Patent attributes
A self-sealing mounting bracket includes an outer shell that defines at least one downwardly facing chamber. A plunger is located in the downwardly facing chamber and is slidable within the chamber. The chamber is filled with sealant either at the manufacturing facility or in the field. Larger openings are formed in the top of the outer shell that align with and provide access to bolt holes in the top of the plunger. Smaller openings in the top of the outer shell are for attaching the shell to a roof with lag bolts. The mounting bracket is located on a shingled roof and lag bolts are inserted through the larger openings and threaded into the roof deck. The heads of these lag bolts pass through the larger openings and engage the plungers to press the plungers down in their chambers. This, in turn, compresses, squeezes, and extrudes sealant between the mounting bracket and the roof below forming a water tight seal. The outer shell is then firmly attached to the roof with additional lag bolts inserted through the smaller openings and their aligned bolt holes and threaded into the roof deck. Mounting hardware for items such as solar panels can then be secured to the bracket.
