GB2497276A

GB2497276A - Panel roofing frame with hook and click connection

Info

Publication number: GB2497276A
Application number: GB1120420.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frederic Boonen
Original assignee: SOLECO bvba
Current assignee: SOLECO bvba
Priority date: 2011-11-28
Filing date: 2011-11-28
Publication date: 2013-06-12
Also published as: GB201120420D0

Abstract

A roofing system for securing panels (100) and a method for assembling a roof covering for a building structure utilizing such roofing system include a variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) adapted for connection to each other by a hook-and click mechanism to form a framework adapted for receiving the plurality of panels (100). Each of the various profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) has a specific form and function. By placing the framework with the secured panels (100) directly on the roof construction of a building structure as the actual roof covering, the substantial cost of, for example, PV-panels is partially deferred due to the dual function of providing a roof cover and supporting PV-panels and, thus generating power, at the same time. Specific passage sleeve connector profiles may be provided.

Description

PI-IOTOVOLTAIC-PANEL ROOFING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to roofing systems and, more particularly, to a roofing system for securing panels and method for a panel roof covering utilizing such roofing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, solar energy has received increasing attention as an alternative renewable, non-polluting energy source, and photovoltaic (PV) installations on commercial and residential roofs as well as stand alone constructions are becoming increasingly popular. Currently, most PV panel systems include an array of photovoltaic or solar thermal modules that are installed on existing roof coverings. Such PV panels are typically mounted on beams or frameworks that overlay an existing roof surface and do not provide typical roof cover functionality, such as protection against wind and rain or other moisture and directing rain and other moisture off the roof. If the installation of the PV panels requires multiple penetrations in order to fasten the mounting structures to the roofs, such penetrations carry a risk of impairing the water-tightness of the roof system.

Additionally, integrated systems where the panels of photovoltaic or solar thermal modules interface with current roof coverings are being used more frequently. While such solar panel roofing systems provide at least partially typical roof cover functionality, one problem with existing systems is that water leakage between abutting panels is difficult to avoid. Such water leakage may lead to an undesired collection of water on the roof, since proper drainage of moisture is difficult to achieve.

The problem of water leakage between abutting panels is, for example, addressed by the International Patent Publication WO201 0123929, which is directed to a solar module integrated shading system that has a waterproof sealing. By applying a water resistant pliable seal between solar panel modules and by using a module clamping system hold to the solar panels in place, rain-run-off is provided to create a virtually dry area under the canopy. Application of a watertight seal between abutting PV panels is a very work intensive and expensive process. Furthermore, there is a risk that over the years the seal will undergo an aging process that may lead to at least a partial loss of the sealing properties of the sealing material. The sealing materials may not be easily replaced if this should occur.

A problem with existing solar panel roof constructions is that sufficient water drainage from the solar panels and/or watertightness of the construction cannot satisfactory be achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a roofing system for securing panels such as, but not limited to, photovoltaic panels, metal panels, glass panels, insulation panels, skylight panels, heat reflector panels, and water heating panels, and a method for assembling a watertight panel roof covering utilizing such roofing system. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that by placing the watertight panel surface directly on the roof construction of a building structure as the actual roof covering, the substantial cost of the panels, for example the FV-panels, is partially deferred due to the dual function of such a FV-panel surface of providing a roof cover and supporting FV-panels and, thus generating power, at the same time. A further advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that a framework adapted for receiving a plurality of panels includes various profiles that mostly interlock with a hook-and-click mechanism, which reduces the need for typical mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts and nuts. Still further, the hook-and-click mechanism allows for freedom of movement of the profiles for thermal expansion and contraction.

Furthermore, the hook-and-click mechanism is adapted to enable a watertight connection between adjacent profiles. A still further advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the various profiles may be, for example, aluminum extrusions and, therefore, relatively lightweight and corrosion-resistant. By providing different types of profiles where each type has a specific shape and function, leakage resistance or water tightness and efficient water drainage is realized in addition to fulfilling a supporting function for panels. A still further advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the framework including side boarding and the panels can be preassembled prior to installation on a new or existing roof structure.

The above objective is accomplished by a system and a method, according to the present invention.

Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

According to the advantageous embodiments of the present invention, a roofing system for securing panels comprises a variety of interlocking profiles, wherein the profiles are connected to each other by a hook-and-click mechanism to form a framework adapted for receiving the plurality of panels and for forming a roof covering. Mechanical fasteners are used in addition to the hook-and click mechanism to ensure fixation of the profiles. Utilizing a hook-and click mechanism is advantageous, since the use of typical fasteners can be largely reduced compared to known prior art roofing systems. Additionally, it is an advantage that an actual roof covering for a building structure can be realized.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the profiles include a variety of lips, hooks, grooves, or walls that are adapted for connecting the profiles with each other by the hook-and-click mechanism. This is advantageous, since the use of typical fasteners can be largely reduced.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the profiles are mounted on existing or new roof constructions. This is advantageous, since it provides for flexible implementations of the roofing system.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the roof covering is watertight. This is advantageous, since thereby the roofing system can be used as an actual roof covering for a building structure replacing conventional roof coverings.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the panels are selected from a group consisting of photovoltaic panels, metal panels, glass panels, insulation panels, skylight panels, heat reflector panels, and water heating panels.

By making the roofing system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention compliant with a variety of panels, the roofing system can be used for a variety of applications, such as providing solar energy when photovoltaic panels are used, providing shelter when metal panels are used, providing incidence of light when glass panels or skylight panels are used, providing heat insulation when insulation panels are used, providing heat reduction of the building structure when heat reflector panels are used, or providing warm water when water heating panels are used.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the profiles are metal profiles. This has the advantage that the framework formed by the structures is robust.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the profiles are aluminum extrusions. This has the advantage that the framework formed by the structures is lightweight and corrosion resistant.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the variety of profiles includes profiles of different forms and functions, which makes the system versatile.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the variety of interlocking profiles includes profiles of a first type are placed in parallel arranged rows that have a distance between each other that is equal to the longest dimension of the panel, the variety of interlocking profiles further includes profiles of a second type adapted for interlocking with the profiles of the first type to be positioned perpendicular to the profiles of the first type with a distance between two adjacent profiles of the second type that is equal to the shorter dimension of the panel, and a set of two adjacent profiles of the first type and two adjacent profiles of the second type forms a framework supporting the panel.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the variety of interlocking profiles further includes profiles of a third type adapted for locking the panels to the profiles of the first type and the profiles of the second type.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, two adjacent sets of profiles of the first type and profiles of the second type are connected with each other through a passage sleeve, the passage sleeve provides coupling of the two adjacent sets of profiles and that is at least resistant to leakage, and the passage sleeve provides drainage of moisture. This is advantageous, since adjacent passage sleeves form a continuous channel that serves as a guttering system offering improved drainage of moisture.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the variety of interlocking profiles further includes profiles adapted to form a border of the roof covering.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, a method for assembling a panel roof covering utilizing the roofing system according to any previous claim comprises the steps of providing a plurality of profiles adapted for connection to each other by a hook-and-click mechanism, interlocking the plurality of profiles to form a framework, and securing a plurality of panels in the framework to form the roof covering. Interlocking the profiles with a hook-and click mechanism is advantageous, since this not only reduces the need for typical mechanical fasteners but also allows for freedom of movement of the profiles for thermal expansion and contraction.

In still further embodiments of the present invention, the method includes further the steps of placing and securing the panel roof covering directly to a roof construction thereby replacing a traditional roof covering.

The above and other characteristics, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an along profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a treble profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a passage sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a ridge profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a side profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an end profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8a is a top view of the along profile and the transverse profile during connection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8b is a perspective view of the along profile and the transverse profile during connection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9a is a top view of the interconnected along profile and the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9b is a perspective view of the interconnected along profile and the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 Oa is a front view of the ridge profile prior to connection to the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 Ob is a front view of the ridge profile connected to the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 a is a front view of a first PV-panel connected to the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 b is a perspective view of a first PV-panel connected to the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 2a is a front view of a second PV-panel prior to connection to the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 2b is a perspective view of a second PV-panel prior to connection to the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 3a is a front view of two FV-panels connected by the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 Sb is a perspective view of two PV-panels connected by the transverse profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14a is a front view of a PV-panel prior to connection to the along profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14b is a perspective view of the PV-panel prior to connection to the along profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 5a is a front view of the PV-panel secured to the along profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 5b is a perspective view of the PV-panel secured to the along profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 6a is a front view of the side profile prior to connection to the along profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 1 6b is a front view of the side profile connected to the along profile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates exemplary embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. Where the term comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Still further, the term "inwards" is used for describing a direction pointing to a central axis and the term "outwards" is used for describing a direction pointing away form a central axis. For the purpose of the present invention, a roof construction is a support structure adapted for receiving a roof covering.

A roofing system for securing panels in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes various interlocking profiles that may be interconnected by a hook-and-click mechanism. Accordingly, each of the various profiles may be adapted for engaging with another of the profiles. To achieve that, each profile may include lips, hooks, grooves, and/or walls that are adapted for connecting the profiles with each other by hooking and/or clicking. Additional grooves may be provided for fixation of the profiles by mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts. Each of the various profiles is preferably, but not limited to, a metal or metal alloy structure, such as an aluminum extrusion. Furthermore, each of the various profile types may have a specific shape and function, as further described in detail below, such that efficient water removal from the roof may be realized in addition to a supporting function for panels, such as photovoltaic panels, metal panels, glass panels, insulation panels, skylight panels, heat reflector panels, or water heating panels, once the various profiles are connected with each other. The hook-and-click mechanism may be adapted to enable a watertight connection between adjacent profiles and to allow for freedom of movement of the profiles for thermal expansion and contraction.

Referring to Fig. 1, an along profile 10 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The along profile 10 may extend longitudinally along an axis 11. The along profile 10 may include a variety of walls 14 extending perpendicular from a flat base 13. Walls 14 may extend for the entire length of base 13. As can be seen in Fig. 1, walls 14 may have different heights and may be arranged symmetrically to axis 11, which extends longitudinally in the center of base 13. The walls 14 having the larger height may be adapted for receiving a panel 100 and the walls 14 having the smaller height may be adapted to form channels 15, for example, for drainage of moisture, air circulation, or receiving electrical equipment. Two lips 12 positioned closest to axis 11 are bended upwards and out wards from axis 11 to ensure the conductance to profile 30 (as described below). Bended lips 12 ensure better sliding of profile 30 into profile 10.

In the center of profile 10, a T-bar including lipi 6 extends along axis 11. The T-bar including lip 16 is adapted to ensure equal spacing between adjacent panels when mounted. The T-bar including kp 16 may be replaced by a U profile for extra connection when utilized in open regions, such as the North Sea or The Netherlands. Lip 16 may further include grooves 18. Groove 18 is needed to screw the profile 20 with lip 231 (as described below) to profile 10. A lip 19 may be included at each edge of base 13 and may extend longitudinally along axis 11.

Lips 19 may be adapted for connection with adjacent profiles, as further described below. Lip 19 may include a groove 191 placed next to the edge of base 13 for screw connection of profile 10 on the lodging of a roof structure.

Panels 100 may be, but are not limited to, photovoltaic (PV) panels, metal panels, glass panels, insulation panels, skylight panels, heat reflector panels, or water heating panels. Panels 100 may all have the same dimensions or may have various dimensions. More than one type of panels 100 may be combined in one roof covering. Panels 100 may be interchangeable.

Referring now to Fig. 2, a transverse profile 20 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The transverse profile 20 may extend longitudinally along an axis 21. The transverse profile 20 includes a variety of walls 24 extending perpendicular from a flat base 23. Walls 24 may extend for most of the length of base 23 leaving both ends of base 23 uncovered to form a raised lip 231 at each end for the purpose of connection with adjacent profiles. Lip 23 provides stability to the panel 100 once inserted. Two of the walls 24, each having a T-shape including a T-bar 26, may be positioned at the longitudinal extending edge of base 23. Each of these two walls 24 may include an inwards facing lip 27 and an outwards facing lip 271 extending upwards from the T-bar 26. A u-shaped wall 241 including lip 261 may be positioned in the center of base 23 at an equal distance from axis 21 and may extend along axis 21 for the same length as walls 24. A channel 29 may be formed between a wall 24 positioned at the edge of base 23 and a wall 24 positioned near the center of base 23, such as that transverse profile 20 includes two channels 29 that extend longitudinally along axis 21.

Channels 29 may be adapted for drainage of moisture.

Referring to Fig. 3, a treble profile 30 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The treble profile 30 has basically an L-shape including a L-bar 31 extending perpendicular from an end of a base 32. The L-bar 31 may include an inward facing lip 33. Walls 34 and 35 may be positioned perpendicular to base 32 and extending base 32 outwards. The distance of wall 34 from L-bar 31 may be determined by the thickness of the panels 100 to be used.

The treble profile 30 may be adapted for locking the panels 100 to the along profile and the transverse profile 20, as further described below.

Referring to Fig. 4, a passage sleeve 40 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The passage sleeve 40 may be adapted for a watertight connection of two along profiles 10 (as shown in Fig. 1). The passage sleeve 40 is further designed to ensure drainage of moisture. Adjacent passage sleeves 40 may form a continuous channel that serves as a guttering system offering a watertight design. Accordingly, the passage sleeve 40 may extend longitudinally along a center axis 41 and may include a first section 42 and a second section 43. The first section 42 may be adapted to receive a first along profile 10 and the second section 43 may be adapted to receive a second along profile 10. The first section 42 has a width 421 that is larger than a width 431 of the second section 43. Outer walls 44 extending perpendicular from a flat base 45 may extend longitudinally along axis 41 over both sections 42 and 43. In the area of the second section 43, walls 44 are positioned at each longitudinal extending edge of base 45. In the area of the first section 42, walls 44 may be positioned at a distance from each longitudinal extending edge of base 45. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the distance between the two walls 44 in the first section 42 is larger than the distance between the two walls 44 in the second section 43 forming a shoulder 46 at the intersection of the first and the second section 42 and 43, respectively. The first section 42 may include slots 47 extending from the position of walls 44 to the edge of base 45. Each slot 47 may be adapted for receiving a lip 19 of along profile 10 (as shown in Fig. 1). The second section 43 may include several u-shaped walls 48 that extend longitudinally along axis 41 and are positioned symmetrical to axis 41. Each pair of walls 48 may have an individual width that may be different from the width of other pairs of walls 48. U-shaped walls 48 may be adapted for receiving some of the walls 14 of the along profile 10.

The interlocking profiles 50, 60, and 70 illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, and 7 may be used as side boarding and, thus are adapted to form a border of the roofing system in accordance with embodiment of the present invention. Profiles 50, 69, and 70 may be produced first as sheet-metal parts. Now referring to Fig. 5, a ridge profile 50 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The ridge profile 50 may be adapted for forming the ridge of a roof and for connection to the transverse profile 20. The ridge profile 50 may extend longitudinally along an axis 51 for a length that is equal to the length of the transverse profile 20. The ridge profile 50 may include a flat base 52 that extends longitudinally along axis 51. A lip 53 may be positioned underneath the flat base 52 and may be adapted for connection with the lip 261 of a center wall 24 of the transverse profile 2 (as shown in Fig. 2). Additionally, ridge profile 50 may include a ridge panel 54 adapted for forming the ridge of a roof when combined with additional ridge profiles 50. The ridge panel 54 may extend upwards from an outer edge of base 52 opposite from lip 53 at an angle and may include a channel 55 for screw fastening profile 50 on profile 20.

Referring to Fig. 6, a side profile 60 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Side profile 60 may be adapted for closing an open gap between a panel 100 and the wall of the roof side and for connection with the along profile 10 (as shown in Fig. 1). The side profile 60 may extend longitudinally along an axis 61 for a length that is equal to the length of the along profile 10. The side profile may include a flat base 62. A first panel 63 may extend perpendicular in a first direction from a longitudinally extending outer edge of base 62. A second panel 64 may extend perpendicular in a direction opposite from the first direction from a longitudinally extending outer edge of base 62 on an opposite side from the first panel 63. An outwards facing lip 67 may be positioned underneath of base 62 and may be adapted for connection with a lip 16 of the along profile 10. A longitudinally extending wall 65 may be positioned underneath base 62 and may extend perpendicular from base 62. Wall 65 may be adapted for connection with a wall 14 of the along profile 10. A longitudinally extending and inwards facing wall 66 may extend perpendicular from the second panel 64. Wall 64 may be adapted for connection with the longitudinally extending edge of base 13 of along profile 10.

Referring to Fig. 7, an end profile 70 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The end profile 70 may be adapted for long-lasting connection with the transverse profile 20. The end profile extends longitudinally along an axis 71 includes a flat base 72. An end panel 73 may extend perpendicular and downwards from a longitudinally extending edge of base 72. End panel 73 may include a lip 74 adapted for connection with lip 271 of the transverse profile 20. A further panel 75 having basically a u-shape extends the opposite edge of base 72 perpendicular. Panel 75 includes a lip 76 adapted for connection with lip 261 of the transverse panel 20. Panel 75 is further adapted for receiving a panel 100 In the following, a method for assembling the above-described interlocking profiles 10-70 to form in conjunction with a plurality of panels 100, such as, for example, PV-panels, a watertight roof covering that may be placed on a roof structure instead of a traditional roof covering and that is adapted for receiving and supporting panels 100 will be described. In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the profiles 10 -70 may be assembled to form a watertight framework suitable for receiving a plurality of panels 100 and suitable for being placed above an existing traditional roof covering.

Referring now to Figs. 8a, Sb and 9a, 9b, the along profile 10 and the transverse profile 20 are illustrated during the connection process and interconnected, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For the purpose of the present invention, a roof construction is a support structure adapted for receiving a roof covering. A plurality of along profiles 10 may be mounted on a roof construction, preferably, starting in the middle of the roof construction. By starting in the middle of the roof construction, working to the left and right sides is enabled and a symmetric roofing solution may be achieved. The along profiles 10 are placed in rows on the roof construction, wherein the distance between two rows is equal to the longest dimension of the panel 100. Adjacent along profiles 10 may be extended and connected to each other with the passage sleeve 40. Passage sleeve 40 may ensure a watertight coupling of the two along profiles 10 and may provide water drainage between adjacent panels 100.

Once the plurality of along profiles 10 is placed on the roof construction and fixed with fasteners to the roof construction, the transverse profile 20 may be pre-mounted perpendicular to the along profiles 10. Placement of the transverse profile may start at the ridge of the roof. The transverse profile 20 may include at both ends a raised lip 231 to enable assembly in lip 16 of two parallel positioned along profiles 10. Basically, raised lip 231 of the transverse profile 20 is pushed under lip 16 of the along profile 10 thereby connecting two along profiles 10 with each other, as shown in Figs. Ba, 8b and 9a, 9b. In order to achieve that, the transverse profile may be angled, for example by about 3O, relative to the along profile 10 while being supported by a wall 14 of along profile 10. Then, the transverse profile 20 may be rotated to a perpendicular position relative to along profile 10, thereby pushing the raise lips 231 of the transverse profile 20 under lip 16 of the along profile 10, providing a first clamping between the along profile 10 and the transverse profile 20 through a hook-and-click mechanism. At this stage it may still be possible to move the transverse profile 20 within the lip 16 to adjust the distance between two adjacent transverse profiles 20. The transverse profiles 20 are arranged such that the distance between two adjacent transverse profiles 20 is equal to the shorter dimension of the panel 100. Once the first row of transverse profiles 20 is placed along the ridge of the roof, the transverse profiles 20 may be fixed to the roof construction with fasteners.

Additionally, the transverse profile 20 can be used without profile 10, for example, on existing roof constructions or as roof construction where watertightness is not a concern, for example, for carports. The transverse profile can be used as a drain in endless elaboration. Accordingly, the profile may be useable in other non-roofing solutions in combination with treble profile 30 for hooking the panel 100.

Referring now to Figs. ba and lOb, the ridge profile 50 is illustrated prior to connection and connected to the transverse profile 20, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. After placing and fixing the first row of transverse profiles 20 along the ridge of the roof, the ridge profile 50 may be mounted on lip 261 of the transverse profile 20 with a fastener. First, ridge profile is placed on transverse profile 20 such that the base 52 of the ridge profile 50 rests on I-bars 26 of the transverse profile 20. Then, the ridge profile 50 is pushed such that lip 53 of the ridge profile 50 engages with lip 261 of the transverse profile 20.

Referring now to Figs. 11 a and 11 b, 1 2a and 1 2b, 1 3a and 1 3b, a first panel connected to the transverse profile 20, a second panel 100 prior to connection to the transverse profile 20, and the first and the second panel 100 connected to the transverse profile 20 is illustrated, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. After connecting all ridge profiles 50 to the transverse profiles 20 or after placing and securing a row of transverse profiles 20 to the along profiles 10, the first panel 100 may be hooked with a first internal panel profile (not shown) on a lip 27 of a first transverse profile 20 on one side (se Figs. 11 a and 11 b) and with a second internal panel profile (not shown) on a lip 27 of a second and adjacent transverse profile 20 on the opposite side. In order to carry out this step, the panel 100 is positioned on a transverse profile 20 such that the panel 100 is supported by the 1-bars 26 of the walls 24 of a first and a second transverse profile 20 (see Figs. 1 2a and 1 2b). The panel 100 is then pushed such that the lips 27 of the first and the second transverse profile 20 engage with the first and second internal panel profiles (see Figs. 13a andl3b) through a hook-and-click mechanism. Alternatively, this step may be done after each completed connection of two adjacent transverse profiles 20 with a pair of along profiles 10.

When installed, each panel 100 is supported by two adjacent transverse profiles 20.

Referring to Figs. 14a, 14b, and iSa, 15b, the panel 100 is illustrated prior to connection and connected to the along profile 10, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The final fixation of the panels 100 to the along profiles 10 and the transverse profiles 20 may be achieved by utilizing the treble profile 30. The treble profile 30 may be positioned at the outer circumference of the panel 100 such that the base 32 extends towards the along profile 10 in close proximity to the T-bar including lipl6. When pushed down, for example by using a rubber hammer, lip 33 of the treble profile engages with a top profile of the panel 100 while lip 16 clicks in between the walls 34 and 35 of treble profile 30 through a hook-and-click mechanism. This step may be repeated until all panels 100 are placed into the framework of along profiles 10 and transverse profiles 20.

Now referring to Figs. 1 6a and 1 6b, a side profile 60 prior to connection and connected to the along profile 10 is illustrated, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The side profile 60 may be used to close an open gap between a panel, such as the panel 100 or an alternate panel, and a wall on the roof side of the building structure. The lip 67 of the side profile 60 may be hooked on lip 16 of the along profile 10 by engaging wall 65 of side profile 60 with a wall 14 of along profile 10. The wall 65 may have a hook integrated at the top for engaging with wall 14. The top of wall 14 may be adapted to receive and engage with the hook of the Wall 65. Furthermore, wall 66 of the side profile 60 may rest on lip 19 of the along profile 10. Definitive fixation of the side profile 60 to the along profile 10 may be achieved by inserting a fastener in groove 18 of the along panel 10. Al the last row of the panels 100, the end profile 70 clicks with lip 76 in lip 261 of transverse profile 20, while lip 74 of the end profile 70 engages with lip 271 of transverse profile 20.

By assembling the various interlocking profiles to a framework that supports panels and by designing the various profiles such that a watertight roof covering with capabilities for sufficient drainage of moisture is created once the panels are inserted into the framework, the roofing system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be utilized as a roof covering for existing or new roof constructions thereby replacing traditional roof coverings and may provide solar energy at the same time.

It is to be understood that although preferred embodiments, specific constructions and configurations, as well as materials, have been discussed herein for devices according to the present invention, various changes or modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. For example, the various profiles may be constructed to form a framework that supports and secures panels of various sizes and functions.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Other arrangements for accomplishing the objectives of embodiments of the present invention will be obvious for those skilled in the art.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. A roofing system for securing panels, comprising: a variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70); wherein the profiles are connected to each other by a hook-and-click mechanism to form a framework adapted for receiving the plurality of panels (100) and for forming a roof covering.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The roofing system according to claim 1, wherein the profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) include a variety of lips, hooks, grooves, or walls that are adapted for connecting the profiles with each other by the hook-and-click mechanism.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The roofing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) are mounted on existing or new roof constructions.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The roofing system according to any previous claim, wherein the roof covering is watertight.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The roofing system according to any previous claim, wherein the panels (100) are selected from a group consisting of photovoltaic panels, metal panels, glass panels, insulation panels, skylight panels, heat reflector panels, and water heating panels.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The roofing system according to any previous claim, wherein the profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) are metal profiles.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The roofing system according to any previous claim, wherein the profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) are aluminum extrusions.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The roofing system according to any previous claim, wherein the variety of profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) includes profiles of different forms and functions.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. The roofing system according to any previous claim, wherein the variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) includes profiles (10) of a first type are placed in parallel arranged rows that have a distance between each other that is equal to the longest dimension of the panel (100), wherein the variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) further includes profiles (20) of a second type adapted for interlocking with the profiles (10) of the first type to be positioned perpendicular to the profiles (10) of the first type with a distance between two adjacent profiles (20) of the second type that is equal to the shorter dimension of the panel (100), and wherein a set of two adjacent profiles (10) of the first type and two adlacent profiles (20) of the second type forms a framework supporting the panel (100).</claim-text> <claim-text>10. The roofing system according to claim 6, wherein the variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) further includes profiles (30) of a third type adapted for locking the panels (100) to the profiles (10) of the first type and the profiles (20) of the second type.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. The roofing system according to claim 6, wherein two adjacent sets of profiles (10) of the first type and profiles (20) of the second type are connected with each other through a passage sleeve (40), wherein the passage sleeve (40) provides coupling of the two adjacent sets of profiles (10) and (20) that is at least resistant to leakage, and wherein the passage sleeve (40) provides drainage of moisture.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. The roofing system according to any previous claim, wherein the variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) further includes profiles (50, 60, 70) adapted to form a border of the roof covering.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A method for assembling a panel roof covering utilizing the roofing system according to any previous claim, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) adapted for connection to each other by a hook-and-click mechanism; interlocking the plurality of profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) to form a framework; and securing a plurality of panels (100) in the framework to form the roof covering.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. The method for assembling a panel roof covering according to claim 13, further including the step of: placing and securing the panel roof covering directly to a roof construction thereby replacing a traditional roof covering.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. The method for assembling a panel roof covering according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the panels (100) are selected from a group consisting of photovoltaic panels, metal panels, glass panels, insulation panels, skylight panels, heat reflector panels, and water heating panels.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A roofing system for securing panels, comprising: a variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. 70); s wherein the profiles are connected to each other by a hook-and-click mechanism to form a framework adapted for receiving the plurality of panels (100) and for forming a roof covering, wherein the variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) includes profiles (10) of a first type are placed in parallel arranged rows that have a io distance between each other that is equal to the longest dimension of the panel (100), wherein the variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) further includes profiles (20) of a second type adapted for interlocking with the profiles (10) of the first type to be positioned perpendicular to the profiles (10) of the first ": is type with a distance between two adjacent profiles (20) of the second type that is equal to the shorter dimension of the panel (100), and a...wherein a set of two adjacent profiles (10) of the first type and two adjacent profiles (20) of the second type forms a framework supporting the panel (100). * a. * a *.. *2. The roofing system according to claim 1, wherein the profiles (10, 20, 30,40, 50, 60, 70) are metal profiles, wherein two adjacent sets of profiles (10) of the first type and profiles (20) of the second type are connected with each other through a passage sleeve (40), wherein the passage sleeve (40) provides coupling of the two adjacent sets of profiles (10) and (20) that is at (east resistant to leakage, and wherein the passage sleeve (40) provides drainage of moisture.3. The roofing system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the variety of interlocking profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) further includes profiles (50, 60, 70) adapted to form a border of the roof covering.4. A method for assembling a panel roof covering utilizing the roofing system according to any previous claim, comprising the steps of: s providing a plurality of profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) adapted for connection to each other by a hook-and-cHck mechanism; interlocking the plurality of profiles (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) to form a framework; securing a plurality of panels (100) in the framework to form the roof io covering; and placing and securing the panel roof covering directly to a roof construction thereby replacing a traditional roof covering.5. The method for assembling a panel roof covering according to claim 4, wherein the panels (100) are selected from a group consisting of photovoltaic is panels, metal panels, glass panels, insulation panels, skylight panels, heat reflector panels, and water heating panels. * S.* .* . S.. * *5 * * * . * *5</claim-text>