NZ741236A - A sealing device and a cladding system - Google Patents
A sealing device and a cladding systemInfo
- Publication number
- NZ741236A NZ741236A NZ741236A NZ74123618A NZ741236A NZ 741236 A NZ741236 A NZ 741236A NZ 741236 A NZ741236 A NZ 741236A NZ 74123618 A NZ74123618 A NZ 74123618A NZ 741236 A NZ741236 A NZ 741236A
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- sealing device
- cleat
- profiled
- sheets
- profiled sheets
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 190
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 72
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 claims description 50
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000000295 complement Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003014 reinforcing Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 45
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 20
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000000149 penetrating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002430 Fibre-reinforced plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011151 fibre-reinforced plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011528 polyamide (building material) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 101700054498 such-1 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 238000004642 transportation engineering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening Effects 0.000 description 1
Abstract
sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets of a cladding system, and a cladding system including at least one of said sealing devices are disclosed. The sealing device includes an elongate body which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces that have a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which the sealing device is to be used, and a cleat structure configured to secure the body to an underlying structure of the cladding system when the body is located in place between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets. , has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces that have a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which the sealing device is to be used, and a cleat structure configured to secure the body to an underlying structure of the cladding system when the body is located in place between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
Description
A SEALING DEVICE AND A CLADDING SYSTEM
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a sealing device for use in sealing
between overlapping profiled sheets such as roof sheets and a cladding system
including at least one of said sealing devices.
The invention has been developed primarily for use in roof cladding
systems and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However,
it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.
The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to
facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the
discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred
to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any
other country as at the priority date of any one of the claims of this specification.
Background of Invention
Buildings, and in particular industrial buildings, often have a roof cladding
system that is comprised of a plurality of longitudinally overlapping roofing or roof
sheets. Such long span roofs may, for example, be up to 80 metres long and have a
fall to enable rainwater run-off, which can be as low as 1 . The length of the roof
sheets used to cover such a long span roof can be of a relatively long continuous
length of up to about 80 metres if the roof sheets are manufactured on site. More
often than not though, these roof sheets are of a relatively short length such as from
12 to 20 metres to facilitate ease of manufacture and ease of transportation to the
site. The use of such short, transportable roof sheets however, necessitates the need
for a waterproof step joint where the ends of successive roof sheets overlap
longitudinally. That is, a watertight seal is required where the lower end of one roof
sheet overlaps with the upper end of another roof sheet below the one roof sheet.
Also, there typically needs to be two purlins below and supporting each
step joint. The height of a typical step joint is visually significant as it can be as great
as about 100 mm and, hence, it can be aesthetically undesirable. The step, in
addition to providing a waterproof joint, is to function as an expansion joint. That is,
the joint is to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the roof sheets caused by
ambient temperature cycles.
Sealing devices have a particular use in providing this watertight seal by
virtue of being sandwiched between the overlapping ends of these roof sheets. These
sealing devices typically take the form of an elongate body manufactured from a
resilient material such as foam or rubber that is either suitably flexible or purposely
shaped to conform to the surface profile of the roof sheets with which it is to be
installed between so as to provide this watertight seal. In many roof cladding systems,
these sealing devices are secured to an underlying support structure or roof frame of
the roof by way of a plurality of mechanical fasteners that pass directly through
apertures in the body of the sealing device into the support structure below. However,
this approach typically leads to a weakening of the body over time due to the shear
stress imposed on the body of the sealing device by longitudinal expansion and
contraction of the roof sheets and the weight of the roof sheets acting on the
mechanical fasteners extending through the body, that may lead to a failure to
maintain the watertight seal.
Other roof cladding systems typically rely on the use of a series of roofing
clips or connectors, often mounted on a strap affixed to the underlying support
structure or roof frame over which the roof sheets are to be installed, and sealing
devices equipped with a cleat structure that is configured to enable the sealing device
to be secured directly to the roofing clips. However, this typically introduces
unnecessary manufacturing and supply costs in terms of producing the roofing clips
and straps necessary to facilitate this approach.
The present invention seeks to provide a sealing device for use in
providing a seal between the ends of overlapping profiled sheets, such as roof sheets,
and a cladding system including at least one of said sealing devices, which will
overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art,
or to at least provide an alternative.
Summary of Invention
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a
sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally
overlapping profiled sheets of a cladding system, the sealing device including: an
elongate body which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower
longitudinal surfaces that have a respective form which at least in part corresponds to
the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of
the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which the sealing
device is to be used; and a cleat structure configured to secure the body to an
underlying structure of the cladding system when the body is located in place
between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
In one embodiment, the body includes at one or more locations along its
length, an engagement portion, at which the upper surface is raised, and at which the
lower surface is raised, and wherein each of the upper and lower surfaces of the
engagement portion has a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the
form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of
profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
Preferably, the raised upper surface and the recessed lower surface at
each engagement portion have substantially complementary forms which correspond
substantially to the cross-sectional profile of the lower, inner surface and the upper,
outer surface, respectively, of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled
sheets.
Suitably, the cleat structure is secured against at least one outwardly
facing longitudinal side surface of the body.
Preferably, the cleat structure has a form corresponding at least partially to
the form of the body.
Preferably, the cleat structure includes along its length, a raised portion
that has a form corresponding at least partially to the form of a corresponding one of
the engagement portions of the body.
Suitably, the cleat structure includes a bracket member having an aperture
extending substantially therethrough, and wherein each of the profiled sheets includes
an aperture that extends substantially through the profiled sheet, such that when the
ends of the profiled sheets are longitudinally overlapping, the apertures of the profiled
sheets are in substantial alignment with the aperture in the bracket member of the
cleat structure located substantially between the ends of the longitudinally overlapping
profiled sheets, to enable a mechanical fastener to be received through the aligned
apertures for securing the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and the sealing
device to the underlying structure beneath the longitudinally overlapping profiled
sheets.
Suitably, the cleat structure is made of a metal or a rigid engineering
plastics material.
Suitably, the cleat structure has a respective cleat part secured against
each longitudinal side surface of the body, such as by at least one pin or projection
extending through the body and interconnecting the cleat parts.
In one embodiment, each of the cleat parts includes along a respective
length thereof, a central portion that corresponds to the raised portion of the cleat
structure, wherein the central portion of each cleat part has a form that corresponds at
least partially to the form of a corresponding one of the engagement portions of the
body.
Suitably, at least one of the cleat parts includes a bracket member having
an aperture extending substantially therethrough, and wherein each of the profiled
sheets includes an aperture that extends substantially through the profiled sheet,
such that when the ends of the profiled sheets are longitudinally overlapping, the
apertures of the profiled sheets are in substantial alignment with the aperture in the
bracket member of the at least one cleat part located substantially between the ends
of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets, to enable a mechanical fastener to be
received through the aligned apertures for securing the longitudinally overlapping
profiled sheets and the sealing device to an underlying structure beneath the
longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
Suitably, the central portion of the at least one cleat part is defined by a
bridge portion and a pair of legs extending downwardly and outwardly from opposing
ends of the bridge portion, and wherein the bracket member extends from an
outwardly facing surface of the bridge portion.
Preferably, at least one of the cleat parts includes reinforcing means.
Preferably, the body has a level of resilience which enables the body to
deform elastically between said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and thereby
provide a seal with each profiled sheet along the length of the body.
Suitably, the body is formed wholly or partly of a resilient material.
In one embodiment, the body is formed at least partly of a resilient
polymeric material, such as a formed polymeric material.
Preferably, the body, while resilient, is sufficiently stiff as to resist
compression as the upper profiled sheet is pressed down onto the sealing device and
thereby provide a positive pressure against each of the profiled sheets for effective
sealing between said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
In one embodiment, the body and each engagement portion is formed
entirely of a resilient material, such as a foam material.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a
cladding system having at least one line of at least two profiled sheets having
longitudinally overlapping ends, wherein at least one sealing device according to the
first aspect is located and provides a seal between the longitudinally overlapping ends
of said profiled sheets.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a
cladding system having at least two lines of laterally overlapping profiled sheets,
wherein each line includes at least two profiled sheets having longitudinally
overlapping ends, and wherein a composite sealing device formed from at least two
sealing devices according to the first aspect, coupled together in an end-on
arrangement using a cleat structure of one of the at least two sealing devices, is
located and provides a seal between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping
profiled sheets.
In one embodiment, each of the at least two sealing devices of the
composite device has an elongate body that includes at one or more locations along
its length, an engagement portion, at which the upper surface is raised, and at which
the lower surface is raised, and wherein each of the upper and lower surfaces of the
engagement portion has a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the
form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of
profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which each of the at
least two sealing devices is to be used, wherein the profile of the engagement portion
of a first of the at least sealing devices is different to the profile of the engagement
portion of a second of the at least two sealing devices.
Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
Brief Description of Drawings
Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the
present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a sealing device for use in
providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the sealing device of Figure 2, in
exploded form, to reveal a central elongate body and a cleat structure;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a central elongate body portion of the
sealing device of Figures 1 to 3, devoid of a cleat structure;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first cleat part member of a cleat
structure of the sealing device of Figures 1 to 3;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second cleat part member of a
cleat structure of the sealing device of Figures 1 to 3, and which is complementary to
the first cleat part member of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame of a roof
cladding system, in exploded form, to reveal detail of the sealing device of Figures 1
and 2 located between longitudinally overlapping ends of upper and lower profiled
roof sheets;
Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, but shows the sealing device secured
between the longitudinally overlapping ends of the upper and lower profiled roof
sheets;
Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a sealing device for use in providing
a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the sealing device of Figure 9, in
exploded form, to reveal a central elongate body portion and a cleat structure;
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a central elongate body portion of
the sealing device of Figures 9 and 10, devoid of a cleat structure;
Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a first cleat part member of a cleat
structure of the sealing device of Figures 9 and 10;
Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a second cleat part member of the
cleat structure of the sealing device of Figures 9 and 10, and which is complementary
to the first cleat part member of Figure 12;
Figure 14 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame of a roof
cladding system, in exploded form, to reveal detail of the sealing device of Figures 9
and 10 located between longitudinally overlapping ends of upper and lower profiled
roof sheets;
Figures 15 and 16 show perspective views of a sealing device for use in
providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets
according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 17 and 18 show perspective views of a first cleat part member of a
cleat structure associated with the sealing device of Figures 15 and 16;
Figures 19 and 20 show perspective views of a second cleat part member
of the cleat structure associated with the sealing device of Figures 15 and 16, and
which is complementary to the first cleat part member of Figures 17 and 18;
Figures 21 and 22 show perspective views of a sealing device for use in
providing a seal between longitudinally overlapping ends of profiled roof sheets
according to a still further embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 23 and 24 show perspective views of a central elongate body
portion of the sealing device of Figures 21 and 22, devoid of the cleat structure;
Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a sealing device for use in providing
a seal between longitudinally overlapping ends of profiled roof sheets according to a
still yet further embodiment of the present invention, in which the sealing device is
comprised of a central elongate body and the cleat structure of Figures 17 to 20;
Figure 26 shows a perspective view of the central elongate body portion of
the sealing device of Figure 25, devoid of the cleat structure; and
Figure 27 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame (purlin
removed for clarity) of a roof cladding system comprised of a lower layer of three
laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets replete with the sealing devices of each of
Figures 15 and 16, Figures 21 and 22, and Figure 25, all mounted to an upper surface
of the lower layer, just prior to an upper layer (not shown) of corresponding laterally
overlapping profiled roof sheets being applied over ends of the three laterally
overlapping profiled roof sheets of the lower layer in a longitudinally overlapping
manner.
Detailed Description
It is to be understood that the following description is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting with respect
to the above description.
The present invention is predicated on the finding of a sealing device for
use in providing a watertight seal between the ends of overlapping profiled sheets of a
cladding system.
The preferred embodiments described herein will focus on sealing devices
for use in providing a watertight seal between the ends of overlapping profiled roof
sheets of a roof cladding system. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the relevant art that these sealing devices are not limited to this particular application,
but are equally applicable in providing a watertight seal between overlapping profiled
wall panels in wall cladding systems.
The sealing device is specifically configured in such a way as to allow the
overlapping profiled sheets to be secured directly to an underlying roof structure, such
as a purlin, without having to pass a plurality of mechanical fasteners directly through
a body of the sealing device and without the need for employing a strap and
associated roofing clips or connectors for coupling the sealing device thereto. At least
in preferred forms, the sealing device also enables the provision of a step between
the ends of the overlapping profiled sheets which is substantially less than 100 mm in
height.
Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a sealing device 10 according
to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in providing a
watertight seal between respective end portions of overlapping profiled roof sheets,
such as the profiled roof sheets S , S shown in Figures 7 and 8.
Roof Sheets
Specifically, Figure 7 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof
frame (in exploded form) of a roof cladding system to reveal detail of the sealing
device 10 of Figures 1 and 2 which is configured to be located between the
overlapping end portions of the upper S and lower S profiled roof sheets. The two
generally rectangular profiled roof sheets S , S are mounted in relation to a C-section
purlin P comprising part of the roof frame (not otherwise illustrated). The roofing of
which profiled roof sheets S and S form a part of is, inclined downwardly to the right,
when viewed in Figures 7 and 8, so that rainwater will drain from sheet S to sheet S
in use.
The two profiled roof sheets S , S each comprise a plurality of longitudinal
ribs, labelled r for roof sheet S , and r for roof sheet S , which are laterally spaced
1 1 2 2
from each other by generally planar pan or trough sections of uniform width, labelled
t and t , respectively. The longitudinal ribs r , r of each roof sheet S , S have a
1 2 1 2 1 2
generally trapezoidal profile when the ribs r , r are viewed end on, as defined by a
pair of opposing side walls, labelled sw and sw for roof sheet S and sw , sw for
1a 1b 1 2a 2b
roof sheet S , and a generally horizontal top portion, labelled tp1 for roof sheet S and
t for roof sheet S . The longitudinal ribs r , r of each roof sheet S , S define
p2 2 1 2 1 2
corresponding grooves as are apparent when the roof sheets S , S are viewed from
beneath.
As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each of the two profiled sheets S , S has a
pair of end portions located at opposing ends of the sheets, labelled ep , ep for
1a 1b
roof sheet S , and ep , ep for roof sheet S . The upper end portion ep of roof
1 2a 2b 2 2a
sheet S is located over the top of purlin P.
In use, and referring specifically to Figure 8, the lower end portion ep of
roof sheet S substantially overlaps the upper end portion ep of roof sheet S such
1 2a 2
that the corresponding portions of the ribs r and pans t at the lower end portion ep
1 1 1a
of roof sheet S substantially overlap with the corresponding ribs r and pans t at the
1 2 2
upper end portion ep of roof sheet S . The two overlapping end portions ep , ep
2a 2 1a 2a
are separated only by the sealing device 10 located substantially therebetween, which
will be described in more detail below.
Additionally, each of the two profiled roof sheets S , S has a pair of side
margins located at opposing end portions of the sheets, labelled sm , sm for roof
1a 1b
sheet S , and sm , sm for roof sheet S . While not shown, it will be appreciated by
1 2a 2b 2
those skilled in the relevant art that as side margins sm and sm are
1a 1b
complementary, it is possible to for the side margin sm of roof sheet S to inter-fit
1a 1
with the side margin sm of another roof sheet (not shown) in that direction to realise
a composite rib (not shown) at the point of inter-fit that are of generally similar form to
the non-overlapping longitudinal ribs r , r of roof sheets S and S .
1 2 1 2
Sealing Device 10
Body
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sealing device 10 includes an elongate
body B which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal
surfaces 26 and 28, and respective sides 29 which extend between surfaces 26 and
28. Also, at spaced intervals, corresponding to the widths of the pans t , t of each of
the two roof sheets S , S , the sealing device 10 has upstanding engagement
portions, hereinafter referred to as engagement formations F. The engagement
formations F provide raised parts 26a of the upper surface 26, and recessed parts
28a of the lower surface 28 of the body B. As will be apparent from the description
below, the engagement formations F are shaped to conform to the profile of the ribs
of the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets for which the sealing device 10 is
configured to be used with. For instance, in this embodiment, the engagement
formations F of the body B are shaped to conform to the generally trapezoidal profiles
of the longitudinal ribs r , r of the corresponding profiled roof sheet S , S shown in
1 2 1 2
Figure 14.
In the preferred form, the body B of the sealing device 10 has a level of
resilience by which it is able to deform elastically between the overlapping ends of the
profiled roof sheets S , S along the length of the body B in use. To enable this, the
body B is formed at least partly of a resilient polymeric material that can be formed,
such as a polymer foam. Where the resilient material is a polymer foam, it is
preferably a closed cell foam, such as that which is produced using an ethylene
propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a polyurethane or a polyamide. It will be
appreciated by a skilled person in the relevant art, however, that the body B, while
resilient, is sufficiently stiff as to sufficiently resist compression as the upper profiled
sheet S is pressed down onto the sealing device 10 and thereby provide a positive
pressure against each of the profiled sheets S , S for effective sealing between said
longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets S , S .
As can be appreciated from Figure 7, the lower surface 28 of the body B of
the sealing device 10 is substantially the complement of the upper surface of roof
sheet S , while the upper surface 26 is substantially the complement of the lower
surface of roof sheet S . Thus, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7, the engagement
formations F of the sealing device 10 have the same generally trapezoidal profile
when viewed in side elevation as the longitudinal ribs r , r of the corresponding
sheets S and S to which the sealing device 10 is to be installed between. As a
consequence, the sealing device 10 is able to be pressed down onto the lower roof
sheet S to enable each of the ribs r to be received in a corresponding one of the
recessed parts 28a within a respective engagement formation F.
Similarly, as shown in Figure 8, roof sheet S is able to be pressed down
onto the sealing device 10 to enable each engagement formation F to be received
within a corresponding one of the grooves formed beneath roof sheet S by a
respective longitudinal rib r .
Cleat Structure
The sealing device 10 also includes a cleat structure that is configured to
provide not only a means by which to strengthen the sealing device 10 at each of the
engagement formations F along the length of the body B, but also a means by which
to help secure the overlapping profiled roof sheets S , S to the underlying purlin P in
use.
As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the cleat structure includes
complementary pairs of cleat part members, C , C located at the engagement
formations F along the length of the body B. The cleat structure includes generally
midway along its length, a raised portion, at which each cleat part member C , C has
a form that corresponds at least partially to the form of the engagement formations F
of the body B. And, each cleat part member C , C of the cleat structure is made of a
metal or a rigid engineering plastics material. In the case of metals, the cleat part
member C , C can be manufactured from steel, preferably coated or galvanised
steel, brass or aluminium. While in the case of plastics, the cleat part members C , C
can be manufactured from such plastics as nylon, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) and the like.
Referring specifically to Figure 5, the cleat part member C has a generally
trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal bridge,
labelled 40 that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed legs 42, 44
via a respective first end of said legs 42, 44. Extending outwardly from an opposing
second end of each leg 42, 44, along an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the generally horizontal bridge 40, is a corresponding elongate arm 46, 48.
Referring specifically to Figure 6, cleat part member C also has a similar
generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal
bridge, labelled 50 that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed
legs 52, 54 via a respective first end of said legs 52, 54. Extending outwardly from an
opposing second end of each of the two legs 52, 54, along an axis generally parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the generally horizontal bridge 50, is a corresponding
elongate arm 56, 58.
The cleat part members C , C of each pair are configured to be secured
against a corresponding outwardly facing longitudinal side surface 29 of the body B
by way of a pair of laterally spaced apart pins or projections X , X that extend
orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the two arms
46, 48 of cleat part member C and which pass substantially through corresponding
laterally spaced apart apertures 30 in the body B to be received within a
corresponding laterally spaced apart aperture that extends substantially through a
corresponding one of the two arms 56, 58 of cleat part member C and is secured
therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by virtue of a corresponding retainer ring Y ,
Y that is substantially aligned with the aperture and extends orthogonally from an
outwardly facing surface of cleat part member C . By virtue of this arrangement, the
two cleat part members C , C of each pair can be interconnected at a corresponding
engagement formation F to afford the sealing device 10.
As shown specifically in Figures 1 to 3 and 6, each cleat part member C
includes a generally rectangular shaped bracket member Z that extends outwardly
from an outwardly facing surface of the bridge 50 at an angle that is generally
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cleat part member C . The bracket member
Z has a generally elongate or lozenge-shaped aperture A that extends substantially
through the bracket member Z along a generally vertical axis.
One advantage of having an elongate aperture A is that when the roof
cladding system is assembled, the overlapping roof sheets S , S can freely expand
and contract according to the weather conditions without damaging or buckling either
of the two roof sheets S , S .
Another advantage that arises from the cleat structure type arrangement is
that if the elongate body B of the sealing device 10 is not of a sufficient length to span
the length of the roof structure to which it is to be used, then two separate sealing
devices 10 can be inter-connected at respective abutting ends thereof by such a cleat
structure.
In a preferred arrangement, and as shown in Figure 8, the roof cladding
system is assembled according to the following method.
According to a first step, roof sheet S is mounted to one or more support
members (not shown) associated with the underlying structure of the roof frame.
According to a second step, and as shown in Figure 7, the sealing device
is positioned on the upper surface of roof sheet S at end portion ep , so as to
2 2a
coincide with the location of the underlying purlin P to which the roof sheets S and S
are to be affixed. As shown in Figure 7, the bracket member Z associated with each
cleat part member C , is configured to locate directly over, and in substantial
alignment with, a corresponding one of the plurality of longitudinal ribs r .
According to a third step, and again, as shown in Figure 7, the end portion
ep of roof sheet S is located over the end portion ep of roof sheet S in a
1a 1 2a 2
longitudinally overlapping manner and then roof sheet S is secured to the underlying
purlin P using a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as self-drilling screws (sold
commercially under the trade name Tek-screws™) at all positions (not shown) except
at the position at which the sealing device 10 is located on roof sheet S .
According to a fourth step, a hole punch (not shown) is then employed to
drill holes substantially through the roof sheet S at the location of each aperture A in
the bracket member Z of the various cleat part members C of the assembled sealing
device 10, and substantially through the underlying roof sheet S affixed to the
support members.
Once the drill holes have been formed, mechanical fasteners such as Tek-
screws™ can then be used to secure the overlapping profiled sheets S and S and
the sealing device 10 sandwiched therebetween, to the underlying purlin P.
As shown in Figure 8, a washer or spacer, sp may be used when affixing
the mechanical fasteners in place to reduce the likelihood of rainwater penetrating the
drill holes in the overlapping ends of the profiled roof sheets S and S and causing
water damage to the underlying structure. Ideally, the spacers sp have a shape that
conforms to the underlying profile of the longitudinal ribs r such that spacer sp
substantially covers the drill hole formed in the rib r .
Sealing Device 100
Figures 9 and 10 show perspective views of a sealing device 100
according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in
providing a watertight seal between respective end portions of overlapping profiled
roof sheets, such as the profiled roof sheets S , S .
Body
As shown in Figures 9 and 10, and more specifically in Figure 11, the
sealing device 100 also includes an elongate body B' which, relative to one in-use
orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces 126 and 128, and respective
sides 129 which extend between surfaces 126 and 128. Also, at spaced intervals,
corresponding to the widths of the pans t , t of each of the two roof sheets S , S , the
1 2 1 2
sealing device 100 has upstanding engagement portions, hereinafter referred to as
engagement formations F'. Similarly, the engagement formations F' provide raised
parts 126a of the upper surface 126, and recessed parts (not shown) of the lower
surface 128 of the body B'. As will be apparent from the description below, the
engagement formations F' are shaped to conform to the profile of the ribs of the
longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets for which the sealing device 100 is
configured to be used with. For instance, in this embodiment, the engagement
formations F' of the body B are shaped to conform to the generally trapezoidal profiles
(when viewed in side elevation) of the longitudinal ribs r , r of each roof sheet S , S
1 2 1 2
shown in Figure 14.
The body B' of sealing device 100 differs from the body B of sealing device
in that the sealing device 100 includes an aperture 130 located at the engagement
formation F' that extends substantially through this part of the body B', and which is in
addition to the two laterally spaced apertures (labelled 130 for sealing device 100).
The reason for the additional aperture 130 will become apparent from the discussion
on the associated cleat structure which follows.
Additionally, it can be seen from Figures 9 to 11, that, an end facing
surface of a first end of the body B' includes an elongate groove that extends
substantially through the engagement formation F' from one external surface 129 of
the body section B to the other. It will be appreciated that the groove corresponds to
a part of an aperture 130 that would otherwise have been complete if the remainder of
that particular engagement formation F' were still present.
Cleat Structure
As shown in Figures 9, 10, 12 and 13, the cleat structure includes
complementary pairs of cleat part members, C , C configured for locating at each of
A' B'
the engagement formations F' along the length of the body B'.
Referring specifically to Figures 10 and 12, cleat part member C also has
a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal
bridge, labelled 140, that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed
legs 142, 144 via a respective first end of each leg 142, 144. Extending outwardly
from an opposing second end of each leg 142, 144, along an axis that corresponds to
the longitudinal axis of the horizontal bridge 140, is a corresponding elongate arm
146, 148.
Referring specifically to Figures 10 and 13, cleat part member C also has
a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally horizontal
bridge, labelled 150, that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly splayed
legs 152, 154 via a respective first end of each leg 152, 154. Extending outwardly
from an opposing second end of each leg 152, 154, along an axis that corresponds to
the longitudinal axis of the horizontal bridge 150 is an elongate arm 156, 158.
Figures 10 and 13 also show that cleat part member C includes a
generally rectangular shaped bracket member Z' that extends outwardly from an
outwardly facing surface of the bridge 150 at an angle that is generally orthogonal to
the longitudinal axis of the cleat part member C . The bracket member Z' has a
generally rectangular shaped aperture A' that extends substantially through the
bracket member Z' along a generally vertical axis.
As shown in Figure 10, the cleat part members C , C of each pair are
A' B'
configured to be secured against a corresponding outwardly facing longitudinal side
surface 129 of the body B' by way of a pair of laterally spaced apart pins or
projections Y , Y that extend orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of a
1' 2'
corresponding one of the two arms 156, 158 of cleat part member C and which pass
substantially through corresponding laterally spaced apart apertures 130 in the body
B' to be received within a corresponding laterally spaced apart aperture that extends
substantially through a corresponding one of the two arms 146, 148 of cleat part
member C and is secured therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by virtue of an
associated retainer ring X , X that is substantially aligned with the aperture and
1' 2'
extends orthogonally from an outwardly facing surface of cleat part member C .
Unlike in the first embodiment described above, the cleat part members
C , C according to the second embodiment are configured with an additional
A' B'
pin/aperture to facilitate a more stable assembly.
Specifically, and as shown in Figures 12 and 13, cleat member C includes
an additional pin Y that extends orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of the
bridge 150 of cleat part member C , for use in passing substantially through the
aperture 130 located at the engagement formation F' in the body B' to be received
within a corresponding aperture extending substantially through the bridge 140 of
cleat part member C and secured therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by virtue of
an associated retainer ring X that is substantially aligned with the aperture and
extends orthogonally from the outwardly facing surface of cleat part member C . By
virtue of this arrangement, the two cleat part members C , C of each pair are
A' B'
interconnected at a corresponding engagement formation F'.
Additionally, it will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the
relevant art that the purpose of the part-aperture at the end of the body B' shown in
Figures 9 to 11 is such that when the body B' is not long enough to span the length of
the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets for which the sealing device 100 is
to be used, then it is possible to couple together two sealing devices 100 at their
respective ends so that the part-apertures when combined define a whole aperture
130 through which can be received a corresponding pin Y associated with a cleat
member C that has one of its two other pins Y extending through an adjacent
B' 1'
aperture 130 in a first of the two sealing devices 100 and the other pin Y extending
through an adjacent aperture 130 in a second of the two sealing devices 100. The
coupling is complete when cleat part member C is applied to the pins protruding
through the other side 129 of the body B'.
Figure 14 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame (in
exploded form) of a roof cladding system to reveal detail of the sealing device 100 of
Figures 9 and 10 located between overlapping ends of upper and lower profiled roof
sheets S , S , which have been affixed in place following the general procedure
outlined above with respect to sealing device 10.
Sealing Device 200
Figures 15 and 16 show perspective views of a sealing device 200
according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in providing
a watertight seal between respective end portions of longitudinally overlapping
profiled roof sheets.
Body
As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the sealing device 200 includes the same
elongate body B' described in the embodiment above, namely, that which relative to
one in-use orientation has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces 126 and 128, and
respective sides 129 which extend between said surfaces 126 and 128. Also, at
spaced intervals, corresponding to the widths of the pans t and t of each of the two
corresponding profiled roof sheets S and S shown in Figure 27, the sealing device
200 has upstanding engagement portions, hereinafter, for the purpose of this
particular embodiment, referred to as engagement formations F''. Similarly, the
engagement formations F'' provide raised parts 126a of the upper surface 126, and
recessed parts 128a of the lower surface 128 of the body B'.
As will be apparent from the description below, the engagement formations
F'' are shaped to conform to the generally trapezoidal profiles (when viewed in side
elevation) of the longitudinal ribs r , r of the two corresponding profiled roof sheet S ,
3 5 3
S shown in Figure 27.
Cleat Structure
The sealing device 200 also includes a cleat structure that is configured in
a similar manner to the cleat structures described above, to provide not only a means
by which to strengthen the sealing device 200 at each of the engagement formations
F'' along the length of the body B', but also a means by which to help secure the
corresponding profiled roof sheets S and S to an underlying support structure in use
such as a purlin (not shown).
Specifically, and as shown in Figures 17 to 20, the cleat structure for
sealing device 200 includes complementary pairs of cleat part members, C , C
A'' B''
configured for locating at each of the engagement formations F'' along the length of
the body B'. Each of the two cleat part members, C , C is configured in a similar
A'' B''
manner to that which is described above in respect of cleat part members, C , C for
A' B'
the second embodiment, but with the addition of flange members to strengthen the
legs associated with the two cleat part members C , C .
A'' B''
Specifically, and as shown in Figures 17 and 18, cleat part member C
has a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally
horizontal bridge, labelled 240, that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly
splayed legs 242, 244 via a respective first end of each leg 242, 244. Extending
outwardly from an opposing second end of each leg 242, 244, along an axis that
corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the horizontal bridge 240, and thus of the cleat
part member C itself, is an elongate arm 246, 248.
As indicated above, the cleat part member C includes a pair of flange
members 242a, 244a located at the central portion of the cleat part member C which
extend outwardly from a surface of the cleat part member C that corresponds to an
outwardly facing surface of the cleat part member C when employed as part of the
sealing device 200 in use. The two flange members 242a, 244a extend downwardly
from opposing ends of the horizontal bridge 240 along the length of the corresponding
leg 242, 244 from the first end of said leg 242, 244 to the opposing second end
thereof where the flange member 242a, 244a terminates at a point where the second
end of the leg 242, 244 extends into the corresponding arm 246, 248.
Referring specifically to Figures 19 and 20, the cleat part member C also
has a generally trapezoidal shaped central portion, as defined by a generally
horizontal bridge, labelled 250 that interconnects a pair of downwardly and outwardly
splayed legs 252, 254 via a respective first end of each leg 252, 254. Extending
outwardly from an opposing second end of each leg 252, 254, along an axis that
corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the horizontal bridge 250, is an elongate arm
256, 258.
Figures 19 and 20 also show that the cleat part member C includes a
generally rectangular shaped bracket member Z'' that extends outwardly from a
surface of the bridge 250 at an angle that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal
axis of the cleat part member C . This outwardly facing surface of the bridge 250
forms part of the outwardly facing surface of the entire cleat part member C when
employed as part of the sealing device 200 in use. The bracket member Z'' has a
generally rectangular shaped aperture A'' that extends substantially through the
bracket member Z'' along a generally vertical axis.
As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the cleat part member C also includes a
pair of flange members 252a, 254a located at the central portion of the cleat part
member C which extend outwardly from the same outwardly facing surface of the
cleat part member C as described above. Each of the two flange members 252a,
254a extends downwardly from a corresponding one of the two opposing ends of the
horizontal bridge 250, and a corresponding side wall of the bracket member Z'' to
which the flange member 252a, 254a is connected, and along the length of the
corresponding leg 252, 254 from the first end of said leg 252, 254 to the opposing
second end thereof where the flange member 252a, 254a terminates at a point where
the second end of the leg 252, 254 extends into the corresponding arm 256, 258.
As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the cleat part members C , C of each
A'' B''
pair are configured to be secured against a corresponding outwardly facing
longitudinal side surface 129 of the body B'' by way of a pair of laterally spaced apart
pins or projections Y , Y that extend orthogonally from an inwardly facing surface of
1'' 2''
a corresponding one of the two arms 256, 258 of cleat part member C and which
pass substantially through corresponding laterally spaced apart apertures 130 in the
body B' to be received within a corresponding laterally spaced apart aperture
extending substantially through a corresponding one of the two arms 246, 248 of cleat
part member C and secured therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by virtue of an
associated retainer ring X , X that is substantially aligned with the aperture and
1'' 2''
extends orthogonally from an outwardly facing surface of cleat part member C .
Additionally, and as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the cleat member C
includes an additional pin Y that extends orthogonally from an inwardly facing
surface of the bridge 250 of cleat part member C , for use in passing substantially
through a corresponding aperture 130 located at the engagement formation F'' in the
body B' to be received substantially through a corresponding aperture in the bridge
240 of cleat part member C and secured therein via a snap-fit type arrangement by
virtue of an associated retainer ring X that is substantially aligned with the aperture
and extends orthogonally from the outwardly facing surface of cleat part member C .
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art that the use of
flange members 242a, 244a and 252a, 254a to strength the corresponding legs of the
cleat part members C and C from which the flange members largely extend
A'’ B'’
enables the cleat part members C and C to be manufactured from materials other
A'’ B'’
than the conventional metals that are often employed such as coated or galvanised
steel, aluminium, or brass. In particular, the inventors have found that cleat part
members C and C having these flange members can be manufactured from
A'’ B'’
polymers such as nylon.
Sealing Device 300
Figures 21 and 22 show perspective views of a sealing device 300
according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Body
As shown in Figures 21 and 22, sealing device 300 is very similar to the
construction of sealing device 200 in that it includes a single section of elongate body
B'' (or B') with a single cleat structure in the form of a complementary pair of cleat part
members C and C .
A'' B''
With specific reference to Figures 23 and 24, the body section, hereinafter
referred to as B , includes upper and lower longitudinal surfaces 126 and 128, and
respective sides 129 which extend between said surfaces 126 and 128. Here,
however, the body section B is defined by a single engagement formation,
hereinafter referred to as F , located at generally a central portion of the body section,
with a length of body extending from one end of the engagement formation F to a
first end of the body section B that defines a part-formed engagement formation F'',
and a length of body extending from an opposing end of the engagement formation F
that stops at a second end of the body section B just shy of forming another
engagement formation F (not shown). The engagement formation F provides a
raised part 126a of the upper surface 126 and a recessed part 128a of the lower
surface 128 of the body section B .
As shown in Figures 21 to 24, and more clearly in Figures 22 and 23, an
end facing surface of the first end of the body section B includes an elongate groove
that extends substantially through the engagement formation F from one external
surface 329 of the body section B to the other. It will be appreciated that the groove
corresponds to a part of an aperture 130 that would otherwise have been complete if
the remainder of the engagement formation F were present. The purpose of the part-
aperture is as described above in respect of the elongate body B' shown in Figures 9
to 11, to simply allow the body section B of this sealing device 300 to be coupled to a
correspondingly configured end of the body of another sealing device (200, 300) by a
cleat structure. An end facing surface of the second end of the body section B is
simply squared off.
Sealing Device 400
When constructing a roof frame system for a structure, there may be
situations where the profiled roof sheets used to form the roof are required to have
longitudinal ribs with different profiles. These roof sheets may be of the same or
similar material to the other roof sheets, such as a coated or galvanised sheet metal,
or may be manufactured from a different material entirely.
For instance, it can be beneficial to incorporate transparent or translucent
roof sheets in selected areas of the roof frame to allow light to penetrate through the
roof to the structure below. Such transparent or translucent roof sheets are typically
manufactured from a plastics material such as polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), or a fibre-reinforced plastics material such as polyester sheeting reinforced
with fibreglass.
Oftentimes, such transparent or translucent roof sheets have a plurality of
longitudinal ribs with a profile that when viewed end on, is different to the profile of the
longitudinal ribs associated with the non-transparent or translucent roof sheets used
to construct the roof cladding system. To this end, it becomes necessary to employ
one or more sealing devices that can accommodate this difference and yet still
achieve a watertight seal between longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets.
Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a sealing device 400 according to a
fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention that finds application in roof
cladding systems, such as that shown in Figure 27, which employ transparent or
translucent roof sheets S with longitudinal ribs r that have a generally arched profile
when viewed end on.
Body
As shown in Figure 25, and more clearly in Figure 26, the sealing device
400 includes an elongate body B which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper
and lower longitudinal surfaces 226 and 228, and respective sides 229 which extend
between surfaces 226 and 228. Also, at spaced intervals, corresponding to the widths
of the pans t of the profiled roof sheet S shown in Figure 27, the sealing device 400
has upstanding engagement portions, hereinafter referred to as engagement
formations F . Similarly, the engagement formations F provide raised parts 226a of
the upper surface 226, and recessed parts 228a of the lower surface 228 of the body
B . As distinct from the elongate bodies B, B', B'' and B described above, the
engagement formations F for body B are shaped to conform to the generally arched
profile (when viewed in side elevation) of the longitudinal ribs r of the profiled roof
sheet S shown in Figure 27.
Cleat Structure
The sealing device 400 also includes a cleat structure that is configured in
a similar manner to the cleat structure described above in respect of sealing devices
200 and 300, to provide not only a means by which to strengthen the sealing device
400 at each of the engagement formations F along the length of the body B , but
also a means to secure the corresponding profiled roof sheet S to an underlying
purlin P (not shown) in use.
As shown in Figure 25, the cleat structure includes complementary pairs of
the previously described cleat part members, C , C located at the engagement
A'' B''
formations F along the length of the body B by utilising a plurality of apertures 230
extending through the body B2 from one side 229 to the other.
Like elongate bodies B', B'' and B , it can be seen from Figures 25 and 26
that an end facing surface of each of a first and second end of the elongate body B
includes an elongate groove that extends substantially through the engagement
formation F from one external surface 229 of the body B to the other. It will be
appreciated that the groove corresponds to a part of an aperture 230 that would
otherwise have been complete if the remainder of that particular engagement
formation F were still present. Again, the purpose of the part-aperture is as described
above in respect of the elongate body B' shown in Figures 9 to 11, to simply allow the
body B of this sealing device 400 to be coupled to a correspondingly configured end
of the body of another sealing device (200, 300) by a cleat structure.
Figure 27 shows a perspective view showing part of a roof frame of a roof
cladding system comprised of a lower layer of three laterally overlapping profiled roof
sheets S , S and S , mounted and secured to one or more support members (not
3 4 5
shown) associated with the underlying structure of the roof cladding system, together
with a plurality of different sealing devices for use in providing a watertight seal
between the end portions of ep , ep and ep of these laterally overlapping profiled
3a 4a 5a
roof sheets S , S and S , and the corresponding end portions of an upper layer of
3 4 5
laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets (not shown) that longitudinally overlap end
portions ep , ep and ep . For the purpose of extoling the benefits of this
3a 4a 5a
arrangement, the two outer profiled roof sheets S and S in Figure 27 are
manufactured from steel (coated or galvanised), and the centrally mounted roof sheet
S , which has side margins that overlap the corresponding inner side margins of the
two outer profiled roof sheets S and S is manufactured from a transparent or
translucent material such as polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or
fibreglass reinforced polyester.
Specifically, and as shown in Figure 27, the two outer profiled roof sheets
S and S are first mounted and secured to the underlying support structure of the
roof frame in a similar manner to that which is described above when mounting the
lower profiled roof sheet S to the underlying structure shown in Figure 14. The third
profiled roof sheet S is then mounted to the underlying structure such the side
margin sm of roof sheet S overlaps the side margin sm of roof sheet S to define
4b 4 3a 3
a composite rib cr , and the side margin sm of roof sheet S overlaps the side
3/4 4a 4
margin sm of roof sheet S to define a composite rib cr .
5b 5 4/5
When viewed end on, the first two profiled roof sheets S and S each have
generally trapezoidal shaped longitudinal ribs (r and r , respectively) that are spaced
apart by flat pans t and t , respectively, while the third profiled roof sheet S
3 5 4
(disposed between roof sheets S and S ) has a plurality of longitudinal ribs r with a
3 5 4
generally arched shaped profile (when viewed end on) spaced apart by flat pans t .
Since the side margins Sm and Sm of roof sheet S overlay side margins sm and
3a 3b 3 4b
sm of roof sheets S and S , respectively, then the profile of the resultant composite
5b 4 5
ribs cr and cr takes the form of the longitudinal ribs r of roof sheet S .
3/4 4/5 3 3
Next, a pair of sealing devices 200 together with a single sealing device
400 are selected and positioned according to their profiles on the upper surfaces of
the laterally overlapping roof sheets S S and S , in proximity to a corresponding end
3, 4 5
portion (i.e. ep ep and ep ) of the three roof sheets S S and S , so as to coincide
3a, 4a 5a 3, 4 5
with the location of an underlying purlin P (not shown) to which the lower layer of
laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets S S and S , and subsequent upper layer of
3, 4 5
laterally overlapping profiled roof sheets (not shown) are to be affixed. These three
sealing devices 200, 400, 200 are coupled together in an end-on arrangement using
the appropriate cleat structures to define a composite sealing device that extends
from side margin sm of roof sheet S to side margin sm of roof sheet S .
5a 5 3b 3
As shown in Figure 27, the bracket member Z'' associated with each cleat
part member C of the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200) is configured to
locate directly over, and in substantial alignment with, a corresponding one of the
longitudinal ribs (r , r , r ) associated with the particular profiled roof sheet S , S and
3 4 5 3 4
S over which the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200) is positioned.
In addition to the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200), two other
sealing devices 300 are positioned on the upper surfaces of the profiled roof sheets
S S and S , in which one sealing device 300 is positioned at the boundary between
3, 4 5
roof sheets S and S and the second sealing device 300 is positioned at the
boundary between profiled roof sheets S and S . By virtue of this arrangement, the
one complete engagement formation F'' of each sealing device 300 is positioned over
a corresponding one of the two composite ribs cr and cr .
3/4 4/5
Again, as shown in Figure 27, the bracket member Z'' associated with the
cleat part member C of each sealing device 300 is configured to locate directly over,
and in substantial alignment with, the corresponding composite rib (cr and cr )
3/4 4/5
over which the sealing device 300 is positioned.
Optionally, and as shown by, for example, the highlighted section (dashed
circle) in Figure 27, the inventors have found that by removing a small section (as
referenced in the inset figure as D) of a side wall sw of the corresponding longitudinal
rib r of the profiled roof sheet S associated with the composite rib cr , thereby
4 4 3/4
exposing a side wall sw of the underlying longitudinal rib r of the profiled roof sheet
S . By virtue of this arrangement, any water that seeps between the laterally
overlapping profiled sheets S and S can flow out through the removed drainage
section D onto the corresponding pan t of the profiled roof sheet S that is located
substantially adjacent to the removed drainage section D.
It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art that a
section of a side wall of the corresponding longitudinal rib r of the profiled roof sheet
S associated with the composite rib cr can be removed in a similar manner to allow
4 4/5
any water that has seeped between the laterally overlapping profiled sheets S and S
can flow out through the removed section onto the corresponding pan t of the profiled
roof sheet S that is located substantially adjacent to the removed drainage section,
Additionally, the two sealing devices 300 located either side of the
transparent or translucent roof sheet S provide a means by which to catch any water
that may seep out from the drainage section D onto the adjacent pan t of the metal
profiled sheet S
It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art that to
complete the roof cladding system, a corresponding upper layer of three laterally
overlapping roof sheets (not shown), in which each roof sheet of the upper layer has
longitudinal ribs of a complementary profile to the longitudinal ribs (r , r and r ) of the
3 4 5
corresponding roof sheet (S , S and S ) of the lower layer, is then mounted such that
3 4 5
a combined longitudinal end portion of the three laterally overlapping roof sheets of
the upper layer is located over the combined end portions (i.e. ep ep and ep ) of
3a, 4a 5a
the lower layer and subsequently secured to the underlying purlin P using a plurality
of mechanical fasteners (not shown) such as self-drilling screws (sold commercially
under the trade name Tek-screws™).
In a similar manner to that which is described above in respect of the roof
cladding system shown in Figure 14, a hole punch (not shown) is then employed to
drill holes substantially through the upper layer (not shown) of laterally overlapping
profiled roof sheets at the location of each aperture A’’ in the bracket member Z’’ of
the various cleat part members C of the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200),
and substantially through the underlying lower layer of laterally overlapping roof
sheets roof sheet S S and S ), and then mechanical fasteners such as Tek-
3, 4 5
screws™ can be used to secure the longitudinally overlapping upper and lower layers
of profiled sheets, together with the composite sealing device (200, 400, 200) and the
two other sealing devices 300 sandwiched therebetween, to the underlying purlin P.
It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the relevant art that
spacers such as those (sp’) shown in Figure 14 can be used when affixing the
mechanical fasteners in place to reduce the likelihood of rainwater penetrating the drill
holes in the longitudinally overlapping ends of the upper and lower layers of laterally
overlapping profiled roof sheets.
In short, it will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that
by using a composite sealing device formed from two or more sealing devices
coupled together in an end-on arrangement, in which the elongate body of at least
one of the sealing devices has engagement formations of a different profile to that of
the engagement formations of the other sealing device(s), it becomes possible to
construct a roof cladding system with one or more roof sheets that have longitudinal
ribs with profiles that are different to the profiles of the longitudinal ribs of the other
roof sheets that form part of the roof cladding system, and yet still achieve a
watertight seal between all of the longitudinally overlapping roof sheets that the
composite sealing device spans.
Advantages
The sealing devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 according to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention provide a number of benefits, including:
1. The ability to provide a watertight seal between the end portions of
longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets such as roof sheets of a roof cladding
system.
2. The ability to secure the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets to an
underlying support structure such as a purlin, without having to pass a plurality of
mechanical fasteners directly through a body of the sealing device and without the
need for a strap and associated connectors or clips as are often used in conventional
cladding systems of this nature.
3. The ability to allow the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets to
expand and contract by way of the elongated aperture A, A', A’’ in the corresponding
bracket member Z, Z', Z’’ of the associated cleat part member of the cleat structure.
4. The cleat structure prevents overtightening at the resultant waterproof
joint and spaces the longitudinally overlapping profiled roof sheets apart.
5. The ability to employ a plurality of sealing devices coupled together in an
end-on arrangement to realise a composite sealing device for use in situations in
which the frame of the cladding system such as a roof cladding system is comprised
of a plurality of roof sheets, in which one or more of said roof sheets has longitudinal
ribs with a different profile to that of the longitudinal ribs associated with the other roof
sheets.
Other Embodiments
In one other embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
relevant art that while the sealing devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 according to the
preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in terms of their
being mounted to a C-section purlin P, the sealing devices 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 can
equally be mounted to a Z-section purlin (not shown).
In one other embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
relevant art that the elongate bodies B, B', B , B of the corresponding sealing devices
, 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein are not limited to the configurations as shown
in the figures, but may have a different form or be constructed of layers or portions
manufactured from different materials.
Definitions
All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control
over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or
ordinary meanings of the defined terms.
Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a
value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being
employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study
subjects.
The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification,
unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”
The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification, should be
understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that
are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e.,
“one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be
present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether
related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting
example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended
language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally
including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B
(optionally including other elements); etc.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”
“above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe
one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated
in the Figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different
orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in
the Figures.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited
number of embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many
alternatives, modifications and variations in light of the foregoing description are
possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the
invention as disclosed.
Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” are used in the
specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the stated
features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or
more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.
Claims (22)
1. A sealing device for use in providing a seal between the ends of longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets of a cladding system, the sealing device including: an elongate body which, relative to one in-use orientation, has upper and lower longitudinal surfaces that have a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which the sealing device is to be used; and a cleat structure configured to secure the body to an underlying structure of the cladding system when the body is located in place between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
2. A sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the body includes at one or more locations along its length, an engagement portion, at which the upper surface is raised, and at which the lower surface is raised, and wherein each of the upper and lower surfaces of the engagement portion has a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
3. The sealing device according to claim 2, wherein the raised upper surface and the recessed lower surface at each engagement portion have substantially complementary forms which correspond substantially to the cross-sectional profile of the lower, inner surface and the upper, outer surface, respectively, of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
4. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleat structure is secured against at least one outwardly facing longitudinal side surface of the body.
5. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleat structure has a form corresponding at least partially to the form of the body.
6. The sealing device according to claim 2, wherein the cleat structure includes along its length, a raised portion that has a form corresponding at least partially to the form of a corresponding one of the engagement portions of the body.
7. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cleat structure includes a bracket member having an aperture extending substantially therethrough, and wherein each of the profiled sheets includes an aperture that extends substantially through the profiled sheet, such that when the ends of the profiled sheets are longitudinally overlapping, the apertures of the profiled sheets are in substantial alignment with the aperture in the bracket member of the cleat structure located substantially between the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets, to enable a mechanical fastener to be received through the aligned apertures for securing the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and the sealing device to the underlying structure beneath the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
8. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cleat structure is made of a metal or a rigid engineering plastics material.
9. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein the cleat structure has a respective cleat part secured against each longitudinal side surface of the body, such as by at least one pin or projection extending through the body and interconnecting the cleat parts.
10. The sealing device according to claim 9, wherein each of the cleat parts includes along a respective length thereof, a central portion that corresponds to the raised portion of the cleat structure, wherein the central portion of each cleat part has a form that corresponds at least partially to the form of a corresponding one of the engagement portions of the body.
11. The sealing device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one of the cleat parts includes a bracket member having an aperture extending substantially therethrough, and wherein each of the profiled sheets includes an aperture that extends substantially through the profiled sheet, such that when the ends of the profiled sheets are longitudinally overlapping, the apertures of the profiled sheets are in substantial alignment with the aperture in the bracket member of the at least one cleat part located substantially between the ends of the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets, to enable a mechanical fastener to be received through the aligned apertures for securing the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and the sealing device to an underlying structure beneath the longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
12. The sealing device according to claim 11, wherein the central portion of the at least one cleat part is defined by a bridge portion and a pair of legs extending downwardly and outwardly from opposing ends of the bridge portion, and wherein the bracket member extends from an outwardly facing surface of the bridge portion.
13. The sealing device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the cleat parts includes reinforcing means.
14. The sealing device according to claim 13, wherein the central portion of the at least one cleat part is defined by a bridge portion and a pair of legs extending downwardly and outwardly from opposing ends of the bridge portion, and wherein the reinforcing means is defined by a pair of flange members, each flange member extending from an outwardly facing surface of a corresponding one of the legs.
15. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body has a level of resilience which enables the body to deform elastically between said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets and thereby provide a seal with each profiled sheet along the length of the body.
16. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the body is formed wholly or partly of a resilient material.
17. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the body is formed at least partly of a resilient polymeric material, such as a formed polymeric material.
18. The sealing device according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the body, while resilient, is sufficiently stiff as to resist compression as the upper profiled sheet is pressed down onto the sealing device and thereby provide a positive pressure against each of the profiled sheets for effective sealing between said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
19. The sealing device according to claim 2, wherein the body and each engagement portion is formed entirely of a resilient material, such as a foam material.
20. A cladding system having at least one line of at least two profiled sheets having longitudinally overlapping ends, wherein at least one sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is located and provides a seal between the longitudinally overlapping ends of said profiled sheets.
21. A cladding system having at least two lines of laterally overlapping profiled sheets, wherein each line includes at least two profiled sheets having longitudinally overlapping ends, and wherein a composite sealing device formed from at least two sealing devices according to any one of claims 1 to 19 coupled together in an end-on arrangement using a cleat structure of one of the at least two sealing devices, is located and provides a seal between the ends of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets.
22. A cladding system according to claim 21, wherein each of the at least two sealing devices of the composite device has an elongate body that includes at one or more locations along its length, an engagement portion, at which the upper surface is raised, and at which the lower surface is raised, and wherein each of the upper and lower surfaces of the engagement portion has a respective form which at least in part corresponds to the form in cross-section of the inner, lower surface and the outer, upper surface of profiled ribs of said longitudinally overlapping profiled sheets with which each of the at least two sealing devices is to be used, wherein the profile of the engagement portion of a first of the at least sealing devices is different to the profile of the engagement portion of a second of the at least two sealing devices.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2017901205 | 2017-04-03 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ741236A true NZ741236A (en) |
Family
ID=
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