FR2691195A1 - Light roofing construction - has arbor supporting rafter ends with vertical fixing and positioning structure and sealed by under plate - Google Patents

Abstract

An arbour (44) serves as the support structure for the ends of rafters (2) from which a vertical structure (40) of equal height extends. This structure defines a positioning and fixing wall for the rafter ends. The arbour has a base (45) extended downwards by a peripheral edge (48) whose exterior is rounded. A sealing under plate (52) covers the lower face of the arbour, and can recover (53,55) water condensation. The vertical structure receives a cap (50) which covers the rafter ends and seals them. USE - Enables the easy placing of veranda and other lightweight roofs and provides correct ventilation for the structure.

Description

 The present invention relates to an improvement to the ridge of constructions such as verandas, swimming pools and spas for example, from which s1 extend the rafters which support the roof.

 These constructions are generally covered with a roof made up of a juxtaposition of rafters which extend from a ridge block up to the upper part of the wall or glass structure which defines its outline. The rafters serve as a support for the roof proper, consisting either of glass, polycarbonate or methacrylate sheets intended to give clarity to the room, or of opaque, thermotop or similar plates for insulation from the sun or the cold.

 Traditional constructions are not always easy to assemble or assemble; their resistance is not optimal in all cases and there are often problems with ventilation and related condensation.

 A first object of the invention is to provide a ridge block which makes it easier to install the veranda or other roofs, while making the construction very resistant.

 For this purpose, the ridge block consists of a support cradle for the ends of the rafters, from which extends a vertical structure whose height is at least equal to that of the rafters and which defines a positioning wall and possibly for fixing the ends of said rafters.

To strengthen the structure, the retaining cradle consists of a base which extends downwards by a peripheral border. The latter preferably has a rounded shape to facilitate the angular positioning of the rafters and to ensure better adaptation to the different slopes.

The retaining cradle is advantageously associated with a plate intended to close off its underside, which plate can also be provided with means for recovering condensation water.

Still according to the invention, the vertical structure, which extends upwards from the support cradle, comprises means for receiving a casing structure which covers the ends of the rafters. This hat protects the ends of the rafters and seals the roof 11
Another object of the invention is to propose a ridge block which contributes to ensuring correct ventilation of the construction. Thus, the ridge block constitutes a vertical ventilation chimney with ventilation holes in the vertical structure, in the base of the cradle and, possibly, in the underside of this cradle.

This ventilation chimney ensures communication between the interior and exterior of the building; the protective cap can advantageously be adjustable in height to adapt ventilation, in particular as a function of temperature and exposure.

 According to a first embodiment, the vertical structure is in the form of a column comprising at least one planar face which defines a fixing wall on the retaining wall of the construction. This column can have a general polygonal shape or a cylinder portion (half or quarter for example).

According to a particularly advantageous arrangement, the column which forms the vertical structure is surmounted by a removable cap provided with vertical fixing and adjusting pins which cooperate with holes arranged in the upper plate of said column. The overall size of the hat can correspond to that of the support cradle. I1 preferably includes a peripheral drop intended to seal the ends of the rafters on the ridge.

 According to a second embodiment, the vertical structure of the ridge block is in the form of a column from which extends an assembly post on a ridge beam.

 According to a third embodiment, the vertical structure is in the form of an apex beam on at least one of the lengths of which the supporting cradle of the rafters extends, which defines a support base or a positioning level. This ridge beam advantageously consists of two parallel dishes, spaced from one another to define a central core. These two plates are connected by one or more U-shaped structures which are also used for fixing the base. Additional structures, also U-shaped, are fitted between the two parallel plates to serve as a spacer and connecting the rafters.

According to another arrangement of the invention, the ridge beam is protected by a longitudinal cap joined by legs in reverse U. These legs ensure the height adjustment of the cap on the ridge beam, to adapt the ventilation as needed.

 According to other characteristics of the invention, the base, and possibly the vertical structure of the ridge block, are provided with an insulating coating, of the "Komacell" type for example, ensuring thermal break.

In addition, this vertical structure can define a technical cavity which allows various installations of the light spot type, transformers
But the invention will be further illustrated, without being in any way limited, by the following description of several embodiments, given solely by way of examples and represented in the appended drawings in which - Figure 1 is a general, schematic view, showing a veranda in the form of a half sun - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the ridge block according to the invention, in the form of a half sun block - Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hat protection likely to be adapted on the block of Figure 2 - Figure 4 shows, still in perspective, a first example of the underside can be associated with the block of Figure 1 - Figure 5 shows another type of sub -adaptable face, provided with means to recover the condensation water - figure 6 shows, in an enlarged way, the three elements constituting the ridge block in the shape of a half-sun, seen from the front - figure 7 represents the ridge block "half-sun", covered by its protective cap - Figure 8 is a perspective view of a ridge block (quarter sun) capable of being used alone, in a corner, or in combination with the block of Figure 2 to define a structure in "three quarter sun" - Figure 9 shows another type of end ridge block, in semi-sun, provided with a lug of assembly on a ridge beam; - Figure 10 shows a ridge block close to that shown in Figure 9, mounted on a gantry; - Figure 11 shows another possible form of ridge end block - Figure 12 shows a different embodiment of the ridge block according to the invention, in the form of ridge beam; - Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of ridge beam, surmounted by its longitudinal protective cap and on which are joined the rafters constituting the load-bearing structure of the roof - Figure 14 shows the assembly of the rafters on the two constituent dishes of the ridge beam.

- Figure 15 is a cross section of another possible embodiment of the ridge beam; - Figure 16 is a top view of Figure 15.

 Constructions of the verandah genre can take many forms. As shown in FIG. 1, they generally comprise a ridge block 1 disposed at the level of the central upper part of the roof and from which extend rafters 2 which will serve as support for the roof structure proper.

 There is shown in Figures 2 to 7 a possible embodiment of the ridge block according to the invention, intended for the realization of a veranda in the shape of a half-sun, attached to a retaining wall.

This ridge block 1 consists of a lower cradle 3 comprising a base 4 intended to support the ends of the rafters 2, and a peripheral edge 5 making it possible to stiffen and reinforce said cradle.

The base 4 is in the form of a portion of very flat cone trunk, to receive the ends of the rafters.

 The cradle 3 is surmounted by a vertical structure 6 in the form of a semi-cylindrical hollow column. This structure 6 is defined by a vertical wall 7, an upper plate 8 and a rear flat face 9 which is fixed by any suitable means such as screws 10 or sealing lugs, to the retaining wall 11.

The vertical semi-cylindrical wall 7 has a height greater than that of the rafters; it determines a positioning wall for the ends of the rafters, by simple support, or by fixing by means of suitable tabs.

Note in FIG. 2, the presence of a ventilation opening, in the form of a grid 12, provided in the central area of the upper plate 8.

 The underside of the hollow block 1 opens into the veranda ceiling; it is advantageously closed by a sub-face 13 which is screwed or snapped onto the peripheral edge 5 of the cradle 3.

There is shown in Figure 4 a possible embodiment of a sub-face 13 having the shape of a half-disc 14 provided, in its central part, with a ventilation grille 15. Figures 5 and 6 show another possible embodiment of the underside 13, in which the half-disc 16 and the central grid 17 are surrounded by a peripheral rim 18 which defines a receptacle intended for the recovery of condensation water.

When the rafters 2 are fitted on their support cradle 3, and possibly fixed on the positioning wall 7, the vertical structure 6 of the block is capped by a protective cap 19 intended to
v seal the ridge. This cap 19 consists of a surface 20 in a half-cone whose size corresponds substantially to that of the base 4 of the cradle 3. On the side of its flat face, it is extended by a sealing rim 21 intended to come to press against the retaining wall 11 for the formation of the flashing. On its circular zone it is extended by a semi-cylindrical drop 22 which extends very widely downwards to adequately protect the ends of the rafters. This fallout 22 can possibly be increased and include, if necessary, embedding notches in the upper part of the rafters.

 The lower face of the cone structure 20 is provided, FIGS. 6 and 7, with three vertical pins 23 which are intended to be inserted slightly by force into suitable orifices 24, provided in the upper plate 8 of the hollow vertical structure 6.

The shades 23 allow the fixing of the cap 19 on the block 1; their embedding slightly by force in the holes 24 makes it possible to adapt the height of the cap 19 to adjust the ventilation. This setting is shown in Figure 7; given the presence of the ventilation grilles 12, 15 and 17 at each end of the hollow structure constituting the ridge block 1, the latter determines a vertical ventilation chimney which ensures an air passage between the interior and the exterior of the veranda, indicated by the flow arrows 25. The importance of this flow, in the upper part, is regulated by the space separating the cane structure 20 from the cap 19 and the peripheral edge of the plate 8 of the block 1.

 Note that the hollow structure, defined in particular by the vertical column 6 can advantageously constitute a technical cavity in which it is possible to install various elements such as light spots and transformers for example. These recessed spots remain discreet and make it possible to enhance the interior of the veranda advantageously.

 FIG. 8 shows an embodiment similar to the ridge block 1. This block is more particularly adapted at an angle formed by two perpendicular walls. I1 is shaped like the block shown in Figure 2, that is to say that it comprises a cradle 3 and a vertical structure 6 which is also hollow. A quarter-round hat fits over structure 6 to style the rafters and regulate ventilation.

 A ridge block can also be adapted to the end of a ridge beam (Figures 9, 10 and 11).

The veranda then has a longitudinal shape and at least one of its ends ends in half-sun. The end block 1 of FIG. 9 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape, a lug 31 extends from its flat face 32 for its attachment to the ridge beam 33. In a neighboring embodiment, FIG. 10, the block end 1 is mounted on a gantry 35 and a suitable tenon 36 extends from its upper plate 37 and from its flat face 38 for its attachment to the ridge beam 33. According to another embodiment, FIG. 11, block 1 consists of a cradle and a vertical structure 6 of square section for the reception of shapes with hip-rests. A mounting stud 39 allows assembly on the ridge beam 33.

The pins 31, 36 and 39 can be secured by screwing on the end of the beam 33 adapted for this purpose.

 This ridge beam 33 can determine another possible embodiment of the ridge block according to the invention; two possible embodiments are detailed in FIGS. 12 to 16.

 According to FIGS. 12 and 13, the longitudinal beam 33 consists of a vertical structure 40 produced by two parallel plates 41, arranged vertically and secured by spacers 42, in the shape of a U. The height of the plates 41 is determined by the span and the inclination of the rafters. The spacers 42 determine the spacing of the two dishes 41 to define a central core 43, hollow. The spacers 42 are arranged regularly over the length of the beam 33, for example every 50 cm. They are preferably arranged at the level of the lower part of the longitudinal plates 41 to also serve for fixing the support cradle 44.

 The cradle 44 consists of a base 45 in the form of a plate extending perpendicular to the vertical structure defined by the association of the two plates 41 the assembly defines an inverted T-shaped structure which will allow the reception and fixing of the rafters 2 which support the roof.

 As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the end of the rafters 2 can be fixed on the longitudinal plates 41 by means of bolted brackets 46. At the connection of two chevrons 2 facing each other, it is possible to provide U-shaped structures 47 arranged between the two plates 41 to stiffen the construction.

These U-shaped structures 47 also serve as spacing members and are assembled on the flats 41 in small time as the brackets 46.

 Note in Figure 13, that the base 45 is extended laterally by a longitudinal edge 48 whose outer shape is rounded. Note that this rounded shape can also be found on the edge 5 of block 1 to ensure continuity and a more pleasant aesthetic appearance.

 The rafters 2 are inclined to determine the slope of the roof. Thus, they come to rest on the base 45, at the peripheral edge 48 and the rounded shape of the latter facilitates their angular positioning.

 The upper part of the longitudinal plates 41 is adapted to receive a protective cap 50 in the form of a longitudinal casing. This cap 50 is secured on the internal face of the longitudinal plates 41 by means of legs 51 in the shape of an inverted U, regularly spaced along the length of the ridge beam. The cap 50 extends on either side of the longitudinal plates 41 over a distance sufficient to adequately protect the ends of the rafters 2 and ensure the sealing of the ridge block.

 Note also in Figure 13, the underside 52 mounted on the base 45 to obtain an aesthetically pleasing finish. The longitudinal underside 52 is locked on the lateral edges 48 by means of screws or fixing systems of the clip type. A peripheral rim 53 forms a tray for collecting condensation water.

 This ridge block in the form of ridge beam 33 advantageously achieves an ventilation chimney which in particular allows the renewal of the air inside the construction. To this end, the underside 52 comprises one or more ventilation grilles 54, regularly distributed, which can be bordered by a peripheral rim 55 intended for the partitioning of condensation water. The base 45 also includes one or more orifices 56, FIG. 12, arranged at its median plane, between the two longitudinal plates 41 and preferably above the grids 54 of the underside. The cap 50 extends above the upper edge of the longitudinal plates 41 and an air circulation can be installed through the central friend 43. Note that the fixing of the lugs 51 which secure the cap 50 to the dishes 41 can be made adjustable to allow adaptation of the height of the hat according to the desired ventilation.

 According to another embodiment, Figures 15 and 16, the beam 33 also consists of a vertical structure 40 and a longitudinal cradle 44 which define a tee upside down.

 The vertical structure 40 consists of two aluminum dishes 58 spaced from one another and arranged on reinforcements 59 in PVC. The two superimposed elements 58 and 59 are covered by the vertical part 60 of the L-shaped PVC profiles 61; the horizontal part 62 of these profiles defines the cradle 44 of the beam.

 The two aluminum dishes 58 are held apart by regularly spaced U-shaped spacers 63 which also serve to fix the rafters 2.

Between the PVC reinforcements 59, there is a longitudinal honeycomb structure 64, of the polycarbonate type for example, which allows an air passage for ventilation.

 The L-shaped profiles 61 are fixed to the aluminum dishes 58 by means of screw-nut systems 65. In the lower part, the assembly of the profiles 61, the reinforcements 59 and the honeycomb structure 64 is carried out by bonding; if necessary, this assembly is completed by screws 66 which are housed in pieces of wood 67 inserted suitably into one or more orifices of polycarbonate 64.

 The PVC 61 profiles insulate the ridge from the outside. In addition, the PVC reinforcements 59 are slightly wider than the aluminum plates 58 and the honeycomb structure 64 extends slightly above these reinforcements 59; this configuration defines two lateral grooves 68 which allow the collection of condensation water.

 As shown in Figure 13, the upper face of the base 45 and the outer faces of the longitudinal plates 41 may be coated with a thin sheet of insulating material 69, of the "Komacell" type for example, which achieves a thermal break between the interior and the exterior of the building. This thermal break limits the formation of condensation and completes the thermal insulation. In the same way, the ridge end blocks 1 described above can also be coated with a sheet of insulating material, glued.

 Thermal break can also be obtained by introducing ridge blocks into baths of suitable materials (PVC, rubber, etc.).

 The end blocks shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11 can very well be associated with this kind of ridge beam, by integration of their connecting studs 31, 36 and 39 between the two plates 41 and by locking by means of 'screw nut type fasteners. The corresponding end of the protective cap 50 can then be extended and cut out appropriately to cover the corresponding block.

 In addition, to complete the fixing of the rafters on the different types of blocks 1, 33, provision can be made for their assembly on the edge of the corresponding cradle 3, 44.

The fixing screws placed in the base 4, 45 are then masked by the underside 13, 52 positioned subsequently.

 The different elements and the different types of ridge blocks can be produced by molding or forming aluminum, plastic or carbon material. The ridge, the ridge end block or the sun block obtained allows, by its structure to make resistant roof constructions and very easy to assemble for verandas, swimming pools, spas or other enclosures of the same type. In addition, the presence of ventilation chimneys makes it possible to effectively limit or even eliminate the problems of condensation.

 The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics mentioned in the claims have the sole purpose of facilitating the understanding of the latter and in no way limit their scope.

Claims (16)

- CLAIMS  1.- ridge block for constructions such as verandas, swimming pools, spas or others, on which the rafters (2) which support the roof are fixed, characterized in that it consists of a cradle (3, 44) used for supporting the ends of the rafters (2), from which extends a vertical structure (6, 40) whose height is at least equal to that of the rafters (2) and which defines a positioning wall and optionally for fixing the ends said rafters.  2.- ridge block according to claim 1, characterized in that the cradle (3, 44) consists of a base (4, 45) extended downwards by a peripheral edge (5, 48) whose external shape is rounded.  3.- ridge block according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a closure plate of the lower face of the cradle (3, 44) in the form of a sub-face (13, 52 ).  4.- ridge block according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises an underside (13, 52) provided with means (18, 53, 55) for recovering condensation water.  5.- ridge block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vertical structure (6, 40) comprises means for receiving a hat (19, 50) which covers the ends of the rafters (2) and which provides sealing.  6.- ridge block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it constitutes a vertical ventilation chimney with ventilation holes in the vertical structure (6, 40), in the base of the cradle (3, 44) and, optionally, in the underside (13, 52) of said cradle.  7.- ridge block according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vertical structure is in the form of a column (6) comprising at least one planar face (9) defining a fixing wall on the wall of construction support (11).  8.- ridge block according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that it comprises a cap (19) provided with vertical pins (23) for fixing and adjustment, cooperating with holes (24) arranged in the upper plate (8) of column (6).  9.- ridge block according to claim 8, characterized in that the cap (19) has a drop (22) in the form of peripheral edge to seal the ends of the rafters (2) on the ridge.  10.- ridge block according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vertical structure is in the form of a column from which extends an assembly stud (31, 36, 39) on a ridge beam (33).  11.- ridge block according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vertical structure is in the form of ridge beam (33) on at least one of the lengths of which extends the cradle (44 ) supporting the rafters consisting of a base (45).  12.- ridge block according to claim 11, characterized in that the ridge beam (33) consists of two parallel plates (41) spaced from one another to define a core (43), which plates (41 ) are connected by one or more U-shaped structures (42) also used for fixing the base (45).  13.- ridge block according to claim 11, characterized in that the roof beam (33) consists of two parallel plates (58) spaced from one another, arranged on reinforcements (59) and dressed by profiles PVC (61), said reinforcements (59) being separated by a honeycomb structure (64) which allows ventilation.  14.- ridge block according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it comprises an ridge beam (33) consisting of two longitudinal plates (41, 58) associated with structures (47, 63) in U, serving as a member for spacing said dishes (41, 58) and for connecting the rafters (2).  15.- ridge block according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a protective cap (50) longitudinal, secured with legs (51) in inverted U, mounted on the dishes (41 , 58) constituting the ridge beam (33), said legs (51) providing height adjustment for ventilation.  16.- ridge block according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the base (4, 45) and, optionally the vertical structure (6, 40) are provided with a coating (69) intended to avoid condensation.