GB2532599A - A locating and supporting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The locating and supporting apparatus 1 has a first engagement part 4 locatable on a first fixed roof member 2 and at least one second engagement part 5 locatable on at least one second roof member 3, wherein the second roof member is attachable to the first roof member. The first and second engagement parts are operable so as to urge the second roof member into an installed position relative to the first roof member upon inter-engagement of the first and second engagement parts. The engaging parts can act as a hinge and may be hooks. The first engagement part may provide a fulcrum which the second engagement part can pivot about. The roof members may have a non-overlapping connection, and the second roof member may be attached below the first roof member. A method of installing the second roof member using first and second engagement parts is also disclosed.

Description

A LOCATING AND SUPPORTING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a locating and supporting apparatus and in particular to a locating and supporting apparatus for use during installation and attachment of roof members.

Roof construction techniques have recently evolved to include roof systems comprising prefabricated modular components which are more easily and quickly assembled into a roof structure. Such modular roof construction also provides greater flexibility in terms of roof layout.

One such example of a modern roof system comprises a preformed component which forms the roof apex, the apex component being a generally triangular cross section beam extending to meet the gable wall on each side of the building. The remaining slope of the roof is then formed by attaching preformed panels to extend from the bottom edge of the triangular beam to the wall plate on both sides of the building extending between the gables.

While the above described system is efficient, the attachment of the side panels to the apex beam can be difficult due to the size and weight of these panels and the impact these factors have on alignment with the apex beam, especially maintaining the upper edge of the roof panels in contact with the lower edge of the apex beam. Installation requires the outer planar surfaces of the apex beam and an attached panel to be accurately aligned prior to attachment. This is currently achieved by placing multiple installation operatives around the panel to direct and control the positioning thereof as the panel is lowered into position from a crane or other such lifting equipment. While this does allow for alignment it is labour intensive, time consuming, and sometimes dangerous, especially given that many panels must be accurately aligned and attached to form a complete roof. The operatives are always fighting against gravity to maintain the upper end face of the panel in a tight abutting relationship with the lower end face of the apex beam.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of accurately locating and supporting roof panel members in position relative to a fixed roof member.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a locating and supporting apparatus for attachment of one roof member to another comprising; a first engagement means locatable on a first roof member and at least one second engagement means locatable on at least one second roof member, the first roof member being a fixed roof member and the at least one second roof member being attachable to the first roof member; the first engagement means and second engagement means being operable so as to urge the second roof member into an installed position relative to the first roof member upon inter-engagement of the first and second engagement means.

Ideally, the first and second engagement means being adapted to act as a hinge.

Advantageously, the inter-engagement of the first and second engagement means prevents the second roof member from moving away from the first roof member under the force of gravity.

Advantageously, as the at least one second roof member is often large and of significant weight, it can be supported by the already positioned first roof member during installation, allowing those installing the at least one second roof member to more easily manipulate, locate, and attach the at least one second roof member to the first roof member. Ideally, the first roof member being fixed and the at least one second roof member being attachable to the first roof member in a non-overlapping configuration.

Preferably, the first roof member being fixed and the at least one second roof member being attachable below the first roof member.

Ideally, the first roof member having a lower end face substantially perpendicular to the inclined roof forming surface of the first roof member.

Preferably, the second roof member having an upper end face substantially perpendicular to the inclined roof forming surface of the second roof member.

Ideally, the first roof member being fixed and the at least one second roof member being attachable to the first roof member so that the lower end face of the first roof member and the upper end face of the second roof member are in a firmly abutting relationship with the inclined roof forming surfaces of both being substantially co-planar.

Ideally, the first and second engagement means are hooks.

Preferably, the first engagement means provides a fulcrum for the second engaging means to pivot about.

Ideally, a plurality of second roof members are engagable with one first roof member. Ideally, the first engagement means comprises a channel section.

Preferably, the first engagement means extends along all or part of an outer facing surface of the first roof member, either continuously or intermittently.

Alternatively, the first engagement means is a channel formed in the first roof member.

Preferably, where the first engagement means is a channel formed in the first roof member, it is provided with a reinforcing insert.

Preferably, the first engagement means extends along all or part of a perimeter of the IS first roof member, the perimeter being locatable adjacent to the second roof member in an installed condition.

Preferably, the first engagement means extends along all or part of a lower perimeter of the first roof member, the perimeter being locatable adjacent to the second roof member in an installed condition.

Ideally, the first engagement means has an engagement portion for engagement with an engagement portion of the second engagement means.

Preferably, when engaged, the first engagement means restricts the movement of the second engagement means and resultantly the movement of the second roof member. Ideally, when engaged, the first and second engagement means form a hinge permitting movement of the second roof member in a manner causing end face abutment of the first roof member and the second roof member to create a continuous inclined roof surface.

Preferably, the hinge formed by the first and second engagement means comprises a fulcrum formed by at least a portion of the first engagement means, at least a portion of the second engagement means being contactable with and rotatable about the fulcrum.

Ideally, the first and second engagement portions are configured such that once engaged, the portion of the second engagement means rotatable about the fulcrum is restrained from moving in at least a vertically downwards direction and horizontally in a direction away from the first roof member.

Ideally, the inter-engagement of the first engagement means and the second engagement means causes the second roof member to rotate into an installed position by lowering of the non-engaged end of the second engagement means.

Preferably, the inter-engagement of the first engagement means and the second engagement means causes the second roof member to rotate into an installed position by lowering of the second roof member.

Ideally, the first engagement means has a mounting portion which extends along the main plane of at least part of an outer surface of the first roof member and is mountable thereto.

Preferably, the first engagement portion extends from the mounting portion such that an obtuse angle is formed therebetween.

Ideally, the first engagement portion extends from the mounting portion such that the first engagement portion is orientated substantially vertically when the mounting portion is mounted to the first roof member in situ.

Preferably, the engagement portion of the first engagement means is adapted or orientated to prevent or mitigate against the engagement portion of the second engagement means slipping off during installation.

Ideally, the angle between the engagement portion of the first engagement means and the downwards sloping direction of the roof locatable thereon is greater than 110 degrees.

Preferably, the angle between the engagement portion of the first engagement means and the downwards sloping direction of the roof locatable thereon is greater than 120 degrees.

Ideally, the angle between the engagement portion of the first engagement means and the downwards sloping direction of the roof locatable thereon is less than 170 degrees.

Preferably, the angle between the engagement portion of the first engagement means and the downwards sloping direction of the roof locatable thereon is less than 160 degrees.

Preferably, the second engagement means extends along all or part of an outer facing surface of the second roof member, either continuously or intermittently.

Ideally, the second engagement means has a mounting portion which extends along the main plane of at least part of an outer surface of the second roof member and is mountable thereto.

Ideally, the engagement portion of the second engagement means comprises a means for receiving the engagement portion of the first engagement means.

IS Preferably, the engagement portion of the second engagement means comprises an upwardly depending sloped member extending upwardly from the mounting portion thereof when the main plane of the second roof member is held in a horizontal orientation.

Preferably, the upwardly depending sloped member of the second engagement means is parallel to the engagement portion of the first engagement means in an installed 20 position.

Ideally, the engagement portion of the second engagement means further comprises a downwardly depending member extending downwardly from the end of the upwardly depending sloped member distal the end closest the mounting portion when the main plane of the second roof member is held in a horizontal orientation.

Preferably, the upwardly depending sloped member and the downwardly depending member of the second engagement means form a hook type configuration for receiving the fulcrum forming portion of the first engagement means.

Preferably, when the main plane of the second roof member is held in a horizontal orientation, the downwardly depending member extends vertically downwards from the upwardly depending sloped member.

Preferably, between the upwardly depending sloped member and the downwardly depending member a connecting portion is formable, the connecting portion extending substantially parallel to the mounting portion of the second engagement means.

Ideally, the fulcrum forming portion of the first engagement means is receivable by the connecting portion of the second engagement means.

Ideally, the first roof member is a triangular roof apex forming member.

Preferably, the second roof members are panel members spanning between the first roof member and the building walls.

Ideally, the first engagement means is an engagement channel wherein the mounting portion and engagement portion thereof form flanges of the channel.

Preferably, the second engagement means is an engagement channel wherein the IS mounting portion, the upwardly depending sloped member, and the downwardly depending member thereof form flanges of the channel.

Ideally, the first and second engagement means are metallic engagement means. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of installing one or more second roof members into position between an apex roof beam and lower support means, the method comprising; lowering a second roof member towards the apex roof beam so that a first engagement means of the apex roof beam engages with a second engagement means of the second roof member; continuing to lower the second roof member as the inter-engagement between the first and second engagement means causes the second roof member to rotate into an installed position.

Ideally, the method further comprising causing the lower end face of the first roof member and the upper end face of the second roof member to form an abutting relationship.

Ideally, the method further comprising the second roof member being rotated so that the outer roof forming surface of the second roof member and the outer roof forming surface of the first roof member are co-planar.

Ideally, during installation, the second roof member is moved in an initial generally horizontal state towards the first roof member and the downwardly depending member of the second engagement means is initially placed between engagement portion of the first engaging means and the first roof member such that the engagement portion of the first engaging means at least partially restricts movement of the downwardly depending member of the second engagement means away from the first roof member, upon such engagement, the second roof member is rotated from its initial generally horizontal state into a second state wherein the main plane of the outer surface of the second roof member is in planar alignment with the main plane of the outer surface of the first roof member, this planar alignment being guided by the alignment and abutment of the engagement portion of the first engagement means and the upwardly depending sloped member of the second roof member, having effected alignment of the first and second roof members they can now be secured in position by the use of suitable fixings.

Alternatively, the first and second engagement means form a socket and ball respectively, the ball being receivable by the socket.

The skilled man will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a sectional view through an apex beam and a roof panel to be attached thereto, the apex beam and roof panel having engagement members mounted thereto and being in an uninstalled condition; and Figure 2 is a sectional view through an apex beam and a roof panel to be attached thereto, the apex beam and roof panel having engagement members mounted thereto and being in an installed condition.

In the drawing, there is shown a locating and supporting apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for attachment of an apex roof member 2 to a roof panel member 3, the roof panel member 3 being attachable below the apex roof member 2. A first hook member 4 is mounted on the apex roof member 2 and a second hook member 5 is mounted on the roof panel member 3. The first hook member 4 and second hook member 5 being operable so as to urge the roof panel member 3 into installed position relative to the apex roof member 2 upon inter-engagement of the first and second hook members which are adapted to act as a hinge. The inter-engagement of the first and second hook members 4, 5 prevents the roof panel member 3 from moving away from the apex roof member 2 under the force of gravity.

As the panel roof member 3 is often large and of significant weight, it can be supported by the already positioned apex roof member 2 during installation, allowing those installing the panel roof member 3 to more easily manipulate, locate, and attach it to the apex roof member 2.

The apex roof member 2 has a lower end face 6 substantially perpendicular to the inclined roof forming surface 7 of the apex roof member 3. Similarly, the roof panel member 3 has an upper end face 8 substantially perpendicular to the inclined roof forming surface 9 of the roof panel member 3. At least one roof panel member 3 is attachable to the apex roof member 2 so that the lower end face 6 of the apex roof member 2 and the upper end face 8 of the roof panel member 3 are in a firmly abutting relationship with the inclined roof forming surfaces 7, 9 of both being substantially co-planar.

The first hook member 4 provides a fulcrum 10 for the second hook member 5 to pivot about, the fulcrum 10 being located at one end of an engagement flange 11 for engagement with an engagement flange 12 of the second hook member 5. When engaged, the first hook member 4 restricts the movement of the second hook member 5 and resultantly the movement of the roof panel member 3, the restriction in movement being dictated by the hinge action between the first and second hook members 4, 5. The engagement between the first and second hook members 4, 5 permit movement of the roof panel member 3 in a manner causing end face abutment of the apex roof member 2 and the roof panel member 2 to create a continuous inclined roof surface 13. The hinge action formed by the first and second hook members 4, 5 is a result of engagement between the fulcrum 10 formed by at least a portion of the first hook member 4 and the portion 14 of the second hook member 5 being contactable with and rotatable about the fulcrum 10. When engaged, the portion 14 of the second hook member 5 rotatable about the fulcrum 10 is restrained from moving in a downwards direction and horizontally in a direction away from the apex roof member 2. The first hook member 4 has a mounting portion 15 which extends along the main plane of at least part of an outer surface 16 of the apex roof member and is mountable thereto. The engagement flange 11 extends from the mounting portion 15 such that an obtuse angle is formed therebetween and is orientated substantially vertically when the mounting portion 15 is mounted to the apex roof member 2 in situ. The engagement flange 11 of the first hook member 4 is orientated to prevent the engagement flange 12 of the second hook member 5 slipping off during installation.

The first hook member 4 extends along all or part of a lower perimeter 17 of the apex roof member 2, either continuously or intermittently, the perimeter 17 being locatable adjacent to the roof panel member 3 in an installed condition.

The second hook member 5 has a mounting portion 18 which extends along the main plane of at least part of an outer surface 19 of the roof panel member and is mountable thereto. The second hook means is formed by an upwardly depending sloped member 20 extending upwardly from the mounting portion 18 thereof when the main plane 19 of the roof panel member 2 is held in a horizontal orientation. The upwardly depending sloped member 20 is parallel to the engagement flange 11 of the first hook member 4 in an installed position.

The engagement flange 12 of the second hook means extends downwardly from the end of the upwardly depending sloped member 20. The upwardly depending sloped member 20 and the engagement flange have a connecting portion 21 therebetween which forms the portion 14 of the second hook member 5 which receives the fulcrum 10 of the first hook member 4.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first and second hook member 4, 5, are channel sections which extend along all or part the apex roof member 2 and the roof panel member 3, either continuously or intermittently. A plurality of roof panel members 3 are engagable with the apex roof member 2.

In an alternative embodiment the first hook member 4 is a channel formed in the apex roof member 2, the formed channel being fitted with a reinforcing element.

In further alternative embodiments of the invention, the first and second hook members are any members which may form a hinged connection therebetween such as a socket and ball type arrangement or leaf and pin type arrangement.

In use, the roof panel member 3 is lowered towards the apex roof member 2 so that a hook member 4 of the apex roof member 2 engages with a hook member 5 of a roof panel member. Upon continuing to lower the roof panel member 3, the first and second hook members 4, 5 form a hinge causing the roof panel member 3 to rotate into an installed position in which the lower end face 6 of the apex roof member 2 and the upper end face 8 of the roof panel member 3 form an abutting relationship. In the installed position, the outer roof forming surface 9 of the roof panel member 3 and the outer roof forming surface 7 of the apex roof member 2 are co-planar.

During installation, the roof panel member 3 is moved, in an initial generally horizontal state, towards the roof apex member 2 (see figure 1) and the engagement flange 12 of the second hook member 5 is initially placed between engagement flange 11 of the first hook member 4 and the apex roof member 2. The engagement flange 11 of the first hook member 4 at least partially restricts movement of the engagement flange 12 of the second hook member 5 away from the roof apex member. After initial engagement of the engagement flanges 11, 12, the roof panel member 3 is rotated from its initial generally horizontal state into a second state wherein the roof panel member 3 is in planar alignment with apex roof member 2, this planar alignment being guided by the alignment and abutment of the engagement flange 11 of the first hook member 4 and the upwardly depending sloped member 20 of the second hook member 20. Having effected alignment of the roof panel member 3 and apex roof member 2 they can now be secured in position by the use of

suitable fixings.

In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.