Roof mounting bracket

Abstract

A roof mounting bracket is disclosed which creates a deformation in a roof panel seam using opposing set points. In a preferred embodiment, a generally U-shaped bracket includes two or more threaded fasteners in a first arm of the bracket and one or more opposing threaded fasteners in the second arm. Void in bracket is placed over the panel seam, with the first arm on a first side of the seam and the second arm on the opposite side of the seam. First screws inserted into the fasteners in first arm pass through the first arm and the first screw heads contact the first side of the seam, slightly engaging the seam and creating first deformations in the seam as the set screws are tightened. Second screws inserted into the fasteners in the second arm pass through the second arm and the second screw heads contact the second side of the seam in the spaces between the first deformations on the opposite side of the seam, engaging the seam and creating second deformations in the seam as the second screws are tightened. The opposing contact points create a 'wave' deformation in the seam, securing the bracket to the seam. The opposing set points of the present invention allow secure attachment of the bracket to the seam without having to 'dimple' or dent the panel seam using a single set screw, requiring less force by the user. Bracket can include varying numbers of opposing fasteners in first and second arms for varying numbers of opposing set points. In an alternative embodiment, bracket can further comprise divots into which first deformations are recesses to create a deeper “wave” the seam for stronger attachment to seam.