WO1993006317A1

WO1993006317A1 - Roofing component

Info

Publication number: WO1993006317A1
Application number: PCT/GB1992/001761
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ernest Malcolm Heywood Scholes
Original assignee: Scholes Ernest M H
Priority date: 1991-09-27
Filing date: 1992-09-24
Publication date: 1993-04-01
Also published as: GB2259926A; EP0605553A1; AU2596692A; GB2259926B; GB9120597D0

Abstract

The invention provides a component for use in a panelled roof unit, for connecting a glazing bar (18) to another such bar or to a structural wall to which the roof unit is to be secured. The component (14) has receiving means (25, 26) for receiving fixing means (22) by which the glazing bar can be secured to the component at a securing point, and the component is so shaped that the glazing bar, when secured to and/or supported by the component, can pivot about the securing point to adopt, in use, any of a range of connecting angles relative to the other bar or structural wall to which it is connected by the component. The receiving means preferably takes the form of a longitudinal channel, adapted to receive a fixing means, and ideally also a glazing seal, at any point along its length. The invention also provides a panelled roof unit incorporating the component.

Description

ROOFING COMPONENT

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a component for use in a panelled

'* roof unit, particularly one of the type constructed from a number of glass or polycarbonate panels carried in aluminium 5 or PVCu glazing bars, for supporting and connecting those bars. The invention also relates to a roof unit incorporating the component.

Background to the Invention

10 Panelled roofs are frequently used on building structures such as conservatories, porches, sun-lounges, summer-houses, etc. The main body of the roof comprises a number of glass (or, as a more modern equivalent, polycarbonate) panels, carried in glazing bars in a similar manner to that in which conventional

15 glazed window panes are carried in elongate window frames or sashes. The glazing bars, which together represent the frame of the roof, are typically elongate components manufactured from extruded aluminium or PVCu.

20 Elongate glazing "beads", also carried by the glazing bars, are used around the periphery of the roof panels, to seal the gaps between the top of each bar and the panel or panels held in it, and to provide a "finished" appearance to the roof as a whole.

25

The main body of the roof, comprising the glass/ polycarbonate panels set in the glazing bars, must be secured to the walls of the structure it is intended to cover. The roof will rarely be flat, and will rarely be perpendicular to the ^r 30 structural walls. The panels will usually be at an angle to the walls of between approximately 60 and 87%° (i.e. between approximately 2% and 30°to the horizontal) the exact angle depending on the particular roof design. The method by which the roof is secured to the walls must therefore allow for the

35 roof panels and glazing bars to sit at an angle to the walls. Additionally, some panels may need to be connected to other panels in the roof unit along the length of ridges and valleys in the roof, again each at an angle to the horizontal which is likely to vary between about 3 and 30° according to the design of the particular building structure and its roof.

In the past, components such as wall plates, ridge bars, etc for supporting or connecting roof panels and glazing bars have been custom made to accommodate a glazing bar at a particular angle. More recently, universal components have been designed which comprise at least two parts hinged or pivoted (e.g. by means of a ball and socket type joint) together. Since the two parts can then adopt a range of different angles relative to one another, such a component provides flexibility in terms of the connecting angle between two glazing bars supported in the component, or alternatively between a glazing bar and a structural wall to which the component is affixed.

However, whilst such components offer the desired flexibility, they are necessarily more complex and costly to produce because each comprises at least two separate pieces which must be manufactured separately. Ideally, a component for use in connecting a glazing bar, either to a structural wall or to another glazing bar, would provide flexibility in terms of connecting angle whilst also being of relatively simple design and inexpensive to manufacture.

Statement of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a component for use in a panelled roof unit, for connecting a glazing bar which carries one or more roof panels either to another such bar or to a structural wall to which the roof is to be secured, the component having receiving means for receiving fixing means by which the bar can be secured to the component at a securing point, wherein the component is so shaped that the bar, when secured to and/or supported by the component, can pivot about the securing point so as to adopt, in use, any of a range of connecting angles relative to the other bar or structural wall to which it is connected by the component.

The invention is based on the surprising discovery that it is still possible to achieve flexibility in terms of the connecting angle (i.e. that between a glazing bar held in the component and a wall or another bar to which the first bar is thereby connected) without the need for hinges or pivots, simply by using the point of fixing of the bar to the component, or the point at which the bar is supported by the component, as a pivot point for the bar. Provided the component is suitably shaped, both to hold the bar in position and also to accommodate its pivotal movement about the securing point, a range of different connecting angles can be achieved using a single-piece connecting component.

The component may be adapted for use in any desired situation. For instance, it may take the form of a wall plate, for connecting the glazing bar to a structural wall to which the roof unit is to be secured. (Such a component might be used, for example, to connect the roof of a lean-to conservatory to the outside wall of the building onto which the conservatory is built) . In this case, the component will additionally comprise means for securing the component to the wall.

Alternatively, the component may take the form of a ring beam, adapted to sit around the top edge of a structural wall and connect the bar not to the side of the wall (as would a wall plate) but to its top edge. Again, such a component will comprise means for securing the component to the wall.

As a further alternative, the component may take the form of a ridge bar or valley gutter, adapted to connect one glazing bar and another, similar, bar. This would be used to connect roof panels to one another at an angle along the length of valleys or ridges in the roof unit.

The range of connecting angles which it is possible for the glazing bar to adopt when secured to the component will usually be approximately 60°to 87%°relative to the structural wall, or 120°to 175°relative to the other bar, to which the bar is connected by the component. However, a greater range of angles is still possible, if required, using a component in accordance with the invention.

The receiving means of the component may comprise a screw port, adapted to receive a conventional threaded screw used to secure the glazing bar to the component at the securing point. However, the receiving means preferably comprises a channel running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component, which channel is adapted to receive a screw or other fixing means at any point along its length. This offers great flexibility in terms of the position at which a glazing bar can be secured to the connecting component. Ideally, the channel runs the entire length of the component. Since the component will usually be manufactured by an extrusion process, this reduces manufacturing costs, as well as providing flexibility in use, by providing continuous screw access without the need to drill several separate securing points in the component.

The receiving means is preferably also capable of receiving a glazing seal, used to seal the join between the component and a roof panel or panels carried by the glazing bar. Again, the provision of a channel as the receiving means of the component offers great advantages. A length of neoprene or similar seal, conventionally used as a glazing seal, or a glazing gasket, can be located in the channel along the entire length of the component or at least along all regions of that length between glazing bars secured to the component. The seal is arranged to abut the surfaces of roof panels held in glazing bars secured to the component, so that in regions between glazing bars the roof panel-to-component join is properly sealed and finished. In this way, the single receiving means of the component of the invention acts to receive both fixing means and glazing seal, as well as providing a pivot point or points about which the glazing bar can pivot to adopt a desired angle. This ultimately makes the component easier to manufacture and to use, and represents a considerable improvement over previously known connecting components, where separate means must be provided, on the components, for receiving glazing seals where needed.

The glazing seal may be positioned in the receiving means of the component not only between glazing bars secured to the component but also, if desired, so as to run under the glazing bars as well. A continuous seal can thus be used, to run the entire length of the component if necessary and to cushion the glazing bars against the component and provide a more harmonious finish to the overall roof unit, especially in the region of the component-roof panel seal.

The invention provides within its scope a component as described above as being in accordance with the invention, in combination with a glazing seal capable of being received in the receiving means of the component so as to abut, in use, the surface of a roof panel held in the glazing bar secured to the component.

The component itself is preferably formed from a single piece aluminium or PVCu extrusion, more preferably aluminium. This can then be cut to any desired length.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the component has the general shape of a set of open jaws between which one end of the glazing bar can be accommodated, one of the jaws having the receiving means and the other having bead support means for supporting a glazing bead, the overall shape of the component being such that a glazing bead supported in the bead support means abuts the roof panel or panels carried by the bar, and such that the end of the bar can be accommodated between the jaws of the component, over the entire range of angles which the bar can adopt when secured to and/or supported by the component. In this case, the component is usually a wall plate, ridge bar or valley gutter. This particular embodiment of the invention allows the glazing bar essentially to pivot about two points, one being the securing point of the bar to the component and the other being the point of contact between a bead supported in the component and a roof panel carried by the bar. Whilst the end of the bar can always be accommodated between the jaws of the component, it is also true that, whatever angle the bar adopts, a glazing bead supported in the component contacts the roof panel(s) carried by the bar, providing a good seal and an acceptable, "finished" appearance, and closing up the gap which would otherwise be present between the component and the roof panel(s) .

Typically, the bead support means of the component comprises a bead groove of the form conventionally found in components such as glazed window sashes or frames. Such a groove is shaped to receive a cooperating portion of the bead to be supported.

The component may itself include a glazing bead, either as an integral part of the component or supported in the bead support means as a separate, but attached, item.

The invention thus additionally provides a component as described above as being in accordance with the invention, in combination with a glazing bead capable of being supported in the bead support means of the component.

The invention also provides a component such as is described above, in combination with fixing means for securing a glazing bar, carrying one or more roof panels, to the component.

Where the component is adapted for connecting together two glazing bars, each carrying one or more roof panels, then the component will conveniently comprise two separate receiving means, one for receiving fixing means for each bar. Ideally, the component will take the form of two adjacent, oppositely facing, sets of open jaws, each capable of accommodating one end of one of the bars, and each provided with a respective receiving means and bead support means.

The component preferably additionally comprises one or more screw ports, for receiving fasteners to fasten an end cap or caps to the end or ends of the component.

According to the invention there is further provided a panelled roof unit which includes a component in accordance with the invention.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, of which: - Fig 1 shows, in section, a typical roof glazing bar carrying roof panels;

Fig 2 shows a conventional wall plate;

Fig 3 shows a conventional valley gutter;

Figs 4 and 5 show conventional ring beams; - Fig 6 shows, in section, a wall plate in accordance with the invention;

Fig 7 shows a roof glazing bar located in a wall plate in accordance with the invention;

Fig 8 shows a conventional lean-to conservatory having a panelled roof unit;

Figs 9 and 10 show a roof glazing bar located in a front ring beam in accordance with the invention, in the conservatory of Fig 8;

Fig 11 shows a roof glazing bar located in a side ring beam in the conservatory of Fig 8;

- Fig 12 shows roof glazing bars located in a ridge bar in accordance with the invention;

Fig 13 shows roof glazing bars located in a valley gutter in accordance with the invention; and - Figs 14 - 18 show further examples of glazing bar connecting components in accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring firstly to Fig 1, the glazing bar generally labelled 1 carries two roof panels, 2 and 3. Together, these form part of a panelled roof unit which comprises a frame composed of a number of bars such as 1 joining together panels such as 2 and 3.

The bar 1 is made from extruded PVCu or aluminium. Panels 2 and 3 are made of glass, polycarbonate or a similar material.

The bar 1 is shaped to include two bead grooves, 4 and 5, which receive respectively glazing beads 6 and 7. These beads are also formed from extruded PVCu. They abut the panels 2 and 3, thus providing a seal between the panels and the glazing bar 1, and further providing an aesthetically pleasing finish to the roof unit as a whole.

The bar 1 is fitted with a conventional condensation cover, 8, to provide an acceptable finish inside the building structure which the roof unit covers and to provide drainage for condensation collecting on the bar. The condensation cover has been scored down its centre, along its length, to produce a small score groove 12 in its surface. This provides a degree of flexibility in the cover 8, sufficient to allow panels 2 and 3 to be held at an angle to one another in bar

I if necessary.

II is a PVC glazing pad to seal the lower glazing bar/roof panel interface.

Screw ports 9 are provided in the bar 1, usually running the length of the bar, to receive screws used to secure an end cap to the or each of the ends of the bar to improve its appearance.

The dotted line labelled 10 shows how a high strength glazing bar would differ in appearance from the normal bar 1. Such a bar, which has the extra height as indicated by the dotted line, would typically be used where long roofing panels were to be supported by a single length of glazing bar in a roof unit.

Examples of conventional connecting components, used to support glazing bars such as that shown in Fig 1 in panelled roof units, are shown in Figs 2-5. In each of the figures, the reference numeral 201 refers to a glazing bar (not identical to that shown in Fig 1, but similar in function) and 203 to a roof panel carried by the glazing bar.

Fig 2 shows a wall plate 205, fixed to structural wall 207, which might be for instance the outside wall of a building against which a lean-to conservatory with a panelled roof is built. The wall plate comprises a number of separate pieces: 209 and 211, which are hinged together at 213; glazing bead 210 and cover 212. The hinge 213 allows for a range of angles to be adopted between glazing bar 201 secured to piece 209 of the wall plate, and the structural wall to which piece 211 is fixed. 214 refers to a mastic seal, applied between top cover 212 and the glazing bead 210, after the bar 201 has been correctly fitted into the wall plate.

Fig 3 shows a valley gutter 215, which connects together two glazing bars 201 along a valley in a roof unit. The gutter comprises two, integrally formed, supporting arms 217 and 219, and separate glazing bar carriers 221 and 223. Each of these carries one of the glazing bars 201. Carriers 221 and 223 are attached to arms 217 and 219 by hinges 225 and 227 respectively, which allows the carriers (and hence the glazing bars) to adopt a range of different angles relative to one another. Once the two bars 201 have been positioned as desired, plates 229 are used to secure them in those positions relative to the main upstand of valley gutter 215.

Fig 4 shows a ring beam 231, which sits on top of the structural wall 233 of a building, such as a conservatory, having a panelled roof unit. The ring beam comprises at least three separate pieces: a main body 235; a glazing bar carrier 237 hinged to the main body at 239; and a cover 238 mounted on carrier 237 between glazing bars. The hinge 239, which allows pivotal movement in the plane of Fig 4, allows glazing bar 201, supported by the carrier 237, to adopt a range of angles relative to the wall 233. Neoprene glazing seal 240, mounted in the cover 238, needs to be separately fitted to seal the roof panel-cover interface. Note that the glazing bar in Fig 4 carries a double-glazed roof panel made up of the two glass/polycarbonate panels 203.

Fig 5 shows in perspective view another typical ring beam, similar to that illustrated in Fig 4. The ring beam supports glazing bar 201, here shown without associated glazing panels, and comprises several separate components, the main body of the beam 261, a glazing bar carrier 256, securing "slippers" 269 screwed onto the carrier and a cover 271.

Carrier 265 is hinged to the main body 261 at hinge 267, to allow the carrier to tilt and hence the glazing bar 201 to adopt different angles relative to the ring beam. The glazing bar is held in place in the carrier 265 by means of two slippers (one either side) such as 269. These allow for a certain amount of longitudinal expansion of the bar. A cover 271 is used to "box in" exposed areas of carrier 265, between glazing bars. A neoprene seal 273 is mounted in a specially provided groove in the cover 271, so as to abut a roof panel carried by the glazing bar and seal the roof panel-ring beam interface.

The complexity of the ring beam, in terms of its manufacture, use and ultimate appearance, is clear from Fig 5. Moreover, in order to make room for the glazing bar 201 against the upstanding portion 275 of the ring beam, a notch 277 has to be cut out of the upstanding portion, its depth depending on the angle at which the bar is set relative to the ring beam.

Each of the conventional components shown in Figs 2 - 5 is made up of several pieces which must be manufactured separately and hinged together during assembly. This fact, and the need to produce constituent pieces with hinge elements on them, makes these conventional connecting components relatively complex and costly to produce.

The wall plate 14 shown in section in Fig 6, in accordance with the present invention, is formed from extruded aluminium and has the cross-sectional shape of a pair of open jaws, namely, "upper" jaw 25 and "lower" jaw 26. Lower jaw 26 has a channel 15 which can accommodate a conventional self-tapping screw such as 22 at any point along its length. Upper jaw 25 is shaped to include a bead groove 16, in which an appropriately shaped glazing bead 17 is located. This bead may be provided as part of the wall plate 14, or may be fitted separately by the user.

Shown schematically in Fig 6 is the position of a glazing bar 18 supported between the jaws 25 and 26 of wall plate 14 and secured in position by means of screw 22. Three different possible positions of bar 18 are indicated by the three outlines 19, 20 and 21, showing how the bar can adopt a range of angles, of its longitudinal axis relative to axis X-X of the wall plate, of between 2 and 30° (i.e. a range of angles of the bar relative to a structural wall to which the wall plate is fixed of between 60 and 87%°) . This flexibility arises even though wall plate 14 is constructed from a single piece of relatively simple design. The plate can also be constructed, if necessary, to allow an even greater range of connecting angles to be adopted than that shown.

In use, bar 18, together with the roof panels which it is carrying, is located between jaws 25 and 26 and secured in position at the desired angle using screw 22. Whilst the bar is still capable of a degree of pivotal movement about its securing point, to allow this desired angle to be adopted, a complete assembled roof unit will nevertheless have the necessary rigidity once all panels have been joined together at the correct angles and secured to other connecting components, such as ring beams, in the unit. A neoprene glazing seal 28 is located in channel 15 between glazing bar 18 and a neighbouring glazing bar also supported in wall plate 14. This seal abuts the surface of a roof panel carried by the glazing bars, sealing the gap that, because of the position of the panel relative to the bars, would otherwise exist between the panel and the wall plate. Channel 15 conveniently serves to accommodate both securing screw 22 and, to either side of it, a glazing seal such as 28. The seal may alternatively be continuous along the length of the wall plate, running under the glazing bars as well as between them. This provides a greater degree of flexibility in the angles between the glazing bars and the wall plate, whilst still maintaining an effective seal along the entire length of the plate.

Reference numeral 23 shows the upper portion of a high strength glazing bar, such as is shown as 10 in Fig 1. It will be seen from Fig 5 that, where such high strength bars are to be supported in the wall plate 14, a short length of the upper portion of the bar needs to be cut away to allow the bar to be accommodated between the jaws of the wall plate. This cutting away is, however, relatively simple to effect and does not lead to significant reductions in strength of the glazing bar.

Other end portions of the bar 18 may need to be cut away (see shaded area 24) , usually in the same cutting operation, so as to circumvent the glazing bead retention leg 27, depending on the size and shape of the particular glazing bar being used and the angle at which it is to be connected to a structural wall.

Wall plate 14 is provided with means (not shown) for securing it to a wall of a building structure (such as a conservatory, porch, etc) to which the roof unit is to be attached.

Fig 7A shows a section through a wall plate 31, again made from extruded aluminium, in accordance with the invention. The plate comprises an upper jaw portion 42, a lower jaw portion 43, a channel 37 and a bead groove 33 in which bead 34 is located. The plate is affixed to a structural wall by means of a conventional fixing plug and screw labelled 39.

The wall plate 31 has end cap screw ports 32 to provide retention for self-tapping screws used to secure a cap onto each end of the plate. These end caps, as well as improving the appearance of the wall plate, also serve to prevent sideways movement (i.e. in a direction parallel to the long axis of the wall plate) of a series of glazing bars and roof panels supported in the wall plate. The plate is also fitted with an internal condensation cover 44, which drains through vents provided in the end caps.

Glazing bar 35, carrying two glass or polycarbonate roof panels 36, is located between the jaws of the wall plate and secured in position by means of a screw (not shown) located in channel 37. Glazing seal 40 is also located in the channel, to abut the panels 36 to either side of the screw. Bar 35 can pivot about its securing point (at the screw) so as to be set at the desired angle relative to the wall to which it is to be connected.

Fig 7B is a section through glazing bar 35, taken at 90°_to that shown in Fig 7A. The bar can be seen to be identical to that depicted in Fig 1. It carries the two roof panels 36, sealed around their edges by means of glazing beads 41.

It is sometimes even possible to omit the securing screw when bar 35 is supported in wall plate 31, since the bar is held reasonably firmly in position by the jaws 42 and 43 and by the pressure of glazing bead 34 bearing downwards on the surfaces of the roofing panels 36. This might be the case, for instance, when bar 35 forms part of the roof of a lean-to conservatory, and is secured at its lower end to a ring beam running along the top of the front wall of the conservatory. Being thus secured at one end, the glazing bar remains firmly in position in the wall plate at its other end, without the need for a securing screw. The bar does, however, still pivot about the notional securing point where a securing screw would have been located.

Omitting the securing screw allows for longitudinal thermal expansion of the aluminium glazing bar 35 (and also of polycarbonate roof panels carried by the bar) , towards the back of the wall plate 31. In hot weather, an aluminium bar of length 8 foot can expand by up to 3mm in length, and it is important to allow for such expansion in the overall roof unit. However, the provision of an elongate screw-receiving channel, such as 37, in a connecting component means that even if a glazing bar is screwed into place in the component, the bar is still capable of a small degree of movement relative to the component, which can compensate for thermal expansion of the bar.

The purpose of wall plate end caps, in preventing sideways movement of glazing bars and roof panels supported in the plate, is even more important if the glazing bars are not screwed into position in the wall plate.

Fig 8 shows, schematically, a conventional lean-to conservatory 241, constructed against outside wall 243 of a house. The conservatory has a roof unit comprising glass/polycarbonate panels 245 held in glazing bars 247. The walls of the conservatory are also made up of glazing panels (some of which constitute opening windows or doors) above the level of base wall 249.

The roof unit is connected to the front conservatory wall via ring beam 251, and to wall 243 via wall plate 253. Fig 8 is to illustrate schematically what views are shown in Figs 9 - 11. The wall plate and ring beam shown in Fig 8 are thus not necessarily in accordance with the present invention.

At each side of the conservatory 241, an infill panel 255, made from styrene foam with a plastics laminate finish, is positioned between the top of the glazed side walls of the conservatory and the side edge of the roof unit. The side walls could equally be glazed right up to the roof edge, although this is generally much more expensive.

Figs 9 and 10 show part of a section taken along line IX-IX in Fig 8, showing a front ring beam 251 and one of the glazing bars 247 secured to it. Fig 11 shows part of a section taken through the side ring beam represented by dotted line 257 in Fig 8, looking towards back wall 243 and taken close to the front end of the ring beam.

In Fig 9 there is illustrated a ring beam 48 (251 in Fig 8) in accordance with the invention, which is adapted to connect a structural wall to a roof glazing bar 51 (247 in Fig 7) which carries roof panels 52 (245) . The ring beam is secured to the structural wall of a building (such as conservatory 241 in Fig 8) to be roofed, around its top edge. The beam 48 shown in Fig 9 is adapted to be secured to the top of frame 53 for a glass window or door panel forming part of the wall. The ring beam has a channel 49 which holds a screw (not shown) for securing bar 51 to ring beam 48. A glazing seal 54, abutting roof panel 52, is also located in channel 49.

The angle of the longitudinal axis of bar 51 to the horizontal can be adjusted simply by pivoting the bar about its securing screw. The shape of the ring beam means that neither the beam nor bar 51 needs to be cut in any way, whatever angle the bar is set at.

Bar 51 has a conventional end cap 53 fitted on its external end to improve the appearance of the roof unit of which it forms a part. Condensation covers 55 are fitted over the internal surface of ring beam 48, again to improve appearances but also to allow any condensation collecting on the beam surface to drain away unseen.

Fig 10 shows in two perpendicular views, 10A and 10B, another ring beam 56 (again, analogous to 251 in Fig 8) in accordance with the invention, supporting glazing bar 59. The ring beam has a channel 57 housing screw 58 which in turn secures glazing bar 59 to the ring beam. Bar 59 has an end cap 63 and condensation drainage channels provided by condensation covers fitted along its length. These channels vent via condensation exit 62 in end cap 63. The bar 59 carries two roofing panels 60, sealed in position by means of glazing beads 61.

Again, bar 59 can pivot about screw 58 and thus adopt a range of different angles relative to the ring beam.

Glazing bar 59 is in this case shaped to provide a recess 64 on its under surface, in which electrical cables can be conveniently housed to run the length of the bar. Thus, electrical power supplies, phone lines, etc.. can be taken to a building via its panelled roof unit, cables remaining safely covered between the glazing bars and their condensation covers. Connecting components in accordance with the invention can be similarly shaped, to allow electrical cables to be housed between the components and their outer covers, and hence conducted to and throughout a building via its roof connecting components.

Because the screw channels (49 in Fig 9; 57 in Fig 10) run the entire length of the ring beams shown, the ring beams can be used right across the front of the conservatory 241, from one side to the other. The ring beam is square cut at each of its ends, and even those glazing bars which need to be secured to the ends of the ring beam can be attached in the same way as all other glazing bars, using the same channel to receive their respective securing screws.

Fig 11 shows a glazing bar 121, carrying roof panel 122 and glazing bead 125. These components form part of a panelled roof unit of a lean-to conservatory, in which ring beam 120 (analogous to 257 in Fig 8) connects the side edge of the roof unit to the side wall of the conservatory. Frame 126, to which ring beam 120 is secured, holds a window or door panel forming part of the side wall. In the case of a lean-to conservatory (such as that shown in Fig 8) , a side ring beam such as 120 has a different profile to that of a front ring beam, since roof glazing bars are supported in the former at a constant angle. In the case of a Victorian-style conservatory, in which the roof is non- planar and consists of a number of sloping panels joined at an apex, both front and side ring beams will be of similar construction (as, e.g. 48 in Fig 9) .

123 is an infill panel, positioned between the top of ring beam 120 and the base of roof glazing bar 121. 123 is analogous to panel 255 in Fig 8.

Condensation covers 124 are fitted over the internal face of ring beam 120. A smaller cover 127, matching covers 124, finishes the ring beam-roof panel join, assists in retaining the infill panel 123 against lateral movement and also serves as a thermal break to reduce the build-up of condensation on the ring beam.

In Fig 12 there is shown a ridge bar 78 in accordance with the invention, used to connect together the two glazing bars 79 and 80 of a roof unit at a ridge in the roof. Ridge bar 78, made from extruded aluminium, has channels 83 and 84 to receive respectively securing screws 85 and 86, fixing bars 79 and 80 into position, in the ridge bar 78, at the desired angle relative to one another. Glazing seals (not shown) may also be located in channels 83 and 84, and may run either between glazing bars secured to the ridge bar, or else continuously along the channels 83 and 84, even under the glazing bars. The latter arrangement allows different angles, of the glazing bars to the ridge bar, to be accommodated, whilst still maintaining a seal along the length of the ridge bar.

The ridge bar 78, which has the shape of two adjacent, oppositely facing, sets of open jaws, also has two bead grooves, 87 and 88, in which are located glazing beads 89 and 90. These beads contact the roofing panels 81 and 82, carried by bars 79 and 80 respectively, whatever the angle (between approximately 2% and 30°) that each bar adopts relative to the horizontal. Effectively, bars 79 and 80 pivot about screws 85 and 86 respectively, and also about the foot of the respective glazing bead.

As is the case for the wall plates of Figs 6 and 7 , glazing bars need not necessarily be screwed into position in the ridge bar 78. If the bar 80 is secured at one end to a ring beam or other connecting component, its other end can simply be slotted into place in the ridge bar, at the desired angle, and will be held there by the action of glazing bead 90 and the general jaw-like construction of the ridge bar. Thermal expansion of the glazing bar, and of roof panels 82, is thus allowed for. End caps on the ridge bar 78 serve to prevent sideways movement of the entire roof unit which it supports.

The ridge bar may optionally have a cresting location 98, which may include decorative features, and which is sealed in position using sealant 91.

Condensation covers 99 are fitted over the internal face of the ridge bar.

The valley gutter 101 shown in Fig 13, also in accordance with the invention, allows glazing bars 102 and 103, supporting roof panels 113 and 115 respectively, to be connected together at a valley in a roof unit, such that the bars are angled upwards away from one another as shown. The valley gutter has a similar construction to that of the ridge bar in Fig 12, having two channels 106 and 107 to receive glazing bar securing screws, such as 104, and glazing seals 112. The gutter also has glazing bead grooves 110 and 111, holding glazing beads 108 and 109. It is fitted with condensation covers 116.

Again, the angle of bars 102 and 103 relative to one another can be chosen to have one of a range of values, still using the single connecting component 101. The wall plate 301 shown in section in Fig 14 is constructed in accordance with the invention. It is a single-piece construction comprising an upper "jaw" 303, which carries glazing bead 305, and a lower "jaw" 307, to which glazing bar 309 is secured by means of a screw located in channel 311. 313 is a glazing seal, which is also mounted in channel 311; 315 are screw ports used for securing end caps to the wall plate; and 317 is a screw by which the wall plate is secured to its supporting structural wall 318.

A condensation cover 319 is fitted to the underside of the wall plate 301, and is of such a shape as to allow electrical cable 321 to be housed between the wall plate and the cover and thus to run, hidden from view, the entire length of the wall plate if necessary.

Fig 15A shows a section taken through a ring beam 323 in accordance with the invention, which ring beam is used to connect a panelled roof unit to the structural walls of a "Victorian"-type conservatory. A part plan view of such a conservatory is seen in Fig 15B, showing a number of ring beams such as 323 (prior to installation of the roof unit) , connected together by connecting plates 325 and 327. Screws 329 and 331 are used to secure connecting plates 325 and 327 respectively to two adjacent ring beams such as 323.

333 is a screw receiving channel in ring beam 323; 335 are condensation covers fitted over the internal surface of the beam; and 337 are screw ports by which end caps can be secured to the beam.

In a Victorian-type conservatory such as that shown in Fig 15B, continuous glazing seals may be located in the channels 333 of the ring beams 323, so as to run the entire length of the ring beams, including underneath glazing bars secured to them. In this way, the ring beam-roof panel seal has a better, more "flowing" appearance and is, moreover, much simpler to instal. Glazing bars are cushioned against the ring beams by the seal running beneath them, which allows a more easy accommodation of a number of glazing bars at. different angles as in the case of a Victorian-type conservatory. This in turn leads to a more comfortable seating of a glazing bar against a ring beam or beams, in regions of a roof unit in which ring beams meet angles to one another (as in Fig 15B) .

Fig 16A is a section through a ring beam, 339, in accordance with the invention, which might be used as a connecting component at any of the points indicated in Figure 16B - 16D. (Figs 16B and 16D show different types of conservatory, each having a panelled roof: Fig 16B is a "modern", lean-to, conservatory; Fig 16C is a combination lean-to and Victorian- type conservatory; and Fig 16D a Victorian-type.)

Ring beam 339 has a screw-receiving channel 341, end cap screw ports 343 and condensation covers 345. An electrical cable 347 is shown housed between the ring beam and one of the condensation covers. Screw ports 343 can receive either conventional threaded screws, or projections formed on the inside of the end cap, which snap into place (and may be further secured using an adhesive) in the screw ports.

Fig 17 shows, in section, an alternative ridge bar in accordance with the invention. The ridge bar, 349, of extruded aluminium, has screw-receiving channels 351, screw ports 353 and condensation covers 355. 357 is an electrical cable. The screw ports 353 are used, for instance, to secure a connection plate to the end of the ridge bar, to connect a number of roof glazing bars together at the apex of a Victorian-type conservatory roof (see the point labelled 338 in Fig 16D) .

The ridge bar generally has the shape of two adjacent, oppositely facing, sets of open jaws, each of which can receive and support a glazing bar. The valley gutter 359 shown in Fig 18 also has this general shape. Each set of "jaws" has a bead-receiving means (grooves 361) and a channel 363 which can receive, at any point along its length, either a glazing bar securing screw such as 365 or a seal such as 367. The valley gutter is shown connecting two glazing bars, 369 and 371, together, and supporting glazing beads 373. It has end cap screw ports 375 and condensation covers 377. Electrical cable 379 is housed between the underside of 359 and one of the covers 377.

It will be seen from the above that a component according to the invention is of use in connecting together parts of a panelled roof unit in a variety of different situations, allowing a large degree of flexibility in terms of connecting angles. Moreover, this flexibility is achieved using a component which is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and to install in a roof unit on site.

Claims

1. A component for use in a panelled roof unit, for connecting a glazing bar which carries one or more roof panels either to another such bar or to a structural wall to which the roof unit is to be secured, the component having receiving means for receiving fixing means by which the glazing bar can be secured to the component at a securing point, wherein the component is so shaped that the glazing bar, when secured to and/or supported by the component, can pivot about the securing point so as to adopt, in use, any of a range of connecting angles relative to the other bar or structural wall to which it is connected by the component.

2. A component according to Claim 1, having the form of a wall plate, for use in connecting the glazing bar to a structural wall to which the roof unit is to be secured.

3. A component according to Claim 1, having the form of a ring beam adapted to sit around the top edge of a structural wall to which the roof unit is to be secured and connect the glazing bar to that top edge.

4. A component according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, in combination with means for securing the component to the structural wall to which the glazing bar is to be connected.

5. A component according to Claim 1, having the form of a ridge bar or valley gutter, for use in connecting one glazing bar to another along the length of a ridge or valley in the roof unit.

6. A component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the range of connecting angles which it is possible for the glazing bar to adopt when secured to and/or supported by the component is approximately 60° to 87%° relative to the structural wall, or 120° to 175° relative to the other bar, to which the glazing bar is connected by the component.

7. A component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving means of the component comprises a channel running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component, which channel is adapted to receive a screw or other fixing means at any point along its length.

8. A component according to Claim 7, wherein the channel runs the entire length of the component.

9. A component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving means of the component is also capable of receiving a glazing seal, used to seal the join between the component and a roof panel or panels carried by the glazing bar.

10. A component according to Claim 9, wherein the receiving means of the component is capable of receiving a glazing seal which is positioned in use in the receiving means so as to run under a glazing bar secured to and/or supported by the component as well as to either side of the bar.

11. A component according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, in combination with a glazing seal capable of being received in the receiving means of the component so as to abut, in use, the surface of a roof panel held in a glazing bar secured to and/or supported by the component.

12. A component according to any one of the preceding claims, being formed from a single piece aluminium extrusion.

13. A component according to any one of the preceding claims, having the general shape of a set of open jaws between which one end of the glazing bar can be accommodated, one of the jaws having the receiving means and the other having bead support means for supporting a glazing bead, the overall shape of the component being such that a glazing bead supported in the bead support means abuts the roof panel or panels carried by the glazing bar, and also being such that the end of the bar can be accommodated between the jaws of the component, over the entire range of connecting angles which the bar can adopt when secured to and/or supported by the component.

14. A component according to Claim 13, wherein the bead support means comprises a bead groove of the form which is shaped to receive a cooperating portion of a bead to be supported therein.

15. A component according to Claim 13 or Claim 14, additionally comprising an integral glazing bead.

16. A component according to Claim 13 or Claim 14, in combination with a glazing bead capable of being supported in the bead support means of the component.

17. A component according to any one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising one or more screw ports, for receiving fasteners to fasten an end cap or caps to the end or ends of the component.

18. A component according to any one of the preceding claims and for use in connecting together two glazing bars, each carrying one or more roof panels, the component comprising two separate receiving means, one for receiving fixing means for securing each respective bar.

19. A component according to Claim 18, having the form of two adjacent, oppositely facing, sets of open jaws, each capable of accommodating one end of a respective one of the glazing bars, and each provided with a respective receiving means and bead support means.

20. A component for use in a panelled roof unit, for connecting a glazing bar which carries one or more roof panels either to another such bar or to a structural wall to which the roof unit is to be secured, the component being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

21. A component according to any one of the preceding claims, in combination with fixing means for securing a glazing bar, carrying one or more roof panels, to the component at the securing point.

22. A component according to any one of the preceding claims, over the internal surface of which has been fitted a condensation cover.

23. A panelled roof unit which includes a component according to any one of the preceding claims.