AU662747B2 - Roofing system - Google Patents

Description

662747 P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATJON STANDARD PATENT oo a o r a ~o a ~l o ooo o or a r o a r a oo a Is Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: SANDALE PTY LTD RONALD PHILIP FORLEE a a a o a rrll ~ra a a tlr D a rr a o a a pr Irr*rr r o a u a u ~*r a WRAY ASSOCIATES, Primary Industry House, Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000.

239 Adelaide Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "ROOFING SYSTEM" Details of Associated Provisional Application No: PK7660 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 2 THIS INVENTION relates to a roofing system. The invention is concerned with roof cladding which uses elongate profiled metal sheets. The invention will also seek to provide a method of constructing a roof utilising the roofing system.

Conventional methods of roofing houses or buildings usually involves the laying down of purlins or other such structural components across the rafters of the house or building in order to provide support for subsequently laid roof tiles or sheets and also to provide support for the workmen who are building the roof.

The roof tiles are commonly individual ceramic or clay tiles although corrugated sheeting or panelling can also be used. Roof sheeting or panelling is normally affixed to each other by means of rivets or bolts which are exposed to the environment. In some instances rubber coverings can be placed over the exposed bolt or rivet heads in order to avoid corrosion of the bolt. However the rubber coverings are susceptible to sun and rain etc and can be weathered down over a reasonably short period of time thereby leaving the bolt or rivet head exposed allowing corrosion to follow.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least reduced these disadvantages by providing a roofing system in which there is concealed fixing of roofing sheets or panels to each other and which also avoids or reduces the need to use purlins or other like structural members when constructing the roof.

-3- Thus in one form the invention resides in a sheet having a roofing system comprising a roofing sheet having first and second connecting means at opposing sides of the sheet, the first connecting means being connectable with a second connecting means provided on a similar sheet to define a join, the first connecting means comprising a male member projecting inwardly and upwardly of the sheet, the second connecting means comprising a female member having an opening facing inwardly of the sheet, the male member being defined by a first rib formed from a fold in the sheet and the female member being defined by a second rib similarly formed, the female member of the sheet being able to receive the male member of the similar sheet, the first rib of the similar sheet is adapted to overlay the second rib of the sheet such that the male and female members are in engagement, at ieat one of the sheets being moveable in a direction away from the join so as to tighten the connection between the sheets, wherein one or more fixing means are provided for securing the second connecting means of the sheet to a support structure, the fixing means comprising a cleat having an engaging portion and a fixing portion, the engaging portion being adapted to engage the second connecting means and the fixing portion being adapted for attachment to the support structure, wherein the first *til t and second ribs have profiles corresponding both to each other and to the engaging portion and between which the engaging portion is positioned, the first and second ribs each being of a generously V-shaped configuration, the similar sheet overlaying the fixing portion of the fixing means.

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A1 k1 4 In one arrangement it is preferable that at or towards one side of the sheet there is provided a fixing portion to enable the sheet to be secured to a support structure. The fixing portion may be provided closely adjacent the second connecting means. The fixing portion may comprise an elongate strip which is adapted for attachment to a support structure. The fixing portion preferably anchors the sheet to the support structure and allows secret or concealed fixing of the sheet to the support structure. The fixing 10 portion may be made integral with the sheet.

t 4 In another form of the invention fixing means is provided 4.4, 44#4 for securing said sheet to a support structure, said fixing means having an engaging portion adapted to be located between said first and second connecting means of said sheets when connected, wherein said fixing means anchors said second connecting means of said sheet to said support structure.

It is preferable that the engaging portion is similarly S"configured to the first and second ri}'.

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20 Where the first and second ribs are of generally V-shaped configuration, the engaging portion of the fixing means may S" also be of a corresponding V-shape configuration.

Preferably, the first connecting means of said similar she, engages the second connecting means of said sheet such that the first connecting means of the similar sheet at least partially shields the second connecting means from the environment. Preferably the connection is such that the fixing means is also shielded from the environment.

The sheet according to the invention has been devised particularly as a roof sheet, but it may have other applications such as a wall or fence sheeting.

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In other form the invention resides in a roofing system comprising a plurality of sheets as hereinbefore described joined to one another.

In still another form the invention resides in a roofing system comprising a plurality of roof sheets as described above each having first and second connecting means provided at opposing sides thereof wherein said first connecting means of a first roof sheet is engagable with said second connecting means of a second roof sheet to define a join there between, fixing means adapted for location between o :said first connecting of said first roof sheet and said second connecting means of said second roof sheet so as to o:o: secure said second roof sheet to said support structure wherein said first roof sheet is capable of being forced in 15 a direction away from said join so as to tighten the connection between the roof sheets with said fixing means in position.

i *r riۥ It is preferable that the second connecting means comprises aa female member which may be defined by the second connecting means and the body of the roof sheet. The male member may be in the form of a curved portion.

It is preferred that the fixing means be provided with an engaging portion for engagement with said second connecting means. The fixing means may also have a base portion for attachment to the support structure by provision of a bolt or the like. The engaging portion corresponds generally to the profile of the second connecting means. Preferably profiles of first and second connecting means and the engaging portion all generally correspond to one another so that they can be arranged on top of each other.

-6- The engaging portion i 1referably of substantially V-shaped configuration. Preferably when two roof sheets are connected in the manner described above the one roof sheet at least partially shields the fixing means from the environment.

In one arrangement, the base portion of the fixing means is Sadapted to engage the outer surface of the support structure I and be anchored thereto.

In another arrangement the base portion of the fixing means is adapted to engage a side face of the support structure and to be anchored thereto. In this arrangement the base portion may be of twisted configuration.

0 In yet another form the invention resides in a method of constructing a roof utilising roof sheets as described above comprising the steps of: 0: locating a first roof sheet on a support structure, wherein I 4 said first roof sheet is provided with first and second r o .0,0 connecting means at opposite sides thereof, said second 000 connecting means is engagable with said first connecting means of a second roof sheet to form a join; positioning fixing means over said second connecting means of said first roof sheet; anchoring said fixing means to said support structure; locating said second roof sheet over said support structure adjacent said first roof sheet such that said first connecting means of said second roof sheet engages said second connecting means of said first roof sheet such that said second roof sheet partially overlays said first roof sheet; ,e i -7forcing said first roof sheet in a direction away from said join so as to tighten the connection between the roof sheets.

ji It is preferable that the second connecting means comprises a female member which may be defined by the second connecting means and the body of the roof sheet.

It is preferable that the fixing means be secured to the support structure so as to secure the second connecting O 0: means of the first roof sheet to the support structure.

0 0 0000 i0 The support structure is preferably the rafter of the house or building. It is envisaged that a roof be constructed in the above mentioned method utilising a plurality of roof sheets. The method is suitable for use in constructing graded roofs or flat roofs.

In yet another form the invention resides in a roof constructed utilising the above mentioned method, and 00 incorporating roof sheets as hereinbefore described.

"oo' :One specific embodiment of the invention will now be Sodescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the fixing means according to the invention; Figure 2 is an alternative arrangement of fixing means according to the invention; /7 S- 8 Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a f-rst embodiment of the roof sheet according to the invention; Figure 4 is a side view showing the profile of two adjacent roof sheets of Figure 3 joined to form a flat roof according to the first embodiment; Figure 5 is a magnified fragmentary view of the join between the roof sheets of Figure Figure 6 is a front perspective view of another arrangement of the roof sheet according to the first embodiment; Figure 7 is a side view showing the profile of two adjacent roof sheets of Figure 6 joined to form a graded roof o according to the invention; o Figure 8 is a magnified fragmentary view of the join between the roof sheets of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the roof sheet according to the invention; Figure 10 is a side view showing the profile of two adjacent roof sheets of Figure 9 joined to form a graded roof according to the second embodiment; and Figure 11 is a magnified fragmentary view of the join between the roof sheets of Figure The embodiment is directed to a roof sheet 10 as depicted in Figure 3, the side profile of which is best seen in Figure having first connecting means generally indicated at 12 and second connecting means generally indicated at 14 at opposing sides of the roof sheet 10. This roof sheet 10 is intended to create a flat roof and can be corrugated according to specific requirements.

The first connecting means is formed by one side of the roof sheet 10 being folded to form a first rib 16 which extends throughout the width of the roof sheet 10. The first rib 16 is configured to define a male member 17. The male member 17 compriscd curved portion which extends inwardly aid ~L~ii -I 9upwardly of the roof sheet 10. In this particular embodiment the first rib 16 is of generally V-shaped K configuration and constant cross-section.

The second connecting means 14 is formed by the other side of the roof sheet 10 being folded inwardly to form a second rib 18 which defines a female member 19. The second rib 18 is configured to provided with an opening 20 between the rib 18 and the body of the roof sheet 10. The face 25 of the opening 20 provided by the second rib 18 is also of curved configuration projedting inwardly and upwardly of the roof sheet 10 to correspond to the curvature of the male member o. o 17. The opening 20 faces inwards of the roof sheet 10 and is adapted to receive the male member 17. The second rib 18 is also of a generally V-shaped configuration and ccrostant cross-section.

Figure 5 is a magnified view of two adjacent roof sheets and 10b of Figure 4 connected together. The connection is V V achieved by roof sheet 10b being laid over roof sheet such that the first rib 16 of roof sheet 10b overlays the 20 second rib 18 of roof sheet 10a such that the male member 17 is engaged with the female member 19 to define a join 22.

As depicted in Figure 5 fixing means in the form of a cleat S° 30 is provided for concealed securing of the roof sheet to a roofing support structure 32 which can be in the form of rafters or the like. The cleat 30 is provided with an W% engaging portion 34 which is configured to correspond to the profile of the first and second ribs 16, 18. Thus in this embodiment the engaging portion 34 is alse of a generally Vshaped configuration. The engaging portion 34 is adapted to be located between the firs'i. and second connecting means of the roof sheets 10b and 10a when connected. The cleat 30 is also provided with a base portion 36 having an aperture 38 which is capable of receiving a bolt 40 or the like in order i

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to anchor the cleat 30 to the support structure 32. The cleat 30 is also locatable between the second connecting means 14 of roof sheet 10b and the first connecting means of a third roof sheet (not shown). A plurality of roof sheets are connectable in a similar fashion. When located between the first and second connecting means of adjacent roof sheets the cleat 30 is shielded from the environment by one roof sheet where it partially overlays an adjacent roof sheet. In this way the bolt 40 is also shielded from the environment in order to avoid rusting.

o Any number of cleats 30 may be used in joining two roof sheets together and they may be arranged spaced apart along the second rib 18.

The cleat 30 serves primarily to shield the bolt 40 from the environment but also has a secondary role and serves to reinforce the join 22 between adjacent connected roof sheets and The embodiment can also be adapted to form a graded roof.

As best depicted in Figure 6, the first and second connecting means 12 and 14 of the roof sheet 50 is identical to that of roof sheet 10. However roof sheet 50 is configured to be inclined for arrangement on a sloping support structure 52. In this arrangement the roof sheet is also configured to provide the external impression of a stepped roof. Two adjacent roof sheets 50 connected together to form a graded roof are depicted at Figures 7 and 8. The adjacent roof sheets 50a and 50b are connected to each other in the same fashion as previously described in relation to roof sheets 10a and 10b. The cleat 30 is also located between the connecting means 12 and 14 of the adjacent roof sheets 50a, 50b prior to connection in order to secure roof sheet 50a to the roof support structure 52.

i; 11 Figure 2 depicts an alternative arrangement of fixing means also in the form of a cleat 60 having an engaging portion 64 which is also of substantially V-shaped configuration to correspond to the profile of the second rib 18 of the roof sheets 10 or 50. The difference between this arrangement and the previously described cleat 30 lies in the base portion 66 which in the alternative form is twisted in order to allow the cleat to be affixed to a side face of the support structure 32 or 52 when required.

The present invention avoids or reduces the need for purlins S.or the like structures to be used as the join 22 created between adjacent roof sheets 10 or 50 with the use of the cleat 30 or 60 assists in support the roof sheets.

In use a first roof sheet 10a is laid down on a roof support 15 structure 22. The cleat 30 is then placed over the second rib 18 and the base portion 36 is bolted to the upper face Sof the support structure 32. If the cleat is unable to be attached to the upper face of the support structure 22 then cleat 60 is used for attachment to a side face of the suppo)- structure. Another roof sheet 10b is then laid over the first roof sheet 0la, wherein the first rib 16 of the S* ,roof sheet 10b overlays the second rib 18 of roof sheet 'such that the male member 17 of roof sheet 10b is received 'i in the opening 20 of the female member 19 of the roof sheet 10a to create a join 22. The secureness of the join 22 is Seffected by pulling roof shoet 10b in a direction away from f the join 22 so as to force the male member 17 more securely I within the female member 19 thereby tightening the connection between the roof sheets 10a and 10b. A third roof sheet (not shown) is then connected to the second roof sheet 10b in a similar fashion. Utilising the described roof sheet and roofing system, a plurality of roof sheets can be joined to one another to form a complete roof.

i. 1 r -1 -12- Figures 9, 10 and 11 depict another embodiment of the roof sheet in use on a graded roof which is similar in all aspects to the first embodiment except that the ribs of the connecting means are of different configurations. In this embodiment the first connecting means is formed by folding one side of the roof sheet 100 inwardly to form a first rib 110 of constant cross-section. The first rib 110 is of a generally U-shaped configuration. The terminal end of the first rib 110 is configured to determine a male member 130 which comprises a curved portion which projects inwardly and upwardly of the roof sheet 100. The second connecting means on the other side of the roof sheet 100 is created by folding the roof sheet 100 to form a second rib 120. This results in the formation of a fixing portion 140 in the form of an elongate strip on the roof sheet 100 which is provided with one or more apertures 145 each adapted to receive a bolt or the like so that the second connecting means can be secured directly to a support structure 32.

The second rib 120 is also of a generally U-shaped configuration which is configured to form a female member S150. The female member 150 is defined by an opening 160 ,l being created in the base of the second rib 120 which faces inwardly and upwardly of the roof sheet 100. The upper face 165 of the opening 160 provided by the second rib is of S, 25 curved configuration to correspond to the curved portion of the male member 130.

When two adjacent roof sheets 100Oa and 100b are connected together, the r-of sheets are overlaid such that the first rib 110 of roof sheet 100b overlies the second rib 120 of roof sheei 100a to form a join 135 there between allowing the male member 130 of the roof sheet 100b to be received in the female member 150 of the roof sheet 100a. As with the previous described embodiment, the secureness of the join 135 is effected by pulling roof sheet 100b in a direction ;i 13 away from the join so as to tighten the connection between the male member 130 and the female member 150. This overlaying of adjacent panels results in the fixing portion 140 being shielded from the environment.

This embodiment can also be adapted for roofing a flat roof (not shown).

If desired fixing means can be interposed between the first and second connecting means in order to reinforce the connection. To accommodate the second rib 120 the engaging portion of the fixing means has to be modified to generally correspond to the configuration of the second rib 120.

In use a first roof sheet 100a is laid down on a roof support structure 32. The fixing portion 140 is then affixed to the upper surface of the support structure 32.

If desired the fixing means 3' or 60 is then placed over the second rib and is bolted to the support structure 32.

Another roof sheet 100b is then laid over the first roof sheet 10a, such that the male member 130 of roof sheet 100bI is received in the opening 160 of the female member 150 of 20 the roof sheet 100a. The roof sheet 100b is then pulled in a direction away from the join 135 so as to tighten the connection. A third roof sheet (not shown) is then S" connected to the second roof sheet 100b in a similar fashion. Utilising the described system, a plurality of roof sheets 100 can be joined to one another to form a complete roof.

Various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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Claims (9)

1. A roofing system comprising a roofing sheet having first and second :onnecting means at opposing sides of the sheet, the first connecting means being connectable with a second connecting means provided on a similar sheet to define a join, the first connecting means comprising a male member projecting inwardly and upwardly of the sheet, the second connecting rneans comprising a female member having an opening facing inwardly of the sheet, the male member being defined by a first rib formed from a fold in the sheet and the female member being defined by a second rib similarly formed, the female member of the sheet being able to receive the male member of the similar sheet, the first rib of the similar sheet is adapted to overlay the second rib of the sheet such that the male and female members are in o 0 6 S 0 engagement, at leat one of the sheets being moveable in a direction away from the join so as to tighten the connection between the sheets, wherein 0 0 0 o one or more fixing means are provided for securing the second connecting means of the sheet to a support structure, the fixing means comprising a cleat having an engaging portion and a fixing portion, the engaging portion I being adapted to engage the second connecting means and the fixing portion being adapted for attachment to the support structure, wherein the first and second ribs have profiles corresponding both to each other and to the engaging portion and between which the engaging portion is positioned, the first and second ribs each being of a generously V-shaped configuration, the similar sheet overlaying the fixing portion of the fixing means.

2. A roofing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the male member is defined by a longitudinal portion of the sheet.

3. A roofing system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the female member is defined by the second rib and the body of the sheet. Y I; i FL I I I I

4. A sheet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing portion is located at or toward one side of the sheet. A roofing system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing portion of the or each cleat is adapted to engage the upper surface of the support structure and be anchored thereto.

6. A roofing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixing portion of the fixing means is adapted to engage a side face of the support structure and to be anchored thereto.

7. A roofing system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fixing portion is of twisted configuration.

8. A method of constructing a roof utilising a roofing system as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of: locating a first roof sheet on a support structure, wherein the first roof sheet is provided with first and second connecting means at opposite sides thereof, the second connecting means is engageable with the first connecting means of a second roof sheet to form a join; positioning a cleat over the second connecting means of the first roof sheet; anchoring the cleat to the support structure; locating the second roof sheet over the support structure adjacent the first roof sheet such that the first connecting means of the second roof sheet engages the second connecting means of the first roof sheet such that the second sheet at least partially overlays the first roof sheet; forcing the first roof sheet in a direction away from the join so as to tighten the connection between the roof sheets.

9. A roof constructed utilising the roofing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7. A roof constructed utilising the method of claim 8. 6 2 it .1 -16-

11. A roofing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to either Figures 1 to 6 or 1,2,7 and 8. 12 A method of constructing a roof substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Dated this TWENTY FIRST day of JULY 1995. SANDALE PTY LTD Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant i I ir 1 -c^ ABSTRACT A roofing system comprising a plurality of roof sheets each having first and second connecting means provided at opposing sides thereof wherein said first connecting means of a first roof sheet is engagable with said second connecting means of a second roof sheet to define a join there between, fixing means adapted for location between said first connecting of said first roof sheet and second connecting means of said second roof sheet so as to secure said second roof sheet to said support structure, wherein said first roof sheet is capable of being forced in a direction away from said join so as to tighten the connection between the roof sheets with said fixing means in position. I