GB2590071A

GB2590071A - A device for tile fixing on the roof

Info

Publication number: GB2590071A
Application number: GB1916980.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lagan Peter
Original assignee: Lagan Building Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Lagan Building Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-21
Filing date: 2019-11-21
Publication date: 2021-06-23
Also published as: GB201916980D0; EP3825490A1

Abstract

A bracket 3 in the form of a clip for fixing a tile 8 to a roof having a first portion 4 for fixing to a batten (5, Fig. 2) or an underlying tile 6 and a second portion for engaging the tile 8 to be fastened. The clip may be a bent sheet metal strip, the first portion having an elongate slot 10 through which a fixing screw or nail 9 can be driven to secure the clip and underlying tile 6 to a batten. The second portion may be bent into a C shaped clip having three portions 13a,b,c at right angles, for fitting over a raised vertical edge rib of the tile 6 to clamp it in place. The clip may also have a folded lateral flange (15, Figs. 2,5,6) for aiding positioning against an underlying tile or batten. Also claimed is a tile to be used in the roof system having holes for receiving fixing 9.

Description

A DEVICE FOR TILE FIXING ON THE ROOF

The present invention relates to a device for tile fixing and, in particular, to a device for fixing the tiles in the roof construction.

In the roof building field various kind of clips are known and used. In particular, according to a prior art solution as shown in Fig. 1, an eaves clip E, that is made out of a metal sheet, is used to attach the tile Ti at the eaves of the roof while a tile clip W, that is of wire type, is hooked around the upper tile T2 and nailed into the tile batten below or alternatively pushed into position without nailing if plastic clips are used, for example. Before the upper tile T2 is put on, a nail (not shown) is used and is driven through a hole H defined in the lower tile Ti and inserted into the batten B directly below. Furthermore, there is a further similar hole (not shown in the image) on the other side of the tile and some of the tiles are nailed through both of these holes.

In particular, the eave clips E are generally defined by a metal strip that is provided with a circular hole for receiving a screw S for fastening the same clip to the roof; moreover, the metal strip is suitably folded so as to define a hook engaging a corresponding rib R defined at the edge of the tile Ti.

Instead, the tile clips W are generally defined by a wire and are used, in addition to nailing, to ensure a secure fit of the tile made of clay, concrete or the like. In relation to clay tiles, clay is a much lighter material than concrete and any unnecessary movement of clay tiles in the roof in high winds or exposed areas could result in either chattering of said tiles or potential broken or cracked tiles.

Therefore, the known solutions for roof building require the use of two different kind of clips, one that is specifically configured for fixing the tile at the eave and another one that is specifically configured for fixing/connecting two tiles together.

It is clear that in these known systems the roof installer or tiler requires a handful of eaves clips E, tile clips W and nails and so there are many components to apply on each tile. -2 -

More in detail, there are four components to put into each tile: an eave clip E, a tile clip W and two nails to be inserted into the two holes H defined on the tile.

This means that the roof installers or tilers need to carry many and various pieces onto the roof and for each operation they need to choose the right one from their bag.

Furthermore, there is an issue of getting fingers pricked with clip end points when the installers put a hand into the bag containing the clips in order to extract and use one of them.

It is an object of the present invention to prevent or mitigate the above mentioned problems of having two separate/different devices for fixing a tile at eave and to another tile, thus providing a single device that at need can be used for fixing a file at eave or to another tile.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device that allows to connect two tiles together and, at the same time, allows to fix the lower file to a batten or another supporting structure of the roof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device that eliminates any risk of tile movement once fitted.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device that allows to speed up the overall install times by 30% Another object of the invention is to provide a device that gives the roof installers less fixings elements to install.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device to be used for tiles, even of large format, for their interlocking in a broken bond way Another object of the invention is to provide a device for roof fixing with an alternative and improved characterisation and design, in both constructional and functional terms, compared with the known ones.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of easy, quick and low-cost construction.

Another object of the invention is to give superior wind lift resistance.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved tile for roof building with an alternative and improved characterisation and design, in both constructional and functional terms, compared with the known ones.

Accordingly, all these objects, taken individually and in any combination thereof, are achieved according to the invention by a device for tile fixing that consists of a bracket comprising a first portion that is configured to be placed at need: on a batten, or roof supporting structure, for fastening said first portion directly to said batten, or roof supporting structure, on a lower tile for fastening said first portion to said lower tile, and said bracket further comprises a second portion configured for engaging a file that is placed, at least partially, over said batten, or roof supporting structure, or over said lower tile. Preferably, said first portion is configured to be placed on the lower tile for fastening said first portion both to said lower tile and to the batten, or roof supporting structure, on which said lower tile rests.

Preferably, said bracket is configured to act as a clip for tile fixing at the eave.

Preferably, said bracket is configured to act as a clip for fixing an upper tile to a lower file. Preferably, said bracket is configured to receive a fastener for fixing the lower file to the batten, or roof supporting structure.

Ideally, said bracket is configured to act both as a clip for tile fixing at the eave and as a clip for fixing an upper tile to a lower tile.

Ideally, said bracket is configured to act both as a clip for file fixing at the eave and as a clip for fixing an upper file to a lower tile, and is also configured for receiving a fastener for fixing the lower tile to the batten, or roof supporting structure Advantageously, said bracket comprises of a piece of metal sheet. Preferably, the bracket comprises of a metal strip that is suitably bent Preferably the bracket is made of metal. Ideally, the bracket is made of stainless steel or comprises surfaces coated of zinc-aluminum alloy.

Advantageously, said first portion comprises a through hole for receiving a fastener.

Preferably, said first portion comprises an elongated portion.

Advantageously, said elongated portion comprises a folded lateral edge. Preferably, said folded lateral edge is obtained by providing a short transversal cut at the connection of the first portion with the second portion so as to define in the first portion a lateral strip that is then folded at almost 900 in respect of the remaining main part of the first portion.

Ideally, said folded lateral edge is configured to abut at the corner of a batten or at the corner of a horizontal rib defined on a face of a lower tile.

Preferably, said first portion has a width corresponding to the width of the horizontal rib defined on a face of a tile.

Preferably, said fastener comprise a nail or screw or riveted bolt. Advantageously, said fastener comprises a shaft with at least a threaded portion. Preferably, the shaft is entirely threaded. Preferably, the shaft comprises at least a self-tapping portion with tap-like flute in the leading threads. Preferably, the shaft comprises a drill-like fluted tip.

Advantageously, said through hole comprises an elongated slot. Preferably, said elongated slot is defined substantially in the middle of the first portion. Conveniently, the elongated slot is configured so that the shaft of a fastener can be moved and slid along the longitudinal extension of said slot. Preferably, the elongated slot has a width (i.e. the extension perpendicular to its longitudinal development) that substantially corresponds or is slightly larger than the diameter of the hole defined on the lower tile. Ideally the elongated slot has rounded ends. Advantageously, the elongated slot is configured to be positioned over the hole defined on a lower tile, preferably over the hole defined on a horizontal rib protruding from a face of a lower tile. Conveniently, the elongated slot is pre-punched on a metal strip defining said bracket.

Advantageously, said second portion is configured for engaging by clipping a tile.

Advantageously, said second portion comprises a hook end portion configured to engage the thickened edge portion of a tile, preferably in correspondence of a toothed or serrated profile of said edge portion.

Preferably, the first portion and the second portion have substantially the same width. Preferably, the second portion has a width that is larger than the one of the first portion.

Advantageously, said hook end portion is obtained by folded sections. Preferably, the sections are folded at about 900 in respect of the adjacent one/ones.

Preferably, the second portion of the bracket configured for engaging said tile comprises a first section that is folded upright at about 90° in respect of the first portion of the bracket, a second section that is folded so as to be substantially parallel to the first section and a third section that is folded downward (i.e. toward the first portion) so as to define an angle wider of 90°, preferably of 90°-130°, in respect of the second section.

Preferably, the first section of the second portion is directly connected to the first portion of the bracket.

Preferably, the second section is connected and interposed between the first section and the third section Advantageously, the hook end portion is defined by the combination of said first, second and third sections.

Preferably, the distance between the first and third sections, that face each other, corresponds substantially to a vertical rib defined on the tile to be fixed by the second portion.

Preferably, the distance between the first and third sections, that face each other, corresponds substantially to the width of the thickened edge portion of the tile to be fixed.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved tile with at least one nailing or screwing hole that is located at a distance further away from the left hand side/interlock end of the improved tile compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of a typical known tile of the same specification as the improved tile is located away from the left hand side/interlock end of the typical known tile without this improvement.

A typical tile of this type has the at least one nailing or screwing hole in a range of 35 to 85mm away from the left hand side/interlock end of the tile.

Ideally, the at least one nailing or screwing hole of the improved tile that, in place, is located at a distance closer, compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of the known tile is located, to the vertical edge portion of an upper tile that, in place, is intended to be positioned above said improved tile.

Ideally, the improved tile is made of clay but other materials including concrete for example could be used Preferably, said at least one nailing or screwing hole of the improved tile is positioned further away, compared to the known tile, from the thickened edge portion, preferably defined on the left vertical side, of the same tile.

Ideally, the at least one nailing or screwing hole of the improved tile is positioned anywhere within the range of 10-60mm further away from the left hand side/interlocking side of the improved tile compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of a typical known tile with the same specification as the improved tile is positioned relative to the left hand side/interlocking side.

Preferably, the at least one nailing or screwing hole of the improved tile is positioned anywhere within the range of 23-43 mm further away from the left hand side/interlocking side of the improved tile compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of a typical known file with the same specification as the improved tile is positioned relative to the left hand side/interlocking side.

Ideally, the at least one nailing or screwing hole of the improved tile is positioned anywhere within the range of 30-36 mm, most preferably 33mm further away from the left hand side/interlocking side of the improved tile compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of a typical known tile with the same specification as the improved tile is positioned relative to the left hand side/interlocking side.

Ideally, the improved tile comprises at least two nailing or screwing holes that are aligned horizontally.

Preferably, the distance between said two nailing or screwing holes substantially corresponds to the distance of one of said holes from the corresponding closer edge portion of the tile. -7 -

Preferably, the distance between said two nailing or screwing holes is substantially lower than the distance of one of said holes from the corresponding closer edge of the tile.

Preferably, the distance between said two nailing or screwing holes is a little bit wider than the distance of one of said holes from the corresponding closer edge of the tile. Ideally, the distance between said two nailing or screwing holes corresponds to 1-1,5 times the distance of one of said holes from the corresponding closer edge of the tile.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly system comprising a combination of at least one device with one or more of the above features and at least one improved tile with one or more of the above features Advantageously, the assembly system comprises a fastener that is insertable through both the elongated slot of the device and the hole in the tile, for inserting then into the batten, while the hook end portion engages an upper tile.

Advantageously, the assembly system comprises a fastener that is insertable through the elongated slot of the device for inserting then directly into the batten or another roof supporting structure, while the hook end portion engages a tile at the eave.

Ideally, said fastener comprises a nail or screw or riveted bolt.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved kit for building a roof covering that comprises a plurality of fasteners, a plurality of devices with one or more of the above features, and a plurality of improved tiles with one or more of the above 20 features.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for fixing at need, by a device with one or more of the features above, a tile at the eave of the roof or to a lower tile or to screw or nail a lower tile to the battens or to another roof supporting structure.

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 drawings 5 which show by way of example only one embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is an image of the file fixing according to the prior art; Figure 2 is an image of the use of the device according to the invention for fixing a tile to a batten at the eave, Figure 3 is an image of the use of the device according to the invention for fixing an upper tile to a lower tile, Figure 4 is an image of an improved file according to the invention.

Figure 5 is an image of the device according to the invention.

Figure 6 is another image of the device according to the invention.

Figure 7 is an image of a fastener to be used in combination with the device according to the invention.

Referring to the figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, there is shown a device 2 for tile fixing on a roof. In particular, the device 2 consists of a bracket 3 comprising a first portion 4 that is configured to be placed at need: on a batten 5 for fastening said first portion 4 directly to said batten (as shown in figure 2), on a lower file 6 for fastening said first portion 4 to said lower tile (as shown in figure 3). The bracket 3 further comprises a second portion 7 configured for engaging a tile 8 that is placed, at least partially, over said batten 5 or over said lower tile 6.

Preferably, the first portion 4 is configured to be placed on the lower file 6 for fastening said first portion both to said lower tile 6 and to the batten 5 on which said lower tile rests. Preferably, the lower tile 6 and/or the upper tile 8 are made of clay although concrete or other suitable materials are used.

Conveniently, the bracket 3 of the same device 2 is configured to act both as a clip for fixing the tile to the batten 5 at the eave (see figure 2) and as a clip for fixing an upper tile 8 to a lower tile 6 (see figure 3), and is also configured to receive a fastener 9 for fixing the lower tile 6 to the batten 5 Advantageously, said bracket 3 consists of a metal strip that is suitably bent.

The first portion 4 of the bracket comprises an elongated portion provided with a passing elongated slot 10 to receive the fastener 9.

Preferably, the first portion 4 comprises a folded lateral edge 15 that is configured to abut at the corner of a batten 5 (see fig. 2) or at the corner of a horizontal rib 11 defined on a tt) face of a lower file 6 (see fig. 3).

Preferably, the fastener 9 is a nail or screw or riveted bolt or, in general, comprises a shaft with at least a threaded portion.

Conveniently, the elongated slot 10 is configured so that the shaft of a fastener 9 can be moved and slide along the longitudinal extension of said slot. Preferably, the elongated slot 10 has a width (i.e. the extension perpendicular to its longitudinal development) that substantially corresponds to the diameter of the hole 12 defined on the lower tile 6. Advantageously, the elongated slot 10 is configured to be positioned over the hole 12 defined on the lower tile 6, preferably over the hole 12 defined on the horizontal rib 11 protruding from a face of a lower file 6. Conveniently, the elongated slot 10 is pre-punched on the metal strip defining said bracket 3.

The second portion 7 is configured for engaging by clipping a tile 8. Advantageously, the second portion 7 comprises a hook end portion that is obtained by folded sections 13a, 13b and 13c of the metal strip defining said bracket 3. Preferably, the sections are folded at about 90° in respect of the adjacent one/ones.

Preferably, the second portion 7 of the bracket 3 configured for engaging said tile comprises a first section 13a that is folded upright at about 90° in respect of the first portion 4 of the bracket, a second section 13b that is folded so as to be substantially parallel to the first -10 -section 13a, and a third section 13c that is folded in an angled way, preferably to define an angle of about 30-90° in respect of the second section 13b.

Conveniently, the first section 13a of the second portion 7 is directly connected to the first portion 4 of the bracket 3. Preferably, the second section 13b is connected and interposed between the first section 13s and the third section 13c.

Advantageously, the hook end portion comprises said first 13a, second 13b and third sections 13c.

Preferably, the distance between the first section 13a and the third section 13c, that face each other, corresponds substantially to the width of the thickened edge 14 of the tile 8 to to be fixed According to the invention, the lower tile 6 is provided with at least one nailing or screwing hole 12 that, in place, is located at a distance Di that is closer to the edge of upper tile 8 (see figure 3), compared to the corresponding distance D2 in the known tiles (see figure 1). In other words, in the lower tile 6 according to the invention the nailing or screwing hole 12 is positioned further away, compared to the known tiles, from the thickened vertical edge 14, preferably defined on the left side, of the same file.

In particular, the tile 6 comprises two nailing or screwing holes 12 that are horizontally aligned. Preferably, the distance Da between said two nailing or screwing holes 12 substantially corresponds to the distance D4 between the thickened vertical edge 14 of the same file and the hole 12 closer to said edge.

From the above disclosure, the advantages of the device according to this invention are apparent, since it allows to have a single clip bracket for performing three functions namely acting as an eave clip, acting as a clip to connect the upper tile to the lower tile and acting to screw or nail the lower tile to the battens or the roof via the passing elongate slot. This allows the installer to halve the amount of components required to be carried for the roof construction.

Moreover, by using a device with an elongated slot, the installer can position the slot over the hole of the tile below so that the installer can now fix the tile below to the batten using the same device as is being used to connect the two tiles together, thus doing away with the fixing nails as well.

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 to 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 as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

-12 -CLAIMS1 A device for tile fixing that consists of a bracket comprising a first portion that is configured to be placed at need: -on a batten, or roof supporting structure, for fastening said first portion directly to said batten, or roof supporting structure, on a lower file for fastening said first portion to said lower file, and said bracket further comprises a second portion configured for engaging a tile that is placed, at least partially, over said batten, or roof supporting structure, or over said lower tile.
2 A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion is configured to be placed on the lower tile for fastening said first portion both to said lower tile and to the batten, or roof supporting structure, on which said lower tile rests.
3 A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bracket is configured to act as a clip for tile fixing at the eave.
4 A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said bracket is configured to act as a clip for fixing an upper tile to a lower tile.
A device as claimed in claim 1,2 or 4, wherein said bracket is configured to receive a fastener for fixing the lower tile to the batten, or roof supporting structure.
6 A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said bracket is configured to act both as a clip for tile fixing at the eave and as a clip for fixing an upper tile to a lower file.
7 A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said bracket is configured to act both as a clip for tile fixing at the eave and as a clip for fixing an upper tile to a lower tile, and is also configured for receiving a fastener for fixing the lower tile to the batten, or roof supporting structure.
8 A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said bracket comprises of a piece of metal sheet.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bracket comprises of a metal strip that is suitably bent.
A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first portion comprises a through hole being an elongated slot for receiving a fastener.
11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first portion comprises an elongated portion, said elongated portion comprises a folded lateral edge obtained by providing a short transversal cut at the connection of the first portion with the second portion so as to define in the first portion a lateral strip that is then folded at almost 90° in respect of the remaining main part of the first portion.to
12 A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said folded lateral edge is configured to abut at the corner of a batten or at the corner of a horizontal rib defined on a face of a lower tile.
13 A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second portion is configured for engaging by clipping a tile.
14 A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second portion comprises a hook end portion configured to engage the thickened edge portion of a tile, preferably in correspondence of a toothed or serrated profile of said edge portion.
A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first portion and the second portion have substantially the same width.
16 A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said hook end portion is obtained by folded sections, the sections are folded at about 90° in respect of the adjacent one/ones
17 A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the bracket configured for engaging said tile comprises a first section that is folded upright at about 90° in respect of the first portion of the bracket, a second section that is folded so as to be substantially parallel to the first section and a third section that is folded downward (i.e. toward the first portion) so as to define an angle wider of 90°, preferably of 90°130°, in respect of the second section.-14 -
18 An improved tile with at least one nailing or screwing hole that is located at a distance further away from the left hand side/interlock end of the improved tile compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of a typical known tile of the same specification as the improved tile is located away from the left hand side/interlock end of the typical known tile without this improvement.
19 An improved tile as claimed in claim 18, wherein the at least one nailing or screwing hole that, in place, is located at a distance closer, compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of the known tile is located, to the vertical edge portion of an upper tile that, in place, is intended to be positioned above said improved tile.
20 An improved file as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the improved file is made of clay or concrete.
21 An improved tile as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein said at least one nailing or screwing hole of the improved file is positioned further away, compared to the known tile, from the thickened edge portion, preferably defined on the left vertical side, of the same tile
22 An improved tile as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the at least one nailing or screwing hole of the improved tile is positioned anywhere within the range of 10-60mm further away from the left hand side/interlocking side of the improved tile compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of a typical known file with the same specification as the improved tile is positioned relative to the left hand side/interlocking side.
23 An improved tile as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the at least one nailing or screwing hole of the improved tile is positioned anywhere within the range of 23-43 mm, most preferably 30-36mm and ideally 33mm further away from the left hand side/interlocking side of the improved tile compared to the distance that the same nailing or screwing hole of a typical known file with the same specification as the improved tile is positioned relative to the left hand side/interlocking side.-15 -
24 An assembly system comprising a combination of at least one device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17 and at least one improved tile as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22.
25. An assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein the assembly system comprises a fastener that is insertable through both the elongated slot of the device and the hole in the tile, for inserting then into the batten, while the hook end portion engages an upper tile.