AU2016202581B2

AU2016202581B2 - Roof structure

Info

Publication number: AU2016202581B2
Application number: AU2016202581A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mario Hurst
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-22
Filing date: 2016-04-22
Publication date: 2021-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-22
Also published as: AU2020100272B4; AU2020100272A4; NZ719341A; AU2016202581A1

Abstract

A roof structure is provided that is simple to install and provides an effective safety barrier. The roof structure comprises support members; brackets coupled to the support members; bridge members coupled to the brackets and extending between the support members; and a safety barrier supported by the bridge members. 1/10 CA t44 r-1 cKx/-

Description

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ROOFSTRUCTURE

Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a building roof structure. The present invention also relates to a method of building a roof structure.

Brief Discussion of the Prior Art The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. A typical building roof structure includes a plurality of support members and a roofing layer which is secured to and supported by the support members. The support members are typically provided by purlins which are secured to one or more rafters, and the roofing layer is usually provided by a plurality of tiles, roof panels, shingles, or the like which are secured to and supported by the purlins. Sometimes the roof structure will include a fall protection system for preventing a person or other objects from falling through the roof structure. The fall protection system typically comprises a safety barrier in the form of safety mesh or the like which is placed on top of the purlins and which is secured to the purlins. A layer of thermal insulation is often included in the roof structure to inhibit the transfer of heat through the roof structure. The layer of insulation is typically placed on top of the purlins, and the roofing layer is then placed on top of the insulation. This tends to compress areas of the insulation which are located between the roofing layer and the purlins. Compressing the insulation can be problematic in that the compressed areas of the insulation usually do not perform at an optimum level. In other words, compressing the insulation can compromise the thermal insulating properties of the insulation. If the performance of the insulation is compromised, the energy efficiency of the building can be impaired so that more energy is required to cool or heat the interior of the building to maintain it at a desired temperature. In order to improve the energy efficiency of new buildings, Section J of the Building Code of Australia ("BCA") was introduced by the Australian Building Codes

Board. Section J of the BCA requires the roof structure of a new building to have a minimum R-value of 3.2, and stipulates that, in order to achieve this, there must be a recovery air gap between the roofing layer and the insulation so that the insulation is not compressed between the purlins and the roofing layer. United States Patent Nos. 4,047,346 (Alderman) and 4,379,381 (Holcombe) disclose thermally insulated roof structures which include an air gap between a roofing layer and a thermal insulation layer. Alderman discloses an insulated roof structure formed on an industrial building by mounting a support framework on the purlins of the partially completed roof structure and moving the framework along the length of the purlins. A reel of wire mesh and a reel of sheet material are carried by the framework over each of the spaces between adjacent ones of the purlins, and the reels are progressively unrolled, and the layers of wire mesh and sheet material are applied to the spaces between the purlins as the support framework moves. Additional insulation can be blown upon or otherwise applied to the sheet material to fill the spaces between the purlins, and hard sheets of roofing material are applied to the purlins as the support framework progresses across the structure. A central web of each purlin of the insulated roof structure disclosed by Alderman includes a plurality of openings. The roof structure also includes a plurality of support straps. Each support strap is threaded through one of the openings in each purlin. The support strap is placed under tension so that it extends in a substantially flat plane between adjacent ones of the purlins. Being straps, the support straps are quite flexible. Consequently, the support straps are not particularly well-suited to spacing the purlins apart from each other, or to maintaining the spacing between the purlins. Each of the support straps is inhibited from being withdrawn from the opening through which it extends by a retaining clip which is wedged in the opening so as to form a friction connection between the purlin and the support strap. The layers of wire mesh which are applied to the spaces between the purlins are placed on the support straps. The support straps support the mesh at spaced intervals along the lengths of the purlins, and tension is applied to the mesh so as to prevent the mesh from sagging extensively between adjacent ones of the support straps. The sheet material is placed upon the mesh, and a quantity of heat insulation material is disclosed inserted in the spaces between adjacent ones of the purlins and onto the sheet material. The insulation material can be in the form of blocks of solid material, sheets of material, loose material, or material that was initially loose when placed in the space but sprayed or otherwise mixed with adhesive as or after being inserted into the spaces so as to become substantially rigid. An additional sheet of insulation material is applied to the top surface of the upper flange of each of the purlins, and the hard sheets of roofing material are placed on the sheet insulation material and connected to the purlins by self-tapping screws or other fasteners. The additional sheet of insulation material functions to reduce the transfer of heat between the hard sheets of roofing material and the purlins, and the insulation material in the spaces between adjacent ones of the purlins function to inhibit the transfer of heat between inside the building and the hard sheets of roofing material by means of convenction and radiation. Fig. 1 of Alderman depicts an air gap which separates the sheets of roofing material from the heat insulation material which is supported by the sheet material. Holcombe discloses an insulation system for a roof structure which includes a semi-rigid insulation blanket overlying a support structure across roof purlins and having additional insulation material filling a U-shaped trough created by the blanket between adjacent purlins. The semi-rigid insulation blanket is notched by the manufacturer at predetermined points to enable the blanket to easily and securely fold over and around the support structure and roof purlins. The support structure of the Holcombe insulation system includes main support brackets which extend between and rest on top of the purlins, and longitudinal support brackets which extend between and rest on top of the main support brackets. The main support brackets and the longitudinal support brackets include fastening holes for receiving plastic snap-in fasteners which secure the main support brackets to the purlins and which secure the longitudinal support brackets to the main support brackets. Fig. 2 of Holcombe depicts an air gap separating the roof panel and an insulation bat of the roof structure. It would be desirable to provide bridge and support members for a roof structure which are able to be secured together in a different manner to the bridge and support members of the aforementioned prior art roof structures. Also, it would be desirable to provide a roof structure which includes a plurality of the aforementioned bridge and support members. It would be desirable for the roof structure to incorporate a fall protection system. It would also be desirable for the roof structure to comply with Section J of the BCA.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a roof structure comprising: support members; brackets coupled to the support members; bridge members coupled to the brackets and extending between the support members; and a safety barrier supported by the bridge members. The bracket may include a locating member, for engaging with the bridge member. The locating member may comprise a locating lip, which engages with a corresponding channel of the bridge member. The locating lip may extend upwardly from the bracket. The bracket may include an alignment member, for aligning the bracket relative to the purlin. The alignment member may comprise an alignment lip that extends rearwardly from an upper portion of bracket. The alignment lip may be configured to extend partially over an upper portion of the support members.

The brackets may comprises a vertical rear panel from which side panels extend perpendicularly. A base may extend between lower portions of the side panels to support the bridge members. The bracket may include apertures to assist in securing the bracket to the support members. The bracket may further include apertures to assist in securing the bridge member to the bracket. Preferably, the brackets comprise first brackets and second brackets. The first brackets may be configured to support the bridge members in a first direction, and the second brackets may be configured to support the bridge members in a second direction. Preferably, the bracket comprises first and second side portions, for supporting first and second bridge members. The first and second side portions may be configured to support first and second bridge members extending in opposite directions. The first and second side portions may be joined by an alignment member, which is configured to align the bracket relative to the support member. The bracket may comprise a separate lower support portion, to provide support to the bridge member. The bracket may be configured to fit over a purlin. Alternatively, the bracket may be configured to be attached to an underside of the purlin. Preferably, each bridge member is telescopic so that its length can be varied. The roof structure may further include an insulating layer resting directly on the safety barrier. The roof structure may include a roofing layer, supported by the support members, the roofing layer and the insulating layer being separated from each other by an air gap. Each support member may comprise a purlin In another form, the invention resides broadly in a method of building a roof structure, the method comprising the steps of: (i) extending bridge members between adjacent support members such that the end portions of the bridge members are received by brackets coupled to the support members; (ii) supporting a safety barrier with the bridge members; (iii) supporting an insulating layer with the safety barrier; and (iv) supporting a roofing layer with the support members such that the roofing layer and the insulating layer are separated from each other by an air gap. The present specification further discloses a bridge member for a roof structure, the bridge member is substantially rigid and comprises an intermediate portion, and a pair of end portions located at opposite ends of the intermediate portion, each end portion being adapted to be received by an opening in a support member of the roof structure such that the end portion can be inhibited from being withdrawn from the opening. The rigidity of the bridge member means that it may be used for spacing a plurality of the support members apart from each other at regular intervals, and for maintaining the spacing between them. Preferably, the intermediate portion includes a main panel, and a pair of side panels extending from opposite sides of the main panel. The side panels are preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to the main panel. In a particular preferred form, each of the end portions includes a neck portion which extends from the intermediate portion, and a head portion which extends from the neck portion and which is wider than the neck portion. Each of the neck portions is preferably in the form of a panel. It is preferred that each of the neck portions is narrower than the intermediate portion. It is also preferred that each of the head portions is wider than the neck portion from which the head portion extends. It is also preferred that each of the neck portions includes a main panel. Each of the head portions may include a main panel. Bridge member is preferably telescopic Preferably need to screw together two parts of telescopic bridge member The present specification also discloses a support member for a roof structure, the support member comprising a plurality of openings that are each adapted to receive an end portion of a bridge member such that the end portion of the bridge member can be inhibited from being withdrawn from the opening.

The support members may be of any suitable type. Preferably, each of the support members is a purlin or a rafter. The support member may have any suitable profile. Preferably, the profile of the support member includes a lower portion. The lower portion is preferably in the form of a lower panel. The profile of the support member preferably includes an upper portion. The upper portion is preferably in the form of an upper panel. In a particular preferred form, the support member has a substantially Z-shaped profile which includes the lower portion, the upper portion, and an intermediate portion which extends between the lower portion and the upper portion. The intermediate portion is preferably in the form of an intermediate panel. The intermediate portion is preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to the lower portion and the upper portion. The support member may be made from any suitable material. Preferably, the support member is made from metal. For example, the support member may be made from steel or a steel alloy. In a particular preferred form, the support member is made from sheet metal. Preferably, each opening includes a first portion which allows the end portions of the bridge members to be inserted into and removed from the opening, and a second narrower portion which adjoins the first portion and which is able to inhibit the end portions from being withdrawn from the opening. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof structure comprising: support members defining openings; bridge members extending between the support members, end portions of the bridge members able to be received by the openings in the support members such that the end portions can be inhibited from being withdrawn from the openings; and a safety barrier supported by the bridge members. Preferably, a safety barrier is supported by the bridge members and an insulating layer rests directly on the safety barrier. A roofing layer may be supported by the support. The roofing layer and the insulating layer may be separated from each other by an air gap. Each support member may be a purlin, and the purlins may be pulled toward each other by the bridge members if sufficient downward force is applied to bend the bridge members. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of building a roof structure, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) extending bridge members between adjacent support members such that the end portions of the bridge members are received by the openings in the support members and the end portions can be inhibited from being withdrawn from the openings; (ii) supporting a safety barrier with the bridge members; (iii) supporting an insulating layer with the safety barrier; and (iv) supporting a roofing layer with the support members such that the roofing layer and the insulating layer are separated from each other by an air gap. By extending between the support members and being secured relative to the support members, the bridge members increase the rigidity and the strength of the roof structure. The presence of the air gap between the insulating layer and the roofing layer means that the roof structure is able to comply with the part of Section J of the BCA which requires the presence of such an air gap. The bridge members form part of a fall protection system which also comprises the safety barrier because the bridge members support the safety barrier. The support members may be of any suitable type. Preferably, each of the support members is a purlin or a rafter. The support members may have any suitable profile. Preferably, the profile of each of the support members includes a lower portion for supporting the cross members. The lower portion is preferably in the form of a lower panel. The profile of each of the support members preferably includes an upper portion for supporting the roof panel. The upper portion is preferably in the form of an upper panel. In a particular preferred form, each of the support members has a substantially Z-shaped profile which includes the lower portion, the upper portion, and an intermediate portion which extends between the lower portion and the upper portion. The intermediate portion is preferably in the form of an intermediate panel. The intermediate portion is preferably substantially perpendicular with respect to the lower portion and the upper portion. The support members may be made from any suitable material. Preferably, the support members are made from metal. For example, the support members may be made from steel or a steel alloy. In a particular preferred form, the support members are made from sheet metal. Preferably, in order to further increase the rigidity and strength of the roof structure, each of the bridge members includes an intermediate portion, and a pair of end portions extending from the intermediate portion, and each of the support members includes a plurality of openings which receive the end portions of the bridge members. In a preferred form, the intermediate portion includes a top panel, and a pair of side panels extending from the top panel, and the end portions include the top panel. The side panels of the intermediate portion are preferably perpendicular with respect to the top panel. It is preferred that the end portions of the bridge members, and the openings in the support members are adapted so that the end portions are inhibited from being withdrawn from the openings. It is particularly preferred that the end portions each include a head portion and a narrower neck portion from which the head portion extends, and that the openings each include a first portion which allows the head portion and the neck portion to be inserted into and removed from the opening, and a second narrower portion which adjoins the first portion and which is able to inhibit the head portion from being withdrawn from the opening. Preferably, the end portions of the bridge members are T-shaped. Preferably, the openings in the support members are T-shaped. The rigidity and strength of the roof structure may be further increased if the structure also comprises a plurality of fasteners which secure at least some of the bridge members relative to each other. The fasteners may be of any suitable type. In a particular preferred form, the fasteners are screws. For example, the fasteners may be "Tek" screws, or any other suitable type of screw. The bridge members may be made from any suitable material. Preferably, the bridge members are made from metal. For example, the bridge members may be made from steel or a steel alloy. In a particular preferred form, the bridge members are made from sheet metal. The roof structure may include any suitable number of bridge members. Preferably, the more bridge members which the roof structure includes, the more rigid the roof structure, and vice versa. The bridge members are preferably spaced apart from each other. The amount by which the bridge members are spaced apart from each other influences the rigidity and strength of the roof structure such that the smaller the amount, the greater the rigidity and strength of the roof structure, and vice versa. It is preferred that the bridge members are laterally spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. The bridge members have centres which are preferably spaced apart from each other at intervals of 20 mm to 3,000 mm. In a particular preferred embodiment, the centres of the cross members are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals of 1,200 mm. The safety barrier which is secured relative to the bridge members may be of any suitable type. For example, the safety barrier may be in the form of safety mesh or net. In a particular preferred form, the barrier comprises a plurality of separate wires which are secured to and which extend between the bridge members. The insulating layer may be provided by any suitable type of insulation. Preferably, the insulating layer is provided by a layer of thermal insulation. The roofing layer may be of any suitable type. Preferably, the roofing layer may be provided by one or more roof panels or sheets. For example, the roofing layer may be provided by one or more sheet metal panels. The air gap which separates the roofing layer and the insulating layer from each other may be any suitable size. The air gap is preferably 50 mm - 300 mm wide. Preferably, the width of the air gap complies with Section J of the BCA. In a particular preferred form, the air gap is 100 mm wide.

Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roof structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bridge member of the roof structure; and Figure 3 is an end view of the roof structure; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a telescopic bridge member of a roof structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention with parts separated; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the telescopic bridge member of Figure 4 with parts engaged; Figure 6 is a top view of the telescopic bridge member of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view of the telescopic bridge member of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a bottom view of the telescopic bridge member of Figure 5; Figure 9 is an end view of the telescopic bridge member of Figure 5; Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the telescopic bridge member of Figure 5 engaging with a purlin; Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a roof structure, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates a side view of the roof structure of Figure 11; Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a roof structure, according to yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 illustrates a side view of the roof structure of Figure 13; Figure 15 illustrates a side view of a bracket of the roof structure of Figure 13; Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket of the roof structure of Figure 13; Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a roof structure, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 illustrates a bracket of a roof structure, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a roof structure, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 illustrates a lower support portion of the roof structure of Figure 19; and Figure 21 illustrates a roof structure, according to yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring to the figures, a roof structure 20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of adjacent support members in the form of purlins 21. Purlins 21 are parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from each other at regular or irregular intervals. Each purlin 21 is made from sheet metal, and has a Z-shaped profile comprising a lower portion in the form of a lower panel 22, an upper portion in the form of an upper panel 23, and a vertical intermediate portion in the form of an intermediate panel 24 which extends between the lower panel 22 and the upper panel 23, and which is perpendicular with respect to the lower panel 22 and the upper panel 23. A lip 25 extends upwardly from the lower panel 22, and is perpendicular with respect to the lower panel 22. A lip 26 extends downwardly from the upper panel 23, and is perpendicular with respect to the upper panel 23. A plurality of T-shaped openings 27 are punched into the intermediate panel 24 of each purlin 21. Openings 27 are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the length of the purlins 21. Figure 1 only shows one of the openings 27 in each of the purlins 21. Each opening 27 includes a first portion 28 and a second narrower portion 29 which adjoins the first portion 28. A plurality of bridge members 30 are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and extend laterally between each pair of adjacent purlins 21 such that the bridge members 30 are perpendicular with respect to the purlins 21. Each bridge member 30 is made from sheet metal, and includes an intermediate portion 31 and a pair of end portions 32 which extend from the intermediate portion 31. Intermediate portion 31 includes a top panel 33 and a pair of side panels 34 which extend perpendicularly from the top panel 33. Each end portion 32 is provided by the top panel 33, and includes a head portion 35 and a narrower neck portion 36 which extends from the head portion 35. The end portions 32 of the bridge members 30 are each received by the openings 27 in the purlins 21. The side panels 34 of each bridge member 30 are supported by the lip 25 of one of the purlins 21 which the bridge member 30 extends between. In order to insert the end portion 32 of a bridge member 30 into one of the openings 27, the head portion 35 and the neck portion 36 of the end portion 32 are inserted into the first portion 28 of the opening 27 so that the neck portion 36 is located above the second portion 29 of the opening 27. The neck portion 36 is then lowered into the second portion 29. The width of the second portion 29 is such that the head portion 35 is inhibited from being withdrawn from the opening 27. The end portion 32 is able to be removed from the opening 27 by firstly raising the end portion relative to the opening 27 so that the neck portion 36 is located in the first portion 28. The head portion 35 and the neck portion 36 are then able to be withdrawn from the first portion 28 of the opening 27. Each opening 27 is able to receive an end portion 32 of two bridge members as shown in figures 1 and 3. The end portion 32 of one of the bridge members 30 which is received by a particular opening 27 overlies the other bridge member 30 which is received by that opening 27. In particular, the head portion 35 of the overlying end portion 32 lies on top of the top panel 33 of the other bridge member 30 which is received by the opening 27. The end portions 32 of the two bridge members which are received by the opening 27 are secured together with fasteners which are in the form of 12 x 25 "Tek" screws 37. A safety barrier 40 for preventing a person from falling off the roof structure is secured relative to the bridge members 30 of the roof structure 20 as shown in figures 1 and 3. Barrier 40 comprises a plurality of individual safety wires 41 which extend between adjacent bridge members 30. Wires 41 are secured to the bridge members 30 by wrapping or looping their ends around the bridge members 30 and then twisting the ends around the wires 41 as depicted in figure 1. The bridge members 30 and the safety barrier 40 support an insulating layer which is provided by thermal insulation 42. Insulation 42 may be any suitable type of insulation. For example, insulation 42 may be fibreglass or wool insulation. A roofing layer provided by one or more ribbed roof panels or sheets 50 is supported by the purlins 21 such that the sheets 50 rest on the upper panels 23 of the purlins 21. Roof sheets 50 and the insulation 42 are separated from each other by an air gap 60 which is 100 mm wide.

A method of building the roof structure 20 is now briefly described. The method comprises the steps of: (i) extending a plurality of bridge members 30 laterally between a plurality of adjacent purlins 21 such that the end portions 32 of the bridge members 31 are received by the openings 27 in the purlins 21 such that the end portions 31 can be inhibited from being withdrawn from the openings 27; (ii) supporting the safety barrier 40 with the bridge members 30; (iii) supporting the insulating layer 42 with the safety barrier 40; and (iv) supporting the roofing layer 50 with the purlins 21 such that the roofing layer 50 and the insulating layer 42 are separated from each other by the air gap 60. Turning to Figure 4, each bridge member 30 can be replaced by a telescopic bridge member 60 including two generally C-shaped body parts 62, 64 (see also Figure 9). The bridge member 60 is substantially rigid and comprises an intermediate portion formed by the overlapping body parts 62, 64, and a pair of end portions 32 located at opposite ends of the intermediate portion. Each end portion 32 (as previously described) is adapted to be received by an opening 27 in a purlin 21 such that the end portion 32 can be inhibited from being withdrawn from the opening 27. The rigid bridge members 60 can be used to space a plurality of the purlins 21 apart from each other at regular intervals, and for maintaining the spacing between the purlins 21. Each body part 62, 64 is of a similar construction. However, as can best be seen in Figures 5 to 8, body part 64 is dimensioned so as to be snugly slid within body part 62. Body part 64 defines a threaded fastening hole 66 for receiving a grub screw to fixedly fasten the movable parts 62, 64 together. In addition, one of the end portions 32 may define another fastening hole 68 in which a "Tek" screw 37 can be received when fastening end portions 32 of serially arranged bridge members 60 together. Turning to Figure 10, there is provided another purlin 70 with an intermediate panel 72. The purlin 70 is rotationally symmetric and defines a pair of symmetric openings 74a, 74b so that the purlin 70 has the same characteristics when mounted in either orientation, 1800apart. Each opening 74 defines a central portion 76 through which an end portion 32 is initially received. A pair of walls 78 taper downwardly to guide the neck portion 36 of the bridge member 60, and resiliently reciprocate to lock the bridge member 60 in a bottom recess 80 of the opening 74. Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a roof structure 200, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 illustrates a side view of the roof structure 200. The roof structure 200 is similar to the roof structure 20 of Figure 1. The roof structure 200 comprises a plurality of adjacent support members in the form of purlins 21, of which only one is illustrates for the sake of simplicity. The purlins 21 are parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from each other at regular or irregular intervals as illustrated with reference to Figure 1. As discussed above, each purlin 21 is made from sheet metal, and has a Z shaped profile comprising a lower portion in the form of a lower panel 22, an upper portion in the form of an upper panel 23, and a vertical intermediate portion in the form of an intermediate panel 24 which extends between the lower panel 22 and the upper panel 23, and which is perpendicular with respect to the lower panel 22 and the upper panel 23. A lip 25 extends upwardly from the lower panel 22, and is perpendicular with respect to the lower panel 22. A lip 26 extends downwardly from the upper panel 23, and is perpendicular with respect to the upper panel 23. A bracket 400 is coupled to the purlin 21 and provides a support for bridge members 300 that extend between the purlins 21, in contrast to the T-shaped openings 27 described in relation to roof structure 20 of Figure 1. A plurality of bridge members 300 are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and extend laterally between each pair of adjacent purlins 21 such that the bridge members 30 are perpendicular with respect to the purlins 21. The brackets 400 are thus also spaced apart from each other at such regular intervals along the length of the purlins 21. Each bridge member 300 is made from sheet metal, and includes first and second portion 300a, 300b which form a telescopic arrangement. In particular, the first portion 300a is able to slide within the second portion 300b to adjust a length of the bridge member 300 to fit between adjacent purlins 21. End portions of the bridge members 300 engage with the brackets 400. In particular, each bracket 400 comprises a vertical rear panel 400a, from which side panels 400b extend perpendicularly. A base 400c extends between lower portions of the side panels 400b, and provides support to the bridge members 300. The base 400c further includes an internal locating lip 400d, which extends upwards from the base 400c, and in use slots into a channel (not shown) of the bridge member 300, to assist in locating the bridge member 300 on the bracket 400 during installation. The bracket 400 further include an alignment lip 400e, for aligning the bracket 400 relative to the purlin 21 height wise. The alignment lip 400e extends rearwardly from an upper portion of the vertical rear panel 400a and is configured to extend partially over the upper panel 23 of the purlin 21. The alignment lip 400e ensures that there is a correct and consistent gap between insulation and roofing, without requiring measuring or the like. Finally, the bracket 400 includes apertures 400f on the vertical rear panel 400a, to assist in securing the bracket 400 to the purlin 21, and on the side panels 400b, to assist in securing the bridge member 300 to the bracket 300. In particular, fasteners in the form screws 37 are used to attach the bracket 400 to the purlin 21, and the bridge member 300 to the bracket 400. The apertures provide assistance in selecting a location for the screws 37, and enable an inspector to perform a quick visual check that the screws 37 have installed in the correct location. A safety barrier 40 for preventing a person from falling off the roof structure is secured relative to the bridge members 300, similar to that illustrated with reference to figures 1 and 3. Barrier 40 comprises a plurality of individual safety wires 41 which extend between adjacent bridge members 300. Wires 41 are secured to the bridge members 300 by wrapping or looping their ends around the bridge members 300 and then twisting the ends around the wires 41. The bridge members 300 and the safety barrier 40 support an insulating layer which is provided by thermal insulation 42. Insulation 42 may be any suitable type of insulation. For example, insulation 42 may be fibreglass or wool insulation. A roofing layer provided by one or more ribbed roof panels or sheets (not illustrated), in a similar manner to that illustrated with reference to Figure 1. In particular, roof sheets and the insulation 42 are separated from each other by an air gap which is about 100 mm wide.

Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a roof structure 500, according to yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 illustrates a side view of the roof structure 500. The roof structure 500 is similar to the roof structure 200 of Figure 11. The roof structure 500 comprises a plurality of adjacent support members in the form of purlins 21, which are parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from each other at regular or irregular intervals. Each purlin 21 is made from sheet metal, as described above. A first bracket 400-1 is coupled to the purlin 21 and provides a support for bridge members 300-1 that extend between the purlins 21 in one direction. Similarly, a second bracket 400-2 is coupled to the purlin 21 and provides a support for bridge members 300-1 that extend between the purlins 21 in an opposite direction. The bridge members 300-1 are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and extend laterally between each pair of adjacent purlins 21 such that the bridge members 30 are perpendicular with respect to the purlins 21. The brackets 400 1 and 400-2 are thus also spaced apart from each other at such regular intervals along the length of the purlins 21. Each bridge member 300-1 is made from sheet metal, includes a bottom panel 330-1 and a pair of side panels 340-1 which extend perpendicularly upwards from the bottom panel 330, and a pair of lips 350-1 that extend perpendicularly inwardly from the side panels 340-1. End portions of the bridge members 300 engage with the brackets 400-1 and 400-2. In particular, as best illustrated in Figure 15 and 16, each bracket 400-1 and 400-2 comprises a vertical rear panel 400a-1, from which side panels 400b-1 extend perpendicularly. A base 400c-1 extends between lower portions of the side panels 400b-1, and provides support to the bridge members 300-1. The base 400c-1 further includes an internal locating lip 400d-1, which extends upwards from the base 400c, and in use slots into a channel 300c-1 of the bridge member 300, to assist in locating the bridge member 300 on the brackets 400-1 and 400-2. The first bracket 400-1 further include an alignment lip 400e-1, for aligning the bracket 400-1 relative to the purlin 21 height wise. The alignment lip 400e-1 extends rearwardly from an upper portion of the vertical rear panel 400a and is configured to extend partially over the upper panel 23 of the purlin 21. The second bracket 400-2 does not include an alignment lip 400e-1 as it is instead configured to abut a lower surface of the upper panel 23. Finally, the brackets 400-1 and 400-2 include apertures 400f-1 on the vertical rear panel 400a-1, to assist in securing the brackets 400-1 and 400-2 to the purlin 21, and on the side panels 400b, to assist in securing the bridge member 300-1 to the brackets 400-1 and 400-2. The bridge member 300-1 further includes apertures 300a 1, which in use align with the apertures 400f-1 of the brackets 400-1 and 400-2. In addition, a dome shaped indentation in the form of a locator 400g-1 punched into the brackets 400-1 and 400-2, together with corresponding dome shape locators 400g-2 in the bridge members 300-1 allow the brackets 400-1 and 400-2, and to be snapped together in position before the screwing process takes place to assist in accuracy and speed in the installation process. In particular, screws 37 attach the brackets 400-1 and 400-2 to the purlin 21, and the bridge member 300-1 to the brackets 400-1 and 400-2, which are held in place by the locators 400g-1 and 400g-2. A safety barrier 40 for preventing a person from falling off the roof structure (not illustrated) is secured relative to the bridge members 300-1, similar to that illustrated with reference to figures 1 and 3. The bridge members 300-1 and the safety barrier 40 support thermal insulation 42. A roofing layer is provided by one or more ribbed roof panels or sheets (not illustrated), in a similar manner to that illustrated with reference to Figure 1. In particular, roof sheets and the insulation 42 are separated from each other by an air gap which is about 100 mm wide. According to some embodiments (not illustrated), the bracket 400 is configured to releasably attach to and engage with the purlin 21 without the use of screws. In such case, the internal locating lip 400d, 400d-1 may engage with the channel 300c-1 to provide a reliable connection between the bridge member 300-1 and the brackets 400-1 and 400-2. Advantageously, the roof structures 200, 500 may be used with standard purlins 21, without requiring the addition of apertures or the like. In particular, the roof structures 200, 500 may be used together with steel or wood purlins, or purlins of any other suitable material.

The alignment lip 400e, 400e-1 on top of the bracket 400, 400-1 automatically locates the bracket square to the purlin 21 and at the correct height, which in turn enables the bridging members 300, 300-1 to be installed simply accurately. The locating apertures 400f, 400f-1 and 300a-1 simplify installation, and ensure an accurate and expedited installation process. In particular, the internal locating lip 400d holds the bridging members 300, 300-1 in place such that the apertures 400f-1 and 300a-1 are aligned. Finally, the brackets 400, 400-1, 400-2, may be selected from different sizes to accommodate different insulation thicknesses as required, and without the need to cut bridge members 300, 300-1. Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a roof structure 600, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The roof structure 600 is similar to the roof structure 200 of Figure 11. The roof structure 600 comprises a plurality of adjacent support members in the form of purlins 21, of which only one is illustrated. The purlins 21 are parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from each other at regular or irregular intervals as illustrated with reference to Figure 1. A bracket 605 is coupled to the purlin 21 and provides a support for bridge members (not illustrated) that extend between the purlins 21, in a similar manner to that discussed above in the context of the bracket 400. However, the bracket 605 comprises first and second side portions 605a, 605b, which each provide support for a bridge member on respective sides of the purlin 21. The first and second side portions 605a, 605b are coupled by an alignment member 610, which aligns the bracket 605 relative to the purlin 21 height wise. In particular, the alignment member 610 extends from one side of the purlin 21, over the upper panel 23, and to the other side of the purlin 21. The alignment member 610 ensures that there is a correct and consistent gap between insulation and roofing, without requiring measuring. The alignment member 610 further enables the bracket 605 to balance on the purlin, and be moved laterally (i.e. slid) along the purlin 21 to a suitable location, upon which the bracket 605 may be secured to the purlin 21.

The bracket 605 includes apertures 615 on a vertical rear panel 620, to assist in securing the bracket 605 to the purlin 21. As discussed above, fasteners in the form screws can be used to attach the bracket 605 to the purlin 21, and the apertures 615 provide assistance in locating the screws. A safety barrier can then be coupled to the bridge members for preventing a person from falling off the roof structure 600, similar to that illustrated with reference to figures 1 and 3, which also support an insulating layer. A roofing layer is then provided, in a similar manner to that illustrated with reference to Figure 1. Figure 18 illustrates a bracket 700, similar to the bracket 605 of Figure 17 and includes first and second side portions 700a, 700b. The first side portion 700a comprises a vertical rear panel 705, from which side panels 710 extend perpendicularly. A base 715 extends between lower portions of the side panels 710, and provides support to the bridge members on one side of the bracket 700. The base 715 further includes internal locating lips 720, which extends upwards from the base 715, and in use slot into a channel or apertures of the bridge member, to assist in locating the bridge member on the bracket 700 during installation. The second side portion 700b comprises an upper vertical rear panel 725, parallel to the vertical rear panel 705, a lower vertical rear panel 730, and an angled intermediate panel 735 extending from the upper vertical rear panel 725 to the lower vertical rear panel 730. Side panels 710 extend perpendicularly from the lower vertical rear panel 730, and a base 715 extends between lower portions of the side panels 710, and provides support to the bridge members on the other side. The bracket 700 further includes an alignment member 740, extending between the first and second side portions 700a, 700b. The alignment member 740 assists in aligning the bracket 700 relative to the purlin 21, height wise, in a manner similar to the alignment lip 610, i.e. by extending over the purlin from one side to another. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the shape and location of angled intermediate panel 735, together with the sizes of the panels 705, 725, 730, may be chosen to suit any suitable purlin type, including, but not limited to various Z purlins. Similarly, a height of the side portions 700a, 700b may be selected to accommodate for different depths of insulating materials by raising or lowering the bridge members relative to the purlin. Finally, the bracket 700 includes apertures 740 on the side panels 710 to assist in securing the bridge member to the bracket 700. Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a roof structure 800, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The roof structure 800 is similar to the roof structure 600. The roof structure 800 includes a bracket 805, comprising a first portion 805a and a second portion 805b, similar to the first portion 700a and second portion 700b, but with separate lower support portion 810. In particular, and as illustrated with reference to Figure 20, the lower support portion 810 includes vertical support portions 815, side panels 820 that extend perpendicularly from the vertical support portions 815, and a base 825 that extends between lower portions of the side panels 820, and provides support to the bridge member. The lower support portion 810 includes an internal locating lip 830, which extends upwards from the base 825, and in use slots into a channel of the bridge member, similar to the lip 720. Figure 21 illustrates a roof structure 900, according to yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The roof structure 900 is similar to the roof structure 600, but is attached to an underside of the purlin 21 and includes a bracket 905, comprising first and second side portions 905a, 905b. The bracket 905 is very similar to an inverted version of the bracket 605. In particular, the first side portion 905a comprises a vertical rear panel 910, from which a base 915 extends perpendicularly to provide support to the bridge members on one side of the bracket 905. The base 915 includes an internal locating lip 920, which extends upwards from the base 915, and in use slots into a channel of the bridge member. The second side portion 905b comprises a lower vertical rear panel 925, parallel to the vertical rear panel 910, an upper vertical rear panel 930, and an angled intermediate panel 935 extending from the lower vertical rear panel 925 to the upper vertical rear panel 930. A base 940 extends outwardly from an upper portion of the upper vertical rear panel 930, and includes an internal locating lip 920.

A support bracket 945, similar to the lower support portion 810 of Figure 20,

is provided to support the base 915, particularly when load is applied to the bridge

members.

It may be advantageous to use the bracket 905 when working at heights and

from an elevated work platform (EWP) as the bracket 905 can be attached from

below. Additionally, roof screws need not be forced through the bracket 905 when

installing the roof, as no portion of the bracket 905 is between the purlin 21 and the

roof.

Additionally, installation of the safety barrier 40 may be expedited as the

wire of the safety barrier 40 generally will not get caught on the brackets 905 when it

is rolled out.

Throughout the specification and the claims, unless the context requires

otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising",

will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but

not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires

otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to

the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and

modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing

from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be

apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and

ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to

herein, that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part

of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Claims

Claims: 1. A roof structure comprising: support members; brackets coupled to the support members; bridge members coupled to the brackets and extending between the support members; and

a safety barrier supported by the bridge members, wherein the bracket includes an alignment member comprising an alignment lip configured to extend at least partially over an upper portion of one of the support members.
2. The roof structure of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a locating member, for engaging with the bridge member.
3. The roof structure of claim 2, wherein the locating member comprises a locating lip, which engages with a corresponding channel of the bridge member.
4. The roof structure of claim 3, wherein the locating lip extends upwardly from the bracket.
5. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment member aligns the bracket relative to the purlin.
6. The roof structure of claim 5, wherein the alignment lip extends rearwardly from an upper portion of the bracket.
7. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brackets comprise vertical rear panels from which side panels extend perpendicularly.
8. The roof structure of claim 7, wherein a base extends between lower portions of the side panels to support the bridge members.
9. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket includes apertures to assist in securing the bracket to the support members.
10. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket further includes apertures to assist in securing the bridge member to the bracket.
11. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brackets comprises first brackets and second brackets, wherein the first brackets are configured to support the bridge members in a first direction, and the second brackets may be configured to support the bridge members in a second direction.
12. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brackets comprise first and second side portions, for supporting first and second bridge members.
13. The roof structure of claim 12, wherein the first and second side portions are configured to support first and second bridge members extending in opposite directions.
14. The roof structure of claim 12, wherein the first and second side portions are joined by an alignment member, which is configured to align the bracket relative to the support member.
15. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket comprises a separate lower support portion, to provide support to the bridge member.
16. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket is configured to fit over a purlin.
17. The roof structure of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the bracket is configured to be attached to an underside of a purlin.
18. The roof structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each bridge member is telescopic so that its length can be varied.
19. A method of building a roof structure, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) extending bridge members between adjacent support members such that the end portions of the bridge members are received by brackets coupled to the support members; (ii) supporting a safety barrier with the bridge members; (iii) supporting an insulating layer with the safety barrier; and (iv) supporting a roofing layer with the support members such that the roofing layer and the insulating layer are separated from each other by an air gap, wherein each of the brackets include an alignment member comprising an alignment lip configured to extend at least partially over an upper portion of one of the support members.