Patent Application
20230228090
The invention concerns the technical field of a roof construction, in particular devices for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of a flat roof.
In the construction of a flat roof, a roof surface is covered with a water-insulating and/or heat-insulating roof covering such as rubber (EPDM, PVC or similar) or bitumen (asphalt). A problem arises however at the transition from a flat (horizontal) to an upright (vertical) roof surface, such as at roof edges, skylights, vertical walls and similar.
The roof covering material can in particular shrink under cold temperatures and expand in heat.
When the roof covering moves upward, this exerts a tensile force on the material whereby, over time, cracks can occur and/or the membrane loosens. On each shrinkage/expansion cycle, the membrane loosens slightly more. In high winds, there is a risk that the membrane will detach completely and fly off the roof.
This problem can be remedied by means of vertical corner fixing, i.e. the fixing the roof covering in the vertical corner of the upright roof surface. Vertical corner fixing is usually achieved by mechanical anchoring, wherein the vertical corner fixing strip is installed. Then the sealing membrane is glued onto the vertical corner fixing strip.
DE 1 609 919 A1 describes a device for connecting flat roofs to adjacent vertical wall surfaces or expansion joint coverings.
US 2009/00039 A1 describes a flexible waterproof membrane which is used to cover the roof and is then folded in a specific manner in order to protect the fixing means and make the building watertight.
There is therefore a need for a solution to rectify the shortcomings of the prior art.
In order to fulfil one or more of the above-described needs in the field of roof construction, the inventors have developed a device for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of a roof. In particular, the invention concerns a device which may be used at a transition from a flat or sloping roof part to an upright roof part. This device has the advantage that a roof covering can be securely attached in the vertical corner of a roof, i.e. a vertical corner fixing, in a simple and user-friendly manner without damaging the covering material (e.g. by making holes), and which offers the possibility of releasing the covering material if necessary (e.g. for relocation or replacement). Adaptations to this device are also provided in the form of preferred embodiments which ensure amongst others that the efficiency, user-friendliness and usability of this device can be improved. This device and method have the advantage that removal is possible. This device and method have the advantage that the sealing membrane is not damaged. This device and method have the advantage that the corner points can easily be finished. This device and method have the advantage that installation can be quicker. This device and method have the advantage that installation (and/or removal) can take place in fool-proof fashion. Because both installation and removal take place quickly, the device can be re-used in circular fashion.
The invention provides a mechanical fixing which is achieved without drilling through the seal and in this way 100% water-tightness can be guaranteed.
In a first aspect, the invention concerns a device for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of a roof, the device comprising: a fixing bracket which is provided with a substantially flat part and a substantially bent part, wherein the fixing bracket is configured to be attached to a flat part and an upright part of the roof; a clamping apparatus for clamping the roof covering between the clamping apparatus and the fixing bracket, the clamping apparatus comprising a support body and a displaceable clamping body, wherein the clamping body is arranged to move vertically with respect to the support body; wherein the support body is configured to be placed against the flat part of the fixing bracket and the clamping body is configured to be placed along the bent part of the fixing bracket; and wherein the clamping apparatus is provided with at least one movable clamping element which is configured to move in the direction of the fixing bracket during movement of the clamping body. The movement of the clamping body is achieved preferably by tightening bolts on the outside of the clamping body.
The invention offers a solution to the search for mechanical clamping of a roof seal in the vertical corner of the roof without drilling through said seal. The invention also allows installation of the seal without ballast and without gluing at the roof upright edge, and at the same time retains its functionality. The seal effectively lies freely on the roof, whereby it can be very easily removed.
This facilitates circular use wherein both installation and removal can take place easily and re-use is stimulated.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping apparatus is provided with at least two movable clamping elements that are arranged on either side of the clamping body and are configured to move in opposite directions on movement of the clamping body.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping body is turnably or rotatably coupled to the support body, and is configured to move relative to the support body by rotation of said coupling.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping element is rotatably or hingeably attached to an underside of the support body, and is configured to rotate in the direction of the fixing bracket on contact with the clamping body.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping element comprises an elongate body which is attached at one end to the support body and at the other end is provided with a thickening.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping body is provided with at least one protruding wing which is configured to move the clamping element on movement of the clamping body, preferably to press on the clamping element.
In a preferred embodiment, the bent part of the fixing bracket forms a space for placing the clamping element, and the clamping element is configured to move in this space.
In a preferred embodiment, the fixing bracket is provided with an opening for insertion of fixing means such as for example nails, screws or similar.
In a further aspect, the invention concerns a roof covering system for a roof, comprising a device as described herein and a roof covering, wherein the device is configured to fix the roof covering in a vertical corner of the roof.
In a preferred embodiment, the roof covering comprises roofing material (preferably a bituminous seal) and/or a plastic; preferably consisting of thermoset rubber such as EPDM, or thermoplastic rubber such as PVC.
In a further aspect, the invention concerns a method for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of a roof by means of a device and/or a roof covering system as described herein, the method comprising:
The clamping body is preferably arranged fully inside the fixing bracket before the clamping bolts are tightened. In a preferred embodiment, a support body of the clamping apparatus is placed against a flat part of the fixing bracket, and the clamping body is moved along a bent part of the fixing bracket.
In a first aspect, the invention concerns a method for releasing a roof covering from a vertical corner of a roof, wherein said roof covering is attached by means of a device and/or a roof covering system as described herein, the method comprising:
In a further aspect, the invention concerns a use of a device and/or a roof covering system as described herein for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of a roof.
In a preferred embodiment, the device and/or roof covering system is used for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of the roof of a flat or slightly sloping roof.
In order to better illustrate the features of the invention, the attached figures show, with no restrictive character, some examples of possible and preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the figures, the same numerals refer to identical or similar elements. The numerical references are described in more detail in the examples.
Throughout the description, the claims and figures, the following numbering is retained: roof covering (50)—roof (60)—device (100)—fixing bracket (200)—clamping apparatus (300)—support body (310)—clamping body (320)—clamping element (350).
As used in this text, the singular forms “a”, “the” include both the singular and the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises” as used below are synonymous with “inclusive”, “include” or “contain”, “contains” and are inclusive or open, and do not exclude secondary members, elements or method steps which are not cited. The terms “comprise”, “comprises” include the term “contain”.
The list of numerical values using a range of figures includes all values and fractions within these ranges and the cited end points.
All documents cited in the present specification are deemed to be fully included herein by reference.
Unless defined otherwise, all terms disclosed in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning normally understood by a person skilled in the art. As a further guideline, definitions are given for further explanation of terms which are used in the description of the invention. The terminology used herein is accordingly not intended to be restrictive.
In the following passages, various aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Preferred features and embodiments of the tool according to the invention are explained below. Any feature or embodiment of the invention defined in this way may then be combined with any other feature or embodiment unless explicitly stated to the contrary. In particular, each feature indicated as preferable or preferred may be combined with any other feature or features or embodiments described as preferable or preferred.
In particular, a feature described as “preferred” or “advantageous” may be combined with other features or properties described as “preferred” and/or “advantageous”. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with this embodiment is applicable in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Where the phrases “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” are used at different points in the specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although this is not excluded. Furthermore, the features, structures or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable fashion, as will be clear to a person skilled in the art on the basis of this description. The embodiments described and claimed in the claims may be used in any combination.
In the present description of the invention, reference is made to the appended drawings which form part thereof and illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. Numerals linked to specific elements illustrate the elements concerned as examples, without thereby restricting the elements. It must be understood that structural or logical changes may be made without leaving the scope of protection of the present invention.
As described above, in the field of roof construction, there is a need for improvement for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of a roof. In particular, an improvement which may be made for fixing a roof covering at the transition from a flat or sloping roof surface to an upright roof part. For this, the present invention concerns a device and methods which offer a solution to the needs described above. In particular, this device offers the advantage that a roof covering can be firmly attached in a simple and user-friendly manner in the vertical corner of a roof, i.e. vertical corner fixing, without the covering material being damaged (e.g. by making holes), and which offers the possibility of removing the covering material if necessary (e.g. for relocation or replacement). In addition, the fixing is mechanical, i.e. without gluing or bonding, e.g. by heating. Also, adaptations may be made to this device in the form of preferred embodiments which ensure amongst others that the efficiency, user-friendliness and usability of this device can be improved.
In construction of a roof, a roof surface is covered with a roof covering. A roof covering means a material for covering the supporting roof surface consisting of an assembly of beams, for example made of wood or steel, reinforced or pretensioned concrete, slabs of reinforced concrete, or other materials. The roof covering typically has a function of water insulation (protection against moisture and water vapor, and weather influences such as rain, snow and wind), sound insulation, heat insulation (restriction of heat transfer) and/or fire protection of the roof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the roof covering may comprise a roofing material, i.e. a roof covering which consists of several strips which are melted together at the joints to form a cohesive surface. Various types of roofing material are available made from bitumen. Various types of plastic roof covering are available, made for example from synthetic rubber (thermoset such as EPDM, CSPE, CR, of ECR), thermoplastic (PVC, TPO or similar materials such as CPA, CPE, EIP, NBP, PIB). Also various types of modified bitumen (asphalt with the addition of APP, SBS, SBR or SEBS). The person skilled in the art will however understand that the device described herein may be used for other roof covering types such as occur in further developments in the technical field.
The vertical corner of the roof forms the connection between a flat (horizontal) part of the roof and an upright (vertical) part of the same roof. It is understood that a flat part of the roof herein refers to an almost flat part, i.e. a slightly upwardly or downwardly sloping part is also included. It is also understood that an upright part of the roof surface includes here an almost upright part, e.g. an upright part with a degree of curvature. The vertical corner connection may form an angle of around 90°between the flat part and upright part, more practically this is typically between 70°and 110°, or between 80° and 100°.
Fixing a roof covering in the vertical corner of a roof using techniques according to the prior art can have various disadvantages as described above. The present invention has the advantage that the roof covering can be attached quickly, firmly and reliably without using fixing means through the roof covering and without fixing agents. As a result, the fixing is repeatable, i.e. the roof covering can be removed without damaging the roof covering. This has the advantage that the position and orientation of the roof covering can be adapted, for example on poor positioning thereof or blister formation. This also has the advantage that the roof covering can be replaced quickly and easily for repair without damaging the roof.
A preferred embodiment of the invention concerns a device which is suitable for use in flat or slightly sloping roofs. A flat roof means that the surface may be completely flat or have a slope of between around 1° to 15°. The reason for this is that in flat roofs, typically a vertical corner occurs at the roof edge. The person skilled in the art will understand however that the invention may also be used in other roof structures in which such a transition occurs.
The present invention in a first aspect provides a tool which is suitable for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of a roof. For this, the device comprises the following: a fixing bracket which is provided with a substantially flat part and a substantially curved part, wherein the fixing bracket is configured to be attached to a flat part and an upright part of the roof; a clamping apparatus for clamping the roof covering between the clamping apparatus and the fixing bracket, the clamping apparatus comprising an elongate support body and a movable clamping body, wherein the clamping body is configured to move vertically with respect to the support body; wherein the support body is configured to be placed against the flat part of the fixing bracket and the clamping body is configured to be moved along the bent part of the fixing bracket; and wherein the clamping apparatus is provided with at least one movable clamping element which is configured to move in the direction of the fixing bracket on movement of the clamping body. The movement of the clamping body is preferably achieved by tightening the bolts on the outside of the clamping body.
As described above, the clamping apparatus is configured for clamping the roof covering between the clamping apparatus and the fixing bracket in at least two places. In particular, part of the roof covering may be clamped between the support body and a substantially flat part of the fixing bracket, and furthermore also between the clamping element and the substantially curved part of the fixing bracket. Clamping in at least two places may prevent movement of the roof covering, but because it is clamped over the complete surface, to a certain extent it can still thermally expand and shrink, which can prevent structural damage at respective high and low temperatures. Preferably, the clamping apparatus is configured for clamping the roof covering between the clamping apparatus and the fixing bracket in at least three places, for example four places. The roof covering may for example be clamped between the support body and the substantially flat part in several places, for example above and below the curved part of the fixing bracket.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping apparatus is provided with at least two movable clamping elements which are arranged on either side of the clamping body and are configured to move in opposite directions on movement of the clamping body. The provision of secondary clamping elements may ensure that the roof covering can be clamped at several places between the clamping element and the substantially curved part of the fixing bracket. Because the clamping elements are oriented in opposite directions, the roof covering can be clamped even more firmly.
In some alternative embodiments, there are no clamping elements or only one clamping element.
The fixing bracket may be or become releasably attached to the roof, for example by means of fixing means such as nails, screws or similar. For this, the fixing bracket may be provided with fixing sites such as openings through which the fixing means can be placed. Alternatively, the fixing bracket may also be or become permanently attached to the roof. The fixing bracket may also be partially worked into the roof, for example in slots provided in the roof surface.
A typical fixing bracket measures 150×150 mm in the horizontal and vertical plane, but the person skilled in the art will understand that other dimensions are also possible.
The fixing bracket may preferably be attached in at least two places. In particular on both a flat part of the roof and on an upright part of the roof, i.e. on both edges of the vertical corner. As a result, the pressure on the fixing bracket in each direction can be absorbed well and the fixing can remain stable. This fixing in at least two places can preferably take place at the same distance from the angle change. The optimal distance depends on the size of the fixing bracket and the length of the bent part.
The fixing bracket may have a substantially flat part, i.e. a part of the fixing bracket may have a flat surface with virtually no bend or curvature. If the fixing bracket is attached in the vertical corner of a roof, the flat part of the fixing bracket may form a diagonal face with respect to the angle change. Preferably, this diagonal face stands at an angle of between 30° and 60° with respect to the flat part of the roof, more preferably 40° to 50°, more preferably approximately 45°. The provision of a diagonal face allows the angle change of the vertical corner to be bridged gradually. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing bracket has at least two substantially flat parts which are arranged against both the flat part and against the upright part of the roof. The at least substantially flat parts of the fixing bracket may be interrupted by a bent part, as will be described in more detail below.
The device typically comprises one element on the outside and one element on the inside of the membrane.
The fixing bracket may have a substantially bent part, i.e. at least one part of the fixing bracket may have a bent or curved surface. This bend may at least partially and preferably completely be bent in the direction of the vertical corner, so that the fixing bracket forms a space which is suitable for placing the clamping element, i.e. the clamping element can be placed in this space. The clamping element may furthermore be configured to move in this space. The bend may be partially interrupted for provision of a flat part, running partly over the roof.
In a preferred embodiment, the fixing bracket has five flat parts which are interrupted by four partially or completely bent parts. In particular, a first flat part which runs parallel to the flat roof part, followed by a bend of around 45° which transforms into a second flat part which forms a diagonal face with respect to the vertical corner, followed by a substantially bent part which runs in the direction of the vertical corner, followed by a third flat part which also forms a diagonal face with respect to the vertical corner, followed by a substantially bent part which runs away from the vertical corner, followed by a fourth flat part which also forms a diagonal face with respect to the vertical corner, followed by a bend of around 45° which transforms into a fifth flat part which runs parallel to the upright roof part. This embodiment ensures that the fixing bracket can be maximally supported against the roof surface at five contact points, but still offers sufficient space for coupling of the clamping body.
The fixing bracket may be made of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum. Aluminum is a suitable material for a fixing bracket because it forms a good balance between the necessary stiffness and weight. The person skilled in the art will understand that other materials or material combinations are also suitable for the present invention. It is however important that the material has sufficient stiffness to resist deformation on use of the device, i.e. that the fixing bracket cannot collapse under the pressure of e.g. the clamping, whereby the roof covering could become detached.
The clamping apparatus may be releasably attached to the fixing bracket by the movement of at least one clamping element in the direction of the fixing bracket. The clamping apparatus is thus configured to switch between two states, in particular a first state in which the clamping element is not under pressure and is preferably loosely suspended, and a second open state in which the clamping element is under pressure and is preferably pressed against the fixing bracket. The movement of the at least one clamping element is controlled by a movement of the clamping body with respect to the support body.
The clamping body may be configured to be moved between the two above-described states, for example by means of a spring. The clamping body is preferably configured to move gradually so that the movement of at least one clamping element can be gradually adapted and thus the clamping pressure on the fixing bracket can be controlled. This may allow adaptation of the clamping to the thickness of the roof covering, for example for different types of materials. This may improve the applicability of the device.
The clamping body is preferably designed to move substantially vertically with respect to the support body. The movement may refer to an inward or outward movement of the clamping body, depending on embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping body may move inward, wherein the clamping body moves in the direction of the support body. The inward movement of the clamping body may ensure that it can come into contact with the clamping element which is arranged close to or on the support body. The person skilled in the art will understand that the direction of movement may be adapted to the position of the clamping element.
The clamping body may be turnably or rotatably coupled to the support body, i.e. the movement of the clamping body may be modified by rotating this coupling. The direction of rotation, i.e. clockwise or counterclockwise, may determine the direction of movement. Such a coupling may therefore be suitable for creating a controllable and releasable clamping. In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable coupling comprises a screw with a screw thread, and the clamping body is provided with an opening which is suitable for coupling to said screw, such as a nut. One end of this screw may be provided in the support element so that a user can turn the screw from the support element and thereby control the degree of coupling. This screw end may be provided with a head with a slot or cross, so that it can easily be turned with a corresponding screwdriver.
The clamping element may be attached rotatably or hingeably on the underside of the support body, wherein it is configured to turn in the direction of the fixing bracket on contact with the clamping body. The clamping element may comprise an elongate body which is attached at one end to the support body and at the other end is configured for contact with the fixing bracket. The other end may furthermore be provided with a thickening or bulge to enlarge the contact surface with the fixing bracket. The end may furthermore be provided with protrusions or a profile for increasing the coefficient of friction against the roof covering.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping element may be loosely suspended from the underside of the support body, wherein the suspension point is rotatable along one axis. The clamping body may furthermore be provided with at least one protruding wing which is configured to move against the clamping element on movement of the clamping body. The protruding wing may preferably press against the suspended clamping body so the clamping body can move in the direction of the fixing bracket. This can ensure a simple but very firm clamping of the clamping apparatus against the fixing bracket.
The person skilled in the art will understand that the preferred embodiments described above may be adapted according to the number of clamping elements provided. By way of example, if the clamping apparatus is provided with at least two clamping elements, these may be rotatably arranged on either side of the clamping body, and the clamping body may be provided with two protruding wings which are also arranged on either side of the clamping body. The movement of the clamping body in the direction thereof may ensure that each wing and clamping body presses in the direction of an opposite part of the fixing bracket.
The support body may comprise an elongate body wherein at least one and preferably each end is provided with a thickening. When the support body is placed against the fixing bracket, this thickening may clamp the roof covering more firmly over a smaller surface area.
The clamping body may be made of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum. Alternatively, the clamping body may be made from a polymer. The person skilled in the art will understand that other materials or material combinations are also suitable for the present invention. It is however important that the material has sufficient stiffness to resist deformation during use of the device, i.e. the clamping body cannot collapse under the pressure of e.g. the clamping, whereby the roof covering could become detached.
The clamping apparatus may comprise a plurality of clamping bodies which are arranged at a specific distance apart in a support body. The support body may be provided with several openings for coupling of each clamping body. The provision of several clamping bodies may ensure that the roof covering can be clamped more firmly over the length of the vertical corner.
The support body has for example a length of 2000 mm while the clamping body for example has a length of 1000 mm. The person skilled in the art will understand that other dimensions are also possible. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping bodies are arranged mutually adjoining in the support body.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a roof covering system for a roof, the roof covering system comprising a device as described herein and a roof covering, wherein the device is configured to fix the roof covering in a vertical corner of the roof. It is understood that preferred embodiments of the device as described herein are also preferred embodiments of the roof covering system.
The roof covering may comprise various materials as described herein.
The roof covering system may furthermore comprise fixing means for fixing the device to the roof, and in particular for fixing the fixing bracket of the device to the flat roof. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing means comprise screws, nails or similar.
In a further aspect, the present invention concerns a method for fixing a roof covering in a vertical corner of a roof by means of a device or a roof covering system as described herein.
For this, the method may comprise the following steps:
Step (d) (moving of the clamping body) is preferably carried out by tightening of clamping bolts. This is illustrated in
The fixing bracket may be attached to the roof by means of fixing means such as screws. Preferably, the fixing comprises the insertion of at least one fixing means in an opening provided in the fixing bracket, preferably in an opening provided against the flat part of the roof and an opening provided against the upright part of the roof.
The clamping body may be moved by a rotational movement such as by means of a screwdriver. This rotational movement may ensure that the clamping body moves with respect to the support body.
In a further aspect, the present invention concerns a method for releasing a roof covering from a vertical corner of a roof, wherein said roof covering is attached by means of a device or a roof covering system as described herein.
For this, the method may comprise the following steps:
In a further aspect, the present invention concerns a use of a device or a roof covering system as described herein. It is understood that preferred embodiments of the device as described herein are also preferred embodiments of the use of the device. It is understood that preferred embodiments of the roof covering system as described herein are also preferred embodiments of the use of the roof covering system.
With the aim of better presenting the features of the invention, some preferred embodiments are described below as an example and without restrictive character, with reference to the appended figures. The embodiments illustrated in the figures concern preferred embodiments of the present invention and may in no sense be interpreted as a restriction.
To explain the device and its use further, reference is made to
As shown in
The clamping apparatus (300) as shown comprises a support body (310), a clamping body (320) and two clamping elements (350). The support body (310) has an elongate body provided with thickenings at its ends. The clamping body (320) has a movable body which is designed to move vertically with respect to the support body (310). The two clamping elements (350) each comprise an elongate body which is attached at one end to the underside of the support body (310) and at the other end is provided with a thickening. The clamping body (320) comprises a screw which is coupled rotatably at one end to the support body (310) and is coupled rotatably at another end to a closed nut which is provided with two protruding wings.
Finally,
As described above, the clamping body (320) is rotatably coupled to support body (310), wherein a head of the provided screw protrudes on a top side of the support body (310). Turning this screw ensures that the nut of the clamping body (320) moves upward, i.e. in the direction of the support body (310), so the protruding wings also move upward. These two wings will thus come into contact with the two suspended clamping elements (350) and press each of the clamping elements (350) outward in the direction of the fixing bracket (200). The thickening provided at an end of each clamping element may thereby be firmly clamped against the roof covering (50).
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/5482 | Jun 2020 | BE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2021/055790 | 6/29/2021 | WO |
