GB2605763A

GB2605763A - A Beam Assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2605763A
Application number: GB2104343.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Crohill Jonathan
Original assignee: Garner Aluminium Extrusions Ltd
Current assignee: Garner Aluminium Extrusions Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-09
Filing date: 2021-03-26
Publication date: 2022-10-19
Also published as: GB202101782D0; GB202104343D0

Abstract

A beam assembly for a fixed pitch roof comprises a ridge beam 14, a rafter 16 extending at a non-zero angle to the ridge beam and comprising a hollow profile, a connecting member 20 for connecting a first end of the ridge beam and a first end of the rafter, comprising a mating formation 22, a locating member 24 for insertion into the hollow profile 18 of the rafter and comprising a complementary form arranged to attach to the mating formation, wherein the locating member is secured to the hollow profile by a fixing 28 arranged coaxially with the locating member and/or the rafter. The fixing may be a releasable threaded fastener which cuts a corresponding thread into the rafter as it is tightened. The complementary form may be a hook. Also disclosed is a method for assembling a beam assembly as described.

Description

A Beam Assembly

FIELD

The present teachings relate to a beam assembly for a fixed pitched roof, for example a lantern roof or a conservatory roof, and a method of assembling a beam assembly for installation in a roof fenestration unit.

BACKGROUND

Fixed pitched roofs typically comprise a frame assembly, onto which a panel, such as a glass pane, or a sealed double glazing unit is inserted. Examples of fixed pitched roofs include lantern roofs, conservatory roofs and orangery roofs.

Typically, beams are fitted around the perimeter of an opening in the roof, and an assembly of rafters and a ridge beam is lowered on to the opening. Glazing units are then assembled between the rafters to complete the roof.

Typically, fixed pitched roofs can be difficult to assemble, especially when there are only one or two fitters. As part of the design, the rafters are screwed into both ends of the ridge beam, and multiple rafter are secured to a single ridge beam. Each of the rafters must be held in the correct alignment while the additional rafters are being assembled. One particular problem is that the rafters can pivot or splay relative to the ridge beam.

If the positioning of any of the rafters is wrong, then there may be problems with sealing or the beam assembly may not fit in the opening. The beam assembly then has to be disassembled and reassembled in the correct alignment, which is an inefficient and time consuming assembly process.

The present teachings seek to provide a way of alleviating at least some of the aforementioned issues.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the teachings provides a beam assembly for a fixed pitched roof, for example a lantern roof or a conservatory roof, the beam assembly comprising: a ridge beam; a rafter extending at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the ridge beam, wherein the rafter comprises a hollow profile; a connecting member for connecting a first end of the ridge beam and a first end of the rafter wherein the connecting member comprises a mating formation; and a locating member for insertion into the hollow profile of the rafter and comprising a complementary form arranged to attach to the mating formation; wherein the locating member is secured to the hollow profile of the rafter by a fixing arranged co-axially with at least one of the locating member and the rafter.

Advantageously, the fixing the locating member in this way may improve the accuracy of positioning of the ridge beam relative to the rafter whilst the frame is being assembled, as well as reducing the assembly operations. This reduces the installation time and improves the ease of installation for the fitter.

The fixing may be a fastener, and the fastener may be substantially co-axial with the locating member, and the fastener may be a releasable fastener.

Advantageously, providing the locating member and the fastener co-axially aids the correct alignment of the fixing relative to the locating member. Additionally, a releasable fastener can be removed when the roof lantern is disassembled without damaging the rafter.

The releasable fastener may be a threaded fastener.

Advantageously, a threaded fastener is simple to install and can meet the load requirements to temporarily support the rafter.

The threaded fastener may cut a corresponding thread into the rafter as the threaded fastener is tightened.

Advantageously, this simplifies the manufacturing process as the thread doesn't need to be cut into the rafter before installation. Additionally, this ensures the thread is correctly aligned with the fastener.

The threaded fastener may be captive in the locating member in at least the tightening direction.

Advantageously, this may further simplify installation and retention of the locating member.

The mating formation may be a recess.

Advantageously, this is a simple geometry to manufacture and does not require any protruding parts.

The complementary form may be a hook.

Advantageously, the hook shape is simple for the fitter to locate within the recess and is simple to manufacture.

The connecting member may comprise a securing feature for securing the rafter to the connecting member.

The securing feature may be a mount for receiving a releasable fastener therethrough.

Advantageously, the mount is a simple geometry to manufacture and aids the alignment of the releasable fastener relative to the rafter. The releasable fastener meets the necessary load requirements to support the rafter when the roof is fully assembled.

The mount may be located towards an upper edge of the connecting member.

Advantageously, this ensures that the mount is easily accessible for insertion of the releasable fastener.

The securing feature may extend coaxially with the rafter.

Advantageously, this aids the alignment of the rafter relative to the connecting member.

The rafter may comprise a port for receiving the releasable fastener.

Advantageously, the port correctly aligns the releasable fastener within the rafter, and therefore correctly aligns the rafter relative to the connecting member.

The connecting member may comprise a second mating formation for receiving a second locating member of a second rafter.

Advantageously, this enables a single connecting member to support more than one rafter. This reduces the required number of parts and makes the roof simpler to install and more compact.

The mating formation may be located on a first mating surface of the connecting member, and the mount may be located on the first mating surface.

The width of the first mating surface may be approximately equal to the width of the first end of the rafter, and a face of the first mating surface and a face of the first end of the rafter may be substantially planar.

Advantageously, the planar surfaces aid the alignment of the rafter relative to the connecting member. Additionally, the widths being approximately equal has aesthetic benefits because the transition from the rafter to the ridge beam is smooth.

The connecting member may further comprise a second mating surface, and the second mating formation may be located on the second mating surface, and the first mating surface may be at a non-zero angle relative to the second mating surface.

Advantageously, having distinct first and second mating surfaces helps to prevent installation of one of the rafters obstructing installation of the second rafter. The surfaces being angled relative to one another allows for accurate assembly of the rafters to achieve a desired geometry of the pitched roof.

The connecting member may comprise first and second side walls which may extend from opposing edges of the first mating surface, and the first and second side walls may engage with a first side wall and a second side wall of the rafter.

Advantageously, the side walls support the mating surface and connect the mating surface to the ridge beam. The first and second side walls engaging with the side walls of the rafter helps to restrict movement of the rafter in the direction running between the side walls.

The ridge beam may comprise a mount for receiving a fastener, and the fastener may be a threaded fastener.

The threaded fastener may extend coaxially with the ridge beam.

Advantageously, this aids the correct alignment of the ridge beam relative to the connecting member. The threaded fastener has the necessary strength requirements to support the load of the ridge beam. Additionally, this prevents the need to drill holes in any other direction, for example transversely through the ridge beam.

The complementary form may be located on a first end of the locating member, and an opposing second end of the locating member may be angled.

Advantageously, the complementary form being located on the first end means the rest of the locating member can be inserted into the rafter. The angled end helps to smoothly guide the locating member into the hollow profile of the rafter.

The locating member may comprise a step located at the first end, and the step may abut against the hollow profile.

Advantageously, this helps prevent the locating member from being inserted too far into the hollow profile of the rafter so as to accurately align the locating member with the rafter in an axial direction.

The hollow profile may comprise at least one projection for receiving the threaded fastener, and the at least one projection may extend at least partially radially with respect to the fastener.

Advantageously, the projections guide the threaded fastener and provide the surface on which to cut the thread. The radial projection ensures secure inter engagement with the fastener.

A height of the mating formation may be greater than a height of the complementary form.

Advantageously, this enables the complementary form to be located with the 25 mating formation and slid down to the assembled position where the complementary form rests at the bottom of the recess.

The rafter may comprise a structural portion, of e.g. a metallic material such as an aluminium alloy, forming the hollow profile and the rafter may also comprise a glazing receiving portion with greater thermal insulating properties of e.g. a plastics material.

Advantageously this ensures that the rafter combines suitable mechanical strength with thermal properties to meet relevant building codes for thermal insulation.

A further aspect of the present teachings provides a method of assembling a beam assembly for installation in a fixed pitched roof, for example a lantern roof or a conservatory roof, the method comprising the steps of: a) fixing a connecting member to a first end of a ridge beam, the connecting member comprising a mating formation; b) inserting a first end of a locating member into a complementary form of a rafter; c) inserting a second end of the locating member into the complementary form of the connecting member; d) securing the locating member to the hollow profile using a fixing, wherein the fixing is arranged co-axially with at least one of the locating member and the rafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a fixed pitched roof according to an embodiment of the present teachings in a fully assembled state, having a beam assembly; Figure 2 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a fixed pitched roof of the present teachings in a partially assembled state, having the beam assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the circled section of the beam assembly of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a top view of the circled section of the beam assembly of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an isometric view of a rafter and a locating member of the beam assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a front view of the rafter of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is an isometric view of the locating member of Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a fixed pitched roof of an embodiment of the present teachings generally indicated at 10, having a frame assembly 11 which supports at least one panel 13a-d, and a beam assembly 12. The fixed pitched roof 10 of this embodiment is a lantern roof, however in alternative embodiments the fixed pitched roof may be a conservatory roof or an orangery roof. Although described as fixed, this does not preclude opening skylight windows or the like being fitted within the fixed frame assembly.

The panel 13a-d may be a pane of glass, a double glazing unit or a triple glazed sealed unit, or a panel of wood, aluminium or other suitable material. The glazing units 13a-d in this embodiment are double glazing units. In this embodiment, four glazing units 13a-d are provided, however in alternative embodiments any number of glazing units may be provided depending on the desired aesthetic, for example six glazing units.

Roofs 10 of this type are typically used in domestic buildings. It is therefore necessary that the roof 10 meets the necessary security requirements, as well as the requirements for thermal insulation, sealing against water ingress, draughts etc. Typically, the frame assembly 11 is constructed from the beam assembly 12 and at least one eaves beam assembly 19a-d. The eaves beam assemblies 19a-d each comprise a structural support member 8a-d, illustrated in Figure 2, and a thermal insulating assembly 9a-d, illustrated in Figure 1.

In this embodiment, the fixed pitched roof is rectangular, meaning four eaves beam assemblies 19a-d are provides along each edge of the fixed pitched roof 10.

However, in alternative embodiments, any suitable number of eaves beams assemblies may be provided. For example, if the desired roof was hexagonal, then six eaves beam assemblies would be provided.

Each of the eaves beam assemblies 19a-d interface at a corner with the adjacent eaves beam assembly 19a-d. In this embodiment, adjacent eaves beam assemblies 19a-d are in mitred abutment so as to form four corners of the roof 10. The eaves beam assemblies 19a-d are secured together using L-shaped corner connectors (not shown). Referring to the corner formed by eaves beam assemblies 19a, 19b, one leg of the corner connector extends into a first hollow profile of the eaves beam assembly 19a, and a second leg of the corner connector extends into a second hollow profile of the adjacent eaves beam assembly 19b. The same configuration of corner connector is used at each corner. In alternative embodiments, any suitable means may be used to attach the corners, for example screws.

The beam assembly 12 of this embodiment includes four rafters 16a-d and one ridge beam 14. The ridge beam 14 is secured to the rafter 16a-d via a first connecting member 20a and a second connecting member 20b, and a first locating member 24a and a second locating member 24b, as illustrated in Figure 2. In alternative embodiments, any suitable number of rafters and ridge beams may be used depending on the required aesthetics of the roof 10. The ridge beam 14 has a first end 15a and a second end 15b. The rafters 16a-d each have a first end and a second end, and a hollow profile. The first and second ends of the rafter 16a are labelled 17a and 17b respectively, and the hollow profile is labelled 18.

The rafter 16a comprises a structural portion, of e.g. a metallic material which forms the hollow profile, and a glazing receiving portion with greater thermal insulating properties of e.g., plastics material. The connecting members 20a, 20b and the locating member 24a are manufactured from a plastics material in this embodiment. In other embodiments the connecting members may be formed from other material, such as metal -e.g. die cast aluminium alloy or the like.

Each of the rafters 16a-d extends from the corner formed between adjacent eaves beam assemblies 19a-d. The rafters 16a-d are each secured to an exterior surface of the eaves beam assembly 19a-d. The rafters 16a-d each extend from the corners of the roof 10 at a non-zero angle with respect to longitudinal axes of the eaves beam assemblies. The rafters 16a-d extend from the corners in an upwardly inclined direction and towards the centre of the roof 10. In this embodiment, rafters 16a and 16b extend towards the same point (the first end 15a of the ridge beam 14), and rafters 16c and 16d extend towards the same point (the second end of the ridge beam 14). Such rafters 16a-d may be referred to as hip rafters as they define a vertex of a hipped roof structure.

The first connecting member 20a is secured to the first end 15a of the ridge beam 14 and the first end 17a of the rafters 16a, 16b. The second connecting member 20b is secured to the second end 15b of the ridge beam 14 and the first end of the rafters 16c, 16d. In this embodiment, the first connecting member 20a is used to connect two rafters 16a, 16b to the first end 15a of the ridge beam, and the second connecting member 20b is used to connect two rafters 16c, 16d to the second end 15b of the ridge beam 14.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the fixed pitched roof of the present teachings in a partially assembled state, indicated generally at 110. The like components with the embodiment of Figure 1 are indicated using the same reference numerals. The primary difference between the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 is that additional fifth and sixth rafters 16e, 16f are provided which extend from a midpoint of the ridge beam 14 on opposing sides and extend to the midpoint of opposing eaves beam assemblies 19c, 19a. It shall be appreciated that this is one possible embodiment of frame assembly, however any suitable design of frame assembly may be used.

In another alterative embodiment of the roof (not shown), there may be multiple rafters which extend from the corners formed by the eaves beam assemblies to form a pyramid shaped roof. The shape of the base of the pyramid may vary based on the number of rafters, for example four rafters would result in a square-based pyramid. In this embodiment, the ridge beam may be in the form of a smaller support piece located at a point where the rafters meet, or the ridge beam may be omitted and replaced by a single connecting member that connects all four rafters.

It shall be appreciated that the term 'exterior' refers to an area outside of the fixed building, and the term 'interior' refers to an area within the building. Therefore, for example 'exterior side' refers to the side closest to the outside of the building, and the term 'interior side' refers to the side closest to the inside of the building.

Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the beam assembly 12, the connecting member 20a and the locating member 24a of both Figures 1 and 2. Whilst only one connecting member 20a and locating member 24a is illustrated in Figure 3, it shall be appreciated that at the second end 15b of the ridge beam 14 there is a second connecting member 20b and a second locating member (not shown) of substantially the same configuration. Therefore, for reasons of conciseness and brevity, only connecting member 20a and locating member 24a shall be described herein.

The connecting member 20a includes a mating formation 22 for securing the first end 17a of the rafter 16a to the connecting member 20a. The connecting member 20a also includes a first securing feature 30a for securing the connecting member 20a to the first end 17a of the rafter 16a and a ridge securing feature (not shown) for securing the first end 15a of the ridge beam 14 to the connecting member 20a. In this embodiment, the connecting member 20a further includes a first mating surface 36a and a ridge mating surface 36c.

The first securing feature 30a is a mount 30a. However, it shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, any suitable means of securing the connecting member 20a to the first end 17a may be used, for example a snap-fit or an adhesive.

The first securing feature 30a is located towards an upper edge of the connecting member 20a in order to improve accessibility. In this embodiment, the first securing feature 30a extends from the upper edge of the connecting member in an upward direction. A threaded fastener 32 extends through a hole in the first securing feature 30a, and through a corresponding port 34 in the first end 17a of the rafter 16a. The threaded fastener 32 is sized so as to meet the necessary strength requirements to secure the rafter 16a to the connecting member 20a when the roof 10 is assembled.

The ridge securing feature is also in the form of a mount located towards an upper edge of the connecting member 20a. An additional threaded fastener 44 extends through a hole in the ridge securing feature, and through a corresponding hole or port (not shown) in the first end 15a of the ridge beam 14. Again, the threaded fastener 44 is sized so as to meet the necessary strength requirements to secure the ridge beam 14 to the connecting member 20a when the roof 10 is assembled.

The first securing feature 30a and the ridge securing feature are generally curved to correspond to the shape of the holes, however any suitable shape may be used. In this embodiment, the first securing feature 30a, the hole and the rafter 16a are coaxial. The ridge securing feature, the hole and the ridge beam are also coaxial.

The mating formation 22 helps to ensure the correct alignment of the rafter 16a relative to the connecting member 20a, and therefore to the ridge beam 14. In this embodiment, the mating formation 22 is in the form of a recess 22. The recess 22 is substantially rectangular and has a base wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rafter 16a at the lowermost point of the recess 22. In alternative embodiments, any suitable mating formation may be used, for example at least one slot. The mating formation 22 is located towards a lower edge of the connecting member 20a, however the mating formation may be located anywhere on the connecting member 20a.

In this embodiment, the mating formation 22a and the first securing feature 30a are located on the first mating surface 36a. This means the connecting member 20a is secured to the first end 17a of the rafter 16a via the first mating surface 36a. The ridge securing feature is located on the ridge mating surface 36c. This means that the connecting member 20a is secured to the first end 15a of the ridge beam 14 via the ridge mating surface 36c.

A face of the first and the ridge mating surfaces 36a, 36c is substantially planar with a face of the first end 17a of the rafter 16a, and a first end 15a of the ridge beam 14 respectively. The respective faces abut against each other when the beam assembly 12 is assembled. A width of the first mating surface 36a is approximately equal to a width of the face of the rafter 16a. Similarly, a width of the ridge mating surface 36c is approximately equal to a width of the face of the ridge beam 14.

A first side wall 38a engages with a first side 40a of the rafter 16a, and a second side wall 38b engages with a second side 40b of the rafter 16a. This restricts movement of the rafter 16a in a direction running between the first and second side walls 38a, 38b. Advantageously, this helps to improve the alignment of the rafter 16a relative to the connecting member 20a. Side walls 38e, 38f restrict the alignment of the ridge beam 14 in the same way.

In this embodiment, the connecting member 20a includes a second mating surface 36b. The second mating surface 36b is essentially identical to the first mating surface 36a. Therefore, the second mating surface 36b also a second mating formation (not shown) and a second securing feature 30b. Advantageously, this means that the fitter can secure the same rafter 16a-d to either mating surface 36a, 36b. In alternative embodiments, there may be differences between the first and second mating surfaces, however.

The first, second and ridge mating surfaces 36a, 36b, 36c are each at a non-zero angle relative to one another. The relative angles of the mating surfaces 36a, 36b, 36c depends on the required shape and size of the roof. The first and second mating surfaces 36a, 36b extend from opposing edges of the ridge mating surface so as to define a substantially triangular prism. This means that the faces engaging with the rafter 16a, rafter 16b and ridge beam 14 face away from one another, as illustrated in Figure 4.

The first mating surface 36a includes the first side wall 38a and the second side wall 38b. The first and second side walls 38a, 38b extend from opposing edges of the first mating surface 36a in a direction approximately perpendicular to the face of the first mating surface 36a. In alternative embodiments, the side walls may extend at any suitable angle from the first mating surface. The second mating surface 36b also includes first and second side walls 38c, 38d. The ridge mating surface 36c also includes the first and second side walls 38e, 38f. The first side wall 38a of the first mating surface 36a is connected to the second side wall 38f of the ridge mating surface 36c. The second side wall 38b of the first mating surface 36b is connected to the first side wall 38c of the second mating surface 36c. The second side wall 38d of the second mating surface 36b is connected to the first side wall 38e.

In alternative embodiments where there is only one mating surface 36a, the second side wall 38b of the first mating surface 36a may be connected to the first side wall 38e of the ridge mating surface. In this embodiment, the first side wall 38a may be planar with the second side wall 38f, and the second side wall 38b may be coplanar with the first side wall 38e. Alternatively, the side walls 38a, 38b may extend at an angle from the side walls 38e, 38f.

In further alternative embodiments, there may be any suitable number of mating surface depending on the number of rafters secured to the connecting member. The mating surfaces may define a prism with a cross-sectional profile corresponding to the number of mating surfaces.

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the locating member 24a and the rafter 16a.

The locating member 24a helps to align the rafter 16a relative to the connecting member 20a whilst the roof 10 is assembled. It can be seen from Figure 5 that the locating member 24a and the rafter 16a are axially aligned. The locating member 24a includes a body 25, a complimentary form 26a, a fixing 28, a step 48, at least one groove 52a-d, a stop 54 and a first and a second end 46a, 46b.

With reference to Figure 7, the body 25 has a substantially rectangular cross section, however in alternative embodiment, any suitable shape may be used, for example a circular cross section. The complimentary form 26a extends from the first end 46a of the body 25. The complimentary form 26a engages with the mating formation 22 of the connecting member 20a. In the assembled position, the complimentary form 26a sits within the mating formation 22a of the connecting member 20a.

In this embodiment, the complimentary form 26a is in the form of a hook 26a, where the hooked edge extends in a generally downward direction and engages with the base wall of the recess 22.

A width of the mating formation 22 is approximately equal to a width of the complimentary form 26a. This helps to restrict the movement of the complimentary form 26a in the mating formation 22a in a direction parallel to the width of the mating formation 22a. A height of the mating formation 22a is greater than or equal to a height of the complimentary form 26a. In this embodiment, the height of the mating formation 22a is approximately double the height of the complimentary form 26a. This enables the complimentary form to be slid into the correct position during assembly.

In alternative embodiments, any suitable shape of complimentary form could be used, for example a protrusion. Alternatively, the hook may be located on the connecting member and the recess may be located on the rafter, or on the locating member in place of the hook.

The complementary form 26a includes a hole 56 to access the fixing 28. The hole includes a curved entrance 62 so as to provide a seat for a screwdriver. The fixing 28 secures the locating member 24a within the rafter 16a. The fixing 28 extends partially through the body 25 so that a longitudinal axis of the fixing 28 and a longitudinal axis of the body 25 are parallel. In this embodiment, the fixing 28 and the body 25 are coaxial, however in alternative embodiments the longitudinal axis of the fixing 28 may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the body 25.

The fixing 28 is in the form of a releasable fastener, in this embodiment a threaded fastener 28 that is coaxial with both the rafter 16a and the locating member 24a. The threaded fastener 28 cuts a thread into the rafter 16a as the threaded fastener 28 is tightened. The threaded fastener 28 incudes a threaded region 28a and a non-threaded region 28b, and a flange 58 located on the non-threaded region 28b of the fixing 28 to align it within the body 25.

The stop 54 extends from the second end 46b of the locating member 24a, and is located above the fixing 28. A second stop (not shown) may also be located below the fixing 28 in an equivalent position to the stop 54. This restricts the movement of the fixing 28 relative to the locating member 24a in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the locating member 24a. However the fixing may alternatively be held via a "click fit" within the body 25.

An end of the non-threaded region 28b abuts against a face 60 of the locating member 24a. The face 60 is located towards the second end 46b of the locating member 24a. As the fixing 28 is tightened, the end of the non-threaded region 28b exerts an axial force on the face 60 and pushes the locating member 24a into the hollow profile 18.

The fixing 28 is tightened until the step 48 abuts against the first end 17a of the rafter 16a. This aids the correct positioning of the locating member 24a within the rafter 16a because movement of the locating member 24a in the axial direction is restricted. This helps prevent the locating member 24a from being over inserted into the rafter 16a.

Once the fixing 28 is in the correct position and the position of the fixing 28 relative to the rafter 16a is therefore fixed, the abutment of the end of the non-threaded region 28b against the face 60 prevents the locating member 24a from being pulled out of the rafter 16a in the axial direction.

The at least one groove 52a-d help to guide the locating member into the correct position in the rafter, and to retain the fixing 28 in the centre of the body 25. In this embodiment, there are four grooves 52a-d extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 25. Two of the grooves 52a, 52b are located on a top surface of the locating member 24a on opposing sides of the fixing 28. Two of the grooves 52c, 52d are located on a bottom surface of the locating member 24a on opposing sides of the fixing 28. Each of the grooves 52a extends in a direction toward the central longitudinal axis of the body, and therefore towards the fixing 28. The locating member 24a also includes an angled second end 46b to help guide the locating member 24a into the rafter 16a.

The cross section profile of the rafter 16a, including the hollow profile 18 and the port 34, is illustrated at Figure 6. The hollow profile 18 includes at least one projection 50a-d. Each projection 50a-d extends at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the hollow profile. The locating member 24a is inserted into the hollow profile 18 of the rafter 16a. The cross sectional shape of the hollow profile 18 corresponds to the cross sectional profile of the locating member 24a.

In this embodiment, there are four projections 50a-d corresponding to the four grooves 52a-d of the locating member 24a. As such, two of the projections 50a, 50b are located on a top surface of the hollow profile 18, and two of the projections 50c, 50d are located on a bottom surface of the hollow profile 18. This enables each of the grooves 52a to engage with each of the projections 50a-d. Since the grooves extend towards the fixing, this helps to ensure the correct positioning of the projections 50a-d so that the thread can be cut into the projections 50a-d when the fixing 28 is tightened. The projections 50a-d extend at least partially radially with respect to the fixing 28, so as to correspond to the shape of the fixing 28.

Figure 4 shows a second locating member 24b for insertion into the rafter 16b. The second locating member 24b is substantially identical to the first locating member 24a. In alternative embodiments, there may be any suitable number of locating members. The number of locating members may correspond to the number of rafters attached to the connecting member 20a. Alternatively, there may be two or more locating members used to connect each rafter to the connecting member, and therefore two or more mating formations.

To assemble the roof 10, the four structural support members 8a-d of the four eaves beam assemblies 19a-d are assembled to the four sides of the opening into which the roof 10 is being installed. This is illustrated in Figure 2. The L-shaped connectors are applied at the corners in order to secure adjacent structural support members.

The beam assembly 12 is then assembled. The connecting members 20a, 20b are secured to the first and second ends 15a, 15b respectively of the ridge beam 14 via the ridge securing feature and the threaded fastener. In this embodiment, this step happens offsite, however the securing may also happen onsite.

Next, the locating member 24a is partially inserted into the hollow profile 18 of the rafter 16a. The locating member 24a is inserted so that the non-threaded region 28b is located in the hollow profile 18 and the threaded region 28a extends out of the hollow profile 18. The projections 50a-d are in engagement with the grooves 52a-d. The fixing 28 is tightened using a screwdriver and the thread is cut into the projections 50a-d of the hollow profile 18. The screwdriver accesses the fixing via the hole 56. The fixing 28 is tightened until the step 48 abuts against the face of the end 17a of the rafter 16a. This process is then repeated for the remaining three rafters 16b-d using three locating members substantially identical to 24a.

The complimentary form 26a attached to the rafter 16a is inserted into the mating formation 22 in order to locate the rafter 16a relative to the connecting member 20a and the ridge beam 14. The face of the end 17a of the rafter 16a abuts against the first mating surface 36a. The first and second side walls 38a, 38b abut against the first and second sides 40a, 40b of the rafter 16a. The complimentary form 26a is generally positioned inside the mating formation 22 towards an upper edge. The face of the end 17a of the rafter 16a is then slid downwards relative to the first mating surface 36a so that the locating member 24a rests against the base wall of the mating formation 22. This helps to ensure that the rafter 16a is in the correct alignment relative to the ridge beam 14. This process is repeated for rafter 16b, which is attached to the second mating surface 36b, and for rafters 16c, 16d which are attached to the first and second mating surfaces of the connecting member 20b. In this condition the assembly is self-supporting due to the engagement of the hooked complementary forms 26a, 26b and the mating formations 22 and contact between the end faces of the rafters and the mating surfaces 36a, 36b, but not secured.

The threaded fastener 32 is then inserted into the hole in the securing feature 30a and through the port 34 in the rafter 16a and screwed into position. As the rafter 16a is secured in the correct position due to the positioning of the complimentary form 26a within the mating formation 22, the fitter can simply screw in the threaded fastener 32 without having to hold the rafter 16a and the connecting member 20a in the correct position. This is particularly advantageous when there are only one or two fitters. This process is repeated for the remaining three rafter 16b-d in order to fully assemble the beam assembly 12. The combination of the hooked complementary forms 26a, 26b engaging the mating surfaces 36a, 36b and the threaded fasteners 32 being screwed into the rafters provides a strong and secure beam assembly 12.

The beam assembly 12 is then lowered onto the structural support members 8a-d so that the second ends of the rafters 16a-d are attached to the corners formed by the structural support members. The rafters 16a-d are screwed into the structural support members at each of the corners. The thermal insulating assemblies 9a-d are attached to exterior surfaces of each of the structural support members 8a-d so as to form a cover and prevent access from the outside to the structural support members 8a-d. This completes the frame assembly 11.

To complete the roof 10, each of the glazing units 13a-d are lowered on to the frame assembly. The glazing units 13a-d are each fitted with an end trim (not shown) which engages with the thermal insulating assemblies 9a-d to secure the glazing units 13a-d in the correct position.

Although the teachings have been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A beam assembly for a fixed pitched roof, for example a lantern roof or a conservatory roof, the beam assembly comprising: a ridge beam; a rafter extending at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the ridge beam, wherein rafter comprises a hollow profile; a connecting member for connecting a first end of the ridge beam and a first end of the rafter, wherein the connecting member comprises a mating formation; and a locating member for insertion into the hollow profile of the rafter and comprising a complementary form arranged to attach to the mating formation; wherein the locating member is secured to the hollow profile of the rafter by a fixing arranged co-axially with at least one of the locating member and the rafter.
2. The beam assembly of claim 1 wherein the fixing is a fastener optionally substantially co-axial with the locating member, optionally a releasable fastener.
3. The beam assembly of claim 2 wherein the releasable fastener is a threaded fastener.
4. The beam assembly of claim 3 wherein the threaded fastener cuts a corresponding thread into the rafter as the threaded fastener is tightened.
5. The beam assembly of claim 4 wherein the threaded fastener is captive in the locating member in at least the tightening direction.
6. The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the mating formation is a recess.
7. The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the complementary form is a hook.
8. The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the connecting member comprises a securing feature for securing the rafter to the connecting member.
9. The beam assembly of claim 8 wherein the securing feature is a mount for receiving a releasable fastener therethrough.
10.The beam assembly of claim 9 wherein the mount is located towards an upper edge of the connecting member.
11.The beam assembly of claim 9 or 10 wherein the securing feature extends coaxially with the rafter.
12.The beam assembly of any one of claim 9 to 11 wherein the rafter comprises a port for receiving the releasable fastener.
13. The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the connecting member comprises a second mating formation for receiving a second locating member of a second rafter.
14. The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the mating formation is located on a first mating surface of the connecting member, optionally wherein the mount is located on the first mating surface.
15.The beam assembly of claim 14 wherein a width of the first mating surface is approximately equal to a width of the first end of the rafter, optionally wherein a face of the first mating surface and a face of the first end of the rafter are substantially planar.
16. The beam assembly of claim 14 or 15 wherein the connecting member further comprises a second mating surface, wherein the second mating formation is located on the second mating surface, and optionally wherein the first mating surface is at a non-zero angle relative to the second mating surface.
17.The beam assembly of any one of claim 14 to 16 wherein the connecting member comprises first and second side walls extend from opposing edges of the first mating surface, optionally wherein the first and second side walls engage with a first side wall and a second side wall of the rafter.
18. The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the ridge beam comprises a mount for receiving a fastener, optionally a threaded fastener.
19.The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the threaded fastener extends coaxially with the ridge beam.
20. The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the complementary form is located on a first end of the locating member, optionally wherein an opposing second end of the locating member is angled.
21. The beam assembly of claim 20 wherein the locating member comprises a step located at the first end, and wherein the step abuts against the hollow profile.
22.The beam assembly of any proceeding claim wherein the hollow profile comprises at least one projection for receiving the threaded fastener, optionally wherein the at least one projection extends at least partially radially with respect to the fastener.
23. The beam assembly of any preceding claim, wherein a height of the mating formation is greater than a height of the complementary form.
24. The beam assembly of any preceding claim wherein the rafter comprises a structural portion, of e.g. a metallic material such as an aluminium alloy, forming the hollow profile and a glazing receiving portion with greater thermal insulating properties of e.g. a plastics material.
25. A method of assembling a beam assembly for installation in a fixed pitched roof, for example a lantern roof or a conservatory roof, the method comprising the steps of: a) fixing a connecting member to a first end of a ridge beam, the connecting member comprising a mating formation; b) inserting a first end of a locating member into a complementary form of a rafter; c) inserting a second end of the locating member into the complementary form of the connecting member; d) securing the locating member to the hollow profile using a fixing, wherein the fixing is arranged co-axially with at least one of the locating member and the rafter.