WO2018032033A1

WO2018032033A1 - Mounting assembly for fixation to a structure

Info

Publication number: WO2018032033A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/000169
Authority: WO
Inventors: Geoffrey Peter Crooks; Gary John Fitzgerald
Original assignee: Geoffrey Peter Crooks; Gary John Fitzgerald
Priority date: 2016-08-15
Filing date: 2017-08-15
Publication date: 2018-02-22

Abstract

A mounting assembly capable of engaging a building surface and for mounting articles thereon. The mounting assembly includes a support member for receiving and retaining at least a part of at least one member to be supported by the mounting assembly. The assembly includes an elongated member having first and second ends and intermediate therebetween a plurality of openings which receive fasteners. The elongated member further comprising at least one formation which receives and retains at least one support member which retains said at least a part of at least one member to be supported.

Description

MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR FIXATION TO A STRUCTURE.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to fasteners, mounting assemblies and the like and more particularly relates to a mounting assembly suitable for mounting such articles as, but not limited to, conduits including water reticulation pipes. More specifically the present invention relates to a fastening bracket assembly which allows fitment of conduits to wall and/or roof surfaces by engagement with roof or wall cladding. The present invention also relates to a method of fixing pipes to wall and/or roof structures which minimizes or avoids making additional penetration in a roof structure and which reduces installation time and avoids or at least minimizes damage to existing structures. Although the present invention has potentially wide applications, it will primarily be described with reference to its use in the installation of conduits often used in the assembly of roof mounted solar heating and power installations.

PRIOR ART

[0002] There are in existence a variety of fastenings, brackets and bracket assemblies which are used in the fixation of such articles as pipes and conduits to the inside or outside structure of a building. In the case of Solar panel installations for creation of hot water, the heated water is circulated via a network of conduits which must be fixed to a roof cladding or wall stracture. In current building practice, roof cladding is mainly constructed from steel or tiles. These materials form the majority of roof cladding structures so it is incumbent upon architects, builders and the like to fasten pipe networks associated with solar installations to steel or tiled roof surfaces. A steel roof is usually either corrugated or ribbed. A corrugated roof is very often manufactured from corrugated Colourbond TM steel and a tiled roof employs individual clay, ceramic or cement tiles. The structure of a tiled roof and a Colourbond TM roof are very different in that the former is made from a plurality of overlapping and inter fitting individual tiles and the latter is constructed from a plurality of overlapping long sheets usually extending from ridges to guttering. Tiles are sometimes clipped to battens and rely on adjacent tiles to lock in. Corrugated sheets are screwed throug crests into battens with the number of screws in a row along a batten selected according to the expected wind load to be resisted. For example a corrugated roof may have fastening screw^rs every second or fourth crest and along each batten. Every penetration in a roof is a potential path for water ingress. Therefore, the less penetrations there are, the better.

[0003] Current methodology for fixation of conduits to either tiled or steel rooves require additional penetrations. In the case of Colorbond T steel, additional tech screws are drilled into crests which hold a band saddle into which the conduit fits. The saddle wraps around the pipe, with support for the pipe reliant on the saddle and screw fastener. The saddle in that case generally falls to one side of the crest and transfers its load to the fastener as a cantilever would. The pipe load when charged with water is relatively heavy and is not according to the geometry of the current fastening method transmitted vertically to the fastener. In the case of a tiled roof, attempts have been made to drill through the tiles but this risks tile cracking. Any drilling of tiles and steel roof sheets risks damage to or leakage through the cladding.

[0004] The known methodology causes significant damage to roof cladding from penetrations, does not allow transmission of pipe loadings in a satisfactory manner, is more labor intensive and therefore more uneconomic.

[0005] In view of the aforesaid disadvantages of the known art, there is a need to improve the methodology and equipment associated with the mounting of pipes and conduits, particularly on roof and wall surfaces and to provide an alternative to and overcome the disadvantages of the known methods which add to material and labour costs. There is also a need to increase the efficiency of installations of articles which are required to be fastened to such surfaces and also to allow fastening with minimal or no added penetrations into a structure to which the fastening assembly is fitted. INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a mounting and fastening assembly suitable for mounting articles to a wall or roof structure and more particularly provides an adjustable bracket assembly which is adaptable to a roof and particularly to a tiled or metal roof and which includes at least one saddle which receives and retains a conduit. The present invention also provides a method of fixing pipes to wall and/or roof structures which minimizes or avoids making additional penetration in a roof structure and which reduces installation time and avoids damage to existing structures. Throughout the specification a reference to a fastening assembly can be taken as a reference to a mounting assembly, bracket, bracket assembly, fixing member, pipe anchor.

[0007] In one broad form the present invention comprises:

a fastening assembly capable of engaging a building surface and receiving and retaining at least a part of at least one member to be supported by the fastening assembly; the assembly including an elongated member having first and second ends and intermediate therebetween a plurality of openings which receive fasteners which secure the elongated member to the building surface, the elongated member further comprising a formation which receives and retains a support which retains said at least a part of at least one member.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the elongated member is tubular or an open channel which lies along a cladding surface. According to one embodiment, the member to be supported is a conduit forming part of a water reticulation network. The building surface is wall or roof cladding. The elongated member fonns a bracket which engages the building surface. Preferably the fastening assembly body receives and retains at least one support member retained preferably though not exclusively, by snap fit or screw thread formation. [0009] The support member attachable to the mounting assembly, comprises a support post which terminates in a saddle which receives a conduit. According to one embodiment the elongated member when fastened runs longitudinally along any crest or crests of a corrugated roof sheet. According to an alternative embodiment the elongated member runs transversely across crests of a sheet of roof cladding.

[0010] In another broad form the present invention comprises: a mounting and fastening assembly capable of engaging a building surface and receiving and retaining at least a part of at least one member to be supported by the fastening assembly; the assembly including an elongated member having first and second ends and intermediate therebetween a plurality of openings which receive fasteners which secure the elongated member to the building surface, the elongated member further comprising a formation which receives and retains a support which retains said at least a part of at least one member; and extending from said first end a retainer which engages a first part of a roof cladding and extending from the second end a second retainer which engages a second part of the roof cladding to retain the fastening assembly against the building surface.

[0011 ] According to one embodiment, the first part of the roof cladding is a first roof tile and the second part of the roof cladding is a second roof tile. According to an alternative embodiment, the first part of the roof cladding is a crest ( elevated part of a roof sheet) and the second part of the roof cladding is a spaced apart crest. According to one embodiment, the member to be supported by the fastening assembly is a conduit capable of carrying services such as but not limited to water and /or power, data and solar cells. It will be appreciated that the adjustable fastening assembly is capable of supporting articles other than conduits. The cladding to which the fastening assembly is attached is preferably roof or wall cladding.

[0012] Alternatively the bracket is attachable to a solid structure of the roof or wall of a structure. In the case where the fastening assembly is used for retaining pipes, the pipes are according to one embodiment, part of a pipe reticulation network in which case multiple fastening assemblies will be used across the surface of the roof or wall of the structure. According to one embodiment the fastening assembly includes a U or channel shaped member which has sufficient strength for the purpose of supporting articles such as charged pipes. The elongated member may alternatively be constructed from hollow tube, angle ( equal or unequal), Each support member which holds an article such as a pipe, is preferably retained by the elongated member in snap fit engagement but other forms of detachable or permanent fixation may be employed depending upon job/design requirements. Preferably, the support member comprises a support post which terminates in a saddle which receives a conduit.

[0013] In another broad form the present invention comprises: a fastening assembly capable of engaging a building surface and receiving and retaining at least a part of at least one member to be supported by the fastening assembly; the assembly including an elongated member having first and second ends and intermediate therebetween a plurality of openings which receive fasteners which secure the elongated member to the building surface, and extending from said first end a retainer which engages a first part of a roof cladding and extending from the second end a second retainer which engages a second part of the roof cladding to retain the fastening assembly against the building surface.

[0014] The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the broad description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fastening assembly in one orientation according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fastening assembly of figure 1 in an orientation turned 180 degrees.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the assembly of figure 1 .

Figure 4 shows a long side elevati on view of the fastening assembly of fi gure 1.

Figure 5(a-g) show an exploded view of the assembly of figure 2.

Figure 6 shows a long sectional view of the fastening assembly disposed on and engaging a tiled roof.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the fastening assembly retaining a pipe network on a tiled roof.

Figure 8 shows a fastening assembly according to an alternative embodiment in a first orientation and connected to a corrugated steel roof cladding. Figure 9 shows a fastening assembly according to the embodiment of figure 8 connected to a corrugated steel roof cladding in a second orientation and retaining a pipe network.

Figure 10 show the fastening assembly according to figure 8 connected to a wall of a structure.

Figure 11 shows a long section through a typical corrugated iron roof structure indicating fixation screws fixed to battens and sealing washers engaging roof cladding according to prior art methodology.

Figure 12 shows an end profile of the roof structure of figure 1 1 .

Figure 13 shows a long section through a corrugated iron roof structure indicating fixation screws securing a fastening assembly according to the invention and fixed to battens and sealing washers engaging roof cladding.

Figure 14 shows an end profile of the roof structure of figure 13.

Figure 15 shows a long section through a typical corrugated iron roof structure indicating fixation screws fixed to battens and sealing washers engaging roof cladding according to prior art methodology.

Figure 16 shows an end profile of the roof structure of figure 15.

Figure 17 shows a cross section through a corrugated iron roof structure indicating fixation screws securing a fastening assembly according to the invention and fixed to battens and sealing washers engaging roof cladding.

Figure 18 shows an end profile of the roof structure of figure 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations. The examples referred to herein are illustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description.

[0017] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying illustrations and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated various including preferred embodiments of the invention. A reference in the specification to a saddle can be taken as a reference to a retaining or support member which supports a pipe, conduit or other article.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fastening assembly 1 capable of engaging a building surface in one orientation according to one embodiment. Assembly 1 comprises an elongated member 2 which according to the embodiment shown is channel shaped and has a first end 3 and second end 4. Surface 6 includes a plurality of openings 7 which receive and retain fasteners (not shown) which secure the elongated member to the building surface. The number of openings 7 may be varied to suit particular requirements but the plurality of openings allows fixation of retainers 8 and 9 described below. Member 2 defines a recess 5 which receives via end 3 a retaining member 8 and via end 4 a retainer 9. Retainer 8 engages a first part of a roof cladding which According to one embodiment, comprises an underside of a tile (see figure 6) and retainer 9 engages a second part of the roof cladding which comprises an outer surface of a tile to retain the fastening assembly 1 against the building surface (to be described in more detail in relation to figure 6). Retainer 8 has a planar region 10 and a free end 1 1 which is adapted to conform to an underside of a tile. This formation can be adjusted to suit various underside geometries of tile configurations. Planar region 10 slides in recess 5 relative to member 2 so that the relative position of retainer 8 relative to member 2 is adjustable to suit particular tile geometry. Retainer 9 comprises a planar region 12 and a return portion 13 which engages an outside surface of another tile. Likewise retainer 9 is adjustable via planar region 12 relative to member 2 which allows the assembly 1 to be lengthened or shortened as dictated by roof tile geometry.

[0019] Retainer 9 is lockable in position relative to member 2 by locking pin 14 which engages recess 15. Similarly, retainer 8 can be locked relative to member 2 by a locking pin (not shown) similar to pin 14. Opening 16 receives and retains a support member 17 which comprises support post 18. Post 18 has at one end a saddle 19 which defines a recess 20 which receives and retains therein a conduit ( shown in figure 7 ). Post 18 includes a formation 21 which engages opening 16 in snap fit engagement. Formation 21 can alternatively comprise a screw thread or other form of suitable fastening. Since there are a plurality of openings 7 disposed along the elongated member 2, support member 17 can be inserted at any location along member 2 as required by a particular installation.

[0020] Figure 2 shows with corresponding numbering a perspective view of the fastening assembly 1 of figure 1 in an orientation turned 180 degrees. Figure 3 shows with corresponding numbering a top view of the assembly 1 of figure 1. Figure 4 shows with corresponding numbering a long side elevation view of the fastening assembly 1 of figure 1 .

[0021] Figure 5a-g show with corresponding numbering an exploded view of the assembly 1 of figure 2. Figure 5a is a plan view of member 2 and figure 5b shows member 2 from a side elevation. In this view it can be seen that retainer 8 and retainer 9 are removed from internal recess 5 of member 2. Figures 5c and 5d respectively show a plan view of retainers 8 and 9. Figures 5e and 5f shows elevation views of retainers 8 and 9. Figure 5g shows an end profile of member 2 with recess 5 into which retainers 8 and 9 are inserted. [0022] Retainer 8 includes a plurality of openings 20, 21 , 22 and 23 which align with openings 16, 24, 7 and 25 of member 2 when fully inserted in recess 5. This alignment will change as retainer 8 is extended from member 2 via end 3. Likewise, retainer 9 is shown with openings 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30. In the arrangement shown when retainer 9 is fully inserted in recess 5 of member 2, openings 26, 27, 28, 29 will align with openings 31, 32, 33 and 15 of member 2. The addition of opening 30 shows that any number of openings can be included in retainer 9 (and also in retainer 8) depending upon the length of assembly 1 required. As each retainer 8 and 9 are extended from recess 5 of member 2, there will be new alignment of openings between member 2 and retainers 8 and 9 which sets incremental selection of the length of fastening assembly 1 according to site requirements.

[0023] Figure 6 shows with corresponding numbering a long sectional view of the fastening assembly 1 disposed on and engaging a typical tiled roof structure. In the example of the abbreviated roof structure shown in figure 6, a roof is supported via a beam or top chord of a truss 40 to which is attached to battens 41 and 42. The profile shown is a long section through three roof tiles 43, 44 and 45. Tile 43 overlies tile 44 over a distance dl . Likewise tile 44 overlaps tile 45 over a distance d2. This is a traditional form of tile construction and provides resistance to water penetration under a tiled roof. Assembly 1 takes advantage of the two overlaps dl and d2. The heights of the saddles/support members are adjustable according to roof geometry and layout and the locations of the pipes which are supported. When a support member is mounted downhill of a trailing edge of tile 43, the support member is ideally higher.

[0024] Assembly 1 is shown with corresponding numbering fitted predominantly over tile 44 and engaging via retainer 8 the underside 46 of tile 43 and upper surface 47 of tile 44 via recess 48. Retainer 9 extends from body 2 of apparatus 1 around the outside of tile 44 and returning via return portion 13 between a lip 49 of tile 44 and upper surface 50 of tile 45. As described earlier support member 17 engages support post 18 to provide a saddle having recess 20 into which sits pipe 51 ( see figure 7). As described earlier, pin 14 is used to lock retainer 9 to body of member 2, once the position for retainer 9 has been selected to accommodate tile geometry. [0025] Figure 7 shows with corresponding numbering a perspective view of the fastening assembly 1 retaining a pipe network on a tiled roof. Assembly 1 is shown attached to tile 44 and engaging tile 43. Support member 17 retains pipe 55 saddle 19. The pipe 55 shown is typically associated with a roof mounted solar panel system and when charged with water has significant weight which must be transferred to the roof structure. Pipe load is transmitted directly to fastening assembly 1 and specifically to the member 2 which distributes the load evenly across the tile. In the embodiment of figure 7 member 2 further comprises a support member 56 which includes a saddle 57 supporting pipe 58 in a similar manner as support member 17 supports pipe 55.

[0026] Figure 8 shows a fastening assembly 60 according to an alternative embodiment in a first orientation and connected to a corrugated steel roof cladding 61. Assembly 60 includes body 59 which is adapted with a plurality of openings 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70. Openings 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 align with ridges 71 , 72, 73, 74 and 75 of corrugated roof cladding 61. This allows body 59 to be fitted to those ridges so that the openings in body 59 can align with existing openings in cladding 61. This eliminates the need for new roof penetrations and allows the fastening assembly to be fitted via existing roof cladding penetrations. This allows the assembly 60 to be fitted without any increase in the likelihood of roof leaks.

[0027] Typically assembly 60 is fastened to roof cladding 61 via tech screws. For example, opening 62 receives tech screw 76, opening 66 receives tech screw 77 and opening 70 receives tech screw 78. Saddles 80 and 81 respectively support pipes 82 and 83 which travel along a longitudinal extent of cladding 61 . Saddles 80 and 81 can be inserted in any of openings in body 61 but in each case pipe loads will be transmitted via saddles 80 and 81 to body 59 so that the pipe loading will be distributed over one or more of crests 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75.

[0028] Figure 9 shows with corresponding numbering, fastening assembly 60 according to the embodiment of figure 8 connected to corrugated steel roof cladding 61 in a second orientation and retaining a pipe network. Fastening assembly 60 according to this embodiment is in a second orientation running longitudinally along crest 73. Assembly 60 includes body 59 which is adapted with a plurality of openings 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70. Openings 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 align with ridges 73 of corrugated roof cladding 61. This allows body 59 to be fitted to that ridges so that the openings 62 and 70 in body 59 can align with existing openings in cladding 61. It can be seen that fastener 78 is in alignment with row 94 of tech screws. As before, this eliminates the need for new roof penetrations and allows the fastening assembly to be fitted via existing roof cladding penetrations. This allows the assembly 60 to be fitted without any increase in the likelihood of roof leaks. Typically assembly 60 is fastened to roof cladding 61 via tech screws. For example, opening 62 receives tech screw 76, opening 66 receives tech screw 77 and opening 70 receives tech screw 78.

[0029] Saddles 80 and 81 respectively support pipes 91 and 93 which travel along a lateral extent of cladding 61. Saddles 80 and 81 can be inserted in any of openings in body 59 but in each case pipe loads will be transmitted via saddles 80 and 81 to body 59 so that the pipe loading will be distributed over crest 73.

[0030] Figure 10 depicts a side elevation of a building 100 having a wall 101 to which is attached a pair of fastening assemblies 102 and 103. Assembly 102 includes a body 104 and connected thereto are support members 105 and 106 which respectively support pipes 107 and 108. Likewise fastening assembly 103 includes a body 109 which receives and retains support members 1 10 and 1 1 1 which support pipes 107 and 108. This shows an alternative adaption of the fastening assembly 60 of figures 8 and 9.

[0031] Figure 11 shows a long section through a typical corrugated iron roof structure of the type shown in figure 8 indicating roof cladding 61 fixed to battens 120 and 121 and fixation screws 122 and 123 also fixed to batten 120 and 121 . In the known art sealing washers 124 and 125 are employed to prevent water entering under roof cladding 61. Figure 12 shows with corresponding numbering an end profile of the roof structure of figure 1 1.

[0032] Figure 13 shows a long section through a corrugated iron roof structure indicating fixation screws 122 and 123 securing a fastening assembly 60 as described earlier according to the invention and fixed to battens 120 and 121 . Screws 122 and 123 respectively engage sealing washers 124 and 125 against fastening assembly 60. and sealing washers engaging roof cladding. Fastening assembly 60 is sealed against roof cladding 61 via auxiliary washers 126 and 127. After removing the original rooves in order to fix body 2, longer screws should be used. Figure 14 shows with corresponding numbering an end profile of the roof structure of figure 13.

[0033] Figure 15 shows a cross section through a typical corrugated iron roof structure of the type shown in figure 8 indicating roof cladding 61 fixed to batten 130 and fixation screws 131 and 132 also fixed to batten 130. In the known art sealing washers 133 and 134 are employed to prevent water entering under roof cladding 61. Figure 16 shows with corresponding numbering an end profile of the roof structure of figure 15.

[0034] Figure 17 shows a long section through a corrugated iron roof structure indicating fixation screws 131 and 132 securing a fastening assembly 60 as described earlier according to the invention and fixed to batten 130. Screws 131 and 132 respectively engage sealing washers 133 and 134 against fastening assembly 60. Fastening assembly 60 is sealed against roof cladding 61 via auxiliary washers 135 and 136. According to a preferred embodiment auxiliary washers 135 and 136 are rectangular in shape as the assembly 60 crosses over each corrugation, the radiused edges should kept elevated from the roof surface. Figure 18 shows with corresponding numbering an end profile of the roof structure of figure 17.

[0035] Although the present invention has applications other than those described by way of example herein with reference to the installation of solar panels, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the fastening assembly has other applications.

[0036] It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modification may be made to the invention broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A mounting assembly capable of engaging a building surface and for mounting articles thereon; the mounting assembly including a support member for receiving and retaining at least a part of at least one member to be supported by the mounting assembly; the assembly including an elongated member having first and second ends and intermediate therebetween a plurality of openings which receive fasteners; the elongated member further comprising at least one formation which receives and retains at least one support member which retains said at least a part of at least one member to be supported.

2. A mounting assembly according to claim 1 wherein the at least one support member is releasably retained by the elongated member.

3. A mounting assembly according to claim 2 wherein the elongated member is tubular.

4. A mounting assembly according to claim 3 wherein the elongated member is longitudinally adjustable.

5. A mounting assembly according to claim 4 wherein the elongated member includes brackets which releasably fix the assembly to the building surface.

6. A mounting assembly according to claim 5 wherein the brackets extend from ends of said elongated member and enable fixation of the assembly to the building surface.

7. A mounting assembly according to claim 6 wherein the elongated member includes an internal recess which receives and retains said end brackets.

8. A mounting assembly according to claim 7 wherein the mounting assembly is telescopically adjustable.

9. A mounting assembly according to claim 8 wherein the brackets are adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

10. A mounting assembly according to claim 9 wherein each said end brackets comprises a first portion having a plurality of openings and a return portion which engages a part of the building surface.

1 1. A mounting assembly according to claim 10 wherein the openings in the longitudinal member extend longitudinally along the elongated member.

12. A mounting assembly according to claim 1 1 wherein the plurality of openings in the first section of the end bracket selectively align with the openings in the elongated tubular member

13. A mounting assembly according to claim 12wherein the return portion of each said bracket tenninates in a substantially L shaped formation.

14. A mounting assembly according to claim 13 wherein the internal recess is a through passage.

15. A mounting assembly according to claim 14 wherein the part of the building surface is a roof tile.

16. A mounting assembly according to claim 15 wherein one said end brackets engages a lip of a first tile and another said end brackets engages an opposite end of the roof tile and underneath an adjacent tile.

17. A mounting assembly according to claim 16 wherein said opposite end of said bracket engaging said opposite end, is formed to locate between an upper surface of a lower tile and an underside surface of an overlapping upper tile.

18. A mounting assembly according to claim 17 wherein the through passage through the elongated member is the same shape as a cross sectional profile of said long portion of said end bracket.

19. A mounting assembly according to claim 18 wherein the through passage is a rectangular shape.

20. A mounting assembly according to claim 19 wherein said fasteners allow selective locking of said end brackets to the elongated tubular member via aligned openings.

21. A mounting assembly according to claim 20 wherein the assembly is length adjustable by selection of openings for said locking fasteners.

22. A mounting assembly according to claim 21 wherein member supported by the fastening member is a conduit.

23. A mounting assembly according to claim 22 wherein the support member comprises a detachable saddle which receives and supports said conduit.

24. A mounting assembly according to claim 23 wherein the conduit is part of a roof mounted water reticulation network.

25. A mounting assembly according to claim 3 wherein the fasteners fix the elongated member to the building surface.

26. A mounting assembly according to claim 25 wherein the building surface is a corrugated roof cladding.

27. A mounting assembly according to claim 26 wherein the support member is a saddle which engages at least one said openings in said elongated member.

28. A mounting assembly according to claim 27 wherein the saddle is selectively detachable from the elongated member.

29. A mounting assembly according to claim 28 wherein the elongated member is telescopic.

30. A mounting assembly according to claim 29 wherein the elongated member is tubular or an open channel which lies along the roof cladding.

31. A mounting assembly according to claim 30 wherein the member to be supported is a conduit forming part of a water reticulation network.

32. A mounting assembly according to claim 31 wherein the fastening assembly receives and retains said at least one support member by snap fit or screw thread engagement.

33. A mounting assembly according to claim 32 wherein the elongated member when fastened, runs across or along any crest or crests of the corrugated roof sheet.

34. A fastening assembly capable of engaging a building surface and receiving and retaining at least a part of at least one member to be supported by the fastening assembly; the assembly including an elongated member having first and second ends and intermediate therebetween a plurality of openings which receive fasteners which secure the elongated member to the building surface, the elongated member further comprising a formation which receives and retains a support which retains said at least a part of at least one member; and extending from said first end a retainer which engages a first part of a roof cladding and extending from the second end a second retainer which engages a second part of the roof cladding to retain the fastening assembly against the building surface.

35. A fastening assembly according to claim 34 wherein the first part of the roof cladding is a first roof tile and the second part of the roof cladding is a second roof tile.

36. A fastening assembly according to claim 35 wherein the member to be supported by the fastening assembly is a conduit capable of carrying services such as water and /or power.

37. A fastening assembly according to claim 36 wherein the fastening assembly includes a U or channel shaped member which has sufficient strength for the purpose of supporting water pipes.

38. A fastening assembly according to claim 37 wherein the support member comprises a support post which terminates in a saddle which receives a conduit.