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[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 10/357,113 filed on Feb. 3, 2002.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to fasteners employed to fasten a covering material to an underlying substrate. More particularly, the invention relates to a stress plate with a fastener for fastening a membrane, such as a roof membrane or roofing insulation, to a roof deck, a wall, concrete, stone, plaster, steel deck or wood.
[0004] 2. Reported Development
[0005] Fasteners are conventionally employed in the building industry for fastening or clamping a flexible membrane, such as an insulation membrane to a substrate, such as a roof deck. The fasteners typically comprise a large head portion and a shank portion. In use, the shank portion is driven through the membrane into the underlying substrate to anchor the fastener thereinto, while the head portion holds the membrane against the substrate and prevent removal thereof by wind lift. The undersurface of the head portion is typically provided with gripping means so that the membrane is prevented from moving or sliding under the fastener. The gripping means are typically designed not to penetrate completely through the membrane in order to prevent atmospheric moisture from entering into the substrate through the holes which tend to be made by the gripping means. It is also important that the gripping means are spread/distributed in the undersurface of the head portion of the stress plate in order prevent tearing of the membrane. Conventional fasteners are illustrated by the following references.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,188 discloses a stress plate for securing a roof membrane to a roof deck. The stress plate is circular having a top surface and a bottom surface with a central circular opening for receiving a screw for fastening the stress plate over a roof membrane and to the roof deck. The stress plate is equipped with four gripping prongs of triangular shape which are circumferentially spaced from each other by 90°.
[0007] In use a first membrane is applied to a roof deck surface, then the membrane is secured to the roof deck surface with the stress plate and the screw. A top sheet or membrane is lapped over the first membrane to cover the stress plate and welded to the first membrane. The four gripping prongs in the stress plate grip the first sheet and hold the same on top of the roof deck without tearing.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,018 discloses a fastener for gripping a substrate material. The fastener is of a unitary piece comprising a head portion, a shaft portion, and a hook portion at the end of the shaft portion, wherein the hook portion has an outwardly and upwardly extending resilient end portion. The end portion has an end surface which provides gripping contact with a wall of a hole in a substrate into which the fastener is inserted.
[0009] It is apparent that the reference invention is directed to a fastener the construction of which insures that the fastener will not be dislodged by wind uplift from the hole of the substrate.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,798 relates to a fastener assembly which is employed to secure plies or membranes of roofing, felt and paper to prevent the materials from being blown off the base roofing material before the base material is sufficiently hardened.
[0011] The assembly comprises a fastener and a retainer plate. The assembly includes a fastener plate which defines a substantially rectangular opening. The fastener includes a head and a pair of legs which are integrally hingably connected to the head. The legs have a contoured distal portion and an angular side configuration so that at least one of the legs is forced apart as the fastener is driven into the base material.
[0012] We have observed that under windy conditions the prior art fasteners need improvement in securely holding a flexible membrane on a substrate without the gripping means penetrating the flexible membrane, and without tearing the flexible membrane.
[0013] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved stress plate with a fastener to allow attachment of one or more flexible membranes to an underlying substrate without tearing the flexible membrane or allowing it to slip out from under the stress plate.
[0014] The present invention comprises two non-integral components: a stress plate, and a fastener. In use the stress plate and the associated fastener attach and firmly hold a flexible membrane to an underlying substrate, such as a roof deck. The stress plate has a top surface and a bottom surface and is provided with multiple barbs extending vertically outwardly from the bottom surface and having sufficient length to grip the flexible membrane preferably without puncturing therethrough. The stress plate further includes an opening in its central portion to allow a fastener, such as a screw, therethrough for attachment of the stress plate to the underlying substrate. The opening may be circular, rectangular or square.
[0015] The present invention comprises sixteen preferred embodiments.
[0016] In the first embodiment of the invention the stress plate is circular having an opening in its center portion and three dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. The radius of the concentric ribs increases from the center opening to the outer circumference of the stress plate. Separating the first and second concentric ribs there is a first concentric depression or dimple, and separating the second and third concentric ribs there is a second concentric depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the third rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. In preferred embodiments, the circular stress plate can range in diameter from about 1 to about 5 inches. At least one of the first or second dimples or the flat surface is provided with multiple pairs of barbs.
[0017] The first dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configurations. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. Optionally, the barbs can be located in the second dimple. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0018] In the second embodiment of the invention the stress plate is elliptical having an opening in its center portion and three dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second concentric ribs there is a first concentric depression or dimple, and separating the second and third concentric ribs there is a second concentric depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the third rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the first or second dimples or the flat surface is provided with multiple groups of triple barbs.
[0019] The first dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to twelve groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of triple barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. Optionally, the barbs can be located in the second dimple. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0020] In the third embodiment of the invention the stress plate is of square configuration having an opening in its center portion and three dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances running parallel to each other and to the edge of the stress plate rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second ribs there is a first depression or dimple, and separating the second and third ribs there is a second depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the third rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the first or second concentric dimples or the flat concentric surface is provided with multiple groups of triple barbs.
[0021] The first dimple preferably optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to twelve groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of triple barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. Optionally, the barbs can be located in the second dimple. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0022] In the fourth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is of rectangular configuration having an opening in its center portion and three dome-shaped ribs or protuberances running parallel to each other and to the edge of the stress plate rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second ribs there is a first depression or dimple, and separating the second and third ribs there is a second depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the third rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the first or second concentric dimples or the flat concentric surface is provided with multiple groups of triple barbs.
[0023] The first dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of triple barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. Optionally, the barbs can be located in the second dimple. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0024] In the fifth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is circular having an opening in its center portion and two dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. The radius of the first concentric rib close to the opening is smaller than the radius of the second concentric rib close to the circumference of the stress plate. Separating the first and second concentric ribs there is a concentric depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the second rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the dimples or flat surface is provided with multiple groups of triple barbs.
[0025] The first dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of triple barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular pairs of barbs approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0026] In the sixth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is elliptical having an opening in its center portion and two dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second concentric ribs there is a first concentric depression or dimple. The edge or circumference of the stress plate terminates in a substantially flat surface. At least one of the dimple or flat surface is provided with multiple groups of triple barbs.
[0027] The dimple optionally can be provided with groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly space from each other. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of triple barbs each of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0028] In the seventh embodiment of the invention the stress plate is of square configuration having an opening in its center portion and two dome-shaped ribs or protuberances running parallel to each other and to the edge of the stress plate rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second ribs there is a depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the second rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the dimple or flat surface is provided with multiple groups of triple barbs.
[0029] The dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly space from each other. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0030] In the eighth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is of rectangular configuration having an opening in its center portion and two dome-shaped ribs or protuberances running parallel to each other and to the edge of the stress plate rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second ribs there is a depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the second rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the dimple or flat surface is provided with multiple groups of triple barbs.
[0031] The dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of triple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of triple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of triple barbs each of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0032] In the ninth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is circular having an opening in its center portion and three dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. The radius of the concentric ribs increases from the center opening to the outer circumference of the stress plate. Separating the first and second concentric ribs there is a first concentric depression or dimple, and separating the second and third concentric ribs there is a second concentric depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the third rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. In preferred embodiments, the circular stress plate can range in diameter from about 1 to about 5 inches. At least one of the first or second dimples or the flat surface is provided with multiple groups of quadruple barbs.
[0033] The first dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configurations. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. Optionally, the barbs can be located in the second dimple. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0034] In the tenth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is elliptical having an opening in its center portion and three dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second concentric ribs there is a first concentric depression or dimple, and separating the second and third concentric ribs there is a second concentric depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the third rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the first or second dimples or the flat surface is provided with multiple groups of quadruple barbs.
[0035] The first dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to twelve groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of quadruple barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. Optionally, the barbs can be located in the second dimple. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0036] In the eleventh embodiment of the invention the stress plate is of square configuration having an opening in its center portion and three dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances running parallel to each other and to the edge of the stress plate rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second ribs there is a first depression or dimple, and separating the second and third ribs there is a second depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the third rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the first or second concentric dimples or the flat concentric surface is provided with multiple groups of quadruple barbs.
[0037] The first dimple preferably optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to twelve groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of quadruple barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. Optionally, the barbs can be located in the second dimple. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0038] In the twelfth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is of rectangular configuration having an opening in its center portion and three dome-shaped ribs or protuberances running parallel to each other and to the edge of the stress plate rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second ribs there is a first depression or dimple, and separating the second and third ribs there is a second depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the third rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the first or second concentric dimples or the flat concentric surface is provided with multiple groups of quadruple barbs.
[0039] The first dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of quadruple barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. Optionally, the barbs can be located in the second dimple. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0040] In the thirteenth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is circular having an opening in its center portion and two dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. The radius of the first concentric rib close to the opening is smaller than the radius of the second concentric rib close to the circumference of the stress plate. Separating the first and second concentric ribs there is a concentric depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the second rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the dimple or flat surface is provided with multiple groups of quadruple barbs.
[0041] The first dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of quadruple barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular pairs of barbs approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0042] In the fourteenth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is elliptical having an opening in its center portion and two dome-shaped concentric ribs or protuberances rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second concentric ribs there is a first concentric depression or dimple. The edge or circumference of the stress plate terminates in a substantially flat surface. At least one of the dimple or flat surface is provided with multiple groups of quadruple barbs.
[0043] The dimple optionally can be provided with groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly space from each other. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of quadruple barbs each of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0044] In the fifteenth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is of square configuration having an opening in its center portion and two dome-shaped ribs or protuberances running parallel to each other and to the edge of the stress plate rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second ribs there is a depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the second rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the dimples or flat surface is provided with multiple groups of quadruple barbs.
[0045] The dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly space from each other. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0046] In the sixteenth embodiment of the invention the stress plate is of rectangular configuration having an opening in its center portion and two dome-shaped ribs or protuberances running parallel to each other and to the edge of the stress plate rising above the top surface of the stress plate for providing sufficient strength thereto. Separating the first and second ribs there is a depression or dimple. A flat surface extends between the second rib and the edge or circumference of the stress plate. At least one of the dimple or flat surface is provided with multiple groups of quadruple barbs.
[0047] The dimple optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to eight groups of quadruple barbs each barb of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other. The flat surface of the stress plate adjacent to the edge optionally can be provided with a multiplicity of groups of quadruple barbs extending 90° downward from the bottom surface of the stress plate, and preferably, four to ten groups of quadruple barbs each of which may be of triangular, rectangular, or semi-circular configuration. The groups of barbs are approximately evenly spaced from each other.
[0048] Both the triple and the quadruple barbs may be arranged in a group or in a row configuration to form the multiplicity of barbs. Each embodiment may consist of a multiplicity of triple barbs in a group or row configuration, or a multiplicity of quadruple barbs in a group or row configuration. Furthermore, each embodiment may consists of a multiplicity of triple barbs and quadruple barbs arranged in an alternating configuration.
[0049] The invention will be further described with respect to the accompanying drawings wherein:
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[0149] The length of the barbs may vary depending on the thickness of the roof membrane which is to be attached to the underlying roof deck. Typically, the length of the barbs would be in the range of 0.1-1.0 centimeter or more, and preferably in the range of 0.2-0.5 centimeter.
[0150] The barbs are formed by cutting the same from the surface of the stress plate and bending them
[0151] The stress plates are made of materials including galvanized or galvalume carbon steel and stainless steel. Softer metals such as copper or aluminum may also be used, however, the thickness of the stress plate should be larger to provide sufficient integrity to the stress plate. The thickness of the stress plate typically is about 0.05-0.1 cm. The fastener is typically a screw of 4 to 10 cm long having thread thereon.
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[0153] Wind Uplift Test
[0154] Comparative wind uplift tests were conducted on the triple and quadruple barb stress plates of the present invention, and the single barb stress plate. The wind uplift test measures the resistance of the roofing system to high wind currents. The triple and quadruple barb stress plates were found to have superior resistance to high wind currents as compared to single barb stress plates.
PARTS LIST First and Second Embodiments - Circular and Elliptical with Three Ribs Stress plate, generally designated 10, 10′ Fastener, generally designated 12, 12′ Opening in center portion 14, 14′ Ribs 16, 16′, 18, 18′, 20, 20′ Depressions or dimples 22, 22′, 24, 24′ Flat surface of stress plate 26, 26′ Circumferential edge of stress plate 28, 28′ Triple barbs 30, 30′ Third and Fourth Embodiments - Square and Rectangular with Three Ribs Stress plate, generally designated 40, 40′ Fastener, generally designated 42, 42′ Opening in center portion of stress plate 44, 44′ Ribs 46, 46′, 48, 48′, 50, 50′ Depressions or dimples 52, 52′, 54, 54′ Flat surface of stress plate 56, 56′ Circumferential edge of stress plate 58, 58′ Triple barbs 60, 60′ Fifth and Sixth Embodiments - Circular and Elliptical with Two Ribs Stress plate, generally designated 70, 70′ Fastener, generally designated 72, 72′ Opening in center portion of stress plate 74, 74′ Ribs 76, 76′, 78, 78′ Depressions or dimples 82, 82′ Flat surface of stress plate 86, 86′ Circumferential edge of stress plate 88, 88′ Triple of barbs 90, 90′ Seventh and Eighth Embodiments - Square and Rectangular with Two Ribs Stress plate, generally designated 100, 100′ Fastener, generally designated 102, 102′ Opening in center portion of stress plate 104, 104′ Ribs 106, 106′, 108, 108′ Depressions or dimples 112, 112′ Flat surface of stress plate 116, 116′ Circumferential edge of stress plate 118, 118′ Triple barbs 120, 120′ Ninth and Tenth Embodiments - Circular and Elliptical with Three Ribs Stress plate, generally designated 130, 130′ Fastener, generally designated 132, 132′ Opening in center portion of stress plate 134, 134′ Ribs 136, 136′, 138, 138′, 140, 140′ Depressions or dimples 142, 142′, 144, 144′ Flat surface of stress plate 146, 146′ Circumferential edge of stress plate 148, 148′ Quadruple barbs 150, 150′ Eleventh and Twelfth Embodiments - Square and Rectangular with Three Ribs Stress plate, generally designated 160, 160′ Fastener, generally designated 162, 162′ Opening in center portion of stress plate 164, 164′ Ribs 166, 166′, 168, 168′, 170, 170′ Depressions or dimples 172, 172′, 174, 174′ Flat surface of stress plate 176, 176′ Circumferential edge of stress plate 178, 178′ Quadruple barbs 180, 180′ Thirteenth and Fourteenth Embodiments - Circular and Elliptical with Two Ribs Stress plate, generally designated 190, 190′ Fastener, generally designated 192, 192′ Opening in center portion of stress plate 194, 194′ Ribs 196, 196′, 198, 198′, Depressions or dimples 212, 212′ Flat surface of stress plate 216, 216′ Circumferential edge of stress plate 218, 218′ Quadruple barbs 220, 220′ Fifteenth and Sixteenth Embodiments - Square and Rectangular with Two Ribs Stress plate, generally designated 230, 230′ Fastener, generally designated 232, 232′ Opening in center portion of stress plate 234, 234′ Ribs 236, 236′, 238, 238′′ Depressions or dimples 242, 242′ Flat surface of stress plate 246, 246′ Circumferential edge of stress plate 248, 248′ Quadruple barbs 250, 250′ Using the Stress Plate Lower membrane 260 Insulation 262 Roof deck 264 Stress plate 266 Fastener (screw) 268 Upper membrane 270 Welded seam 272
[0155] Having described the invention with reference to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.