AU2023219931A1 - A roofing clip and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) A roofing clip for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, a roofing cover system and a method of use thereof. The roofing clip including a roofing cover engagement portion having an engagement wall, an opposed lower wall and at least one pair of opposed sidewalls extending therebetween so as to define a fastener receiving void between the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall, said fastener receiving void configured to at least partially accommodate a fastener received through the engagement wall when fastening a roofing cover thereon and at least one clamping arm extending from the lower wall and defining a channel for receiving therein, and clamping about, an edge portion of a roof tile or sheet of the roof and securing the roofing cover relative thereto, said at least one clamping arm biased towards the lower wall so as to provide a clamping force against the edge portion received in the channel. 1/3 12 100 12 10 16 18 42 40 1.1 26 -34 20 42 38 28 32 24 22 30 Figure 1 100 % 6/12 36 1 0 16 1040 22 14 34 42 3 20 30 26 24 38 32 28 Figure 2

Description

1/3

12 100 12 10

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42 40 1.1

26 -34

42 20

38 28 32 24 22 30

Figure 1

100% 6/12 36 1

0 16 1040

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26 24

38 32 28 Figure 2

A ROOFING CLIP AND METHOD OF USE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a roofing clip, a roofing cover system and a method of use thereof for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, especially to a roof tile.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Roofing covers, such as, e.g., tarpaulins and the like, are often used as waterproof barriers during construction, while a roof is being repaired or replaced and/or when a roof is damaged during a storm. Typically, roofing covers are attached to a roof using a combination of ropes and weights, the latter usually being sandbags.

[0003] A problem in general with the application of a roofing cover to a roof is that it often needs to be applied during potentially dangerous situations, such as in the middle of a storm. The problem is further compounded by the fact that the people usually applying the roofing cover in such scenarios are people with limited experience in securely tying down a roofing cover. Additionally, some roofs and roofing materials have limited tie down points making it difficult to securely tie down a roofing cover.

[0004] The above problems often result in a roofing cover not being secured in a correct position or being insecurely tied down. While a securely tied down roofing cover functions as a waterproof barrier, an insecurely tied down roofing cover will often move or lift with the wind allowing further water ingress and potentially damaging the roof or roofing materials. Furthermore, movement of the roofing cover may dislodge any sandbags placed atop the roofing cover thereby increasing the risk of a sandbag falling and potentially injuring people or damaging property below.

[0005] Although techniques such as screwing or nailing a roofing cover to a roof have been previously used to secure a roofing cover to a roof, these techniques may damage the roofing cover as well as underlying roofing material allowing water ingress. Moreover, if the roofing cover has been secured in the wrong position, it may be a time-consuming process to individually remove each fastener to only then re-secure the roofing cover in the correct position.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a roofing clip for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, a roofing cover system and a method of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roofing clip for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, said clip including: a roofing cover engagement portion having an engagement wall, an opposed lower wall and at least one pair of opposed sidewalls extending therebetween so as to define a fastener receiving void between the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall, said fastener receiving void configured to at least partially accommodate a fastener received through the engagement wall when fastening a roofing cover thereon; and at least one clamping arm extending from the lower wall and defining a channel for receiving therein, and clamping about, an edge portion of a roof tile or sheet of the roof and securing the roofing cover relative thereto, said at least one clamping arm biased towards the lower wall so as to provide a clamping force against the edge portion received in the channel.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roofing cover system for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, said system including: a roofing cover; and a plurality of roofing clips according to the first aspect, said roofing clips configured to be fastened about an edge of the roofing cover for releasably securing the roofing cover relative to the roof.

[0010] Advantageously, the roofing clips of the present invention may be used to releasably and reliably secure a roofing cover to a roof regardless as to whether there are tie down points. The clip can be used with roofs formed from any one of roof tiles, shingles, or sheet materials, without damaging the roofing material and thereby obviating any risk of water ingress via damaged roofing material. Lastly, the roofing clips of the present invention enable an emergency roofing cover to be reliably secured to a roof without the use of conventional ropes and sandbags thereby obviating any risks incurred initially via the carrying of the ropes and sandbags onto a roof and/or then any subsequent risks associated with the ropes and/or sandbags dislodging from the roof.

[0011] As indicated, the roofing clip and/or the roofing cover system of the present invention may be used for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, especially for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof comprised of roof tiles or sheeting. It will therefore be convenient to hereinafter describe the roofing clip and/or the roofing cover system with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the roofing clip and/or the roofing cover system may be capable of broader applications and may be used to retain a roofing cover relative to any type of roofing material or to the frame or truss of a roof, for example.

[0012] Generally speaking, a roof is a top covering of a building or structure. Typically, most modern roofs are formed from tiles or sheeting. The tiles or sheeting are usually each respectively arranged in an interlocking arrangement to form the roof and facilitate the shedding of water therefrom into adjacently positioned gutters.

[0013] Each tile or sheet normally has a substantially planar structure including a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposed edging. The opposed surfaces may include an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. The opposed edging may include opposed end edges and opposed side edges extending between the end edges.

[0014] Often, the roof tile or sheet may further include one or more channels or corrugations extending longitudinally along at least the upper surface between the end edges. The channel and/or corrugations may extend substantially parallel to the opposed side edges.

[0015] The roofing cover may include any material used to provide a waterproof barrier, such as, e.g., a tarpaulin, a canvas, a reinforced polymeric sheet material, a film or sheet, a panel, or the like.

[0016] The roofing clip may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration.

[0017] Typically, the roofing clip may be of a sufficient size, shape and configuration to releasably secure a roofing cover relative to a roof tile or sheet.

[0018] The roofing clip may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials. For example, the roofing clip may be fabricated from a metal or metal alloy, a polymeric material, or any suitable combination thereof. Typically, the roofing clip may be fabricated from a durable material, preferably a durable polymeric material.

[0019] For example, in some embodiments, the roofing clip may be fabricated from a polymeric material including any one or more of polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0020] Preferably, the roofing clip may be fabricated from a polymeric material suitable for processing by a moulding process (such as cast moulding, microwave casting, resin injection moulding, compression moulding, insert moulding (over moulding), injection moulding, or the like) and/or extrusion.

[0021] Suitably, the roofing clip may be relatively rigid allowing a limited degree of flexibility. The rigidity may ensure that the roofing clip forms and retains a predefined shape in a three dimensional space prior to, during and after use and that this overall shape is mechanically and/or physically resistant to pressure applied thereto.

[0022] As indicated, the roofing clip may include a roofing cover engagement portion.

[0023] The roofing cover engagement portion may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration to have a portion of a roofing cover fastened thereto with at least one fastener.

[0024] The roofing cover engagement portion may include an engagement wall, an opposed lower wall and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending therebetween so as to define a fastener receiving void between the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall. The fastener receiving void may be configured to at least partially accommodate a fastener received through the engagement wall when fastening a roofing cover thereon, preferably such that the fastener is held clear of the underlying roof tile or sheet.

[0025] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the term "fastener receiving void" is intended to refer to the volume, or cross-sectional area of a volume, that can at least partially accommodate a fastener received through the engagement wall while functioning within normal use conditions (for example the roofing clip is not strained to a breaking point by inserting an object that is too large, etc.). In this instance, it will be understood that the engagement wall, the opposed lower wall and the pair of opposed sidewalls extending therebetween may define the fastener receiving void therein by at least partially encompassing the fastener receiving void.

[0026] Advantageously, by providing the roofing cover engagement portion with a fastener receiving void, the risk of accidental damage to an underlying roof tile or sheet is minimised if not obviated. Additionally, since the roofing cover is fastened to the roofing cover engagement portion and not directly to the roof, any water which leaks through the hole formed by the fastener will not leak into the roof cavity. Rather, the water will merely drain out a side of the roofing clip.

[0027] The roofing cover engagement portion by way of its construction may include at least one open side, preferably two opposed open sides. The open side or sides may provide access to a fastener received in the fastener receiving void and/or may allow drainage of any water received therein.

[0028] The roofing cover engagement portion may be of any suitable shape. For instance, the roofing cover engagement portion may be substantially oblong, stadium, polygonal, parallelogram, square, or rectangular shape in cross-section, or any combination thereof. Typically, the roofing cover engagement portion may be substantially square or rectangular in cross-section, preferably trapezoidal.

[0029] As indicated, the roofing cover engagement portion includes an engagement wall and an opposed lower wall.

[0030] The engagement wall may be configured to have a portion of a roofing cover mounted thereon. The engagement wall may include a pair of opposed ends and a pair of opposed side edges extending longitudinally therebetween.

[0031] The opposed lower wall may be configured to rest atop an underlying roof tile or sheet to which the clip is fastened, preferably a lower surface of the lower wall may abut against an upper surface of the roof tile or sheet. Like the engagement wall, the lower wall may include a pair of opposed ends and a pair of opposed side edges extending longitudinally therebetween.

[0032] The engagement wall and the lower wall may be of the same size or differing sizes, preferably the latter. Typically, the engagement wall may be of a shorter length, as defined between the opposed ends, than the lower wall.

[0033] The engagement wall may be configured to have a portion of the roofing cover mounted thereon by at least one fastener. For example, the portion of the roofing cover may preferably be fastened on the engagement wall by at least one fastener received through the engagement wall and at least partially into the fastener receiving void.

[0034] The at least one fastener may be any suitable type of mechanical fastener having a head and a shank extending therefrom. For example, the at least one fastener may be a nail, a screw, a pin, or the like.

[0035] In some embodiments, the at least one fastener may be used together with a sealing member, such as, e.g., a washer, a gusset, or the like. In such embodiments, it is envisaged that the sealing member may prevent water ingress into the roofing cover engagement portion along the at least one fastener.

[0036] The at least one pair of opposed sidewalls may extend between the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall in any suitable orientation. Likewise, the at least one pair of opposed sidewalls may extend from at or near respective ends of the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall or may be spaced inwardly therefrom, preferably at or near the ends.

[0037] In some embodiments, the opposed sidewalls may extend orthogonally between the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall.

[0038] In other embodiments, the opposed sidewalls may be angled relative to the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall. For example, the opposed sidewalls may be angled inwards or outwards relative to one of the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, the opposed sidewalls may angle or taper outwards from the ends of the engagement wall to the ends of the lower wall. In such embodiments, the roofing cover engagement portion may have a trapezoidal side profile shape.

[0040] The roofing clip may include one or more strengthening or reinforcing ribs or formations for imparting greater structural rigidity to the roofing clip.

[0041] The strengthening or reinforcing ribs or formations may be shaped, located and sized in any suitable way. For example, the strengthening or reinforcing ribs or formations may include a wall, a rib or web, a gusset, a boss or cylindrical projection, a fillet, a radii, or the like.

[0042] Generally, the strengthening or reinforcing ribs or formations may be gusset formations located on an internal surface between adjacent walls, preferably at an intersection between adjacent walls in the roofing cover engagement portion and/or the clamping arm.

[0043] In some embodiments, the roofing cover engagement portion may further include at least one tab extending from an outer surface thereof, preferably from an end of the lower wall, more preferably from an end of the lower wall facing the roofing tile or sheet to which the clip is fastened.

[0044] In preferred such embodiments, the at least one tab may extend from the end of the lower wall at an upward angle.

[0045] In some embodiments, the at least one tab may function as a handle to assist a user in gripping and/or manipulating the clip to be fastened about, and/or removed from, an edge of a roofing tile or sheet.

[0046] In other embodiments, the at least one tab may function as a positioning guide and may be configured to complement a curvature of a corrugation or curve on an upper surface of a roofing tile or sheet to which the clip is fastened. In use, the clip may be pressed onto an edge portion of a roofing tile or sheet until the at least one tab abuts a curved surface of the corrugation or curve of the roofing tile or sheet.

[0047] A join between the roofing cover engagement portion and the at least one tab may be reinforced by one or more strengthening or reinforcing ribs or formations as previously described. The one or more strengthening or reinforcing ribs or formations may extend between an adjacent a sidewall and the at least one tab.

[0048] As indicated, the roofing clip may include at least one clamping arm extending from the lower wall and defining a channel for receiving therein, and clamping about, an edge portion of a roof tile or sheet.

[0049] The at least one clamping arm may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration, and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0050] The at least one clamping arm may be integrally formed with the roofing cover engagement portion or may be of separate construction. Preferably, the at least one clamping arm may be of unitary construction with the roofing cover engagement portion. Although, clamping arms of separate construction, which may be pivotable, foldable or slidable relative to the roofing cover engagement portion are also envisaged.

[0051] Generally, the at least one clamping arm may be of sufficient size, shape and configuration to receive and releasably retain an edge portion of a roof tile or sheet of a roof therein.

[0052] The at least one clamping arm may extend from any suitable portion of the roofing cover engagement portion.

[0053] For example, in some embodiments the clamping arm may extend from a side or edge of the roofing cover engagement portion.

[0054] In preferred embodiments, the at least one clamping arm may extend from the lower wall of the roofing cover engagement portion, preferably an end of the lower wall, more preferably an end of the lower wall opposite the at least one tab.

[0055] The at least one clamping arm may include a proximal end extending from the lower wall, an opposed distal end and an elongate body extending therebetween.

[0056] In some embodiments, the elongate body of the at least one clamping arm may arcuately extend between the proximal end adjacent an end of the lower wall to a distal end extending at least partially towards the other end of the lower wall.

[0057] In other embodiments, the elongate body of the at least one clamping arm may include two or more portions or segments.

[0058] For example, in one such embodiment the elongate body may include a first portion extending in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to a first end of the lower wall and a second portion angled relative to the first portion and extending back at least partially towards an opposed second end of the lower wall.

[0059] In other such embodiments, the elongate body may include a first portion extending in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to a first end of the lower wall, a second portion orthogonally angled relative to the first portion and a third portion angled relative to the second portion and extending back at least partially towards the opposed second end of the lower wall.

[0060] As indicated, the at least one clamping arm may be biased towards the lower wall so as to provide a clamping force against the edge portion of a roof tile or sheet received in the channel, preferably resiliently biased. The at least one clamping arm may be biased in any suitable way.

[0061] For example, in some embodiments the at least one clamping arm may include a biasing member or formation, typically such that movement of the at least one clamping arm away from the lower wall works against a force of the biasing member or formation.

[0062] In some embodiments, the biasing member or formation may include one or more springs, such as, e.g., coil or leaf springs. Of course, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of biasing members or formations, such as, e.g., magnets or magnetized elements and the like, may be used.

[0063] In other embodiments, the biasing member or formation may be in the form of the arcuate curve of the elongate body of the at least one clamping arm at it extends between the proximal and distal ends.

[0064] In yet other embodiments, the biasing member or formation may be in the form of the angled join between the first portion and the second portion of the elongate body of the at least one clamping arm.

[0065] In such embodiments, the biasing member or formation may provide a resilient biasing force that resists movement of the at least one clamping arm away from the lower wall, preferably away from a neutral position of the at least one clamping arm such that the at least one clamping arm may resiliently return to the neutral position under the biasing force.

[0066] The channel may preferably be defined between the at least one clamping arm and the lower wall. The distal end of the at least one clamping arm and the lower wall may preferably define an opening to the channel in which the edge portion is at least partially received.

[0067] The channel may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. For example, the channel may have a substantially C-, U- or V-shaped cross section. Since the distal end of the at least one clamping arm may typically extend towards the lower wall, the opening of the channel may be narrowed relative to a remainder of the channel.

[0068] In some embodiments, the at least one clamping arm may further include a pad, liner, coating or projections or protrusions applied thereon to at least partially assist in gripping and holding the portion of the roof tile or sheet received in the channel. The pad, liner, coating or projections or protrusions may be of any suitable size, shape and form. Advantageously, the pad, liner, coating or projections or protrusions may at least partially prevent accidental dislodgement of the clip from a roof tile or sheet.

[0069] In some embodiments, the pad, liner or coating may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic material or materials. The pad, liner or coating may be applied at least partially across an inner surface of the at least one clamping arm.

[0070] In other embodiments, the one or more projections or protrusions may be defined at least partially across an inner surface of the at least one clamping arm and may be configured to engage with and/or interconnect with the portion of the roof tile or sheet. The one or more projections or protrusions may be of unitary construction with the at least one clamping arm or may be of separate construction, preferably the former.

[0071] In yet other embodiments, at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one clamping arm may include a high friction surface configured to at least partially assist in gripping and holding the portion of the roof tile or sheet received in the channel.

[0072] In preferred embodiments, the distal end of the at least one clamping arm may further include an inwardly extending protrusion configured to assist the at least one clamping arm in clipping or hooking about the edge portion of the roof tile or sheet. In some such embodiments, the inwardly extending protrusion may be configured to be at least partially received in a corresponding groove or depression defined in an underside of the roof tile or sheet.

[0073] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of releasably securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, the method including: releasably securing a plurality of roofing clips according to the first aspect about a periphery of a portion of the roof; aligning the roofing cover relative to the portion of the roof so that the plurality of roofing clips are at least partially covered by the roofing cover; and fastening the roofing cover to each of the plurality of roofing clips with at least one fastener to thereby secure the roofing cover relative to the roof.

[0074] The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the roofing clip as hereinbefore described.

[0075] As indicated, a plurality of roofing clips may be releasably secured about a periphery of a portion of the roof.

[0076] Any suitable number of roofing clips may be used. For instance, at least one roofing clip may be secured every 0.25 metres, every 0.5 metres, every 0.75 metres, every 1.0 metres, or more about a periphery of a portion of the roof.

[0077] In some embodiments, at least one roofing clip may be secured every metre about the periphery of a portion of the roof.

[0078] In some embodiments, the method further comprises releasably securing one or more further roofing clips within the area defined by the periphery of the roof. In use, it is envisaged that when the roofing cover is fastened to each of the plurality of roofing clips secured about the periphery of the portion of the roof, the one or more further roofing clips may be located inwardly from the perimeter of the roofing cover and form a second series of attachment points of the roofing cover relative to the roof.

[0079] The one or more further roofing clips may be releasably secured within the area defined by the periphery of the roof in any suitable arrangement. Generally, the arrangement may be sufficient to securely fasten the roofing cover relative to the roof and to prevent movement of the roofing cover and/or water ingress into the roofing cavity.

[0080] For instance, the arrangement of the one or more further roofing clips may be substantially random, may be in parallel to at least a portion of the plurality of roofing clips secured about the periphery of the roof, may be arranged about a damaged portion of the roof, may be arranged so as to provide additional attachment points in exposed areas of the roof, or the like.

[0081] Each clip may be releasably secured to the portion by aligning the opening of the channel relative to the edge portion and pressing the clip towards the portion such that the portion received within the channel, preferably snugly received.

[0082] The fastening may typically include pressing the roofing cover against the engagement wall of the roof cover engagement portion of the clip and then fastening the at least one fastener therethrough so that the roofing cover is fastened to the roof cover engagement portion of the clip.

[0083] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0084] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0085] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0086] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a roofing clip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 2 is a side view of the roofing clip as shown in Figure 1;

[0088] Figure 3 is an environmental view showing the roofing clip as shown in Figure 1 releasably connected to a roof tile;

[0089] Figure 4 is an environmental view showing a tarpaulin secured to the roofing clip as shown in Figure 1 which is releasably connected to a roof tile; and

[0090] Figure 5 is a side view of a roofing clip according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Figures 1 to 5 show a roofing clip 100 according to embodiments of the present invention for securing a roofing cover, such as, e.g., a tarpaulin 220 (shown in Figure 4), to a roof tile 210 (shown in Figures 3 and 4).

[0092] Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the roof clip 100.

[0093] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the roofing clip 100 is fabricated from a durable polymeric material, suitable for manufacturing by a moulding and/or extrusion process.

[0094] The roofing clip 100 is relatively rigid such that the clip 100 retains a predefined shape prior to, during and after use and this overall shape is mechanically and/or physically resistant to pressure applied thereto.

[0095] The roofing clip 100 includes a roofing cover engagement portion 10 having an engagement wall 12, an opposed lower wall 14, and a pair of opposed sidewalls 16,18 extending therebetween so as to define a fastener receiving void 22 between the engagement wall 12 and the opposed lower wall 14. The fastener receiving void 22 is configured to at least partially accommodate a fastener (not shown) received through the engagement wall 12 when fastening a roofing cover (not shown) thereon.

[0096] The fastener receiving void 22 is configured such that the fastener is held clear of an underlying roof tile or sheet. Advantageously, by providing the roofing cover engagement portion 10 with a fastener receiving void 22, the risk of accidental damage to an underlying roof tile or sheet is minimised if not obviated.

[0097] The roofing cover engagement portion 10 has a substantially trapezoidal cross section.

[0098] The roofing cover engagement portion 10 by way of its construction has two opposed open sides extending between the opposed sidewalls 16,18.

[0099] The engagement wall 12 is configured to have a portion of a roofing cover mounted thereon.

[00100] The opposed lower wall 14 is configured to rest atop an underlying roof tile or sheet to which the clip 100 is fastened.

[00101] The engagement wall 12 is of a shorter length, as defined between the opposed ends, than the lower wall 14.

[00102] The opposed sidewalls 16,18 angle or taper outwards from the ends of the engagement wall 12 to the ends of the lower wall 14 thereby defining the trapezoidal profile shape of the clip 100.

[00103] The roofing cover engagement portion 10 further comprises one or more gusset formations 36 located on an internal surface at an intersection between engagement wall 12 and sidewalls 16,18 which provide additional strength and rigidity to the roofing cover engagement portion 10.

[00104] A rib 42 is further provided about a portion of a perimeter of the fastener receiving void 22 to provide additional strength and rigidity

[00105] The roofing cover engagement portion 10 further comprises a tab 34 extending outwardly from an end of the lower wall 14 facing the roofing tile or sheet to which the clip 100 is fastened. The tab 34 extends outwardly at an upward angle.

[00106] A join between the roofing cover engagement portion 10 and the tab 34 is reinforced by one or more strengthening / reinforcing ribs or formations 40. In use, the reinforcing rib 40 provides additional rigidity and strength to the tab 34.

[00107] The tab 34 is multi-functional.

[00108] For example, in some instances, the tab 34 functions as a handle to assist a user in gripping and/or manipulating the clip 100, when being fastened about, and/or removed from, an edge of a roofing tile or sheet.

[00109] Further, the tab 34 assists in disengaging the clip 100 from an edge portion of a roof tile or sheet by allowing a user to pull the roofing cover engagement portion 10 away from the clamping arm 20 to increase a size of opening 30.

[00110] Moreover, the tab 34 functions as a positioning guide on corrugated roof tiles or sheets. For example, the tab 34 is configured to complement a curvature of a corrugation or curve on an upper surface of the roofing tile or sheet to which the clip 100 is fastened thereby ensuring the clip 100 is correctly positioned on the edge portion.

[00111] The roofing clip 100 further includes a clamping arm 20 extending from the lower wall 14 and defining a channel 32 for receiving therein, and clamping about, an edge portion of a roof tile or sheet of the roof (not shown).

[00112] The clamping arm 20 is of a sufficient size, shape and configuration to receive and releasably retain an edge portion of a roof tile or sheet of a roof therein.

[00113] The clamping arm 20 is of unitary construction with the roofing cover engagement portion 10.

[00114] The clamping arm 20 extends from an end of the lower wall 14 of the roofing cover engagement portion 10 opposite the at least one tab 34.

[00115] The clamping arm 20 includes a proximal end 42 extending from the lower wall 14, an opposed distal end 44 and an elongate body extending therebetween.

[00116] The elongate body includes a first portion 26 extending in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to a first end of the lower wall 14 and a second portion 28 angled relative to the first portion and extending back and at least partially towards an opposed second end of the lower wall 14.

[00117] The clamping arm 20 includes a biasing member or formation such that movement of the clamping arm 20 away from the lower wall 14 works against a force of the biasing member or formation. The biasing member or formation is in the form of the angled join 38 between the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 of the elongate body of the clamping arm 20.

[00118] The channel 32 is defined between the clamping arm 20 and the lower wall 14. The distal end 44 of the clamping arm 20 and the lower wall 14 defines an opening to the channel 32 in which the edge portion is at least partially received. Since the distal end 44 of the clamping arm 20 extends towards the lower wall 14, the opening of the channel 30 is narrower relative to a remainder of the channel 32.

[00119] The distal end 44 of the clamping arm 20 further includes an inwardly extending protrusion 24 configured to assist in clipping or hooking about the edge portion of a roof tile or sheet.

[00120] Figure 3 shows an environmental view of the roofing clip 100 releasably connected to a roof tile 210.

[00121] As shown, at least a portion of the roof tile 210 is retained within the channel 222 defined by the clamping arm 202.

[00122] Figure 4 shows an environmental view of a tarpaulin 220 secured to the roofing clip 100, which is releasably connected to a roof tile 210.

[00123] As shown, the fastener receiving void 214 enables a fastener 230 to be used to secure tarpaulin 220 to the clip 100 without damage to the underlying roof tile 210.

[00124] A method of using the roofing clip 100 is now described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[00125] Referring to Figure 3, a plurality of roofing clips 100 are releasably secured about a periphery of a portion of the roof. Any suitable number of roofing clips 100 can be used.

[00126] Each roofing clip 100 is secured to a roofing tile 210 of the roof by pressing the opening to the channel 222, defined by the clamping arm 202 and the lower wall 212 of the roofing cover engagement member 204, over an edge portion of the roofing tile 210 until the edge portion is at least partially received within the channel 222.

[00127] When the clip 100 is being pressed towards the roof tile 210, the inwardly extending protrusion 42 (not shown) assists by contacting the edge portion of the roofing tile 210 and causing the clamping arm 202 to deflect outwards relative to the lower wall 212 of the roofing clip 100 such that the size of the opening to the channel 222 increases, thereby assisting the edge portion to be at least partially received within the channel 222.

[00128] The biasing member or formation located in the clamping arm 202 provides a resilient biasing force that resists movement of the clamping arm 202 away from the lower wall 212 such that the clamping arm 202 firmly clamps about an edge portion of the roofing tile 210 of the roof and retains the edge portion within the channel 222.

[00129] Referring to Figure 4, a roofing cover in the form of a tarpaulin 220 is then aligned relative to the portion of the roof so that the fitted roofing clips 100 are at least partially covered by the tarpaulin 220.

[00130] The tarpaulin 220 is then fastened to each of the clips 100 with a mechanical fastener 230 to secure the tarpaulin 220 relative to the roof. The mechanical fastener 230 is fastened to the engagement wall 216 and received through the engagement wall 216 and at least partially into the fastener receiving void 214.

[00131] As indicated, the fastener receiving void 214 is configured to at least partially accommodate the fastener 230 such that the fastener 230 is held clear of the underlying roof tile 210.

[00132] By providing the roofing cover engagement portion 204 with a fastener receiving void 214, the risk of accidental damage to an underlying roof tile 210 or sheet is minimised if not obviated. Further, since the tarpaulin 220 is fastened to the roofing cover engagement portion 204 and not directly to the roof, any water which leaks through the hole formed by the fastener 230 do not leak into the roof cavity. Rather, the water merely drains out a side of the roofing clip 100.

[00133] When the tarpaulin 220 needs to be removed, a user may use the tab 206 as a tab so as to pull the roofing cover engagement portion 204 away from the clamping arm 202 to pry the edge portion of the roof tile 210 from the channel 222 of the roofing clip 100.

[00134] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the roof clip 100. For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment will be referenced with the same reference numeral.

[00135] The roofing clip 100 includes a roofing cover engagement portion 10 having an engagement wall 12, an opposed lower wall 14, and a pair of opposed sidewalls 16,18 extending therebetween so as to define a fastener receiving void 22 between the engagement wall 12 and the opposed lower wall 14. The fastener receiving void 22 is configured to at least partially accommodate a fastener (not shown) received through the engagement wall 12 when fastening a roofing cover (not shown) thereon.

[00136] In this embodiment, the clamping arm 20 includes a first portion 26 extending in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to a first end of the lower wall 14, a second portion 27 orthogonally angled relative to the first portion 26 and a third portion 28 angled relative to the second portion 27 and extending back at least partially towards the opposed second end of the lower wall 14.

[00137] Advantageously, the clamping arm 20 of this embodiment is suited to clamping to a cement roof tile.

[00138] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise'include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00139] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00140] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

1. A roofing clip for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, said clip including: a roofing cover engagement portion having an engagement wall, an opposed lower wall and at least one pair of opposed sidewalls extending therebetween so as to define a fastener receiving void between the engagement wall and the opposed lower wall, said fastener receiving void configured to at least partially accommodate a fastener received through the engagement wall when fastening a roofing cover thereon; and at least one clamping arm extending from the lower wall and defining a channel for receiving therein, and clamping about, an edge portion of a roof tile or sheet of the roof and securing the roofing cover relative thereto, said at least one clamping arm biased towards the lower wall so as to provide a clamping force against the edge portion received in the channel.

2. The roofing clip of claim 1, wherein the roofing cover engagement portion is configured to hold a fastener clear of an underlying said roof tile or sheet.

3. The roofing clip of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the receiving void is configured to accommodate a shaft of the fastener.

4. The roofing clip of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roofing cover engagement portion has a trapezoidal side profile shape.

5. The roofing clip of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the roofing cover engagement portion further includes at least one tab extending from an end of the lower wall facing the roof tile or sheet to which the clip is fastened.

6. The roofing clip of claim 5, wherein the at least one tab functions as a handle to assist a user in gripping and/or manipulating the clip to be fastened about, and/or removed from, an edge of the roof tile or clip.

7. The roofing clip of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the at least one tab functions as a positioning guide configured to complement a curvature of a corrugation or curve on an upper surface of the roof tile or sheet to which the clip is being fastened.

8. The roofing clip of claim 7, wherein, in use, the clip is pressed onto an edge portion of the roof tile or sheet until the at least one tab abuts a curved surface of the corrugation or curve of the roof tile or sheet.

9. The roofing clip of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a join between the roofing cover engagement portion and the at least one tab is reinforced by one or more strengthening or reinforcing ribs or formations, said strengthening or reinforcing ribs or formations extending between an adjacent sidewall and the at least one tab.

10. The roofing clip of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one clamping arm is integrally formed with the roofing cover engagement portion.

11. The roofing clip of any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the at least one clamping arm extends from an end of the lower wall of the roofing cover engagement portion opposite the at least one tab.

12. The roofing clip of claim 11, wherein the at least one clamping arm includes a proximal end extending from the lower wall, an opposed distal end and an elongate body extending therebetween.

13. The roofing clip of claim 12, wherein the elongate body includes a first portion extending in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to a first said end of the lower wall and a second portion angled relative to the first portion and extending back at least partially towards an opposed second end of the lower wall.

14. The roofing clip of claim 13, wherein said elongate body of the at least one clamping arm is adapted for clamping about terracotta said roof tile or sheet.

15. The roofing clip of claim 12, wherein the elongate body includes a first portion extending in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to a first said end of the lower wall, a second portion orthogonally angled relative to the first portion and a third portion angled relative to the second portion and extending back at least partially towards an opposed second end of the lower wall.

16. The roofing clip of claim 15, wherein said elongate body of the at least one clamping arm is adapted for clamping about cement said roof tile or sheet.

17. A roofing cover system for securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, the system including: a roofing cover; and a plurality of roofing clips according to any one of claims 1 to 16, said roofing clips configured to be fastened about an edge of the roofing cover for releasably securing the roofing cover relative to the roof.

18. A method of releasably securing a roofing cover relative to a roof, the method including: releasably securing a plurality of roofing clips according to any one of claims 1 to 16 about a periphery of a portion of the roof; aligning the roofing cover relative to the portion of the roof so that the plurality of roofing clips are at least partially covered by the roofing cover; and fastening the roofing cover to each of the plurality of roofing clips with at least one fastener to secure the roofing cover relative to the roof.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of roofing clips are releasably secured by aligning the opening of the channel of each clip relative to an edge portion of the periphery of the portion of the roof and pressing the clip towards the edge portion such that the edge portion is snugly received within the channel.

20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the fastening includes pressing the roofing cover against the engagement wall of the roof cover engagement portion of each clip and then fastening the at least one fastener therethrough.