GB2606199A

GB2606199A - A roof light

Info

Publication number: GB2606199A
Application number: GB2106121.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wheeler Kevin
Original assignee: Whitesales Ltd
Current assignee: Whitesales Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2021-04-29
Publication date: 2022-11-02
Also published as: EP4108847A3; EP4108847A2; GB202106121D0

Abstract

A roof light 100 comprises a frame 200, a leaf 300 pivotably attached to said frame, and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly comprising a plurality of swivel brackets 280 which are fasteners rotatably attached to either the frame or a building. In use the swivel brackets are rotatable between a first position, in which the frame may move relative to the building and a second position, in which the frame is fixed to the building. The swivel brackets may be attached to a frame 278 and may comprise a hub 295 and an arm 298 (fig. 10). Also disclosed is a roof light characterized in that the leaf is attached to the frame via at least one hinge comprising a mechanical fastener 424 (fig. 20c) which is accessible only when the leaf is in an open condition, a roof light characterized in that the frame is formed of two parts connected by at least one seal member 272 (fig.7), a roof light characterized in that it further comprises a actuator 316 (fig.13b) assembly to pivot the leaf.

Description

A roof light

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a roof-mounted window, also known as a roof light which is electrically actuated between closed and open conditions.

Background Art

[0002] Roof lights are well known in the building industry. Roof lights are provided in flat or pitched roofs in order to provide light and / or ventilation to the interior of the building. Many roof lights exist-some simply provide light (i.e do not open) and some are openable. Most roof lights are provided with a transparent (e.g glass) panel to allow light to enter the building.

[0003] The present invention is primarily concerned with openable roof lights. In particular it is concerned with roof lights that have a frame or base attached to the roof and a pivotably mounted leaf, typically having a transparent glass panel (although roof lights having translucent or opaque panels are also envisaged). Although such devices may be opened manually, the present invention is concerned with electrically powered roof lights. This is advantageous due to the position of these products, which are in roofs which are hard to reach to manually open the rooflight.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof light comprising: a frame; a leaf being pivotably attached to the frame for movement between a closed condition and an open condition; an attachment assembly comprising a plurality of swivel brackets for rotatable attachment to at least one of the frame and a part of a building; wherein, in use, each of the plurality of swivel brackets is rotatable between a first position in which the frame can be moved relative to the part of the building and a second position in which the frame is retained relative to the part of the building.

L0004] Advantageously the use of swivel brackets makes the rooflight very fast and easy to install and / or replace.

[0005] Preferably the plurality of swivel brackets is rotatably attached to the frame.

[0006] In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of swivel brackets is rotatably attached to the part of the building (e.g. the curb).

[0007] Preferably, the swivel brackets are only accessible from the interior side of the rooflight. This enhances the security of the rooflight as they cannot be tampered with from the exterior.

[0008] Preferably, the attachment assembly comprises a swivel bracket frame for attachment to a building, wherein each of the plurality of swivel brackets is rotatably attached to the swivel bracket frame.

[0009] Preferably the frame comprises a swivel bracket recess having an inwardly depending retention feature; and, each swivel bracket comprises a fixing tab; wherein the retention feature is retained by the fixing tab in the second position of the swivel bracket.

[0010] Preferably the swivel bracket recess has two opposed inwardly depending retention features; and, each swivel bracket comprises a pair of fixing tabs; wherein the retention features are retained by the fixing tabs in the second position of the swivel bracket.

[0011] Preferably each swivel bracket comprises a hub rotatably attached to the swivel bracket frame and an arm extending therefrom.

[0012] Preferably the arm of each respective swivel bracket extends inwardly from the frame when the respective arms are in the first position.

[0013] Preferably application of a force to the arm rotates the swivel bracket from the first position to the second position.

[0014] Preferably the arm comprises an upstanding tab configured to bear against the frame in the second position.

[0015] Preferably the frame and the swivel bracket frame are defined as endless loops and swivel brackets are provided around the periphery thereof.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a roof light comprising: a frame for attachment to a building; a leaf being pivotably attached to the frame for movement between a closed condition and an open condition; wherein the leaf is attached to the frame with at least one hinge, which hinge comprises a frame attachment portion, a leaf attachment portion and a pivot shaft, the pivot shaft being retained to at least one of the attachment portions by a mechanical fastener, wherein the mechanical fastener is accessible only when the leaf is in the open condition.

[0017] Advantageously this provides a highly secure rooflight which cannot be easily removed.

[0018] Preferably the mechanical fastener is a grub screw.

[0019] Preferably the mechanical fastener extends in a radial direction with respect to a pivot axis of the hinge.

[0020] Preferably one of the attachment portions is generally [-shaped, having: a first portion configured to abut the other of the attachment portions in the closed condition; and, a second portion extending from a free end of the first portion, the second portion extending over the free end of the other of the attachment portions in the closed condition [0021] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a roof light comprising: a frame for attachment to a building the frame defining a distal direction away from the building and a proximal direction towards the building in use; a leaf being pivotably attached to the frame for movement between a closed condition and an open condition; wherein the frame comprises an inner frame having a proximal portion, and an outer frame having a proximal portion, the proximal portions of the inner frame and outer frame being connected by at least one seal member to define an enclosed void between the inner frame and outer frame; and, wherein the proximal portion of the outer frame is positioned proximally relative to the proximal portion of the inner frame to form a drainage channel adjacent the outer frame.

Advantageously this provides a system whereby water is drained away from the void. This avoids damage to any internal components, e.g. motors.

[0022] Preferably the frame defines at least one drainage opening in fluid communication with the drainage channel.

[0023] Preferably an electric motor is positioned in the enclosed void in at least the closed condition of the leaf, wherein the electric motor is positioned adjacent the proximal portion of the inner frame.

[0024] Preferably the electric motor is attached to the leaf such that it moves out of the void when moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a roof light comprising: a frame for attachment to a building; a leaf being pivotably attached to the frame; an actuator assembly attached to the leaf and the frame to pivot the leaf between a closed condition and an open condition; wherein the actuator assembly is attached to the leaf by an attachment means, the attachment means being manually releasable to release the actuator assembly from the leaf; and, wherein the attachment means is accessible for release from an interior side of the building when the leaf is in the closed condition.

[0026] Advantageously, this allows the rooflight to be repaired in the event of a power interruption or failure of the motor.

[0027] Preferably the attachment means is only accessible from the interior side of the roof light in the closed condition.

[0028] Preferably the attachment means is accessible after removal of a seal. [0029] Preferably the seal provides a seal between the frame and the leaf [0030] Preferably the actuator assembly is attached to the leaf via a bracket, which bracket is manually releasable to release the actuator assembly from the leaf.

100311 Preferablythe bracket comprises an attachment flange attached to an interior-facing surface of the leaf by at least one mechanical fastener, which mechanical fastener is oriented in a plane of the frame.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0032] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a roof light according to the present invention in an open condition; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the roof light of Figure 1 in a closed condition; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a structure supporting the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a frame of the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURE 5 is and exploded view of the frame of Figure 4; FIGURE 6 is a section view through plane VI in Figure 4; FIGURE 7 is a section view through plane VII in Figure 4; FIGURES is a perspective section view of a part of the frame of Figure 4; FIGURE 9 is a perspective detail view of a further part of the frame of Figure 4; FIGURES 10 to 12 are detail views of a still further part of the frame of Figure 4; FIGURES 13a and 13b are perspective views of a leaf of the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURE 14 is a detailed section view of a part of the leaf of Figure 13; FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly of the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURES 16a and 1 6b are perspective views of the actuation assembly of the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURE 17 is a detail view of a part of the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURE 18 is a detail section view of a part of the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURE 19 is a detail underside view of a part of the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURES 20a to 20c are detailed views of a hinge of the roof light of Figure 1; FIGURE 21 is a detailed section view of a part of the roof light of Figure 1; and, FIGURES 22a and 22b are perspective views of the roof light of Figure 1. Description [0033] In the following description, terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the orientation of the embodiment in-use in a flat, horizontal roof. It will therefore be understood that e.g. "vertical" portions thereof are not always vertical in a global sense in use, but only in the frame of reference of the roof light itself. The terms "distal" and "proximal" refer to positions relative to the roof in which the roof light is installed (unless otherwise stated). The terms "interior" and "exterior" refer to the interior and exterior of the building in which the roof light is installed. The terms "internal" and "external" refer to the local position of the features (e.g. within an enclosed section or outside an enclosed section).

Configuration of the first embodiment [0034] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a roof light 100 is shown according to the present invention. The roof light 100 is shown in an open condition in Figure 1 and a closed condition in Figure 2.

[0035] The roof light 100 is installed within a roof structure 10, shown in Figure 3. The roof structure comprises a roof panel 12 on the external surface, and a ceiling 14 on an internal surface. The panel and ceiling 12, 14 sandwich a layer of insulation 16 therebetween. The layers 12, 14, 16 form a roof assembly through which a quadrilateral aperture 18 is formed.

[0036] Around the periphery of the aperture 18 and extending normal to the roof panel 12 there is provided a timber curb 20. A finish layer 22 is provided on the quadrilateral inner surface of the aperture formed through the roof structure 10.

[0037] It will be noted that although the present embodiment is described installed in the roof structure 10, other roof types are available, and the present invention is not limited to installation in the structure described above.

Configuration of roof light 700 [0038] The roof light comprises four subassemblies: a frame 200 (Figures 1 & 2), a leaf 300 (Figures 1 & 2), a hinge assembly 400 (Figure 15) and an actuation assembly 500 (Figures 16a& 16b).

Frame 200 [0039] The frame 200 is shown in more detail in Figures 4 and 5.

[0040] The frame 200 comprises an outer profile 202, and an inner profile 204.The profiles 202, 204 are constructed from extruded aluminium section and define endless loops in quadrilateral forms.

[0041] Referring to Figure 6, a section through the profiles 202, 204 on plane VI in Figure 4 is shown [0042] The outer profile 202 is generally constructed from a hollow section, having a first vertical portion 206 distal to the roof 10, a second, angled portion 208, a lower horizontal flange portion 210 and a lower vertical flange 212. The first vertical portion 206 comprises a rectangular box section divided in two by an internal wall 214. At the distal end of the first vertical portion 206, on the interior side there is provided a seal-receiving formation 216. Two bosses 218 are provided on the internal side of the first vertical portion 206. Screw-tip receiving grooves 220 are provided on the external side. The second, angled portion 208 comprises a rectangular box section. The lower horizontal flange portion 210 extends to the interior of the profile 202 (i.e. horizontally) at the proximal end of the second, angled portion 208. The lower horizontal flange portion 210 comprises a rectangular box section having an interior-facing seal-receiving formation 221 defined at the interior end thereof. The lower vertical flange 212 extends vertically downwards from the second, angled portion 208 and is single-thickness having a screw-tip receiving groove 222. The outer profile has at least one drainage hole 223 defined in the lower horizontal flange portion 210.

L00431 The inner profile 204 is generally "U" shaped having a vertical base portion 224, a distal horizontal portion 226 and a proximal horizontal portion 228. The distal horizontal portion 226 and the vertical base portion 224 meet at a first corner 244, and the proximal horizontal portion 228 and the vertical base portion 224 meet at a second corner 246. Each portion 224, 226, 228 is constructed as a box-section. The vertical base portion 224 comprises an internal wall 230 and two end walls 232, 234. The distal horizontal portion 226 is constructed from a box section having internal ribs 236 and an external, interior facing seal receiving formation 238. The distal horizontal portion 226 defines an elongate opening 227 on one side of the frame 200 (Figures 5 and 7). The proximal horizontal portion 228 is constructed from an L-shaped section having an internal rib 240 and an external, interior facing seal receiving formation 242. At the first corner 244 there is provided a distally facing slot opening 248. At the second corner 246 there is provided a proximally facing slot opening 250. Between the interior end of the proximal horizontal portion 228 (which extends proximally) and the second corner 246 there is provided a fastener receiving formation 252 having inwardly angled (at 45 degree) retention legs 254, 256 each having a distally extending foot 258, 260.

[0044] In addition to the profiles 202, 204 the frame 200 comprises a leaf seal 262, a distal thermal break 270, a proximal thermal break 272, four distal corner cleats 274, four proximal corner cleats 276, a swivel bracket frame 278 and a plurality of swivel brackets 280.

[0045] The leaf seal 262 is constructed from an polymeric material in an endless loop. A section through the seal 262 is shown in more detail in Figure 8. The seal 262 has a main body 264, a leaf engaging portion 266 at a distal end thereof and a foot 268 at a proximal end thereof.

[0046] The thermal breaks 270, 272 are shown in more detail in Figures 6 and 7. They are constructed from a stiff polymeric material such as polyamide. In cross-section the breaks 270, 272 are generally flat having flared ends 282, 284 respectively. The thermal break 270 is in the shape of a quadrilateral in plan with a gap 286 coincident with the opening 227. The thermal break 272 is in the shape of a quadrilateral endless loop.

[0047] The corner cleats 274, 276 are constructed from aluminium sheet and are L-shaped in plan.

[0048] The swivel bracket frame 278 is constructed from flat aluminium section in the shape of a quadrilateral endless loop and defines a plurality of openings 288.

[0049] The swivel brackets 280 are shown in detail in Figures 10 to 12. The bracket 280 comprises a rivet 290, a washer 292 and a body 294. The body 294 comprises a hub 295 having a pair of upstanding inverted L-shaped fixing tabs 296 and a generally L-shaped arm 298 having an upstanding abutment 299 at a free end thereof. The abutment 299 is parallel to the upstanding parts of the tabs 296.

Leaf 300 [0050] The leaf 300 is shown in Figures 13a, 13b and 14. It comprises a quadrilateral frame 302 constructed from extruded aluminium with a glazing assembly 304.

[0051] The frame section 302 comprises a peripheral outer panel 306 and an inwardly extending support flange 308. The glazing assembly 304 comprises an inner panel 310, an outer panel 312 and a seal arrangement 314. The inner and outer panels are offsetto create double glazing.

Hinge assembly 400 [0052] The hinge assembly 400 is shown in Figure 15 and comprises a plurality of four hinges 402. A hinge 402 is shown in detail in Figures 20a to 20c.

[0053] Each hinge 402 comprises a first hinge plate 404 and a second hinge plate 406 rotationally mounted to the first via a shaft 412. The first hinge plate 404 is flat having three spaced apart first shaft receiving portions 414a, 414b, 414c at a first end. The middle portion 414b has a threaded opening 416.

[0054] The second hinge plate 406 is L-shaped having a flat portion 408 which lies parallel and offset to the first hinge plate in the closed configuration and a flange 410 which extends past the first hinge plate in the closed configuration. At the end of the flat portion 408 opposite to the flange there are provided second shaft receiving portions 418a, 418b, 418c, 418d.

[0055] The shaft 412 has an end cap 420 and a circumferential groove 422.

[0056] A grub screw 424 is provided.

Actuation assembly 500 [0057] The actuation assembly comprises an actuator 316 and a distal mounting bracket 318 (shown in Figure 14 and 16a, 16b). It also comprises a proximal mounting bracket 502.

[0058] The distal mounting bracket 318 comprises an elongate L-shaped member 504 having a first portion 506 and a second portion 508 normal thereto. At each end of the first portion 506 there are provided downwardly depending attachment tabs 510. The second portion defines attachment openings 512.

[0059] The actuator 316 is mounted to the interior, underside of the frame 302 via the distal mounting bracket 318. The actuator is positioned between the tabs 510 and attached to each for pivotable movement about an actuator pivot axis APA (Figure 17). The actuator 316 comprises a chain drive 320 extending therefrom and is configured to extend and retract the chain drive upon application of an electrical input.

Assembly [0060] The frame profile 204 is assembled with four individual extrusion sections being attached by respective corner cleats 274, 276 (visible end-on in Figure 6). The inner and outer profiles 202, 204 are assembled with the flared ends 282 of the distal seal 270 being inserted into and retained within the facing seal-receiving formations 216, 238 of the respective outer and inner profiles. The flared ends 284 of the proximal seal 272 are inserted into and retained within the facing seal-receiving formations 221, 242 of the respective outer and inner profiles. The seals therefore create an enclosed annular void 600 (Figure 6).

[0061] The leaf seal 262 is assembled with the frame 200 by inserting the foot 268 into the distally facing slot opening 248 such that it is retained therein.

[0062] The glazing assembly 304 is installed in the leaf frame 302 and the actuator 316 attached to the frame 302 with the distal bracket 318. The distal bracket 318 is attached to an interior side of the flange 308 of the leaf 300 via screws (or other mechanical fasteners) passed through the openings 512. The fasteners are attached from the interior side of the leaf and are parallel to the plane of the leaf 300. The proximal bracket 502 is attached to the frame 200 in line with the gap 286 as shown in Figure 17. The chain drive 320 is attached to the proximal bracket 502.

L00631 The hinges 402 are provided in their individual parts. The first hinge plate 404 is attached to the outer vertical surface of the first vertical portion 206 of the outer profile 202. Fasteners are engaged with the screw-tip receiving grooves 220 to attach the hinge plate 404.

[0064] The second hinge plate 406 is attached to the leaf 300 with the flat portion 408 abutting the internal side of the peripheral outer panel 306, and the flange 410 being fastened to the proximal surface of the inwardly extending support flange 308.

[0065] In order to mount the leaf 300 to the frame 200, the hinges are aligned such that the shaft receiving portions 414a-c, 416a-c are aligned on axis A. In this position, the shaft 412 is threaded into position such that the end cap 410 abuts the end portion 418d. In this position the groove 422 is aligned with the threaded opening 416. The grub screw 424 is then used to secure the shaft 412 in an axial sense by engaging it into the opening and into the groove 422.

[0066] The hinges 402 are configured such that the flanges 410 overlap the top (distal surface) of the first vertical portion 206 of the outer profile 202 in the closed condition (see Figure 18). In the closed condition, the grub screw 424 is completely inaccessible [0067] The leaf 300 is therefore rotatable about the aligned axis of the hinges 402 (shown as axis A in Figure 18). In the closed condition (Figure 18) the glazing abuts the leaf seal 262.

[0068] The swivel brackets 280 are pivotably attached to the swivel bracket frame (Figure 9).

[0069] In order to install the roof light 100, the swivel bracket frame 278 is fastened to the underlying roof, surrounding the aperture 18. The swivel brackets are rotated to a position in which the tabs 296 are aligned with the frame 278 (i.e. 90 degrees clockwise about axis SW in Figure 9).

[0070] The roof light 100 is then installed by dropping it over the frame 278 such that the tabs 296 enter the fastener receiving formation 252 of the inner profile 204. The swivel brackets 280 can then be rotated by applying a force to the arms 294 to rotate the individual swivel brackets 280 through 90 degrees to the position shown in Figures 9 and 19. The upstanding abutment 299 contacts the interior surface of the profile 204 when the swivel arm is in position. Use

[0071] In the closed condition the roof light is extremely well secured by the fact that neither the motor nor hinges can be accessed from the exterior. The way in which the hinges are configured, with the grub screw inaccessible means that it is very difficult to attack them to gain entry.

[0072] In the closed condition, the actuator 316 enters the void 600 through the gap 227 in the frame profile 200 as shown in Figure 21.

[0073] When the roof light 100 is to be opened, an electrical signal is provided to the actuator which pushes out the chain 320 to move from the position of Figure 2 to Figure 1. The leaf 300 rotates about the axis A. [0074] In the event that there is a problem with the motor 316, the present invention provides that removal is facilitated even in the closed condition of the rooflight 100. Referring to Figure 22a, the seal 262 can be removed from the inner profile in the closed condition (for example with pliers or a similar tool).

[0075] Once removed (turning to Figure 22b) the distal bracket 318 is exposed with the fastener heads visible. The fasteners can therefore be removed, detaching the bracket 318 from the leaf 300. This means that the leaf 300 can be opened manually, and the motor extracted for repair or replacement. The ability to detach the motor from the leaf in the closed position of the roof light 100, from the interior side, is therefore highly advantageous.

Variations [0076] Variations are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0077] The actuator may be mounted to the frame 200 rather than the leaf 300. The advantage of leaf-mounting is that the motor is kept away from any water that may gather in the void 600. If mounted in the void 600, the lower (proximal) and outer void region 602 shown in Figure 6 acts as a drainage channel to keep water away from the motor which would be mounted on the proximal horizontal portion 228 of the inner profile which is positioned distally relative to the proximal horizontal portion 210 of the outer profile.

L00781 If the actuator is mounted to the frame, access during malfunction in the closed condition is still effected as described above. Instead of the actuator itself being detached from the frame 300, the end of the chain is.

[0079] Referring to Figure 12, the rivet 290 may be integrated with the swivel bracket 294 such that they form a unitary body for pivotable attachment to the frame 278.

[0080] Referring to Figure 18, the seal 262 is mounted in the inner profile 204. In a further embodiment, a leaf-contacting seal may be mounted at the distal end of the outer profile 202 to contact the support flange 308 (or equivalent) of the leaf 300. In a still further embodiment, two seals may be provided-one in the inner profile and one in the outer profile to provide additional sealing.

[0081] Although the swivel brackets are disclosed as being attached to the building via a frame, it is envisaged that they may be attached directly to the roof light curb. This reduces the number of parts required, but does not provide the guaranteed alignment of a swivel bracket frame.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the swivel brackets are attached to the building curb. It will be understood that in an alternative embodiment encompassed by the scope of the present invention, the swivel brackets may be pivotably mounted to the underside of the roof light frame and retained by a recess / formation attached to, or formed part of the building (i.e. the curb).

[0083] Although the above embodiment discloses four individual hinges, there may be 2, 3 or more.

Claims

Claims 1. A roof light comprising: a frame; a leaf being pivotably attached to the frame for movement between a closed condition and an open condition; an attachment assembly comprising a plurality of swivel brackets for rotatable attachment to at least one of the frame and a part of a building; wherein, in use, each of the plurality of swivel brackets is rotatable between a first position in which the frame can be moved relative to the part of the building and a second position in which the frame is retained relative to the part of the building.
2. A roof light according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of swivel brackets is rotatably attached to the frame.
3. A roof light according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of swivel brackets is rotatably attached to the part of the building in use.
4. A roof light according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the swivel brackets are only accessible from the interior side of the rooflight.
5. A roof light according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a swivel bracket frame for attachment to a building, wherein each of the plurality of swivel brackets is rotatably attached to the swivel bracket frame.
A roof light according to any preceding claim, wherein: the frame or the part of a building comprises a swivel bracket receiving recess having an inwardly depending retention feature; and, each swivel bracket comprises a fixing tab; wherein the retention feature is retained by the fixing tab in the second position of the swivel bracket.
7. A roof light according to claim 6, wherein: the swivel bracket recess has two opposed inwardly depending retention features; and, each swivel bracket comprises a pair of fixing tabs; wherein the retention features are retained by the fixing tabs in the second position of the swivel bracket.
8. A roof light according to any preceding claim, wherein each swivel bracket comprises a hub rotatably attached to the swivel bracket frame and an arm extending therefrom.
9. A roof light according to claim 8, wherein the arm of each respective swivel bracket extends inwardly from the frame when the respective arms are in the first position.
10. A roof light according to claim 9, wherein application of a force to the arm rotates the swivel bracket from the first position to the second position.
11. A roof light according to claim 10, wherein the arm comprises an upstanding tab configured to bear against the frame in the second position.
12. A roof light according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame and the swivel bracket frame are defined as endless loops and swivel brackets are provided around the periphery thereof.
13. A roof light comprising: a frame for attachment to a building; a leaf being pivotably attached to the frame for movement between a closed condition and an open condition; wherein the leaf is attached to the frame with at least one hinge, which hinge comprises a frame attachment portion, a leaf attachment portion and a pivot shaft, the pivot shaft being retained to at least one of the attachment portions by a mechanical fastener, wherein the mechanical fastener is accessible only when the leaf is in the open condition.
14. A roof light according to claim 13, wherein the mechanical fastener is a grub screw.
15. A roof light according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the mechanical fastener extends in a radial direction with respect to a pivot axis of the hinge.
16. A roof light according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein one of the attachment portions is generally L-shaped, having: a first portion configured to abut the other of the attachment portions in the closed condition; and, a second portion extending from a free end of the first portion, the second portion extending overthe free end of the other of the attachment portions in the closed condition.
17. A roof light comprising: a frame for attachment to a building the frame defining a distal direction away from the building and a proximal direction towards the building in use; a leaf being pivotably attached to the frame for movement between a closed condition and an open condition; wherein the frame comprises an inner frame having a proximal portion, and an outer frame having a proximal portion, the proximal portions of the inner frame and outer frame being connected by at least one seal memberto define an enclosed void between the inner frame and outer frame; and, wherein the proximal portion of the outer frame is positioned proximally relative to the proximal portion of the inner frame to form a drainage channel adjacent the outer frame.
18. A roof light according to claim 17, wherein the frame defines at least one drainage opening in fluid communication with the drainage channel.
19. A roof light according to claim 17 or 18, comprising: an electric motor positioned in the enclosed void in at least the closed condition of the leaf, wherein the electric motor is positioned adjacent the proximal portion of the inner frame.
20. A roof light according to claim 19, wherein the electric motor is attached to the leaf such that it moves out of the void when moving from the closed position to the open position.
21. A roof light comprising: a frame for attachment to a building; a leaf being pivotably attached to the frame; an actuator assembly attached to the leaf and the frame to pivot the leaf between a closed condition and an open condition; wherein the actuator assembly is attached to the leaf by an attachment means, the attachment means being manually releasable to release the actuator assembly from the leaf; and, wherein the attachment means is accessible for release when the leaf is in the closed condition.
22. A roof light according to claim 21, wherein the attachment means is only accessible from the interior side of the roof light in the closed condition.
23. A roof light according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the attachment means is accessible after removal of a seal.
24. A roof light according to claim 23, wherein the seal provides a seal between the frame and the leaf.
25. A roof light according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the actuator assembly is attached to the leaf via a bracket, which bracket is manually releasable to release the actuator assembly from the leaf.
26. A roof light according to claim 25, wherein the bracket comprises an attachment flange attached to an interior-facing surface of the leaf by at least one mechanical fastener, which mechanical fastener is oriented in a plane of the frame.