WO2005073481A1

WO2005073481A1 - Improvements in and relating to roof assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2005073481A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/000207
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lain Mclean
Original assignee: Burnden Holdings (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2004-01-28
Filing date: 2005-01-21
Publication date: 2005-08-11
Also published as: GB2426770A; GB2426770B; GB0401750D0; GB0612451D0

Abstract

There is disclosed a roof assembly (2) comprising a ridge end boss having a boss bottom section (16) and boss top section (38), and connectors for mounting glazing bars (6) thereon, which connectors (30) are secured between the boss top section (38) and the boss bottom section (16).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ROOF ASSEMBLIES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to roof assemblies and to methods of assembling roof assemblies, in each case especially, but not exclusively, for conservatories and to conservatories comprising such roof assemblies.

Background to the Invention

Hipped conservatories comprise a longitudinal ridge from the end of which extend radially a plurality of glazing bars extending from the end of the ridge to one or more eaves beams. The satisfactory connection of the glazing bars to the end of the ridge can be a relatively complex process. The number of glazing bars required can vary as can their pitch relative to the horizontal depending on the specific conservatory design.

One proposed attempt at addressing this issue is set out in GB-A-2 310 869 in which there is disclosed a ridge end member attachable to the end of a ridge, which ridge end member includes a skirt with a circular rim. Clamping connectors are provided to positively grip the circular rim, which connectors can be positioned at a variety of desired angles to accommodate various roof pitches.

This proposal has a small clamped surface area utilising relatively small components, meaning it may not be as strong as desired. It also requires more component parts than is desirable. Furthermore, it requires extensive silicone sealant during construction. It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to alleviate or overcome a disadvantage of the prior art, whether such prior art or disadvantage is or are referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a roof assembly comprising a ridge end boss having a boss bottom section and boss top section, and connectors for mounting glazing bars thereon, which connectors are secured between the boss top section and the boss bottom section.

Suitably, the boss bottom section comprises a channel for receiving a foot of a connector. Suitably, the channel is continuous between its ends.

Suitably, the connectors are capable of movement in the channel to adjust the pitch angle of the connectors relative to the boss bottom section prior to being secured by the boss top section.

Suitably, the connectors comprise glazing bar engaging members for engaging a glazing bar. Suitably, the glazing bar engaging member comprises a plurality of ribs thereon.

Suitably, the connectors comprise feet for engaging in a channel of the boss bottom section. Suitably, the connectors comprise arms for engaging in a channel of the boss top section. Suitably, the connectors are substantially similar. Suitably, the boss bottom section comprises a generally semi-circular skirt.

Suitably, the boss bottom section comprises an upstand comprising a formation for making connection with the boss top section. Suitably, the upstand comprises means for use in fixedly securing the boss top section to the boss bottom section.

Suitably, the assembly further comprises a resilient seal about an outer periphery of the boss top section for at least partly forming a seal between the boss end and the glazing bars.

Suitably, the boss top section mates at least partly with the boss bottom section.

Suitably, a channel in the boss top section receives an arm of the connectors therein.

Suitably, the assembly further comprises a ridge end insert for connecting a boss section to a ridge. Suitably, the ridge is ducted and the ridge end insert is secured in the ducting thereof. Suitably, the ridge end insert comprises a channel for receiving at least one fixing bolt for securing the ridge end insert to a boss section. Suitably, the ridge end insert is secured to the bottom boss section.

Suitably the roof assembly is for a conservatory roof According to the present invention in a second aspect, there is provided a method of assembly of a roof assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, which method comprises the steps of securing a plurality of connectors between a boss top section and a boss bottom section.

According to the present invention in a third aspect, there is provided a conservatory comprising a roof assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to the present invention in a fourth aspect, there is provided a roof assembly comprising a ridge end boss and a resilient seal configured to fit about an upper part of the ridge end boss to at least partly form a seal between the ridge end boss and a glazing bar connected to the ridge end boss.

Suitably, the resilient seal is a resilient foam seal.

Suitably, the resilient seal is configured to fit over an upper part of the ridge end boss to connect the resilient seal and the ridge end boss.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow; in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a ridge end roof assembly according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a partly exploded ridge end roof assembly corresponding to Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of elements of the ridge end roof assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a still further exploded perspective view of elements of the ridge end roof assembly shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a yet further exploded perspective view of the ridge end roof assembly.

Figure 6 is a reverse perspective view from the rear of the top and bottom boss end sections.

Figure 7 is a reverse perspective view of the top and bottom boss end sections from below.

Figure 8 is a functional flow diagram illustrating a method of assembly of a ridge roof assembly as described in relation to Figures 1-7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a conservatory including a ridge end roof assembly as shown in Figures 1-7

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a connector for use in a Georgian style roof.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figures 1-7 of the drawings that follow, there is shown a ridge end roof assembly 2 forming part of a hipped conservatory roof which includes a longitudinal ridge 4 (the end part only of which is shown) from which extend glazing bars 6 to one or more eaves beams (not shown) .

The ridge 4 comprises a longitudinal duct 8 in which is located a ridge end insert 10 which is generally rectangular-cuboidal in construction and is dimensioned to be inserted into duct 8 of ridge 4. A longer edge face of ridge end insert 10 includes a T-shaped blind slot 12 for receiving bolts 14a, 14b. Ridge end insert 10 is connected to a ridge end boss bottom section 16, which comprises a first ridge end boss section upstand 18, including two holes 20a, 20b for receiving bolts 14a and 14b. The ridge end boss bottom section 16 additionally comprises a platform 22 and a skirt 24 including a lip 26. The skirt 24 is generally semi-circular extending for 180°. The lip and skirt define a generally U-shaped semi-circular channel 28 forming a clamping surface which is continuous between its ends. The channel includes grooves 29 on the clamping surface for additional security.

In the channel 28 are located a plurality of connectors 30, each of which is substantially similar. Each connector 30 comprises a glazing bar engaging member 32 a foot 34 for forming a sliding fit in channel 28 and an arm 36 generally opposite the foot 34. Between glazing bar engagement member 32 and foot 34 is a curved portion shaped to follow the curve of lip 26. The glazing bar engaging member 32 is ribbed to assist in securely locating glazing bars thereon. The channel 28 and connectors 30 are shaped to permit a range of motion for glazing bar pitch variation of approximately 15° to 35°.

Securing the connectors 30 in place is a ridge end boss top section 38 comprising an upstand receiving channel 40 for receiving upstand 18, a platform receiving section 42 for receiving platform 22, a depending skirt 44 for mating against a front surface 46 of platform 22 and a generally semi-circular skirt 48. Holes 50a, 50b are provided through platform receiving section 42 to align with corresponding holes 52a, 52b in platform 22 enabling the ridge end boss bottom section 16 and ridge end boss top section 38 to be secured together by bolts 54a, 54b. A generally n-shaped channel 60 is provided in the underside of skirt 48 for receiving arms 36 of the connectors 30 thereby to secure the connectors 30 in place by a positive clamping section. Grooves 31 are provided in the channel 60 transverse to the grooves 29. Arms 36 and feet 34 have corresponding ribs to engage in grooves 29 and 31 respectively.

A resilient foam seal 56 is also provided comprising a generally semi-circular strip C-shaped in cross-section for fitting about the ridge end boss top section 38. Thus the seal 56 fits about an upper part of the ridge end boss .

A method of assembly of a ridge end roof assembly 2 as described above and in accordance with the present invention will now be described, with reference to Figure 8 of the drawings that follow that is a functional flow diagram of such a method. In step 100 a longitudinal ridge 4 is provided into which in step 102 is inserted a ridge end insert 10 with the slotted part of the ridge end insert 10 protruding from the duct 8 of ridge .

In step 104 into the slot 12 are inserted bolts 14a, 14b. In step 106, a ridge end boss bottom section 16 is provided and bolts 14a, 14b are inserted into holes 20 therein and secured by corresponding nuts.

In step 108 glazing bars 6 are pushed onto the glazing bar engaging members 32 of connectors 30. This can be done before the parts are supplied to installers.

In step 110 connectors 30 are inserted into the channel 28 in ridge end boss bottom section 16. The desired number of connectors corresponding to the number of glazing bars to be used are inserted at positions corresponding to those desired for the glazing bars. The channel 28 and connectors are shaped so that they form a sliding fit in the channel 28 but with a limited degree of freedom for pitch angle adjustment.

In step 112 ridge end boss top section 38 is placed on top of ridge end boss bottom section 16 and secured thereto by bolts through 50a and 50b into holes 52a, 52b. Bolts 54a, 54b are secured with wing nuts (not shown) . The upstand 18 of ridge end boss bottom section 16 is shaped to mate with the underside of ridge end boss top section 38 and in particular the skirt 48 mates with the front section 46 of upstand 18. Thus the connectors 30 are secured and clamped between the ridge end boss bottom section 16 and ridge end boss top section 38.

In step 114, the glazing bars 6 are connected to corresponding eaves beams (not shown) as required. The ribs on the glazing bar engaging members 32 assist the secure connection of glazing bars 6 thereto as an interference fit . The glazing bars 6 are of known inverted T-construction, the glazing bar engaging members 32 engaging in a central longitudinal duct thereof.

In step 116, the foam seal 56 is clipped over the outer rim of skirt 48 of ridge end boss top section 38.

In step 118, glazing elements (typically double glazed PVC or glass glazing elements) are inserted into the glazing bars when the glazing elements are pushed under the foam seal 56, the foam seal 56 provides a resilient seal against the glazing elements thereby reducing and in some cases avoiding the need for silicone sealant.

In step 120 a PVC top cap for each glazing bar. The upper surface of the top cap is pressed against the foam seal 56 and thereby seals the boss end.

Referring to Figure 9 of the drawings that follow there is shown a perspective view of a conservatory 62 with a hipped roof incorporating a roof assembly 2 as shown in Figures 1-7. Referring to Figure 10 of the drawings that follow there is shown a perspective view of an alternative connector 64 for use in a Georgian style roof .

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A roof assembly comprising a ridge end boss having a boss bottom section and boss top section, and connectors for mounting glazing bars thereon, which connectors are secured between the boss top section and the boss bottom section.

2. A roof assembly according to claim 1, in which the boss bottom section comprises a channel for receiving a foot of a connector.

3. A roof assembly according to claim 2, in which the channel is continuous between its ends.

4. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the connectors are capable of movement in the channel to adjust the pitch angle of the connectors relative to the boss bottom section prior to being secured by the boss top section.

5. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the connectors comprise glazing bar engaging members for engaging a glazing bar.

6. A roof assembly according to claim 5, in which the glazing bar engaging member comprises a plurality of ribs thereon.

7. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the connectors comprise feet for engaging in a channel of the boss bottom section.

8. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the connectors comprise arms for engaging in a channel of the boss top section.

9. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the connectors are substantially similar.

10. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the boss bottom section comprises a generally semi-circular skirt.

11. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the boss bottom section comprises an upstand comprising a formation for making connection with the boss top section.

12. A roof assembly according to claim 11, in which the upstand comprises means for use in fixedly securing the boss top section to the boss bottom section.

13. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the assembly further comprises a resilient seal about an outer periphery of the boss top section for at least partly forming a seal between the boss end and the glazing bars.

14. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the boss top section mates at least partly with the boss bottom section.

15. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which a channel in the boss top section receives an arm of the connectors therein.

16. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the assembly further comprises a ridge end insert for connecting a boss section to a ridge.

17. A roof assembly according to claim 16, in which the ridge is ducted and the ridge end insert is secured in the ducting thereof.

18. A roof assembly according to claim 16 or claim 17, in which the ridge end insert comprises a channel for receiving at least one fixing bolt for securing the ridge end insert to a boss section.

19. A roof assembly according to any one of claims 16-18, in which the ridge end insert is secured to the bottom boss section.

20. A roof assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the roof assembly is for a conservatory roof.

21. A method of assembly of a roof assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, which method comprises the steps of securing a plurality of connectors between a boss top section and a boss bottom section.

22. A conservatory comprising a roof assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A roof assembly comprising a ridge end boss and a resilient seal configured to fit about an upper part of the ridge end boss to at least partly form a seal between the ridge end boss and a glazing bar connected to the ridge end boss .

24. A roof assembly according to claim 23, in which the resilient seal is a resilient foam seal.

25. A roof assembly according to claim 23 or claim 24, in which the resilient seal is configured to fit over an upper part of the ridge end boss to connect the resilient seal and the ridge end boss.