GB2537382A - Hip tile deployment tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The hip tile deployment tool 1 has two elongate parallel rails 3, 4 that are connected together at a predetermined distance. There may be more than one connection between the rails, and the connections may be adjusted and secured by a clamp 11 to set the space between the rails, the distance corresponding to the width of a hip or ridge tile 2. The connection comprises a bracket 5, 6 attached to each rail, wherein the brackets may be secured together. A shoulder or ledge 14, 15 may project from the rails into the space between them, such that it forms a platform for receiving an edge of a hip tile. Each rail may also include a rubber layer for increasing friction between the tool and a roof. The end of the tool may include a mating element for interconnecting with additional tools. A kit of parts is also claimed.

Description

Hip Tile Deployment Tool This invention relates to a hip tile deployment tool for roofing, and a kit of parts.

Background

It is well-known that tiled roof structures, for example for domestic or commercial properties, typically include edging constructions which can be problematic to install.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a simple tiled roof construction including a topmost "ridge" line R extending horizontally along a substantial portion of the length of the roof, and four "hip" lines H, which depend from the ridge denoting corner sections of the roof structure. Both the hip and ridge sections are typically constructed by placing a line of appropriate tiles, hereafter called "hip tiles" on top of a bed track of cement running between two adjacent regions of roof tiling. Each hip tile T generally comprises an elongate tile, e.g. constructed from a ceramics material, having a substantially arcuate cross-section which remains substantially similar along its length, as schematically shown in Fig. 2.

Laying hip tiles, whether used for ridge or hip lines, is traditionally difficult, since, as can be seen from Fig. 1, there is generally no other structure available to provide guidance for their orientation. As such, it can be problematic to ensure that the line of hip tiles extends evenly along a straight line.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome these problems in a simple, robust and cost-effective manner. This aim is achieved by providing a portable alignment tool that can releasably carry a plurality of hip tiles to ensure their mutual alignment.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hip tile deployment tool comprising: a first elongate rail extending along a first axis; a second elongate rail extending along a second axis, the first and second axes being substantially parallel in use; and connection means for connecting the first and second elongate rails and maintaining, in use, a predetermined distance between the first and second rails.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising at least two tools in accordance with the first aspect.

Other features of the present invention as provided in the accompanying claims.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in 10 which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a simple tiled roof construction; Fig. 2 schematically shows a standard hip tile; Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a deployment tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of the tool of Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 schematically shows a plan view of the tool of Fig. 3.

A first embodiment of the invention is schematically shown in Fig. 3. Here, for clarity, the tool 1 is shown with a hip tile 2 located in place. The tool 1 comprises a first elongate rail 3 extending along a first axis and a second elongate rail 4 extending along a second axis, with the first and second axes being substantially parallel in use and as shown. The underside of each rail 3, 4 is provided with a rubber layer (not shown), which acts to increase frictional engagement between the tool and roof in use, to help prevent the tool from sliding down the roof. In the tool shown, a bracket 5, 6 is attached at distal ends of each elongate rail, each bracket including an arm 7, 8 projecting vertically upwards from the rail when horizontal. Each arm 7, 8 is connected to a limb 9, 10 extending orthogonally to the arm. Respective limbs 9, 10 are dimensioned so as to be telescopically received, i.e. limb 9 can slidably fit inside limb 10 as shown. A clamp 11 is attached to outer limb 10, comprising a vertically moveable member 12 which may be moved into and out of fixing contact with inner limb 9 by rotating a handle 13 of the clamp 11, such clamp arrangements being well-known per se. It can be seen that when the clamp 11 is tightened, the brackets 5, 6 will be secured together and the rails 3, 4 will be maintained at a set distance apart.

Since limb 9 is slidably received within limb 10, a range of separation distances are possible, allowing for variously dimensioned hip tiles 2 to be located within the tool 1 in use. The rails and brackets may be formed from any suitable material, with metal or plastics materials being examples of suitable materials, and aluminium being preferred due to its relatively high strength to weight ratio and non-rusting properties.

In the case of metal for example, the brackets may be attached to the rails preferably by welding or alternatively by a separate fastening means such as rivets or screws. The rubber layer may for example be glued or otherwise attached (e.g. by stapling, or by other mechanical engagement means such as nailing, bolting or screwing for example) to the rails.

Each rail 3, 4 comprises a projecting shoulder 14, 15 positioned along at least a portion of the length of the respective rails, and here the shoulders 14, 15 extend along the entirety of the rails' length. The projecting shoulders 14, 15 form a platform for receiving an edge of a hip tile in use, and Fig. 3 shows hip tile 2 resting on the formed platform. With this configuration, the hip tile rests fully within the tool and is prevented from moving horizontally, orthogonal to the rails' axes, by the abutting adjacent rail It may however easily be lifted in and out of the tool as required.

Figs. 4 and 5 schematically show a sectional view and a plan view of the tool 1, allowing the shoulder and general dimensions of the tool to be more clearly seen.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tool can be used as follows: i) The distance between the rails is set so as to correspond to the width of the hip or ridge tile to be fitted, i.e. so that the lateral edges of the tile can rest on the shoulder platforms of the rails. This is achieved by ensuring that the clamp is loosened, so that the rails can be set to the correct distance, before the clamp is tightened, fixing the rails in position.

ii) The tool is positioned on a roof hip or ridge.

iii) Wet cement is applied to the roof hip or ridge -n.b. this may be done before or after step ii), so that the wet cement is located between the rails of the tool.

iv) Hip / ridge tiles are applied to the wet cement, guided by the rails. The length of the rails enables a plurality of tiles to be applied without moving the tool, ensuring their alignment.

v) When all tiles have been fitted, the tool can be removed by loosening the clamp and pulling apart the rails so that the platforms no longer contact or underlie the tiles.

For long sections of hip or ridge, the tool may be re-used along the extent of the hip or ridge, for example in the case of a hip, the tool may be used initially at the lower end, and then slid upwards along the hip. It is envisaged that the tool may be provided in various lengths, for example a relatively short tool substantially equal to the length of seven standard hip tiles, which could be used for short hip sections, e.g. on bays, and a relatively long tool, e.g. of about the length of fifteen standard hip tiles, for longer hips. A kit may be provided including a plurality of such tools, preferably of different lengths. Alternatively, although not currently preferred due to the additional complexity, a plurality of tools can be used simultaneously. To facilitate the use of a plurality of tools, mating means may be provided (not shown) proximate respective ends of the tool, for example on the rails ends or on a bracket if this is located proximate the end of the rails, for enabling interconnection between adjacently positioned tools. This arrangement helps to ensure alignment between the adjacent tools. Suitable mating means may comprise mating lugs / slots, screw fixings, clips etc. The above-described embodiments are exemplary only, and other possibilities and alternatives within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the brackets need not be positioned at each end of the rails, but may be located in spaced locations anywhere along the rails, preferably having a separation which provides structural rigidity to the assembled tool. In some embodiments, a single bracket may be provided along each rail. The tool can be provided in various lengths. The rubber layer may be replaced with any suitable friction-increasing substance, e.g. various plastics materials, or the underside of the rails may for example be roughened or shaped to increase friction.

Claims (13)

1. Claims 1. A hip tile deployment tool comprising: a first elongate rail extending along a first axis; a second elongate rail extending along a second axis, the first and second axes being substantially parallel in use; and connection means for connecting the first and second elongate rails and maintaining, in use, a predetermined distance between the first and second rails.
2. 2. A hip tile deployment tool according to claim 1, wherein the connection means is adjustable to maintain the first and second rails within a range of predetermined distances.
3. 3. A hip tile deployment tool according to claim 2, wherein the connection means comprises a clamp.
4. 4. A hip tile deployment tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection means comprises a bracket connected to each of said first and second elongate rails, and means for securing the respective brackets together.
5. 5. A hip tile deployment tool according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one additional connection means for connecting the first and second elongate rails, said at least one additional connection means being located at a position spaced from the first connection means along the first and second axes.
6. 6. A hip tile deployment tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined distance substantially corresponds to the width of a hip tile.
7. 7. A hip tile deployment tool according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second elongate rails comprises a projecting shoulder positioned along at least a portion of the length of the respective rails, the projecting shoulder forming a platform for receiving an edge of a hip tile in use.
8. 8. A hip tile deployment tool according to any preceding claim, comprising mating means located at an end of the tool, for interconnecting with a further tool.
9. 9. A hip tile deployment tool according to any preceding claim, comprising means for increasing frictional engagement between the tool and a roof in use.
10. 10. A hip tile deployment tool according to claim 9, wherein the means for increasing frictional engagement comprises a rubber layer provided on each of the first and second rails.
11. 11. A kit of pads comprising at least two tools in accordance with any of claims 1 to 10.
12. 12. A kit of parts according to claim 11, wherein the two tools are of different lengths.
13. 13. A hip tile deployment tool substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures 3 to 5.