US20150284952A1

US20150284952A1 - System for a roof construction, and an eave piece

Info

Publication number: US20150284952A1
Application number: US14/434,618
Authority: US
Inventors: Esa Hilliaho
Original assignee: Lumon Invest Oy
Current assignee: Lumon Invest Oy
Priority date: 2012-10-15
Filing date: 2013-10-04
Publication date: 2015-10-08
Also published as: EP2906762B1; FI124196B; WO2014060644A1; EP2906762A1; PL2906762T3; RU2015118167A; DK2906762T3; ES2667746T3; FI20126069A; CA2891611C; CA2891611A1; NO2906762T3

Abstract

An eave piece, as well as a system for a roof construction, comprising: an eave piece which is prefabricated and intended to be fixed as an extension to a roof beam, which roof beam is substantially horizontal or inclined when installed in the use position; and a front beam which is prefabricated, substantially horizontal, intended to be placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and configured to support the eave piece and thereby also the roof beam. The lower surface of the eave piece is provided with a recess, in which at least the top surface of the front beam can be received. Structures to be placed against each other are provided on the bottom of the recess on one hand and on the top surface of the front beam on the other hand, their form following at least partly the shape of a circular arch. The structures are, for the installation, also configured to allow use positions of the eave piece with a varying inclination with respect to the front beam.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system for a roof construction. The invention also relates to an eave piece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In various roof constructions, which are also represented by terrace constructions of buildings, it is known to use e.g. lumber, such as battens, boards, beams, and spars.
The sites where terraces are installed, have different dimensions, so that the construction of the terrace requires, for example in abutments, working and shaping of the lumber to obtain well-fitted joints and suitable dimensions. Therefore, the construction may require several tools, and the building work is protracted. In many cases, it is also difficult to select a suitable fixing method, because the fixing has to be reliable and the terrace has to sustain, among other things, snow loads.
Terraces are often placed underneath the eaves of the building, where the available space is limited in the height direction. The terrace normally comprises inclined roof beams and transverse supporting beams placed under them, supported by columns. In addition, several battens or other transverse supporting structures for a roofing or for sheet-like panels are placed on the roof beam. As a result, the structure becomes thick and takes a lot of space in the vertical direction, being difficult to accommodate under the eaves. In many cases, not enough space would be left under the roof beams for standing persons. Therefore, it is often not possible to build a terrace, or other solutions have to be sought which are structurally more complex or more difficult to install.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the solution presented in this description is to eliminate the above described problems of prior art.
The system according to the invention for a roof construction is presented in claim 1. The eave piece according to the invention is presented in claim 13.
Said roof construction is, for example, a terrace of a building, a terrace or the like equipped with glass walls, a roofing, a shelter, or a roof in connection with a balcony of a building, and the balcony can also be equipped with a glazing or glass walls. Said roof construction is, for example, a lean-to or saddleback roofing, shelter, or a corresponding construction separate from buildings. If necessary, said construction comprises a foundation or a floor, and the roof construction is supported by supporting columns or wall structures.
According to a first embodiment, the system for a roof construction comprises an eave piece which is prefabricated and intended to be fixed as an extension to a roof beam, which roof beam is substantially horizontal or inclined when installed in the use position; a front beam which is prefabricated, substantially horizontal, intended to be placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and configured to support said eave piece and thereby also the roof beam. The lower surface of the eave piece is provided with a recess, in which at least the top surface of the front beam can be placed. Structures to be placed against each other are provided on the bottom of the recess on one hand and on the top surface of the front beam on the other hand, their form following at least partly the shape of a circular arch. For the installation, said structures are also configured to allow use positions of the eave piece with a varying inclination with respect to the front beam.
The advantage is that the same system can be applied in a variety of uses, in which the inclination and the placement of the roof construction is different. The inclination of the roof construction, i.e. the inclination of the roof beam, and simultaneously the inclination of the panel that the roof beam is configured to support, can be easily set as desired.
In an example, the top surface of the eave piece is provided with a recess which is configured to support a gutter placed transversely with respect to the roof beam. The roof beam and the recess of the top surface are placed on opposite sides of the recess of the lower surface.
Advantageously, the construction is low so that the available space under the roof construction is not unnecessarily limited by the system in the height direction.
In an example, at least one side of the front beam is provided with a groove or a gutter which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front beam and is configured to collect liquid running along or condensed on the side surface of the front beam.
Advantageously, the installation work is done faster, working of the material at the installation site is not necessary, and the need for tools is reduced.
In an example, the eave piece and the front beam further comprise fastening members configured to lock the eave piece and the front beam to each other in connection with the installation.
An advantage is faster installation.
In an example, the eave piece further comprises fastening members configured to connect the roof beam and the eave piece to each other.
In an example, the eave piece is configured to support one or more sheet-like panels. The eave piece comprises a first end fastened to the roof beam and a second, opposite end; furthermore, the first end and the second end of the eave piece are placed on opposite sides of the recess of said lower surface.
In an example, the eave piece comprises a shape whose thickness in the vertical direction decreases in the direction of the outermost end of the eave piece.
In an example, the system further comprises at least one front column configured to support the front beam; and a rear beam which is prefabricated, substantially horizontal, placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and fastened to the end of the roof beam.
In an example, the above-mentioned recess has such a shape and its circular arch are placed and dimensioned in such a way that it extends so far across the front beam that the movement of the eave piece is prevented in two opposite directions without lifting the eave piece away from the front beam when said opposite directions are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the roof beam.
Advantageously, a structure is formed for the eave, extending across the front beam and being capable of supporting a panel or a gutter.
In an example, the front beam comprises one or more separate parts fastened to the front beam and comprising the above-mentioned structure placed on the top surface of the front beam.
In an example, the system comprises said roof beam, and the roof beam is preferably a prefabricated piece.
In another embodiment, the system further comprises a second eave piece which is prefabricated and intended to be secured as an extension to the roof beam; a rear beam which is prefabricated, substantially horizontal when installed in the use position, intended to be placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and configured to support the second eave piece and thereby also the roof beam. The lower surface of the second eave piece is provided with a recess, in which at least the top surface of the rear beam can be fitted. Structures to be placed against each other are provided on the bottom of the recess on one hand and on the top surface of the rear beam on the other hand, their form following at least partly the shape of a circular arch. For the installation, said structures are also configured to allow use positions of the second eave piece with a varying inclination with respect to the rear beam.
Another solution is an eave piece for a roof construction, which is a prefabricated piece and intended to be fastened as an extension to the roof beam. The lower surface of the eave piece is provided with a recess for a substantially horizontal front beam supporting the eave pieces, and the bottom of the recess has a structure to be placed against the front beam, the form of the structure following at least partly the shape of a circular arch.
In an example, the top surface of the eave piece is provided with a recess for a substantially horizontal gutter. The gutter is placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and the roof beam and the above-mentioned recess of the top surface are intended to be placed on opposite sides of the recess of the lower surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the presented solution will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example, seen from below, applying a system for a roof construction and being a lean-to roofing or shelter which can be connected to a building and which forms, for example, a terrace.

FIG. 2 shows the example of FIG. 1 seen from above.

FIG. 3 shows the example of FIG. 1 in more detail, seen directly from the side.

FIG. 4 shows a second example, seen directly from the side, applying the system for a roof construction and being a saddleback roofing or shelter which can be connected to a building and which forms, for example, a terrace.

FIG. 5 shows a third example, seen directly from the side, applying the system for a roof construction and being a lean-to roofing or shelter which can be connected to a building and which forms, for example, a terrace.

FIG. 6 shows an example, seen from above, of an eave piece which is a part of a system for a roof construction.

FIG. 7 shows the example of FIG. 6 seen directly from the side.

FIG. 8 shows an example, seen directly from the side, of a front beam which is a part of a system for a roof construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show an example of a construction in which the system according to the solution for a roof construction is applied. It is a lean-on roofing or shelter, or particularly a roof construction for a terrace of a building.
The construction comprises a number of separate eave pieces 1, each constituting an extension to a roof beam 7. The eave piece 1 is connected to one end of the roof beam 7, or in its immediate vicinity. Preferably, the eave piece 1 is connected to the end surface of the roof beam 7. According to some other examples, the eave piece is configured to be fastened to one or more sides of the roof beam, for example its opposite side surfaces or opposite upper and lower surfaces. The eave piece is a prefabricated piece separate from the roof beam, preferably ready to be used without working or shaping of the material, at least with respect to its recesses.
The eave piece is preferably a piece made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or another metal. In an example, the eave piece is made of plastic or another material which is preferably resistant to exposure to a range of weather conditions. As the roof beam 7, it is possible to use, for example, a wood beam, an aluminium profile, or the like.
The eave piece constitutes an extension to the roof beam 7, and preferably, the widths of the roof beam and the eave piece correspond substantially to each other. The eave piece constitutes a cantilever at the end of the roof beam 7, is supported to the front beam 8, and extends across the front beam 8. The eave piece supports the panel 6 extending beyond the front beam. Preferably, the eave piece extends so far that a gutter 2 can be placed on top of it and on the front side of the front beam, for collecting water running down the panel.
In an example, the roof beam 7 is made of a wooden material, aluminium or aluminium alloy; has an elongated, rectangular shape; is larger in its height than its width when in place; and is a beam-like or board-like piece. Other materials and metals are also feasible. The roof beam is, for example, a beam or a profile having a size of e.g. 135 mm×66 mm and being provided with an elongated groove on two opposite narrow sides. Said groove is provided for e.g. fastenings.
The installed roof beam 7 is either substantially horizontal or preferably in an inclined position, so that rainwater can be conveyed off the roof construction. In other words, one end of the roof beam is lower than the other, opposite end of the roof beam. Said opposite end is placed, for example, underneath the eave of the building, in the case of e.g. the roof construction for a terrace.
The eave piece 1 is provided with fastening members, for example openings, intended for screws and placed at one end of the eave piece. Said openings are placed, for example, in a plate-like wall 43 in the eave piece 1 (see FIG. 6).
The eave pieces are supported by a front beam 8 placed under each eave piece 1. Indirectly, the front beam 8 also supports the roof beams 7, particularly their ends.
In an example, the front beam 8 is an elongated, beam-like piece whose cross-sectional shape may vary in different embodiments, but the shape of its top surface follows at least partly the form of a circular arch. The front beam is a piece which is preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or another metal, for example by extrusion of the metal. In an example, the front beam is made of plastic or another material which is preferably resistant to exposure to a range of weather conditions and is dimensioned to sustain the load caused by the roof beams. The front beam is, for example, a beam or a profile, for example an aluminium profile or the like.
In an example, a space is provided inside the front beam 8 for an elongated support block which is inserted in the beam, is supported to the structures inside the front beam 8, and is used as a stiffener and/or a reinforcement 64 for the front beam (see FIG. 8). The support block can also have the shape of a column, a beam, or a batten, and it may also be hollow. The material of the reinforcement is, for example, metal or wood.
In an example, the open ends of the front beam 8 are closed with end plugs or covers 24.
In the installed position, the front beam 8 is substantially horizontal and transverse to the roof beams 7.
According to the presented solution, the front beam 8 and the eave piece 1 constitute parts which are functionally connected to each other and which form a system for a roof construction, or a part of said system, when the roof construction is one of those described above. Alternatively, the system or a part of it is formed by a rear beam 34 and an eave piece 31 to be described below. In addition, the system may include at least a roof beam.
In an example, the front beam 8 is supported by one or more vertical front columns 19, whose upper end is fastened to the lower surface of the front beam 8. The material of the front column is, for example, wood or metal. If necessary, the lower end of the front column 8 comprises a leg or a corresponding supporting structure which is supported to the ground, a floor, or a foundation.
According to the example shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, one end of each roof beam 7 is fastened to a rear beam 14 supporting the roof beams. The end of the roof beam 7 is fastened to the side surface of the rear beam 14, for example by means of a fitting 21.
In an example, the rear beam 14 is an elongated, beam-like piece whose cross-sectional shape may vary in different embodiments. The rear beam is a piece which is preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or another metal, for example by extrusion of the metal. In an example, the rear beam is made of plastic or another material which is preferably resistant to exposure to a range of weather conditions. The rear beam is, for example, a beam or a profile, for example an aluminium profile or the like.
In an example, the open ends of the rear beam 14 are closed with end plugs or covers 23.
According to some examples, the rear beam 14 is fastened to a building, for example to the wall of the building. Alternatively or in addition, the rear beam 14 is supported by one or more vertical rear columns 22 whose upper end is fastened to the lower surface of the rear beam 14. The material of the rear column 22 is, for example, wood or metal.
In an example, one or more side beams 13 are fastened to the side surface of the front beam 8, preferably by means of a fitting 16. The side beam is preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, but it can also be made of wood or another material. The side beam is, for example, a batten, a beam or a profile, for example an aluminium profile or the like.
In the installed position, the side beam 13 is substantially vertical. The side beam is normally placed directly underneath the roof beam. One end of the side beam 13 is fastened to the front beam 8 on one hand, for example by means of the fitting 16, and to the rear column on the other hand, for example by means of a fitting 25, or to another construction, such as the wall of a building that supports the system.
One or more sheet-like panels 6, preferably of glass, are fastened on top of the roof beams 7. In an example, several panels 6 are provided in parallel, and one or two side edges of some panels 6 are placed on top of the roof beam 7. The outermost panels 6 of the roof construction may extend beyond the roof beam 7. In an example, at least one side eave piece 10 is provided under the outermost panels, fastened to the side edge of the roof beam 7 and supporting the panel 6 from below.
The side eave piece is preferably a piece made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or another metal. In an example, the eave piece is made of plastic or another material which is preferably resistant to exposure to a range of weather conditions and is dimensioned to sustain the load caused by the panels. The side eave piece constitutes a cantilever on the side of the roof beam.
A cover fillet 5 is also installed on the side edge of the panel 6 to cover the gap between two adjacent panels. In an example, the cover fillet 5 is an elongated, beam-like piece whose cross-sectional shape may vary in different embodiments. The cover fillet is a piece which is preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or another metal, for example by extrusion of the metal. In an example, the cover fillet is made of plastic or another material which is preferably resistant to exposure to a range of weather conditions.
In the installed position, the cover fillet 5 is substantially parallel to the roof beams 7. The cover fillet is normally placed directly above the roof beam but on top of the panel 6.
One, two or more panels are provided one after the other. Each panel may consist of one or more parts. The longitudinal dimension of the panel 6 is preferably fitted so that it extends continuously from the crest of the roof construction all the way to the eave. The gap remaining between adjacent panels is closed or covered, for example with a sealing or a cover fillet.
In an example, a cover fillet 5 is fastened to the eave piece 1. The eave piece 1 is provided with fastening members 51 for the cover fillet 5 (see FIG. 6), for example openings or holes which are intended for screws and placed on the top surface 52 of the eave piece.
In an alternative, the structure of the presented system is provided with ventilation, one or more channels being provided in the rear beam 14, or between the rear beam 14 and the panel 6, or between the panels 6, or in the roof beam 7, to allow a flow of air through the roof construction. Said air flow is conveyed either by gravity or by machine.
In an example, said channel for ventilation can be opened and closed, wherein the structure of the system is provided with e.g. a lid that can be opened and closed. The lid can be opened either manually, for example by means of a mechanism, or by a motor. In another example, one or more panels can be opened and closed, for example by sliding it in the direction of the roof beam or by turning the panel upwards.
FIG. 4 shows an example of a roof construction applying the system according to the solution. It is a saddleback roofing or shelter, or particularly a roof construction for a terrace of a building.
Said roof construction applies the roof construction shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, two abutting each other. What has been presented with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and in this description, applies to the structure shown in FIG. 4 as well. The parts corresponding to each other are partly denoted with the same reference numerals.
In an example, two rear beams 14 which are parallel and adjacent to each other, are fastened to each other and placed on the crest of the roof construction, as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 shows an example of a roof construction applying the system according to the solution. It is a lean-on roofing or shelter, or particularly a roof construction for a terrace of a building.
Said roof construction applies the roof construction shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. With respect to the structure shown in FIG. 5, the same applies that has been presented in connection with FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and in this description and that relates to the components and parts which are the same as in the examples of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The parts corresponding to each other are partly denoted with the same reference numerals.
The roof construction comprises several separate eave pieces 31, each constituting an extension to a roof beam 7. The eave piece 1 is fastened to one end of the roof beam 7, and the eave piece 31 is fastened to the other, opposite end of the roof beam. The eave piece 31 is a prefabricated, separate piece, preferably ready to be used without working or shaping of the material, at least with respect to its recesses.
The eave piece 31 is preferably a piece made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, or another metal. In an example, the eave piece is made of plastic or another material which is preferably resistant to exposure to a range of weather conditions and is dimensioned to sustain the load caused by the roof beams.
The structures of the eave pieces 1 and 31 preferably correspond to each other. In an example, the eave piece 31 comprises a recess for the rear beam 34 but not a recess for a gutter, one being provided in the eave piece 1.
In an example, the eave piece 31 is a prefabricated, separate piece which is preferably ready to be used without working or shaping of the material, at least with respect to the recesses for the rear beam 34 and the front beam 8. In an example, both eave pieces 1 and 31 are configured in such a way that the recess for the gutter can be worked in them, for example, by means of a suitable tool or under the control of a suitable structure in the eave piece.
The eave piece 31 constitutes an extension to the roof beam 7, and preferably, the widths of the roof beam and the eave piece correspond substantially to each other. The eave piece 31 constitutes a cantilever at the opposite end of the roof beam 7, is supported to the rear beam 34, and extends across the rear beam 34. The eave piece 31 supports the panel 6 extending across the rear beam 34.
The eave pieces 31 are supported by the rear beam 34 which extends below all the eave pieces 31. Indirectly, the rear beam 34 also supports the roof beams 7, particularly their ends.
According to the example shown in FIG. 5, the structure of the rear beam 34 corresponds to the structure of the front beam 8. In an example, the open ends of the rear beam 34 are closed with end plugs or covers 32. In the installed position, the rear beam 34 is substantially vertical, parallel with the front beam 8 and transverse to the roof beams 7.
In an example, the rear beam 34 is supported by one or more vertical rear columns 33, whose upper end is fastened to the lower surface of the rear beam 34. The rear column 33 and the front column 19 are now connected by a side beam 13.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show the eave piece 1 in more detail. In the installed position of the eave piece, the recess 42 for the front beam 8 faces down and the recess 41 for the gutter faces up. The recess 42 is provided on the lower surface 53 of the eave piece. The recess 41 is provided on the top surface 52 of the eave piece.
Preferably, at least the recess 42 for the installation of the front beam 8 is provided ready in the eave piece. In another example, the recess 41 for the installation of the gutter 2 is also provided ready in the eave piece. The gutter 2 is installed by means of one or more fasteners 20 which are, for example, aligned with the eave pieces 1 and fastened to a cover fillet 5. According to a third example, the recess 41 can be worked in the eave piece in connection with the installation.
The recess 42 has a structure whose form follows at least partly the shape of a circular arch. The structure is placed against the top surface of the front beam 8. In the presented example, the structure is formed by two parallel side surfaces 49 and 50 of the eave piece having a cut-out shape 46. Said structure may also comprise walls at the bottom of the recess 52, which walls follow the shape of a circular arch, as in FIG. 6. The walls can also act as stiffeners and reinforcements for the eave piece.
The recess 41 has a structure whose shape follows, for example, the shape of a circular arch or another shape that corresponds to the shape of, for example, the gutter to be installed. The eave piece supports the gutter, and the structure is placed against the lower surface of the gutter. The gutter is fastened, for example, either to the cover fillet or to the eave piece by means of a fastener. In the presented example, the structure is formed by two parallel side surfaces 49 and 50 of the eave piece, having cut-out shapes 44 and 45.
At one end, the eave piece is provided with members 43 for fastening to the end of a roof beam. According to some other examples, the eave piece extends to one or more side surfaces of the roof beam, for fastening. According to yet another example, the eave piece extends to an elongated groove of the roof beam, or to the inside of the roof beam, for fastening.
The other, opposite end of the eave piece is provided with, for example, a covering end wall 47. In an example, members 48 are provided on the side of the top surface 52 of the eave piece, for locking the eave piece and the front beam 8 to each other. In an example, members 51 are provided on the side of the top surface 52 of the eave piece for fastening a cover fillet.
In the eave piece, the recess 42 is placed in the area between the recess 41 and the end of the roof beam 7, or in the area between the outermost end of the eave piece and the end to be fastened to the roof beam.
In an example, the eave piece has a shape whose vertical thickness decreases in the direction away from the roof beam and from that end of the eave piece which is fastened to the roof beam. The thickness is smallest at the outermost end of the eave piece, if the recesses are not taken into account. The top surface 52 of the eave piece is preferably flat along its whole length, unless it is provided with a recess 41 for a gutter, or this is disregarded. Thus, the whole top surface of the eave piece, either in whole or in part, can be placed under a panel 6 and support the same.
In an example where the eave piece is provided with a gutter, the panel 6 only covers the eave piece in part. In another example, where the eave piece is not provided with a gutter or a recess 41 for a gutter, the panel 6 can cover the whole eave piece.
In an example, the eave piece extends across the front beam, and the distance from the recess 42 to that end of the eave piece which is fastened to the roof beam is shorter than the distance from the recess 42 to the outermost other end of the eave piece. Preferably, the eave piece extends from the roof beam across the front beam and down to the side surface of the front beam, or horizontally to the side of the side surface of the front beam, forming a cantilever from it. Said cantilever supports e.g. a gutter or a panel.
The shape of the recess 42 follows the form of a circular arch, preferably covering a sector of substantially 180° of a circle. In another example, said shape covers a sector smaller than 180° of a circle. Said shape is configured so that it allows varying positions between the eave piece and the front beam, for the installation and for varying positions of the roof construction. Said position will depend on the site of installation in e.g. buildings. The system for the roof construction and the roof construction applying the system have to be installed with a desired inclination which may be different in different sites of installation. However, the shape of the recess provides a sufficiently large supporting surface with respect to the front beam and irrespective of the angular position of the eave piece.
In an example, the shape of the recess covers two straight shapes which are joined by a circular arch and which constitute kinds of side walls. The side walls are preferably parallel when the circular arch corresponds to a semicircle (a sector of 180° of a circle), and the side walls are placed on opposite sides of the front beam. Thus, the angular difference between the walls is 0°. The side walls can also have an angular difference which is greater than 0° but preferably smaller than 10° or smaller than 20°.
The circular arch of the recess is dimensioned so that it provides a sufficiently large supporting surface with respect to the front beam and irrespective of the angular position of the eave piece. Preferably, the circular arch is also placed in such a way that it prevents the movement of the recess and thereby of the eave piece with respect to the front beam. Thus, this refers to a movement in those two opposite directions which are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the roof beam.
With respect to its shape and circular arch, the recess is configured so large that it extends so far across the front beam that a movement in the above-mentioned two directions is not possible without lifting up the eave piece away from the front beam. In another example, said shape covers a sector of at least 90° of a circle. In another example, said shape covers a sector of at least 70° of a circle.
In an example, all or some of the features of the eave piece 1 presented in this specification and particularly in connection with FIG. 6 relate to the eave piece 31 as well. Thus, the recess 42 is intended for the rear beam 34, and the dimensions and the placement relating to the shape of the recess follow the principles laid out in this specification. Preferably, identical eave pieces can be used at both ends of the roof beam, and the recess 42 is dimensioned and placed in such a way that the eave piece can be oriented diagonally downward as well as diagonally upward, as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 8 shows the front beam in more detail. In this example, a support block 64 is provided inside the front beam 8 for stiffening or reinforcing the front beam 8. A front column 19 can be fastened to the lower surface 62 of the front beam, facing down in the use position.
The structure of the recess of the eave piece is placed against the top surface 61 of the front beam. The shape of the top surface 61 follows the form of a circular arch, preferably covering a sector of substantially 180° of a circle. In another example shown in FIG. 8, said shape covers a sector larger than 180° of a circle, for example at least 200°. In an example, said shape covers a sector larger by at least 10° or at least 20° of a circle than the corresponding structure of the recess of the eave piece.
The shape of the top surface 61 cooperates with the shape of the recess of the eave piece. With respect to its shape and the circular arch, the top surface 61 is configured to extend across the front beam so widely and is placed in such a way that the movement of the eave piece or the front beam in said two directions is not possible without simultaneously lifting up the eave piece away from the front beam.
In another example, the front beam 8 consists of two or more parts, whereby the shape 61 of the top surface is provided in one piece which is placed on top of the first, elongated beam-like lower part and constitutes the top part of the front beam 8. Said top part has the features which have been described above. The shape and the circular arch of the top surface 61 and, if necessary, also part of the shapes of the side surfaces of the front beam 8, are provided in said top part. Said top part can be an elongated beam-like part, or preferably it is a short piece placed below the eave piece 1, several parts being placed on top of the lower part of the front beam, under the roof beam 7. Thus, the front beam 8 is provided with several such top parts, spaced from each other and placed under the roof beam each. The top and bottom parts of the front beam 8 are fastened to each other.
In an example, a groove or a gutter 63 is provided on at least one side of the front beam, extending in the longitudinal direction of the front beam. The gutter 63 is configured to collect liquid running along or condensed on the side surface of the front beam.
The front beam 8 is also provided with grooves, incisions, recesses or openings needed for fastening other parts of the system. Preferably, the lower surface 62 of the front beam 8 is provided with a groove in the longitudinal direction of the front beam, for receiving the top edge of a glass panel.
In an example, all or some of the features of the front beam 8 presented above and particularly in connection with FIG. 8 relate to the rear beam 34 as well. The rear beam 34 can also consist of two or more separate parts. Preferably, the same beam structure can also be used as the front beam 8 and as the rear beam 34.
The presented system for a roof construction and its various embodiments are not limited solely to the examples presented in the appended drawings or particularly discussed in the above specification, or referred to in the specification.
The above presented particular features of the system can also be combined and implemented in various combinations which are not presented in the above examples. In particular, in the case of a roof construction for a terrace, a roofing, a shelter, or another corresponding construction, the above-presented parts of the system are combined in such a way that the desired construction is formed.
The different embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1-22. (canceled)

23. An eave piece for a roof construction,

wherein the eave piece is a prefabricated piece intended to be fixed as an extension to a roof beam,

wherein the lower surface of the eave piece is provided with a recess for a substantially horizontal front beam supporting the eave pieces, and

wherein the bottom of the recess has a structure whose form follows at least partly the shape of a circular arch.

24. The eave piece according to claim 23,

wherein the top surface of the eave piece is provided with a recess for a substantially horizontal gutter, which gutter is placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and

wherein the roof beam and the recess of the top surface are intended to be placed on opposite sides of the recess of the lower surface.

25. The eave piece according to claim 24,

wherein the widths of the roof beam and the eave piece correspond substantially to each other.

26. The eave piece according to claim 24,

wherein the structure of the eave piece is formed by two parallel side surfaces of the eave piece and having cut-out shapes for the recess of the lower surface and cut-out shapes for the recess of the top surface.

27. The eave piece according to claim 23, wherein the structure is, for the installation, configured to allow use positions of the eave piece with a varying inclination with respect to the front beam, and wherein the eave piece is configured to support one or more sheet-like panels, and it comprises a first end connectable to the roof beam and a second, opposite end, wherein the first and second ends of the eave piece are placed on opposite sides of the recess of the lower surface.

28. The eave piece according to claim 23, wherein the structure of the eave piece is formed by two parallel side surfaces of the eave piece and having cut-out shapes for the recess of the lower surface.

29. A system for a roof construction, comprising:

an eave piece, wherein the eave piece is a prefabricated piece, and wherein the lower surface of the eave piece is provided with a recess;

a roof beam which is substantially horizontal or inclined when installed in a use position, wherein the eave piece is fixed as an extension to the roof beam; and

a front beam which is prefabricated, substantially horizontal when installed in a use position, placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and configured to support the eave piece and thereby also the roof beam;

wherein the top surface of the front beam is received in the recess of the eave piece; and

wherein structures to be placed against each other are provided on the bottom of the recess on one hand and on the top surface of the front beam on the other hand, their form following at least partly the shape of a circular arch;

wherein the structures are, for the installation, also configured to allow use positions of the eave piece with a varying inclination with respect to the front beam.

30. The system according to claim 29,

wherein on at least one side of the front beam is provided a groove or a gutter which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front beam and is configured to collect liquid running along or condensed on the side surface of the front beam.

31. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the eave piece and the front beam further comprise fastening members which are configured to lock the eave piece and the front beam to each other in connection with the installation.

32. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the eave piece further comprises fastening members configured to connect the end of the roof beam and the eave piece to each other.

33. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the eave piece is configured to support one or more sheet-like panels, and it comprises a first end connected to the roof beam and a second, opposite end,

wherein the first and second ends of the eave piece are placed on opposite sides of the recess of the lower surface.

34. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the eave piece comprises a shape whose thickness in the vertical direction decreases towards the outermost end of the eave piece.

35. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the system further comprises at least one front column configured to support the front beam, and a rear beam which is prefabricated, substantially horizontal, placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and fastened to the end of the roof beam.

36. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the recess is, with respect to its shape and circular arch, placed and dimensioned in such a way that it extends so far across the front beam that the movement of the eave piece in two opposite directions is prevented without lifting the eave piece away from the front beam when the opposite directions are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the roof beam.

37. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the front beam comprises one or more separate pieces fastened to the front beam and provided with the structure placed on the top surface of the front beam.

38. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the system comprises the roof beam, and the roof beam is preferably a prefabricated element.

39. The system according to claim 30, the system further comprising:

a second eave piece which is prefabricated and fixed as an extension to the roof beam;

a rear beam which is prefabricated, substantially horizontal when installed in the a position, placed transversely with respect to the roof beam, and configured to support the second eave piece and thereby also the roof beam;

wherein the lower surface of the second eave piece is provided with a recess, in which at least the top surface of the rear beam is received;

wherein structures to be placed against each other are provided on the bottom of the recess on one hand and on the top surface of the rear beam on the other hand, their form following at least partly the shape of a circular arch; and

wherein the structures are, for the installation, also configured to allow use positions of the second eave piece with a varying inclination with respect to the rear beam.

40. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the eave piece constitutes a cantilever at the end of the roof beam, is supported to the front beam and extends across the front beam for supporting a sheet-like panel extending beyond the front beam, and

41. The system according to claim 30,

wherein a space is provided inside the front beam and an elongated support block for stiffening or reinforcing the front beam is placed inside the front beam in the space.

42. The system according to claim 30,

wherein the top surface, the form of which follows the shape of a circular arch, is configured to extend across the front beam, and

wherein a space is provided inside the front beam for an elongated support block for stiffening or reinforcing the front beam.