AU2018202288B2 - A sealing device and a cladding system - Google Patents

Abstract

A sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets of a cladding system, and a cladding system including at least one of said sealing devices are disclosed. The sealing device includes an elongate body which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces that have a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which the sealing device is to be used, and a cleat structure configured to secure the body to an underlying structure of the cladding system when the body is located in place between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets. X2 1/17 10 C13 26aF 266a F CA6 26 A Z CA 26 26 8 Z 29 CA 26 6a CA 29B 30 28 FIGURE 1 Af 10 6 2Pa A 26a A Y229 Y1 F 26 Y1 26a Y2 29 CB 28a 2 32 FIGURE 2

Description

X2 1/17 10 C13 26aF

266a F

CA6 26 A Z

CA 26 26 8 Z 29

26 6a CA CA

29B 30 28

FIGURE 1 Af 10

6 2Pa A

26a A Y229 Y1

F 26 Y1 26a Y2 29 CB

28a 2 32

FIGURE 2

A SEALING DEVICE AND A CLADDING SYSTEM

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device for use in sealing between overlapping profiled sheets such as roof sheets and a cladding system including at least one of said sealing devices.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in roof cladding systems and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

[0003] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country as at the priority date of any one of the claims of this specification.

Background of Invention

[0004] Buildings, and in particular industrial buildings, often have a roof cladding system that is comprised of a plurality of longitudinally overlapping roofing or roof sheets. Such long span roofs may, for example, be up to 80 metres long and have a fall to enable rainwater run-off, which can be as low as 1°. The length of the roof sheets used to cover such a long span roof can be of a relatively long continuous length of up to about 80 metres if the roof sheets are manufactured on site. More often than not though, these roof sheets are of a relatively short length such as from 12 to 20 metres to facilitate ease of manufacture and ease of transportation to the site. The use of such short, transportable roof sheets however, necessitates the need for a waterproof step joint where the ends of successive roof sheets overlap longitudinally. That is, a watertight seal is required where the lower end of one roof sheet overlaps with the upper end of another roof sheet below the one roof sheet.

[0005] Also, there typically needs to be two purlins below and supporting each step joint. The height of a typical step joint is visually significant as it can be as great as about 100 mm and, hence, it can be aesthetically undesirable. The step, in addition to providing a waterproof joint, is to function as an expansion joint. That is, the joint is to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the roof sheets caused by ambient temperature cycles.

[0006] Sealing devices have a particular use in providing this watertight seal by virtue of being sandwiched between the overlapping ends of these roof sheets. These sealing devices typically take the form of an elongate body manufactured from a resilient material such as foam or rubber that is either suitably flexible or purposely shaped to conform to the surface profile of the roof sheets with which it is to be installed between so as to provide this watertight seal. In many roof cladding systems, these sealing devices are secured to an underlying support structure or roof frame of the roof by way of a plurality of mechanical fasteners that pass directly through apertures in the body of the sealing device into the support structure below. However, this approach typically leads to a weakening of the body over time due to the shear stress imposed on the body of the sealing device by longitudinal expansion and contraction of the roof sheets and the weight of the roof sheets acting on the mechanical fasteners extending through the body, that may lead to a failure to maintain the watertight seal.

[0007] Other roof cladding systems typically rely on the use of a series of roofing clips or connectors, often mounted on a strap affixed to the underlying support structure or roof frame over which the roof sheets are to be installed, and sealing devices equipped with a cleat structure that is configured to enable the sealing device to be secured directly to the roofing clips. However, this typically introduces unnecessary manufacturing and supply costs in terms of producing the roofing clips and straps necessary to facilitate this approach.

[0008] The present invention seeks to provide a sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of overlapping profiled sheets, such as roof sheets, and a cladding system including at least one of said sealing devices, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

Summary of Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets of a cladding system, the sealing device including: an elongate body which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces that have a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which the sealing device is to be used; and a cleat structure configured to secure the body to an underlying structure of the cladding system when the body is located in place between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

[0010] In one embodiment, the body includes at one or more locations along its length, an engagement portion, at which the upper surface is raised, and at which the lower surface is raised, and wherein each of the upper and lower surfaces of the engagement portion has a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

[0011] Preferably, the raised upper surface and the recessed lower surface at each engagement portion have substantially complementary forms which correspond substantially to the cross-sectional profile of the lower, inner surface and the upper, outer surface, respectively, of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

[0012] Suitably, the cleat structure is secured against at least one outwardly facing longitudinal side surface of the body.

[0013] Preferably, the cleat structure has a form corresponding at least partially to the form of the body.

[0014] Preferably, the cleat structure includes along its length, a raised portion that has a form corresponding at least partially to the form of a corresponding one of the engagement portions of the body.

[0015] Suitably, the cleat structure includes a bracket member having an aperture extending substantially therethrough, and wherein each of the profiled sheets includes an aperture that extends substantially through the profiled sheet, such that when the ends of the profiled sheets are longitudinally overlapping, the apertures of the profiled sheets are in substantial alignment with the aperture in the bracket member of the cleat structure located substantially between the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets, to enable a mechanical fastener to be received through the aligned apertures for securing the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and the sealing device to the underlying structure beneath the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

[0016] Suitably, the cleat structure is made of a metal or a rigid engineering plastics material.

[0017] Suitably, the cleat structure has a respective cleat part secured against each longitudinal side surface of the body, such as by at least one pin or projection extending through the body and interconnecting the cleat parts.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the cleat parts includes along a respective length thereof, a central portion that corresponds to the raised portion of the cleat structure, wherein the central portion of each cleat part has a form that corresponds at least partially to the form of a corresponding one of the engagement portions of the body.

[0019] Suitably, at least one of the cleat parts includes a bracket member having an aperture extending substantially therethrough, and wherein each of the profiled sheets includes an aperture that extends substantially through the profiled sheet, such that when the ends of the profiled sheets are longitudinally overlapping, the apertures of the profiled sheets are in substantial alignment with the aperture in the bracket member of the at least one cleat part located substantially between the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets, to enable a mechanical fastener to be received through the aligned apertures for securing the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and the sealing device to an underlying structure beneath the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

[0020] Suitably, the central portion of the at least one cleat part is defined by a bridge portion and a pair of legs extending downwardly and outwardly from opposing ends of the bridge portion, and wherein the bracket member extends from an outwardly facing surface of the bridge portion.

[0021] Preferably, at least one of the cleat parts includes reinforcing means.

[0022] Preferably, the body has a level of resilience which enables the body to deform elastically between said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and thereby provide a seal with each profiled sheet along the length of the body.

[0023] Suitably, the body is formed wholly or partly of a resilient material.

[0024] In one embodiment, the body is formed at least partly of a resilient polymeric material, such as a formed polymeric material.

[0025] Preferably, the body, while resilient, is sufficiently stiff as to resist compression as the upper profiled sheet is pressed down onto the sealing device and thereby provide a positive pressure against each of the profiled sheets for effective sealing between said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

[0026] In one embodiment, the body and each engagement portion is formed entirely of a resilient material, such as a foam material.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a cladding system having at least one line of at least two profiled sheets having longitudinally overlapping ends, wherein at least one sealing device according to the first aspect is located and provides a seal between the longitudinally overlapping ends of said profiled sheets.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a cladding system having at least two lines of laterally overlapping profiled sheets, wherein each line includes at least two profiled sheets having longitudinally overlapping ends, and wherein a composite sealing device formed from at least two sealing devices according to the first aspect, coupled together in an end-on arrangement using a cleat structure of one of the at least two sealing devices, is located and provides a seal between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

[0029] In one embodiment, each of the at least two sealing devices of the composite device has an elongate body that includes at one or more locations along its length, an engagement portion, at which the upper surface is raised, and at which the lower surface is raised, and wherein each of the upper and lower surfaces of the engagement portion has a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which each of the at least two sealing devices is to be used, wherein the profile of the engagement portion of a first of the at least sealing devices is different to the profile of the engagement portion of a second of the at least two sealing devices.

[0030] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0031] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0032] Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the sealing device of Figure 2, in exploded form, to reveal a central elongate body and a cleat structure;

[0034] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a central elongate body portion of the sealing device of Figures 1 to 3, devoid of a cleat structure;

[0035] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first cleat part member of a cleat structure of the sealing device of Figures 1 to 3;

[0036] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second cleat part member of a cleat structure of the sealing device of Figures 1 to 3, and which is complementary to the first cleat part member of Figure 5;

[0037] Figure 7 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame of a roof cladding system, in exploded form, to reveal detail of the sealing device of Figures 1 and 2 located between longitudinally overlapping ends of upper and lower profiled roof sheets;

[0038] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, but shows the sealing device secured between the longitudinally overlapping ends of the upper and lower profiled roof sheets;

[0039] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the sealing device of Figure 9, in exploded form, to reveal a central elongate body portion and a cleat structure;

[0041] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a central elongate body portion of the sealing device of Figures 9 and 10, devoid of a cleat structure;

[0042] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a first cleat part member of a cleat structure of the sealing device of Figures 9 and 10;

[0043] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a second cleat part member of the cleat structure of the sealing device of Figures 9 and 10, and which is complementary to the first cleat part member of Figure 12;

[0044] Figure 14 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame of a roof cladding system, in exploded form, to reveal detail of the sealing device of Figures 9 and 10 located between longitudinally overlapping ends of upper and lower profiled roof sheets;

[0045] Figures 15 and 16 show perspective views of a sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figures 17 and 18 show perspective views of a first cleat part member of a cleat structure associated with the sealing device of Figures 15 and 16;

[0047] Figures 19 and 20 show perspective views of a second cleat part member of the cleat structure associated with the sealing device of Figures 15 and 16, and which is complementary to the first cleat part member of Figures 17 and 18;

[0048] Figures 21 and 22 show perspective views of a sealing device for use in providing a seal between longitudinally overlapping ends of profiled roof sheets according to a still further embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figures 23 and 24 show perspective views of a central elongate body portion of the sealing device of Figures 21 and 22, devoid of the cleat structure;

[0050] Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a sealing device for use in providing a seal between longitudinally overlapping ends of profiled roof sheets according to a still yet further embodiment of the present invention, in which the sealing device is comprised of a central elongate body and the cleat structure of Figures 17 to 20;

[0051] Figure 26 shows a perspective view of the central elongate body portion of the sealing device of Figure 25, devoid of the cleat structure; and

[0052] Figure 27 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame (purlin removed for clarity) of a roof cladding system comprised of a lower layer of three laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets replete with the sealing devices of each of Figures 15 and 16, Figures 21 and 22, and Figure 25, all mounted to an upper surface of the lower layer, just prior to an upper layer (not shown) of corresponding laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets being applied over ends of the three laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets of the lower layer in a longitudinally overlapping manner.

Detailed Description

[0053] It is to be understood that the following description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the above description.

[0054] The present invention is predicated on the finding of a sealing device for use in providing a watertight seal between the ends of overlapping profiled sheets of a cladding system.

[0055] The preferred embodiments described herein will focus on sealing devices for use in providing a watertight seal between the ends of overlapping profiled roof sheets of a roof cladding system. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that these sealing devices are not limited to this particular application, but are equally applicable in providing a watertight seal between overlapping profiled wall panels in wall cladding systems.

[0056] The sealing device is specifically configured in such a way as to allow the overlapping profiled sheets to be secured directly to an underlying roof structure, such as a purlin, without having to pass a plurality of mechanical fasteners directly through a body of the sealing device and without the need for employing a strap and associated roofing clips or connectors for coupling the sealing device thereto. At least in preferred forms, the sealing device also enables the provision of a step between the ends of the overlapping profiled sheets which is substantially less than 100 mm in height.

[0057] Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a sealing device 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in providing a watertight seal between respective end portions of overlapping profiled roof sheets, such as the profiled roof sheets S1, S2 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0058] Roof Sheets

[0059] Specifically, Figure 7 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame (in exploded form) of a roof cladding system to reveal detail of the sealing device 10 of Figures 1 and 2 which is configured to be located between the overlapping end portions of the upper S1 and lower S2 profiled roof sheets. The two generally rectangular profiled roof sheets S1, S2 are mounted in relation to a C-section purlin P comprising part of the roof frame (not otherwise illustrated). The roofing of which profiled roof sheets S1 and S2 form a part of is, inclined downwardly to the right, when viewed in Figures 7 and 8, so that rainwater will drain from sheet S, to sheet S2 in use.

[0060] The two profiled roof sheets S1, S2 each comprise a plurality of longitudinal ribs, labelled r 1 for roof sheet S1, and r2 for roof sheet S2, which are laterally spaced from each other by generally planar pan or trough sections of uniform width, labelled t 1 and t 2 , respectively. The longitudinal ribs r 1, r2 of each roof sheet S1, S2 have a generally trapezoidal profile when the ribs r ,1 r2 are viewed end on, as defined by a pair of opposing side walls, labelled swia and sw1 for roof sheet S1 andsw2a,sw2b for roof sheet S2, and a generally horizontal top portion, labelled tpl for roof sheet S, and tp2 for roof sheet S2. The longitudinal ribs r 1, r2 of each roof sheet S1, S2 define corresponding grooves as are apparent when the roof sheets S1, S2 are viewed from beneath.

[0061] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each of the two profiled sheets S1, S2 has a pair of end portions located at opposing ends of the sheets, labelled epia, epib for roof sheet S1, and ep2a, ep2b for roof sheet S2. The upper end portion ep2a of roof sheet S2 is located over the top of purlin P.

[0062] In use, and referring specifically to Figure 8, the lower end portion epia of roof sheet S1 substantially overlaps the upper end portion ep2a of roof sheet S2 such that the corresponding portions of the ribs r1 and pans t1 at the lower end portion epia of roof sheet S1 substantially overlap with the corresponding ribs r2 and pans t2 at the upper end portion ep2a of roof sheet S2. The two overlapping end portions epa, ep2a are separated only by the sealing device 10 located substantially therebetween, which will be described in more detail below.

[0063] Additionally, each of the two profiled roof sheets S1, S2 has a pair of side margins located at opposing end portions of the sheets, labelled smia, sm1 for roof sheet S1, and sm2a, sm2b for roof sheet S2. While not shown, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that as side margins smia and sm1b are complementary, it is possible to for the side margin smia of roof sheet S1 to inter-fit with the side margin sm1 of another roof sheet (not shown) in that direction to realise a composite rib (not shown) at the point of inter-fit that are of generally similar form to the non-overlapping longitudinal ribs r 1, r2 of roof sheets S1 and S2.

[0064] Sealing Device 10

[0065] Body

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sealing device 10 includes an elongate body B which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces 26 and 28, and respective sides 29 which extend between surfaces 26 and 28. Also, at spaced intervals, corresponding to the widths of the pans t1 , t2 of each of the two roof sheets S1, S2, the sealing device 10 has upstanding engagement portions, hereinafter referred to as engagement formations F. The engagement formations F provide raised parts 26a of the upper surface 26, and recessed parts 28a of the lower surface 28 of the body B. As will be apparent from the description below, the engagement formations F are shaped to conform to the profile of the ribs of the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets for which the sealing device 10 is configured to be used with. For instance, in this embodiment, the engagement formations F of the body B are shaped to conform to the generally trapezoidal profiles of the longitudinal ribs r 1, r 2 of the corresponding profiled roof sheet S1, S2 shown in Figure 14.

[0067] In the preferred form, the body B of the sealing device 10 has a level of resilience by which it is able to deform elastically between the overlapping ends of the profiled roof sheets S1, S2 along the length of the body B in use. To enable this, the body B is formed at least partly of a resilient polymeric material that can be formed, such as a polymer foam. Where the resilient material is a polymer foam, it is preferably a closed cell foam, such as that which is produced using an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a polyurethane or a polyamide. It will be appreciated by a skilled person in the relevant art, however, that the body B, while resilient, is sufficiently stiff as to sufficiently resist compression as the upper profiled sheet S1 is pressed down onto the sealing device 10 and thereby provide a positive pressure against each of the profiled sheets S1, S2 for effective sealing between said longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets S1, S2.

[0068] As can be appreciated from Figure 7, the lower surface 28 of the body B of the sealing device 10 is substantially the complement of the upper surface of roof sheet S2, while the upper surface 26 is substantially the complement of the lower surface of roof sheet S1. Thus, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7, the engagement formations F of the sealing device 10 have the same generally trapezoidal profile when viewed in side elevation as the longitudinal ribs r1 , r 2 of the corresponding sheets S1 and S2 to which the sealing device 10 is to be installed between. As a consequence, the sealing device 10 is able to be pressed down onto the lower roof sheet S2 to enable each of the ribs r 2 to be received in a corresponding one of the recessed parts 28a within a respective engagement formation F.

[0069] Similarly, as shown in Figure 8, roof sheet S1 is able to be pressed down onto the sealing device 10 to enable each engagement formation F to be received within a corresponding one of the grooves formed beneath roof sheet S1 by a respective longitudinal rib r1 .

[0070] Cleat Structure

[0071] The sealing device 10 also includes a cleat structure that is configured to provide not only a means by which to strengthen the sealing device 10 at each of the engagement formations F along the length of the body B, but also a means by which to help secure the overlapping profiled roof sheets S1, S2 to the underlying purlin P in use.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the cleat structure includes complementary pairs of cleat part members, CA, CB located at the engagement formations F along the length of the body B. The cleat structure includes generally midway along its length, a raised portion, at which each cleat part member CA, CB has a form that corresponds at least partially to the form of the engagement formations F of the body B. And, each cleat part member CA, CB of the cleat structure is made of a metal or a rigid engineering plastics material. In the case of metals, the cleat part member CA, CB can be manufactured from steel, preferably coated or galvanized steel, brass or aluminium. While in the case of plastics, the cleat part members CA, CB can be manufactured from such plastics as nylon, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and the like.

[0073] Referring specifically to Figure 5, the cleat part member CA has a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal bridge, labelled 40 that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed legs 42, 44 via a respective first end of said legs 42, 44. Extending outwardly from an opposing second end of each leg 42, 44, along an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the generally horizontal bridge 40, is a corresponding elongate arm 46, 48.

[0074] Referring specifically to Figure 6, cleat part member CB also has asimilar generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal bridge, labelled 50 that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed legs 52, 54 via a respective first end of said legs 52, 54. Extending outwardly from an opposing second end of each of the two legs 52, 54, along an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the generally horizontal bridge 50, is a corresponding elongate arm 56, 58.

[0075] The cleat part members CA, CB of each pair are configured to be secured against a corresponding outwardly facing longitudinal side surface 29 of the body B by way of a pair of laterally spaced apart pins or projections X 1, X 2 that extend orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the two arms 46, 48 of cleat part member CA and which pass substantially throughcorresponding laterally spaced apart apertures 30 in the body B to be received within a corresponding laterally spaced apart aperture that extends substantially through a corresponding one of the two arms 56, 58 of cleat part member CB and is secured therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by virtue of a corresponding retainer ring Y 1 ,

Y 2 that is substantially aligned with the aperture and extends orthogonally from an outwardly facing surface of cleat part member CB. By virtue of this arrangement, the two cleat part members CA, CB of each pair can be interconnected at acorresponding engagement formation F to afford the sealing device 10.

[0076] As shown specifically in Figures 1 to 3 and 6, each cleat part member CB includes a generally rectangular shaped bracket member Z that extends outwardly from an outwardly facing surface of the bridge 50 at an angle that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cleat part member CB. The bracket member Z has a generally elongate or lozenge-shaped aperture A that extends substantially through the bracket member Z along a generally vertical axis.

[0077] One advantage of having an elongate aperture A is that when the roof cladding system is assembled, the overlapping roof sheets S1, S2 can freely expand and contract according to the weather conditions without damaging or buckling either of the two roof sheets S1, S2.

[0078] Another advantage that arises from the cleat structure type arrangement is that if the elongate body B of the sealing device 10 is not of a sufficient length to span the length of the roof structure to which it is to be used, then two separate sealing devices 10 can be inter-connected at respective abutting ends thereof by such a cleat structure.

[0079] Use

[0080] In a preferred arrangement, and as shown in Figure 8, the roof cladding system is assembled according to the following method.

[0081] According to a first step, roof sheet S2 is mounted to one or more support members (not shown) associated with the underlying structure of the roof frame.

[0082] According to a second step, and as shown in Figure 7, the sealing device is positioned on the upper surface of roof sheet S2 at end portion ep2a, so as to coincide with the location of the underlying purlin P to which the roof sheets S1 and S2 are to be affixed. As shown in Figure 7, the bracket member Z associated with each cleat part member CB, is configured to locate directly over, and in substantial alignment with, a corresponding one of the plurality of longitudinal ribs r 2 .

[0083] According to a third step, and again, as shown in Figure 7, the end portion epia of roof sheet S1 is located over the end portion ep2a of roof sheet S2 in a longitudinally overlapping manner and then roof sheet S1 is secured to the underlying purlin P using a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as self-drilling screws (sold commercially under the trade name Tek-screws TM) at all positions (not shown) except at the position at which the sealing device 10 is located on roof sheet S2.

[0084] According to a fourth step, a hole punch (not shown) is then employed to drill holes substantially through the roof sheet S, at the location of each aperture A in the bracket member Z of the various cleat part members CB of the assembled sealing device 10, and substantially through the underlying roof sheet S2 affixed to the support members.

[0085] Once the drill holes have been formed, mechanical fasteners such as Tek screwsTM can then be used to secure the overlapping profiled sheets S1 and S2 and the sealing device 10 sandwiched therebetween, to the underlying purlin P.

[0086] As shown in Figure 8, a washer or spacer, sp may be used when affixing the mechanical fasteners in place to reduce the likelihood of rainwater penetrating the drill holes in the overlapping ends of the profiled roof sheets S, and S2 and causing water damage to the underlying structure. Ideally, the spacers sp have a shape that conforms to the underlying profile of the longitudinal ribs r 1 such that spacer sp substantially covers the drill hole formed in the rib r1 .

[0087] Sealing Device 100

[0088] Figures 9 and 10 show perspective views of a sealing device 100 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in providing a watertight seal between respective end portions of overlapping profiled roof sheets, such as the profiled roof sheets S1, S2.

[0089] Body

[0090] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, and more specifically in Figure 11, the sealing device 100 also includes an elongate body B' which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces 126 and 128, and respective sides 129 which extend between surfaces 126 and 128. Also, at spaced intervals, corresponding to the widths of the pans t 1, t2 of each of the two roof sheets S1, S2, the sealing device 100 has upstanding engagement portions, hereinafter referred to as engagement formations F'. Similarly, the engagement formations F' provide raised parts 126a of the upper surface 126, and recessed parts (not shown) of the lower surface 128 of the body B'. As will be apparent from the description below, the engagement formations F'are shaped to conform to the profile of the ribs of the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets for which the sealing device 100 is configured to be used with. For instance, in this embodiment, the engagement formations F' of the body B are shaped to conform to the generally trapezoidal profiles (when viewed in side elevation) of the longitudinal ribs r 1, r2 of each roof sheet S1, S2 shown in Figure 14.

[0091] The body B' of sealing device 100 differs from the body B of sealing device in that the sealing device 100 includes an aperture 130 located at the engagement formation F' that extends substantially through this part of the body B', and which is in addition to the two laterally spaced apertures (labelled 130 for sealing device 100). The reason for the additional aperture 130 will become apparent from the discussion on the associated cleat structure which follows.

[0092] Additionally, it can be seen from Figures 9 to 11, that, an end facing surface of a first end of the body B' includes an elongate groove that extends substantially through the engagement formation F' from one external surface 129 of the body section B' to the other. It will be appreciated that the groove corresponds to a part of an aperture 130 that would otherwise have been complete if the remainder of that particular engagement formation F'were still present.

[0093] Cleat Structure

[0094] As shown in Figures 9, 10, 12 and 13, the cleat structure includes complementary pairs of cleat part members, CA', CB'configured for locating at each of the engagement formations F' along the length of the body B'.

[0095] Referring specifically to Figures 10 and 12, cleat part member CA' also has a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal bridge, labelled 140, that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed legs 142, 144 via a respective first end of each leg 142, 144. Extending outwardly from an opposing second end of each leg 142, 144, along an axis that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the horizontal bridge 140, is a corresponding elongate arm 146,148.

[0096] Referring specifically to Figures 10 and 13, cleat part member CB' also has a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal bridge, labelled 150, that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed legs 152, 154 via a respective first end of each leg 152, 154. Extending outwardly from an opposing second end of each leg 152, 154, along an axis that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the horizontal bridge 150 is an elongate arm 156, 158.

[0097] Figures 10 and 13 also show that cleat part member CB' includes a generally rectangular shaped bracket member Z' that extends outwardly from an outwardly facing surface of the bridge 150 at an angle that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cleat part member CB'. The bracket member Z' has a generally rectangular shaped aperture A' that extends substantially through the bracket member Z'along a generally vertical axis.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10, the cleat part members CA', CB' of each pair are configured to be secured against a corresponding outwardly facing longitudinal side surface 129 of the body B' by way of a pair of laterally spaced apart pins or projections Y, Y 2 that extend orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the two arms 156, 158 of cleat part member CB' and which pass substantially through corresponding laterally spaced apart apertures 130 in the body B' to be received within a corresponding laterally spaced apart aperture that extends substantially through a corresponding one of the two arms 146, 148 of cleat part member CA'and is secured therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by virtue of an associated retainer ring X, X 2 that is substantially aligned with the aperture and extends orthogonally from an outwardly facing surface of cleat part member CA'.

[0099] Unlike in the first embodiment described above, the cleat part members CA', CB' according to the second embodiment are configured with an additional pin/aperture to facilitate a more stable assembly.

[0100] Specifically, and as shown in Figures 12 and 13, cleat member CB' includes an additional pin Y' that extends orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of the bridge 150 of cleat part member CB', for use in passingsubstantially through the aperture 130 located at the engagement formation F' in the body B' to be received within a corresponding aperture extending substantially through the bridge 140 of cleat part member CA' and secured therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by virtue of an associated retainer ring X' that is substantially aligned with the aperture and extends orthogonally from the outwardly facing surface of cleat part member CA'. By virtue of this arrangement, the two cleat part members CA', CB' of each pair are interconnected at a corresponding engagement formation F'.

[0101] Additionally, it will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art that the purpose of the part-aperture at the end of the body B' shown in Figures 9 to 11 is such that when the body B' is not long enough to span the length of the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets for which the sealing device 100 is to be used, then it is possible to couple together two sealing devices 100 at their respective ends so that the part-apertures when combined define a whole aperture 130 through which can be received a corresponding pin Y 3 associated with a cleat member CB' that has one of its two other pins Y1 extending through an adjacent aperture 130 in a first of the two sealing devices 100 and the other pin YZ extending through an adjacent aperture 130 in a second of the two sealing devices 100. The coupling is complete when cleat part member CA' is applied to the pins protruding through the other side 129 of the body B'.

[0102] Use

[0103] Figure 14 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame (in exploded form) of a roof cladding system to reveal detail of the sealing device 100 of Figures 9 and 10 located between overlapping ends of upper and lower profiled roof sheets S1, S2, which have been affixed in place following the general procedure outlined above with respect to sealing device 10.

[0104] Sealing Device 200

[0105] Figures 15 and 16 show perspective views of a sealing device 200 according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in providing a watertight seal between respective end portions of longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets.

[0106] Body

[0107] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the sealing device 200 includes the same elongate body B' described in the embodiment above, namely, that which relative to one in-use orientation has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces 126 and 128, and respective sides 129 which extend between said surfaces 126 and 128. Also, at spaced intervals, corresponding to the widths of the pans t 3 and t5 of each of the two corresponding profiled roof sheets S8 and S shown in Figure 27, the sealing device 200 has upstanding engagement portions, hereinafter, for the purpose of this particular embodiment, referred to as engagement formations F". Similarly, the engagement formations F" provide raised parts 126a of the upper surface 126, and recessed parts 128a of the lower surface 128 of the body B'.

[0108] As will be apparent from the description below, the engagement formations F" are shaped to conform to the generally trapezoidal profiles (when viewed in side elevation) of the longitudinal ribs r 3 , r5 of the two corresponding profiled roof sheet S3, S shown in Figure 27.

[0109] Cleat Structure

[0110] The sealing device 200 also includes a cleat structure that is configured in a similar manner to the cleat structures described above, to provide not only a means by which to strengthen the sealing device 200 at each of the engagement formations F" along the length of the body B', but also a means by which to help secure the corresponding profiled roof sheets S and S to an underlying support structure in use such as a purlin (not shown).

[0111] Specifically, and as shown in Figures 17 to 20, the cleat structure for sealing device 200 includes complementary pairs of cleat part members, CA", CB" configured for locating at each of the engagement formations F" along the length of the body B'. Each of the two cleat part members, CA", CB" is configured in a similar manner to that which is described above in respect of cleat part members, CA', CB'for the second embodiment, but with the addition of flange members to strengthen the legs associated with the two cleat part members CA", CB".

[0112] Specifically, and as shown in Figures 17 and 18, cleat part member CA" has a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal bridge, labelled 240, that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed legs 242, 244 via a respective first end of each leg 242, 244. Extending outwardly from an opposing second end of each leg 242, 244, along an axis that corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the horizontal bridge 240, and thus of the cleat part member CA"itself, is an elongate arm 246, 248.

[0113] As indicated above, the cleat part member CA" includes a pair of flange members 242a, 244alocated at the central portion of the cleat part member CA" which extend outwardly from a surface of the cleat part member CA" that corresponds to an outwardly facing surface of the cleat part member CA" when employed as part of the sealing device 200 in use. The two flange members 242a, 244a extend downwardly from opposing ends of the horizontal bridge 240 along the length of the corresponding leg 242, 244 from the first end of said leg 242, 244 to the opposing second end thereof where the flange member 242a, 244a terminates at a point where the second end of the leg 242, 244 extends into the corresponding arm 246, 248.

[0114] Referring specifically to Figures 19 and 20, the cleat part member CB" also has a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal bridge, labelled 250 that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed legs 252, 254 via a respective first end of each leg 252, 254. Extending outwardly from an opposing second end of each leg 252, 254, along an axis that corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the horizontal bridge 250, is an elongate arm 256,258.

[0115] Figures 19 and 20 also show that the cleat part member CB" includes a generally rectangular shaped bracket member Z" that extends outwardly from a surface of the bridge 250 at an angle that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cleat part member CB". This outwardly facing surface of the bridge 250 forms part of the outwardly facing surface of the entire cleat part member CB" when employed as part of the sealing device 200 in use. The bracket member Z" has a generally rectangular shaped aperture A" that extends substantially through the bracket member Z" along a generally vertical axis.

[0116] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the cleat part member CB" also includes a pair of flange members 252a, 254a located at the central portion of the cleat part member CB" which extend outwardly from the same outwardly facing surface of the cleat part member CB" as described above. Each of the two flange members 252a, 254a extends downwardly from a corresponding one of the two opposing ends of the horizontal bridge 250, and a corresponding side wall of the bracket member Z" to which the flange member 252a, 254a is connected, and along the length of the corresponding leg 252, 254 from the first end of said leg 252, 254 to the opposing second end thereof where the flange member 252a, 254a terminates at a point where the second end of the leg 252, 254 extends into the corresponding arm 256, 258.

[0117] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the cleat part members CA", CB" of each pair are configured to be secured against a corresponding outwardly facing longitudinal side surface 129 of the body B" by way of a pair of laterally spaced apart pins or projections Yr, Y2 that extend orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the two arms 256, 258 of cleat part member CB" and which pass substantially through corresponding laterally spaced apart apertures 130 in the body B' to be received within a corresponding laterally spaced apart aperture extending substantially through a corresponding one of the two arms 246, 248 of cleat part member CA"and secured therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by virtue of an associated retainer ring Xr, X 2 that is substantially aligned with the aperture and extends orthogonally from an outwardly facing surface of cleat part member CA".

[0118] Additionally, and as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the cleat member CB" includes an additional pin YT" that extends orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of the bridge 250 of cleat part member CB", for use in passingsubstantially through a corresponding aperture 130 located at the engagement formation F" in the body B' to be received substantially through a corresponding aperture in the bridge 240 of cleat part member CA" and secured therein via asnap-fit type arrangement by virtue of an associated retainer ring X3 that is substantially aligned with the aperture and extends orthogonally from the outwardly facing surface of cleat part member CA".

[0119] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art that the use of flange members 242a, 244a and 252a, 254a to strength the corresponding legs of the cleat part members CA" and CB" from which the flange members largely extend enables the cleat part members CA' and CB" to be manufactured from materials other than the conventional metals that are often employed such as coated or galvanised steel, aluminium, or brass. In particular, the inventors have found that cleat part members CA and CB" having these flange members can be manufactured from polymers such as nylon.

[0120] Sealing Device 300

[0121] Figures 21 and 22 show perspective views of a sealing device 300 according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Body

[0123] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, sealing device 300 is very similar to the construction of sealing device 200 in that it includes a single section of elongate body B" (or B') with a single cleat structure in the form of a complementary pair of cleat part members CA" and CB".

[0124] With specific reference to Figures 23 and 24, the body section, hereinafter referred to as Bs, includes upper and lower longitudinal surfaces 126 and 128, and respective sides 129 which extend between said surfaces 126 and 128. Here, however, the body section Bs is defined by a single engagement formation, hereinafter referred to as Fs, located at generally a central portion of the body section, with a length of body extending from one end of the engagement formation Fs to a first end of the body section Bs that defines a part-formed engagement formation F", and a length of body extending from an opposing end of the engagement formation Fs that stops at a second end of the body section Bs just shy of forming another engagement formation Fs (not shown). The engagement formation Fs provides a raised part 126a of the upper surface 126 and a recessed part 128a of the lower surface 128 of the body section Bs.

[0125] As shown in Figures 21 to 24, and more clearly in Figures 22 and 23, an end facing surface of the first end of the body section Bs includes an elongate groove that extends substantially through the engagement formation Fs from one external surface 329 of the body section Bs to the other. It will be appreciated that the groove corresponds to a part of an aperture 130 that would otherwise have been complete if the remainder of the engagement formation Fs were present. The purpose of the part aperture is as described above in respect of the elongate body B' shown in Figures 9 to 11, to simply allow the body section Bs of this sealing device 300 to be coupled to a correspondingly configured end of the body of another sealing device (200, 300) by a cleat structure. An end facing surface of the second end of the body section Bs is simply squared off.

[0126] Sealing Device 400

[0127] When constructing a roof frame system for a structure, there may be situations where the profiled roof sheets used to form the roof are required to have longitudinal ribs with different profiles. These roof sheets may be of the same or similar material to the other roof sheets, such as a coated or galvanised sheet metal, or may be manufactured from a different material entirely.

[0128] For instance, it can be beneficial to incorporate transparent or translucent roof sheets in selected areas of the roof frame to allow light to penetrate through the roof to the structure below. Such transparent or translucent roof sheets are typically manufactured from a plastics material such as polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a fibre-reinforced plastics material such as polyester sheeting reinforced with fibreglass.

[0129] Oftentimes, such transparent or translucent roof sheets have a plurality of longitudinal ribs with a profile that when viewed end on, is different to the profile of the longitudinal ribs associated with the non-transparent or translucent roof sheets used to construct the roof cladding system. To this end, it becomes necessary to employ one or more sealing devices that can accommodate this difference and yet still achieve a watertight seal between longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets.

[0130] Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a sealing device 400 according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention that finds application in roof cladding systems, such as that shown in Figure 27, which employ transparent or translucent roof sheets S4 with longitudinal ribs r 4 that have a generally arched profile when viewed end on.

[0131] Body

[0132] As shown in Figure 25, and more clearly in Figure 26, the sealing device 400 includes an elongate body B 2 which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces 226 and 228, and respective sides 229 which extend between surfaces 226 and 228. Also, at spaced intervals, corresponding to the widths of the pans t4 of the profiled roof sheet S4 shown in Figure 27, the sealing device 400 has upstanding engagement portions, hereinafter referred to as engagement formations F 2 . Similarly, the engagement formations F 2 provide raised parts 226a of the upper surface 226, and recessed parts 228a of the lower surface 228 of the body B 2. As distinct from the elongate bodies B, B', B" and Bs described above, the engagement formations F 2 for body B 2 are shaped to conform to the generally arched profile (when viewed in side elevation) of the longitudinal ribs r 4 of the profiled roof sheet S4 shown in Figure 27.

[0133] Cleat Structure

[0134] The sealing device 400 also includes a cleat structure that is configured in a similar manner to the cleat structure described above in respect of sealing devices 200 and 300, to provide not only a means by which to strengthen the sealing device 400 at each of the engagement formations F 2 along the length of the body B 2, but also a means to secure the corresponding profiled roof sheet S4 to an underlying purlin P (not shown) in use.

[0135] As shown in Figure 25, the cleat structure includes complementary pairs of the previously described cleat part members, CA", CB" located at the engagement formations F2 along the length of the body B 2 by utilising a plurality of apertures 230 extending through the body B2 from one side 229 to the other.

[0136] Like elongate bodies B', B" and Bs, it can be seen from Figures 25 and 26 that an end facing surface of each of a first and second end of the elongate body B 2 includes an elongate groove that extends substantially through the engagement formation F 2 from one external surface 229 of the body B 2 to the other. It will be appreciated that the groove corresponds to a part of an aperture 230 that would otherwise have been complete if the remainder of that particular engagement formation F 2 were still present. Again, the purpose of the part-aperture is as described above in respect of the elongate body B' shown in Figures 9 to 11, to simply allow the body B 2 of this sealing device 400 to be coupled to a correspondingly configured end of the body of another sealing device (200, 300) by a cleat structure.

[0137] Use

[0138] Figure 27 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame of a roof cladding system comprised of a lower layer of three laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets S3, S4 and S5, mounted and secured to one or more support members (not shown) associated with the underlying structure of the roof cladding system, together with a plurality of different sealing devices for use in providing a watertight seal between the end portions of ep3a, ep4a and ep5a of these laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets S3, S4 and S5, and the corresponding end portions of an upper layer of laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets (not shown) that longitudinally overlap end portions ep3a, ep4a and ep5a. For the purpose of extoling the benefits of this arrangement, the two outer profiled roof sheets S8 and S in Figure 27 are manufactured from steel (coated or galvanised), and the centrally mounted roof sheet S4, which has side margins that overlap the corresponding inner side margins of the two outer profiled roof sheets S and S is manufactured from a transparent or translucent material such as polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or fibreglass reinforced polyester.

[0139] Specifically, and as shown in Figure 27, the two outer profiled roof sheets S and S are first mounted and secured to the underlying support structure of the roof frame in a similar manner to that which is described above when mounting the lower profiled roof sheet S2 to the underlying structure shown in Figure 14. The third profiled roof sheet S4 is then mounted to the underlying structure such the side margin sm4b of roof sheet S4 overlaps the side margin sm3a of roof sheet S to define a composite rib cr3 /4 , and the side margin sm4a of roof sheet S4 overlaps the side margin sm5b of roof sheet S to define a composite rib cr 4/5

.

[0140] When viewed end on, the first two profiled roof sheets S and S each have generally trapezoidal shaped longitudinal ribs (r 3 and r5 , respectively) that are spaced apart by flat pans t3 and 5t , respectively, while the third profiled roof sheet S4 (disposed between roof sheets S and S5) has a plurality of longitudinal ribs r 4 with a generally arched shaped profile (when viewed end on) spaced apart by flat pans t 4

. Since the side margins Sm3aand Sm3b of roof sheet S overlay side margins sm4b and sm5b of roof sheets S4 and S5, respectively, then the profile of the resultant composite ribs cr3 /4 and cr 4 /5 takes the form of the longitudinal ribs r 3 of roof sheet S3.

[0141] Next, a pair of sealing devices 200 together with a single sealing device 400 are selected and positioned according to their profiles on the upper surfaces of the laterally overlapping roof sheets S3, S4 and S5, in proximity to a corresponding end portion (i.e. ep3a,ep4aand epsa) of the three roof sheets S3, S4 and S5, so as to coincide with the location of an underlying purlin P (not shown) to which the lower layer of laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets S3,S4 and S5, and subsequent upper layer of laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets (not shown) are to be affixed. These three sealing devices 200, 400, 200 are coupled together in an end-on arrangement using the appropriate cleat structures to define a composite sealing device that extends from side margin smsa of roof sheet S to side margin sm3b of roof sheet S3.

[0142] As shown in Figure 27, the bracket member Z" associated with each cleat part member CB" of the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200) is configured to locate directly over, and in substantial alignment with, a corresponding one of the longitudinal ribs (r 3, r4 , rs) associated with the particular profiled roof sheet S3, S4 and S5 over which the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200) is positioned.

[0143] In addition to the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200), two other sealing devices 300 are positioned on the upper surfaces of the profiled roof sheets S3, S4 and S5, in which one sealing device 300 is positioned at the boundary between roof sheets S and S4 and the second sealing device 300 is positioned at the boundary between profiled roof sheets S4 and s. By virtue of this arrangement, the one complete engagement formation F" of each sealing device 300 is positioned over a corresponding one of the two composite ribs cr/4 and cr 45/

.

[0144] Again, as shown in Figure 27, the bracket member Z" associated with the cleat part member CB" of each sealing device 300 is configured to locate directly over, and in substantial alignment with, the corresponding composite rib (cr/4 and cr 45/

) over which the sealing device 300 is positioned.

[0145] Optionally, and as shown by, for example, the highlighted section (dashed circle) in Figure 27, the inventors have found that by removing a small section (as referenced in the inset figure as D) of a side wall sw4 of the corresponding longitudinal rib r 4 of the profiled roof sheet S4 associated with the composite rib cr/ 4 , thereby exposing a side wall sw3 of the underlying longitudinal rib r3 of the profiled roof sheet S3. By virtue of this arrangement, any water that seeps between the laterally overlapping profiled sheets S8 and S4 can flow out through the removed drainage section D onto the corresponding pan t3 of the profiled roof sheet S that is located substantially adjacent to the removed drainage section D.

[0146] It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art that a section of a side wall of the corresponding longitudinal rib r 4 of the profiled roof sheet S4 associated with the composite rib cr 4 /5 can be removed in a similar manner to allow any water that has seeped between the laterally overlapping profiled sheets S4 and S5 can flow out through the removed section onto the corresponding pan t5 of the profiled roof sheet S that is located substantially adjacent to the removed drainage section,

[0147] Additionally, the two sealing devices 300 located either side of the transparent or translucent roof sheet S4 provide a means by which to catch any water that may seep out from the drainage section D onto the adjacent pan t3 of the metal profiled sheet S3.

[0148] It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art that to complete the roof cladding system, a corresponding upper layer of three laterally overlapping roof sheets (not shown), in which each roof sheet of the upper layer has longitudinal ribs of a complementary profile to the longitudinal ribs (r 3 , r 4 and r5 ) of the corresponding roof sheet (S3, S4 and S5) of the lower layer, is then mounted such that a combined longitudinal end portion of the three laterally overlapping roof sheets of the upper layer is located over the combined end portions (i.e. ep3a, ep4a and ep5a) of the lower layer and subsequently secured to the underlying purlin P using a plurality of mechanical fasteners (not shown) such as self-drilling screws (sold commercially under the trade name Tek-screws TM).

[0149] In a similar manner to that which is described above in respect of the roof cladding system shown in Figure 14, a hole punch (not shown) is then employed to drill holes substantially through the upper layer (not shown) of laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets at the location of each aperture A" in the bracket member Z" of the various cleat part members CB" of the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200), and substantially through the underlying lower layer of laterally overlapping roof sheets roof sheet S3, S4 and S5), and then mechanical fasteners such as Tek screwsTM can be used to secure the longitudinally overlapping upper and lower layers of profiled sheets, together with the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200) and the two other sealing devices 300 sandwiched therebetween, to the underlying purlin P.

[0150] It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the relevant art that spacers such as those (sp') shown in Figure 14 can be used when affixing the mechanical fasteners in place to reduce the likelihood of rainwater penetrating the drill holes in the longitudinally overlapping ends of the upper and lower layers of laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets.

[0151] In short, it will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that by using a composite sealing device formed from two or more sealing devices coupled together in an end-on arrangement, in which the elongate body of at least one of the sealing devices has engagement formations of a different profile to that of the engagement formations of the other sealing device(s), it becomes possible to construct a roof cladding system with one or more roof sheets that have longitudinal ribs with profiles that are different to the profiles of the longitudinal ribs of the other roof sheets that form part of the roof cladding system, and yet still achieve a watertight seal between all of the longitudinally overlapping roof sheets that the composite sealing device spans.

[0152] Advantages

[0153] The sealing devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a number of benefits, including:

[0154] 1. The ability to provide a watertight seal between the end portions of longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets such as roof sheets of a roof cladding system.

[0155] 2. The ability to secure the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets to an underlying support structure such as a purlin, without having to pass a plurality of mechanical fasteners directly through a body of the sealing device and without the need for a strap and associated connectors or clips as are often used in conventional cladding systems of this nature.

[0156] 3. The ability to allow the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets to expand and contract by way of the elongated aperture A, A', A" in the corresponding bracket member Z, Z', Z" of the associated cleat part member of the cleat structure.

[0157] 4. The cleat structure prevents overtightening at the resultant waterproof joint and spaces the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets apart.

[0158] 5. The ability to employ a plurality of sealing devices coupled together in an end-on arrangement to realise a composite sealing device for use in situations in which the frame of the cladding system such as a roof cladding system is comprised of a plurality of roof sheets, in which one or more of said roof sheets has longitudinal ribs with a different profile to that of the longitudinal ribs associated with the other roof sheets.

[0159] Other Embodiments

[0160] In one other embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that while the sealing devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in terms of their being mounted to a C-section purlin P, the sealing devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 can equally be mounted to a Z-section purlin (not shown).

[0161] In one other embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the elongate bodies B, B', Bs, B 2 of the corresponding sealing devices , 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein are not limited to the configurations as shown in the figures, but may have a different form or be constructed of layers or portions manufactured from different materials.

[0162] Definitions

[0163] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0164] Throughout this application, the term "about'is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

[0165] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0166] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0167] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the Figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

[0168] While the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications and variations in light of the foregoing description are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

[0169] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" are used in the specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.

Claims (22)

Claims The claims defining this invention are as follows:

1. A sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets of a cladding system, the sealing device including:

an elongate body which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces that have a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which the sealing device is to be used; and

a cleat structure configured to secure the body to an underlying structure of the cladding system when the body is located in place between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

2. A sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the body includes at one or more locations along its length, an engagement portion, at which the upper surface is raised, and at which the lower surface is raised, and wherein each of the upper and lower surfaces of the engagement portion has a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

3. The sealing device according to claim 2, wherein the raised upper surface and the recessed lower surface at each engagement portion have substantially complementary forms which correspond substantially to the cross-sectional profile of the lower, inner surface and the upper, outer surface, respectively, of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

4. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleat structure is secured against at least one outwardly facing longitudinal side surface of the body.

5. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleat structure has a form corresponding at least partially to the form of the body.

6. The sealing device according to claim 2, wherein the cleat structure includes along its length, a raised portion that has a form corresponding at least partially to the form of a corresponding one of the engagement portions of the body.

7. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cleat structure includes a bracket member having an aperture extending substantially therethrough, and wherein each of the profiled sheets includes an aperture that extends substantially through the profiled sheet, such that when the ends of the profiled sheets are longitudinally overlapping, the apertures of the profiled sheets are in substantial alignment with the aperture in the bracket member of the cleat structure located substantially between the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets, to enable a mechanical fastener to be received through the aligned apertures for securing the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and the sealing device to the underlying structure beneath the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

8. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cleat structure is made of a metal or a rigid engineering plastics material.

9. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the cleat structure has a respective cleat part secured against each longitudinal side surface of the body, such as by at least one pin or projection extending through the body and interconnecting the cleat parts.

10. The sealing device according to claim 9, wherein each of the cleat parts includes along a respective length thereof, a central portion that corresponds to the raised portion of the cleat structure, wherein the central portion of each cleat part has a form that corresponds at least partially to the form of a corresponding one of the engagement portions of the body.

11. The sealing device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one of the cleat parts includes a bracket member having an aperture extending substantially therethrough, and wherein each of the profiled sheets includes an aperture that extends substantially through the profiled sheet, such that when the ends of the profiled sheets are longitudinally overlapping, the apertures of the profiled sheets are in substantial alignment with the aperture in the bracket member of the at least one cleat part located substantially between the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets, to enable a mechanical fastener to be received through the aligned apertures for securing the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and the sealing device to an underlying structure beneath the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

12. The sealing device according to claim 11, wherein the central portion of the at least one cleat part is defined by a bridge portion and a pair of legs extending downwardly and outwardly from opposing ends of the bridge portion, and wherein the bracket member extends from an outwardly facing surface of the bridge portion.

13. The sealing device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the cleat parts includes reinforcing means.

14. The sealing device according to claim 13, wherein the central portion of the at least one cleat part is defined by a bridge portion and a pair of legs extending downwardly and outwardly from opposing ends of the bridge portion, and wherein the reinforcing means is defined by a pair of flange members, each flange member extending from an outwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the legs.

15. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body has a level of resilience which enables the body to deform elastically between said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and thereby provide a seal with each profiled sheet along the length of the body.

16. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the body is formed wholly or partly of a resilient material.

17. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the body is formed at least partly of a resilient polymeric material, such as a formed polymeric material.

18. The sealing device according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the body, while resilient, is sufficiently stiff as to resist compression as the upper profiled sheet is pressed down onto the sealing device and thereby provide a positive pressure against each of the profiled sheets for effective sealing between said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

19. The sealing device according to claim 2, wherein the body and each engagement portion is formed entirely of a resilient material, such as a foam material.

20. A cladding system having at least one line of at least two profiled sheets having longitudinally overlapping ends, wherein at least one sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is located and provides a seal between the longitudinally overlapping ends of said profiled sheets.

21. A cladding system having at least two lines of laterally overlapping profiled sheets, wherein each line includes at least two profiled sheets having longitudinally overlapping ends, and wherein a composite sealing device formed from at least two sealing devices according to any one of claims 1 to 19 coupled together in an end-on arrangement using a cleat structure of one of the at least two sealing devices, is located and provides a seal between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.

22. A cladding system according to claim 21, wherein each of the at least two sealing devices of the composite device has an elongate body that includes at one or more locations along its length, an engagement portion, at which the upper surface is raised, and at which the lower surface is raised, and wherein each of the upper and lower surfaces of the engagement portion has a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which each of the at least two sealing devices is to be used, wherein the profile of the engagement portion of a first of the at least sealing devices is different to the profile of the engagement portion of a second of the at least two sealing devices.