GB2453150A

GB2453150A - Archuate top sheet for use in a roof assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2453150A
Application number: GB0718871A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robin Adrian Rexworthy Jeffery; Christopher Avery
Original assignee: Hambleside Danelaw Ltd
Current assignee: Hambleside Danelaw Ltd
Priority date: 2007-09-27
Filing date: 2007-09-27
Publication date: 2009-04-01
Also published as: GB0718871D0

Abstract

A top sheet for use in a roof or similar light assembly, the top sheet comprising a translucent or transparent panel, at least one fixing point at opposite ends of the panel for connection with fixing elements, the panel including an arcuate portion between opposed fixing points.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN ROOF AND SIMILAR LIGHTS

The present invention is principally concerned with improved top sheets or covering panels for a roof or other similar light assembly, such as for a wall light arrangement.

However, the invention is mainly concerned with rooflights and other light assemblies incorporating such a top sheet or cover panel. Moreover, the invention is also concerned with a fixing means suitable for fastening the top sheet or cover panel.

Conventional top sheets and roof light assemblies incorporating them of the type shown in Figure 1 are known. Such a roof light assembly comprises a liner panel sheet 2 for attachment to the edge and/or underside of a roof with which it is to be used; an optional insulating layer 3; an optional capping sheet 4 for the insulation and a top sheet 1 outer covering. It can be seen from Figure 1 that, in sectional view, the known top sheet is corrugated, with a series of crowns projecting above a series of valleys. The top sheet is fixed to a spacer bar system 11 by suitable fasteners 6. A plurality of such fasteners 6 are conventionally driven through the valley sections as shown of the top sheet and into the spacer bar assembly.

It is from knowledge and observation of conventional above described roof lights that has led to the development of the present invention.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a top sheet for use in a roof or similar light assembly, the top sheet comprising a translucent or transparent panel, at least one fixing point at opposite sides of the panel for co-operation with fixing means, the panel including an arcuate portion between opposed fixing points.

The fixing means can be, for example, a bracket or a strap. Fixing means, such as a bracket, of complementary shape to that of the top sheet is preferably fixed at each purlin during site installation of the assembly. This bracket can be affixed over the top sheet before suitable fasteners are driven in. The present fixing brackets can be positioned generaJly to extend either side of the top sheet and enable the roof Hght assembly to be fixed either to a purlin or flashing section, or overlaid with another fixing bracket to create a series of adjacent roof lights.

Other aspects of the present invention, along with preferred and optional features are set out in the sub-Claims.

In order that the present invention in all its aspects may be illustrated, more readily understood and carried into effect by those skilled in the art, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings purely by way of non-limiting example and wherein: Figure 1 shows a known form of rooflight assembly, incorporating a typical corrugated top sheet; Figures 2 and 2A are respectively enlarged details fo the side portions of the conventional rooflight outer panel included in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an assembled rooflight incorporating of the top sheet embodiment depicted in Figure 2A; Figure 3A shows one embodiment of a preferred fixing bracket suitable for the top panel and included within the Figure 3 rooflight assembly; Figure 3B shows in cross section, a view of one preferred top panel suitable for and included within the Figure 3 rooflight assembly, Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a roof light assembly, incorporating a top sheet with a more pronounced accurate portion; Figure 4A shows one preferred embodiment of a fixing bracket suitable for the top panel of Figure 4B included within the Figure 4 assembly, and Figure 4B shows in cross section a view of a preferred top panel suitable for and included within the Figure 4 assembly, Referring to Figure 1, a known top sheet 1 comprises a corrugated translucent sheet of GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester). Such a top sheet us used to complete a conventional roof light assembly 12 as shown. The liner panel 2 of the roof light assembly 12 is directly connected to the purlins (not shown). Over the liner panel 2, an insulating layer 3 of e.g. honeycomb or other transparent or translucent insulation is laid. Over this a capping sheet 4 is provided and above this, the top sheet 1. The top sheet I is connected to the rest of the assembly 12 by a suitable spacer bar system 11. Multiple fasteners 6 are deployed at each point of the valley sections in such a conventional roof light. Alternatively the fasteners could be deployed in the crowns.

Referring now to Figures 3, 3A and 3B the liner panel 30, honeycomb insulation 40 and capping sheet 50 within the roof light assembly 20 are of conventional format as previously described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 2A. The top sheet 10 in this embodiment requires fixing means at only two oppositely spaced sides 70 i.e at either side of and penetrating the top sheet 10. Securing of the top sheet in the Figure 3 embodiment is effected by specially contoured fixing bracket 90 (Figure 3A) including an arcuate portion whose cross section is mainly complementary to the arcuate section of the top sheet 10 (Figure 3B).

If desired, in addition to the honeycomb 40 a high density Foam filler 100 can be disposed within the internal arcuate segment at least partly defined by the top sheet of this embodiment according to the present invention. Such a filler confers additional insulation, and provides further structural support for the top panel 10.

The fixing bracket of Figure 3A has been designed to include a partial arcuate segment adapted to co-operate with the uniquely profiled form of top sheet 10. The preferred fixing bracket of Figure 3A, incorporated within the rooflight assembly of Figure 3 includes (laterally extending) inverted channel sections at opposing sides A planar portion of the bracket extends between each inverted channel section and an end of the arcuate portion.

A gap is formed in the completed rooflight assembly (Figure 3) between the planar portion and an end region of the arcuate section of the top panel. That gap functions as a channel to shed water.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 46, it can be seen that the geometry of the arcuate portion within the panel 80 between the two inverted channel sections 70A as well as the shape and size of those inverted channel sections may vary according to requirements. One preferred arc described by the arcuate portion of the top sheet 80 is one wherein the apex is substantially coplanar with the apex of the crowns 70A at either end. The profile of the top sheet 80 deployed in the Figure 4 assembly may be more readily appreciated from the Figure 4B view. A preferred fixing bracket 90A is shown in section in Figure 4A. In similar fashion to the fixing bracket depicted in Figure 3A and described above, this bracket also includes an arcuate portion between opposing ends defined by inverted channel sections. A planar portion is similarly provided between the ends of the arcuate portion and the inverted channels.

The inverted channels are most usefully profiled to fit the corresponding profile of protruding roof corrugations.

An advantage of the present invention resides in the requirement for fixing by fewer fastenings 60 (typically only at either side of the top sheet 80) facilities installation of the present roof light assemblies, being considerably quicker than with a conventional top sheet where fastenings are required at each valley section (or crown) of inverted channel. Preferably, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fastenings at either side are also positioned at an angle other than perpendicular to the roof.

This allows water build-up such as rain to quickly drain away and thus reduces the risk of any leak. Furthermore, the fact that any rain falling on the arcuate panel would be dispersed in only two rain channels formed either side of the panel, rather than in a plurality of flat valleys, means that this risk of leaking is further reduced. Apart from ease of installation and a reduction in necessary fixing materials, the present top panel and fixing bracket combinations minimise the need for intermediate fixtures whilst simultaneously providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Although the invention has been described principally with reference to rooflight assemblies, the present top sheets and brackets could be deployed on walls as a wall light assembly with little if any modification given the presence of corrugations or other suitable fixtures to which the top panel and brackets may be affixed.

Claims

1. A top sheet for use in a roof or similar light assembly, the top sheet comprising a translucent or transparent panel, at least one fixing point at opposite ends of the panel for connection with fixing means, the panel including an arcuate portion between opposed fixing points.

2. A top sheet as claimed in Claim 1, the fixing points at opposite ends being in sides of inverted channel sections forming a crown.

3. A top sheet as claimed in Claim 2, the apex of the arc being substantially coplanar with the apex of the inverted channel sections.

4. A top sheet as claimed in any preceding Claim, having a single panel disposed between fixing points.

5. A roof light assembly incorporating a top sheet as claimed in any preceding Claim.

6 A fixing means for use with a top sheet as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, the fixing means comprising a bracket or strap disposed between at least two fixing points on inverted channel sections forming crowns, the bracket or strap including an arcuate portion substantially complementary to the arcuate portion in the panel of the top sheet.

7. A roof light assembly incorporating a top sheet as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4 and fixing means as claimed in Claim 6.

8. A roof light assembly as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the top sheet and fixing means are connected to the assembly at an angle of less than 900 with respect to the horizontal plane of the roof light

9. A top sheet substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in any one of Figures 3, 3B, 4 or 4B.

10. A fixing means substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in any one of Figures 3, 3A, 4, 4A.

11. A roof light assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 3 or 4