectional width extending direction along the bottom surface 102 of the body, and which are again shown non-limiting example at 116, 118 and 120, which are again adapted to seat over projecting standing seams (see again in FIGS. 2-3) associated with a steel roofing surface. As previously noted, and again without limitation, a single cross slot 122 can be formed in the base or body underside for seating such as a steel shingle lap joint.

A closed cell foam layer 124 is permanently affixed to the bottom surface 102 of the main body or base. A magnet layer 126, such as without limitation neodymium, is provided with a rubber coating and is permanently affixed to the closed cell foam layer 124. A further cushioning foam layer 128 can be secured to an underside of the magnet layer 126 and which in use with a steel roof surface will not adversely impact the frictional holding capabilities of the wedge.

In instances in which the magnetic wedge is intended to be repurposed for use with a non-steel architectural roofing surface, a removable steel metal layer 130 magnetically attaches to the magnet layer 126 and underside rubberized layer 128, with an open cell foam layer 132 permanently attached to the steel metal layer for in turn providing the necessary gripping feature when applied against the non-metal roof.

As further shown, the underside rubberized layer 128 which provides a non-slip coating, such as constructed of a two-part urethane polymer. Each of the closed cell foam layer 124, magnet layer 126 and rubberized layer 128 exhibits a matching arrangement of slots corresponding with that shown by recesses 116, 118, and 120, along with again the crosswise recess 122 formed in the width extending underside of the main base or body. As previously noted, the steel metal layer 130 and integrated open cell foam layer 132 can be removed when it is desired to employ the magnet layer 126 and underside rubberized layer 128.

The rubberized layer/coating 128 creates surface tension to the steel surface by the magnetic layer attraction, drawn down to the steel surface and in order to create a high tension, nonslip hold fast action of the sandwich construction. This creates a strong hold in place force of the wedge in any of wet, dry or other conditions. By means of the magnetic layer 126 with rubber layer 128 placed over the exposed face in contact with the steel roof surface, this construction holds the wedge in place to secure the worker standing on, or other material placed upon, the wedge on the inclined steel surface.

FIGS. 7A-7E present a series of two dimensional top, left side, front side, first end and second end views of the magnetic wedge 100 of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 6.

Proceeding to FIG. 9, an exploded perspective similar to FIGS. 1 and 6 is generally shown at 200 of a further embodiment of magnetic wedge. A rigid foam body 202 is provided, similar in shape to that depicted in FIG. 6 with sloping sides and flattened ends, in which are defined hand hold recesses 204. Also shown at 206, 208 and 210 are a series of underside cutaway recesses or slots, which are again configured in a cross sectional width extending direction along a flattened underside or bottom surface 212 of the body which are again adapted to seat over projecting standing seams (see again in FIGS. 2-3) associated with a steel roofing surface and in order to accommodate various roofing designs. As previously noted, and again without limitation, a single underside cutaway or cross slot 214 can be formed in the base or body underside extending at an intersecting perpendicular with the width extending slots 206/208/210 for seating such as a steel shingle lap joint.

A plurality of compressible foam segments 216, 218, 220 and 222 (this matched by an equal plurality of segments located on an opposite side of the cross slot 214 as in each of FIGS. 1 and 6) are provided which can be affixed to the subset areas of the bottom or underside surface 212 of the rigid foam body 202 which are subdivided by the width or length extending cutaway recesses. A matching plurality of high strength flexible magnets, including at 224, 226, 228 and 230 and such as again without limitation including neodymium magnets, are provided in adhering underside contact with the foam segments 216, 218, 220 and 222. Finally, an underside non-slip rubber layer is represented by matching segments 232, 234, 236 and 238.

Also depicted at 240, 242, 244 and 246 are poly-magnetic latches (also termed as engagement/disengagement switches) which can be incorporated into said main body at locations proximate the flat underside and, as depicted in FIG. 9, are positioned at recessed corner locations (a pair of which are shown at 248 and, 250) along the upper exterior surfacer of the rigid foam body 202. The latches can each further include micro fiber pads (see as shown at 252, 254, 256 and 258 corresponding in arrangement to the latches 240, 242, 244 and 246). As further shown in FIG. 9, aligning apertures are formed in each of the compressible foam segments, flexible magnets and non-slip rubber layers for seating the poly-magnetic latches and to ensure surface contact with the roof.

Poly-magnets are designed with a unique magnetic pattern which initially repels each other until they reach a certain threshold or transition point, which once passed (by pushing or forcing the magnets closer) reverses polarity to attract and establish the latching effect to maintain in the closed or engaged position. The engage/disengage switch capability provides for attracting to the roof surface when, along with facilitating removal or repositioning of the wedge body when disengaged. As is known, Programmable magnets, also known as smart magnets or Poly-magnets, are neodymium magnets that have had their polarity reversed in selective regions. This allows for unique properties and functions like better attraction to thin metals, rotational alignment, and twist release.

The micro-fiber pads 252, 254, 256 and 258 can be incorporated into the latch mechanism for protection and noise reduction, as well as preventing scratching or marring of the surfaces where the latch is attached or latches onto while creating a more consistent contact surface between the latch components. The pads can also act as a buffer, minimizing the sound of magnets snapping together when the latches engage, with the pliable nature of the microfibers providing a more forgiving contact surface, in particular if the alignment is not perfect.

The microfiber pads leverage Van der Waal forces for adhesion, and by which microscopic hairs or fibers on the pads (similar to those on gecko feet) create a large surface area which interacts with a target surface, thereby facilitating otherwise weak intermolecular forces. In this fashion, the Van der Waal forces result in a temporary attraction between molecules of the pad and the target surface, allowing for adhesion. When the microfiber pad interacts with a surface, the fibers come into close contact, with this proximity allowing the van der Waal forces to form, creating the desired attraction.

Finally, and referencing FIG. 10, presented is a variant of the magnetic wedge, at 300, similar to FIG. 9, and in which the magnetic latches are reconfigured to mount to flexible tab arms (three of which are visible at 302, 304 and 306) which are supported at end surface locations of the wedge body, along with the use of Van der Waal effect material for providing high surface ion contact pads for creating tension. Otherwise, identical components shown in FIG. 9 are repetitively numbered.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. The detailed description and drawings are further understood to be supportive of the disclosure, the scope of which being defined by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

The foregoing disclosure is further understood as not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, and the like) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.

Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.