GB2323396A

GB2323396A - Panelling system

Info

Publication number: GB2323396A
Application number: GB9805323A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Emsley
Original assignee: E M P SA; SIGMA PLASTICS Ltd
Current assignee: E M P SA; SIGMA PLASTICS Ltd
Priority date: 1997-03-13
Filing date: 1998-03-13
Publication date: 1998-09-23
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-13
Also published as: EP0864708A2; ES2253806T3; EP1310608A1; GB9805323D0; GB2323396B; DE69831988T2; EP0864708B1; EP0864708A3; ATE526466T1; EP1310608B1; DE69831988D1; ATE307938T1

Abstract

A roof assembly (20) comprises polycarbonate panels (22), glazing bar assemblies (24) and a wall mounting bracket (26). The panels (22) have hook-like edge profiles (28) which engage corresponding profiles on the glazing bar assemblies (24). Each assembly (24) comprises an inverted "T"-shaped aluminium extrusion and UPVC cladding which forms the profiles which engage with the panel profiles (28). The wall mounting bracket (26) has a stepped portion, one side (32) of which fits flush against the wall (34) and has a flange (36) for supporting the panels (22) etc, which projects away from the wall (34). The stepped portion and the flange (36) are coupled together through an arcuate section (38). The orientation of the bracket as whole relative to the wall is variable so that the inclination of the flange (36) may be adjusted to provide a roof pitch in the range 2.5 to 15.

Description

2323396 1 TITLE: PANELLING SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a panelling system including a novel glazing bar assembly, particulary, but not exclusively, a roofing system, and to apparatus for fixing a roof assembly to a wall or like structure.

There is a growing demand for a self-supporting panelling system for use as vertical glazing or screening and roofing in industrial and civil buildings. One such system, produced by Polyt Italiana S.p.A. is illustrated in figure 1. The system comprises triple wall polycarbonate panels 10, 11 which have hook-like profiles 12, 13 along opposing edges. The panels, 10, 11 are supported on a frame work which includes the channel 14. The gaugq,6 f the channel 14 is such that the hook-like profiles,,'.12,. 13 are easily inserted into the channel 14.

2 Another system for providing a panelled wall or roof structure is known from US 5163257. According to the disclosure, two panels are held together by a clamp-like assembly formed by fastening together two glazing bars. The glazing bars are arranged above and below the panels and held together with bolts. The system requires retaining strips to be applied to the panels which are then located within grooves in the glazing bar.

Yet another roofing structure is known from UK published application GB 2300012A, in which panels are provided with profiles which slidingly engage corresponding profiles in a stiffening beam located between and concealed by the opposing edges of the panels.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel glazing bar which may readily engage profiled panels to form a roofing or screening system.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a glazing bar assembly for coupling together two panels in a roofing or screening system, comprising an elongate frame and a cladding member, the cladding member being supported by the elongate frame and having a profile along each side of the elongate frame for engaging a corresponding profile along an opposing edge of each panel.

A 'two piece' glazing bar assembly enables different materials to be selected to suit the selected functions of the elongate frame and the cladding member. For example, the elongate frame which needs to be rigid but lightweight 3 may be of aluminium, whilst the cladding member which may need to appeal to the eye may be of a resilient plastics material, such as UPVC. This may be advantageous in structures such as conservatories where the glazing bar assemblies are typically visible from within the conservatory. If the cladding member is of plastics material, its profiles may be able to flex, enabling interengagement between the panels and glazing bar assembly to be achieved through a 'snap fit' action.

The engaging profile of the cladding member along each side of the elongate frame may have a substantially hooklike configuration. If the corresponding profile along the opposing edge of each panel also has a substantially hooklike configuration, the two panels may be releasably interlocked.

The cladding member may include a flange, projecting laterally of the elongate frame, for supporting the planar surfacee or face of one of the panels when its profile is engaging the corresponding profile of the cladding member.

Such an arrangement is advantageous, particularly in a roofing system, since it is the portion of the panel abutting the flange which bears any loading on the panel, rather than its respective profile.

The elongate frame may include an upstanding flange which extends proud of the cladding member profiles. The upstanding flange may, in use, be interposed between the opposing edges of the two panels coupled together by the glazing bar assembly. The protuberant part of the 4 upstanding flange may have means for engaging a cap which, in use, is in contact with the two panels coupled together by the glazing bar assembly. The cap may serve two functions: firstly, it helps prevent the ingress of water into any spaces between the elongate frame and the panels; and secondly, it helps prevent the panels from disengaging from the cladding member.

There is also provided a roofing and screening system, comprising a glazing bar assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, and at least one panel, the panel having an edge profile which inter-engages with one of the cladding member profiles. The edge profile of the panel may be integrally formed with the faces of the panel. The panel may be twin-wall or the like, polycarbonate construction with hook-like profiles along a pair of opposed edges.

The edge profile of the panel may be a tight fit against, or may even be clamped by, the cladding member when the profiles are inter-engaged. Whilst the tight fit and/or clamping action may be desirable to prevent the panel rattling against the glazing bar assembly, it is important that any tight fitting or clamping action allows thermal expansion and contraction of the panel if the resulting displacement is significant. Thus, for example, a space between the elongate frame and the cladding member profile may need to be provided to accommodate panel expansion or contraction.

The cladding member profiles may be arranged such that inter-engagement with the panels is achieved substantially by introducing each panel profile to the glazing bar assembly in a direction substantially prependicularly to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame. Such an arrangement facilitates the construction of the roofing or screening system. This is because the glazing bar assemblies may firstly be fixed in position at appropriately spaced intervals, and thereafter the panels may be brought into engagement with the glazing bar assemblies from a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the glazing bar assemblies are fixed.

The roofing or screening system may further comprise an end glazing bar assembly for supporting the side of the panel - distal side - spaced from the said glazing bar assembly, the end glazing bar assembly having groove means into which the said side of the panel is a snug f it. Preferably, the groove means has a tapered opening to assist in locating the said side of the panel in position. The distal side of the panel may have a prof ile to match that which engages the glazing bar assembly or this may have been removed, possibly with part of the panel, so that the remaining truncated panel fits the space available. Thus, the groove means may comprise a first groove for receiving a distal side of the panel with the profile and a second groove for receiving a distal side without the profile.

If the panel is hollow or has hollow sections, as has four wall polycarbonate panels, a reinforcing member may be 6 introduced between the faces of the panel, particularly if the panel is truncated. The reinforcing member is sized to trap the faces of the panel against the sides of the groove means. The reinforcing member may have a substantially Ushaped cross-section, with the mouth of the U-section preferably adjacent to the end support.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roofing or screening system comprising a glazing bar assembly and a panel, the glazing bar assembly and the panel having inter-engaging profiles, wherein the glazing bar assembly comprises an elongate frame and a cladding member, the cladding member being supported by the elongate frame and solely forming the inter-engaging profile of the glazing bar assembly.

Preferred features of the glazing bar assembly are in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket for securing a roofing assembly to a wall, comprising: means for attachment to the wall; means for supporting an end portion of the roofing assembly; and means, spaced from the attachment means, for adjusting the inclination of the supporting means relative to the wall by partial rotation of the bracket.

The bracket which is substantially rigid and may be of unitary construction is suitable for fixing a roofing system in accordance with the first or second aspects of the invention to a wall or like structure. The variations in the inclination of the supporting means relative to the 7 wall may provide for roof assembly pitches in the range 2.50 to 150. The wall attachment means may in use act as a fulcrum about which the bracket may be pivoted or partially rotated by altering the inclination adjusting means until 5 the supporting means is aligned with the pitch desired. The fact that the orientation of the bracket as a whole relative to the wall is variable by altering the inclination adjusting means obviates the need for complex two-piece attachments which require hinge brackets, e.g., US 3911633 and US 4998389.

The adjusting means may comprise a member contacting part of the bracket, the member in use determining the separation between the wall and the said contacted part of the bracket by bearing against the wall. The member may threadably engage the bracket. The contacted part of the bracket may be a flange depending from the supporting means.

The bracket may further comprise a ridge extending away from the attachment means and away from the supporting means for supporting a cover projecting from the wall. The cover, which may include lead flashing, directs rainwater running down the wall onto the roof assembly, thereby preventing water seepage onto the bracket. The ridge and supporting means may be arranged to provide a recess for receiving at least part of the end portion of the roof assembly. A seal may be provided between the ridge and the roofing assembly to contain any water driven (e.g. blown) under the cover.

8 Preferably, the ridge and the supporting means and the attachment means are formed in a unitary construction. In other words, the ridge is an integral part of the bracket.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art panelling system;

Figure 2 shows schematically an exploded perspective view of the roofing system embodying the first aspect of the present invention and the mounting apparatus embodying the second aspect of the present invention for fixing it to a wall; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing detail of the roofing system of Figure 2; Figures 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views showing end detail of the roofing system of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing detail of the mounting apparatus of Figure 2; and Figure 6 shows an alternative end glazing bar arrangement to the one shown in figures 4a and 4b.

Figure 2 shows a roof assembly (20) comprising polycarbonate panels (22), glazing bar assemblies (24) and a wall mounting bracket (26). The panels (22) have hook- like profiles (28) which clip into recesses (30) in the glazing bar assemblies (24). The wall mounting bracket (26) has a stepped portion, one side (32) of which fits flush against the wall (34) and has a flange (36) which 9 projects away from the wall (34). The stepped portion and the f lange (36) are coupled together through an arcuate section (38). The end of the glazing bar assemblies (24) and panels (22), adjacent the wall (34), rest on and are supported by the flange (36). The end of the supports (24) furthest from the wall are supported by conventional means such as posts and the like.

Figure 3 shows the glazing bar assemblies (24) and the panel profiles (28) in more detail. The assembly (24) comprises an inverted "T"-shaped aluminium extrusion (40) and a UPVC cladding (42). The cladding (42) is a sliding but otherwise tight fit over the base (44) of the extrusion (40). The cladding (42) has crook- like profiles (46) which are upstanding from the base (44), and are symmetrically arranged about the stem (48) of the "V-shaped extrusion (40). The recesses (30) are thus formed in the spaces between the crook-like profiles (46) and the stem (48), with the tips of the crook-like profiles (46) forming the neck of each recess. The shaft portion (49) of each crook- like prof ile (46) is able to f lex as indicated by the arrows.

The hook-like profiles (28) of the panels (22) snap fit into engagement with the crook-like profiles (46). The glazing bar assemblies (24) are spaced such that crown (29) of each hook-like profile (28) sits under the crook-like profiles (46). Before the hook-like profiles (28) ground on the base (44) of the extrusion (40), the faces (50) of the panels (22) abut lateral flanges (52) which thus bear the weight of the panel. Once the panels are in position a cap (54) is attached by a snap fit action to the top of the stem (48). The cap (54) bridges the spacing between the panels and is shaped to deflect water away from the glazing bar (24). The cap (54) also prevents any upward movement of the panels (22) relative to the glazing bar assemply (24).

The glazing bar assembly (24) is for use in the central portion of the roof, in other words it is for use between panels. Either side of the central portion of the roof, an end glazing bar assembly (60) is used which is adapted to receive only one panel. The end glazing bar assembly (60) is shown in Figures 4a and 4b in two different configurations arising from the fact that the panels are made in standard widths. If the roof requires a whole number of panels, the end glazing bar assembly (60) will engage a panel having a hook-like profile (see Figure 4a); otherwise, the end glazing bar assembly (60) receives a truncated panel (see Figure 4b).

With reference to Figure 4a, the end glazing bar assembly (60) has a first groove (62) for receiving the hook-like profile (28). The first groove (62) has a tapered opening portion (64) which assists in locating the hook-like profile (28) in position; the profile (28) being a snug fit in the first groove (62). When the hook-like profile (28) is fully located in the first groove (62), the face (50) of the panel (22) sits on flange (66). Again, a top cap (68) is provided to deflect rainwater away from the end glazing bar (60). The top cap (68) is integrally formed with the underside cladding of the end support (60).

With reference to Figure 4b, the end glazing bar assembly (60) has a second groove (72), (wider than the 5 first groove (62)), for receiving a truncated panel (74). The second groove (72) has one side (76) in common with the first groove (62). The other side (78) of the second groove (72) acts as a guide and is tapered, the taper being such that the panel must crumple to fit into the second groove (72). Once part of the panel has crumpled, that part loses some of its rigidity. Thus, a "U"-shaped aluminium reinforcing channel (80) is introduced between the faces of the truncated panel (74), with the channel opening adjacent the end glazing bar assembly (60). The channel (80) is sized to wedge the faces against the sides of the second groove (72).

Figure 5 shows the wall mounting bracket (26) in more detail. The side (32) of the stepped portion is fixed direct to the wall (34) with screw (82). A lug (84) depends from the flange (36) and is threadably engaged by an adjusting screw (86) which bears against the wall (34). Driving the adjusting screw (86) further through the lug (84) causes the spacing between the lug (84) and the wall (34) to increase. As the spacing increases, the wall mounting bracket frame tilts altering the orientation of the flange (36) relative to the wall (34). In doing so, the inclination of the flange (36) can be set to match the desired pitch of the roofing assembly as shown by arrow 12 (88), anywhere in the range 2.50 to 150.

Once the panels (22) are flush against the flange (36) fixing screws (90) are used to hold the panels in place. UPVC cladding (92) is then clipped over the underside of the flange (36) and lug (84) to conceal the wall mounting bracket (26) from view from below. A UPVC end closer (93) covers the end of the panels furthest from the wall (34).

The wall mounting bracket (26) has a ridge (94), one part (96) of which projects away from the wall (34) and 10 over the flange (36). The one part (96) and the flange (36) form a channel into which the panels (22), but not the glazing bar assemblies (24), extend. A weatherproof seal (98) is provided between the one part (96) and the panels (22). The other part of the ridge (94) protrudes above the glazing bar assemblies and carries a cover (100) which, with lead flashing (102), deflects rainwater away from the wall (34) onto the roof.

Figure 6 shows an alternative end glazing bar arrangement to the one illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b. The alternative arrangement comprises an end glazing bar frame (160) and two-piece cladding consisting of a top cap (168) and L-shaped undercladding (170). The top cap (168) has projections (169) which are a snap fit engagement in recess (162) in the uppermost part of the end glazing bar frame (160).

The end glazing bar frame (160) has a single groove 10 (162) for receiving the edge of either a complete panel (22) with hook-like profile (28) or a truncated panel (74).

13 The lower side (164) of the groove (162) extends such that the underside face (150) of either a complete or truncated panel received in the groove (162) is supported. The upper side (165) of the groove (162) is angled away from the lower side (164) so that a wedge gasket may be inserted between the upper side (165) and a panel in the groove (162) to prevent water ingress.

The end glazing bar frame (160) has a pair of flanges (166) which project away from the groove (162). The flanges (166) engage with corresponding flanges (172) on the L-shaped undercladding (170), providing the means for attaching the latter to the end glazing bar (160).

The top cap (168) and L-shaped undercladding (170) are provided with coextruded gaskets (180) which in use seal against the upper and lower faces, respectively, of the panel held by the glazing bar frame (160). The gaskets help prevent the ingress of water into the end glazing bar arrangement. Additional water proofing is provided by the fact that the top cap (168) overlaps the L-shaped undercladding (170) on the side of the glazing bar frame (160) furthest from the panel, when both are coupled to the end glazing bar frame (160).

Claims

14 CLAIMS

1. A glazing bar assembly for coupling together two panels in a roofing or screening system, comprising an elongate frame and a cladding member, the cladding member being supported by the elongate frame and having a profile along each side of the elongate frame for engaging a corresponding profile along an opposing edge of each panel.

2. A glazing bar assembly according to claim 1, in which at least one of the engaging profiles of the cladding member has a substantially hook-like configuration.

3. A glazing bar assembly according to claim 1 or 2, in which the cladding member slidably engages the elongate frame.

4. A glazing bar assembly according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, in which the cladding member includes a flange, projecting laterally of the elongate frame, for supporting one planar surface of one of the panels when the profiles are inter-engaged.

5. A glazing bar assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the profiles of the cladding member is elongate, extending substantially along the entire length of the elongate frame.

6. A glazing bar assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongate frame and the cladding member are of different materials

7. A glazing bar assembly according to claim 6, in which the elongate frame is of aluminium and the cladding member is of plastics material.

8. A glazing bar assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongate frame comprises an upstanding flange which extends proud of the plane of the cladding member profiles.

9. A glazing bar assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a cap, mountable on the upstanding flange for preventing dis-engagement of the panel and cladding member profiles.

10. A roofing or screening system comprising a glazing bar 10 assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and at least one panel, the panel having an edge profile which inter-engages with one of the cladding member profiles.

11. A roofing or screening system according to claim 10, in which the cladding member profiles are arranged so that inter-engagement with the panel profile is achieved by relative movement therebetween in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame.

12. A roofing or screening system according to claim 10 or 20 11, further comprising an end glazing bar assembly supporting the side of the panel spaced from the said glazing bar assembly, the end glazing bar assembly having groove means into which the side of the panel is a snug fit.

13. A roofing or screening system according to claim 12, in which the groove means has a tapered opening.

14. A roofing or screening system according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a reinforcing member disposed 16 between the faces of the panel and sized to trap the faces of the panel against sides of the groove means.

15. A roofing or screening system according to claim 14, in which the reinforcing member has a substantially "U"5 shaped cross-section.

16. A roofing or screening system according to claim 15, in which the opposing sides of the substantially U-shaped reinforcing member are adjacent the faces of the panel, with the open side adjacent the end support.

17. A bracket for securing a roofing assembly to a wall, comprising: means for attachment to the wall; means for supporting an end portion of the roofing assembly; and means, spaced from the attachment means, for adjusting the inclination of the supporting means relative to the wall by partial rotation of the bracket.

18. A bracket according to claim 17, in which the adjusting means comprises a member contacting part of the bracket and the wall, the member in use determining the separation between the wall and the said contacted part of the frame.

19. A bracket according to claim 18, in which the member threadably engages the bracket.

20. A bracket according to claim 17 or claim 18, in which the said contacted part of the bracket is a flange depending from the supporting means.

21. A bracket according to any one of claims 17 to 20, in which a portion of the bracket between the attachment and supporting means has an arcuate cross-section.

17

22. A bracket according to any one of claims 17 to 21, in which the bracket is of unitary construction.

23. A bracket according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising a ridge, extending from the attachment means and away from the supporting means, for supporting a cover projecting from the wall.

24. A bracket according to claim 23, in which a portion of the ridge projects over the supporting means, forming a recess for receiving the end portion of the roofing assembly.

25. A bracket according to claim 24, further comprising a seal provided on the said portion of the ridge to engage the end portion of the roofing assembly.

26. A bracket according to any one of claims 17 to 25, in 15 which the variations in the orientation of the supporting means relative to the wall provide for roof assembly pitches in the range 2.50 to 150.

27. A roofing or screening system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 2,3,4a and 4b.

28. Apparatus for fixing a roofing assembly to a wall substantially as hereinbefore with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 2 and 5.

29. A roofing or screening system according to any one of 25 claims 10-16, in which the end glazing bar assembly comprises an elongate frame and cladding mounted on the elongate frame.

30. A roofing or screening system according to claim 29, 18 in which the cladding comprises two parts, at least one of which is a snap fit engagement with the elongate frame.

31. A roofing or screening system according to claim 29 or 30, in which the cladding has a co- extruded gasket which, in use, engages a f ace of the panel supported by the end glazing bar.