Roof attachment with integrated sealant

Abstract

Devices for roof attachment, and methods of assembling and installing the roof attachment devices, are provided. An exemplary roof attachment device may include a mount and a fastener configured to engage with a mounting surface. The fastener may be configured to attach the mount to the mounting surface when engaged with the mounting surface. The roof attachment device may also include a compressible sealant disposed between the bottom of the mount and the mounting surface when the mount is attached to the mounting surface. Thus, the sealant may be compressed based on engagement between the fastener and the mounting surface, and the compressed sealant may flow to fill a volume of space between the bottom of the mounting and the mounting surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 18 / 236,353, filed on August 21, 2023, entitled “ROOF ATTACHMENT WITH INTEGRATED SEALANT,” which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 399,603, filed on August 19, 2022, entitled “ROOF ATTACHMENT WITH INTEGRATED SEALANT,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to roof attachments. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to roof attachments with integrated sealants. Background Art

[0002] Current roof attachments typically require some method of preventing water intrusion where the roof is penetrated to secure the attachment (such as holes for fasteners). Typically, roof attachments use sealants or caulks applied during installation of the roof attachment, flashing to divert water away from the roof penetration, or both. Applying sealants to the roof can be time consuming and messy, and using flashing can be expensive and lead to accidental damage. The present invention presents a cleaner, faster, more cost-effective method of securing and sealing a roof attachment to a roof surface. Summary of the invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention include devices for roof attachments, and methods for assembling and installing roof attachment devices. An exemplary roof attachment device may include a mount configured to engage with a mounting surface and a fastener. The fastener may be configured to attach the mount to the mounting surface when engaged with the mounting surface. The roof attachment device may also include a compressible sealant disposed between the bottom of the mount and the mounting surface when the mount is attached to the mounting surface. Thus, the sealant may be compressed based on the engagement between the fastener and the mounting surface, and the compressed sealant may flow to fill the volume of space between the bottom of the mount and the mounting surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] In order to describe the manner in which the above and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be presented with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore limiting of its scope, the principles of the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment with an integrated sealant is shown in an assembled state.

[0006] Figure 2A An isometric view of an exemplary protective cover that may be used with a roof attachment with an integrated sealant is shown.

[0007] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional side view of a protective cover.

[0008] Figure 2C Shows Figure 2A A top plan view of an exemplary protective cover.

[0009] Figure 3A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment with an integrated sealant is shown in a pre-installed state.

[0010] Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A A side plan view of an exemplary roof attachment in a pre-installed state.

[0011] Figure 3C Shows Figure 3A A bottom plan view of an exemplary roof attachment in a pre-installed state.

[0012] Figure 4A A top plan view of an exemplary roof attachment with an integrated sealant in an alternative embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A A side plan view of an exemplary roof attachment.

[0014] Figure 4C Shows Figure 4A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment.

[0015] Figure 4D Shows Figure 4A Another isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment.

[0016] Figure 5A An exploded view of an exemplary roof attachment with an integrated sealant is shown in an unassembled state.

[0017] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A Another exploded view of an exemplary roof attachment in an unassembled state.

[0018] Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof attachment is shown in an assembled state.

[0019] Figures 7A to 7BAn isometric vertical cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof attachment in an assembled state is shown, with the sealant omitted in order to view the interior of the roof attachment.

[0020] Figures 8A to 8E Various stages of an exemplary installation of a roof attachment onto a mounting surface are shown.

[0021] Fig.9A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment is shown in an assembled state.

[0022] Fig. 9B Shows Fig.9A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof attachment.

[0023] Fig. 9C Shows Fig.9A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment in an installed state.

[0024] Fig.9D Shows Fig.9A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof attachment in an installed state.

[0025] Fig.9E Shows Fig.9A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment in an installed state, wherein additional roof fasteners have been installed into a mounting surface through additional mounting fastener holes.

[0026] Fig.9F Shows Fig.9A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof attachment in an installed state wherein additional roof fasteners have been installed into a mounting surface through additional mounting fastener holes.

[0027] Figure 9G Shows Fig.9A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment of FIG. 1 in an installed state with a connecting mechanism engaged with a mounting member of the roof attachment.

[0028] Fig. 10A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment having a mounting member and a protective cover with a plurality of mounting fastener holes is shown.

[0029] Fig. 10B An isometric view of an alternative roof attachment having a mounting member and a protective cover with a plurality of mounting fastener holes is shown.

[0030] Fig.11A An exploded view of an exemplary roof attachment mount without a vertical flange is shown in an unassembled state.

[0031] Fig. 11B Shows Fig.11AAn isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment in an assembled state.

[0032] Fig. 11C Shows Fig.11A Bottom isometric view of the roof attachment in the assembled state.

[0033] Fig.11D Shows Fig.11A A cross-sectional view of the roof attachment in an assembled state.

[0034] Fig. 12A An exploded view of an exemplary mount without a vertical flange is shown in an unassembled state.

[0035] Fig. 12B Shows Fig. 12A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mounting member.

[0036] Fig. 12C Shows Fig. 12A A bottom isometric view of an exemplary mount in an assembled state.

[0037] Fig.13A An exploded view of an exemplary roof attachment with an integrated sealant is shown in an unassembled state.

[0038] Fig. 13B Shows Fig.13A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment in an assembled state.

[0039] Fig. 13C Shows Fig.13A A cross-sectional view of the roof attachment in an assembled state.

[0040] Fig.14A An exploded view of an exemplary roof attachment with an integrated sealant is shown in an unassembled state.

[0041] Fig. 14B Shows Fig.14A A cross-sectional view of the roof attachment in an assembled state.

[0042] Fig. 14C Shows Fig.14A Isometric view of the roof attachment in the assembled state.

[0043] Fig.14D Shows Fig.14A Isometric view of the roof attachment in the installed state.

[0044] Fig.15A An exploded view of an exemplary roof attachment with an integrated sealant and a plurality of legs is shown in an unassembled state.

[0045] Fig. 15BShows Fig.15A Isometric view of the roof attachment in the assembled state.

[0046] Fig. 15C Shows Fig.15A A side plan view of the roof attachment in an installed state.

[0047] Fig.16A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof attachment is shown in an installed state and used to mount a track.

[0048] Fig. 16B Shows Fig.16A Isometric view of the roof attachment.

[0049] Fig. 16C Shows Fig.16A Another isometric view of the roof attachment.

[0050] Fig.17A An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment having channels disposed along the length of the mount in an assembled state is shown.

[0051] Fig. 17B Shows Fig.17A An isometric cutaway view of a roof attachment in a partially installed state.

[0052] Fig.18A An exploded view of an exemplary roof attachment having a mount configured as a closeable container is shown in an unassembled state.

[0053] Fig.18B Shows Fig.18A Bottom isometric view of the roof attachment in the assembled state.

[0054] Fig.18C Shows Fig.18A A cross-sectional view of the roof attachment in an assembled state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. Although specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 1 An isometric view of an exemplary roof attachment 100 with an integrated sealant 103 in an assembled state 151 is shown. The roof attachment 100 may be comprised of a mounting member 101, a protective cover 200 (combined with a Figures 2A-2C Further described), a certain volume of sealant 103 (such as Figure 5A), one or more roof fasteners 104, and in some embodiments, one or more connecting mechanisms 105 (such as Fig.8D The roof attachment 100 may have several states, such as an unassembled state 150 (eg, Figure 5A-5B ), assembled state 151 (also as shown in Fig. 7A -B), pre-installation state 152 (as shown in Fig. 8A ) and installation status 153 (as shown in Figure 8C ). Figure 1 The roof attachment 100 is shown in an assembled state 151 .

[0057] Figures 2A to 2C A protective cover 200 is shown which represents one example of the present invention. Figure 2A An isometric view of a protective cover 200 that can be used with a roof attachment with an integrated sealant is shown. As shown, the protective cover 200 can include a plurality of locking tabs 202 and stop tabs 204. The peripheral wall 209 can completely or partially surround or encircle the shape of the protective cover 200 and can be aligned with the mounting perimeter 113 (e.g., Figure 3A ) are substantially overlapped. The stop tab 204 can take the form of a number of geometric shapes, such as the stop tab 204 shown protruding from the cover fastener hole 206, or such as the stop tab 204 protruding inwardly from the peripheral wall 209. A mesh 207, a frame or a screen-like plane can be provided across the bottom of the protective cover 200. The mesh 207 can take the form of a grid-like pattern, a honeycomb pattern, or a complex pattern in which various openings or holes are provided across the mesh 207. In other exemplary embodiments, such as Fig.13A As shown in FIG. 1 , the distal edge of the peripheral wall 209 may form a single opening. The plurality of differently shaped openings or holes formed by the mesh 207 may be sized to allow the sealant 103 to flow through when the roof attachment 100 is transitioned to the installed state 153, but may also be small enough to easily prevent foreign matter (such as a small pebble or a person's finger) from passing through. The mesh pattern may be of a shape that allows a plurality of mounting feet 112 (such as Figure 3C ) through the openings in the mesh 207 so as to be aligned with the mounting surface 1001 (as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A ) in direct contact.

[0058] The protective cover 200 may have one or more locking tabs 204 that are formed when the locking tabs 202 are engaged with the locking features 115 (eg, Figure 3A ) is substantially engaged, the one or more stop tabs 204 being positioned adjacent to the mounting member 101 (as shown in Figure 1 In other exemplary embodiments, one or more locking tabs 202 simply engage with the top surface 116 of the mounting member 101 (eg, Figure 3AOne or more stop tabs 204 are, for example, provided on the lower surface 111 (as shown in FIG. Figure 3B ) or on one or more mounting feet 112, or on one or more peripheral feet 124 (as shown Figure 3A 101) may also abut against the mounting member 101 to prevent the protective cover 200 from further traversing onto the mounting member 101. The protective cover 200 may have a geometry such that one or more stop tabs 204 prevent all or part of the mesh 207 from contacting the sealant 103. Similarly, the thickness of the sealant 103, as measured from the distance from the lower side surface 111, may have a height such that when the stop tabs 204 abut against the lower side surface 111, the sealant 103 does not extend below the bottom outer edge 205 or contact the mesh 207, or does not extend beyond one or more flanges, feet, or similar features on the protective cover 200, typically in the assembled state 151.

[0059] The one or more retaining tabs 204 may be flexible, resilient members that substantially reform to their original state after the mounting member 101 traverses through the protective cover 200 until contacting the mounting surface 1001. In another example embodiment, the retaining tabs 204 may break, snap, yield, displace, or permanently bend after the mounting member 101 traverses through the protective cover 200 until contacting the mounting surface 1001. The retaining tabs 204 may have sufficient strength to prevent the protective cover 200 from bending or traversing upwardly through the mounting member 101 so that the sealant 103 overlaps with the mesh 207 while the one or more roof attachments 100 are transported to the final installation site. In other words, the retaining tabs 204 may have sufficient tensile strength or sufficient elongation to withstand not only the weight of the mounting member 101, but also the weight of several roof attachments 100 that may be stacked on top, such as when packaged and transported to the final installation site. The retaining tabs 204 may have a maximum yield strength or tensile strength or sufficient elongation properties so that they bend, break, deflect or otherwise allow the mounting member 101 to traverse the protective cover 200 when one or more roof fasteners 104 engage the mounting surface 1001 and compress the mounting member 101 onto the mounting surface 1001.

[0060] Figure 2BA cross-sectional side view of a protective cover 200 representing an example embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the mesh 207 may have all or part of its bottom surface offset from the bottom outer edge 205. When the roof attachment 100 is transformed into the installed state 153, the offset distance may be a sufficient distance to allow the sealant 103 to traverse the installation surface 1001 and under the mesh 207. The peripheral wall 209 may have a variable thickness cross-section 211, wherein the outer surface and the inner surface are not parallel to each other. In other words, as shown, the thickness of the peripheral wall 209 may be thinner near the distal end than the thickness at the mid-height or compared to the opposite distal end of the cross-section 211. The thickness of the peripheral wall 209 may be less than the diameter of a typical guide hole of the roof fastener 104.

[0061] Figure 2C 1 shows a top view of a protective cover 200 representing an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the mesh perimeter 210 substantially matches the shape of the perimeter wall 209 and may be connected to the perimeter wall 209 by one or more ribs 208. The mesh 207 may be disposed across the mesh perimeter 210. When the roof attachment 100 is in the assembled state 151, one or more cover fastener holes 206 may be disposed throughout the mesh 207 to align with the mounting fastener holes 114 (e.g., Figure 3A The mesh 207 may be configured to cooperate with any protrusion on the mounting foot 112 or the underside surface 111 so that when the roof attachment 100 is in the installed state 153, the mesh 207 is partially or completely nested within the protrusion.

[0062] The protective cover 200 may be made of polymer, EPDM rubber, silicon, other rubber, injection molded plastic, cast metal (such as aluminum, carbon or stainless steel), foam or other suitable material. The protective cover 200 may have no additional coating, or it may have a coating, such as paint.

[0063] Figures 3A-3C A mount 101 representing one example of the present invention is shown in isometric, side and bottom views. Figure 3A An example mount 101 is shown in isometric view and is comprised of a base 117, a vertical flange 118, one or more flange ribs 119, one or more mounting fastener holes 114, flange holes 121, a front recess 126, a rear recess 122 (eg, Figure 3B ) and a plurality of notches 123 around the lower edge of the mounting member 101. Figure 3C As can be seen in FIG. 1 , on the underside around the periphery of the mounting member 101, one or more recesses 123 may form one or more periphery legs 124 that substantially follow the outer contour of the mounting member 101. The recesses 123 that form the periphery legs 124 may have the same Figure 3BThe same cross-sectional width as shown, or may have different widths. When viewed from the side, one or more of the recesses 123 may have a tapered geometry, wherein the width of the recess narrows toward the lower side surface 111. A plurality of protruding mounting legs 112 may be provided inside the peripheral leg 124. The mounting legs 112 may extend from the lower side surface 111 until they are substantially coincident with the bottom surface of the peripheral leg 124, or they may extend downward from the lower side surface 111 less than the distance that the peripheral leg 124 extends downward from the lower side surface 111. Figure 3C As shown in , the peripheral foot 124 may have an additional shorter step 133 adjacent the interior of the mount 101.

[0064] On the top edge of the base 117, one or more locking features 115 may be formed to cooperate with the locking tabs 202. The locking features 115 may be chamfered corners on one or more portions of the base 117 or around the entire perimeter of the base 117. Alternatively, the locking features 115 may be radii, steps, lips, grooves, flanges, recesses, or other geometric shapes designed to cooperate with the one or more locking tabs 202. When the peripheral leg 124 is on a flat plane, such as the mounting surface 1001, the first flange face 125 and the rear recess 122 may be perpendicular to the plane. The top surface 116 may form a non-perpendicular angle with the plane and, therefore, with the first flange face 125. As shown in FIG. Figure 3A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the flange side 127 may have a parting line along its length, so that a first portion of the flange side 127 forms an acute angle with the first flange surface 125, and a second portion of the side forms an acute angle with the second flange surface 128 (eg, Figure 3B One or more flange ribs 119 may extend from the vertical flange 118 in either or both of the Y and X directions in a linear or curved shape, such as Figure 3A . The flange rib 119 may be solid or hollow. In the example embodiment where the flange rib 119 extends toward the mounting fastener hole 114, such flange rib 119 may have a truncated height that is tangential to or below the bottom point of the flange hole 121. In this manner, when the connection mechanism 105 is in the lowest position in the flange hole 121, the track 1102 (e.g., Fig. 8E ) can be mounted against the first flange surface 125 without interfering with the flange rib 119.

[0065] The base 117 may have one or more mounting fastener holes 114 configured to receive one or more roof fasteners 104. The mounting fastener holes 114 may be round or slotted in shape. The mounting fastener holes 114 may have vertical walls, or they may have tapered walls, wherein the first end and the second end of the mounting fastener hole 114 have different widths or diameters. One or more mounting fastener holes 114 may be formed with a raised section 129 protruding upward from the top surface 116, wherein the top surface of the raised section 129 may be parallel to the top surface 116, or angled relative to the top surface 116. The profile of the raised section 129 may be substantially the same shape as the profile of the one or more mounting fastener holes 114, such as round, or the raised section 129 may be as shown. Figure 3A 104 in a tapered shape extending toward the vertical flange 118. In some example embodiments, a thin mesh material may be provided across one or more mounting fastener holes 114. The top of the roof fastener 104 may be configured to be drilled, cut, or punctured through the thin mesh so as to traverse the mounting fastener holes 114 and reach the mounting surface. The thin mesh may be formed of the same material as the mount 101, such as die cast aluminum formed when the mount 101 is manufactured, or it may be a different material, such as rubber or plastic, that is installed after the mount 101 is manufactured.

[0066] exist Figure 3A , a parting line plane 131 may be formed along the Y-axis and the Z-axis in the coordinate plane 130 shown. The parting line plane 131 may be positioned along the X-axis to bisect the vertical flange 118, either at its midpoint or offset to one side of the vertical flange 118. In one example of the present invention, substantially all of the flat surfaces above the base 117 may be at an obtuse angle or parallel to the parting line plane 131 to aid in part manufacturability using a mold, such as in a cast part. In another example of the present invention, the parting line plane 131 may be defined by the Y-axis and an angle relative to a YZ axis plane (e.g., the plane is rotated about the Y-axis) such that the top surface 116 may be at an obtuse angle to the parting line plane 131 while also being parallel to the lower surface 111. Figure 3B , the sliding plane 132 may be defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis, and may be located along the Z-axis, wherein a portion of the sliding plane 132 coincides with the lower surface 111. Surfaces along the negative Z-direction from the sliding plane 132 (such as the side surfaces of the mounting feet 112 and the peripheral feet 124) may form an obtuse angle with the sliding plane 132, or (such as the bottom surface of the mounting feet 112) may be substantially parallel to the sliding plane 132.

[0067] Figures 4A to 4D An alternative embodiment of a mounting member 101 is shown that represents another example of the present invention. In this example embodiment, the vertical flange 118 may have a Figure 4AThe curved shape seen from above in FIG. One or more protrusions (such as Figure 4C 101) can provide a flat connection surface 401 to mount the 101 connection mechanism 105. The parting line plane 131 can be formed along a tangent to the outer curve of the vertical flange 118, or the parting line plane 131 can substantially follow the curve of the vertical flange 118. Alternatively, the parting line plane 131 can be parallel to the top surface 116 of the base 117, or slightly angled with the base 117, so that the wall surface of the vertical flange 118 forms an obtuse angle with the parting line plane 131. The parting line plane 131 can be slightly angled with the top surface 116 of the base 117 to allow the flat connection surface 401 to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the mount 101, so that the flat connection surface 402 is perpendicular to the mounting surface 1001 when installed.

[0068] The base 117 may have a larger dimension in the Y direction than in the X direction. The base 117 may have an oval shape, as shown, or may have a rectangular, polygonal, or complex shape. The mount 101 may also have one or more base flanges 402 extending beyond the perimeter of the oval shape when viewed from above to form a complex shape and provide additional structural support.

[0069] The flange hole 121 can be formed through the vertical flange 118 and can be a circular hole, a slot hole closed at both ends of the slot, or a slot hole with one end opening to the top of the vertical flange 118, such as Figure 4C The vertical flange 118 can be configured to receive the connection mechanism 105 to secure the track 1102 or solar panel to the roof attachment 100. Figure 4D In the embodiment of the present invention, the flange hole 121 may have a rear recess 122, wherein the recessed surface forms a peripheral lip 403. The rear recess 122 may be configured to allow the flange of the nut on the connection mechanism 105 to reside within the rear recess 112, so that the flange of the nut can abut the peripheral lip 403 to prevent the nut from easily sliding out of the flange hole 121 in the positive Z direction. The rear recess 122 may have serrations 404 disposed on its surface to cooperate with the connection mechanism 105 and prevent the connection mechanism 105 from easily disengaging from the roof attachment 100. In some embodiments, the serrations 404 may also be present on the front recess 126.

[0070] One or more fastener holes 114 may have a tapered cross-section, wherein the diameter of fastener holes 117 on the top side of base 117 is different than the diameter of fastener holes 114 on underside surface 111 .

[0071] The mounting member 101 can be manufactured using various materials by various techniques, such as high pressure die casting, investment casting, vacuum die casting, injection molding, extrusion, machining, turning, forging, additive manufacturing methods or other suitable techniques. The mounting member 101 can be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, polymers, plastics, resins, glass reinforced resins, carbon reinforced resins or other suitable materials.

[0072] Figure 5A -B shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the sealant 103 is already disposed on the underside surface 111 of the mounting member 101 and the protective cover 200 is aligned with the mounting member 101. As shown, the sealant 103 may be pre-formed into a configuration such as an oval, or may be disposed on the underside surface 111 in a desired shape, such as when injected from a nozzle. In an example assembly process, the roof attachment 100 may begin in an unassembled state 150, wherein the mounting member 101, the protective cover 200, the sealant 103, and the one or more roof fasteners 104 are loose, unassembled, and unassociated components. In some embodiments, these components may come from a variety of different manufacturing suppliers or sources. In converting the roof attachment 100 from the unassembled state 150 to the assembled state 151, the mounting member 101 may be placed in a fixture, which may include a fixed or robotic assembly line type fixture. The mounting member 101 may be positioned upside down, wherein the underside of the mounting member 101 is substantially facing upward, such as Figure 5B As shown in . The sealant 103 can then be disposed on the lower surface 111 in one or more circles, ovals, squares, polygons, lines, dots, lumps, or other similar shapes or patterns. The sealant 103 may have a specified volume disposed on the lower surface 111, such as controlled by an electronic dispenser. In another application process, the sealant 103 may be disposed using a manual process, such as using a caulking tube or a syringe. The sealant 103 may be configured to form a substantially desired or programmed shape, thickness, width, or curvature to achieve the desired volume. In an alternative process, the sealant 103 may be replaced by being disposed in the protective cover 200 in one or more circles, ovals, squares, polygons, lines, dots, lumps, or other similar shapes or patterns, such as on the mesh 207.

[0073] In a possible next step, the protective cover 200 may be aligned over the underside of the mount 101. Alternatively, the protective cover 200 may be in a fixed position, and the mount 101 with the sealant 103 applied thereto may be positioned aligned over the protective cover 200. The protective cover 200 may then be pressed onto the mount 101 such that one or more locking tabs 202 engage and / or cooperate with a lip, groove, flange, chamfer, radius, or similar engagement feature 110 on the mount 101 to prevent the protective cover 200 from being easily decoupled from the mount 101 in the reverse direction after engagement.

[0074] Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of the roof attachment 100 is shown in an assembled state 151. In the assembled state 151, the sealant 103 has been applied to the underside of the mounting member 101, and the protective cover 200 has been installed on the mounting member 102, so that the locking tab 202 has engaged with the one or more engagement features 110, and the stop tab 204 has abutted or nearly abutted with the mounting member 101. For example, when the locking tab 202 is engaged, an intentional tolerance may allow a gap to be maintained between the mounting member 101 and the stop tab 204, or alternatively, when the locking tab 202 is engaged with the one or more engagement features 110, an intentional interference fit may occur between the stop tab 204 and the mounting member 101. Figure 6 As shown in , the sealant 103 is in an initial (uncompressed) state, and when viewed in cross-section, it can form a dome-like shape. In this uncompressed state, the sealant 103 can have a tapered shape, such that a thinner cross-section is near the lower edge (e.g., farthest from the lower side surface 111), and a wider cross-section is near the lower side surface 111. The cross-sectional shape of the sealant 103 can be a substantially lateral "D" shape, a trapezoid, a pyramid, an oval, a circle, a semi-oval, a semi-circle, or the like. The sealant 103 may have an initial shape or width in the pre-installed state 152, and as the roof attachment 100 transitions to the installed state 153, when the mounting member 101 is compressed onto the mounting surface 1001 (e.g., having a different shape corresponding to the volume of space filled by the compressed sealant 103), sufficient pressure is generated on the sealant 103 to allow the mounting member 101 to contact the mounting surface 1001, and the sealant 103 flows substantially over the entire projected area of ​​the foot, and in some embodiments, flows beyond the peripheral wall 209 of the protective cover 200. In other embodiments, a storage space may be defined in the protective cover, wherein excess sealant 103 is directed into the storage space when the roof attachment 100 transitions to the installed state 153.

[0075] The sealant 103 is composed of a substance intended to prevent water from entering the roof penetration where the roof fastener 104 is located to secure the roof attachment 100 to the mounting surface 1001. In addition, the sealant 103 may have the property of filling gaps or cracks on the underlying mounting surface 1001, such as gaps between asphalt shingles, or filling empty holes in the roof, such as unused pilot holes. The sealant 103 may have waterproof, water-resistant, weatherproof or water-repellent properties. In an example embodiment of the present invention, the sealant 103 may be an isobutylene compound, a butyl rubber sealant, a wax, a non-skinning or minimal skinning sealant, a non-sinking or minimal sinking sealant, or a combination thereof.

[0076] The sealant 103 may have a defined viscosity or ingress protection rating to prevent the sealant 103 from easily flowing beyond the protective cover 200 when the roof attachment 100 is in any orientation (such as right side up, inverted, sideways, or in bulk packaging) at high temperatures, such as 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while also having a viscosity that still allows the sealant 103 to deform from an initial shape and move under pressure to different locations or positions to fill spaces of different shapes (e.g., around roof fasteners 104 or through mesh 207 or into gaps in the roof) when installed in colder climates, such as when installed on top of a low-temperature roof.

[0077] In some embodiments, the sealant 103 may have properties of permanent or semi-permanent flexibility or flowability, maintaining permanent or semi-permanent surface adhesion, self-healing, or a combination thereof. In another example embodiment of the present invention, the sealant 103 may be formulated for a desired period of time, such as 6 months, 1 year, etc., to maintain a desired flexibility or flowability, maintain surface adhesion, self-healing, or a combination thereof. The sealant 103 may remain flexible or flowable at low temperatures and may be designed to perform in its intended use, transitioning from a pre-installed state 152 to an installed state 153 (e.g., a different shape and position within the roof attachment 101) within a temperature range of 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0078] The sealant 103 may have a particular color, such as off-white, dark gray, or blue, such as to visually blend in with the average hue and color of the mounting surface 1001, or to provide a visual contrast to the average hue and / or color of the mounting surface 1001 or the protective cover 200. Alternatively, the sealant 103 may intentionally have a color that contrasts with the color of the protective cover 200 and / or the mounting surface 1001 to easily provide visual confirmation of the transition of the mounting member 101 between the pre-installed state 152 and the installed state 153 in the event that the sealant 103 is sprayed outside the perimeter, edge, or surface of the protective cover 200 or the mounting member 101 or sprayed into a reservoir, so that a portion of the sealant 103 is visible to a person installing the roof attachment 100.

[0079] The sealant 103 may be non-hardening, defined as remaining in a liquid or semi-liquid state for a long period of time, such as 6 months, 1 year, 10 years, or indefinitely. The sealant 103 may have a low viscosity, or have a cure time greater than 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years. The sealant 103 may have an asymptomatic cure time, in which it hardens over time, but never fully hardens or cures. In other words, the sealant 103 may increase in viscosity, decrease in flexibility, decrease in viscosity, decrease in adhesion, or change in state, or a combination thereof, over time. The sealant 103 may remain tacky for an extended period of time, such as 10 years or 30 years, such that the sealant 103 maintains a waterproof barrier with the mounting surface 1001. Some formulations of the sealant 103 may or may not remain elastic after compression, and therefore may not be able to transition from the installed state 153 back to the uninstalled state (e.g., the unassembled state 150).

[0080] The sealant 103 may have a chemical property that is compatible with various roofing materials, such as asphalt, composite asphalt, composite shingles, tar paper, roofing paper, tar roofing, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Hypalon, Kynar, painted metal, fiberglass, stone coated steel, clay, ceramic, glass, concrete, cement, and other common roofing materials. The sealant 103 may reduce viscosity at temperatures above room temperature, one use of which is to more easily spread the sealant 103 to the underside of the mounting member 101 during assembly, such as when the roof attachment 100 is transferred from the unassembled state 150 to the assembled state 151. The sealant 103 may have a viscosity within a standard installation temperature range, such as from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 170 degrees Fahrenheit, that allows the sealant 103 to flow into and wet substantially all of the surface of the mounting surface below the mounting member 101 when the roof attachment 100 is in the installed state 153. The mounting surface 1001 may be one or more asphalt shingle tabs, where the tabs abut together with a thin gap between the tabs. The viscosity of the sealant 103 may allow the sealant 103 to wet all surfaces under the mount 101 in the thin gap formed between two shingle tabs.

[0081] Figure 7A-7BAn isometric vertical cross-sectional view of the roof attachment 100 in an assembled state 151 is shown, with the sealant 103 omitted for illustration purposes so that the view of the interior of the roof attachment 100 is unobstructed. As shown, the first locking tab 202 engages the engagement feature 110. One or more locking tabs 202 may be formed with a lead-in angle, chamfer, or radiused surface to easily slide over the side outer surface of the mounting member 101 and then "snap" into a locked position on the engagement feature 110 on the mounting member 101. One or more locking tabs 202 may have one or more adjacent cut-out holes 212 in the peripheral wall 209 to increase the length of the locking tab 202, thereby increasing flexibility. The locking tab 202 may have a tapered cross-section. One or more locking tabs 202 may be evenly positioned around the perimeter of the mounting member 101, or offset near one side of the perimeter of the mounting member 101.

[0082] Figures 8A to 8E Various views of roof attachment 100 are shown installed on mounting surface 1001 , illustrating example methods of installation. Figures 8A-8E Also shown is the transition of the roof attachment 100 from the pre-installed state 152 to the installed state 153 and the installation of the track. Fig. 8A 1, the roof attachment 100 can be placed on the mounting surface 1001 in a pre-installed state 152. In this state, the protective cover 200 supports the mounting member 101 and the sealant 103 above the mounting surface 1001 so that the sealant 103 does not contact the mounting surface 1001. One or more guide holes or openings can be drilled into the mounting surface 1001, or no guide holes can be drilled into the mounting surface 1001. Because the sealant 103 does not contact the mounting surface 1001, the roof attachment 100 can be easily slid, moved, dragged, rotated, or otherwise positioned into a desired location. For example, if such guide holes are present, the mounting fastener holes 114 and the cover fastener holes 206 can be positioned substantially coincident with the guide holes in the roof.

[0083] Figure 8B A first roof fastener 104 is shown positioned through the fastener hole 114 and the cover fastener hole 206. The roof fastener 104 may have a hexagonal head shape, a star shape, or a hexagonal internal cavity, and may not have a flange, or it may have a flanged head. In an exemplary embodiment, the roof fastener 104 also has a metal and rubber adhesive washer located below the hexagonal head.

[0084] Figure 8CThe roof attachment 100 is shown in an installed state 153, after a downward force is applied to the mount 101 due to the engagement of the threads of the roof fastener 104 with the mounting surface 1001 to overcome the strength of the stop tab 204, so that the mount 101 will push and traverse through the body of the protective cover 200 until the mount 101 coincides with the mounting surface 1002, or in some embodiments, coincides with the top side of the mesh 207. In some example embodiments, the roof fastener 104 engages with an opening (such as a pilot hole) in the mounting surface 1001, while in other embodiments the roof fastener 104 cuts into the mounting surface 1001 and then threads into the mounting surface 1001. As the mount 101 traverses through the body of the protective cover 200, the volumetric area defined by the space between the mesh 207, the underside surface 111, and the peripheral wall 209 decreases. Thus, the sealant 103 is compressed between the mount 101, the mounting surface 1001, and the protective cover 200, and is forced to flow onto the mounting surface 1001, around one or more roof fasteners 104, and through the mesh 207 (if present). As previously described, the mesh 207 can be offset from the bottom edge of the peripheral wall 209 to allow the sealant 103 to flow over, around, and under the mesh 207. In this manner, some or all of the mesh 207 can be free of contact with the mounting surface 1001. In some example embodiments, the sealant 103 can be sprayed outside the peripheral wall 209 of the protective cover 200, such as Figure 8C Alternatively, excess sealant 103 may flow into one or more overflow reservoirs.

[0085] During the assembly process (e.g., transitioning from the pre-assembled state 150 to the assembled state 151), the volume and shape of the sealant 103 disposed on the mounting member 101 may change to match the volume of the space between the mesh 207, the lower surface 111, and the peripheral wall 209 in the installed state 153. For example, the roof attachment 100 may be configured to have a volume of sealant 103 that is larger than the volume of the space below the mounting member 101 in the installed state 153 so as to intentionally cause the sealant 103 to be ejected beyond the peripheral wall 209 of the protective cover 200. Figures 8D-8E An isometric view and a cross-sectional view are shown, respectively, of an installed roof attachment on an installed track 1102 .

[0086] Figures 9A-9G Various views of an alternative embodiment of a roof attachment 100 having a mount 101 and a protective cover 200 with a plurality of roof fasteners 104 , mounting fastener holes 114 , and cover fastener holes 206 are shown. Fig.9A An isometric view of the roof attachment 100 is shown in an assembled state 151. The first roof fastener 104 is positioned through the first mounting fastener hole 114. Fig. 9B Shows Fig.9A , showing the sealant 103 disposed on the lower surface 111. The sealant 103 is in a lateral "D" shape and is offset from the web 207. A plurality of cover fastener holes 206 are located correspondingly to a similar plurality of mounting fastener holes 114. Fig. 9C and Fig.9D The roof attachment 100 is shown in an installed state 153 after the first roof fastener 104 is engaged with the mounting surface 1001 (e.g., the surface of a roof) to press the mounting member 101 through the body of the protective cover 200 until the mounting member 101 contacts the mounting surface 1001 (omitted to show the fastener 104 in an engaged position). Fig.9D As shown in the cross-sectional view in , the sealant 103 has been pressed against the underside surface 111 and the peripheral wall 209, through the mesh 207 and onto the roof surface 1001. Fig.9E and 9F The roof attachment 100 is shown in an installed state 153 , wherein additional roof fasteners 104 have been installed into the mounting surface 1001 through additional mounting fastener holes 114 . Figure 9G An isometric view of the roof attachment 100 is shown in an installed state 153, wherein the connection mechanism 105 is engaged with the mounting member 101. In this example embodiment, the connection mechanism 105 is a nut and bolt fastener, and the connection mechanism 105 secures the track 1102 to the mounting member 101. The track 1102 can be used to support one or more solar panels. The track 1102 can be an aluminum extrusion, a steel bar, a bracket, or another suitable structure. Although shown and described herein as being used to mount the track 1102, the roof attachment 100 can also be used to mount one or more other types of appliances to a mounting surface, such as the solar panel itself, a clamp for the solar panel, an HVAC unit, an electrical conduit, a pipe, a partition wall (e.g., a partition wall of a building structure), a staircase, a pad, a generator, a battery enclosure, an electrical equipment enclosure, a satellite antenna and related equipment, etc.

[0087] In the example embodiment of the mount 101 shown, there is a vertical flange 118. However, in other example embodiments not shown, the mount 101 may not have such a vertical flange 118. In other example embodiments not shown, the mount 101 may have one or more threaded bosses configured to engage with one or more fasteners for attaching various brackets (e.g., Figures 11A-11D , Figures 12A-12C and Figures 17A-17B Some examples are shown in ).

[0088] Fig. 10AAn isometric view of a roof attachment is shown, illustrating a protective cover 200 and a mount 101 having a plurality of mounting fastener holes 114. In this example embodiment, one or more mounting fastener holes 114 are located on one side of a vertical flange 118, and one or more mounting fastener holes are located on the other side of the vertical flange 118, which is parallel to the shorter diameter of the base 117. In another embodiment, not shown, the plurality of mounting fastener holes 114 may be positioned around the base 117 in a circular, oval, or similar pattern as viewed from above. Fig. 10B An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating a protective cover 200 and mount 101 having a plurality of mounting fastener holes 114 , and an alternative configuration with a vertical flange 118 parallel to the longer diameter of the base 117 .

[0089] Figures 11A-11D Various views of an alternative example of the present invention are shown in which the mounting member 101 lacks the vertical flange 118. In this example, a plurality of mounting fastener holes 114 may be disposed across the mounting member 101, such as in a circular pattern evenly spaced as shown. The mounting fastener holes 114 may have chamfers, radii, or beveled edges transitioning between the top surface 116 and the interior of a given mounting fastener hole 114. The mounting member 101 may be circular as shown in the figures, wherein one or more accessory fasteners 1301 are threadedly engaged to accessory holes 1302 (such as those provided in the embodiment of the present invention) disposed on the top surface 116. Fig.11D ), for securing various accessory components, such as HVAC brackets, L-shaped legs, solar mounting systems, or other equipment typically mounted on building roofs. Top surface 116 may be substantially flat as shown, or may have one or more protrusions, bosses, flanges, platforms, or similar features in which one or more accessory holes 1302 may be disposed.

[0090] The shape of the protective cover 200 may be substantially similar to the mounting member 101, such as the circular shape shown. In this example embodiment, the protective cover 200 also has an inner wall 1303 that forms a central cover opening 1304. The mesh 207 is disposed between the peripheral wall 209 and the inner wall 1303, and may not extend across the central cover opening 1304, as shown. One or more cover fastener holes 206 may be disposed throughout the mesh 207 and arranged to be substantially aligned with the corresponding one or more mounting fastener holes 114. The protective cover 200 may not have the locking tabs 202 shown. In other examples not shown, one or more locking tabs 202 and stop tabs 204 may be disposed along either or both of the peripheral wall 209 or the inner wall 1303. The sealant 103 may be disposed on the mounting member 101 or in the protective cover 200 in its shape between the peripheral wall 209 and the inner wall 1303.

[0091] The roof fastener 104 may have a hexagonal head as shown, which may be configured to engage with a 1 / 2 inch socket or a 13 mm socket. The roof fastener 104 may have a flange below the hexagonal head, which may have serrations disposed on the underside. The roof fastener 104 may have a cutting tip 1305 configured to cut into the mounting surface 1001 to avoid pre-drilling a pilot hole. The accessory fastener 1301 may have a different head type, such as a hexagonal head as shown, or it may have the same hexagonal head as on the roof fastener 104 to allow the same tool to engage both the roof fastener 102 and the accessory fastener 1301.

[0092] Fig. 11B The roof attachment 100 is shown in an assembled state 151, including the accessory fastener 1301 partially installed into the mounting member 101. In other example embodiments of this type of roof attachment 100 in an assembled state 151, the accessory fastener 1301 may not be installed. Fig. 11C The roof attachment 100 is shown in an underside view in an assembled state 151 .

[0093] Fig.11D The roof attachment 100 is shown in a cross-sectional view in an assembled state 151 to better illustrate the internal functions of the present invention. As shown, the sealant 103 is disposed on the underside surface 111 such that the sealant 103 is located between the peripheral wall 209 and the interior wall 1303. The peripheral wall 209 can be aligned with the peripheral wall groove 1307 and the interior wall 1303 can be aligned with the interior wall groove 1308 so that the mounting member 101 can be traversed downwardly and through the protective cover body until it contacts the mounting surface 1001. In other example embodiments, the peripheral wall 209 can be positioned on the exterior of the mounting member 101 (e.g., Figure 1 ), the interior wall 1303 can be positioned within the central mounting cavity 1309. The threaded boss 1306 can extend into the central mounting cavity 1309 to provide sufficient depth for the accessory hole 1302 to allow the accessory fastener 1301 to be fully seated on the top surface 116. The accessory hole 1302 can be closed, captured, or shielded at the end so that the accessory hole 1302 does not extend to or open into the central mounting cavity 1309.

[0094] Figures 12A-12CVarious views of the invention are shown in which the mount 101 does not have a vertical flange 118. In this example embodiment of the invention, the base 117 has one or more mounting fastener holes 114 configured on a mounting platform 1401 on the base 117. The mounting platform 1401 can be configured to support various accessories, such as L-shaped brackets, conduit support straps, duct straps, attachment brackets or pipes for HVAC units, or many other applications. One or more accessory holes 1402 can be provided on the mounting platform 1401 and configured to receive and engage with threaded fasteners. The accessory holes 1402 can be threaded and can be cut through or not cut through the lower side surface 111. In this example configuration, the mount 101 can be formed from sheet metal, extruded metal, stamped metal, die cast metal, injection molded plastic, or similar processes and materials. In another example embodiment not shown, a buckle, ratchet, strap, or similar retaining feature can be formed from the base 117 to secure one or more pipes or conduits, such as electrical conduits. Fig. 12C An isometric view of the present invention is shown with the roof attachment 100 in an installed state 153 and the roof fasteners 104 installed. In some example embodiments not shown, when the roof attachment 100 is in the installed state 153, the mounting platform 1401 may be higher than the top of the protective cover.

[0095] Figures 13A-13C 15 is a diagram showing various views of different exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the protective cover 200 is composed of a peripheral wall 209 having a single large opening 1501 (without Figures 2A-2C The protective cover 200 may have a groove 1502 around the inner upper portion that is configured to clamp onto the outer periphery of the base 117 to secure the protective cover 200 in place. Fig. 15B In the assembled state 151 shown in FIG. In this example embodiment, the protective cover 200 may be made of a resilient and flexible material, such as rubber, silicon, foam, plastic or other suitable material. Fig. 13C , the protective cover 200 may have a tapered shape such that a lower portion of the peripheral wall 209 is further away from a central portion of the roof attachment 100 than an upper portion. In other words, the lower distal end of the peripheral wall 209 has a greater circumference than the upper distal end. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the sealant 103 may have a substantially unformed thickness and may cover a majority of the open underside of the mounting member 101 surrounded by the peripheral wall 209. In this alternative embodiment, the sealant 103 may be butyl tape, butyl rubber, PVC, or other similar material.

[0096] Figures 14A-14DAnother alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this example embodiment, the mounting member 101 has a cross-section that is the same shape along its entire length in the Y direction 1601, except for one or more mounting fastener holes 114 and / or one or more flange holes 121 that are arranged orthogonally to the cross-section. In this example embodiment, the mounting member 101 can be made by extrusion, casting, machining, forging, roll forming, bending, stamping or other suitable processes, and can be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, plastic, synthetic polymers or other suitable materials. A volume of sealant 103 can be provided on the underside of the mounting member 101, and the protective cover 200 can be secured to the mounting member 101 by one or more locking tabs 202 and stop tabs 204 as previously described. The flange holes 121 in this example embodiment of the mounting member 101 can be closed slots, as shown, or can be open slots with the top end of the slot leading to the top of the mounting member 101, so that fasteners can traverse the slot from the top of the mounting member 101 downward.

[0097] Figures 15A-15C An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the protective cover 200 is replaced by one or more flexible resilient legs 1701. The shape and cross-section of the sealant 103 may be similar to that described in the previous embodiment, or may be a uniformly thick plane as shown. In the same installation method described previously, the roof attachment 100 may be placed on the mounting surface 1001, wherein the one or more flexible resilient legs 1701 support the roof attachment 100 at a desired height above the mounting surface 1001 so that the sealant 103 does not contact the mounting surface 1001 in the pre-installed state 152. In other words, the height of the flexible resilient legs 1701 below the bottom of the mounting member 101 is greater than the thickness of the sealant 103, and has a resiliency greater than the weight of the roof attachment 100 to avoid compression, thereby keeping the sealant 103 equal to or reaching the bottom surface of the flexible resilient legs 1701 before installation on the mounting surface 1001. When one or more roof fasteners 104 are installed through one or more mounting fastener holes 114, downward force applied from the mounting fasteners 104 engaged with the mounting surface 1001 will compress the one or more flexible resilient legs 1701 until the sealant 103 contacts the mounting surface 1001 in the installed state 153, as shown. Fig. 15C In addition, the mounting member 101 may have one or more peripheral legs 124, not shown, but similar to Figures 3A-3C , when the mounting member 101 is fully installed, these feet coincide with the mounting surface 1001. In this way, the roof attachment 100 has been transformed from the pre-installed state 152 to the installed state 153.

[0098] Figures 16A-16CVarious views of the present invention are shown, showing an alternative connection mechanism 105 for securing a track 1102 to a mounting member 101 of a roof attachment 100. In this example embodiment, the connection mechanism 105 may be comprised of one or more gripping members 1801 and 1802 having gripping fasteners 1803. The gripping members 1801 and 1802 may be formed of a single piece, or may be two separate pieces as shown. The one or more gripping members 1801 and 1802 may have one or more grooves 1804 secured to a track flange 1805. The gripping fastener 1803 may have a flange hexagonal head, a simple hexagonal head, or a hexagon socket head. The gripping fastener 1803 may threadably engage and compress the one or more gripping members 1801 and / or 1802 onto the track 1102 and the connection mechanism 105 onto the vertical flange 118. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the capture fastener 1803 has a flanged head that can be seated in the rear recess 122. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the track 1102 can be secured to the roof attachment 100 after the roof attachment 100 is in the installed state 153.

[0099] Fig.17A and 17B An isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention are shown, wherein a channel 1901 is provided along the length of the mounting member 101. In this example embodiment, the channel 1901 is formed by two side walls 1902. The lateral protrusions 1903 may extend inwardly into the channel 1901 as shown, or may extend to the exterior of the channel. In this example embodiment, the mounting member 101 may have a uniform cross-section along its entire length, except for one or more holes, such as the mounting fastener holes 114. The channel walls (e.g., the side walls 1902) may be parallel to each other, or may be at an obtuse or acute angle relative to each other.

[0100] Figures 18A-18C Various views of an alternative example of the present invention are shown, wherein the mounting member 101 is configured as a closable container. Fig.18A 20A shows an exploded view of the roof attachment 100 in an unassembled state 150, wherein the sealant 103 and the protective cover 200 have not yet been assembled to the mounting member 101.

[0101] Fig.18B An underside view of the roof attachment 100 is shown in an assembled state 151, wherein the sealant 103 has been disposed on the underside surface of the mount 101, and the protective cover 200 has been mounted to the mount 101 using one or more locking tabs 202 that engage with one or more corresponding engagement features (not shown). One or more cover fastener holes 206 may be disposed in the web 207 and substantially aligned with the corresponding one or more mounting fastener holes 114 when the protective cover 200 is assembled to the mount 101. The central cover opening 1304 may be configured to be large enough for one or more conduit holes (not shown) to be disposed through the underside surface 111 and disposed within the central cover opening 1302. The one or more conduit holes may be formed after the roof attachment 100 is in the assembled state 151, or even after the mounted state 153. Not shown, one or more peripheral legs 124 and mounting legs 112 may be disposed across the underside surface 111.

[0102] Fig.18C A cross-sectional view of the roof attachment 100 in an assembled state 151 is shown. In this example embodiment, the mount 101 may be made of a polymer, plastic, metal, or similar material. The side wall 2001 may form an obtuse angle 2005 relative to the base 117. The peripheral wall 209 may be configured to slide into the peripheral wall groove 1307, and the interior wall 1303 may be aligned with the interior wall groove 1308 so that the mount 101 can be traversed downwardly and through the body of the protective cover 200 until contacting the mounting surface 1001. Not shown, one or more bosses or protrusions may extend upwardly from the bottom interior surface and may be configured with a cutout or hole configured to receive a screw for securing an electrical device, such as a DIN rail or an electrical terminal block.

[0103] In an example installation method, the roof attachment 100 may be in an assembled state 151 and placed on a mounting surface 1001. One or more roof fasteners 104 may be inserted through the mounting fastener holes 114 and the cover fastener holes 206 and threadedly engaged into the mounting surface 1001. When the head of the roof fastener 104 engages the mounting surface 1001, the mounting piece 101 is pulled toward the mounting surface 1001 with sufficient force to overcome the strength of one or more stop tabs 204 (not shown). Pulling the mounting piece 101 toward the mounting surface 1001 will compress the sealant 103 through one or more openings in the mesh 207 and onto the mounting surface 1001. After the first fastener 104 is installed, additional roof fasteners 104 may be installed. One or more conduit holes may be formed in the base 117, such as in the bottom surface of the upper internal cavity 2003 and through the mounting surface 1001, and configured to allow one or more wires to pass therethrough.

[0104] The above specific embodiments of the technology are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed. In light of the above teachings, many modifications or variations are possible. Specific embodiments are selected in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, so that other technical personnel in the field can utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications to suit the specific use intended. The scope of the technology is intended to be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roof attachment device, comprising: Mounting parts; a fastener configured to engage a mounting surface, wherein when engaged with the mounting surface, the fastener attaches the mount to the mounting surface; and A compressible sealant is disposed between a bottom portion of the mount and the mounting surface when the mount is attached to the mounting surface, wherein the sealant is compressed upon engagement between the fastener and the mounting surface, the compressed sealant flowing to fill a spatial volume between the bottom portion of the mount and the mounting surface.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mounting surface includes one or more openings, the fastener engages an opening in the mounting surface, and wherein the volume of space filled by the sealant includes space associated with other openings in the mounting surface.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a protective cover including one or more openings, and wherein the compressed sealant flows through the one or more openings of the protective cover onto the mounting surface.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The protective cover further includes one or more holes, wherein the fastener passes through the holes of the protective cover.

5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The protective cover is configured to prevent the sealant from contacting the mounting surface until the sealant is compressed.

6. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The protective cover includes one or more stop tabs configured to support the mounting member and prevent the mounting member from traversing relative to the protective cover based on the elasticity of the stop tabs.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The fastener engages the mounting surface in different stages of engagement, wherein at least one stage of engagement applies a force that overcomes the resiliency of the retaining tab.

8. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The protective cover includes one or more locking tabs configured to secure the protective cover to the mount.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that A force greater than the weight of the mount is required to compress the sealant to contact the mounting surface.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The sealant includes a petroleum-based compound.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The petroleum-based compound is a butyl-based compound.

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The sealant maintains a liquid state associated with fluidity for a period of time after being compressed between the mounting member and the mounting surface.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The time period is at least 180 days.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mount includes a vertical flange with a hole disposed therethrough.

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mount includes a fastener hole disposed on a top surface, the fastener hole being configured to engage with the fastener.

16. A roof attachment device comprising: Mounting parts; a protective cover having a bottom surface with one or more openings therein; as well as a volume of sealant disposed between the mount and the protective cover, wherein the protective cover prevents the sealant from contacting the mounting surface until the sealant is compressed between the mount and the protective cover, wherein when the sealant is compressed by a force greater than the weight of the mount, the sealant flows through one or more openings in the bottom surface of the protective cover onto the mounting surface to substantially fill the volume of space between the bottom surface and the mounting surface.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: track; as well as A connecting mechanism secures the track to the mounting member.

18. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The mounting surface is an asphalt shingle roof.

19. A method of installing a roof attachment, the method comprising: placing a roof attachment on a mounting surface, wherein the roof attachment is positioned such that a sealant is disposed between a bottom surface of the roof attachment and the mounting surface; installing a fastener that engages a mounting surface, wherein the fastener, when engaged with the mounting surface, attaches the roof attachment to the mounting surface; and A force is applied upon engagement between the fastener and the mounting surface, wherein the force compresses the sealant onto the mounting surface, and wherein the compressed sealant occupies a volume of space between the mounting surface and the roof attachment.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The roof attachment also includes a mounting member, a protective cover, and one or more stop tabs that prevent the mounting member from traversing the protective cover before the force is applied, wherein the force applied by the engagement also overcomes the strength of the stop tabs and causes the mounting member to traverse the protective cover.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that Also included is attaching a track to the roof attachment using a connecting mechanism.

22. A method of assembling a roof attachment, the method comprising: automatically disposing a volume of sealant on an underside surface of the mounting member; as well as A protective cover is secured to the mount using one or more locking tabs, wherein the sealant does not protrude beyond the opening in the protective cover.

23. A roof attachment device comprising: Mounting parts; one or more resiliently flexible members configured to support the mount above a mounting surface; as well as a sealant disposed on an underside of the mount, wherein the resiliently flexible member extends below a bottom surface of the sealant and prevents the sealant from contacting the mounting surface under the force of gravity, and wherein when a fastener engages the mounting surface, the fastener applies a force that compresses the resiliently flexible member until the sealant contacts the mounting surface.

24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that The sealant includes butyl tape.

25. A roof attachment device comprising: a mounting member including a plurality of walls forming a box; Protective cover; as well as A sealant is disposed between the bottom of the mount and the mounting surface, wherein the sealant is compressed upon engagement between the fastener and the mounting surface, and the compressed sealant flows to fill the volume of the space between the bottom of the mount and the mounting surface.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that Prior to application of the force, one or more stop tabs disposed on the protective cover prevent traversal of the mount relative to the protective cover, wherein the force applied by the engagement further overcomes the strength of the stop tabs and causes traversal of the mount relative to the protective cover.

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