The field of the invention is skylights systems.
Various systems are known for using curb construction for inserting skylights and smoke vents into roofs.
The most commonly used skylighting systems are those that incorporate translucent or transparent layers in a framework that penetrates the roof structure, so as to allow ambient daylight into the building.
In the past, roof penetrating installations have required a complex structure beneath the roofing panels in order to support a roof curb to which the skylight was attached. Skylight curbs are generally in the form of a preassembled box structure, that is fixed within a roof cutout. The retrofitting of such curb systems into existing roof structure is problematic.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,581, to Heckelsberg, issued Oct. 27, 1981, provides an example of a roofing structure of the type that is constructed of a series of metal panels having flanges that interlock when the panels are laid side by side and which are subsequently tightly seamed together to convert the individual panels into an integrated roof forming membrane. This roof structure is mounted to the purlins with clips that permit the panels to expand or contract in response to temperature and pressure changes, thereby minimizing roof stressing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,596, to Sandow, issued Nov. 3, 1987, and titled “Grid Skylight System”, provides a grid skylight support apparatus that includes prefabricated grid row frames, each of which form a number of connected beam supports which define a number of bays. Each bay has a skylight curb formed by upper flanges of the beam supports to receive a preassembled skylight unit. The sides of each grid row frame provide a mating edge that can register with the mating edge of an adjacent grid row frame during assembly. The skylights have peripheral support skirts that register upon each bay and a light-transmitting skylight panel to cover the peripheral support. Cross gutters on each grid row frame, which are positioned between adjacent skylights, extend at an angle toward the mating edge of the grid row frame for carrying rainwater to a main gutter channel formed by field-assembly of the mating edges of two adjacent grid row frames. The main gutter channel includes a pair of longitudinally extending gutter sections, each of which have a main gutter channel surface with a lower elevation than the elevation of the cross flow channel. Fasteners assemble the grid row frame mating edges together and form a continuous seal to prevent rainwater leakage at the mating edges of adjacent grid row frames.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,604, to Halsey et al., issued Jun. 4, 1985, entitled “Skylight Structure”, teaches a curb structure that is dimensioned to be passed through an opening in a roof and then attached in moisture impervious relation to the roof from within a building interior. A skylight assembly including a frame and light transmitting member secured to the frame is dimensioned to be passed through the opening and attached in a sealing engagement to the curb structure from within the building interior for covering the opening. The skylight assembly is then secured to the rafters and headers at an interior location. The frame includes upper and lower clamping jaws and spaced fulcrum links attached to the jaws for clamping the light transmitting member thereto. The lower clamping jaw includes a channel which engages and is interlocked with the curb structure.
Other skylight systems, as contemplated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,230, by Weisner, provide a prefabricated skylight support curb that is formed to be a protective packaging for the skylight during shipment and then used as a curb for mounting the skylight on a roof. A prefabricated skylight support curb for supporting a skylight thereover has a bottom flange angled, upright sides, and a top lip round the top of the sides forming an opening through the curb. A skylight is adapted to cover the opening through the skylight support curb when installed, and has a domed portion and an angled portion extending from the dome portion and a drip edge on the curb portion.
In another skylight system, as contemplated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,088, by Sandow, et al., a prefabricated multiple dome unit or skylights and composite is provided, wherein each multiple dome unit has several domes of transparent or translucent material mounted together on a common frame, and wherein means are provided for assembling a plurality of such dome units into a composite thereof on a building, with the units lapped and interfitted so as to provide a continuous drainage system discharging to the exterior of the units in the composite assembly.
In yet another skylight system, as contemplated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,466, by Sonneborn et al., a flashing frame is described for roof windows to be installed adjacent to each other with edges facing each other in the installed position with a connecting flange of its upper flashing members extending beneath the roofing and, if need be, with its lower flashing members and required intermediary flashing members, obliquely outwardly bent connecting webs and each with a connecting bar with supporting webs which rearwardly engage the connecting webs.
In today's world of mandated energy efficiency in all types of buildings, the metal building industry needs a more economical and less detrimental way to use skylights and smoke vents to daylight their buildings. To ensure adequate daylighting, however, typical skylight and smoke vent installations require multiple roof penetrations that cut through and remove plural major elevations in standing seam and other roof panel profiles. These curbs create multiple opportunities for water to enter the interior of the building, due to multiple curb locations and the width of the curbs, as well as the challenge to effectively seal the roof at the high ends of such curbs.
The traditional curb constructions and methods of attachment in most cases require a complicated support structure to be installed below the roof panel which can restrict movement associated with the thermal expansion and contraction of the metal roof due to temperature changes and the like.
The invention provides a curbless construction system for installing two or more adjacent skylights and smoke vents end to end onto the major rib elevation of a building's metal panel roof system. Numerous roof structures include such elevations, sometimes deemed “ribs” or “corrugations”, including the standing seam, snap seam and “R” panel roof types. The rail and closure system is fastened to the metal roof panels along the rib structures, so that the system can move with the expansion and contraction of the roof.
The invention utilizes elements of the roof surface structure as an integral part of the skylight support structure. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported on a major rib elevation a metal roof, typically where a rib elevation has been cut to accommodate drainage. The balance of the rib is to provide structural support for the rail and closure structures.
The invention includes a skylight adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure, and a bearing plate structure for supporting and sealing the portion of the metal roof panel where the rib elevations have been cut away, thus preventing water accumulation at the upper surfaces of the roof panels, thereby preventing water ingress into the building.
In some embodiments, the invention provides a skylight system (including smoke vents) where the bearing plate structure cooperates with the rail and closure assembly to close the cut away portion to water ingress.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the rib has been cut in only one location.
In a further embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the standing seam roof has trapezoidal rib elevations.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the metal roof is an exposed fastener roof system.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where ribs have been cut in two locations.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure having a trapezoidal or rectangular rib elevation 8″ to 12″ on center.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the exposed fastener roof is of the type having roof panels fastened directly to the roof purlins from the top side of the roof panel.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the system comprises two or more skylights supported end to end.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where each of the skylights is about 10 feet in length.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the rail and closure assembly moves with the rib elevations.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure further comprising a ridge cap configured to fit over the rib elevations at the ridge of the roof.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where a lower closure of the rail and closure structure extends across the top of the metal roof panel profile.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the lower closure is configured to match the roof panel surface adjacent rib elevations for sealing.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the lower closure is pre-cut to match the roof surface and adjacent rib elevations for sealing.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the rail and closure structure is fastened directly to the rib elevations using screws or rivets.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where the rail and closure structure forms a water tight seal with a respective rib elevation.
In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where a portion of only one adjacent rib elevation is cut away to accommodate drainage along the roof surface.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a rail and closure structure where portions of two or more adjacent rib elevations are cut away to accommodate drainage along the roof surface.
These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods according to this invention.
A more complete understanding of the present invention and the attendant features and advantages thereof may be had by reference to the following detailed description when considered in combination with the accompanying drawings.
The products and methods of the present invention provide a rail and closure structure for use in installing various roof penetrating structures in metal panel roofs. For purposes of simplicity, “roof penetrating structures” and “skylights” will be used interchangeably to mean various forms of roof structures installed for passage of light and/or ventilation to the interior of the building. In the case of roof ventilation, examples include simple ventilation openings, such as for roof fans, and smoke vents, which are used to allow the escape of smoke through the roof during fires.
The number of skylights can vary from one to many structures connecting end to end, limited only by the amount of support provided by the roof structure, which roof structure is left largely intact during the skylight installation process.
The system utilizes the major rib structure in the roof as the primary structure supporting the skylight assembly. Typical conventional skylight installations do not allow for continuous runs, but rather use a curb construction that is typically 2-3 times wider than the present system.
The present rail and closure structure does not require a complex structure underneath the roof panels, nor does it require a separate curb construction to support or attach the skylight. The rail and closure structure is overlaid onto the roof system and allows for thermal expansion and contraction of the rail and closure structure by utilizing the major profiles of the metal panel roof for support. This is accomplished through direct attachment of the rail and closure structure to the major roof panel ribs.
In reference now to the figures, the system allows the installation of two or more adjacent skylights in an end to end fashion along the major rib structure of a building's metal roof panel profile.
The rail and closure structure can be applied to various types of ribbed roof profiles.
The system of the invention includes a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported on the major elevations, seams, rib structures, or other structural elements of such roof profiles, where the standing structure provides the support, and the skylight or other load is secured over an opening formed in the intervening, non-structural roof flat region.
Turning now to
Looking again to the figures, particularly
Shown as part of the system, and exemplified in this case, is a skylight 130, generally comprising a skylight frame 132 and skylight lens 134. While the figures depict a skylight, it will be understood that the system could also be adapted for use with any number of roof penetrating structures, from various types of skylights to smoke vents or other ventilating structures, which can all be adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure system.
Again in reference to
Lower closure 150 seals the lower end of the system from the elements.
In reference now to
The rail shoulder 242 is shaped to fit closely over the outside of the roof rib 112, and is secured to roof rib 112 by a plurality of rivets 310. Upper flanges 240 of the rails support the skylight frame 132. A sealant 330 can be applied to the upper flange to seal against the passage of water or air.
It can be seen that the rail and closure structure 140 of the assembly 100 can be produced to fit closely along the contour of the roof 110, and can be so configured to have end portions that match the contour of the ribs 112. The various mating surfaces of the structure 140 and the roof 110 can be sealed in various ways known to the roofing art, including caulking or tape mastic, or various rubber fittings or inserts can be used to seal any open areas of the roof panels.
In
Most standing seam roofs are seamed using various clip assemblies that allow the roof to float, along the major elevation. Typically, the roof is fixed at the cave and allowed to expand and contract toward and away from the ridge. Very wide roofs can be fixed at midspan and expand and contract toward and away from both the cave and the ridge. The design of the rail and closure assembly 100 takes full advantage of the floating features of contemporary roofing structures, and when a skylight is so secured to the roof panel elevations, the skylight assemblies themselves are able to draw strength from the structural load bearing capacity of the standing seam roof profile.
Shown in
The skylight 130 is supported on the rail and closure structure 140, as previously described.
The rail and closure structure 140 is secured by its side rails 142 and 144 by a series of fasteners 300 to the skylight frame 132 and to the ribs 112 by a series of rivets 310.
Adjacent the up-slope end of the rail and closure structure 140, a single rib 112 is typically cut away to create gap 122, thereby to accommodate drainage at the up-slope end of the system (toward ridge cap 120). This is an important feature for standing seam, architectural standing seam and snap seam roofs. Two ribs can be cut for roofs having an “R” panel profile.
The retained portions of rib 112 function similar to e.g. flange and web portions of an I-beam, thus to support the side rails 142 and 144 and maintain a watertight seal along the length of the assembly. Internal portions of the ribs 112 can be removed to allow additional light from the skylight 130.
A single bearing plate structure 148 is used for sealing the cut away rib. The bearing plate 148 also provides some support to link adjacent rib elevations 112, and is typically produced of steel or other material sufficient to provide a rigid substructure to the skylight rail and closure structure.
The rail and closure structure 140 is shaped in such a manner that the skylight can be easily fastened directly to the rail portion, with rivets or other fasteners such as screws and the like.
Looking now to
Lower flange 410 of diverter 146 runs along the panel flat 114. The diverter 146 also has a diversion surface 420 and fastener holes 430 along the lower flange.
At one end of diverter 146 is a rib mating surface 440 and at the other end is a rib sealing plate 450.
Lower closure 150 has an upper flange 500 and a lower flange 510, as well as an upstanding closure web 520. The lower flange 510 includes fastener holes 530.
The lower closure 150 also includes rib mating surfaces 540 and 550 to provide a tight fit along the ribs 112.
Looking now to
In the case of standing seam roofs, the system provides the ability to remove roof panel material only in the panel flat portion of the panel. This maintains the structural integrity of the roof in that multiple sections of major panel elevations are not removed, as is done to accommodate a “typical” curb assembly. Thus, the roof's structural integrity is not compromised to that extent and there are fewer potential areas for water infiltration, in that the skylight panels can be attached very near the ridge of the building and run to the eave, requiring water to be diverted only once near the ridge of the roof plane and only across one panel flat.
To the limited extent that cutaways are made to the elevations, these are made small, on the order of a few inches or less, solely for the purpose of allowing drainage past the skylights.
The rail and closure assembly 100 is particularly useful for continuous runs of skylights end to end.
As one example, skylights can be produced in units of up to 10 feet long, and connected end to end for as long a distance as necessary, as each skylight unit is supported by the ribs of the roof profile. The standing rib elevation (the major corrugation) runs longitudinally along the length of the assembly and mates with the respective rails 142, 144 along the entire length of assembly 100, regardless of the number of adjacent structures 140. No water can enter over the top of the rail and closure assembly.
Where it is desired that the skylight starts at the ridge of the roof, a simple flashing can be inserted under the ridge cap.
Where the ridge cap has a configuration to fit the rib elevations (major corrugations) in the roofing panels, a portion of the one rib may be cut out (approximately 2″), allowing the water from the roof panel above to be diverted onto the next adjacent roof panel.
If desired, a simple rail enclosure extension could be used to increase the height or distance between the top of the skylight frame and the roof panel, and can be adapted to simply lay over or attach to the top of the rail and closure structure. Such an extension can be produced to extend along the upper flange of the rail and closure structure, to effectively raise the height of the skylight or smoke vent to accommodate different skylight depths or other design features, or to accommodate snow conditions and the like. In this fashion, the rail and closure structure can be produced to a standard height, with upward extensions optionally being used to elevate the overall height of the structure for such varied purposes. Various forms for such an extension are suitable, and the skilled artisan will understand various ways and means of designing and manufacturing such extension to accomplish the goal of added height to the skylight.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
This application is a Continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. 120, of Ser. No. 14/482,471, filed Sep. 10, 2014, which is a Continuation of Ser. No. 13/771,746, filed Feb. 20, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,009, which is a Continuation of Ser. No. 12/932,892, filed Mar. 8, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,438,798, which is a Continuation-In-Part of Ser. No. 12/572,176, filed Oct. 1, 2009, now abandoned, which is a Non-Provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/102,333, filed Oct. 2, 2008, the complete disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61102333 | Oct 2008 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14482471 | Sep 2014 | US |
Child | 15868898 | US | |
Parent | 13771746 | Feb 2013 | US |
Child | 14482471 | US | |
Parent | 12932892 | Mar 2011 | US |
Child | 13771746 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12572176 | Oct 2009 | US |
Child | 12932892 | US |