GB2560803A

GB2560803A - A roofing component

Info

Publication number: GB2560803A
Application number: GB1801024.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Coyle Sean
Original assignee: Keystone Lintels Ltd
Current assignee: Keystone Lintels Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-20
Filing date: 2018-01-22
Publication date: 2018-09-26
Also published as: GB201701045D0; IE20180036A1; GB201801024D0

Abstract

A structural roof module for a building 1, the structural roof module 1 having a base assembly, a pitched roof assembly 3 and roof support mechanism 4. The roof support mechanism 4 extends between the base assembly 2 and the pitched roof assembly 3. The structural roof module 1 is movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage. The roof and base assemblies may include framed panels. Roof and base components can preferably be moved and fixed relative to each other. The support means may comprise two tie-bars and may be detachable and pivotable to the roof and base assembles. Preferably, the support means are located only at the perimeter of the module. The tie-bars may be mutually coupleable with a reinforcing mechanism. Also claimed is a collapsible roofing component (fig 7) for a module having top and bottom cords and support means.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Keystone Lintels Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Ballyreagh Industrial Estate, Cookstown, Tyrone, BT80 9DG, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

E04B 7/76 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 0990806 A DE 002741552A1 US 5596844 A (58) Field of Search:

E04B7/02 (2006.01)

DE 003129347 A FR 002238823 A1 US 20080134588 A1

INT CL E04B, E04H

Other: WPI, EPODOC, Patent fulltext (72) Inventor(s):

Sean Coyle (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Hanna IP

4th Floor, 58 Howard Street, Belfast, BT1 6PJ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A roofing component

Abstract Title: Collapsible structural roof module (57) A structural roof module for a building 1, the structural roof module 1 having a base assembly, a pitched roof assembly 3 and roof support mechanism 4. The roof support mechanism 4 extends between the base assembly 2 and the pitched roof assembly 3. The structural roof module 1 is movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage. The roof and base assemblies may include framed panels. Roof and base components can preferably be moved and fixed relative to each other. The support means may comprise two tie-bars and may be detachable and pivotable to the roof and base assembles. Preferably, the support means are located only at the perimeter of the module. The tie-bars may be mutually coupleable with a reinforcing mechanism. Also claimed is a collapsible roofing component (fig 7) for a module having top and bottom cords and support means.

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A ROOFING COMPONENT

The present invention relates to a roofing component for use to support a roof of a building. In particular, the present invention relation to a collapsible roofing module and method for erecting the roofing module.

Buildings can have flat roofs or pitched roofs. This invention relates to those buildings having a pitched roof. Pitched roofs are traditionally created by the use of a number of roof trusses comprising wooden frames which are set upon the brick or timber-framed walls of a building. A layer of waterproofing material is laid over the trusses and battens are mounted thereupon which in turn supports tiles or an alternative outer roof covering. Conventional trusses that provide a structural support to sloped roofs in buildings are well known. Trusses are of a substantially triangular shape and when in use comprise a horizontal member which defines the ceiling of the uppermost storey of a building and two angled members which define the pitched sides of the roof.

Conventional trusses are typically pre-fabricated off-site and subsequently transported to the required located. A disadvantage of this pre-fabrication of a truss is that the truss is bulky (as it is designed to extend for the width of a building) and therefore difficult to store and transport. Further, in order to support the weight of the truss frame itself and other loads such as the roofing tiles and potential snowfall and to withstand forces of heavy winds traditional truss designs include intermediate re-enforcing members connected between the horizontal and angled members. A disadvantage of such a truss design causes obstructions within the attic space and can render a substantial area of attic space unusable as living accommodation.

A further major disadvantage with traditional roof truss assemblies is the health and safety risk they prevent to installers who are installing them. The trusses must be individually installed on the roof and the installers must walk through these trusses which have webs along the width resulting in it being a difficult and cumbersome working environment especially at height.

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate the above-mentioned disadvantages and provide a structural roof module capable of providing a building with a large unhindered attic space to enable an individual to effectively utilise their attic space as livable accommodation.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a roof component which is less bulky than conventional roofing component such as trusses for ease of transport and can be rapidly deployed once on-site.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a method of manufacture of a structural roof module, the structural roof module capable of providing a building with a large unhindered attic space to enable an individual to effectively utilise their attic space as livable accommodation.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a method of erection of a structural roof module, the structural roof module capable of being installed without the health and safety risks associated with traditional roof installations and providing a building with a large unhindered attic space to enable an individual to effectively utilise their attic space as livable accommodation.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a structural roof module for a building, the structural roof module comprising: a base assembly;

a pitched roof assembly;

and roof support means extending between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly;

characterised in that the structural roof module is movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage.

Advantageously, having a structural roof module for a building whereby the structural roof module is configured to be movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage enables an installer to easily store and transport the structural roof module for quick and easy assembly and installation on site. This also reduces the health and safety risks associated with traditional roof truss installation.

Preferably, the building having four walls, most preferably four walls of which two opposing walls are gabled.

Ideally, the base assembly is attachable to two opposing walls of the building.

Preferably, the base assembly is configured to extend between two opposing walls of the building.

Ideally, the pitched roof assembly is moveable relative to the base assembly between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage.

Preferably, the pitched roof assembly is couplable to the base assembly.

Ideally, the pitched roof assembly is pivotally couplable, directly or indirectly, to the base assembly.

Preferably, the pitched roof assembly and/or base assembly comprising modular building components.

Ideally, the modular building components comprise one or more panels or framed structures.

Ideally, the pitched roof assembly and/or base assembly comprising a plurality of polygonal panels.

Preferably, the pitched roof assembly and/or base assembly comprising a plurality of quadrangular panels.

Ideally, the pitched roof assembly and/or base assembly comprising a plurality of rectangular panels.

Preferably, the panels are SIP panels or a similarly insulated composite panel.

Alternatively, the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly comprises a framed structure.

Ideally, the framed structure is formed of two opposing beams of equal length coupled to two further opposing beams of equal length creating a perimeter for the quadrangular/rectangular framed structure.

Preferably, a number of intermediate beams are spaced apart extending between two opposing beams, most preferably parallel to the other two perimeter beams.

Ideally, a number of intermediate beams are equispaced apart extending between two opposing beams, most preferably parallel to the other two perimeter beams.

Preferably, the pitched roof assembly comprises two panels or two framed structures or one of each.

Ideally, the two panels or framed structure of the structural roof module are couplable to one another.

Preferably, the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to one another.

Ideally, the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to one another to form the conventional triangular apex of a roof of a building.

Preferably, the two panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to one another to form the conventional triangular apex of a roof of a building.

Ideally, the two panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are independently movable relative to the base assembly.

Preferably, the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are independently movable relative to the base assembly.

Ideally, the two panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to the base assembly.

Preferably, the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to the base assembly.

Ideally, the two panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are pivotably couplable to the base assembly.

Preferably, the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are pivotably couplable to the base assembly.

Ideally, the two panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to opposing ends of the base assembly.

Preferably, the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to opposing ends of the base assembly.

Ideally, the two panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are pivotally couplable to opposing ends of the base assembly.

Preferably, the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are pivotally couplable to opposing ends of the base assembly.

Preferably, the roof support means is engageable with a portion of the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly.

Ideally, the roof support means is engageable with a portion of the pitched roof assembly and the base assembly in the expanded in-use configuration.

Preferably, the roof support means is detachable from a portion of the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly.

Advantageously, the detachable nature of the roof support means allows the structural roof module to move between the expanded in-use configuration and the collapsed configuration for stowage.

Ideally, the roof support means is pivotally couplable to the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly.

Preferably, the structural roof module has a base assembly, a pitched roof assembly comprising two panels or framed structures tapering towards each other at the apex of the roof and two triangular end faces.

Ideally, the roof support means is engageable proximal to a portion of the perimeter of the panels or frames structures of the structural roof module.

Preferably, the roof support means is engageable proximal to a portion of the triangular end faces perimeter only of the structural roof module

Ideally, the roof support means is engageable proximal to a portion of the perimeter only of the structural roof module.

Preferably, the roof support means is engageable proximal to a portion of the triangular end faces perimeter only of the structural roof module.

Ideally, the roof support means is detachable from perimeter of the panels or the framed structures of the structural roof module.

Preferably, the roof support means is detachable from perimeter of the triangular end faces of the structural roof module.

Ideally, the roof support means is engageable between a portion of the pitched roof assembly and the base assembly at both gable sides of the structural roof module.

Preferably, the roof support means is pivotally couplable to a portion of the perimeter of the panels or frames structures of the structural roof module.

Ideally, the roof support means is pivotally couplable to a portion of the perimeter of the triangular end faces of the structural roof module.

Preferably, the roof support means is pivotally couplable to a portion ofthe perimeter only of the structural roof module.

Ideally, the roof support means is pivotally couplable to a portion of perimeter of the triangular end faces only of the structural roof module

Advantageously, having a roof support means which is pivotally couplable and/or engageable proximal to the perimeter of the triangular end faces only of the panels or the framed structures of the structural roof module allows for the construction of a structural roof module whereby the supporting means are located proximal to the outermost sections ofthe structural roof module only. This means that the installer of the roof module does not have to walk through the rest of the module on the roof or on the ground and enables the majority of the room space within the roofing module to be open and unhindered unlike roofing modules utilising conventional trusses whereby each truss will maintain its own support member throughout the entire conventional roof structure; thus limiting the amount of free space in the room and adding a significant health and safety risk at height.

Preferably, the roof support means comprises two roof support members, a first roof support member and a second roof support member.

Ideally, the first roof support member is pivotally couplable to either the pitched roof assembly or the base assembly.

Preferably, the first roof support member is movable between an in-use position and a storage position.

Ideally, the first roof support member is a web-strut and comprises a leading end and a trailing end.

By leading end we mean the freely movable end which leads the web-strut from a stored position to an in-use position.

Preferably, the trailing end of the web-strut is pivotally couplable to the pitched roof assembly or the base assembly.

Ideally, the web-strut co-operates with a movement restriction means at the in-use position.

Preferably, a portion of the trailing end of web-strut abuts movement restriction means of the structural roof module.

Advantageously, the movement restriction means of the structural roof module halts the rotation of the pivoted web-strut at a predetermined angular orientation during movement of the roofing structural module from the collapsed stowage configuration to the expanded inuse configuration.

Ideally, the movement restriction means of the structural roof module is a protrusion.

Preferably, the movement restriction means is a component of the panel or framed structure.

Ideally, the movement restriction means is a support purlin and/or ceiling binder.

Preferably, the movement restriction means on the pitched roof assembly is a protrusion extending from the pitched roof assembly a short distance in the direction of the base assembly.

Ideally, the first roof support member extends from the base assembly at an acute angle back towards the pitched roof assembly.

Preferably, the leading end of the web-strut is engageable with a portion of the base assembly.

Ideally, the leading end of the web-strut is engageable with a movement restriction means abutment portion locatable on the base assembly.

Preferably, the movement restriction means on the base assembly is a protrusion extending from the base assembly a short distance in the direction of the pitched roof assembly.

Ideally, the protrusion extending from the base assembly extends perpendicular to the main plane of the base assembly.

Preferably, the second roof support member acts as a secondary web-strut.

Advantageously, a second roof support member acting as a secondary web-strut provides the structural roof module with further re-enforcement to withstand forces which would ordinally be applied to a roofing structure.

Ideally, the second roof support member is an elongate rod.

Preferably, the second roof support member is detachably coupled between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly.

Ideally, the elongate rod comprises first and second tie-bars.

Preferably, the first and second tie-bars are detachably couplable to one another.

Ideally, one of the tie-bars is pivotally couplable to the base assembly and the other tie-bar is pivotally couplable to the pitched roof assembly.

Preferably, the elongate rod further comprises a coupling mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars.

Ideally, the coupling mechanism is coupled to the first and second tie-bars away from the pivotally coupled ends.

Preferably, the coupling mechanism is coupled between the free ends of the tie-bars to join the first and second tie-bars into a single web-strut.

Ideally, the elongate rod further comprises a re-enforcing mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars.

Preferably, the re-enforcing mechanism is located away from the pivotally coupled ends of the first and second tie-bars.

Ideally, the elongate rod comprises a coupling and re-enforcing mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars.

Most ideally, the elongate rod comprises a coupling and re-enforcing mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars away from the pivotally coupled ends of the first and second tie-bars.

Preferably, the coupling and re-enforcing mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars is a turnbuckle connector.

Ideally, the second roof support member is engagable proximal to a portion of the perimeter only of the structural roof module.

Preferably, the second roof support member is engagable proximal to a portion of the perimeter of the triangular end faces only of the structural roof module

Preferably, the second roof support member extends from a point on the base assembly at an obtuse angle towards the apex end of the pitched roof assembly.

Ideally, the panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are inclined at an angle between 20° and 50° relative to the base assembly

Preferably, the panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are inclined at an angle between 30° and 40° relative to the base assembly.

Most preferably, the panels or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly are inclined at an angle of 35° relative to the base assembly.

Ideally, the panels or framed structures comprises support members, the support members extending at least partially between two opposing sides of the panel or framed structures.

Preferably, the panels or frames structures comprises support members, the support members comprising intermediate purlins extending transverse the panels or frames structures in a direction transverse the direction between the eaves and the apex of the panels or frames structures.

Ideally, the support members comprise ceiling binders extending transverse the panels or frames structures of the base assembly in a direction transverse the direction between the eaves and the panels of frames structures of the base assembly.

Preferably, the support members comprise laminate structural boards such as SIP panels and OSB Boards extending transverse the panels or frames structures in a direction transverse the direction between the eaves and the panels or frames structures of the base assembly.

Advantageously, these support members provide the structural roof module with additional strength to withstand forces applied to the roof structure such as the weight of snow upon the roof. These support members further provide additional surfaces to mount constructional panelling/cladding.

Ideally, the base assembly further comprises joists extending between two opposing ends of the base assembly.

Preferably, the structural roof module is prefabricated for erection on-site.

Advantageously, having the structural roof module prefabricated enables an installer to quickly and easily erect the module on site with a reduced health and safety risk to installers.

Accordingly the present invention provides a roofing component for a structural roof module comprising:

a bottom cord; a top cord;

and a roof component support means extending between the bottom cord and top cord;

characterised in that the roof component is configured to be movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage.

Preferably, the roofing component is a truss.

Advantageously, having a truss for a structural roof module whereby the truss is configured to be movable between an expanded in-use truss configuration and a collapsed truss configuration for stowage enables an installer to easily store and transport the truss for quick and easy assembly and installation on site.

Ideally, the bottom cord is configured to extend between two opposing walls of a building.

Preferably, the top cord is moveable relative to the bottom cord between an expanded truss configuration and a collapsed truss configuration for stowage.

Ideally, the top cord is couplable to the bottom cord.

Preferably, the top cord is pivotally couplable, directly or indirectly, to the bottom cord.

Ideally, the top cord comprises two top cord roof member parts.

Preferably, the two top cord roof member parts are independently movable relative to the bottom cord.

Ideally, the two top cord roof member parts are couplable to a portion of the bottom cord.

Preferably, the two top cord roof member parts are pivotally mounted to a portion of the bottom cord.

Ideally, the two top cord roof member parts are couplable to opposing end portions of the bottom cord.

Preferably, the two top cord roof member parts are pivotal mounted to opposing end portions of the bottom cord.

Ideally, the two top cord roof member parts are couplable to one another to form the conventional triangular apex of a truss.

Preferably the roof component support means is engageable with a portion of the top cord and/or the bottom cord.

Ideally, the roof component support means is engageable with a portion of the top cord and the bottom cord in the expanded in-use configuration.

Preferably, the roof component support means is detachable from a portion of the top cord and/or the bottom cord.

Advantageously, the detachable nature of the roof component support means allows the roofing component to move between the expanded in-use configuration and the collapsed configuration for stowage.

Ideally, the roof component support means is pivotally couplable to a portion of the top cord and/or the bottom cord.

Preferably, the roofing component has a bottom cord, a top cord comprising two top cord roof member parts, the two top cord member parts tapering towards each other at the apex of the roofing component and two triangular end faces defined by the bottom cord and top cord in the expanded configuration.

Preferably, the roof component support means is engageable proximal to a portion of the triangular end faces perimeter only of the roofing component.

Ideally, the roof component support means is engageable between a portion of the top cord and the bottom cord at a gable facing side of the roofing component.

Preferably, the roof component support means is detachable from perimeter of the triangular end faces of the roofing component.

Ideally, the roof component support means is detachable between a portion of the top cord and the bottom cord at a gable facing side of the roofing component.

Preferably, the roof component support means is pivotally couplable to a portion of the perimeter of the triangular end faces of the roofing component.

Ideally, the roof component support means is pivotally couplable between a portion of the top cord and the bottom cord at a gable facing side of the roofing component.

Ideally, the roof component support means comprises two roof component support members, a first roof component support member and a second roof component support member.

Preferably, the first roof component support member is pivotally couplable to either the top cord or the bottom cord.

Ideally, the first roof component support member is movable between an in-use position and a storage position.

Preferably, the first roof component support member is a web-strut and comprises a leading end and a trailing end.

Ideally, the trailing end of the web-strut is pivotally couplable to the top cord or the bottom cord.

Preferably, the web-strut co-operates with a component movement restriction means at the in-use position.

Ideally, a portion of the trailing end of web-strut abuts with the component movement restriction means of the roofing component.

Advantageously, the component movement restriction means of the roofing component halts the rotation of the pivoted web-strut at a predetermined angular orientation during movement of the roofing component from the collapsed stowage configuration to the expanded in-use configuration.

Preferably, the component movement restriction means of the roofing component is a protrusion.

Ideally, the component movement restriction means on the top cord is a protrusion extending from the top cord a short distance in the direction of the bottom cord.

Preferably, the web-strut extends from the bottom cord at an acute angle back towards the top cord of the roofing component.

Ideally, the leading end of the web-strut is engageable with a portion of the bottom cord.

Preferably, the leading end of the web-strut is engageable with a component movement restriction means abutment portion locatable on the bottom cord.

Ideally, the component movement restriction means on bottom cord is a protrusion extending from the bottom cord a short distance in the direction of the top cord.

Preferably, the protrusion extending from the bottom cord extends perpendicular to the bottom cord.

Ideally, the web-strut of first roof component support member is a rigid beam.

Preferably, the second roof component support member acts as a secondary webstrut.

Advantageously, a second roof support member acting as a secondary web-strut provides the roofing component with further re-enforcement to withstand forces which would ordinally be applied to a roofing component during use.

Ideally, the second roof component support member is an elongate rod.

Preferably, the second roof component support member is detachably coupled between the top cord and the bottom cord.

Ideally, the elongate rod comprises first and second tie-bars.

Ideally, one of the tie-bars is pivotally couplable to the bottom cord and the other tiebar is pivotally couplable to the top cord.

Ideally, the second roof component support member extends from a point on the base assembly at an obtuse angle towards the apex end of the top cord.

Ideally, the top cord of the roofing component is inclined at an angle between 20° and 50° relative to the bottom cord.

Preferably, the top cord of the roofing component is inclined at an angle between 30° and 40° relative to the bottom cord.

Most preferably, the top cord of the roofing component is inclined at an angle of 35° relative to the bottom cord.

Ideally, the roofing component is prefabricated for erection on-site.

Advantageously, having the roofing component prefabricated in a factory prior to arriving on-site enables an installer to quickly and easily erect the roofing component once on site.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a structural roof module, the method comprising the steps of:

manufacturing a base assembly for forming a floor of the structural roof module; manufacturing a pitched roof assembly for forming a pitched roof of the structural roof module;

movably mounting the pitched roof assembly on the base assembly such that the structural roof module is movable between an expanded in use configuration and a collapsed configuration.

Advantageously, having a structural roof module for a building whereby the structural roof module is configured to be movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage enables an installer to easily store and transport the truss for quick and easy assembly and installation on site.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of manufacturing the pitched roof assembly from two or more panels or framed structures.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of manufacturing the base assembly from at least one panel or framed structure.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of manufacturing the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly from one or more modular building components such as panels or framed structures

Preferably, the method comprising the step of coupling a panel or frame structure of the pitched roof assembly at or about opposing ends of the panel or framed structure of the base assembly such that the panels and/or framed structures of the pitched roof assembly can be moved between an expanded in use configuration and a collapsed configuration.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of coupling a roof support means between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly at a peripheral portion only of the structural roof module.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of coupling a roof support means between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly at a peripheral portion of the triangular end faces only of the structural roof module.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of coupling a secondary roof support means between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly at a peripheral portion only of the structural roof module.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of coupling a secondary roof support means between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly at a peripheral portion only of the triangular end faces of the structural roof module.

Advantageously, having a roof support means which is pivotally couplable and/or engageable proximal to the peripheral portion of the triangular end faces only of the panels or the framed structures of the structural roof module allows for the construction of a structural roof module whereby the supporting means are located proximal to the outermost sections of the structural roof module only. This means that installers of the roof module do not have to walk through the rest of the module on the roof or on the ground and enables the majority of the room space within the roofing module to be open and unhindered unlike roofing modules utilising conventional trusses whereby each truss will maintain its own support member throughout the entire conventional roof structure; thus, limiting the amount of free space in the room and adding a significant health and safety risk at height.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of cutting the base assembly to a predetermined length depending upon the building size requirements.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of coupling a tie bar at a predetermined location upon the base assembly.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of cutting the pitched roof assembly to a predetermined length depending upon the building size requirements.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of coupling a tie bar at a predetermined location upon the pitched roof assembly.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of cutting the web-strut to a predetermined length depending upon the required degree of angular orientation of the pitched roof assembly when in the expanded in-use configuration.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of coupling the web-strut to the pitched roof assembly.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of coupling the trailing end of the web-strut and engaging temporary restraints to temporary coupling the leading end of the web-strut to the pitched roof assembly.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of coupling the trailing end of the webstrut and engaging temporary restraints to temporary coupling the leading end of the webstrut to the pitched roof assembly such that the web-strut is parallel to the pitched roof assembly.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of engaging temporary restraints to the tie bars temporarily coupling the tie bars to the corresponding base assembly or pitched roof assembly.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of erecting a structural roof module which is movable between a collapsed configuration to an expanded in use configuration, the method comprising the steps commencing from the collapsed configuration of:

moving the modular building component of the pitched roof assembly relative to the base assembly from the collapsible configuration wherein the apex end portion of the modular building component of the pitched roof assembly is positioned proximal to or adjacent to an apex end portion of the other modular building component of the pitched roof assembly to form a conventional triangular structure;

and engaging a roof support means between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly by moving the roof support means between the storage position and in the in-use position.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of placing the structural roof module in its expanded configuration upon the uppermost portion of a building.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of placing the structural roof module in its collapsed configuration upon the uppermost portion of a building.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of disengaging any restraints from a first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly when in the collapsed configuration.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of moving a first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly such that the first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at a degree of angular orientation greater than that of the predetermined required in-use incline angle.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of moving a first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly such that the first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at a degree of angular orientation of between 2° to 8° greater than that of the predetermined required in-use incline angle.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of moving a first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly such that the first panel or framed structure of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at a degree of angular orientation of between 4° to 6° greater than that of the predetermined required in-use incline angle.

Most ideally, the method comprising the step of moving a first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly such that the first panel or framed structure of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at a degree of angular orientation 5° greater than that of the predetermined required in-use incline angle.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of disengaging any restraints from a second panel or framed structure of the pitched roof assembly when in the collapsed configuration.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of moving a second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly such that the second panel or framed structure of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at the required predetermined degree of angular orientation for the in-use configuration.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of engaging the roof support means between the base assembly and second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly once the second panel or framed structure of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at the required predetermined degree of angular orientation for the in-use configuration.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of engaging a first roof support member of the roof support means between the base assembly and second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly once the second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at the required predetermined degree of angular orientation for the in-use configuration and subsequently engaging a second roof support member of the roof support means between the base assembly and second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of moving the first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly such that the first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly abuts the expanded second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly.

Ideally, the method comprising the step of engaging the roof support means between the base assembly and first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly once the first modular building component of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at the required predetermined degree of angular orientation for the in-use configuration.

Preferably, the method comprising the step of engaging a first roof support member of the roof support means between the base assembly and second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly once the second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly is inclined at the required predetermined degree of angular orientation for the in-use configuration and subsequently engaging a second roof support member of the roof support means between the base assembly and second modular building component of the pitched roof assembly.

The skilled man will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows by way of example only one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the structural roof module in its expanded in-use configuration.

Figure 2 is a front view of the structural roof module in its collapsed stowage configuration.

Figure 3 is a front view of the structural roof module during the movement of the structural roof module from the collapsed stowage configuration to the expanded in-use configuration.

Figure 4 is a front view of the structural roof module in its expanded in-use configuration.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of structural roof modules in their expanded in-use configuration.

Figure 6 is a front view of a plurality of structural roof modules in their collapsed stowage configuration.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the roofing component in its expanded in-use configuration.

Figure 8 is a front view of the roofing component in its collapsed stowage configuration.

Figure 9 is a front view of the roofing component during the movement of the structural roof module from the collapsed stowage configuration to the expanded in-use configuration.

Figure 10 is a front view of the roofing component in its expanded in-use configuration.

In figures 1 to 6, there is shown a structural roof module for a building indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, the structural roof module 1 having a base assembly 2, a pitched roof assembly 3 and roof support mechanism 4. The roof support mechanism 4 extends between the base assembly 2 and the pitched roof assembly 3. The structural roof module 1 is movable between an expanded in-use configuration (figures 1 and 4) and a collapsed configuration for stowage (figure 2).

Having a structural roof module 1 for a building whereby the structural roof module 1 is configured to be movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage enables an installer to easily store and transport the structural roof module 1 for quick and easy assembly and installation on site. This also reduces the health and safety risks associated with traditional roof truss installation.

The base assembly 2 is attached to two opposing walls of the building (not shown) and is configured to extend between two opposing walls of the building (not shown). The pitched roof assembly 3 is pivotally coupled to the base assembly 2 and is moveable relative to the base assembly 2 between the expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage.

The pitched roof assembly 3 and the base assembly 2 comprises a plurality of rectangular panels. Alternatively, the pitched roof assembly 3 and the base assembly 2 comprises a framed structure 6. The pitched roof assembly 3 comprises two panels or two framed structures 6 or one of each. The two panels or framed structure 6 of the structural roof module 1 are couplable to one another to form the conventional triangular apex of a roof of a building (figure 1).

The two panels or framed structures 6 of the pitched roof assembly 3 are pivotally couplable to opposing ends 7 of the base assembly 2 and are independently movable relative to the base assembly 2 (figures 2 to 4; notable figure 3).

The roof support mechanism 4 is engaged with a portion of the pitched roof assembly 3 and/or the base assembly 2 when in the collapsed configuration (figure 2). When in the expanded in-use configuration (figure 1) the roof support mechanism 4 is engaged with a portion of the pitched roof assembly 3 and the base assembly 2. The roof support mechanism 4 is detachable from a portion of the pitched roof assembly 3 and/or the base assembly 2. The detachable nature of the roof support mechanism 4 allows the structural roof module 1 to move between the expanded in-use configuration (figure 1) and the collapsed configuration for stowage (figure 2). The roof support mechanism 4 is pivotally coupled to the pitched roof assembly 3 and/or the base assembly 2.

As shown in figures 1 to 6 the structural roof module 1 has a base assembly 2, a pitched roof assembly 3 comprising two panels or framed structures 6 tapering towards each other at the apex of the roof 8 and two triangular end faces 9.

The roof support mechanism 4 is engaged proximal to a portion of the perimeter 10 of the panels or frames structures 6 of the structural roof module 1; more explicitly proximal to a portion of the triangular end faces 9 of perimeter 10 only of the structural roof module 1.

The roof support mechanism 4 is detachable from perimeter 10 of the panels or the framed structures 6 of the structural roof module 1 more explicitly, detachable from perimeter of the triangular end faces 9 of the structural roof module 1.

The roof support mechanism 4 is engaged between a portion of the pitched roof assembly 3 and the base assembly 2 at both gable facing sides 9 of the structural roof module 1.

The roof support mechanism 4 is pivotally coupled to a portion of the perimeter 10 of the panels or frames structures 6 of the structural roof module 1 more explicitly, pivotally coupled to a portion of the perimeter 10 of the triangular end faces 9 of the structural roof module 1.

The roof support mechanism 6 is pivotally coupled to a portion of the perimeter 10 only of the structural roof module; more explicitly pivotally coupled to a portion of the perimeter 10 of the triangular end faces 9 only of the structural roof module 1.

Having a roof support mechanism 6 which is pivotally coupled and/or engaged proximal to the perimeter 10 of the triangular end faces 9 only or the panels or the framed structures 6 of the structural roof module 1 allows for the construction of a structural roof modulel whereby the supporting mechanisms 4 are located proximal to the outermost sections of the structural roof module only. This means that the installer of the roof module 1 does not have to walk through the rest of the module on the roof or on the ground and enables the majority of the room space within the roofing module to be open and unhindered unlike roofing modules utilising conventional trusses whereby each truss will maintain its own support member throughout the entire conventional roof structure; thus limiting the amount of free space in the room and adding a significant health and safety risk at height.

The roof support mechanism 4 has two roof support members, a first roof support member 11 and a second roof support member 12.

The first roof support member 11 is pivotally couplable to either the pitched roof assembly 3 or the base assembly 2. The first roof support member 11 is movable between an in-use position (figure 4) and a storage position (figure 2). The first roof support member is a web-strut and comprises a leading end 13 and a trailing end 14. By leading end 13 we mean the freely movable end 13 which leads the web-strut from a stored position to an inuse position.

The trailing end 14 of the web-strut 11 is pivotally coupled to the pitched roof assembly 3 or the base assembly 2. The web-strut 11 co-operates with a movement restriction component 15 at the in-use position. A portion of the trailing end 14 of web-strut abuts the movement restriction component 15 of the structural roof module 1. The movement restriction component 15 ofthe structural roof module 1 halts the rotation ofthe pivoted web-strut 11 at a predetermined angular orientation during movement of the roofing structural module 1 from the collapsed stowage configuration to the expanded in-use configuration (figures 3 to 4).

The movement restriction component 15 of the structural roof module 1 is a protrusion. The movement restriction component 15 is a component ofthe panel or framed structure 6. The movement restriction component is a support purlin 16 and/or ceiling binder

17.

The movement restriction component 15 on the pitched roof assembly is a protrusion 18 extending from the pitched roof assembly 3 a short distance in the direction of the base assembly 2. The first roof support member 11 extends from the base assembly at an acute angle back towards the pitched roof assembly 3.

The leading end 13 of the web-strut 11 is engageable with a portion of the base assembly 2 and engageable with a movement restriction component 15 abutment portion locatable on the base assembly 2. The movement restriction component 15 on the base assembly 2 is a protrusion extending from the base assembly 2 a short distance in the direction of the pitched roof assembly 3.

The second roof support member 12 acts as a secondary web-strut. The second roof support member 12 acting as a secondary web-strut provides the structural roof module 1 with further re-enforcement to withstand forces which would ordinally be applied to a roofing structure. The second roof support member 12 is an elongate rod. The second roof support member 12 is detachably coupled between the base assembly 2 and the pitched roof assembly 3. The elongate rod 12 has first and second tie-bars (18 and 19 respectively). The first and second tie-bars (18 and 19) are detachably couplable to one another. One of the tiebars 18 is pivotally couplable to the base assembly 2 and the other tie-bar 19 is pivotally couplable to the pitched roof assembly 3.

The elongate rod 12 further has a coupling and re-enforcing mechanism 20 locatable between the first 18 and second 19 tie-bars and away from the pivotally coupled ends (21 and 22) of the first and second tie-bars (18 and 19). The coupling and re-enforcing mechanism 20 locatable between the first and second tie-bars (18 and 19) is a turnbuckle connector.

The second roof support member 12 is engagable proximal to a portion of the perimeter 10 only of the structural roof module 1 more explicitly proximal to a portion of perimeter 10 of the triangular end faces 9 only of the structural roof module 1. The second roof support member 12 extends from a point on the base assembly 2 at an obtuse angle towards the apex end 8 of the pitched roof assembly 3.

The panels or framed structures 6 of the pitched roof assembly 3 are inclined at an angle between 20° and 50° relative to the base assembly 2; most preferably, 35° relative to the base assembly 2.

The panels or framed structures 6 comprise support members 21. The support members 21 extending at least partially between two opposing sides of the panel or framed structures 6. The support members 21 having intermediate purlins 22 extending transverse the panels or frames structures 6 in a direction transverse the direction between the eaves 23 and the apex 8 of the panels or frames structures 6. The support members 21 having ceiling binders 17 extending transverse the panels or frames structures 6 of the base assembly 2 in a direction transverse the direction between the eaves 23 and the panels of frames structures 6 of the base assembly 2.

The support members 21 have laminate structural boards 24 such as SIP panels and OSB Boards extending transverse the panels or frames structures 6 in a direction transverse the direction between the eaves 23 and the panels or frames structures 6 of the base assembly 2. These support members 21 provide the structural roof module 1 with additional strength to withstand forces applied to the roof structure such as the weight of snow upon the roof. These support members 21 further provide additional surfaces to mount constructional panelling/cladding. The base assembly 2 further has joists 25 extending between two opposing ends of the base assembly 2.

The structural roof module 1 is prefabricated for erection on-site. This enables an installer to quickly and easily erect the module 1 on site with a reduced health and safety risk to installers.

In figures 7 to 10, there is shown a roofing component for a structural roof module comprising indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The roofing component having a bottom cord 101, a top cord 102 and a roof component support mechanism 103 extending between the bottom cord 101 and top cord 102. The roof component 100 is configured to be movable between an expanded in-use configuration (figures 7 and 10) and a collapsed configuration for stowage (figure 8).

The roofing component 100 is a truss. The truss 100 is configured to be movable between an expanded in-use truss configuration (figures 7 and 10) and a collapsed truss configuration (figure 8) for stowage enables an installer to easily store and transport the truss for quick and easy assembly and installation on site.

The bottom cord 101 is configured to extend between two opposing walls of a building (not shown). The top cord 102 is moveable relative to the bottom cord 101 between an expanded truss configuration (figures 7 and 10) and a collapsed truss configuration (figure 8) for stowage.

The top cord 102 is couplable to the bottom cord 101. The top cord 102 is pivotally couplable, to the bottom cord 10I.The top cord has two top cord roof member parts (104 and 105).

The two top cord roof member parts (104 and 105) are independently movable relative to the bottom cord 101 and are pivotal mounted to opposing end portions of the bottom cord 101. The two top cord roof member parts (104 and 105) are couplable to one another to form the conventional triangular apex of a truss 106.

The roof component support mechanism 103 is engageable with a portion of the top cord 102 and/or the bottom cord 101. In the expanded in-use configuration the roof component support mechanism 103 is engageable with a portion of the top cord 102 and the bottom cord 101.The roof component support mechanism 103 is detachable from a portion of the top cord 102 and/or the bottom cord 101. The detachable nature of the roof component support mechanism 103 allows the roofing component 100 to move between the expanded in-use configuration and the collapsed configuration for stowage.

The roof component support mechanism 103 is pivotally couplable to a portion of the top cord 102 and/or the bottom cord 101 by way of example only in the drawings the roof component support mechanism 103 is pivotally coupled to a portion of the top cord 102.

The roofing component 100 has a bottom cord 101, a top cord 102 comprising two top cord roof member parts (104 and 105), the two top cord member parts (104 and 105) tapering towards each other at the apex 106 of the roofing component 100 and two triangular end faces 107 defined by the bottom cord 101 and top cord 101 in the expanded configuration (figure 7).

The roof component support mechanism 103 is engageable a portion of the bottom cord 101 and/or the top cord 102 of the roofing component 100; more explicitly engageable proximal to a portion of the triangular end faces 107 of perimeter 108 only of the roofing component 100. The roof component support mechanism 103 is detachable from the roofing component 100; more explicitly detachable from perimeter 108 of the triangular end faces 107 of the roofing component 100. The roof component support mechanism is pivotally couplable to a portion of the bottom cord 101 and/or the tope cord 102 of the roofing component 100; more explicitly pivotally couplable to a portion of the perimeter 108 of the triangular end faces 107 of the roofing component 100.

The roof component support mechanism 103 has two roof component support members; a first roof component support member 109 and a second roof component support member 110. The first roof component support member 109 is pivotally coupled to either the top cord 102 or the bottom cord 101. The first roof component support member 109 is movable between an in-use position (figures 7 and 10) and a storage position (figure 8).

The first roof component support member 109 is a web-strut and comprises a leading end 111 and a trailing end 112. By leading end 111 we mean the freely movable end which leads the web-strut 109 from a stored position to an in-use position. The trailing end 112 of the web-strut 109 is pivotally couplable to the top cord 102; as shown in the drawings. However, it will be appreciated the trailing end 112 of the web-strut 109 could also be pivotally coupled to the bottom cord 101.

The web-strut 109 co-operates with a component movement restriction component 113 at the in-use position. A portion of the trailing end 112 of web-strut 109 abuts with the component movement restriction component 113 of the roofing component 100. The component movement restriction component 113 of the roofing component 100 halts the rotation of the pivoted web-strut 109 at a predetermined angular orientation during movement of the roofing component from the collapsed stowage configuration to the expanded in-use configuration.

The component movement restriction component 113 of the roofing component 100 is a protrusion. The component movement restriction component 113 on the top cord 102 is a protrusion extending from the top cord 102 a short distance in the direction of the bottom cord 101. The web-strut 109 extends from the bottom cord 101 at an acute angle back towards the top cord 102 of the roofing component 100.

The leading end 111 of the web-strut 109 is engageable with a portion of the bottom cord 101. The leading end 11 of the web-strut 109 is engageable with a component movement restriction component 113 abutment portion locatable on the bottom cord 101.

The component movement restriction component 113 on bottom cord 101 is a protrusion extending from the bottom cord 101 a short distance in the direction of the top cord 102. The web-strut of first roof component support member 109 is a rigid beam.

The second roof component support member 110 acts as a secondary web-strut. A second roof support member 110 acting as a secondary web-strut provides the roofing component 100 with further re-enforcement to withstand forces which would ordinally be applied to a roofing component 100 during use.

The second roof component support member 110 is an elongate rod. The second roof component support member 110 is detachably coupled between the top cord 102 and the bottom cord 101. The elongate rod 110 comprises first and second tie-bars (114 and 115). The first 114 and second 115 tie-bars are detachably coupled to one another. One of the tie-bars115 is pivotally coupled to the bottom cord 101 and the other tie-bar 114 is pivotally coupled to the top cord 102.

The elongate rod 110 further has a coupling and re-enforcing mechanism 116 locatable between the first 114 and second 115 tie-bars and away from the pivotally coupled ends (117 and 118). The coupling mechanism 116 is coupled between the free ends ofthe tie-bars (not shown) to join the first 114 and second 115 tie-bars into a single web-strut 110. The coupling and re-enforcing mechanism 116 located between the first 114 and second 115 tie-bars is a turnbuckle connector. The second roof component support member 110 extends from a point on the base assembly 101 at an obtuse angle towards the apex end 106 of the top cord 102.

The top cord 102 of the roofing component 100 is inclined at an angle between 20° and 50° relative to the bottom cord 101; most preferably 35°.

The roofing component 100 is prefabricated for erection on-site. This enables an installer to quickly and easily erect the roofing component 100 once on site.

In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A structural roof module comprising: a base assembly; a pitched roof assembly; and roof support means extending between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly; characterised in that the structural roof module is movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage.

2. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pitched roof assembly is moveable relative to the base assembly between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage.

3. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pitched roof assembly is couplable to the base assembly.

4. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pitched roof assembly and/or base assembly comprises modular building components.

5. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the modular building components comprise one or more panels or framed structures.

6. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly comprises a framed structure.

7. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pitched roof assembly comprises two panels or two framed structures or one of each.

8. A structural roof module as claimed in claims 5 to 7, wherein the framed structure is formed of two opposing beams of equal length coupled to two further opposing beams of equal length creating a perimeter for the quadrangular/rectangular framed structure.

9. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 8, wherein a number of intermediate beams are spaced apart extending between the two opposing beams.

10. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to one another.

11. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are independently movable relative to the base assembly.

12. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the modular building components of the pitched roof assembly are couplable to the base assembly.

13. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the structural roof module has a base assembly, a pitched roof assembly comprising two modular building components tapering towards each other at the apex of the roof and two triangular end faces.

14. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof support means is engageable with a portion of the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly.

15. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the roof support means is engageable proximal to a portion of the perimeter only of the structural roof module.

16. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the roof support means is engageable proximal to a portion of the triangular end faces perimeter only of the structural roof module.

17. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof support means is detachable from a portion of the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly.

18. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof support means is pivotally couplable to the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly.

19. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 18 or any one of claims 8 to 17 when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the roof support means is pivotally couplable to a portion of the perimeter of the modular building components of the structural roof module.

20. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the roof support means is pivotally couplable to a portion of the perimeter of the triangular end faces of the structural roof module.

21. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the roof support means comprises two roof support members, a first roof support member and a second roof support member.

22. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first roof support member is pivotally couplable to either the pitched roof assembly or the base assembly.

23. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the first roof support member is movable between an in-use position and a storage position.

24. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first roof support member comprises a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end a freely movable end which leads first roof support member from a stored position to an in-use position and the trailing end pivotally couplable to the pitched roof assembly or the base assembly.

25. A structural roof module as claimed in claims 23 or claim 24, wherein the first roof support member co-operates with a movement restriction means at the in-use position.

26. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the second roof support member is detachably coupled between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly.

27. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the second roof support member comprises first and second tie-bars.

28. A structural roof module as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first and second tie-bars are detachably couplable to one another.

29. A structural roof module as claimed in claims 27 or claim 28, wherein one of the tiebars is pivotally couplable to the base assembly and the other tie-bar is pivotally couplable to the pitched roof assembly.

30. A structural roof module as claimed in claims 27 to 29, wherein the second roof support member comprises a coupling mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars to join the first and second tie-bars into a single second roof support member.

31. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the second roof support member further comprises a re-enforcing mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars.

32. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the second roof support member comprises a coupling and re-enforcing mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars.

33. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 32 when dependent on any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the framed structure comprises support members, the support members extending at least partially between two opposing sides of the framed structure.

34. A structural roof module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base assembly further comprises joists extending between two opposing ends of the base assembly.

35. A roofing component for a structural roof module comprising: a bottom cord; a top cord; and a roof component support means extending between the bottom cord and top cord; characterised in that the roof component is configured to be movable between an expanded in-use configuration and a collapsed configuration for stowage.

36. A roofing component as claimed in claim 35, wherein the bottom cord is configured to extend between two opposing walls of a building.

37. A roofing component as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the top cord is moveable relative to the bottom cord between an expanded roofing component configuration and a collapsed roofing component configuration for stowage.

38. A roofing component as claimed in claim 35 to 37, wherein the top cord is couplable to the bottom cord.

39. A roofing component as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the top cord comprises two top cord roof member parts.

40. A roofing component as claimed in claim 39, wherein the two top cord roof member parts are independently movable relative to the bottom cord.

41. A roofing component as claimed in claim 39 or 40, wherein the two top cord roof member parts are couplable to a portion of the bottom cord.

42. A roofing component as claimed in claims 39 to 41, wherein the two top cord roof member parts are couplable to one another to form the conventional triangular apex of the roofing component.

43. A roofing component as claimed in claims 39 to 42, wherein the roofing component has a bottom cord, a top cord, the top cord comprising two top cord roof member parts, the two top cord roof member parts tapering towards each other at the apex of the roofing component and two triangular end faces defined by the bottom cord and top cord in the expanded configuration or the roofing component.

44. A roofing component as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 43, wherein the roof component support means is engageable with a portion of the top cord and/or the bottom cord.

45. A roofing component as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the roof component support means is detachable from a portion of the top cord and/or the bottom cord.

46. A roofing component as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 45, wherein the roof component support means is pivotally couplable to a portion of the top cord and/or the bottom cord.

47. A roofing component as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 46, wherein the roof component support means comprises two roof component support members, a first roof component support member and a second roof component support member.

48. A roofing component as claimed in claim 47, wherein the first roof component support member is pivotally couplable to either the top cord or the bottom cord and movable between an in-use position and a storage position.

49. A roofing component as claimed in claim 47 or claim 48, wherein the first roof component support member co-operates with a component movement restriction means at the in-use position.

50. A roofing component as claimed in claim 47 to 49, wherein the first roof component support member extends from the bottom cord at an acute angle back towards the top cord of the roofing component.

51. A roofing component as claimed in claim 47 to 50, wherein the second roof component support member is detachably coupled between the top cord and the bottom cord.

52. A roofing component as claimed in claims 47 to 51, wherein the second roof component support member comprises first and second tie-bars.

53. A roofing component as claimed in claim 52, wherein the first and second tie-bars are detachably couplable to one another.

54. A roofing component as claimed in claim 52 or claim 53, wherein one of the tie-bars is pivotally couplable to the bottom cord and the other tie-bar is pivotally couplable to the top cord.

55. A roofing component as claimed in claims 47 to 54, wherein the second roof component support member further comprises a coupling mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars.

56. A roofing component as claimed in claims 47 to 55, wherein the second roof component support member further comprises a re-enforcing mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars.

57. A roofing component as claimed in claims 47 to 54, wherein the second roof component support member comprises a coupling and re-enforcing mechanism locatable between the first and second tie-bars.

58. A roofing component as claimed in claims 47 to 57, wherein the second roof component support member extends from a point on the base assembly at an obtuse angle towards the apex end of the top cord.

59. A method of manufacturing a structural roof module, the method comprising the steps of: manufacturing a base assembly for forming a floor of the structural roof module; manufacturing a pitched roof assembly for forming a pitched roof of the structural roof module; movably mounting the pitched roof assembly on the base assembly such that the structural roof module is movable between an expanded in use configuration and a collapsed configuration.

60. A method of manufacturing a structural roof module as claimed in claim 59, wherein the method comprises the step of manufacturing the pitched roof assembly and/or the base assembly from one or more modular building components such as panels or framed structures.

61. A method of manufacturing a structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 60, wherein the method comprising the step of coupling a roof support means between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly at a peripheral portion only of the structural roof module

62. A method of manufacturing a structural roof module as claimed in claim 61, wherein the method comprising the step of coupling a secondary roof support means between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly at a peripheral portion only of the structural roof module.

63. A method of manufacturing a structural roof module as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 62, wherein the method comprising the step of cutting the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly to a predetermined length depending upon the building size requirements.

64. A method of erecting a structural roof module which is movable between a collapsed configuration to an expanded in use configuration, the method comprising the steps commencing from the collapsed configuration of: moving the modular building component of the pitched roof assembly relative to the base assembly from the collapsible configuration wherein the apex end portion of the modular building component of the pitched roof assembly is positioned proximal to or adjacent to an apex end portion of the other modular building component of the pitched roof assembly to form a conventional triangular structure; and engaging a roof support means between the base assembly and the pitched roof assembly by moving the roof support means between the storage position and in the in-use position.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1801024.9 Examiner: Dr Hazel Thorpe