CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] Priority and benefit of the earlier filing dates of Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 61/336,995 filed 30 January 2010 and Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 404,474 filed 04 October 2010 are claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is generally directed toward an advanced standing seam roof panel bracket that provides for securing apparatus to a standing seam roof panel. In particular, the present invention comprises an advanced means and method for securely and removeably attaching onto a standing seam of a roof panel any safety equipment, roofing installation tooling and scaffolding, roofing repair tooling, or any other equipment that is desired to be removeably secured to the standing seam of a roof panel. More particularly, the present invention comprises (i) a Pressure Clamping Device that provides the means for removeably securing roofing equipment to the standing seam of the roof panel; and (ii) a Plank Support System that provides the means, in cooperation with the Pressure Clamping Device, for removeably securing and retaining a support platform that is capable of supporting a worker thereon. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Roofing brackets designed for positioning a platform and supporting a worker thereon are well known in the art of roofing. Typically, a roof is inclined such that a worker cannot safely perform work while standing or maneuvering on the inclined plane of the roof. As is known in the art, roofing brackets are secured to a roof and a platform is positioned and retained in place. A plurality of roofing brackets provide a means for establishing a generally horizontal configuration onto which a plank is removeably attached such that a generally horizontal plane is provided such that a worker may be supported in that generally horizontal position. After a particular section of roofing has been installed, the roofing brackets are removed and repositioned to enable the worker to safely reach another section of the roof.

[0004] One significant problem with the roofing brackets known in the art, particularly when installing standing seam roof panels, for example a metal roof, is that the roofing brackets are fastened to the roof using nails driven into the roof structure. Examples of conventional roofing brackets are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,698,702 to Macri. Both the prior art devices and the invention disclosed therein define features referred to as "nail slots." The use of nail slots permits the roofing bracket to be removeably secured to the roof structure. Typically, the roofing bracket is struck with a hammer to disengage the nail slots from the nails driven into the roof structure.

[0005] As is known in the art, the use of nails to temporarily fasten a roofing bracket to the underlying roof structure is incompatible with the installation of standing seam roof panels, such as metal roof panels. The nail holes are detrimental to the standing seam roof panel substrate. A detailed description of this problem is provided in U.S. Patent No. 4,450,935 to Gustavus issued on 29 May 1984, Column 1, lines 10 - 28). What is needed in the art is a roofing bracket that may be securely and removeably positioned onto the standing seam roof panels without penetrating the roof panel.

[0006] One example of a device that recognizes this problem with the prior art devices provides a complex and correspondingly problematic alternative. The device is commercially known as the Brucie Bracket ^® (a registered trademark owned by NICO Innovations Inc., Poughquag, New York; and commercially available from Lincoln Equipment Associates, Inc., West Medford, MA). The device employs an intricate array of welded members and other structural components. The problems with this device known to those skilled in the art render this device difficult to use.

[0007] When maneuvering equipment on a roof, and up and down one or more ladders, the weight of such equipment is a critical feature. Another critical feature in such a device is the complexity of its use. Preferably, the roofing bracket can be installed with one hand.

[0008] The prior art device known as the Brucie Bracket ^® weighs

approximately 34 pounds and requires two hands to position and securely attach to a standing seam. In addition, the complexity of the device and the ultimate positioning of the support platform define an unsafe gap between the support platform and the roof panel such that a worker's ankle could pass through the gap, between the roof panel surface and the support platform, and result in substantial injury to the worker. In addition, tools and other equipment likewise may fall through this gap potentially injuring workers positioned lower on the roof, on a ladder, or on the ground.

Moreover, the device's complexity increases its cost to manufacture and procure. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a roofing bracket that may be easily securely and removeably positioned onto a standing seam roof panel without penetrating the roof panel.

[0009] Lastly, those skilled in the art have yet to uncover a problem with a roofing bracket that may be securely positioned onto a standing seam roof panel: determining the necessary and appropriate pressure at which the clamp should engage the standing seam to support the anticipated load on the device. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a roofing bracket that may be easily, securely and removeably positioned onto a standing seam roof panel while providing an appropriate load- bearing means or mechanism.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art described above and otherwise known in the art. It also is an object of the present invention to provide an advanced standing seam roof panel bracket that engages a standing seam roof panel without penetrating the roof panel or the standing seam. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an advanced standing seam roof panel bracket that provides for securely and removeably attaching or temporarily holding apparatus on a roof panel such as safety equipment, roofing installation tooling and scaffolding, roofing repair tooling, or any other equipment that is desired to be safely made available on a roof panel.

[001 1 ] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an advanced standing seam roof panel bracket that is comparatively light-weight such that it can be installed using one hand. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an advanced standing seam roof panel bracket that provides a means or mechanism whereby the user of such device can apply the appropriate clamping pressure and measure such pressure to ensure the safe installation of the bracket to the roof panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention comprises an advanced apparatus that may be securely and removeably attached to a standing seam roof panel. The advanced apparatus comprises a roofing bracket designed to securely and removeably clamp onto a standing seam of a roof panel, such as the standing seam of a metal roof, without penetrating the roof panel substrate. The present invention also comprises an advanced means and method for securely and removeably attaching onto a standing seam of a roof panel any safety equipment, roofing installation tooling and scaffolding, roofing repair tooling, or any other equipment that is desired to be removeably secured to the standing seam of a roof panel. The roofing bracket is designed to be comparatively light-weight such that it can be installed using one hand. The roofing bracket of the present invention provides an advanced standing seam roof panel bracket that provides a means or mechanism whereby the user of such device can apply the appropriate clamping pressure and measure such pressure to ensure the safe installation of the bracket to the roof panel. [0013] The roofing bracket of the present invention comprises at least one

Pressure Clamping Device ("PCD") that provides the means, for example a clamping device, for removeably securing roofing equipment to the standing seam of the roof panel without penetrating the roofing substrate. In addition, the present invention also may comprise a Plank Support System ("PSS") that provides the means, in cooperation with the PCD, for securely and removeably clamping onto a standing seam of a roof panel and providing a substantially level platform for supporting a worker or equipment thereon.

[0014] The present invention comprises an improvement to the roofing bracket apparatus and system disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,568,671 entitled Roofing Bracket Apparatus and System issued on 04 August 2009 to Mario Lallier (the "Lallier Patent"), which patent is incorporated herein in its entirety. The present invention comprises advancement in the design of the PCD including advanced designs for the means for angle adjustment or radial extension of the PSS.

Accordingly, a greater degree of flexibility is provided such that a generally horizontal platform may be provided for a greater degree of incline of roof. The roofing bracket of the present invention also provides a means for measuring and adjusting the pressure of the clamping mechanism exerted on the standing seam thereby providing the necessary and appropriate pressure to support the anticipated load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a roofing bracket of the present invention and shows (i) the components that comprise the PSS; and (ii) the components that comprise the PCD in an unlocked configuration.

[0016] FIG. 2 provides an isometric view of the roofing bracket depicted in

FIG. 1 wherein the PCD is in a locked configuration.

[0017] FIG. 3 provides an isometric view of the roofing bracket of FIG. 1 where the PSS has been disassembled from the roofing bracket.

[0018] FIG. 4 provides an isometric view of the roofing bracket of FIG. 1 where the PCD has been disassembled from the roofing bracket.

[0019] FIG. 5 provides an isometric view of another preferred embodiment of a roofing bracket of the present invention and shows (i) an alternate embodiment of the PSS; and (ii) the components that comprise the PCD in an unlocked configuration.

[0020] FIG. 6 provides an isometric view of the roofing bracket depicted in

FIG. 5 wherein the PCD is in a locked configuration.

[0021] FIG. 7 provides an isometric view of the roofing bracket of FIG. 5 where the PSS has been disassembled from the roofing bracket.

[0022] FIG. 8 provides an isometric view of the roofing bracket of FIG. 5 where the PCD has been disassembled from the roofing bracket.

[0023] FIG. 9 provides an exploded view of a disassembled PCD. [0024] FIG. 10 provides an isometric view of another embodiment of a PCD showing a stub and a ring bracket attached to the PCD wherein the clamp is in an unlocked position.

[0025] FIG. 11 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 10 wherein the clamp is in a locked position.

[0026] FIG. 12 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 10 wherein the

PCD includes two clamping devices in an unlocked position.

[0027] FIG. 13 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 10 wherein the

PCD includes two clamping devices in a locked position.

[0028] FIG. 14 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 10 wherein the

PCD includes three clamping devices in an unlocked position.

[0029] FIG. 15 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 10 wherein the

PCD includes three clamping devices in a locked position.

[0030] FIG. 16 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 10 wherein the

PCD includes four clamping devices in an unlocked position.

[0031 ] FIG. 17 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 10 wherein the

PCD includes four clamping devices in a locked position.

[0032] FIG. 18 provides an isometric view of another embodiment of the present invention showing two PCD's, one in an unlocked position and one in a locked position, wherein an expansion bar connects one PCD to the other. [0033] FIG. 19 provides an isometric view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a PCD in an unlocked position and providing a radial extension bar attached thereto.

[0034] FIG. 20 provides an isometric view the PCD of FIG. 19 in a locked position.

[0035] FIG. 21 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 19 wherein the

PCD includes two clamping devices in an unlocked position.

[0036] FIG. 22 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 21 wherein the

PCD includes two clamping devices in a locked position.

[0037] FIG. 23 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 19 wherein the

PCD includes three clamping devices in an unlocked position.

[0038] FIG. 24 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 23 wherein the

PCD includes three clamping devices in a locked position.

[0039] FIG. 25 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 19 wherein the

PCD includes four clamping devices in an unlocked position.

[0040] FIG. 26 provides an isometric view of the PCD of FIG. 25 wherein the

PCD includes four clamping devices in a locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] A three-dimensional illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention (10) is shown in FIG. 1. The present invention comprises a base (12) having a top face and a bottom face, the base (12) bottom face designed to be positioned upon a roof panel and proximate to a standing seam of the roof panel. A conventional pad (14) fabricated from rubber or other suitably malleable material is positioned on the bottom face of the base (12 to protect the finish of the roof panel and standing seam.

[0042] Preferably, pad (14) is comprised of UV resistant EPDM rubber and the pad is fabricated by an injection molding process. In addition, the pad preferably defines a slight vertical or inclined groove to permit rain water or other precipitation to flow therethrough. The base (12) and pad (14) may be joined by any conventional means suited for the materials that comprise the base (12) and pad (14), such as for example a conventional adhesive means for joining an aluminum base to a rubber pad. Preferably, the pad is joined to the base with adhesive and conventional fasteners such as rivets 92.

[0043] Roofing bracket (10) is removeably secured to an inclined roof panel whereby the roofing bracket (10) preferably is positioned on a standing seam of a roof panel. Roofing bracket (10) defines a first section (16) and one or more second section(s) (18). First section (16) and second section(s) (18) are positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of a standing seam of a roofing panel. First section (16) and second section(18) may be fabricated from a variety of materials known in the art such as, for example, steel, aluminum, wood, or synthetic materials.

[0044] The base (12) of first section (16) supports at least one PCD subframe

(20) that, in turn, supports a PCD (22). In FIG. 1, PCD (22) is shown in an unlocked position; and in FIG. 2, PCD (22) is shown in a locked position. The base (12) of first section (16), if desired, also supports a PSS (24). In FIG. 1, PSS (24) is shown in an elevated position. In combination, a method for providing a substantially level working platform according to the present invention comprises at least two standing seam roofing brackets (10). Each roofing bracket (10) comprises at least one and preferably two PCD's (22) and one PSS (24). A substantially horizontal platform is provided by positioning a plank, comprised of standard robust construction material, between at least two roofing brackets (10). The plank is positioned on each respective main plank bracket (28) of each roofing bracket (10). The PSS (24) also comprises one of a variety of supporting plank brackets (26). Preferably, the plank is secured to a PSS (24) by any conventional fastening means which may be passed through aperture (32) in main plank bracket (28) and aperture (30) in supporting plank bracket (26). Such a conventional fastening means for securing the plank to the plank brackets may comprise, for example, standard fasteners. Preferably, the securing means comprises a plurality of screws or the like.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plank comprises a hardwood 2 in.-x-12 in. plank of sufficient length to span standard standing seams. Alternatively, a hardwood 2 in.-x-8 in. or 2 in.-x-10 in. plank of sufficient length may be used. The selected plank would be securely positioned within a respective PSS (24) by positioning the plank onto each respective main plank bracket (28) of each roofing bracket (10). The platform would further be secured to the PSS (24) by selecting an appropriate supporting plank bracket (26) secured to the elevated end of the PSS (24).

[0046] An alternative bracket configuration is shown in FIG. 5. The method for providing a substantially level working platform according to the present invention also comprises at least two standing seam roofing brackets (10). Each roofing bracket (10) comprises at least one and preferably two PCD's (22) and one PSS (24). The plank may be comprised of steel, aluminum, or any other suitably rigid substance. Typically, such a platform comprises less thickness than a hardwood plank. In addition, such a platform may comprise a width of up to 12 in., 14 in., 16 in., or even 24 in. or more. The alternative main support bracket (34) is sized to engage and retain a plank of less width than a hardwood plank such as for example a metal plank. The method for engaging and retaining the metal plank also includes selecting one of a variety of supporting plank brackets (36) removeably fastened to bracket (38) by any conventional means including conventional fasteners (40) such as bolts and nuts and the like.

[0047] Roofing bracket (10) is depicted in FIG. 5 in an unlocked position.

Alternatively, roofing bracket (10) depicted in FIG. 5 in an unlocked position is depicted in FIG. 6 in a locked position.

[0048] As further shown in FIG. 1 , PSS (24) comprises a radial extension element (42) for elevating PSS (24) for providing a substantially level working surface. As best shown in FIG. 5, one embodiment of a radial extension element (42) comprises a screw lift mechanism (48) having an angle adjustment screw (50) and a handle (52) that in cooperation provide for angular rotation of the PSS (24). A prior art angle adjustment screw is commercially known as a "screw jack" and is described in the Lallier Patent, FIG. 4 and Col. 3, lines 52 - 57. Rotation of the screw of the prior art device will cause the extension elements to rotate about pivot joints and correspondingly move the PSS away from the base (increase the angle of rotation) or toward the base (decrease the angle of rotation). One drawback with the screw jack is that rotation of the screw actuates a number of pivoting elements Such pivoting elements are not sufficiently robust to support increased loads that typically may be placed onto the platform supported by the prior art screw jack.

[0049] FIG. 3 provides an illustration of a PSS (24) that has been

disassembled from roofing bracket (10). The PCD's (22) are shown in a locked position. PSS (24) further comprises PSS subframe (54). The top face (56) of PSS subframe (54) provides the surface onto which a plank may be placed and subsequently secured to brackets (26) and (28). Correspondingly, FIG. 7 provides an illustration of PSS (24), disassembled from roofing bracket (10), wherein PCD's (22) are shown in a locked position and the device comprises alternative main support bracket (34), supporting plank bracket (36) removeably fastened to bracket (38), and conventional fasteners (40).

[0050] As further shown in FIG. 3, radial extension element (42) comprises screw lift mechanism (48) which, in turn, comprises angle adjustment screw (50) and handle (52). These components in cooperation provide for angular rotation of PSS subframe (54). PSS (24) further comprises adjustable subsupport (58) and PSS lower base (60). PSS lower base (60) defines mounting tabs extending upward from each side of PSS lower base (60) that provide apertures to serve as pivot joints (62). The upper end of adjustable subsupport (58) is pivotally connected to PSS subframe (54) by conventional means or fasteners that provide for rotation of adjustable subsupport (58) and PSS subframe (54) about such means or fasteners.

[0051 ] The lower end of adjustable subsupport (58) is pivotally connected to pivot joints (62) by conventional means or fasteners, such as pin assembly (64) that provide for rotation of adjustable subsupport (58) about PSS lower base (60). Lastly, the lower end of PSS subframe (54), when PSS (24) is placed in an elevated position, is pivotally connected to pivot joints (62) by conventional means or fasteners, such as pin assembly (64) that provide for rotation of adjustable subsupport (58) about PSS lower base (60).

[0052] Rotation of handle (52) correspondingly rotates angle adjustment screw (50) whereby adjustable subsupport (58) correspondingly elevates or lowers PSS subframe (54). Concurrently, PSS subframe (54) and adjustable subsupport (58) correspondingly rotate about PSS lower base (60) thereby supporting the elevating or lowering of PSS subframe (54).

[0053] FIG. 4 shows PCD (22) in a disassembled condition. Lever handle assembly (70) comprises gripping element (68), a pair of lever handle brackets (72), and lever handle bracket support (82) to engage and retain gripping element (68) within lever handle assembly (70). Lever handle assembly (70) further comprises lever handle assembly support (74), lever handle assembly bracket (76), and fastening means (78) such as one or more threaded pins and corresponding locknuts. In addition, lever handle assembly (70) further comprises PCD subframe base (80), locking bracket (84) and pivot elements (86). Correspondingly, FIG. 8 provides an illustration of PCD (22) of FIG. 5 disassembled from roofing bracket (10).

[0054] In use, lever assembly support (74) aligns with lever handle assembly bracket (76) that is mounted onto subframe base (80) by fastening means (78) such as for example one or more threaded pins and corresponding locknuts. Lever handle assembly (70) and pivot elements (86) extend over lever handle assembly bracket (76) such that apertures and pivot elements in the lever handle assembly (70) align with a corresponding subframe slot. PCD 22 further comprises a left pivot element (86), a center pivot element (86), and a right pivot element (86) wherein each pivot element (86) engages a corresponding subframe base slot.

[0055] The lever handle assembly, pivot elements and corresponding subframe base slot are designed such that by pressing the gripping element toward the base, the center pivot element pivots lower than the left and right pivot elements thereby locking the lever handle assembly into place. The lever handle assembly bracket and the locking bracket also engage a corresponding subframe base slot as an additional locking mechanism. By pressing the gripping element toward the base and locking it into place, the roofing bracket is pressed tightly against the standing seam of the roof panel and locked into place.

[0056] As further illustrated in FIG. 4, tags or labels (66) or the like may be applied to roofing bracket (10) thereby providing manufacturing information, instructions for use, or any other suitable information.

[0057] One preferable embodiment of roofing bracket (10) comprises ring bracket (44). Preferably, ring bracket (44) is removeably and securely mounted onto lever handle assembly (70). Ring bracket (44) provides a means for removeably and securely attaching a lifeline or other safety equipment, a port for temporary roofing guardrail, a holding mechanism for an upright support, roofing installation or repair tooling, or any other equipment that is desired to be removeably secured to the standing seam of a roof panel.

[0058] Continuing with FIG. 4, roofing bracket (10) preferably comprises a clamping adjustment screw (46) for each clamping device positioned upon second section (18). Clamping adjustment screw (46) provides for variability in the thickness of a roof panel standing seam. As further shown in FIG. 4, clamping adjustment screw (46) engages a clamping adjustment screw receiving aperture (88) defined within subframe base (80) positioned on second section (18).

[0059] Additionally, clamping adjustment screw (46) provides for adjusting the pressure of the clamping mechanism exerted on the standing seam thereby providing the necessary and appropriate pressure to support the anticipated load. Roofing bracket (10) is placed upon a standing seam roof panel such that the first section (16) and the second section (18) straddle a standing seam. First section (16) and second section (18) are clamped loosely on the standing seam panel and each clamping adjustment screw (46) is tightened until each respective pad (14) is snug against the standing seam. Lastly, roofing bracket (10) is disengaged and each clamping adjustment screw (46) is tightened making two complete clockwise turns of each clamping adjustment screw (46).

[0060] Roofing bracket (10) is reinstalled on the standing seam. Preferably, the torque applied should be in the range between about 20 and about 50 lbs. of torque per square foot; and even more preferably, between about 30 and about 35 lbs. of torque per square foot. Roofing bracket (10) uniquely comprises a method for measuring such torque.

[0061 ] The preferred process for measuring torque requires a 3/8 inch Allen socket placed onto a torque wrench. Roofing bracket (10) is disengaged and securely retained on the standing seam. As best shown in FIG. 4, lever handle assembly (70) defines aperture (90) positioned proximate to base 12. Preferably, aperture (90) defines a hexagonal perimeter or a configuration in the shape of the Allen socket. The Allen socket is placed in aperture (90) and the torque wrench is applied to the Allen socket thereby measuring the torque per square foot. This process should be repeated until the torque per square foot measures within the target range.

[0062] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in

FIG. 9. Like reference characters (plus 100) will be used for corresponding features and the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9 is referred to herein as a "PCD Bracket". PCD bracket (100) comprises a base (112) and rubber pad (114). A PSS component is not required. PCD Bracket (100) provides a method and a means for securely and removeably retaining onto a standing seam of a roof panel any safety equipment, roofing installation and repair tooling, or any other equipment that is desired to be removeably secured to a standing seam roof panel. PCD Bracket (100) may provide a mount for a lifeline, a port for temporary roofing guardrail, a holding mechanism for an upright support, or for any other device that requires a temporary mounting position on a standing seam roof panel. Moreover, a device comprising one PCD Bracket (100) provides a light-weight, highly flexible tool for working on an inclined standing seam roof.

[0063] FIG. 10 depicts PCD Bracket ( 100) and lever handle assembly ( 170) in an assembled and unlocked condition. In a preferred embodiment, PCD Bracket (100) further comprises a suitably robust stub (101) fixedly attached to a suitably robust stub base (103); and stub base (103) fixedly attached to a suitably robust base support (105). Similarly, base support (105) is fixedly attached to base (1 12) by any conventional means suitably robust to adhere and retain base support (105) to base (1 12) and support stub (101). Such attachment means may comprise welding, industrial bonding, or use of suitable fasteners (107) and the like. [0064] Stub (101) in cooperation with stub base (103), base support (105), and base (1 12) provide a means for mounting a lifeline, a holding mechanism for tooling, or any other device that requires a temporary mounting position on a standing seam roof panel. The use of such mounting means positioned upon PCD Bracket (100) further provides a light-weight, highly flexible tool for working on an inclined standing seam roof. FIG. 1 1 depicts the PCD Bracket (100) of FIG. 10 and lever handle assembly (170) in an assembled and locked condition.

[0065] PCD Bracket ( 100), in cooperation with stub (101), stub base ( 103), base support (105), and base (112), provides a means for mounting a lifeline, a holding mechanism for tooling, or any other device that requires a temporary mounting position on a standing seam roof panel. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, roofing bracket (200) comprises multiple PCD Brackets (100). Roofing bracket (200) shown in FIG. 12 comprises two PCD Brackets (100), stub (101), stub base (103), base support (105), and base (1 12). The PCD Brackets (100) are shown in an unlocked position. The PCD Brackets (100) of roofing bracket (200) are shown in FIG. 13 in a locked position.

[0066] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, roofing bracket

(200) comprises three PCD Brackets (100). Roofing bracket (200) shown in FIG. 14 comprises three PCD Brackets (100), stub (101), stub base (103), base support (105), and base (112). The PCD Brackets (100) are shown in an unlocked position. The PCD Brackets (100) of roofing bracket (200) are shown in FIG. 15 in a locked position.

[0067] In still another embodiment of the present invention, roofing bracket

(200) comprises four PCD Brackets (100). Roofing bracket (200) shown in FIG. 16 comprises four PCD Brackets (100), stub (101), stub base (103), base support (105), and base (112). The PCD Brackets (100) are shown in an unlocked position. The PCD Brackets (100) of roofing bracket (200) are shown in FIG. 17 in a locked position. Clearly, roofing bracket (200) may comprise any number of PCD Brackets (100) that will fit along the particular standing seam where roofing bracket (200) will be positioned.

[0068] Still another embodiment of the present invention comprises roofing bracket (300). As shown in FIG. 18, roofmg bracket (300) comprises at least one, and potentially a plurality, of a modified PCD Bracket (302). The embodiment depicted in FIG. 18 comprises a pair of opposing PCD Brackets (302A) and (302B). Unless necessary for the description, PCD Brackets (302A) and (302B) will be collectively referred to as PCD Bracket (302).

[0069] Each PCD Bracket (302) comprises a base (304), a pad (306), and a lever handle assembly (308). Preferably, each PCD Bracket (302) further comprises a ring bracket (310), clamping adjustment screw (312), and a torque measuring aperture (shown in lever handle assembly (308)). PCD Bracket (302) may comprise an alternative safety locking mechanism that in turn comprises a safety latch (314) that engages a corresponding latch in a PCD subframe base (316). When the PCD is placed in the locked position, safety latch (314) and a pair of pivot elements (318) engage corresponding subframe base slots (320) defined in the subframe base (316) positioned on the base (304). This alternative locking mechanism may be installed in any PCD configuration.

[0070] Roofing bracket (300) further comprises extension bar (322), and preferably each PCD Bracket (302) comprises extension bar (322). The length of extension bar (322), or the preference for utilizing more than one extension bar (322), depends upon the length of standing seam that must be spanned by roofing bracket (300). Preferably, extension bar (322) is fabricated such that a second extension bar (324) may be joined to a first extension bar (326). Second extension bar (324) may be inverted and positioned adjacent to first the extension bar (326) such that at least one aperture (328) and preferably a plurality of apertures (328) defined in first extension bar (326) and second extension bar (324) align thereby accommodating removeably and securely joining the respective extension bars to each other utilizing conventional fasteners (330) such as a nut and bolt configuration, a locking pin configuration, or the like.

[0071 ] First extension bar (326) and second extension bar (324) are removeably and securely joined to a respective PCD Bracket (302) thereby removeably and securely joining the pair of opposing PCD Brackets (302A) and (302B). Each respective PCD Bracket (302) further comprises PCD extension bar subframe base (334) and each PCD extension bar subframe base (334) defines PCD extension bar subframe base slot (336). Each respective section of extension bar (322) is removeably and securely joined to a respective PCD Bracket (302) by aligning an aperture (328) defined in a respective section of extension bar (322) with the PCD extension bar subframe base slot (336) utilizing conventional fasteners (338) such as a nut and bolt configuration, a locking pin configuration, or the like.

Extension bar (322) may be fabricated from angle iron, steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other suitable material, and preferably comprises a high grade powder coating for corrosion protection. [0072] Continuing with roofing bracket (300), the respective opposing vertical faces (332) of pad (306) are designed to brace and hold roofing installation or roofing repair items of varying lengths. Accordingly, roofing bracket (300) provides a method for holding items on an inclined standing seam roof panel. This embodiment of the present invention provides a method for temporarily securing onto standing seam roof panels solar panels, skylights, and other roofing installation and repair items.

[0073] Alternatively, roofing bracket (300) wherein such roofing bracket

(300) comprises the features and characteristics described above with reference to the first embodiment of roofing bracket (300), may be used to provide a unique "Roofer's Helper" tool. In this embodiment, extension bar (322) extends past the standing seam roof edge. Extension bar (322), or first extension bar (326) and second extension bar (324), are removeably and securely joined to a respective PCD Bracket (302) as described above. In the description of this embodiment, extension bar (322), or first extension bar (326) and second extension bar (324) collectively, are referred to as extension bar (322). Continuing with the description of this embodiment, a portion of extension bar (322), or at least one additional extension bar section secured to extension bar (322), extends past the standing seam roof edge. This portion of an extension bar extends past the roof edge yet is removeably and securely joined to the standing seam of a roof panel. This embodiment provides a method for securing a ladder to either the bottom edge or side edge of a roof.

[0074] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 19 depicting roofing bracket (400) comprising PCD Bracket (402) shown in an unlocked position. FIG. 20 depicts roofing bracket (400) in a locked position. Corresponding with descriptions of other PCD Brackets presented hereinabove, PCD Bracket (402) comprises a lever handle assembly (404), a base (406), and a pad (408). Preferably, PCD Bracket (402) further comprises a ring bracket (410), clamping adjustment screw (412), and a torque measuring aperture (shown in lever handle assembly (404)).

[0075] Roofing bracket (400) further comprises a radial extension bar (414) and an opposing pair of radial extension bar brackets (416) or a single bracket comprising a U-channel. Radial extension bar brackets (416) are removeably and securely attached to base (406) using conventional means (418). Preferably, radial extension bar brackets (416) define a first series of apertures (420) for removeably and securely attaching radial extension bar brackets (416) to other roofing equipment that may be installed (permanently or temporarily) on the roof. Radial extension bar brackets (416) each further define aperture (422) that corresponds to an aperture defined in the base of radial extension bar (414). Radial extension bar (414) is removeably and securely attached to radial extension bar brackets (416) using conventional fasteners (414); and therefore is removeably and securely attached to base (406).

[0076] Radial extension bar (414) further defines a radial extension bar locking means (426) such as a pin, a key, a needle bearing or the like, that engages one of a series of apertures (428) defined in radial extension bar brackets (416). By selecting the appropriate pair of apertures (428) defined in radial extension bar brackets (416) and engaging radial extension bar locking means (426) and aperture (428), the radial extension bar (414) is secured at a desired angle as measured from the incline angle of the roof.

[0077] Radial extension bar (414) also comprises one or more supports (430) fixedly attached to radial extension bar (414). Preferably, supports (430) define apertures (432). Supports (430), potentially extending from a plurality of roofing brackets (400) placed approximately equidistant from a roof ridge or edge, provide a means for removeably and securely attaching guard railings to the roof. Such guard railing may be comprised of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, or any suitable material. Apertures (432) provide a means for removeably and securely attaching guard railing to supports (430) using conventional fasteners for the guard rail composition.

Preferably, such guard rails define two to four anchor attachments that correspond to apertures (432).

[0078] Other embodiments of the present invention comprise roofing bracket

(400) and multiple PCD Brackets (402) depending upon the anticipated load to be carried by the radial extension bar (414). Accordingly, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 21 depicting roofing bracket (400) comprising two PCD Brackets (402) shown in an unlocked position. FIG. 22 depicts this embodiment of roofing bracket (400) in a locked position.

[0079] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 23 depicting roofing bracket (400) comprising three PCD Brackets (402) shown in an unlocked position. FIG. 24 depicts this embodiment of roofing bracket (400) in a locked position.

[0080] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 25 depicting roofing bracket (400) comprising four PCD Brackets (402) shown in an unlocked position. FIG. 26 depicts this embodiment of roofing bracket (400) in a locked position.

[0081] Roofing bracket (100) and the alternative roofing brackets presented herein, provide a generally horizontal working surface or scaffolding, adjusting from a 3 / 12 slope to a 24 / 12 slope. The tool can be adjusted one degree at a time.

Preferably, the tool comprises a high grade powder coating to prevent rust. The tool provides for quick installation and removal, and is easily installed with one hand. The tool is 300 lbs. rated, wet or dry. Moreover, the tool provides proper fall-arrest systems and tie downs.

[0082] While the present invention has been described in considerable detail, other configurations exhibiting the characteristics taught herein for providing a comparatively lightweight and simple roofing bracket that may be securely and removeably attached to a standing seam roof panel are contemplated. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be combined with other various characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention described herein and that such embodiments are considered within the scope of this invention. It also will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments described herein.