BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the construction of a building, many different types of flexible construction material are secured to solid support members of the building.

These solid support members are generally framing members of the building walls or roofs. Fasteners generally secure to the flexible construction material to the building. Typical of the flexible construction materials are roofing felt, and insulation. Insulation is commonly available under the trademarks BISQUEEN and TYVEK.

Since BISQUEEN and TYVEK are known to be flexible, a strong wind may cause such flexible material to tear. Such tearing slows construction, because of the required replacement or repair, in order to maintain insulation integrity. Similar problems exist with roofing felt.

While there are different roofing types, all types of roofing have one thing in common. The integrity of the roofing felt sheet first placed on the roof is critical to a secure roof. This roofing felt sheet must be placed on the roof and then secured thereto until the main roof can be placed thereover.

Unfortunately, the roofing felt sheet is a very flexible material and is easily torn or otherwise loses its integrity, even in the face of minor wind. It is desirable to avoid this wind damage to the roofing felt sheet. For once the

roofing felt sheet is torn or otherwise breeched, it is difficult to effectively repair the same.

It is also costly to replace the roofing felt sheet, both in terms of workers'time, material costs, and contract deadlines for finishing the roof.

Along with the difficulty of patching the torn roofing felt sheet, the patch itself is a major defect in the felt. Thus, a roofer always has a big problem with the wind.

The roofing felt sheet is critical, as an undergirding support, for a proper roof, whether the top or exposed cover for the roof makes the roof a metal roof, a shingle roof, a slate roof, or any other type of roof. If the roofing felt sheet maintains its integrity, is not torn or otherwise damaged, and covers the roof effectively, a good roof may be obtained.

The wind can tear the roofing felt sheet from its support in spite of the felt fastening devices of the prior art. A number of fastening devices for roof felt exist, all in a futile attempt to overcome this problem.

One of the standard roofing attempts is a nail and a button. The button provides a greater surface area for holding down the roofing felt sheet.

However, the roofing felt sheet is still subject to the wind. Furthermore, the button has a necessary thickness in order to provide the support. This thickness however interferes with the over layment for the roof, being placed over the roofing felt sheet. In this fashion, such over underlayment becomes difficult to handle.

Over underlayment of the buttons is especially a problem with a metal roof. A piece of metal landing on the button will eventually lose is integrity and permit rain or other undesirable material to pass through the metal and ruin the structure under the roof. It is therefore desirable to apply an efficient hold down method for roofing felt sheets.

The buttons, the nails, and the staples; which are all known to hold down the roofing felt sheet; do not achieve this good hold down capability in the face of a wind. Thus, it is desired to provide this hold down capability.

Additionally, such a device must not greatly increase the bulk or the weight of the device being used to secure the roofing felt sheet to the roof.

In some instances thin strips of wood are nailed or otherwise secured over the felt, in order to minimize tearing. This wood, also known as lath, with its nails, creates a greater problem than the buttons. The lath, with its nails therein, must be removed before the felt can be covered, with a top portion of roofing material. Disposal of the lath and nail combination creates a safety hazard on the job site. It is very desirable to avoid this problem.

Typical devices to secure the roofing felt sheets to the roof are nail guns or staple guns. Whatever device is used to further secure the roofing felt sheet against the wind must be efficiently applied and avoid the problems caused by the wind. Thus, many problems are involved in solving this difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a fastening device having a cooperating line feed and holding mechanisms.

A further objective of this invention is the provision of an improved holding device for roofing felt.

Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a device to apply a line to hold roofing felt in place.

A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a device to apply a band to hold roofing felt in place.

Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a method to secure roofing felt in place.

Another objective of this invention is the provision of a device to avoid the use of nails and lath in a roofing project.

Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of a device to minimize the use of nails and lath in a roofing project.

Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a device to apply a strap to hold roofing felt in place.

A further objective of this invention is the provision of a device to apply a flexible wire to hold roofing felt in place.

Yet, a further objective of this invention is the provision of a method to secure insulation in place.

These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a method and apparatus for applying an elongated member to construction material such as insulation or roofing felt and holding the elongated member to the construction material with a fastener, by feeding the elongated member through a fastening device under the fastener or series of fasteners dispensed therefrom, and applied thereover at spaced intervals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 depicts roofing felt sheets 110 on roof 112.

Figure 2 depicts roofing felt sheet 110 on roof 112 with line 122 holding the felt sheets 110 in place.

Figure 3 depicts roofing felt sheet 110 on roof 112 with line 122 being applied thereto by a securing assembly 100 of this invention, using roof felt securing device 120 with a horizontal line feed 124.

Figure 4 depicts a front line feed 150 mounted on a staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 5 depicts a side line feeder 160 mounted on a staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 6 depicts a top line feed 170 mounted on a staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 7 depicts a straddle line feeder 180 mounted on a staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 8 depicts a rear line feeder 190 mounted on a staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 9 depicts a measured line feeder 200 for use with a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 10 depicts a perspective view of side strap feeder 210 mounted on a staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 11 depicts a reverse view of Figure 10.

Figure 12 depicts a perspective view of top strap feeder 250 mounted on a staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 13 depicts a perspective view of strap roll 300 with roller assembly 350 for use with a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 14 depicts an end, partial, cross-sectional view of strap 214 on roof 112.

Figure 15 depicts a side view of strap 214 on roof 112.

Figure 16 depicts a top perspective view of strap 214 on roof 112.

Figure 17 depicts a top perspective view of encased strap stapler 400 on roof 112 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 18 depicts a top perspective view of walking strap stapler 450 on roof 112 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 19 depicts a perspective view of double strap roll 500 for use with roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 20 depicts a premounted felt strap roll 600 for use with roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Figure 21 depicts a side, partially cross-sectioned view of premounted strapped felt sheet 600 on roof 112.

Figure 22 depicts a side, partially cross-sectioned view of self adhesive felt sheet 650 on roof 112.

Figure 23 depicts a perspective view of house 700 using roof felt securing device 120.

Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An apparatus for applying an elongated member to roofing felt and holding the elongated member to the roofing felt with a fastener feeds the elongated member through a fastening device and provides for the elongated member to be held in a desired position. Preferably, the fastening device places the elongated member under the fastener or series of fasteners dispensed therefrom, and applied thereover at spaced intervals, in order to secure the roofing felt to the roof.

With this apparatus for securing a roofing sheet to a roof fastener, in a preferred form, a staple gun may be used to fasten the roofing felt sheet to the roof. With the particular staple gun of this invention, an elongated member is fed under the staple delivery point of the staple gun. Thus, as the roofer advances on the roof and applies a staple into felt, an elongated member is fed under the staple. The staple and series thereof are applied over the elongated member. The elongated member is thus held on the roofing felt. With the extra holding power of the elongated member combined with the series of staples, extra holding power is provided for the roofing felt, thereby greatly reducing torn roofing felt.

Typical required properties of the elongated members suitable for use in this invention are flexibility for installation, durability for holding power, capability of being stored on or fed from a reel, and capability of passing under a staple. Some examples of elongated members include; but are not limited to; a strap, a flexible wire, a fishing line, an elongated filament being single or multi stranded, and a band.

Of course, other fasteners besides staples and other fastening devices besides staple guns are usable herein. However, staples and staple guns are the preferred fastener and fastening device.

As the staples are placed within a reasonable range apart on the roof, an elongated member is fed thereunder. The staples combined with a line

or a strap greatly reduce or eliminate wind damage to roofing felt sheet underlayment for a roof. A line, a strap or other elongated member, combined with the staple, prohibits the wind from getting under the roofing felt sheet and forcing the roofing felt sheet to tear due to wind shear. In this fashion, it is more efficient to stop the tearing of the roofing felt sheet. With such a holding mechanism for the roofing felt sheet in place, the finishing of the roof is more efficient, and the roof lasts substantially longer.

As a further reinforcement of the felt sheet in its adherence to a roof, one or more strap supports may run the length of the felt roll. Such a strap support strengthens the felt sheet against tearing. The strap support may even have an adhesive thereon, in order to assist in the holding down of the felt.

Such a strap support effectively receives a series of staples, for holding the felt sheet in position.

The staples may be used with or without the elongated member, if the strap support is present. The elongated member in combination with the strap support provides the greatest support to the felt sheet.

In Figure 1, two pieces of roofing felt sheet 110 are attached to a roof 112 and secured thereto by staples 114. Arrows 116 indicate how a wind force may get under the roofing felt sheet 110 and cause tearing thereof. More specifically, arrows 116 show the attack of the wind force on the roofing felt sheet 110, between the staples 114 as causing undesirable tearing of the roofing felt sheet 110 at edge 118, thereof.

In Figure 2, there is depicted securing assembly 100 for use on roof 112 with the roofing felt sheet 110 and the staples 114 holding the roofing felt sheet 110 in place. However, wind, as indicated by arrows 116, cannot penetrate sufficiently to cause tearing of the roofing felt sheet 110 because of line 122 secured thereover by the staples 114. The staples 114 combined with the line 122 prohibit the lifting of the roofing felt sheet 110 for tearing purposes. In this fashion, the desired protection of preventing or reducing the

tendency of the roofing felt sheet 110 to tear due to wind shear is provided.

More particularly, line 122 provides continuous support of roofing felt sheet 110.

Adding Figure 3 to the consideration, one embodiment of the roof felt securing device 120 has staple gun 130, with a horizontal line reel 132 mounted on the front portion 134 thereof. From the line reel 132, line 122 is supported by a horizontal line cartridge 136 within the line reel 132. The line 122 feeds under the staple dispenser 138 of the staple gun 130. As the staple 114 is expelled from the staple gun 130, the line 122 is pinned to through felt sheet 110 into the roof 112.

Line 122 is guided under staple dispenser 138 by guide member 140. Guide member 140 is welded, glued or otherwise secured to staple dispenser 138 of staple gun 130. Staple post 142 permits positioning of staple gun 130 on roofing felt 110 as desired, at which time, staple 114 is applied.

Guide member 140 includes line feed aperture 144, which feeds line 122 from horizontal line reel 132 under staple 114.

Figure 4 differs from Figure 3 due to a vertical line reel 156 mounted in a standard fashion on the front portion of staple gun 130 for roof felt securing device 120. Line 122 is mounted on vertical line cartridge 152 within vertical line reel 156. Vertical line cartridge 152 is mounted on the front portion 134 of the staple gun 130. But the feeding mechanism of line 122 is the same. The vertical line cartridge 152 just rotates without the line 122 having to bend as in Figure 3. Guide member 140 of Figure 3 or variations thereof may also be used in Figure 4 if desired. Direction arrow 194 shows the customary direction of use for this embodiment.

In Figure 5, the side line feeder 160 is mounted on the side 134 of the staple gun 130 with a similar feeding mechanism with vertical line reel 156.

As the staple gun 130 is pulled backward, the line 122 disburses therefrom and the matter is set for line 122 to be secured under staple 114 and adjacent to

roofing felt sheet 110. Direction arrow 194 also shows the customary direction of use for this embodiment.

With Figure 6, top line feed 170 is mounted in a standard fashion on a top portion 137 of staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention. With the top line feed 170, the appropriate elongated member is dispensed therefrom, and secured with staple 114.

Another option from Figure 7 depicts a straddle line feeder 180 mounted in a standard fashion on a staple gun 130. Straddle line feeder 180 straddles a handle 182 of staple gun 130, then feeds line 122 through front clip 184, and then under staple dispenser 138. In this fashion, another embodiment of roof felt securing device 120 is provided.

A further option from Figure 8 depicts a rear line feeder 190 mounted on a rear portion 192 of staple gun 130 in a standard fashion. This structure requires a backward movement of the staple gun 130 shown by direction arrow 194. Rear line feeder 190 permits effective positioning of the elongated member under staples 114.

If desired as shown in Figure 9, measured line feeder 200 provides a structure to measure a desired length 202 of line 122 before applying staple 114. Line feeder 200 includes a readout 204, and an adjusting knob 206 for setting desired length 202 in a standard fashion.

Measured line feeder 200 can be adapted for roof felt securing device 120 of this invention. With this measured line feeder 200, the length 202 of line 122 can be adjusted and the amount of line 122 between staples 114 can be predetermined. Thus, it makes the dispensing of the line 122 more automatic and the spacing of the staples 114 more automatic or uniform. In this fashion, a better pattern is achieved for applying the line 122 to the roof 110.

With Figure 10 and Figure 11, side strap feeder assembly 210, replaces measured line feed 200 and others, is mounted on a staple gun 130 or

other suitable stapler. Side strap feeder assembly 210 includes a side mount strap cassette 212. The strap cassette 212 feeds the holding strap 214 under the staple 114 through the strap dispenser 216.

An optional strap length counter 218 cooperates with the strap dispenser and pays out an appropriate amount of holding strap 214. The holding strap 214 is more preferred than the line 122, because it has a wider surface area and provide more contact with the roof felt 112. In this fashion, the roof felt 112 is held down more efficiently and even further minimizes the tearing caused by wind shear.

In Figure 11, is the reverse view from Figure 10 of the side mounted strap feeder assembly 210, which shows the holding strap 214 being fed and stapled under staples 114. With this structure, an effective way of putting the holding strap 214 is developed.

In Figure 12, top strap feeder 250 mounted on top portion 137 of staple gun 130 forming another embodiment of a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention. A feeding mechanism for top strap feeder 250 can easily be developed from the teachings herein.

Figure 13 depicts a perspective view of strap roll 300 with roller assembly 350 for use with a roof felt securing device 120 of this invention.

Roller assembly 350 has a first roller combination 352 with a first guide roller 354 cooperating with a brake roller mechanism 356. Thus, the amount paid out from strap roll 300 is efficiently controlled.

From roller assembly 350, holding strap 214 is fed to guide assembly 358. Guide assembly 358 has a guide roller 360 cooperating with a tension roller 362 in order to direct holding strap 214 to a guide block 364.

From guide block 364, holding strap 214 passes to cutter 368, and then staple dispenser 138. In this fashion, holding strap 214 is measured and guided to the appropriate position. With the guide block 364 and the manual cutter 368, the

appropriate amount of holding strap 214 can be fed and cut under the staple 114 as desired.

In Figure 14, Figure 15, and Figure 16, the holding strap 214 is fed and then held under a staple 114, and shows the roofing felt sheet 110 atop the roof 112. The side view of this holding strap 214, depicted in Figure 15, shows how the holding strap 214 holds roofing felt sheet 110 in place on the roof 110, in the proper position. Similarly, in Figure 16, is indicated that the holding strap 214 will not interfere with the over-layment of the roof 110 because of the thinness of the holding strap 214 and the appropriate connection thereto.

In Figure 17 is depicted an embodiment wherein the staple gun 130 and the encased strap stapler 400 are contained all in one with guide rollers to permit the use of the all in one staple gun 130 with a strap holder, such as side mount strap cassette 212 or other strap reels disclosed herein, to provide the appropriate attachment. Such structure cooperates with Figure 13 and is adaptable for any feeding of any elongated member disclosed herein.

Within Figure 18 is shown a walking strap stapler 450, having an arm 410 added to the encased strap stapler 400. The controls for the encased strap stapler 400 are provided in a standard fashion up at the handle at the top of the arm 410. In this fashion, the holding strap 214 can be laid on the roofing felt 112 without the necessity of crawling or otherwise bending over to apply the staples 114. This provides for a more efficient manner of stapling roofing felt sheets 110 to the roof 112. In particular, because of its width, the holding strap 214 provides greater holding capacity and even more than the line 122 reduces the danger of the roofing felt sheets 110 tearing, before the main roofing material can be applied.

In Figure 19, double strap roll 500 for use with roof felt securing device 120 of this invention provides a long time period for use of holding strap 214, by having dual strap rolls 310 therein. The brake release button 510 is connected in a standard fashion thereto and permits a measured amount of

holding strap 214 to be released therefrom. Optionally, the housing for double strap roll 500 may be transparent, in order to provide for an accurate readout of strap usage.

Also in Figure 19, cutter 368 has a manual activation switch 366 connected thereto in standard fashion. Downward pressure on cutter switch 366 causes cutter 368 sever strap 214 or other elongated member. Likewise, length control knob 320 permits a set length of the elongated member to be adjusted and applied to roof 112.

In Figure 20, a premounted felt strap roll 600 for use with roof felt securing device 120 of this invention is depicted. While this is similar to roofing felt sheet 110, additional support is provided by integral strap 610, manufactured or otherwise mounted directly therein.

Adding Figure 21 to the consideration of Figure 20, if desired integral strap 610 may be replaced or have in addition thereto adhesive strap 620, adhesive protector 622 thereover until use is desired. The adhesive strap 620 adds to the holding power of roofing felt sheet 110 and staple 114 on roof 112.

In Figure 22, self adhesive felt sheet 650 on roof 112 is held with adhesive strap 620. Clearly, staple 114 (Figure 21) may be used in combination therewith if desired. Again, holding power on roof 112 is enhanced.

With Figure 23, house 700 uses roof felt securing device 120 to secure insulation 702 to frame 704 of house of house 700. The advantages of so doing mimic the advantages of using line 122, holding strap 214, or other elongated member with staple gun 130 to hold insulation 702 to frame 704 in hands of installer 706.

This application--taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined--provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well

within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art, after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.

Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.

What is claimed and sought to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is: