GB2575227A - Roof panel member, roofing and buildings - Google Patents

Abstract

A roof panel member 1 having a peripheral frame 2, a fixed region 3 having a fixed covering 4, and a moveable region 5 having a moveable covering 6 pivotably 10 attached to the frame, preferably by elongate hinge 13. The panel may be used on a flat or shallow angled roof hexagonal hurricane shelter, the pivotable member may be deflected upward by strong winds (air flow 8 though moveable region 5) to disrupt airflow and minimise any uplift effect to prevent damage. The panel may be triangular, with the fixed region being a triangle, and the moveable region being a trapezium. There may be a cross bar mounted on the frame between the two regions to support the hinge. Also claimed is a roof structure, and building, preferably an hexagonal modular shelter, with upstanding roofs rails against which the moveable regions abut when deflected to limit extend of movement. The shelter may be wooden, aluminium or fibreglass, and may include solar panels, a water supply, toilet, shower etc.

Description

Roof panel member, roofing and buildings

This invention is concerned with roof panel members, roofing constructed from an assembly of the members and to buildings incorporating such roofing, especially buildings which are useful as, for example, hurricane shelters.

There is a need for improved buildings that can function as shelters, such as shelters from hurricanes, as the available such buildings have inadequacies and/or can be improved in some respects.

In devising the present invention, the present inventor has focused attention on the roofing structure, since in hurricanes (or tornadoes) a major difficulty is roofing being ripped away partially or totally from the prevailing building structure by virtue of the strength of the wind and the weaknesses inherent in conventional roofing structures.

It is generally well accepted that damage to roofing structures as may occur during gales or hurricanes arises from the high velocity flow of air over the roof, which acts rather like an aircraft wing with regions of high and low pressure tending to exert lift’ on the roofing structure. If the lift’ force is strong enough and the roofing fixtures are relatively weak, this lift’ effect can inflict damage such as slates and/or tiles being ripped off the roof, or more extensive damage such as portions of the roofing being torn off the building. In the most extreme cases, a really strong wind such as is experienced in a hurricane can tear off an entire roof from the building and there are many known examples of this.

It is from a consideration of the effects of wind damage to roofing and buildings and the inadequacies of existing shelters such as hurricane shelters that has led to the development of the present invention, wherein the inventor has focussed upon construction of a roofing panel that can be assembled into a roof having structures that tend to disrupt, dissipate or otherwise modify the flow of turbulent air or strong wind forces over the constructed and assembled roofing.

The present invention therefore has at least three aspects to it, namely a roof panel member, a roofing structure constructed from an assembly of multiple inter-linked or inter-connected such roof panel members and thirdly a building which incorporates a roofing structure and which therefore has greater wind damage resistance than would otherwise be the case.

According to a first aspect the present invention provides a roof panel member comprising a peripheral frame of which a primary region has a fixed covering thereover, whilst a secondary region of the panel member is provided with a movable covering pivotally attached to the frame and, in use upon a building, operable in response to a flow of air or wind upon the movable covering for it to be at least partially deflected upwardly away from said secondary region to expose that secondary region to the said flow of air or wind whereupon said movable covering dissipates said flow over the fixed covering.

Preferably the peripheral frame is generally triangular in configuration.

More preferably the primary region and fixed covering are generally triangular in configuration.

Optionally the secondary region and movable covering are generally isosceles trapezoidal in configuration.

Moreover it is preferred if the secondary covering can pivot away from the secondary region up to 90° with respect to the peripheral frame.

In preferred arrangements the peripheral frame is provided with a crossbar that at least notionally separates the primary region and fixed covering from the secondary region and movable covering, and further provides a mounting location for the pivotal attachment of the moveable covering to the frame.

Ideally the movable covering is pivotally attached by an elongate hinge which extends along the length of said crossbar and the fixed covering and movable covering are constructed from the same material.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a roofing structure for a building that comprises an assembly of a plurality of roof panel members as has been described above.

In a third aspect the present invention also provides a building like a shelter such as a gale -, hurricane - or tornado shelter and which incorporates a roofing structure as set out in the second aspect above.

Preferably such a building will be of hexagonal 6 - sided form and is provided with a roofing structure constituted by an assembly of 6 like roof panel members as have been described above.

It is convenient if means are provided to limit the extent of pivotal displacement of the movable covering, and whereby in the absence of such air or wind flow the movable covering tends to return to its rest position of covering the secondary region.

For example the limiting means comprises upstanding railings through which air or wind can flow and wherein the ends of such railings are connected in abutment, and wherein said railings are positioned in the general proximity of, and above, the crossbar.

Optionally the secondary regions of the panels overhang the building walls at the eaves of the roofing and the roofing is provided with solar and/or thermal panels.

It is most preferred where the building is of modular construction in that it can be assembled, dis-assembled, transported and re-assembled.

Most conveniently the roofing is generally flat to the extent that its angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane of the building is up to 10° and more preferably up to 8° and most preferably up to 5°.

In order that the invention may be illustrated, more easily appreciated and readily carried into effect by those skilled in the art, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings depicting a preferred embodiment purely by way of non-limiting example, and in which:

Figure 1 is a view of the triangular framed panel member displaying a suitable form of crossbar;

Figure 2 is a view of one suitable form of hinge for conferring the pivotal motion of the secondary covering (which is itself not shown here);

Figure 3 is a view of the triangular framed panel member to which the hinge member of Figure 2 has been attached, and to which the secondary covering has been pivotally attached to the panel member via the hinge (which has itself been attached to the crossbar depicted in Figure 1);

Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a roofing structure constructed from an assembly of 6 conjoined roofing panel members of Figure 3 type;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a suitable shelter building of generally hexagonal shape, upon which the roofing structure of Figure 4 has been installed;

Figure 6 is an alternative isometric view of the Figure 5 building structure, showing the flatroof type configuration along with means to limit movement of the secondary coverings;

Figure 7 is an alternative isometric view of the Figure 6 building structure, from an elevated viewing angle; and

Figure 8 is a yet further alternative view of the Figure 6 and 7 building structure, from an even greater elevated viewing angle, and wherein the secondary coverings are raised away from and exposing the secondary region of the panel members to the flow of air or wind and in such position dispersing or disrupting such a flow over the primary coverings and thereby reducing “lift” effects upon the roofing structure.

Referring to the drawings and firstly to Figures 1 to 3 thereof, there is shown a roof panel member 1 in the form of a triangular peripheral framework 2 divided into a primary region 3 (provided with a fixed covering 4) which is also generally triangular in shape (in this embodiment) and a secondary region 5 adjacent the primary triangular region 3 and being (in this embodiment) of isosceles trapezoidal configuration. The two adjacent regions 3 and 5 are at least notionally separated by a crossbar 11 which is conveniently although not necessarily of wooden construction and that can be permanently affixed to the uppermost rim of peripheral frame 2. As will be subsequently described, the crossbar 11 provides mounting regions 12 for the elongate hinge 13 (figure 2) in the form of a part- cylindrical housing of a shape and dimension to accommodate the crossbar, and having an elongate plate-like part that can be attached to the movable covering 6 as seen in figure 3. The other plate-like elongate part of the hinge can be affixed to the peripheral frame and/or the fixed covering 4.

In figure 3 the movable covering 6 is displaced or deflected upwardly away from a rest position to pivot 10 a maximum angle approximately of 90° with respect to a horizontal plane of the roof panel member 1. Such deflection exposes the secondary region 5 to a flow 8 of air or gust of wind, such as may be experienced in a hurricane, whilst the movable covering is in a deflected positon 9. Indeed, as will be described hereafter it is the force of the wind that causes deflection of the movable covering 6 and so when installed as a roofing structure 14 of a building 7 as per figures 4 and 5, it is the gust and force of air/wind that causes the movable coverings 6 to be deflected away from their at rest configuration within the secondary region

5.

Figure 4 shows one suitable and preferred form of roofing structure 14 made up of a plurality (in this case six) of generally identical roof panel members 1, each one adjacent to the next and interconnected in side-by-side abutment. The configuration therefore in this embodiment is generally hexagonal and this is adapted to fit a generally hexagonal building 15 which is conveniently for use as a shelter 7 from hurricanes, as shown in figure 5.

The roofing structure 14 is here generally flat roofing 22 in which the angle of inclination is up to about 10°, preferably up to about 8°, more preferably up to about 5° with respect to a horizontal plane at the top of the building structure, prior to assembly of the roofing structure thereon.

Referring to figures 6 to 8, isometric views of a suitable building/shelter 15/7 are shown. Note that the assembly of the building and roofing structure is modular and capable of assembly, dis-assembly, transport and re-assembly.

Here the upper surface of the elongate hinge is provided with an upstanding rail means 16 that limits the angular extent of pivotal motion of the movable cover 6. See especially figure 8 for a view of a building incorporating a roofing structure according to the present invention wherein the movable coverings have all been upwardly deflected, for illustrative purposes, exposing the secondary regions 5.

The rail means comprise a pair of spaced apart, isosceles trapezoidal-shaped members between which there is a row of spaced columns through the gaps 17 of which air can freely flow. In similar fashion to the panel members being interconnected in side to side abutment, the rail members are conjoined at 19, however in end(18)-to-end(18) abutment. This helps with rigidity of the structure aswell as limiting the maximum extent to which the movable covers 6 can pivot upwardly, in use upon a building.

It is further apparent from figures 6 to 8 that the secondary regions 5 of the panel members 1 constituting the generally flat roofing structure, overhang the building structure 15/7 and so in this embodiment function at or as the eaves 20 of the roofing structure. Additionally, the roof panel members may incorporate a series of internal strengthening battens, and the apex of all conjoined roof panel members can be provided with a housing that projects upwardly there from and may function as....? (TBA).

The frame structure of the building/shelter may be made from a variety of materials, for example, wood, steel, aluminium or galvanised metal. Preferred constructions of building incorporating the roofing structure have six sides in contrast to the typical four. This has more resistance against the structural damage that can be experienced in really strong winds, such as hurricanes, and are less likely to blow down.

It is possible to deploy many strengthening supports which collectively operate in unison to create a very strong building. Fibreglass panelling can be used along the exterior of the building.

Being modular, preferred embodiments of the shelter and roofing assembly can be deconstructed and re-assembled almost without limit as to location. Each section of the house/roofing structure may be bolted together, facilitating de-construction and reconstruction.

A water storage system can be provided which recycles water for a multitude of purposes be that toilet water, sink water, shower water and such like. Solar and/or thermal panels can be used upon the roofing structures in more or less conventional fashion. In one specific preferred embodiment the top deck of the roofing structure may occupy some 768 square feet of space and provide several functions. The streamlined almost flat roof (about a 5° tilt) means that it will be less affected by wind and storms; the side of the roofing structures having adjustable flaps (movable coverings) that can deflect from 0° to 90° when there are high winds, such movable coverings can be made from strong durable waterproof material such as hard vinyl.

The building structure need not only be a shelter it can alternatively function as a house or business such as an office or restaurant or shop. Within one and the same building structure there could be a business at the lower level, such as at street level, whilst living quarters can be provided above it, as in a flat or maisonette.

With such wind-resistant roofing, effectively the eaves of the roof are attached by a hinge so that strong winds do not detach them or otherwise permit partial or complete roof detachment.

Claims (24)

Claims

1. A roof panel member comprising a peripheral frame of which a primary region has a fixed covering thereover, whilst a secondary region of the panel member is provided with a movable covering pivotally attached to the frame and, in use upon a building, operable in response to a flow of air or wind upon the movable covering for it to be at least partially deflected upwardly away from said secondary region to expose that secondary region to the said flow of air or wind whereupon said movable covering dissipates said flow over the fixed covering.

2. A panel member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peripheral frame is generally triangular in configuration.

3. A panel member as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary region and fixed covering are generally triangular in configuration.

4. A panel member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the secondary region and movable covering are generally isosceles trapezoidal in configuration.

5. A panel member as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the secondary covering can pivot away from the secondary region up to 90° with respect to the peripheral frame.

6. A panel member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral frame is provided with a crossbar that at least notionally separates the primary region and fixed covering from the secondary region and movable covering, and further provides a mounting location of the pivotal attachment of the moveable covering to the frame.

7. A panel member as claimed in claim 6, wherein the movable covering is pivotally attached by an elongate hinge which extends along the length of said crossbar.

8. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fixed covering and movable covering are constructed from the same material.

9. A roofing structure for a building which comprises an assembly of a plurality of roof panel members as claimed in any preceding claim.

10. A building which incorporates a roofing as claimed in claim 9.

11. A building as claimed in claim 10 which is of hexagonal 6-sided form, and has six such roof panel members, which assembled together constitutes its roofing.

12. A building as claimed in claim 10 or 11, in which means are provided to limit the extent of pivotal displacement of the movable covering, and whereby in the absence of such air or wind flow the movable covering tends to return to its rest position of covering the secondary region.

13. A building as claimed in claim 12, in which the limiting means comprises upstanding railings through which air or wind can flow and wherein the ends of such railings are connected in abutment, and wherein said railings are positioned in the general proximity of, and above, the crossbar defined in claim 6.

14. A building as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 constructed in the form of a shelter, such as a hurricane or tornado shelter.

15. A building as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, in which the secondary regions of the panels overhang the building walls the eaves of the roofing.

16. A building as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the roofing is provided with solar and/or thermal panels.

17. A building as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16 which is of modular construction in that it can be assembled, dis-assembled, transported and re-assembled.

18. A building as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, in which the roofing is generally flat to the extent that its angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane of the building is up to 10° and more preferably up to 8° and most preferably up to 5°.

19. A roof panel member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 substantially as herein described and/or exemplified.

20. A roof panel member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 substantially as herein illustrated in any figure of the accompanying drawings.

21. Roofing as claimed in claim 9 substantially as herein described and/or exemplified.

22. Roofing as claimed in claim 9 substantially as herein illustrated in any figure of the accompanying drawings.

23. A building as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18 substantially as herein described and/or exemplified.

24. A building as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18 substantially as herein illustrated in any figure of the accompanying drawings.