EP1608826B1

EP1608826B1 - Improvements in and relating to conservatory roofs

Info

Publication number: EP1608826B1
Application number: EP04720918A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lee Burnden Holdings CHADWICK (UK) Limited
Original assignee: Burnden Holdings UK Ltd
Current assignee: Burnden Holdings UK Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-21
Filing date: 2004-03-16
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-16
Also published as: EP1608826A1; GB0306528D0; WO2004083550A1

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to conservatory roofing elements, to conservatories comprising such conservatory roofing elements and to methods of assembling a conservatory roof.

Background to the Invention

Pitched ridged roofs for buildings and other structures offer a number of advantages, particularly in prevention of the build up of standing surface water. For strength and weather resistance a pitched ridged roof requires a ridge piece to support and join the sloping surfaces of the roof at the ridge.
Known conservatory roofs include a ridge piece comprising an elongate structural member known as a ridge spacer to support and separate upper edges of the panes making up the conservatory roof. The ridge spacer is located below and coupled to an elongate weather proofing element known as a ridge capping. The ridge capping comprises an inverted trough-like cross section running along the uppermost part of the roof to divert water that falls on the roof above the ridge piece onto the panes. Water diverted by the ridge capping is kept away from the joint between the ridge spacer and the panes, and this increases weather resistance of the roof.
Pitched ridged roofs for structures comprising an L, T or X shape have ridge cappings, which meet at an intersection. GB 2321260-A shows a conservatory according to the preamble of claim 1. Other roofs can be envisaged in which ridge cappings intersect, and for all such intersections the ridge cappings at the intersection must also provide adequate weather resistance.
One known technique for joining and weatherproofing intersecting ridge cappings comprises mitring the ends of the intersecting ridge cappings, and and use of silicon sealant or waterproof tape to seal adjoining mitred surfaces at the intersection. However, this technique requires specialist tools and a high degree of skill to implement correctly. Unless implemented correctly this joining method can fail and leak.

Statements of the Invention

The present invention provides a conservatory comprising a roof, wherein the roof comprises a first ridge arranged at an angle to a second ridge, the first ridge having a first ridge capping, and the second ridge having a second ridge capping, and further comprises a first conservatory roofing element comprising first and second ends arranged proximate to the first ridge capping and the second ridge capping respectively, and a first cover portion covering a region between the first and second ridge cappings, and further comprises a second conservatory proofing element comprising a second cover portion arranged between the first ridge capping and the first conservatory roofing element covering the region therebetween, and a channel portion arranged below the first ridge capping and the first conservatory roofing element to in use divert liquid which passes between the second cover portion and the first ridge capping.
Further features of the present invention are set out in the appended claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first example section of ridge capping;
Figure 2 shows an end view of the example section of ridge capping shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a conservatory roofing element for use as part of a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a plan view of the conservatory roofing element of Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a conservatory roofing element for use as part of a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a plan view of the conservatory roofing element of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a conservatory roofing element for use as part of a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 shows a plan view of the conservatory roofing element of Figure 7;
Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a cover portion of a conservatory roofing element for use as part of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 shows a side view of the cover portion of Figure 9;
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a channel portion of the conservatory roofing element for use as part of the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 shows an end view of a second example section of ridge capping;
Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the fourth embodiment arranged adjacent to the ridge capping of Figure 12; and
Figure 14 shows a plan view of the fourth embodiment arranged adjacent to the ridge capping of Figure 12.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present inventor has realised that it is possible to overcome the drawbacks associated with mitring ridge cappings as is currently required when pitched ridged conservatory roofs meet at an intersection. By providing conservatory roofing elements according to embodiments of the present invention it is possible to easily and cheaply provide a reliable and leak free roof.
The present invention will now be introduced with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
Figures 1 and 2 show a section of an example, known ridge capping 1 comprising a plastics extrusion suitable for use in a conservatory roof. In use the ridge capping 1 is arranged at the uppermost part of a roof ridge and fixed onto a ridge spacer. The ridge spacer supports and separates upper edges of panes making up the roof. The ridge capping 1 diverts water or other liquid that falls on the roof away from the ridge and onto the panes, where it can run off to an associated guttering system.
Figures 3 and 4 show an L-shaped conservatory roofing element 10. The element 10 comprises a first end 11, a second end 12 and a cover portion 13 between the first and second ends 11,12. The cover portion 13 comprises first and second arms 14,15 arranged at right angles to one another and communicating with the first and second ends 11,12 respectively.
The element 10 is suitable for use in a conservatory roof comprising a first ridge arranged at right angles to a second ridge. The ridge cappings associated with the first and second ridges are as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and are positioned and/or cut to length such that the element 10 can be arranged therebetween. Cutting the ridge cappings square to their length can be performed simply and accurately without the need for special tools.
Once the end of the ridge cappings have been correctly positioned, the first and second ends 11,12 can be arranged to respectively abut the ridge cappings associated with the first ridge and second ridge respectively with the cover portion 13 covering the region between the ridge cappings. The first and second arms 14,15 or the cover portion 13 are arranged to match the profile of the ridge cappings so that a substantially uninterrupted line is produced along the uppermost part of the ridge, as is substantially uninterrupted lower edge to the ridge cappings and element 10.
By providing the element 10 to cover at the region between the ridge cappings the weather resistance of the roof in the area of the ridge intersection is increased. The element 10 comprises a ridge capping for the region of intersection. The coupling between the element 10 and the adjoining roof cappings can be provided by means of water proof tape or silicon sealant. Providing a water resistant join is facilitated by the easy alignment between the ridge cappings and the element 10. However, another particularly suitable method for coupling the element 10 and an adjoining ridge capping is described below in relation to Figures 9 to 14.
Figures 5 and 6 show a T-shaped conservatory roofing element 20. The element 20 comprises a first end 21, a second end 22, a third end 23 and a cover portion 24 between the first, second and third ends 21,22,23. The cover portion 24 comprises first, second and third arms 25,26,27 communicating with the first, second and third ends 21,22,23 respectively. The first and third arms 25,27 are arranged substantially collinearly, and the second arm 26 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and third arms 25,27.
The element 20 is suitable for use in a conservatory roof comprising a first ridge arranged at right angles to a second ridge, and a third ridge arranged collinearly with the first ridge.
Similarly to the cappings shown in Figures 3 and 4 the ridge cappings of the first, second and third ridges are positioned and/or cut to length and the first, second and third ends 21,22,23 are arranged to respectively abut the ridge cappings associated with the first, second and third ridges respectively. The cover portion 24 covers the region between the ridge cappings.
Figures 7 and 8 show an X-shaped conservatory roofing element 30. The element 30 comprises a first end 31, a second end 32, a third end 33, a fourth end 34 and a cover portion 35 between the first, second, third and fourth ends 31,32,33,34. The cover portion 35 comprises first, second, third and fourth arms 36,37,38,39 communicating with the first, second, third and fourth ends 31,32,33,34 respectively. The first and third arms 36,38 are arranged substantially collinearly, as are the second and fourth arms 37,39. The second arm 37 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first arm 36.
The element 30 is suitable for use in a conservatory roof comprising a first ridge arranged at right angles to a second ridge, a third ridge arranged collinearly with the first ridge and a fourth ridge arranged collinearly with the second ridge.
The ridge cappings of the first, second third and fourth ridges are positioned and/or cut to length and the first, second, third and fourth ends 31,32,33,34 are arranged to respectively abut the ridge cappings associated with the first, second third and fourth ridges respectively. The cover portion 34 covers the region between the ridge cappings.
Referring now to Figures 9 and 10 there is shown a cover portion 41 comprising part of a conservatory roofing element 40. The element 40 can be used at the interface of two substantially collinear ridge cappings and is shown arranged in use along side a ridge capping in Figures 13 and 14. The element 40 can cooperate with the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention and enable a weather proof joint to be made between an end of the first, second or third embodiment and a ridge capping as will be described. In a conservatory roof comprising a first ridge arranged at an angle to a second ridge, the first ridge having a first ridge capping, and the second ridge having a second ridge capping a conservatory roofing element 10,20 or 30 can be arranged proximate to the first ridge capping and the second ridge capping respectively with the cover portion protecting the region between the first and second ridge cappings. By arranging a conservatory roofing element 40 between the first and/or second ridge cappings and the conservatory roofing element 10,20,30 to cover the region therebetween it is possible to divert liquid which passes between the first and/or second ridge cappings and the element 10,20,30 without the need for additional sealing means such as tape or silicon sealant.
The cover portion 41 comprises a web 42 and a capping section 43. The web 42 extends perpendicular to the underside of the capping section 43. The underside of the capping section 43 is shaped to match the upper surface profile of a ridge capping to which the element is intended to be fitted.
Figure 11 shows a channel portion 44 of conservatory roofing element 40. The channel portion comprises first and second edge members 45,46 and a joining slot 47 arranged to received the web 42. The channel portion is divided into two separate channels by the joining slot 47. To assemble a complete element 40 the web 42 of the cover portion 41 is inserted into the joining slot. 47 of the channel portion 44 and secured there, preferably by adhesive. The element 40 is made in two parts and assembled as described for ease of manufacture; however other manufacturing techniques can be used. The web 42 and joining slot 47 comprise joining means coupling the cover portion 41 to the channel portion 44.
Figure 12 shows a second ridge capping 50. The ridge capping 50 is similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2; however the ridge capping 50 incorporates a number of additional features. The additional features comprise box sections 51 to increase the strength of the ridge capping 50; location grooves 52 to receive a ridge spacer and hold the ridge capping in place relative to the ridge spacer; and a decoration slot 53 at uppermost part of the ridge capping 50 to receive decorative finials etc.
Use of the element 40 will now be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The section of ridge capping 50 is positioned and/or cut to length at the desired joint location. The element 40 is arranged adjacent to the ridge capping 50 by sliding onto the end of the ridge capping 50. The cover portion 41 locates above the ridge capping 50, and as described previously is shaped to match the profile of the ridge capping 50. The first edge member 45 locates below the ridge capping 50 and abuts the underside of the ridge capping 50. Any water or other liquid which passes between the cover portion 41 and the ridge capping 50 is collected in the channel portion 44 and diverted from the ridge spacer below the element 40. Water in the channel portion 41 is prevented from passing between the channel portion and the ridge capping 50 by the edge member 45. The box sections 51 are locally cut back at the end of the ridge capping 50 to allow the edge member 45 to contact the underside of the cover portion 41.
A second section of ridge capping 50, or a conservatory roofing element 10,20,30 can be arranged on the element 40 to contact the second edge member 46, to provide a second water resistant joint. The sections of ridge capping 50, elements 10,20,30 and the element 40 can be held in place along their length by a tie running between the ridge capping and the ridge piece.
When the element 40 is used to form a water resistant joint between ridge cappings and the ends of the elements 10,20 or 30, a conservatory roof for an L, T or X shaped conservatory can be easily assembled and provide a reliable weather resistant roof.
Although L, T and X shaped roofs and elements have been described, other shapes can be envisaged with five, six or more intersecting ridges.
Conservatory roofing elements have been described which enable a composite weatherproof ridge capping to be easily produced on a range of pitched ridge roofs. The elements enable the ridge cappings of intersecting ridges to be joined without the need for mitring, and can be used to produce a waterproof joint between adjacent elements. The elements can be simply manufactured at low cost, and their use facilitates the installation of roofs incorporating ridges arranged at an angle to one another.

Claims

A conservatory comprising a roof, wherein the roof comprises a first ridge arranged at an angle to a second ridge, the first ridge having a first ridge capping, and the second ridge having a second ridge capping, characterised in that the roof further comprises a first conservatory roofing element (10, 20, 30) comprising first (11, 21, 31) and second (12, 22, 32) ends arranged proximate to the first ridge capping and the second ridge capping respectively, and a first cover portion (13, 35) covering a region between the first and second ridge cappings, and further comprises a second conservatory roofing element (40) comprising a second cover portion (41) arranged between the first ridge capping and the first conservatory roofing element covering the region therebetween, and a channel portion (44) arranged below the first ridge capping and the first conservatory roofing element to in use divert liquid which passes between the second cover portion and the first ridge capping.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third ridge having a third ridge capping (50), and the conservatory roofing element further comprises a third end (23, 33) arrangeable to abut the third ridge capping and the cover portion (41) is arrangeable to cover a region between the first, second and third ridge cappings.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a fourth ridge having a fourth ridge capping, and the conservatory roofing element further comprises a fourth end (34) arrangeable to abut the fourth ridge capping and the cover portion is arrangeable to cover a region between the first, second, third and fourth ridge cappings.
A conservatory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first (11, 21, 31) and second ends (12, 22, 32) are arranged substantially at right angles to one another.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cover portion (41) comprises an L shape arranged between the first (11) and second (12) ends.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first (21, 31) and third (23, 33) ends are arranged substantially collinearly.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 2 or claim 6, wherein the cover portion (41) comprises a T shape arranged between the first (21), second (22) and third (23) ends.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second (32) and fourth (34) ends are arranged substantially collinearly.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 3 or claim 7, wherein the cover portion comprises an X shape arranged between the first (31), second (32), third (33).and fourth (34) ends.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 3, 8 or 9, wherein the first (31), second (32), third (33) and fourth (34) ends comprise abutment surfaces to be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first, second third and fourth ridges respectively.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 3 or claims 7-10, wherein the first (31) and third (33) ends, and the second (32) and fourth (34) ends each comprise a pair of substantially parallel abutment surfaces.
A conservatory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the conservatory roofing element is for first and second ridge cappings that are arranged substantially collinearly.
A conservatory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the channel portion (44) comprises first and second edge members (45, 46) arranged to abut an underside of the first and second ridge cappings respectively when the roofing element is arranged between the first and second ridge cappings.
A conservatory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the underside of the cover portion (41) is arranged to match the upper surface profile of the first and second ridge cappings to which the element is intended to be fitted.
A conservatory as claimed in any one of claims 11-14, wherein the conservatory roofing element comprises joining means coupling the cover portion to the channel portion.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cover portion and the channel portion extend laterally from the joining means.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the channel portion extends further from the joining means than the cover portion extends from the joining means.
A conservatory as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the joining means divides the channel portion into two separate channels.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel portion (44) is arranged below the first ridge capping and the first conservatory roofing element (10, 20, 30) to in use divert liquid which passes between the second cover portion (41) and the first conservatory roofing element.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the conservatory further comprises a third conservatory roofing element (50) comprising a third cover portion arrangeable between the second ridge capping and the first conservatory roofing element to cover the region therebetween, and a channel portion in use arrangeable below the second ridge capping and the first conservatory roofing element to in use divert liquid which passes between the third cover portion and the first second capping.
A conservatory as claimed in claim 20, wherein the channel portion (41) is in use arrangeable below the second ridge capping and the first conservatory roofing element to in use divert liquid which passes between the third cover portion and the first conservatory roofing element.
A method for assembling a conservatory roof according to any one of claims 1-21 comprising the steps of: (a) providing first and second ridges arranged at an angle to one another; (b) providing a conservatory roofing element comprising first and second ends and a cover portion; and (c) arranging the conservatory roofing element such that the first and second ends respectively abut a first ridge capping associated with the first ridge and a second ridge capping associated with the second ridge and the cover portion covers a region between the first and second ridge cappings.