ROOF UNDERLAYMENT DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

(C) STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM.

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to weatherproofing materials and more particularly pertains to a new weatherproofing material for facilitating users in placing fasteners to secure the weatherproofing material to a surface.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.

The prior art relates to weatherproofing materials. More specifically, the prior art relates to weatherproofing materials, such as underlayment sheets, that may be installed on roof decks to protect the roof from leaks and harsh weather. Underlayment sheets are often required by building codes and other laws and regulations concerning the construction of homes and other buildings. The underlayment sheet is designed to help the roof shed water and provide secondary weather protection. Accordingly, those building codes typically mandate particular spacing and positioning of the underlayment sheeting on the roof decks. Those codes also mandate particular spacing and positioning of fasteners, such as nails, that are used to secure the underlayment sheet to the roof deck. To ensure accurate placement, users typically need to take careful, repeated measurements along the underlayment sheet. This can be a time consuming process that is both physically and mentally demanding. Thus, there is a need in the art for an underlayment sheeting device that is lined with a series of indicators showing users where fasteners should be placed. Ideally, such a device would be accompanied by additional markers that the user can place on the underlayment sheet in areas where extra fasteners are needed, such as valleys or along edges of the roof deck.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a sheet that is configured to be positionable on a roof surface. The sheet has a pair of opposing lateral edges. A plurality of patches are coupled to the sheet. The plurality of patches are spaced from and aligned with each other along a sheet length of the sheet wherein the plurality of patches are configured to facilitate a user in placing a plurality of fasteners through the sheet to secure the sheet to the roof surface. The plurality of patches are arranged in a plurality of rows. The plurality of rows include a pair of outer rows that are positioned adjacent to the pair of opposing lateral edges wherein each outer row of the pair of outer rows is positioned adjacent to a respective opposing lateral edge of the pair of opposing lateral edges of the sheet. A central row is centered between the pair of opposing lateral edges of the sheet. A pair of medial rows are also included. Each medial row of the pair of medial rows is centered between a respective outer row of the pair of outer rows and the central row.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a roof underlayment device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6a is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6b is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 11 thereof, a new weatherproofing material embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11, the roof underlayment device 10 generally comprises a sheet 12. The sheet 12 is generally planar wherein the sheet 12 is configured to be positionable on a roof surface 14, such as a roof deck. The sheet 12 may include a sheet first layer 16, a sheet second layer 18, a sheet third layer 20, and a sheet fourth layer 22. The sheet second layer 18 is generally positioned to cover the sheet first layer 16. The sheet third layer 20 is generally positioned to cover the sheet second layer 18. The sheet fourth layer 22 is generally positioned to cover the sheet third layer 20. The sheet first layer 16 may comprise a felt material and the sheet fourth layer 22 may comprise a fibrous material wherein the sheet 12 is configured to facilitate waterproofing or weatherproofing of the roof surface 14. For example, the fibrous material may include paper and fabric materials. The sheet third layer 20 may comprise a reinforced mesh material. The sheet second layer 18 may comprise an adhesive material wherein the sheet second layer 18 securely couples the sheet first layer 16 to the sheet third layer 20.

The sheet 12 has a pair of opposing lateral edges 24. The sheet 12 also generally has a sheet width 26 that is measured between the pair of opposing lateral edges 24. The sheet width 26 may be between 24.0 inches, or 2.0 feet, and 60.0 inches, or 5.0 feet. In particular embodiments, the sheet width 26 may be determined based on local building codes and other regulations. For example, some states require that the sheet 12 have a sheet width 26 of 36.0 inches, or 3.0 feet, while other states require that the sheet 12 have a sheet width 26 of 48.0 inches, or 4.0 feet. The sheet width 26 may also be configured to facilitate a user 32 in manipulating the sheet 12, by themselves and without a secondary user, while the user 32 is on the roof surface 14. Therefore, although embodiments wherein the sheet width 26 exceeds approximately 60.0 inches are contemplated, they are not preferred.

A plurality of patches 28 is coupled to the sheet 12. For example, the plurality of patches 28 may be positioned on the sheet fourth layer 22. The plurality of patches 28 are generally spaced from and aligned with each other along a sheet length 30 of the sheet 12 wherein the plurality of patches 28 are configured to facilitate a user 32 in placing a plurality of fasteners 34 through the sheet 12 to secure the sheet 12 to the roof surface 14. The plurality of fasteners 34 may comprise nails. For example, the user 32 may use a nail gun, as shown in FIG. 7, to place the plurality of fasteners 34 through the plurality of patches 28 and the sheet 12 and secure the sheet 12 to the roof surface 14. The sheet length 30 is generally measured perpendicularly to the sheet width 26.

Each patch of the plurality of patches 28 may include a patch primary layer 36 that may be positioned on the sheet fourth layer 22. The patch primary layer 36 may comprise a synthetic rubber material. A patch secondary layer 38 may be positioned to cover the patch primary layer 36. The patch secondary layer 38 comprising the reinforced mesh material. A patch tertiary layer 40 may be positioned to cover the patch secondary layer 38. The patch tertiary layer 40 may comprise the synthetic rubber material.

The patch tertiary layer 40 may have a patch tertiary layer upper surface 100 and a patch tertiary layer peripheral surface 102 that is coupled to and extends between the patch tertiary layer upper surface 100 and the patch secondary layer 38. The patch tertiary layer peripheral surface 102 may be beveled wherein the patch tertiary layer peripheral surface 102 extends upwardly from the patch secondary layer 38 and inwardly to the patch tertiary layer upper surface 100, for example as shown in FIG. 3.

The plurality of patches 28 are generally arranged in a plurality of rows 42 that are spaced from each other across the sheet width 26 of the sheet 12. For example, a pair of outer rows 44 may be positioned adjacent to the pair of opposing lateral edges 24. More specifically, each outer row of the pair of outer rows 44 is generally positioned adjacent to a respective opposing lateral edge of the pair of opposing lateral edges 24 of the sheet 12. Each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in each outer row of the pair of outer rows 44 may be spaced from an adjacent patch of the plurality of patches 28 in each outer row of the pair of outer rows 44 by between 4.0 inches and 6.0 inches. Each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in each outer row of the pair of outer rows 44 may be circular.

A central row 46 may be centered between the pair of opposing lateral edges 24 of the sheet 12. Each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in the central row 46 may be spaced from an adjacent patch of the plurality of patches 28 in the central row 46 by between 4.0 inches and 6.0 inches. Each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in the central row 46 may be rectangular. For example, each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in the central row 46 may have a pair of short ends 48 that are parallel to the pair of opposing lateral edges 24 of the sheet 12. Each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in the central row 46 may also have a pair of elongated ends 50 that are perpendicular to the pair of short ends 48 wherein the pair of elongated ends 50 are parallel to the sheet width 26 of the sheet 12.

The plurality of rows 42 also generally includes a pair of medial rows 52. Each medial row of the pair of medial rows 52 is generally centered between a respective outer row of the pair of outer rows 44 and the central row 46. As such, the plurality of rows 42 may be symmetrical about a centerline 54 of the sheet 12. The centerline 54 of the sheet 12 is equidistant from each opposing lateral edge of the pair of opposing lateral edges 24 of the sheet 12. Symmetry of the plurality of rows 42 across the sheet width 26 is preferred to enable the user 32 to easily rotate the sheet 12 around on the roof surface 14 while maintaining the necessary spacing of the plurality of patches 28 to facilitate accurate placement of the plurality of fasteners 34. Symmetry of the plurality of rows 42 across the sheet width 26 is also preferred to enable the user 32 to trim or cut the sheet 12 while maintaining access to at least some rows of the plurality of rows 42. For example, when the user 32 cuts the sheet 12 along the centerline 54, the user 32 would maintain access to one row of each of the pair of outer rows 44 and the pair of medial rows 52, and to approximately half of each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in the central row 46. This symmetry enables the user 32 to adjust the sheet width 26 of the sheet 12 to meet various needs.

Each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in each medial row of the pair of medial rows 52 may be spaced from an adjacent patch of the plurality of patches 28 in each medial row of the pair of medial rows 52 by between 9.0 inches and 11.0 inches. Each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in each medial row of the pair of medial rows 52 may be circular. In certain embodiments, each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in each medial row of the pair of medial rows 52 has a diameter exceeding a diameter of each patch of the plurality of patches 28 in each outer row of the pair of outer rows 44.

A plurality of adhesive strips 56 may be couplable to the sheet 12. The plurality of adhesive strips 56 is generally configured to facilitate the user 32 in placing the plurality of fasteners 34 through the sheet 12 to secure the sheet 12 to the roof surface 14, particularly in areas where the sheet 12 needs additional reinforcement, such as valleys or along edges of the roof surface 14, examples of which are provided in FIGS. 9-11. FIGS. 10 and 11 highlight specific examples of such areas, including an eave 58, a hip 60, a wall 62, a transition 64, a rake 66, a valley 68, a ridge 70, and a cutout 72 for protrusions such as a chimney. The plurality of adhesive strips 56 may also be preferred along areas where a first length 74 of the sheet 12 overlaps a second length 76 of the sheet 12, for example as shown in FIG. 8.

Each adhesive strip of the plurality of adhesive strips 56 may comprise the synthetic rubber material. Each adhesive strip of the plurality of adhesive strips 56 may further include an adhesive strip primary end 78 and an adhesive strip secondary end 80 that may be parallel to the adhesive strip primary end 78. An adhesive strip length 82 may be measured between the adhesive strip primary end 78 and the adhesive strip secondary end 80. The adhesive strip length 82 may be between 40.0 inches and 48.0 inches.

A pair of adhesive strip opposing edges 84 may be coupled to and extend between the adhesive strip primary end 78 and the adhesive strip secondary end 80. For example, each adhesive strip of the plurality of adhesive strips 56 may be rectangular. An adhesive strip width 86 may be measured between the pair of adhesive strip opposing edges 84. The adhesive strip width 86 may be between 1.0 inches and 3.0 inches.

An adhesive strip top side 88 may be planar. An adhesive strip bottom side 90 may also be planar. A plurality of adhesive strip perforated lines 92 may extend into the adhesive strip top side 88 and outwardly through the adhesive strip bottom side 90. The plurality of adhesive strip perforated lines 92 are generally configured to facilitate the user 32 in separating each adhesive strip of the plurality of adhesive strips into a plurality of adhesive pieces 94. The plurality of adhesive strip perforated lines 92 are generally spaced from each other, for example by between 1.0 inches and 3.0 inches. The spacing of the plurality of adhesive strip perforated lines 92 define uniform dimensions for the plurality of adhesive pieces 94. For example, when the adhesive strip width 86 is also between 1.0 and 3.0 inches, each adhesive piece of the plurality of adhesive pieces 94 may be square.

An adhesive strip adhesive material 96 may be positioned to cover the adhesive strip bottom side 90 of each adhesive strip of the plurality of adhesive strips 56. The adhesive strip adhesive material 96 is adhesively engageable with the sheet 12. For example, the adhesive strip adhesive material 96 may adhesively engage the sheet fourth layer 22 to adhesively couple each adhesive piece of the plurality of adhesive pieces 94 to the sheet 12. A cover 98 may be removably affixed to the adhesive strip adhesive material 96. The cover 98 is generally configured to inhibit debris from damaging the adhesive strip adhesive material 96 while the cover 98 is affixed to the adhesive strip adhesive material 96.

In use, the sheet 12 can be positioned on the roof surface 14 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9. The user 32 can place a fastener of the plurality of fasteners 34 through each patch of the plurality of patches 28. Because of the uniform spacing of each patch of the plurality of patches 28 within each row of the plurality of rows 42, the user 32 does not need to measure or mark the places where the plurality of fasteners 34 need to be placed. In areas where the sheet 12 needs to be more securely fastened to the roof surface 14, as described above, the user 32 can simply remove the cover 98 from the adhesive strip adhesive material 96, position the adhesive strip on top of the sheet 12, and position a fastener of the plurality of fasteners 34 through one of the adhesive pieces of the plurality of adhesive pieces 94. The plurality of adhesive strip perforated lines 92 facilitate the user 32 in separating each adhesive piece of the plurality of adhesive pieces 94 from each adhesive strip of the plurality of adhesive strips 56.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.