EP0983408B1 - Roof cover element - Google Patents

Abstract

A preformed roof cover element consisting essentially of a quadrilateral panel (1) with the shape of an isosceles trapezium whereof the two non-parallel sides (2 and 3) have rims (4 and 5) extending substantially over the whole length of the sides. The rims (4 and 5) are raised on the same panel (1) side. The length of one of the trapezium bases (6) is substantially equal to that of the other base (7) increased by twice the thickness of the rim (4 and 5) wall so as to enable the rim (4 and 5) ends (8) to be engaged on the shortest base (7) side with the panel part bordered by the ends with a predetermined element between the ends (9) located at the longest base (6) side of another element extending in a projection of the predetermined element and parallel to the rims (4 and 5).

Description

The present invention relates to a cover element prefabricated consisting of a quadrilateral panel having on two of its opposite sides a rim extending substantially over the entire length of these sides, these two edges rising on the same face of the panel and comprising means making it possible to connect the edge of a first panel with the adjacent edge of a second adjoining panel oriented in the same sense and located in the same plane as said first panel.

The use of known elements of this type generally requires a specialized workforce. It is, in fact, generally necessary to do use of a crimper on site to assemble these elements laterally one to the other and / or the interlocking in the longitudinal direction of two elements successive steps must be carried out by force which, in some cases, can cause problem of alignment and correct positioning.

One of the essential aims of the present invention is to propose a cover element which can be mass-produced industrially and precisely in the workshop at a low cost compared to the elements of prefabricated roofing known and whose implementation does not generally require no know-how and specific equipment, which in common cases allows installation by a single non-specialist person.

BE-A-528371 discloses cover elements obtained from from a rectangular metal sheet. These elements are provided on their raised edges of a clamp and an edge border allowing the engagement of bins juxtaposed, folding forming joint cover. There is therefore no need to resort crimping of juxtaposed elements, but the problems due to assembly by strength are not resolved.

FR-A-929893 describes metal cover sheets, to rolled side edges fitting into the corresponding edge of a neighboring sheet. A stapling device is provided, consisting of a transverse strip welded to the upper bet of each sheet and intended to receive a fold of the sheet immediately superior. These sheets are rectangular. They don't have upward side edges forming said standing seals which provide sealing in heavy rain.

The cover element, according to the invention, is essentially consisting of a panel having substantially the appearance of an isosceles trapezium, the two non-parallel sides have said edges, the length of one of bases of the trapezoid being substantially equal to that of the other base increased by twice the thickness of the wall of said edges, in such a way as to allow to engage the ends of the flanges on the side of the shortest base with the ends at the side of the longest base of another extending element in the extension of said determined element and parallel to said flanges.

Advantageously, the panel has on its aforementioned face, at near its longest base, a retaining member allowing to immobilize, one with respect to the other, in a determined position, two successive elements engaged in the extension of one another according to the longitudinal direction of their edges.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned retainer has the form of a clamp oriented towards the base the shorter of the element on which it is provided, this base having an edge which is at least partially folded in the shape of a clamp towards the opposite side to that on which is arranged the retaining member, so as to allow the retaining member of a specific element to cooperate with the above folded edge of another element engaged in the extension of this determined element in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of their edges.

Other details and particularities of the invention will emerge from the description given below, by way of nonlimiting example, of a form of particular embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an element of cover according to this particular embodiment.

Figure 2 is a section along line II-II of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a section along line III-III of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the roof formed by cover elements according to this embodiment with seals aligned.

Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 with staggered joints.

Figure 6 is a section along line VI-VI with broken Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a partial section along line VII-VII of the figure 4.

Figures 8 and 9 are schematic plan representations of two possible assemblies.

In the different figures, the same reference numbers relate to the same elements.

The particular embodiment of the cover element prefabricated, as shown in the figures, consists essentially of a panel 1 having the appearance of an isosceles trapezium whose two non-parallel sides 2 and 3 have two flanges 4 and 5 standing on the same face of the panel 1.

The length of the large base 6 of the trapezoid is substantially equal to that of the small base 7 increased by twice the thickness of the wall of the ledges 4 and 5. In addition, the edges 4 and 5 have such a geometry that it is possible to engage their ends 8 on the side of the small base 7 of an element of cover determined with the opposite ends 9 located at the side of the large base 6 of another element extending in the extension of the element cited in first place.

The panel 1 has on its upper face, near its large base 6, a retaining member 10 for immobilizing, one relative to the other, in the position of laying on a roof, two cover elements successive engaged in the extension of each other according to the direction longitudinal of their edges 4 and 5.

The retaining member 10 has the form of a strip extending over the entire width of the upper face of the panel 1 parallel to the large base 6 and has a somewhat Z-shaped cross section, so as to form two wings 10a and 10b which are interconnected by a zone intermediate 10c now these two wings 10a and 10b at a distance one of the other somewhat greater than that of the thickness of the panel 1.

The wing 10a, which is oriented towards the large base 6, is fixed to the panel 1 by means of suitable fasteners 11 such as clinching or rivets, so that a slot 12 is formed between the panel 1 and the wing 10b.

The small base 7 has a folded edge 13 in the form of a clip of the side of the rear face of the panel 1, while the large base 6 has an edge 14 which is folded towards the upper or front face of the panel 1, the function of which is essentially allow the panel to be fixed by the use of tabs adapted and to prevent the penetration of water by capillarity, as it will still be set out below.

The free edge 4 ′ of one of the edges 4 is folded towards the other edge 5, while the free edge 5 'of the latter is folded towards the outside of the element blanket.

More particularly, the free edge 4 ′ has a section transverse in the shape of a clamp, while the free edge of the other flange 5 has the shape of a hem or bead 5 'delimiting a longitudinal cylindrical hollow 15 and having a slot 16 extending along the external lateral side of the rim 5.

The cross section of the portion of the bead 5 'nearby of the large base 6 as well as that of the bead 5 'and of the slot 16 near the small base 7 are such that the portion of the bead 5 'near the large base 6 can fit into the part of it near the small base 7.

Thus, the height of the rim 5, near the base most short 7 is substantially equal to that of the rim at the level of the retaining member 10, reduced by the height of said retaining member 10. This height corresponds to minus twice the thickness of panel 1 plus once the thickness of the slat forming the retaining member 10.

In addition, the height of the rim 4 near the base most short 7 is such as to be able to engage below the corresponding part of this ledge located near the longest base 6. This operation is facilitated by a bevel 22 of the edge 4 'of the rim 4 near the longest base 6.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the part of the 5 'bead, close to the large base, has a neck-shaped stop 17 making it possible to limit the length of engagement of the portion of the bead 5 ′, located near the small base 7 of a second panel, around the part of the bead 5 'located near the large base 6 of a first panel.

A clearance of a few millimeters is preferably provided between two successive cover elements 1 along their longitudinal direction of so as to allow interception of the effects of thermal expansion of said elements 1 in this direction.

In order to be able to recover from the effects of thermal expansion panels in the transverse direction with respect to the edges 4 and 5, these the latter are somewhat inclined outwards so as to create between two roofing elements a spacing 20 of a few millimeters, the width of which varies with temperature.

In addition, the axis of the cylindrical hollow 15 of the bead 5 'extends more or less in the plane of the rim 5 presenting said bead 5 ', this especially for aesthetic reasons.

The dimensions and the shape of the edges 4 and 5 varies from gradually and continuously between the two bases 6 and 7 of panel 1.

Although the covering element can in principle be produced in any weather-resistant material and suitable for use on the roof, a preference is given to a prefabricated cover element consisting of a sheet of zinc, copper, stainless steel or galvanized steel.

The particular geometry of the following covering element the invention greatly facilitates installation on a roof to be covered.

Indeed, it ensures the nesting without deformation of these elements in the longitudinal direction and automatic locking in one perfect position without taking any special precautions and without it is necessary to have specific know-how and equipment particular.

When covering a roof with elements such as as described above, we can do this in different ways.

Indeed, one can make the assembly in aligned joints, like shown in figure 4 or in offset joints, as shown in figure 5. In the case assembly with offset joints, half cover elements will be used to create the offset. These have the same geometry as standard elements, except for their useful length reduced by half. The installation of elements, in the case of aligned or offset joints, is carried out from bottom to high, either staggered by oblique progression on the frame, or in rows parallel verticals. In the case of installation with offset joints, this will start with a complete cover element then by a half element on the corresponding side in the laying direction.

We begin the installation after a single tracing on the frame to cover. There is, indeed, little drift to fear because the geometry of these elements is precise enough to avoid any play between the assembled elements.

Suppose we put the elements in vertical rows parallel, as shown in figure 8, the installation takes place from right to left if the bead 5 'is provided on the right edge 5 considering the cover element in its installation position, i.e. as in the embodiment shown in the figures.

So after installing the first element in the lower corner right on the frame 21, along the tracing not shown on the frame, with the large base 6 facing upwards, a second element 1b is placed above of element 1a, said element forming an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the element la so that their corresponding 5 'beads are located in the extension of one another and that the edge 4 of the second element 1b is located above the first element 1a.

The second element 1b is then subjected to a displacement downwards, as indicated by the arrow 18, so as to engage its bead 5 'the along that of the element la until the stop on the stop device 17 disposed on said bead, device consisting of a constriction. The assembly of the two hems constituting an axis of rotation, it is then possible to rotate the second element 1b so as to engage its edge 4 'under that of element 1a, by effect of clipping. This operation is facilitated by the bevel cut 22 of the edge 4 'of element 1a at its longest base 6. The element is then subjected to 1b an upward movement according to arrow 19 which makes it possible to engage its edge folded back 13 into the slot 12 of the retaining element 10 of the element la as shown in more detail in Figure 6. The above engagement is not achieved until the stop so as to leave a play of a few millimeters between the two cover elements 1a and 1b.

As with conventional roofing elements, there are many understood place to provide means for fixing the cover elements on the support. These fixing means have not been shown in the figures but are found in the area of panel 1 located near the large base 6. After the fitting of each element must be fixed on the support. In this regard, we can make use of traditional fixing lugs in zinc cover which can hang on to the fold 14.

After installing the first vertical row of cover we proceed to the installation of the elements of the second row in starting down again. To do this, we pass the bead 5 'of element 2a above the edge 4 'folded back in pliers of element 1a while holding element 2a in an inclined position relative to element 1a, for example at an angle of 120 ° with the upper face of the panel 1 of the element 1a and in ensuring that the folded edge 4 ′ of the rim 4 of the element 2a can engage in the cylindrical hollow 15 of the bead 5 ′ of the element la by passing through the slot 16 of this bead. Once this folded edge 4 'engaged, the panel 1 of element 2a is brought into the same plane as that of panel 1 of element 1a, then in its exact position by sliding it on the rim 4 of the element 1a, that is to say with the corresponding bases 6 and 7 in the extension one others in the case of installation with aligned joints. In the case of joint installation offset, the offset between the bases corresponds to a half length of an element coverage standard.

For the installation of element 2b, we proceed first as with element 2a in the way just described then as with element 1b on element 1a to allow engagement of the folded edge 13 of element 2b in the slot 12 of the retaining member 10 of the element 2a.

These operations are thus repeated until the whole of the roof 21 is covered by the covering elements.

The folded edge 4 'in the form of a clamp of the rim 4 forms with this last an angle less than 90 ° so as to prevent the ingress of water by capillarity in the lateral joint between two adjacent rows of elements of blanket. It is the same for the folded edge 14 at the large base 6 which prevents therefore the water rising by capillarity between the superimposed parts of two successive elements can pass over the large base 6.

The minimum slope of these elements is preferably higher or equal to 15%.

These elements can also be used as cladding, that is to say in a substantially vertical position, for example in coating of facade of a building.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the form of specific embodiment described above and that many variants can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

This is how, in certain cases, depending for example on the material used to form the covering elements, the free edges of the ledges 4 and 5 may have other shapes.

Claims (12)

1. Preformed covering element constituted by a panel (1) of quadrilateral appearance having on two of these opposite sides (2) and (3) a rim (4) and (5) extending substantially over the entire length of these sides, these two rims (4) and (5) standing on the same face of the panel (1) and comprising means allowing the rim of a first panel to be joined to the adjacent rim of a second adjoining panel (1) orientated in the same direction and situated in the same plane as the said first panel, this element being characterized in that:

   the said panel (1) has substantially the appearance of an isosceles trapezium, the two non-parallel sides (2) and (3) of which have the said rims (4) and (5), the length of one of the bases (6) of the trapezium being substantially equal to that of the other base (7) plus twice the wall thickness of the said rims (4) and (5), such that the ends (8) of the rims (4) and (5) on the side of the shortest base (7) can engage with the part of the panel bounded by these ends of a defined element between the ends (9) situated on the side of the longest base (6) of another element extending in the prolongation of the said defined element and in parallel with the said rims (4) and (5);

   the height of the rim (4) and (5), close to the shortest base, is substantially equal to that of the rim at the level of the retention member (10), minus at least three times the thickness of the panel.
2. Element according to Claim 1, characterized in that the panel (1) has on its aforesaid face, close to its longest base (6), a retention member (10) allowing two successive elements (1a) and (1b) engaged one in the prolongation of the other in the longitudinal direction of their rims (4) and (5) to be immobilized, one relative to the other, in a defined position.
3. Element according to Claim 2, characterized in that the aforesaid retention member (10) has the form of pincers oriented towards the shortest base (7) of the element on which it is provided, this base (7) having an edge (13) which is at least partially folded in the form of pincers towards the opposite face to that on which the retention member (10) is disposed, so as to allow the retention member (10) of a defined element to cooperate with the above-stated folded edge (13) of another element engaged in the prolongation of this defined element in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of their rims.
4. Element according to Claim 3, characterized in that the longest base (6) has an edge (14) which is at least partially folded in the direction opposite to the folded edge (13) of the other base (7).
5. Element according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the free edge (4') of one of the rims (4) is folded towards the other rim (5), whereas the latter is folded towards the outside of the element.
6. Element according to Claim 5, characterized in that the rim (4) whose free edge (4') is folded towards the other rim (5) has a pincers-shaped cross section, this other rim (5) being provided with a flange (5') delimiting a longitudinal cylindrical cavity (15) and forming a slit (16) extending along the outer lateral side of the rim (5), the cross section of the part of the flange (5') close to the longest base (6), as well as that of the part of the flange (5') and of the slit (16) close to the shortest base (7) being such that the part of the flange (5') close to the longest base (6) can fit in the part thereof close to the shortest base (7).
7. Element according to Claim 6, characterized in that the part of the flange (5') close to the longest base (6) has a stop (17) allowing the length of engagement of the part of the flange (5') situated close to the shortest base (7) around the part of the flange (5') situated close to the longest base (6) to be limited.
8. Element according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the part of the free edge (4') of the rim (4) folded towards the other rim (5) situated close to the shortest base (7) is such as to be able to engage beneath the corresponding part of the rim situated close to the longest base (6) .
9. Element according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rims (4) and (5) are angled somewhat outwards.
10. Element according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dimensions and shape of the rims (4) and (5) vary in a progressive and continuous manner between the two bases (6) and (7) of the panel (1) having the appearance of an isosceles trapezium.
11. Element according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is constituted by a preformed thin metallic sheet.
12. Element according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the metallic sheet is made of zinc, copper, stainless steel or galvanized steel.

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