GB2586169A

GB2586169A - A ridge tile bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2586169A
Application number: GB1911449.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: gallagher Anthony; Harkin Hugh; Gallagher Daniel
Original assignee: North West Aluminium Slate Trim Ltd
Current assignee: North West Aluminium Slate Trim Ltd
Priority date: 2019-08-09
Filing date: 2019-08-09
Publication date: 2021-02-10
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-09
Also published as: GB201911449D0; GB2586169B

Abstract

The bracket, for securing ridge tiles to a roof structure, comprises an elongate planar base section 102, foldable about its minor axis, with a plurality of projections 108 protruding from one side for engaging with and retaining at least one ridge tile. Two projections 108A,108B are resiliently deformable to accommodate different roof tiles. Each resiliently deformable projection may comprise a tab or cantilever arm 202A,202B with an end that is free to flex towards and away from the base section. A T-shaped section 110 may be mounted on each tab. The base section may be folded into a V-shape with two wings, each having one of the resiliently deformable projections. The underside of the base may have grooves 302 to facilitate bending. A projection 108C may be centred on the base section and may have an opening 114 to receive a means for securing the bracket to the roof. The projections may be arranged along the major axis of the base section. There may be ridges 112 defining rainwater drainage channels 116.

Description

A Ridge Tile Bracket.

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to roof fixings. More specifically the present invention relates to a ridge tile bracket for securing ridge tiles to a roof structure.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Roof tiles serve an important function with respect to weatherproofing and maintaining the integrity of a building. It can frequently be a problem that tiles on the ridge of a roof may come away from the underlying roof structure exposing it to adverse weather conditions. Ridge tile brackets act to secure ridge tiles to the ridge of a roof preventing the ridge tiles from moving away from the ridge. In the past ridge tile brackets have been designed to accommodate a tile of a certain thickness such that a different ridge tile bracket was needed for each different thickness of ridge tile. There is therefore a need in the art for a ridge tile bracket which can accommodate ridge tiles of various thicknesses.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention provides a ridge tile bracket for securing ridge tiles to the ridge of a roof structure. The ridge tile bracket comprises an elongate planar base section comprising a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the elongate planar base section is foldable about the minor axis, a plurality of projections protruding from one side of the elongate base section for engaging with and retaining at least one ridge tile, wherein two of the plurality of projections are resiliently deformable projections and can move to accommodate different roof tiles. This is advantageous because it provides a means for securing different ridge tiles, which may have different thicknesses and/or shapes, to the ridge of a roof structure.

[0004] The two resiliently deformable projections may each comprise a T-shaped section. This is advantageous because the T-shaped sections act to hold the ridge tile in place on the ridge of the roof. Furthermore, being resiliently deformable they can move/flex to accommodate and hold ridge tiles which may have different thicknesses and/or shapes. The two resiliently deformable projections may each comprise a tab, wherein the tab may have one end fixed to the projection and one free end which can move to accommodate different thicknesses of ridge tiles. This is advantageous because it allows the ridge tile bracket to engage with different types of ridge tiles which have different thicknesses and/or shapes.

[0005] In a configuration where the elongate planar base section may be folded about the minor axis to form a folded elongate base section, the folded elongate planar base section may form a V-shape, wherein the folded elongate planar base section may comprise two wings, the first wing may be located on one side of the apex formed by the fold and the second wing may be located on the other side of the apex formed by the fold.This is advantageous because it allows the ridge tile bracket to engage with a ridge tile such that the base section is substantially in contact with the underside of the ridge tile.

[0006] One of the two resiliently deformable projections may be located on a first wing of the folded elongate planar base section, and the second of the two resiliently deformable projections may be located on a second wing of the folded elongate planar base section. This is advantageous because the position of the resiliently deformable projections are such that each plane of the ridge tile is engaged with a resiliently deformable projection [0007] One of the plurality of projections may be centred on the elongate base section. This is advantageous because it allows a more convenient fastening of the ridge tile bracket to the ridge of the roof structure while it is engages with the at least one ridge tile.

[0008] The underside of the elongate base section may have a plurality of grooves in the direction parallel to the minor axis of the elongate base section. This is advantageous because it provides the ridge tile bracket with sufficient flexibility to flex to accommodate the shape and/or thicknesses of different types of ridge tiles.

[0009] The plurality of projections may be disposed substantially along the length of the major axis of the elongate base section. This is advantageous because, when engages with two ridge tiles, the plurality projections of the ridge tile bracket create a uniform gap between the ridge tiles which may be beneficial to the ventilation of the roof structure.

[0010] The resiliently deformable projections each comprise a resiliently moveable cantilever arm. This is advantageous because it allows the ridge tile bracket to engage with different types of ridge tiles which have different thicknesses and/or shapes. [0011] The resiliently deformable projections each comprise a T-shaped section mounted on a resiliently moveable cantilever arm. This is advantageous because it allows the ridge tile bracket to securely hold ridge tiles which have different thicknesses and/or shapes to the ridge of a roof structure.

[0012] Where the resiliently deformable projections each comprise a resiliently moveable cantilever arm the cantilever arm may be formed such that a gap or space is formed between the elongate planar base section and each cantilever arm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0014] Figure 1 is a top down view of a ridge tile bracket in accordance with the present invention; [0015] Figure 2 is an elevational view of a ridge tile bracket in accordance with the present invention; [0016] Figure 3 is a side view of a ridge tile bracket in accordance with the present invention; [0017] Figure 4 is a view of the underside of a ridge tile bracket in accordance with the present invention; [0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the underside of a ridge tile bracket in accordance with the present invention; [0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a roof structure showing a ridge tile bracket engaged with the roof structure and a plurality of ridge tiles in accordance with one configuration of the ridge tile bracket of the present invention; [0020] Figure 7 is a view of a roof structure showing a ridge tile bracket engaged with the roof structure and a plurality of ridge tiles with a thickness greater than those in Fig. 6; and [0021] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the top side of a ridge tile bracket in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0022] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. One embodiment of a ridge tile bracket for securing ridge tiles to the ridge of a roof structure in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 6.

The ridge tile bracket 100 of Figure 1 to 6 comprises an elongate planar base section 102. The top side of the base section 102 comprises a plurality of projections 108 which protrude from the base section 102. Two of the plurality of projections 108A and 108B are formed with a tab 202 (best seen in Figure 3) which is resiliently deformable.

One of the plurality of projections 108C is centred on the base section 102 and comprises an opening 114 into which a means 608 for securing the bracket 100 to the ridge 606 of a roof structure 600 may be inserted. Each of the resiliently deformable tabs 202A and 202B are affixed to the projection 108A, 108B at one end and are free to (resiliently) flex or deflect in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of base section at the other end. The movement of the tabs 202A and 202B allows the ridge tile bracket 100 to accommodate different types of ridge tiles 602,702 of varying thicknesses. Each of the resiliently deformable tabs 202A and 202B also comprise a T-shaped section 110 affixed to the free end of the tab 202A, 202B. The T-shaped section 110 acts to engage with a ridge tile such that, when the ridge tile 602,702 is engaged with the T-shaped section 110 of the resiliently deformable tabs 202A and 202B, the ridge tile 602,702 cannot move away from the ridge 606 of the roof structure 600. The T-shaped section 110 can be seen more clearly in Figure 2 which shows an elevational view of ridge tile bracket 100. The underside 102U of ridge tile bracket 100, which can be seen more clearly in Figures. 4 and 5, comprises a plurality of grooves 302 which provide the bracket 100 with sufficient flexibility to bend to the shape of the IS desired ridge tile 602,702. The underside 102U of the ridge tile bracket 100 also comprises a plurality of recesses 408 associated with the plurality of projections 108 (best seen in Figure 5). The elongate planar base section 102 may also comprise a plurality of raised portions 112 which run along the length of the base section 102 to form a boundary walls of a plurality of drainage channels 116. The drainage channels 116 act to help assist in the weatherproofing of the roof structure 600 by directing liquid which may flow onto the ridge tile bracket 100 away from the ridge 606 of the roof structure 600 and onto the adjacent roof tiles 614.

[0023] A view of the ridge tile bracket 100 as seen from the side is shown in Figure 3. The above described tabs 202A and 202B which are affixed at one end to the resiliently deformable projections 108A and 108B can be seen clearly. The tabs 202A and 202B may each be formed as a cantilever arm attached to the respective projections 108A, 108B such that a gap or space is formed between the tab 202A, 202B and the projection 108A, 108B which allows the tab 202A, 202B to be movable in a hinge like motion allowing the ridge tile bracket 100 to accommodate different thicknesses of ridge tile.

[0024] One configuration of the ridge tile bracket in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 6. The ridge tile bracket 100 is folded about its minor axis 118 to form a V-shape which engages with the roof structure 600 and at least one ridge tile 602. The V-shaped ridge tile bracket 100 engages with at least one ridge tile 602 upon insertion of the ridge tile 602 such that the T-Shaped section 110 engages with the top of the ridge tile 602 holding it securely to the roof of a structure 600. In this configuration the ridge tile bracket 100 comprises two wings 616A and 616B wherein the wings 616A and 616B are located on either side of the apex formed folding the ridge tile bracket 100 about its minor axis 118.

[0025] In another configuration of the ridge tile bracket 100, the ridge tile bracket 100 is engaged with a ridge tile 702 which has a thickness greater than ridge tile 602. The ridge tile bracket 100 accommodates the thicker ridge tile 702 through the (resilient) deflection or flexing of the resiliently deformable tabs 202A and 202B. The ridge tile bracket 100 engages with at least one ridge tile 702 in a manner similar to that outlined with respect to Figure 6. It can be seen that, in order to accommodate the thicker ridge tile 702, the resiliently deformable tabs 202A and 202B deflect in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the base section 102.

[0026] The ridge tile bracket 100 will now be described in relation to its use in securing ridge tiles 602, 702 to a roof structure 600. In order to ensure that the roof structure 600 is weatherproof a flexible weatherproofing membrane is adhered to the ridge 606 of the roof structure 600 such that it is disposed along the entire length of the ridge 606. The weatherproofing membrane is further disposed such that it overlaps the plurality of tiles on either side of the ridge. To install and secure the ridge tiles 602, 702 to the ridge of the roof structure the ridge tile bracket 100 is folded to the shape of the ridge tile 602, 702 to be installed. The ridge tile bracket 100 is then engaged with the ridge tile 602, 702 such that the underside of the ridge file 602,702 rests on the base section 102 of the ridge tile bracket 100 such that the plurality of protrusions 108 are in contact with the of the ridge tile 602,702. The T-shaped sections 110 act to hold the ridge tile bracket 100 onto to the ridge tile 602, 702. The T-shaped sections 110 also act to help secure the ridge tile 602,702 to the roof structure 600 by engaging with the top surface of the ridge tile 602, 702. The ridge tile bracket 100 may engage with another ridge tile 602, 702 such that two ridge tiles 602, 702 may be engaged with a single ridge tile bracket 100. The ridge tile bracket 100 may be secured to the ridge 606 of the roof structure 600 by placing the ridge tile bracket 100, with the at least one ridge tile 602, 702 engaged, onto the ridge 606 of the roof structure 600, placing a securing plate 610 over the projection centred on the base section 108C, and inserting the means for securing 608 the ridge tile bracket to the ridge of the roof through the securing plate 610 and into the opening 114 of the projection centred on the base section 108C. The means for securing 607 the ridge tile 602,702 is then engaged with the ridge 606 of the roof structure 600 securing both the ridge tile bracket and the ridge tile 602,702 to the ridge 606. The process for securing the ridge tile bracket 100 and ridge tiles 602, 702 to the ridge 606 of the roof structure 600 may be repeated as necessary such that the entirety of the ridge 606 of the roof structure 600 is covered by the ridge tile bracket 100 and ridge tile 602,702 assembly.

[0027] The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. [0028] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

Claims 1. A ridge tile bracket for securing ridge tiles to the ridge of a roof structure, the ridge tile bracket comprising; an elongate planar base section, which comprises a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the elongate planar base section is foldable about the minor axis, a plurality of projections protruding from one side of the elongate base section for engaging with and retaining at least one ridge tile, wherein two of the plurality of projections are resiliently deformable projections and can move to accommodate different roof tiles.
2. The ridge tile bracket of claim 1, wherein the two resiliently deformable projections each comprise a T-shaped section.
3. The ridge tile bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the two resiliently deformable projections each comprise a tab, wherein the tab has one end fixed to the projection and one free end which can move to accommodate different thicknesses of ridge tiles.
4. The ridge tile bracket of any preceding claim, wherein when the elongate planar base section is folded about the minor axis to form a folded elongate base section, the folded elongate planar base section forms a V-shape, wherein the folded elongate planar base section comprises two wings, the first wing located on one side of the apex formed by the fold and the second wing located on the other side of the apex formed by the fold.
5. The ridge tile bracket of any preceding claim, wherein one of the two resiliently deformable projections is located on a first wing of the folded elongate planar base section, and the second of the two resiliently deformable projections is located on a second wing of the folded elongate planar base section.
6. The ridge tile bracket of any preceding claim, wherein one of the plurality of projections is centered on the elongate base section.
7. The ridge tile bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the underside of the elongate base section has a plurality of grooves in the direction parallel to the minor axis of the elongate base section.
8. The ridge tile bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of projections are disposed substantially along the length of the major axis of the elongate base section.
9. The ridge tile bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the resiliently deformable projections each comprise a resiliently moveable cantilever arm.
10. The ridge tile bracket of claim 9, wherein the resiliently deformable projections each comprise a T-shaped section mounted on a resiliently moveable cantilever arm.