GB2145456A

GB2145456A - Roof light structure

Info

Publication number: GB2145456A
Application number: GB08321579A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin James Mycock
Original assignee: Norcros Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Norcros Investments Ltd
Priority date: 1983-08-10
Filing date: 1983-08-10
Publication date: 1985-03-27
Also published as: GB2145456B; GB8321579D0

Abstract

A roof light structure comprises a base frame and arcuate assemblies (14) extending between opposite sides of the base frame, each arcuate assembly including two channel section members (22,24) with the webs (25) in vertical planes and facing one another. Each channel-section member supports an arcuate glazing panel 16 on one side and on the other has an L-section extension portion (36,38) which define with the adjacent web between the glazed assemblies. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Roof light structures This invention relates to roof light structures and in particular to roof lights of curved section.

According to the present invention there is provided a roof-light structure comprising a plurality of channel-section members each including a web and two limbs extending away from the web and each member being arcuate with the web curved in the plane thereof, pairs of said members facing one another so that the openings of the channels can accommodate edge portions of sheeting which extends between the pairs, and any adjacent members with the webs contiguous having weathering means operative between said adjacent members.

Roof light structures embodying the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary isometric general view of a roof light in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the details of support structure for the roof light; Figure 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Figure 1 in a modified construction employing double-glazing; Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figure 1 again illustrating the double-glazed modification; Figure 6 is a fragmentary section on the line 6-6 of Figure 1 illustrating the construction of one end of the roof light in the single glazed form;; Figure 7 is a section on the line 7-7 of Figure 1 again illustrating the double-glazed modification of an end section of the roof light; and Figures 8A to 81 are fragmentary sections similar to Figure 3 illustrating modifications of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7.

The isometric view of Figure 1 shows a support structure of a building on which is mounted a base frame 1 2 which in turn supports intermediate arcuate glazing bar assemblies 1 4 which carry transparent or translucent glazing panels 16 either of glass or plastics. If desired non-transparent sheeting can be used. Normally an end panel 18 and associated frame completes the generalized description of the roof light, with, if required, a corresponding end panel 1 8 at the opposite end of the roof light (not shown). The isometric view is applicable basically both to singleglazed and double-glazed constructions and would even be applicable under exceptionally severe climatic conditions where triple-glazing is used.Figure 1 should therefore be considered as a composite illustration of the single and double-glazed structures.

The height-to-span ratio illustrated in Figure 1, is 1:7 but other ratios may be used depending primarily on architectural considerations for example 1:5; 1:4; 1:3; or 1:2.

Turning now to the section illustrated in Figure 3 one intermediate arcuate glazing bar assembly 14 comprises basically two channelsection members 22, 24 of extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy or possibly of plastics, solid or rigid foamed, each channel comprising a web 25 and two limbs 26, 28, each limb having an inwardly-directed flange 29, 30 with each flange defining a slot 32 having a portion of circular section 34. As will be described hereinafter with reference to Figure 8E, the channel-section members may, alternatively, be of pressed metal, or roll formed metal.

Each channel section member 22, 24 also has an L-section extension 36, 38 extending from the outside of the web thereof with the longer limb 44,46 of the L-section 36, 38 at least substantially parallel to the web. As is readily apparent from Figure 3, the longer limb 44,46 of each L-section portion interdigitates with an auxiliary channel defined by a shorter limb 40,42 and the corresponding portion of the other channel section member so as to form a labyrinth together with the webs 25 of the channels themselves. As illustrated a compressible seal tape 48 provides a continuous air seal and prevents any possible passage of water although the L-section portion 36 and corresponding web 25 of the integral channel section member 22 form a gutter so that the risk of rain water actually contacting the sealant is low. The free edge of the limb 44 is in direct contact with the seal 48.The seal 48 will be protected from direct sunlight which has a deteriorating effect on many sealant materials.

Each channel 22, 24 retains an arcuate transparent or translucent sheet of glass or plastics 1 6 with the aid of a gasket 50 having three lips 52 contacting the glazing sheet and a single rib 54 and projection 56 which together hold the seal in the lower one of the slots 32, of the channel section member. A gasket 50 may also be accommodated in the other slot 32.

It will be apparent that the portion 40,42 of each L-section is spaced slightly from alignment with the nearest limb 28,26 respectively of the channel section member and it will also be noted that the form of gasket 50 used exerts sufficient pressure on the glazing sheet itself against the opposite flange 30, so that no further seal is required at the exposed side of the glazing sheet 1 6 although a further seal can be provided if desired. If there is any ingress of water into the interior of either channel section member 22,24 the internal configuration provides for drainage so that no ingress to the interior of the building is possible. The gasket 50 provides a positive air seal and a further barrier against the ingress of water to the building.

It will be apparent from the drawings that each channel section member 22 or 24 defines a main channel opening in a horizontal sense and also by means of the L-section extension an auxiliary channel opening vertically upwardly (extension 36) or downwardly (extension 38). Although shown with each limb 40, 42 lying at right angles to the associated web, the angle can be varied within limits and the same applies to the parallel relationship of the limbs 44,46 to the respective webs.

It is important to note that each channelsection member 22,24 is so curved that the web is of arcuate form in its respective plane, in other words, so that the curvature is apparent as viewed from the channel opening or towards the outer surface of the web. This curved form is provided, without distortion, by manufacturing the extrusions initially as boxsections and subsequently machining the "open" side away after the desired curvature has been imparted. To facilitate this, the bounding edges of the removed side may be defined by grooves. The same manufacturing method may be used for the L-section extensions 36,38, although distortion is far less important than for the main channels.

The circular section portions 34 of the slots defined by the flanges 30 of the channel section members can readily be screwthreaded at each end to enable securing of the arcuate members as a whole to the base frame 1 2 as hereinafter further described.

Turning now to the portion of the roof light construction illustrated in Figure 2, the upstanding portion 10 (upstand curb) of a building structure has an external finish 60 and the uppermost surface of both of these parts supports an extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy sill 62. A portion 64 of the sill which lies parallel to the upper plane surface of the upstanding structure 10 of the building has three rib members 66 directed towards the plane surface and two upstanding ribs 68, one at each end. A compressible seal 70 may be provided between two of the downwardlydirected ribs 66 and if desired a further air seal (not shown) may be provided between the outer, downwardly-directed, rib 66 and an extension 72 of the base member which follows the roof finish outline over a horizontal portion thereof, an inclined portion and a vertical portion.At the junction between the inclined portion and the upright portion a horizontal flange 74 extends outwardly and at a location remote from the finish 60 an arcuate portion 76 provides a guide surface of a hinge-like connection with the elongate member 1 2 which constitutes a part of the base portion of the frame which is indicated in Figure 1. This arcuate portion 76 has an inclined, dependent, extension 80 terminating in a beaded edge 82 of generally circular section.

The base portion of the frame illustrated only diagrammatically in Figure 1 comprises essentially the L-section elongate member 1 2 of extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy or possibly solid or foamed plastics. This L-section member includes portions 84, 86, which are generally of complementary shape to the arcuate portion 76 of the sill and of its beaded edge 82. A wool pile air seal 88 acts between a recess of the L-section member and the bead 82 and it will readily be apparent that irrespective of the relative angular location of these parts the air seal 88 will remain effective.

The limb 90 of the L-section member which incorporates the portions 84, 86 complementary to the arcuate portion 76 of the sill extends upwardly beyond its own corresponding arcuate portion 84 to a channel 92 with inwardly-directed opposed flanges which grip a preformed air seal 94 having a resilient free lip 96 which seats against an outer face of one limb 98 of a channel section member 100 which supports the longitudinal edge portion of one of the glazing sheets 1 6. The channel section member 100 can be and, as illustrated, is identical to the members 22, 24. Details of the member 100 will not, therefore be further discussed.

The other limb 102 of the L-section member is comparatively straightforward in section and includes two ribs 104 at right angles to the main portion of the limb and an extension 106 aligned with the main portion. Drain holes 108 are provided in the first-mentioned portion of the L-section member adjacent to tne junction with the second-mentioned member. The ribs 104 abut at their free edges, lower portions of the channel section member 100. Apertures are provided at spaced intervals along the length of the limb 102 and the glazing member frame as a whole is secured in position by hexagon-head set pins 110 which pass through the apertures and screwthreadedly engage in the lower one of the two circular section portions 34 of the slot 32 of each arcuate channel section member 22,24.

In place of set pins 110, thread-forming screws or other securing means can be employed.

The glazing sheet 1 6 engages in the channel section member 100 identically with the manner of engagement with the members 22,24.

Turning now to Figure 6, the gable or other end portion 1 8 of each roof light structure includes a single arcuate glazing bar 1 22 which is of identical section to the glazing bars 22,24 and the end sheet of glass or plastics 1 24 is received at its upper arcuate edge portion in the downwardly-facing auxiliary channel defined by the web 25 of the main channel and the L-section extension 42 integral with the main channel, a compressible seal 126 being provided for bedding the arcuate edge of the glass or plastics sheet 1 24 thus providing a seal against the passage of air.

As for the end glazing bars, the sheet 1 24 is held in position by a gasket 130, here of wedge shape, and acts between the outer face of the glass or plastics 1 24 and the inner face of the longer limb 46 of the L-section portion of the channel-section member 1 22.

At the lower edge, the glazing sheet 1 24 is supported in a channel-section member 1 32 of aluminium, aluminium alloy or other metal (or possibly of plastics, solid or rigid foam) which has a substantial extension flange 1 34 which lies parallel to the upper surface of an upstand support structure 1 36 of the main building structure similar to the upstand curb 10. The extension is spaced from the upper surface of the curb by a plate or plates 1 38 and a secondary compressible seal 140 may be provided adjacent the outer edge of the plate.The glazing sheet member 1 24 is supported in the channel 1 32 by a compressible seal 1 42 and since there is the likelihood that some water ingress into the channel section member 1 32 will take place, weep holes 1 44 are provided in the base of the channel to avoid the accumulation of moisture. The wedge-shaped gasket 1 30 again holds the glass or plastics sheet in position and in addition acts as a barrier against water ingress.

The description hereinbefore set forth relates to a single glazed construction and it will be apparent from Figures 4, 5 and 7 that the construction is readily applicable to doubleglazing without major modification to the components. It follows that like parts will be given similar reference numerals and only features which differ will be referred to.The intermediate glazing bars 22, 24 are simply provided in duplicate and the recess 1 60 defined between the upstanding limbs 40, 42 of each L-section member of each channel accommodates a nylon, PVC or other low thermal conductivity break spacer 1 62 As is apparent in Figure 4, the ends of the arcuate members 22,24 are secured to the base frame by hexagon head set pins 110 or other securing means which cooperate with corresponding apertures in the limb 102 of Lsection member of base frame. The limb 102 differs from that of Fig. 2 only in as far as it is of greater width to accommodate the twin glazing bars and has an additional rib 104. In Figure 4 the hinge parts are only shown in outline since they are identical to those of Figure 2.

Referring now to Figure 7, the gable end construction is basically similar to that illustrated in Figure 6, but differs by the addition of an inner arcuate glazing bar 1 64 which is spaced radially inwardly and also in the longitudinal sense from the bar 1 22. A nylon, PVC, or other low thermal conductivity spacer 166 may be provided between the upstanding limb 42 of the inner channel section member and the radially inner face of the lower limb 26 of outer channel section member. This spacer 1 66 does not provide any structural purpose since, as for the glazing bar intermediate the length of the structure as a whole, structural support is provided by the connection between the set pins 110 and the arcuate members directly.

In Figure 7 the lower channel section member 1 32 differs from that of Figure 6 only in that the width of the base of the channel is made large enough to accommodate two glazing sheets 1 24. Spacer blocks 1 68 will be provided between the spaced sheets 1 24 immediately above the compressible seal 142 as illustrated.

The use of the channel section members 22, 24 and 100 to provide a framework for the glazing members provides a modular construction which can be pre-assembled and secured to the base frame on site.

The hinge assembly 76, 82, 84 not only enables the modules to be pivoted for opening purposes but also avoids the necessity for differently profiled members to accommodate different height-span ratios.

Condensation, particularly in the single glazed embodiment can be accommodated by a gutter defined by the portions 72 and 74 of the member 62. Any leakage into the arcuate channels 22, 24 leaves through drain holes 108 which are protected from rain or snow entry by the extension 106 of the limb 102 of the base frame member 12.

The sealing arrangement illustrated in Figures 3 and 5 between adjacent channel members 22, 24 does not hinder the hinging of one of the modules relative to the other.

Provided the correct sequence is followed all modules may be hinged open without adverse effect on the seals.

The structure may be simplified if the upstand curb of the building is of shaped timber to which the modules can be secured without the use of a separate base frame.

Reference will now be made to Figures 8A to 81 which illustrate various modifications to the glazing bars of Figures 1 to 7. The fragmentary section illustrated in Figure 8A has channel section members 200 of extruded aluminium, aluminium alloy or plastics generally of similar section to the main portions of the channel section members 22,24 of the primary embodiments. In contrast, the L-section extensions 36,38 of the main embodiments are replaced by separate auxiliary channel section members 202 which are secured to the main channel members 200 by rivets or other suitable securing means. The interdigitation feature of the main embodiments is preserved but bending problems are simplifed and the complexity of the extruded sections is somewhat reduced.

Referring now to Figure 8B, the channel section members 204 have main portions again equivalent to those of the main embodiment, but the auxiliary channels or L-section extensions 206 differ in that one limb 208 which is an extension of one limb of the main channel forms a continuous surface with the latter and the limb 210 which extends parallel to the web of the corresponding channel section member extends only over a portion of the transverse dimension of that web. Each web has an external projection or rib 21 2 approximately half way across its width and one of these upstanding ribs engages a seal 214 which is engaged by the lower one (as shown) of that one of the limbs 210 of the auxiliary channel which extends parallel to the web.Once again, in this construction a labyrinth is provided by members 208, 210, 21 2 which effectively limits the action of the seal to the prevention of air passage, the prevention of water ingress being only a secondary function.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8C the main portion of each glazing bar 216 consists of a channel which supports edge portion of a glazing panel or sheet and an auxiliary channel is provided on each member similar to that illustrated in Figure 8B. However, instead of the auxiliary channels cooperating with one another, as in Figure 8B, an intermediate extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy or plastics member 218 is provided which is based on a box section with opposed upstanding projections 220 approximately midway along the height dimension (as shown) which cooperate with the free edges of the limbs 210 of the auxiliary channels which extend parallel to the webs; the box section 218 also has L-section extensions 222, which effectively define two upwardly open channels; the limbs 224 cooperate with seals 226 and the respective projection 212 of the main channel member.

Turning now to Figure 8D, each glazing bar 230 comprises two channel section members 232 defining an opening which receives an edge portion of glazing sheet or panel and has features which correspond generally to those of the main embodiments from a standpoint of retaining and sealing the glazing panel.

However, one of the flange members 234 which defines a generally circular section opening is slightly offset from the corresponding limb of the channel to form a recess which accommodates a circular section sealing strip 236 which is fully confined by an extension 238 of a similar channel member having an edge flange 240 projecting into the cut-out space defined by the offset flange member 234. It will be noted that the construction of this modification involves a slight offset in the glazing panels but this will not be apparent when the rooflight structure is viewed from a distance as will normally be the case when in situ.

Figure 8E illustrates a pressed metal rooflight structure which includes two channel section members 242 carrying at the free edges of each limb resilient sealing members 244 which firmly engage the end portion of each limb because of the turned down edge portion 246 of the limb itself. Each channel section member 242 has an extension 248 formed by pressing the sheet metal together and the extension lies parallel with one limb (the upper as shown) and extends towards the corresponding extension 248 of the other channel section member. Weathering is ensured by an intermediate plain channel 250 with its opening facing upwardly and cooperating with strip seals 252 which are engaged against the downwardly facing surfaces of the extensions of each respective channel.

Once again the seals act primarily to prevent the passage of air and water is drained away by the intermediate channel 250.

Figure 8F illustrates a modification similar to that shown in Figure 8E but in which the channel section members are extruded, the main channel members having sections similar to those of the main embodiments.

Referring now to Figure 8G, a modification is illustrated in this Figure generally similar to that of the main embodiment but each web 25 has a longitudinal recess 254 which accommodates the root of a finned sealing member 256 of sufficient width that is deflected by limbs 44,46 to a curved form to ensure water and air tightness.

Figure 8b illustrates a modification in which the main portions of each channel member 260 are similar to those of the main embodiment but the passage of water and air is controlled differently. Each main channel member 260 has an extension 262 contiguous and forming a smooth surface with one limb of the main channel and at the free end a flange 264 is provided which extends at right angles to the extension. An intermediate flange 266 is also provided, a free end portion of which accommodates in one case a wool pile seal 268 and the other a recessed channel 270 in which the free ends of the tufts of the seal engage to ensure air tightness. Again as will be apparent from the Figure, the main feature which prevents the access of water to the interior of the building is the labyrinth of the auxiliary channel which in this case is effectively duplicated as will be readily apparent.

Finally Figure 81 includes simply two main channel members 22,24 generally similar to those of the main embodiment but omitting the L-section extensions and the correspond ing labyrinth. The main channels are arranged web-to-web and weathering is provided by a very shallow channel section member 272.

The latter can be made so that it has snap-on characteristics.

Claims

1. A roof-light structure comprising a plurality of channel-section members each including a web and two limbs extending away from the web and each member being arcuate with the web curved in the plane thereof, pairs of said members facing one another so that the openings of the channels can accommodate edge portions of sheeting which extends between the pairs, and any adjacent member with the webs contiguous having weathering means operative between said adjacent members.

2. A roof-light structure comprising a plurality of arcuate channel-section members spanning a base frame surrounding a roof opening, panel sheets with edge portions engaging into sealing means provided within each channel to form a plurality of modules, hinge means extending along one rectilinear edge of each module and a corresponding side of the frame, and sealing means operative between adjacent arcuate channel-section members so as to prevent passage of air and/or water, the modules being pivoted about the hinge means and the sealing means being operative merely by placing adjacent channel-section members in contiguous relationship.

3. A roof-light structure comprising a piurality of extruded, arcuate, channel-section members with the webs curved in the respective planes thereof, each channel-section member having sealing means arranged to engage an edge portion of a panel of glass or plastics and having means defining an auxiliary channel extending from the web thereof, any two contiguous channel members being so arranged that the auxiliary channels thereof define a labyrinth to prevent the ingress of water into a building on which the rooflight is mounted.

4. A roof-light structure comprising a base frame for mounting on support structure of a building, arcuate, channel section members, each member extending between opposite sides of the base frame, at least two glazing panels being mounted with edge portions thereof engaged in the channels to form two glazing modules, adjacent channel-section members together forming a glazing bar assembly, each channel-section member having an L-section extension portion with one limb extending from the outer surface of the web and the other limb extending substantially parallel to the web, each said L-section extension portion defining with the associated web, an auxiliary channel opening in a direction normal to the opening of the associated channel section member, each said parallel limb of one channel member extending into the auxiliary channel of the other channel member, and sealing means disposed in the labyrinth formed by the two auxiliary channel members, the upwardly facing auxiliary channel serving as a gutter whereby the sealing means act primarily as an air seal.

5. A roof light structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the limbs of each said channel section have inwardly-directed flanges opposed the one to the other, one flange defining a slot which serves to accommodate a gasket which sealingly engages the glazing panel at the under-surface thereof, the panel also being in contact with the free edge of the said opposed flange.

6. A roof light structure according to claim 5 wherein the other flange also accommodates a gasket which engages the panel.

7. A roof light structure according to claim 4 or claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the ends of the arcuate assembly are carried by a part of the base frame in the form of a generally Lsection member.

8. A roof light structure according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the slots of the flanges of the channel section members each have circular portions, the end sections of these circular portions being screw-threaded to enable securing to the L-section member by means of screw-threaded means.

9. A roof light structure according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein each glazing panel is additionally mounted in channel-section members extending normally to the arcuate assembly and parallel to the base frame and having flanges and gaskets similar to those of the channel section members, one limb of each channel section member parallel to the base frame being supported through the intermediary of a seal on one limb of said L-section member forming a part of the base frame.

1 0. A roof light structure according to claim 9, wherein said limb of the L-section member supporting the channel section member extending parallel to the base frame incorporates a profiled portion having an arcuate surface which co-operates with a corresponding arcuate surface of a sill assembly whereby the frame built-up from the said channel section members can be hinged.

11. A roof light structure according to claim 10 comprising a wipe air seal operative between the said arcuate surfaces.

1 2. A roof light structure according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the sill assembly comprises formed or extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy member including a portion intended for support by part of a building structure, the face of said portion directed towards the building structure having ribs, a space defined by two of said ribs accommodating a seal which co-operates with an upper surface of the building structure.

1 3. A roof-light structure according to any one of claims 4 to 1 2 comprising at least one gable end of the roof-light structure, said gable end including an arcuate member of channel section similar in construction to the said arcuate channel section members, with the opening of the channel directed along the length of the roof-light structure and the auxiliary channel facing downwardly, a further, rectilinear channel-section member with the opening facing upwardly and having a lateral extension arranged to be supported on a part of a building structure, and an end glazing sheet accommodated in the auxiliary channel of the gable end channel member and in the channel of said rectilinear channel member, sealing means being interposed between the base of both channel section member and the edge of the glazing sheet.

14. A roof light structure according to any one of the preceding claims comprising duplicate channel section members and panels to provide a double-glazed assembly.

1 5. A roof light structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 or Figures 1 to 7 as modified by any one of Figures 8A to 81.