MOUNTING DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE LIFTING OF A METAL ROOF
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RMH TECH LLC
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
Smart Images
Figure MX434612B0 
Figure MX434612B1
Abstract
Description
MOUNTING DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE LIFTING OF A METAL ROOF CROSS-REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 821,885, filed March 17, 2020, entitled Mounting Device for Controlling Lifting of a Metal Roof, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for controlling the lifting of a metal roof and, more specifically, to a clamp that can be positioned and is securable to a roof seam between two panels of a metal roof, to support and maintain the integrity of the roof seam. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Metal roofs can be formed by connecting multiple panels together, where the edges of adjacent metal panels interconnect in such a way as to define a roof seam or standing seam. In some configurations, the edges are folded over one or more times to form the standing seam. However, this type of roof is susceptible to panel uplift and fracture due to external forces such as wind. During particularly windy conditions, panels can become detached or torn from the roof, injuring passersby or damaging property. Furthermore, the standing seam between two metal panels can crumble and separate. With the increasing use of metal roofs in building construction, there is a greater need to control panel uplift on these types of roofs and to prevent crumbling and separation of standing seams. U.S. Patent No. 5,222,340 (the '340 Patent), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a device for increasing the uplift resistance of metal standing seam roofs. The device disclosed in the '340 Patent includes a first elongated portion having a head, a longitudinal recess below the head, a foot extending below the recess, and a hole extending laterally therethrough, a second elongated portion having a hole extending laterally therethrough and an abutment surface opposing the recess and abutment surface of the first elongated portion, and a fastener for attracting the first and second elongated portions together to confine the roof seam in the recess.However, securing the device of the '340 patent to raised portions and standing seams in a roof is time-consuming, since the first and second elongated portions must be positioned about the raised seam in such a manner that the laterally extending holes through the first and second elongated portions align. Once aligned, the fastener member may be inserted through the holes so as to draw the first and second elongated portions together to confine the raised portion within the recess of the first elongated portion. In this regard, assembly of a plurality of the devices of the '340 patent on a metal roof is time-consuming and laborious, resulting in increased costs.Furthermore, the attachment piece is a single point of potential failure for the device, and the raised portion of the roof is simply confined within the device, in such a way that the device can be torn off the raised portion or released from the raised portion more easily. U.S. Patent Nos. 97,316, 106,580, 250,580, 756,884, 42,992, 459,876, 602,983, 4,141,182, 5,152,107, and 5,715,640 (the '640 Patent), which are incorporated by reference in their entireties, generally disclose snow guards for retaining snow and ice, brackets and supports for mounting other components, and clamps for securing roofing panels together. There are a number of problems associated with the above-described snow guard devices. These devices can result in roof leaks since many of the above-described devices are attached to the roof by a screw, nail, or other fastener that pierces the roofing surface. Roof perforation can lead to unwanted leaks due to inadequate sealing, or to shearing of the fastener due to the forces exerted on it by sliding snow and / or ice.In an attempt to prevent leaks, sealants and / or gaskets are often applied around holes drilled through the roofing surface. However, these measures complicate installation and may not completely prevent leaks. Alternative methods for attaching snow guards to roofs, such as adhesive bonding, may be unable to provide a secure attachment and / or may be difficult to install on a sloped surface, particularly where the device is applied to a smooth, non-porous roofing material, such as metal. Snow guard types are also generally not easily adaptable for use in a wide range of standing seam roofing applications. Some of the devices described above are not intended for standing seam roofing applications at all, but are primarily for use on tile or other non-standing seam roofs. Next, the '640 patent describes a clamp that secures two metal roofing panels together to control uplift. The clamp described in the '640 patent has a single channel or slot for receiving a roof seam, which makes the clamp in the '640 patent vulnerable to being pulled off the roof seam by an external force or being pushed loose. Furthermore, the single channel or slot does not locate a clamp in a particular position relative to the roof seam. As a result, a misaligned clamp can damage the roof seam, or be easily pulled off or pushed off the roof. Furthermore, a component, such as a bracket spanning multiple clamps, can be rendered inoperable due to having one or more clamps misaligned with the roof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure is directed to a clamp having attributes such as arms, a channel, and a protrusion, for securing and better locating a roof seam within a slot of the clamp. A roof seam between two panels may be a crimped seam that is folded over itself at least once. As a result, the roof seam extends laterally or horizontally over one of the panels. The roof seam may be positioned in the slot of the clamp, and then pressed into the channel of the clamp. The channel defines one or more protrusions that secure the roof seam in a predetermined position relative to the clamp. Once in the predetermined position, a bar component (such as a set screw or seam retainer) may secure the roof seam in the clamp, and the secured roof seam helps the roof resist uplift. The clamp is configured to be simple to manufacture, to reduce costs.In some embodiments, the clamp has a single-piece unitary body. According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a third arm of the clamp extends into a slot in the clamp, to retain a roof gasket within the clamp in a vertical direction. The slot extends vertically between a first arm and a second arm of the clamp, and the third arm extends generally horizontally from one of the first and second arms and into the slot. In operation, the roof gasket is positioned in the slot, and then over the third arm. More specifically, a bottom or lower portion of the roof gasket is positioned above a distal or free end of the third arm. A bar component may extend into the slot, toward its interaction with a sidewall of the roof gasket. As the bar component is advanced against the sidewall, the roof gasket is pressed above the third arm.In this way, the bar component holds the roof seam on the third arm, and the third arm prevents the clamp from being pulled away from the roof seam in the vertical direction. Consequently, the clamp maintains and provides support for the mechanical bend of the roof seam, improving the durability of the standing seam roof. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a clamp is provided with at least one projection that retains and locates a roof seam in a specific position relative to the clamp. A channel may extend toward one or more arms of the clamp, to define an upper or first projection and a lower or second projection. The first projection may secure an upper end of the roof seam, to prevent vertical movement of the roof seam relative to the clamp. In one configuration, the first projection interacts with the lateral portion of a seam defining the roof seam. Additionally or alternatively, the first projection may interact with the upper end of the roof seam. Similarly, the lower or second projection may secure a lower end of the roof seam, to prevent horizontal movement of the clamp relative to the roof seam.For example, in one embodiment, the second projection may extend at least partially between the lower end of the roof seam and a vertical portion of a metal panel of the roof seam. The relationship between the ends of the roof seam and the projections also supports or positions the clamp and the roof seam relative to one another to ensure that the bar component consistently and appropriately secures the roof seam within or against the clamp. According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, an opening and a cavity are provided in the clamp, where a bar component, extending through the opening, can deform part of a roof gasket into the cavity. In various embodiments, the opening extends through one arm of the clamp, and a cavity extends toward an internal surface of another arm of the clamp. When the roof gasket is positioned in the channel and secured by at least one projection, a bar component (such as a set screw or a bolt) can extend through the opening in one arm, and contact and / or deform the roof gasket at least partially toward the cavity, to secure the clamp to the roof gasket. Optionally, the clamp can have only one opening to receive the bar component. According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a second arm of a clamp has a greater thickness than a first arm, to better center the clamp over a roof seam. The bar component extends through the first arm, and urges the roof seam against an inner surface of the second arm. With the thickness of the second arm greater than the thickness of the opposite first arm, the roof seam is closer to the center of the clamp (or the center of the clamp slot) than if the second arm were the same thickness as the first arm, in which case the roof seam may also be off-center. When the clamp is centered over the roof seam, the weight of the clamp is also centered on the roof seam, which may improve the clamp's ability to withstand received wind forces without inadvertent or unintended movement.Furthermore, the roof joint will be closer to the first arm when the roof joint is approximately centered in the slot, compared to a distance between the first arm and the roof joint if the roof joint were not centered in the slot. Because the roof joint is closer to the first arm, the distance the bar component must advance through the opening in the first arm to interact with a side wall of the roof joint is reduced. Accordingly, the bar component can have a shorter length compared to the case where the clamp is not configured to center the roof joint in the slot. This configuration can favorably prevent unintentional or inadvertent movement of the clamp relative to the roof joint, such as clamp tip-over.Furthermore, since the roof joint is closer to the first arm, the portion of the bar component extending from the first arm toward the groove, which makes contact with the roof joint, is reduced. This is beneficial because it reduces the likelihood that the portion of the bar component extending from the first arm will bend, fracture, or break. An embodiment of the present disclosure is a clamp system for supporting a roof seam formed by a first panel attached to a second panel, comprising: a clamp having a body with a first arm and a second arm; a slot extending toward the body between a first inner surface of the first arm and a second inner surface of the second arm; a channel extending toward the second inner surface of the second arm, the channel being offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance, the channel configured to receive at least a portion of the roof seam; an opening extending through the first arm; and a bar component extending through the opening and into interaction with the roof seam, for securing the clamp to the first and second panels.In some embodiments, the first panel and the second panel are joined together at seamed portions to form the roof joint. Optionally, the bar component can be self-threading. Therefore, the opening extending through the first arm can initially be unthreaded before first advancing the bar component through the opening. The unthreaded opening reduces the operations required to manufacture the clamp and favorably reduces the clamp's production cost. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the opening has a threaded internal surface, and the rod component has a threaded external surface that interacts with the threaded internal surface of the opening. Optionally, the rod component may be a set screw or a joint fastener. In one embodiment, the bar component has a rounded or blunt distal end to provide a desirable interface with a generally vertical sidewall of the roof seam. This way, the bar component will not penetrate the roof seam or the first and second panels. Furthermore, the rounded distal end can prevent scoring of the roof seam or damaging a coating on the roof seam. In some embodiments, the bar component deforms the roof seam to secure the brace to the first and second panels. More specifically, as the bar component is advanced through the opening toward interaction with the sidewall of the roof seam, an opposite side of the roof seam may be pressed toward the channel. In some configurations, the roof seam is squeezed toward a narrower configuration and / or flexed due to the compressive force applied by the bar component and the second inner surface of the second arm. In various embodiments, the system further comprises a third arm extending from the free end of the second arm toward the slot, and generally toward the first arm. Optionally, the channel extends toward a third internal surface of the third arm. In some embodiments, the channel defines a first protrusion on the second arm. The first protrusion is shaped to interact with a portion of the roof joint. In one embodiment, the first protrusion may interact with a side wall of the roof joint. Additionally or alternatively, the first protrusion may be positioned proximate and interact with an upper end of the roof joint. The channel may optionally define a second projection on the third arm. The second projection is configured to retain a lower portion of the roof seal. For example, the second projection may extend between the lower portion of the roof seal and a vertical portion of the second panel of the roof seal. In this manner, the lower portion of the roof seal may be positioned proximate the third inner surface of the third arm, and between the second projection and the second inner surface of the second arm. An aspect of the present disclosure is a clip, comprising: (1) a body having a first arm having a first width and a second arm having a second width, the second width being greater than the first width; (2) a slot extending into the body between a first inner surface of the first arm and a second inner surface of the second arm; (3) a third arm extending from the second arm into the slot, the first width being greater than a third width of the third arm; (4) a channel extending toward the second inner surface and a third inner surface of the third arm to define a first projection on the second arm and a second projection on the third arm, the first and second projections being configured to interact with a roof seal;and (5) an opening extending along an axis through the first arm, with the axis oriented to intersect the channel in such a manner that a bar component, extending through the opening, can contact a roof gasket retained in the channel.; In some embodiments, a groove base extends between the first and second inner surfaces. Optionally, the groove base has a concave shape. In one embodiment, the clamp further comprises a cavity extending through the second inner surface and toward the second arm. The cavity may extend along the axis of the opening. Optionally, the cavity is positioned within the channel. In one embodiment, the cavity has a diameter that decreases as the cavity extends toward the second arm. For example, the cavity may have a conical shape. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft, through the first arm, may extend horizontally. In one embodiment, the opening is threaded and is centered approximately between a first end and a second end of the body. The first arm and the second arm optionally extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the opening. Additionally or alternatively, the first arm has a first external surface that is approximately parallel to a second external surface of the second arm. The first and second widths of the first and second arms can be measured in the horizontal direction. In one embodiment, the third arm extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the opening. The channel optionally extends toward the second inner surface of the second arm, in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the opening. The channel may also be offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance. In one embodiment, the slot and channel extend through the body, from a first end to a second end of the body. Optionally, the first end is approximately perpendicular to the second end. In one embodiment, the first and second ends are approximately perpendicular to an upper portion of the body. Optionally, a first surface, between the upper portion and a first outer surface of the first arm, has a first radius of curvature. A second surface, between the upper portion and a second outer surface of the second arm, may optionally have a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the body is of a single-piece construction. Additionally or alternatively, the body may consist of only one opening extending through the first arm. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a clamp, comprising: (1) a body having a first arm and a second arm extending in a vertical direction; (2) a slot extending toward the body between a first inner surface of the first arm, a slot base, and a second inner surface of the second arm; (3) a channel extending toward the second inner surface, the channel being offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance, such that the channel defines a first projection on the second arm that is configured to interact with a roof joint; (4) an opening extending through the first arm in a horizontal direction; and (5) a cavity extending toward the second inner surface.In one embodiment, the opening and cavity extend along a common axis intersecting the channel, such that a bar component extending through the opening can contact a roof gasket retained in the channel. Optionally, a second width of the second arm, in the horizontal direction, is greater than a first width of the first arm in the horizontal direction. The clamp may further comprise a third arm extending from the free end of the second arm toward the groove. In one embodiment, the groove extends toward a third internal surface of the third arm. In one embodiment, the third arm has a third width in the vertical direction. The first width is greater than the third width. The channel may define a second protrusion on the third arm, where the first and second protrusions are configured to interact with the roof joint. In one embodiment, the channel extends toward the second inner surface of the second arm, by a distance that is greater than a distance by which the channel extends toward the third inner surface of the third arm. Additionally or alternatively, the slot and channel may extend through the body, from a first end to a second end of the body. In one embodiment, the first and second ends are approximately perpendicular to an upper portion of the body. Optionally, a first surface, between the upper portion and a first outer surface of the first arm, has a first radius of curvature. A second surface, between the upper portion and a second outer surface of the second arm, may optionally have a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. In one embodiment, the opening is threaded and is centered approximately between a first end and a second end of the body. In another embodiment, the cavity has a diameter that decreases as the cavity extends toward the second arm. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a clamp for interacting with a ceiling gasket, comprising: (1) a body having a first arm and a second arm extending in a vertical direction; (2) a slot extending toward the body between a first inner surface of the first arm, a slot base, and a second inner surface of the second arm; (3) a channel extending toward the second inner surface, the channel being offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance, the channel defining a first projection on the second arm configured to interact with the ceiling gasket; (4) a third arm extending from the free end of the second arm toward the slot, the channel extending toward a third inner surface of the third arm; and (5) an opening extending through the first arm in a horizontal direction.In one embodiment, a second width of the second arm, in the horizontal direction, is greater than a first width of the first arm in the horizontal direction. The bracket may further comprise a cavity extending through the second inner surface and toward the second arm. In one embodiment, the opening and the cavity extend along a common axis intersecting the channel, such that a bar component extending through the opening can contact the roof joint. In one embodiment, the opening is threaded and is approximately centered between a first end and a second end of the body. Optionally, the cavity has a conical shape, with a diameter that decreases as the cavity extends away from the slot and toward the second arm. The third arm has a third width in the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the first width is greater than the third width. The channel optionally defines a second protrusion on the third arm, where the first and second protrusions are configured to interact with the roof joint. In one embodiment, the channel extends toward the second inner surface by a distance that is greater than a distance by which the channel extends toward the third inner surface. The slot and channel may extend through the body, from a first end to a second end of the body. In one embodiment, the first and second ends are approximately perpendicular to an upper portion of the body. Additionally or alternatively, a first surface, between the upper portion and a first outer surface of the first arm, has a first radius of curvature. In another embodiment, a second surface, between the upper portion and a second outer surface of the second arm, has a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. The phrases at least one, one or more, and / or are indefinite expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions at least one of A, B, and C, at least one of A, B, or C, one or more of A, B, or C, and A, B, and / or C means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together. When each of A, B and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y and Z, or class of elements such as X1-Xn, Y1-Ym and Z1-Zo, the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y and Z, to a combination of elements selected from the same class (for example, X1 and X2), as well as to a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (for example, Y1 and Zo). The term "an entity" refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a (or an), one or more, and "at least one" may be used interchangeably in this document. It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" may be used interchangeably. Any maximum numerical limitation, determined throughout this disclosure, shall be deemed to include any and all lower numerical limitations as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly stated herein. Any minimum numerical limitation, determined throughout this disclosure, shall be deemed to include any and all higher numerical limitations as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly stated herein. Any numerical range, determined throughout this disclosure, shall be deemed to include any and all narrower numerical intervals that fall within this wider numerical range, as if such narrower numerical intervals were all expressly stated herein. Unless otherwise indicated, it is to be understood that all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, proportional relationships, ranges, etc., used in the disclosure and claims, are in all instances modified by the term "about" or "approximately." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, proportional relationships, ranges, etc., used in the disclosure and claims, may be increased or decreased by approximately 5% to achieve satisfactory results. Furthermore, all ranges described herein may be reduced to any subrange or portion thereof. The foregoing is a simplified summary of disclosure, intended to provide an understanding of some aspects of disclosure. This summary is not an extensive or exhaustive overview of disclosure and its various aspects, modalities, and configurations. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of disclosure, nor to outline its scope, but rather to MA / a / ZUZZ / UI 1 presents selected disclosure concepts in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, modalities, and configurations of the disclosure are possible by using, alone or in combination, one or more of the attributes defined above or described in detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form part of the specification to illustrate various examples of the present disclosure. The drawings should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the examples illustrated and described. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clamp, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the clamp in Figure 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a further cross-sectional elevation view of the clamp in Figure 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is an end elevation view of a clamp of Figure 1 relative to a roof joint formed by two roofing panels, and a bar component, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a first side elevational view of the clamp in Figure 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the clamp in Figure 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 is an end elevation view of one more of a brace, roofing panels and bar component, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 is another end view showing the clamp proximate a roof seam of another embodiment; and Figure 9 is yet another end view of the clamp of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before explaining in detail any embodiment of the disclosure, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. As will be appreciated, other embodiments are possible by utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the attributes defined above or described below. For example, it is contemplated that various attributes and devices, shown and / or described with respect to one embodiment or figure, may be combined with or substituted for attributes or devices of other embodiments or figures, regardless of whether this combination or substitution is shown or IVIA / a / ZUZZ / UI 1 specifically described herein. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof herein, is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Further, examples may be used in this disclosure to illustrate one or more aspects thereof. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the use or listing of one or more examples (which may be denoted by, for example, exemplary, e.g., such as, or similar language) is not intended to and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. The use of mounting device and clamp may be used interchangeably herein. Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a clamp 10 is provided. The clamp 10, in this embodiment, has a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 extending downwardly from an upper portion 66 of the clamp body 11. The clamp 10 may be described as having the arms 12, 14 that are joined together, or alternatively, as having an upper portion 66 that joins the arms 12, 14 together. Optionally, the upper portion 66 is generally flat. However, in other embodiments, the upper portion 66 may be rounded or curved. A slot 16 extends upwardly toward the bracket 10, and the slot 16 is generally disposed between a first inner surface 18 of the first arm 12 and a second inner surface 20 of the second arm 14. The slot 16 includes an upper portion or slot base 17, which joins the first and second inner surfaces. In one configuration, the slot base 17 has a curved or arcuate shape. For example, the slot base 17 may be curved, as generally illustrated in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the slot base 17 has a first radius of curvature of about 4.572 mm (0.18 inches) proximate the first inner surface 18. Likewise, the slot base may have a second radius of curvature proximate the second inner surface 20 of about 4.572 mm (0.18 inches). However, other shapes of the slot base 17 are contemplated.In another configuration, the groove base may be generally linear, such that a corner is formed between the groove base and one or more of the first and second inner surfaces 18, 20. As shown generally in Figure 1, and in other figures herein, in some configurations the slot 16 extends completely along a length of the clamp 10, from a first end 68 to a second end 70 of the clamp. The length dimension of the slot 16 coincides with the spacing between the clamp ends 68, 70, and is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 49. When the slot 16 extends through both clamp ends 68, 70, the clamp 10 and the slot 16 may be positioned at any point along a roof seam 56. However, it will be appreciated that, for example, the slot 16 may extend only partially through the clamp from a first end 68, but not completely through the clamp 10 to a second end 70. In this embodiment, the clamp 10 and the slot 16 may be positioned at any point along a roof seam 56. MA / a / ZUZZ / Ul 1 being secured over one end of a roof gasket, where the roof gasket extends toward an open end of the slot 16, moves horizontally within the slot 16, and then contacts an opposite closed end of the slot 16. Still further, the slot 16 is shown to have a constant cross-sectional shape from the first end 68 to the opposite second end 70. It will be appreciated that the slot 16 may have a variable or disjointed shape as the slot 16 extends from one end 68 to the opposite end 70. The clamp 10 may optionally include a third arm 22, as shown generally in Figure 1. The third arm 22 may extend from a distal or free end 15 of the second arm 14 toward the slot 16, and generally toward the first arm 12. More specifically, the third arm 22 extends, at least generally, in the direction in which the second inner surface 20 of the second arm faces away from the first inner surface 18 of the first arm. The third arm 22 also has a third inner surface 24. In some embodiments, the third arm 22 extends from the second arm 14 at a point between the free end 15 and the base 17 of the slot 16. As described elsewhere in this document, some embodiments of the clips 10 of the present disclosure may not have a third arm 22 at all. The third arm 22, as described in more detail below, may assist in securing a roof seam 56 within the slot 16. The third arm 22 may also provide an increased contact area with one of the roof panels to resist movement of the clip 10 relative to the roof. Optionally, the third arm extends a distance from the second inner surface 20 of the second arm in the horizontal direction 50, which defines a length of the third arm. The length of the third arm may be at least about 3.556 mm (0.14), or between about 1.27 mm (0.05) and about 10.16 mm (0.4). As can be appreciated, in some embodiments, the length of the third arm 22 affects the amount of surface area of the third arm 22 in contact with a ceiling surface, where a greater length provides increased surface area and greater resistance to relative movement between the bracket 10 and the ceiling. Referring to Figure 2, a cross-sectional elevation view of the clamp 10 in Figure 1 is provided. Generally illustrated in this view is an opening 26 extending through the first arm 12. Although the opening 26 is illustrated as having an internal thread, in other configurations the opening is unthreaded to reduce manufacturing costs. Also shown is a cavity 28 extending into the inner surface 20 of the second arm 14. In operation, when a roof gasket 56 is positioned in the slot 16, a bar component 62, such as a set screw or bolt illustrated in Figure 4, may extend through the opening 26 and into the slot 16 to secure the roof gasket to the clamp 10.Specifically, the bar component may extend into the slot 16 to a point where a distal end 64 of the bar component is a predetermined distance from the first inner surface 18 and interacting with the roof seal 56 to prevent the roof seal from being removed from the slot 16 of the bracket 10. The bar component extends into the slot 16 far enough where the roof seal cannot pass the third arm 22 and move out of the slot 16. In a certain embodiment, the distal end 64 of the bar component 62 may interact with a side surface 52B of the roof seal 56. For example, the bar component 62 may apply a force to the side surface 52B. However, the bar component 62 does not penetrate the roof seal 56 or any of the roofing panels 52, 54.This is advantageous since a fastener, or bolt, penetrating a roof surface, such as one or more of the roofing panels 52, 54, can result in leaks, corrosion of the roofing panel material, and may void the roof warranty provided by the roof manufacturer. Similarly, the bar component 62 may extend into the slot 16 to contact the vertical portion 52B or sidewall 57 of the roof seal 56 and prevent the roof seal from being removed from the slot 16 of the clamp 10. Friction between the bar component and the roof seal may prevent or inhibit the clamp 10 from moving horizontally along the roof seal. A force from the bar component 62 may also alter the conformation of (or deform) the roof seal 56. For example, the bar component may compress the roof seal, which improves the strength of the roof seal. Still further, the bar component 62 may contact a generally planar portion of the vertical portion 52B of the roof seam 56, and deform at least a portion of the roof seam, including biasing part of the roof seam toward the cavity 28. In this manner, the bar component and cavity interact to more securely hold the roof seam within the slot 16 of the clamp 10, and prevent vertical and horizontal movement of the clamp 10 relative to the roof seam. Specifically, with a portion of the roof seam 56 deformed toward the cavity 28 of the clamp 10, the clamp 10 cannot be pulled away from the roof seam in the vertical direction 48. Furthermore, the clamp 10 cannot slide along the length of the roof seam in the longitudinal direction 49. The bracket 10 may also include a channel 30. The channel 30 extends toward the second inner surface 20 of the second arm 14 by a first distance 32, and extends toward the third arm 22 by a second distance 34. The channel 30 is offset from the slot base 17 to define a first bracket projection 36 on the second arm 14. Optionally, the upper and lower ends of the first projection 36 have a curved or rounded conformation, to prevent scoring a roof gasket coating, or otherwise damaging the roof gasket. In one configuration, the upper end of the first projection has a first radius of curvature between the slot base 17 and the first projection 36 of approximately 0.762 mm (0.03 inches). The lower end of the first projection may have a second radius of curvature of approximately 0.762 mm (0.03 inches), between the first projection 36 and the second inner surface 20. Additionally or alternatively, the channel 30 may be offset from a free end 25 of the third arm 22 to define a second bracket projection 38 on the third arm 22. The second projection 38 extends at least generally in the direction that the third arm 22 faces away from the upper portion 66 of the bracket 10. More specifically, in one embodiment, the second projection 38 extends generally in the vertical direction 48 within the slot 16 and toward the upper portion 66. These first and second projections 36, 38 may assist in retaining the roof gasket 56 within the groove 16. More specifically, the first projection 36 interacts with the top or upper portion 58 of the roof gasket, while the second projection 38 interacts with and, in some embodiments, may even extend into or between the folded portions of the roof gasket 56. In one embodiment, the second projection 38 may extend between the vertical portion 54B of the second roofing panel 54 and the lower end 60 of the roof gasket, as generally illustrated in Figure 4. The first distance 32 may correspond to the length of the third arm 22, with the first distance 32 increasing as the length of the third arm 22 increases. As shown, the first distance 32 is greater than the second distance 34, but it will be appreciated that the distances 32, 34 may be equal. Alternatively, the second distance 34 may be greater than the first distance 32. Still further, some embodiments of the bracket 10 do not have a third arm 22, and the channel 30 extends into the second arm 14. In these embodiments, the channel 30 may be offset from both the free end 15 of the second arm 14 and the slot base 17 to define two projections on the second arm 14 that retain the roof gasket 56 in the slot 16. Referring now to Figure 3, a further cross-sectional elevation view of the clamp 10 is provided in Figure 1. As shown, the opening 26 extends through the first arm 12, along an axis 40. In one embodiment, the clamp 10 has only one opening 26. Optionally, cavity 28 is generally centered about axis 40, in one embodiment. Thus, a bar component 62, extending through opening 26, aligns with cavity 28, and the bar component may deform part of roof gasket 56 toward cavity 28. Cavity 28 also extends toward second inner surface 20 of second arm 14, where channel 30 extends toward the second inner surface of second arm 14. Thus, axis 40 may be described as extending through channel 30. It will be appreciated that opening 26 and cavity 28 may not align on a common axis 40, in any embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the axis 40 is oriented approximately horizontally or generally parallel to the horizontal dimension 50. Accordingly, the opening 26 is approximately perpendicular to an outer surface of the first arm 12. In another configuration, the axis is approximately perpendicular to the first inner surface 18 and second inner surface 20. Alternatively, the axis 40 may be oriented obliquely to the horizontal dimension 50. For example, in one configuration, the axis 40 is not horizontal, since it extends from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface. Shown below are thicknesses of the various arms, where the thicknesses are selected to best center the clamp 10 about an axis of a roof seam 56. Specifically, the first arm 12 has a first thickness 42, the second arm 14 has a second thickness 44, and the third arm 22 has a third thickness 46. In one embodiment, the second thickness 44 is greater than the first thickness 42. Optionally, the first thickness 42 may be greater than the third thickness 46. In one embodiment, the third thickness 46 is less than the first and second thicknesses 42, 44 to accommodate the length of a roof seam, as described in more depth below. In one embodiment, the first thickness 42 is between about 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) and about 7.366 mm (0.29 inches). The second thickness may be between approximately 7.366 mm (0.29 inches) and approximately 10.414 mm (0.41 inches).Optionally, the third thickness 46 is between approximately 3.556 mm (0.14 inches) and approximately 4.064 mm (0.16 inches). In operation, a bar component 62 urges a roof seam 56 against the second arm 14, and thus, with the second thickness 44 being greater than the first thickness 42, the clamp 10 is more centered about the axis 61 of the roof seam 56. For example, as generally illustrated in Figure 4, an axis 61 of the roof seam 56 is relatively close to a central axis 76 of the clamp. The axis 61 of the roof seam extends between the vertical portions 52B, 54B of two adjacent panels. Furthermore, the second thickness 44, in combination with the length of the third arm 22, may provide a greater surface area contacting a roof seam 56 to resist relative movement between the clamp 10 and the roof. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may encompass different relative thicknesses 42, 44, 46. The various attributes of the clamp 10 may be described with respect to a vertical direction 48, a longitudinal direction 49 (shown in Figure 1), and a horizontal direction 50. The directions 48, 49, 50 are orthogonal to each other. The first and second arms 12, 14 extend downwardly in the vertical direction 48. In one embodiment, the arms 12, 14 are generally parallel to each other. Additionally, a first side 72 of the first arm 12, and a second side 74 of the second arm 14, may be approximately parallel to a plane defined by the vertical direction 48. The slot 16 extends upwardly in the vertical direction 48, between the arms 12, 14. A central axis 76 extends in the vertical direction 48 within the slot, approximately midway between the free end 25 of the third arm 22 and the first internal surface 18 of the first arm 12.The opening 26, the cavity 28, the axis 40 and the third arm 22 extend at least generally in the horizontal direction 50. In one embodiment, the axis 40 is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction 50. With these relative orientations, the third arm 22 holds the roof gasket 56 within the groove 16 and prevents the clamp 10 from being torn away from the roof gasket. Furthermore, the channel 30 extends toward the second arm 14 in the horizontal direction 50, and the channel 30 extends toward the third arm 22 in the vertical direction 48. Thus, when the roof gasket 56 is positioned in the channel 30, the first and second projections 36, 38 defined by the channel 30 secure and locate the roof gasket 56 in a predetermined position within the clamp 10. However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure encompass features that extend in different directions to achieve similar or the same functionality as described herein. Furthermore, the directions such as vertical and horizontal, and relative relationships such as parallel and perpendicular, may be substantial, meaning a variation of less than 10 degrees.For example, while two components may be described as perpendicular or substantially perpendicular, embodiments of the present disclosure may encompass the two components being oriented between 80 and 100 degrees. Referring to Figure 4, an end view of a cleat 10 is provided, positioned over a roof seam 56. A first roofing panel 52 and a second roofing panel 54 are joined together at a roof seam 56. In this embodiment, the roof seam 56 is formed by two ends of the roofing panels 52, 54 being folded or seamed together. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the roof seam 56 may be referred to as a double-fold standing seam. The folded or seamed portion of the roof seam 56 extends beside the seam axis 61, over the second roofing panel 54 and against a vertical portion 54B of the second roofing panel. The roof seam 56 has an upper end 58 and a lower end 60. The lower end 60 offsets a generally horizontal portion 54A of the second roofing panel 54, to define a gap between the seamed portion and the generally horizontal portion 54A.In Figure 4, the roof joint 56 is illustrated as generally oriented vertically (or approximately parallel to the vertical direction 48), but it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where the roof joint 56 is in other orientations, such as horizontal. The slot 16 and channel 30 of the clamp 10 are sized to interact with and secure roof seals 56 of a variety of profiles with varying dimensions, which are provided by different suppliers. In some embodiments, the inclusion of the channel 30 advantageously allows roof seals 56 with smaller profiles to be secured within the clamp 10, while still ensuring that the clamp 10 can accommodate roof seals 56 with larger profiles, due to the larger slot 16. For example, the roof seal 56, shown in Figure 4, has a height, between the upper end 58 and the lower end 60, of approximately 12.7 mm (0.5 inches). Longer roof seals 56 can be secured within the slot. In one configuration, the clamp 10 of the present disclosure may interact with a roof gasket 56 with a height, between the upper and lower ends 58, 60, of between approximately 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) and approximately 25.4 mm (1 inch). In another configuration, the clamp 10 of the present disclosure may interact with a ceiling gasket 56 having a height, between the upper and lower ends 58, 60, of between approximately 10.16 mm (0.4 inches) and 20.32 mm (0.8 inches). In another configuration, the clamp 10 of the present disclosure may interact with a ceiling gasket 56 having a height, between the upper and lower ends 58, 60, of between approximately 12.7 and 19.05 mm (0.5 and 0.75 inches). With the roof gasket 56 positioned in the slot 16 of the bracket 10, the roof gasket 56 is positioned against the second arm 14 such that the first projection 36 on the second arm 14 secures the upper end 58 against movement in a vertical direction. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the upper end 58 may interact with the first projection 36. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the upper end 58 may be biased toward the channel 30. Similarly, the second projection 38 on the third arm secures the lower end 60 against movement in a horizontal direction. In one embodiment, the second projection 38 may extend, at least partially, between the lower end 60 and the vertically oriented portion 54B of the second roofing panel 54. Additionally or alternatively, the third inner surface 24, of the third arm 22, may contact the lower end 60 of the roof seal 56.Accordingly, the lower end 60 may be proximate (or in contact with) the third inner surface 24, and positioned between the vertically oriented portion 54B and the second inner surface 20. The first and second projections 36, 38 also assist in locating the roof seam 56 in a predetermined position relative to the clamp 10 as the bar component 62 extends through the opening 26. In one embodiment, the bar component 62 may extend through the opening 26 to contact and deform the roof seam 56 such that a portion of the roof seam 56 extends into the cavity 28. In one embodiment, as the clamp 10 is secured to the roof seam 56 by the bar component 62, the clamp 10 is offset from the horizontal surfaces 52A, 54A of the first and second roofing panels. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the arms 12, 14, 22 of the bracket 10 in Figure 4 do not extend to the horizontal surfaces 52A, 54A of the first and second roofing panels 52, 54.However, in some embodiments, the arms 12, 14, 22 may be adjusted in size to extend to these horizontal surfaces, to stabilize the bracket 10 relative to the ceiling. Figures 5 and 6 show further views of the clamp 10. Figure 5 is an elevation view of a first side 72 of the clamp 10. The clamp body 11 has a length 104, extending between the first and second ends 68, 70. In one configuration, the length is between about 25.4 mm (1 inch) and about 63.5 mm (2.5 inches). Optionally, the length 104 is between about 35.56 mm (1.4 inches) and about 40.64 mm (1.6 inches), or about 38.1 mm (1.5 inches). In one configuration, the center of the opening 26, through the first arm 12, is positioned on the first side 72 approximately equally distant from the first and second ends 68, 70. In one embodiment, the center of the opening 26 is positioned between approximately 15.24 mm (0.6 inches) and 20.32 mm (0.8 inches), or approximately 19.05 mm (0.75 inches) from the ends 68, 70. Additionally or alternatively, the opening 26 may be positioned closer to the free end 13 of the first arm 12 than to the upper portion 66 of the clamp body 11. In one configuration, the center of the opening 26 is positioned between about 19.05 mm (0.75 inches) and about 20.574 mm (0.81 inches), or about 19.812 mm (0.78 inches), from the upper portion 66 of the clamp body. The opening 26 may be sized to receive a bar component 62 of any diameter or thread count. In one embodiment, the opening has a diameter of 9.525 mm (3 / 8 inch). Optionally, the opening has a fine thread of 24 threads per 25.4 mm (per inch). In one embodiment, the opening includes a countersink of approximately 1.524 mm (0.06 inch). Other dimensions and thread configurations of the opening are contemplated. The opening 26 of the first arm 12 generally aligns with the cavity 28 formed in the second arm 14. Optionally, the cavity 28 and the opening 26 are substantially coaxially aligned. In one embodiment, the cavity 28 has a diameter of about 9.144 mm (0.36 inches), and a depth of between about 1.524 mm (0.06 inches) and about 2.54 mm (0.1 inches). Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the clamp 10, showing the first arm 12, the second arm 14, the third arm 22 and the cavity 16. In particular, in one embodiment, the first end 68 is approximately parallel to the second end 70. Optionally, the first side 72, the second side 74, the first inner surface 18 and the free end 25 of the third arm may be oriented approximately perpendicular to the first and second ends 68, 70. In one embodiment, the first internal surface 18 is substantially flat. For example, the first internal surface 18 is free of projections toward the slot 16. In one embodiment, only an opening 26 intersects or interrupts the first internal surface 18. Figure 7 is another end elevational view of a clamp 10 positioned on a roof seam 56, having a larger size in the vertical direction 48 than that of the roof seam 56 shown in Figure 4. When a force is applied to the roof seam by a bar component 62, the first projection 36 can contact and apply a force to a portion of the roof seam 56, such as a side wall 57 of the roof seam. Figure 7 shows that, even if the roof seam 56 is larger, the second projection 38, formed on the third arm 22, can still retain the lower end 60 of the roof seam 56, to help secure and locate the clamp 10 relative to the roof seam 56. More specifically, the third arm 22 and the second projection 38 can be positioned between the lower end 60 of the roof seam 56 and a horizontal portion 54A of the second roofing panel 54.Furthermore, when the bar component 62 contacts and / or deforms the roof seal 56 against the first projection 36 on the second arm 14, the first projection 36 may prevent vertical movement of the roof seal 56 relative to the bracket 10. Referring now to Figure 8, the bracket 10 is illustrated proximate another roof seal 56. The roof seal has a greater vertical extent than the roof seals illustrated in Figures 4 and 7. However, the slot 16 has sufficient vertical dimension to allow the lower end 60 of the roof seal to fit over the second projection 38. Still further, the upper end portion of the slot base 17 is offset a predetermined distance vertically from the second projection. The vertical clearance of the slot base from the second projection facilitates movement of the upper end 58 of the roof seal as the lower end 60 is moved into position between the second projection and the second inner surface 20, as generally illustrated in Figures 4, 7.The curved or rounded conformation of the groove base 17 also favorably permits movement of the upper end 58 of the roof gasket within the groove 16. More specifically, the rounded conformation of the groove base 17 permits movement of the groove base 17 relative to the upper end 58 as the roof gasket 56 moves into position within the groove and proximate the channel 30. Referring now to Figure 9, various exemplary dimensions of the clamp body 11 are described. More specifically, the first arm 12 has a first height 80 extending between the free end 13 and the upper portion 66 of the body 11. The first height 80 may be from about 25.4 mm (1 inch) to about 33.02 mm (1.3 inches). Likewise, the second arm 14 has a second height 82 between the upper portion 66 and the free end of the second arm 15. Optionally, the first height 80 is approximately equal to the second height 82. Alternatively, the first height 80 may be greater than the second height. In one configuration, the second height 82 is from about 25.4 mm (1 inch) to about 31.75 mm (1.25 inches). The slot 16 has a height 84 defined by the distance between the slot base 17 and the free end 15 of the second arm. In one configuration, the slot height 84 is between about 20.32 mm (0.8 inches) and about 27.94 mm (1.1 inches). The channel 30 also has a predetermined height 86, between a lower end of the first projection 36 and the third inner surface 24 of the third arm 22. In one configuration, the height of the channel 86 is about 10.16 mm (0.40 inches) to about 15.24 mm (0.60 inches). The slot 16 has a minimum width 88, defined by the first inner surface 18 of the first arm 12 and the free end 25 of the third arm 22. Optionally, the minimum width 88 is from about 7.62 mm (0.3 inches) to about 10.16 mm (0.4 inches), or about 8.636 mm (0.34 inches). Additionally, one or more of the outer or inner edges of the clamp body 11 may be rounded to avoid scratching or damaging the roofing panels 52, 54 or a roof seam 56. Optionally, a first surface 90 of the first arm 12, between the first side 72 of the body and the free end 13 of the first arm, is rounded. Optionally, the first surface 90 has a radius of curvature of between about 3.048 mm (0.12 inches) and about 3.81 mm (0.15 inches). Similarly, a second surface 92, between the free end 13 and the first inner surface 18, may be rounded. In one configuration, the second surface 92 has a radius of curvature of between about 3.048 mm (0.12 inches) and about 3.81 mm (0.15 inches). In one configuration, a third surface 94 of the second arm 14 is rounded between the second body side 74 and the free end 15 of the second arm. The third surface 94 may optionally have a radius of curvature of between about 2.286 mm (0.09 inches) and about 2.794 mm (0.11 inches). Additionally or alternatively, a fourth surface 96, between the free end of the second arm 15 and the free end 25 of the third arm 22, may be rounded or curved. In one configuration, the fourth surface 96 may optionally have a radius of curvature of between about 2.286 mm (0.09 inches) and about 2.794 mm (0.11 inches). Optionally, a fifth surface 98, between the first side 72 and the top portion 66, is curved. For example, the fifth surface 98 may have a radius of curvature of between about 7.62 mm (0.30 inches) and about 8.128 mm (0.32 inches). In yet another configuration, a sixth surface 100, between the second side 74 and the top portion 66, is curved. In one embodiment, the sixth surface 100 has a radius of curvature that is greater than the radius of curvature of the fifth surface. Optionally, the sixth surface 100 may have a radius of curvature of between about 8.89 mm (0.35 inches) and about 27.94 mm (1.1 inches). The clamp body 11 has a width 102, between the first side 72 and the second side 74. Optionally, the width 102 is between about 22.86 mm (0.9 inches) and about 33.02 mm (1.3 inches). The bracket 10 may be formed from materials such as various metals, ceramics, or plastics, based, for example, on the particular application. For example, the bracket 10 may be formed from aluminum, which provides sufficient load-bearing capacity and is also non-corrosive, thereby improving durability and appearance. As can be appreciated, the aluminum may be anodized to further enhance the appearance of the roof assembly. Other metals used to form the bracket include stainless alloys of zinc, copper, or brass. The bracket 10 may also be formed by a variety of methods or combinations of methods, one of which is extrusion. The body 11 of the clamp 10 generally has a cross-section defined by a slot 16, which is configured to receive the roof gasket 56 therein. The edges of the body may be chamfered or rounded (with the same or different radii of curvature) if desired, to reduce the material requirements (and therefore the cost of the clamp 10). The upper edges 98, 100, in particular, may be rounded to improve the appearance of the roof assembly (for example, since rounded edges are less noticeable against, for example, a roof, than surfaces with sharp corners or edges). The rounded lower edges 90, 92, 94 and 96 prevent the bracket 10 from sagging or cutting into the roof during installation, and / or if and when wind causes a roof, or portion thereof, to flex upward and contact one or more of the edges 90, 92, 94 and 96. In some embodiments, the rounded edges 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100 also reduce the weight of the clamp body 11. This is advantageous since the reduced weight of the clamp body transfers less force to the roof and roof seam 56, thereby reducing the potential for damaging the roof when a plurality of clamps 10 are positioned on the roof. Additionally, reducing the weight of the clamp body 11 may advantageously reduce transportation costs associated with moving the clamps 10 to a job site. Another benefit of rounding at least the surfaces 98, 100 is that the surface areas of the first and second sides 72, 74 are reduced by a corresponding amount.Accordingly, the curved surfaces 98, 100 can energize the clamp body 11, and reduce forces transferred to the clamp body 11 by wind, thereby improving the clamp's ability to resist inadvertent movement relative to a roof seam 56. Optionally, the groove base 17 may be rounded or curved, between one or more of the first inner surface 18 and the second inner surface 20. The rounded or curved conformation of the groove base 17 may advantageously reduce the likelihood of damaging an upper end 58 of a roof gasket 56. For example, the rounded groove base 17 may increase the contact area between the clamp body 11 and the roof gasket 56. In addition to preventing damage to the roof seam 56, the rounding of the slot base 17 may strengthen the clamp body 11 by reducing the stress concentration between the intersection of the first and second arms 12, 14 with the slot base 17. For example, if the arms 12, 14 insert into the slot base 17 at a corner, or at a right angle, the stress in the body 11 may be concentrated at the corner. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, high local stress at a corner formed by the intersection of an arm and a slot base could cause a clamp body to fail more rapidly compared to an embodiment of the clamp body with a rounded or arcuate slot base 17. In some embodiments, the clamp may be manufactured as a single integral piece. For example, the clamp 10 may be of a single-piece construction. Additionally, the clamp 10 may be characterized by the absence of any joints of any kind. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the clamp body 11 is configured to have non-separable portions. However, the clamp 10 may include at least one threaded opening 26 through the clamp body 1 to receive a bar component 62 (such as a set screw or threaded fastener) for securing the clamp 10 to a roof seam 56. Optionally, the clamp body 11 of one embodiment of the present disclosure consists of only one opening 26. More specifically, the clamp body 11 may be designed to receive only one bar component 62. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a clamp 10 of the present disclosure may consist of a clamp body 10 with one opening 26 and only one bar component 62. In this manner, manufacturing costs are reduced since only the opening 26 is formed in the clamp body. The clamp body 11, with only one opening 26, is configured to interact with a roof gasket 56 without interacting with other clamps or fasteners. To provide additional background, context, and to further satisfy the written disclosure requirements of Title 35, United States Code, Section 112, the following references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties: U.S. Patent 6,718,718, U.S. Patent 7,758,011, U.S. Patent 8,844,234, U.S. Patent 8,910,928, U.S. Patent 9,611,652, U.S. Patent 9,920,958, U.S. Patent 10,077,562 and U.S. Patent Pub. USA 2018 / 0128295. Ranges have been set forth and used within the preceding description. One skilled in the art would understand that any subrange within the stated range would be suitable, as would any number or value within the broad range, without departing from the disclosure. Additionally, in cases where the meaning of the term "approximately," as used herein, is not otherwise apparent to one skilled in the art, the term "approximately" should be interpreted to mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. Various embodiments have been disclosed throughout this disclosure. Components described in connection with one embodiment are the same or similar to similarly numbered components described in connection with another embodiment. Although this disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, modalities and / or configurations, with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, modalities and / or configurations are not limited to these standards and protocols. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and / or an apparatus, substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, embodiments of configurations, subcombinations, and / or subsets thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, includes the provision of devices and processes in the absence of elements not depicted and / or described herein, or in various aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations herein, including in the absence of these elements, which may have been used in prior devices or processes, for example, to improve performance, achieve ease, and / or reduce the cost of implementation.The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various attributes of the disclosure are grouped together into one or more aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations for purposes of streamlining the disclosure. Attributes of the aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations of the disclosure may be combined into alternate aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations other than those set forth above. This method of disclosure should not be construed to reflect an intent that the claims require more attributes than are expressly set forth in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the inventive aspects lie in fewer than all of the attributes of a single preceding disclosed aspect, embodiment, and / or configuration.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim being self-sufficient as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, while the disclosure has included a description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, for example, as may be within the skill and knowledge of those skilled in the art, after understanding this disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights that include alternative aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, intervals, or steps to those claimed, regardless of whether such alternate, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, intervals, or steps are disclosed herein, and without seeking to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.
Claims
CLAIMS 1. A clamp comprising: a body having a first arm and a second arm; a groove extending into the body between a first inner surface of the first arm and a second inner surface of the second arm; a third arm extending from the second arm into the groove; a channel extending into the second inner surface and into a third inner surface of the third arm, to define a first projection on the second arm and a second projection on the third arm, wherein the first and second projections are configured to interact with a roof gasket; and an opening extending along an axis through the first arm, wherein the axis intersects the channel in such a manner that a bar component, extending through the opening, can contact a roof gasket retained in the channel.
2. The clamp according to claim 1, further comprising: a cavity extending into the second inner surface and into the second arm, wherein the cavity extends along the axis of the opening.
3. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the opening, and wherein the first arm has a first outer surface that is approximately parallel to a second outer surface of the second arm.
4. The clamp according to claim 3, wherein the third arm extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the opening.
5. The clamp according to claim 3, wherein the channel extends into the second inner surface in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the opening.
6. The clamp according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a second width of the second arm is greater than a first width of the first arm, and the first width is greater than a third width of the third arm.
7. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the groove and channel extend through the body, from a first end to a second end of the body, wherein the first end is approximately perpendicular to the second end, and wherein the body is of one-piece construction and consists of only an opening extending through the first arm.
8. A clamp comprising: a body having a first arm and a second arm extending vertically; a groove extending into the body between a first inner surface of the first arm, a groove base, and a second inner surface of the second arm; a channel extending into the second inner surface, wherein the channel is offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance, and the channel defines a first projection on the second arm configured to interact with a roof joint; and an opening extending through the first arm horizontally, wherein a second width of the second arm, horizontally, is greater than a first width of the first arm horizontally, to position a central axis of the body close to a central axis of a roof joint.
9. The clamp according to claim 8, further comprising: a cavity extending into the second inner surface, wherein the opening and the cavity extend along a common axis intersecting the channel, in such a manner that a bar component, extending through the opening, can contact a roof gasket retained in the channel.
10. The clamp according to claim 9, further comprising: a third arm extending from the free end of the second arm into the groove, wherein the channel extends into a third inner surface of the third arm.
11. The clamp according to claim 10, wherein the channel defines a second projection on the third arm, and the first and second projection arms are configured to interact with a roof seal on the channel.
12. The clamp according to claim 10, wherein the channel extends into the second inner surface of the second arm, by a distance that is greater than a distance in which the channel extends into the third inner surface of the third arm.
13. The clamp according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the groove and channel extend through the body, from a first end to a second end of the body, wherein the first and second ends are approximately perpendicular to an upper portion of the body, wherein a first surface between the upper portion and a first outer surface of the first arm has a first radius of curvature, and wherein a second surface between the upper portion and a second outer surface of the second arm has a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature.
14. The clamp according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the opening is threaded and the opening is centered approximately between a first end and a second end of the body, and wherein the cavity has a diameter that decreases as the cavity extends towards the second arm.
15. A clamp system comprising: a clamp having: a body with a first arm and a second arm; a groove extending into the body between a first inner surface of the first arm and a second inner surface of the second arm; a channel extending into the second inner surface, wherein the channel is offset from a free end of the second arm by a predetermined distance; a third arm extending from the free end of the second arm into the groove, wherein the channel extends into a third inner surface of the third arm; a single opening extending along an axis through the first arm; and a cavity extending into the second inner surface along the axis;and a bar component configured to extend through the opening and into the groove, wherein the bar component is configured to contact a roof gasket positioned in the channel and deform at least a portion of the roof gasket into the cavity.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the opening has a threaded internal surface, and the bar component has a threaded external surface to interact with the threaded internal surface of the opening.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the groove and channel extend from a first end to a second end of the body, and wherein the channel extends into the second inner surface by a distance that is greater than a distance in which the channel extends into the third inner surface.
18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the channel defines a second projection on the third arm, which is configured to interact with a lower portion of the roof joint.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the channel defines a first projection on the second arm, which is configured to interact with an upper portion of the roof joint.
20. The system according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein a second thickness of the second arm is greater than a first thickness of the first arm, wherein the first thickness is greater than a third thickness of the third arm, and wherein the clamp body is of one-piece construction.