GB2362179A - Glazing panel with edge abutment - Google Patents

Abstract

Plastics glazing panels 10, 11 have edges formed with, or separately provided with, abutments 12, 13 extending transversely of the plane of each glazing panel. A glazing system has a support structure 14, which may be a sub-assembly, has a first part 15 supporting a pair of juxtaposed glazing panels, a second part 16 contacting the other faces of the glazing panels and an intermediate part 17 connecting the two. The formation is such that the parts form receiving portions for the abutments and at least partially encloses them so as to deter separation from the support structure.

Description

2362179

PATENTS ACT 1977 A9937GB-JNLjin Title: Glazing System Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a glazing system having glazing panels C made of plastics material such as p.v.c. oi- polycarbonate materials and is primarily, but not exclusively, concerned with glazing systems having transparent or translucent panels.

Plastics materials for glazing panels have become increasingly popular particularly since the introduction of inultl-wall polycarbonate panelling since the latter are very strong and can be manufactured reasonably economically by an extrusion process. They are very light which is not only of benefit since the supporting structure does not have to beai. a great weight but the light weight enables transport costs to be reduced and installation is more simple than glass panels which would be many tlines the weight for a comparable strength.

Because of the popularity of plastic olazing panels, such as those made of polycarbonate, they are increasingly used on buildings which leads to a problem because one of their pi-Iiiiat.y uses is for rOofing panels and in many C cases it is riot possible to provide sufficient security to prevent access to the roof, albeit precautions may be taken. it is necessary where access could be gained, irrespective of any deterrents, that the roof structure is sufficiently strong to eliminate or at least ininunise the possibility of a person of] the roof falling througb the i-oofiiig panel.

Roofing panels made fi-om plastics material and in particular multi-wall panels can be very strong paitictilai.1),. wlien made fl-om a material such as polycarbon.ate. There is howevei. a problein in that compared with glass, for example, such roofing panels are relatively, flexible. This gives them an advantage in then. ability to absorb inipact without breaking but lias led to a 0 considerable problem in that a severe iinpact can dislodge the panel from its supporting sti-Licture.

It will be appreciated that wliereas the above mentioned panels have been described as roofing panels they inay also be used as walls or other parts of a structure. For the sake of coiivetilciice all such panels will liereinafter be referred to as glazing panels.

The invention is partietilarly coiicei-iied with a glazing system, hereinafter referred to as being of the knid specified, comprising a first and a C1 second glazing panel, eacb made fi-om a plastics material, one of said panels c) having at leas( one edge regioti adapted to be juxtaposed witli the edge region of the otliet. of said panels and said jiixtaposed edges are formed with or provided with -in abutinew transversely to the plane of each glazing panel, said glazing systeni ftirtlier coinprising a sitppoil structure having c C_ a first part adapted to extend inwardly fi-om tlie edge regions of the uxtaposed C) j panels and along one side of the panels and a second part adapted to extend inwardly fl-om edge regions of said jiixtaposed panels along the opposite sides of the panels of the first part to tliereby defitie primary, and secondary receiving portions for reception of the first aii(l second respectively, and wherein said second part is of a formation ciiibllii(, it at least partially to enclose said abutments to deter separatloii of said glaziii- p-anel fi-om its siipport structure.

1 b It is an object of the present iti,Ciitioii to provide a glazing system that overcomes and inininlises the problein inetitiotied above.

Accordino to oiie aspect of the iii,eiitioii we provide a stib-assembly for c) use in a (flazing system of the knid specified wlierein the siffiassembly c) n comprises a first glazing panel, aii abtitinent element transverse to the glazing panel, inotinted witlim a priniary receiving portion of a support id primary receiving portion beiii,,,, formed to deter separation of the structure, sai 1 1 C1 panel fi-om the support sti.iicttii.e.

Said first glazing panel iiia, be inade fl.om polycarbonate materials.

The primary receiving poi-tion inay have a first part which supports the first glazing panel fi-om below.

The primary receiving poillon inay have a second part which overlies the first glazing panel and has Upper flange parts that extend transversely to the plane of the first glazing panel which together with the first part provide a C formation at least partially to enclose said abUti-nents.

The support struCtUre may coinprise a first part, a second part and an inter-connecting part adapted to be secured with or located with said first and second part.

At least the second part and the intennediate connecting part may be capable of being Mutually secured or located only by virtue of mutual relative ZD longitudinal sliding inovenient.

Said ititer-connecting part inay be Of Substantial strength to impart rigidity to the glazilig systein.

Each glazing pail inay be substantially planar.

The intermediate part may be a pultrusion.

The abutment may be provided integrally with said first panel during manufacture of the panel.

Alternatively the abutnient inay be inade separately fi-oin the first panel and mounted thereon.

According to another aspect of the invention we provide a glazing systein of the kind specified incorporatin(l at least one SUb-assembly according to any one of the pi-ecedino statenieMs of invetition.

0 It has beeii fOUnd that 8 StRICtUi-e as described above in addition to , a weatherproof seal around providing a very stroiig structui-e. also piovidnq, juxtaposed edges of the paiiel.

Whereas the glazin(l), panels have been described as being substantially planar this is intended to indicate that the thickness of the glazing panel, which may be of any desired thickness and inay have a plurality of spaced wall 4 sections, is sniall compared with the overall area covered by the glazing panel. Furtherinore the or both sides of (lie glazing panel may not necessarily be flat but may be corrugated or have some other forinatIon as desired.

it will furtlier be appreciated that whereas the panels have been described hereinafter as roofing panels, and it is primarily in such a position where the strength of the struclure is required, glazing systems subject to this invention is eqLiall), applicable to pitched roofs, flat roofs or indeed panels used in the vertical wall of a building, or walls that are inclined to the vertical.

Conveniently the intermediate part may be an extrusion fi-om metal or a rolled section and in some instances the intermediate part may comprise a pultrusion.

When the intermediate part is forined as a pultruslon this enhances the glazing structure iii that not only can a pultruslon be rnade fi-om very light but very strong material but furthermore it may be made fi-om a material having good thermal insulation thereby obviatmg the need for a thermal break material which may adversely affect the strength of the structure as a whole.

Preferably the first and second part of the support structure l-nay be made fi.om an extruded in<-,ttei.tal SLICII <IS alLI111111111111 -and may be formed with sections adapted to receive an intermediate part as described above and also may be provided with other forniatioiis mlapted to receive other fixing elements and/or scaling elements.

Said abutments may be provided on said glaziii,,, panels during the manufacture thereof.

Alternatively said abutments may be niade separately from the glazing panels and inotinted thei-con.

According to a fiti-ther aspect of' ilie present niventioti we provide a C glazing system comprisim, a of glazing panels inade fi-om a plastics material each panel having at leas( oiie e(l,,e region adapted to be juxtaposed 0 c) with the edge region of another glazing pancl and wherein said Juxtaposed edges are formed with or provide(] witli an abutment extending transversely to the plane of each glazing panel, said glazing system further comprising a support structure liaviii,(,,, a first part adapted to extend inwardly from the edge regions of the juxtaposed panels and alon,,--,, one side of the panels and a second part adapted to extend inwardly fi-oni e(l,,,,e regions of said juxtaposed panels and along the opposite sides of the panels fi-oni the first pail and wherein said second part is of a formation enabling it at least partially to enclose said abutments to deter separation of said roofing panels froin its support structure.

It is a second object of the invention to provide a support structure enabling a pair of roofing panels to be siniply secured thereto According to a further aspect of the])resent invention we provide a support structure adapted to support edge i-e,,,,loiis of juxtaposed glazing panels, W J said support structure comprising a first paii adapted to lie along one side of the juxtaposed edge regions of' said glaziiit,, panels, a second part adapted to lie over the opposite side of uxtaposed olazing panels in the region of said edge J C -- region and an intermediate part adapted to be connected to or located with said first and second parts.

At least the second part and the intermediate connecting part may be capable of being mutually secured or located only by virtue of mutual relative longitudinal sliding movement tlierebe(ween.

Preferably said Interniediate part is of a form and made fi-om a material to add considerable strength to the structure as a whole.

Whereas it lias been proposed that the abutments fornied oil the roofing panel may be formed during the manufacture of tile panel, it is also envisaged 0 that the abutment may be subsequently,, secured to the panels by any suitable means and said abutments may 1'oi- exaniple comprise first and second opposed members defining a slot adapted to i-ecelxe the roofing panel, at least one of said opposed members providing said abutnient.

C) 6 Preferably said opposed members are connected to each other in a manner to provide said abutmetit.

Said abutiriew may be provided on the side of the panel or if wished an abutment may be provided on botli sides of the panel albeit the distance the abutment exteiids fl.oiii the plane oftlie paiiel on either side may differ.

Said abutment member,lieii SCCUrC(I to the panel may be secured by any suitable means Such as adliesive aiid may be made fl-orn a similar material from which the panel is made for example polycarbonate, but in order to provide sufficient sti-eii_gtli may, be of a tlileiiiess greater tlian any individual wall tbickness of the paiiel to which it is seciii. ecl.

It is a furtliet. object of the presew itiveinion to provide a new or improve method of assembling i-ool'sti-tic.ttit.es.

Accordim, to a further aspect of the presew inveiition we provide a C> method of assembling a glaziii.g system of the kind specified comprising the steps of.

1. taking a first glaziii,) paiiel made from a plastics material and liaviii,, a first supportmg sti,iictiiie mounted tliereon; 0 2. seciti-iiig the first support structure to a support member; 1 -ting aii abtitiiieiit 1)i-o,lded along the edge of a second itisei glazii,, paiiel in aii ewry region provided in the support structure; 1 cl In 4. ilio,11-1g the secon(l clazim, 1),tjiel aloiig aii aiigular path to a D W C C C1 positioll (fol. exalliple, iii it is substaiinally co-planar with the fil- st glaziii,,:,, so tliat tlie second glazing panel has its abinmem captively i.etamed by said support structure.

A secoii(l support sti-tictiii.e be sectired aloiig oiie edge of the second glazing paliel.

The first gliziiig 1)atiel atid the Cii.St SU1)1)011 Stl'I[CtLII'C may comprise a sub-assenibly accoi-diii(y to aiiy mic, of the 1)i.ce.e(iiii(y statemeWs of invention.

C) C:1 7 The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a sectional view tlii-oiigli a pair of juxtaposed roofing panels located in a support structure, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the support structure shown in Figure Figure 3) is a perspective view of one of the composite roofing panels and support structure shown in Fip,,ure 1, Figure 4 is a sectional view which Illustrates a method of assembly of the roof system when each panel is provided with a support structure, Figure 5 is a fragnnentary sectional view of a completed roof system, Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating, how the support structures may be secured to rafters or pm.lins, ,iii.e 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an alternative roofing Fig 1 panel to that of Fi(_.,ures 1 to 6 which illustrates an alternative form of abutment on the roofing panel, Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7 which illustrates a still further alternative forni of abutment on the roofing panel, and Figure 9 is a sectional vlexy of an end closure member for the glazing system of Figure 1.

Referring first to FigLire 1, a cross section through a support member and two roofing panels is shown. A first])aiiel generally indicated at 10 comprises a four wall polycarbonate sheet of honeyconib-like structure which provides a very strong but light structLire. The total thickness of the sheet may be about 20i.niii, the width may be an), desired dimension for example between Y2metre and 1 metre and the length of the panel may be whatever is required since the panel is made by an extrusion process.

A panel 11 is also shown, the panel 1 1 being the same as the panel 10 albeit the width and length may bc dilTerent if' required. It will be appreciated 8 that the panels 10 arid 11 do riot have to be identical for example one may be translucerit or opaque while the othei- is substaritially transparerit. Alternatively one may be of a different colour from the other.

The pariels 10 arid 11 are each forined with a transverse abutment 12 and 13 respectively, the abutinetit beHig formed during the extrusion process.

1 C5 A support structure is shown at 14 and comprises a first pail 15, a second part 16 arid an 1-shaped nitermediate part 17. In the present example the first and secowl parts are inade by extruslori of a suitable aluminium alloy and the first pail 15 is provided witli formatioris 15a to receive self-tapping screws to secure erid inembers to the first part. The first pail 15 has edge flanges 21a havirig imyardly directed 111)s 3 la, to support the roofing panels 10 and 11 as heremafter to be described aiid may be provided witIl seals to provide a weatherproof seal betweeii the roofflig patiels 10 and 11 and the first pall 15. The first pail 15 is provided witli an T-shaped slot 18 in which is engaged a lower limb of the hiterinediate part 17.

The second pail 16 of the siipl)oi-t structure 14 comprises an elongate pail 19 arid dowmvardly dei)eii(Iiiig traiisverse flanges 20 arid 21, the second pail 16 beitig forined witli a T-shaped slot 22 m which is located an upper limb 2.3) of the intermediate part.

The first cuid secoiid parts 15, 16 caii be connected to the intermediate pail only by mutual Joii(,ltii(iiiiil relative sli(Iiii,,,, of the limbs of the 1-shaped part 17 111 the larger wicitli lmn of the -F-shaped slots 18 arid 22 with the web of the 1-sliaped part 17 exteiidiiig through the nan.ower width mouth pail of the T-sliaped slots.

The ititermediate part 17 lias a cewral part 24 iritercomiecting the lower part 19 aiicl the upper part 23. The iritennediate part 17 is designed to provide the strength iii the support structure 14 md is preferably, made fl-om a strong material. It is eiivisaged lliat m soine mstaiices it may be formed from an aluminium extrusioii or a rolled steel sectioti. However it Ims been found that if 9 foi-med'as a pultrusion incorporatim, Ingli sti.ength but liglit reinforcing material C such carbon fibre, kevIar etc. a liglit but very strong section may be formed. Such a pultrusion has additional benefits M that the materials fi- oni which they are formed are good thermally itisitlating materials and lieiice tlils obviates the need for a thernial break wliicli may adverseiv affiect the structure as a whole.

The second pail 16 may be provided ivith scaling material such as that shown at 26 and 27 to provide a weatlierproof seal between the second pail 16 and the upper edge region 28 aiid 29 of the abutments 12 atid 1 3).

The pi-ovisloii of the abutments 12 aiid 13) on the roofing panels 10 and 0 11 in combination with the sti.cit,ili 1)i-oviciect by intermediate pall 17 alld the downwardly depending flanges 20 and 21 oii the secoiA 1)art 16 ensures that if 1 the panel 10, for example, is sub jected to a stibstantial downward force, such as may be applicel by aii mipact. some of the panel take place. The abutment 12 will be pulled nito comact witli the downwai.dly depending flange 20 of the second pail 16 and may, be distorted, to a ceilaiii extent, depending on the downwards force. The lioilcycomb structure of the panel 10 will to a certain extent be deformed tliei.eb, absoi.bitil.,, the impact but at the same time, because of the presence of the abutinew 12 and the downwardly depending flange 20, the edge of the paiiel 10 camiot escape fl-om the support structure 14. Thus the flexibility of the roofing paiiel 10 coupled witli the rigidity and strength of the support structure ejiable (lie roofing assembly as a whole to withstand ally substaiinal do\vii\\,,it.d fowe aii(l remain Hitact. TIlls not only provides a degree of safety to aii), 1)ei-soii falling oil the roof ol. cliniblilg on the roof but also protects aii,oiie ill---theeilelosLii-e covered by the roof Where,as the compotients 10 aii(l 11 liave beeti sliown as a polycarbonate multi-wall structure, it may be of aiiy, suitable material. It may for example comprise a solid polycarboiiate slice(. Mati), diffei. eiit vanatioiis of multl-wall polycarbotiate is available atid It may t\\. lii-walle(l, triple-walled, quadruple- walled and quinwple-wal led, the thicknesses of such sheets typically varying between 1 Oinin and 25min.

It will be seen that the First 1),,-ii,t 15 has a substantial width and is wider than the second pail 16 to ensure that e\,eii when the roofing panel 10 or 11 is distorted and the abt.itinent. for exaniple the, ibtitjiieiit 12, is in contact with the downwardly depending eleinetit 20 the lowei. edge of region -30 of the roofing panel 10 is still supported by the UppCl SUrface of the lip 3) la of the first part 15 thus maintaining the integrity Of the Sti-LICtUre.

Referring now in ad(litloji to FigUre 2, which shows a diagrammatic perspective VICW Of the S1.11)1)011 structure of Figure 1 but with the screw receiving formation 15a omitted for clai-it,. It can be seen fl.om the illustration in Figure 2 that the first part 15, the i iitei-iiie,,1 late part 17 and the second pail 16 are longitudinally slidable relative to each otlier which assists assembly and indeed by allowitio relative sliding iiio,eiiieiit between the elements, securement of the first part 15, for ex.,iiiil)le, to rafters, purlins or the like is permitted. Furtherniore if aftei. a perlod of tline it is necessary to replace weatherproof seal ot. incleecl if' it is e\,ei. tiecessary to replace any of the roofing panels, separalioii of ilie IMI1S Of' the S1.11)1)011 StRICture can be carried out without difficult)! to allow for siiiil)ie replaceinent of a roofing panel. Although the intermediate pail 17 is showii as 1-slial)ed aiid the slots 18 and 22 are of T- shape, if desired ariy other loii,,lttidiiially! interengageable formation may be zl::, provided on the parts 17 and 18/22.

Referring iiosy to Figwre 3. a coinbination of a roofing panel 10 and a support sti.ticttii.e 1,1, both as described liereflibefore, to provide a unit is shown and it is envisaged that a roofiii- 1), nel 10 aiA a support structure 14 unit may be pre-assenibled off si(e. I'lic acIvantage of' pre-asseinbling, ensures that the 1 > correct parts are available togethei. so that a roof may be assembled on site in a c manner as shown in FigLire 4. As caii be secii in FigLire 3) the first and second pails 15, 16 provide 1)i.iiiiit.y an(l secoii(lii.y. receiving forinations F,, F2, the 11 primary formation F, being occupied by the panel 10 shown in Figure 4 and the secondary formation being available to receive a second part. The roofing panel 10 may be pre-assenibled or fastened to the support structure 14 by viltue of being mechanically clainped aiid/oi. adliesively secured in position between the first 15 and second 16 patis of the primary receiving formation Fi.

Referring to Figure 4, the coiistiticiioii of the roof may be seen, the roof being constructed fi-otii utilts, or stib-assemblies of first roofing panel 10 and support structure 14 as showii in Figiii-e -3). A first panel/suppoil structure element 40 unit is secured iii position oil -a support member comprising, in this example, a plurality of spaced parallel sLipporting rafters one of which is shown at 41. A second roofing piiiel/stii)l)oj-tjiig structure unit 42 is then placed in position by Msertitig the abininew 43) thereofinto the space 44 of the receiving formatiori F2. (as illustrated in respect of the third panel/slipport structure 45), and subsequently securim, the stipport structure of the second element 42 in 0 position oil the support irieniber 41. The manner of inserting each roofing panel/support structure unit is shown M connection with the third panel/support structure coiiibinitioii 45 and it can be secii there is a first position indicated at 46 ill which the abutinew 47 is iiiserted into the gal) 48 and then a clockwise rotation of the panels siii)i)c)i-[ stnicture 45 enables it to take up a position ill which the support structure Is stipported oii the rafters. Each subsequent panel support structLire ullit is colillected M a slinilai- flashion, thits the provision of roofing panel/support sti-iictiii.e will enables a rapid assembly of the roof structure.

Figure 5 Illustrates a roofasseinbly, \villch Is shown being constructed in Figure 4, ill all assembled coticlitioii.

ures 6a-c. different views of the support structure Referring now to Fig are shown with emphasis to the relatWe sliding movements between first pail C) 15, second part 16 and intermediate part 17 are shown. Iii particular, the ability of the three parts ofthe stil)i)oi-( stroctitre to be moved relative to each other.

12 Referring to Figitre 6a, relative loiit(::,>ltiidiiial sliding movement of the pails 15, 16, 17 to the position slio,\,il M Figtire 6a enables a fastener such as that shown it 50 to pass throtigh aperttires provided in a first pail 15 to secure the first pail 15 to a rafter as shown at 5 1. Once the fastener 50 is in position the second pail 16 and niterinediate pail 17 may then be moved to the position shown ill Figure 6b to perinit of iiisci-tioji ofa further fastener 53) to secure the first pail 15 to the rafter 54. The parts 15-17 are tlicii moved to the position shown ni Figtire 6e syliereby roofim, 1)IIICI/SLIPPOIt stl-ijctui.e unit may be engaged therewith as described witli refererice to Figitre 4.

It is also envisaged that the intermediate pail 17 may not necessarily be continuotis throtighotit the lenoth of the roofing panels beim, secured and where c) 0 11 the rafters 5 1 and 54 are of a ilia[ aflows stifficiew overlap between end pails of the ititei.iiiedijcite 1),ij-t 17, sinall gal)s may be present between juxtaposed ends of the interniedicite part 17 to facilitate the securing of the lower pail 15 to rafters stich as those shown M 5 1 and 54.

All alternative glaziiig Imnel will iio\, be described referring to Figure 7a. In this embodiment, a twin-wall polycarbonate sheet is shown at 70. The polycarbonate sheet 70 is not forined dtirijig iiiaiiLifactiii.e with an abutment.

However In order to provide the sheet witli an abtitnieilt to prevent it being dislodged from a sti.tic.ttii-al siil)l)oi-t ineinber as a residt of impact or other means, an abianient inember 71 is 1)i-o\,lcled which is seciii-ed to the roofing panel 70 by, nicails of adlieslive 72. In addition to or as all alternative to adhesive the abt,itiiieiit 71 may be welded, or ineclianically secured or otherwise secured to the 1)atiel 70. In the ciiibo(iiiiieiit showii ill Fignire 7a it will noted that the abtitiiieilt 7 1 lias not only an extending Imi.t 73 but also has a smaller downwardly (Iel)eii(fitig Imi-t 74 iii(l 11 is erivisaged that tile abutment 73) will contact the downwardly del)eii(Iiiio part oil the second pail of the support:

structure and the abiainent inember 74 cowact an tipwardly extending pail of the first pail 15 of the stipport sti,ttctLit,e iii the event of impact on the roof panel so as to spread the load betweeti different pails of the roof panel and so the abutment 71 further enhatices the seciinty arid stren th of the structure. 9 In Figure 7b a triple-wall polycarboiiate panel is shown at 75 having an abutment member 76 similar to that <is licreinbefore described with reference to Figure 7a.

In Figure 7c a solid 1)olycat-boilate paiiel is showii at 77, it too being provided with an abidinent 78 slinilar to that shown at 71 and 76. The manner in which the abutment members 76, 78 are seciii.ed to their respective panel 75, 77 is as described iii connection with Fit..,tii.e 7a.

Referring now to Figure 8 there is shown a still fwilier and preferred glazing panel comprising a twin-wall polycarbonate sheet shown at 80. The polycarbonate sheet 80 is not forined diii.lii,,, iiiaiitifciCtLII'C with an abutment. However, ill order to provide the sheet with an abutillent to prevent it being dislodged from a StrUCtUral S111)1M.t nicinber as the result of all impact, or other means, all abutment inember 8 1 is pi-o\, 1(Ieci which Is secured to the roofing panel 80 by means of ati adhesWe 82 clisl)osed ill chamber C.

As an alternative to adhesive the abtitinent 8 1 may be welded or mechanically secured or otherwise sectired to the panel 80. The abutment member 81 is made of exti-tided rigid U.PN.C. but may, be made of any other suitable material stich as polycarboiiate as aii exti-tisioii wid so is of constant dimension throughout its lciigtli arid is cut to leiigtli as desired to fit the roofing panel concerned. The abittiiieiit inember 81 has a vertical Iiinb 83) which terminates, at its lower end ill a flaiwe 84 havirig an upturned pail 85. Between 0 the upturned pail 85 and the vertical Ifflib 83), the upwardly, facing surface of the flange 84 is separated fl.oiii the iiiiclei,--,iji-f'ace of the pariel 80 by, a small gap 86.

At its upper encl the abininent 83) has -,ill ul)pei. flange 87 and a C> downwardly exteiicll'ii,(, llinb 88 1)cii.iliel to the part 83). Tile downwardly C extending limb 88 has all inwardly exteiiclliig flaiige 89 provided with two 14 downwardly extending parts 90Li, 90h at its inner and outer ends. Between the parts 90a, 90b the downwardly facing surface of the limb 89 is spaced from the upwardly facing surface of the panel 80 by a siriall gap 91 ill which a suitable adhesive is disposed to secure the component to the panel.

The upper surface of the flange 87 is provided with a flexible rib 92 for sealing engagement with the under-stirface of the elongate part 19 of the support structtire 14. This is in replacement of the sealing material such as that shown at 26 and 27 in Figtire 1. of the flange 87 with the under surface of the panel 19 and engagement of the mider sill-face of the part 84 with the limb 3) 1 a provides mechanical retention the panel in the receiving formation F, to provide a st.ib-assembly as described liereinbefore.

Referring now to Figm-e 9 there is illustrated an end closure member 100 for fitment to the edges of the two ol)posite end roof panels which are not engaged with a siipport sti-ticitti-e 14. As can be seen, the closure member 100 has a vertical limb 101 froin whicli in iipper flange 102 prQJects to overlie the upper surface of the panel and wlilcli is provided wIth a arcuate part 103 for resilient gripping, engagement with the panel. This member is also provided with a stepped lower flan,(,,,e 104 to provide a moisture trap an tipper part 105 of which has all tii)pejsm-face 106 for enpoement with the tinder-surface of the panel. The limb10 1 1)i-o.lects as sliown at 107 beyond the flange 104 to provide a drip detail.

The ribs R provide a spacer to sl)ace the main part of the end closure member 100 away from the panel to wlilcli it is fitted.

Although the examples described and illustrated liereinbefore, are all CI roofing panels if desired the nwention may be applied to other glazing panels such as are used oil walls or otlici. parts of a struettire.

In the present specification "cojiil)i-lse" means "includes or consists of' and "coiiipi.isliig" inearis "Iiiclti(iiiip, or consisting of'.

The features disclosed iii the foregoIng description, or the following claims, or the accoinpanying drawings, expressed in thell. specific forms or in terms of a ineans for perfonning the disclosed ftinction, or a rnethod or process for attaiiiing the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (25)

16 CLAIMS

1. A sub-assenibly for use ill a glazill(l system of the kind specified wherein C> 0 the sub-assenibly comprises a first glaziii,-, paiiel, having all abutment element C1 transverse to the glazing panel, moutited svltiiiii a primary receiving portion of a id i portloii being formed to deter separation of the support structure, sai -ecel i g 1 panel fi-om the support StrUCtUrC.

2. A sub-assembly as cialined M Claim 1 wherelti said first glazing panel is made from polycarbonate materials.

A sub assembly as cliiiiiecl Claim 1 or Clalim 2 wherein the primary receiving poiliori has a first part \\,lilcli supports the first glazing panel from below.

4. A sub-assenilbly as claiine(l Iii Galin -3) wherem the primary receiving portion has a secoiicl pail \,lilcii overlies the first 1.-:tzijig panel and has upper 9 1 Z21 flange pails that exteiid traiisversely to the plane of the first glazing panel which together \vith the first part provi(le a foi-inatioii at least partially to 0 enclose said abutments.

5. A sub-assembly as claimed iii Claini 4 wherein the support structure comprises a first part, a second part aii(l aii imer-connecting pail adapted to be secured with or located witli saicl first tjid secoiid pail.

6. A sub-assembly accordiii- to Claim 5 x\l:liei-eiii at least the second pall and the intermediate coiiiiectiii,-, part are capable of being mutually secured or located oifly by, V111LIC Of 111t1111(11 I'CkItiVC 1011.)>ittl(ljllll sliding illovenlent.

17

7. A sub-assernbly as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein said interconnecting pail is of a strength to impart rigidity to the glazing system.

8. A sub-assernbly as claimed in any one of Clalins 5 to 7 wherein said intermediate pail is a pultrusion.

9. A sub-assernbly as claimed in any, one of the preceding claims wherein the abutment is provided integrall), witli said first olazing panel during manufacture of the panel.

10. A sub-assenibly as clainied in any., one of Claims 1 to 8 wherein said abutment is made separately fi.om the first glazing panel and mounted thereon.

C)

11. A sub-assenibly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each glazling pail is substantially planar.

12. A SUb-assenibly substantially, as liereinbefore described with reference to the accompanyIng drawings.

1 A glazing system of the kind sl)eclfied incorporating at least one subassembly, according to any one of Clainis 1 to 12.

14. A glazing system coniprising a plurality, of glazing panels made flom a plastics material each panel havino, at least one edge region juxtaposed with the edge region of the other of said panels and wherein said juxtaposed edges are formed xvith or provided with an abutment extending tranversely of the plane of each glazing panel. said glazIng systeiii furtlier comprising a support structure having a first pan Milcii extends from the edge regions of the juxtaposed panels -and along, one side of the panels and a second pail which 18 extends inwardly fl-om edge regions of said juxtaposed panels and along the Zn W.

opposite sides of the p.anels from the fit.st pail and wherein said second pall is of a formation wliereby it at least partially encloses said abutments to deter separation of said glazing, panels fi.om tlicii support structuie.

15. A,,,,iaziii,, system comprising a sul)port structure adapted to support edge regions of Juxtaposed glazing panels, said support structure comprising a first pail adapted to lie alon- one side of tliejuxtaposed edge regions of said glazing C 1 171 panels, a second part adapted to lie ovei. tlie ol)posite side of. juxtaposed glazing panels in the region of said ecl,,e i.e,,joii and an Intermediate part adapted to be It> c Z connected to or located \\,,ltli sald fii.st cmd second parts.

16. A glazing system accoi.diii,, to Claim 15,liei-eiii at least the second pail t and the intermediate connecting part are calmble of beIng, mutually secured or located only by virtue of mutual relative longitudinal sliding movement therebetween.

17. A metliod of assembling a glazino system whicli may be of the kind 0 W specified comprising securing an abutmem member to a glazing panel which is forined separately, fl-om the abutment inembei..

18. A metliod accoi-ciliig to Cialin 17 \\.liei-elii the abutmetit member is inade fl-om a similar matenal to that from \\,lilcli the panel is made, for example, polycarbonate, bul of' a tlilekiiess gi-catei. tlian any Individual wall thick thickness of the panel to Milcli it Is sectived.

19 19. A method of assembling a glazing system of the kind specified comprising the steps of.

1 taking a first glazing panel made from a plastics material and having a first supporting structure mounted thereon; 0 2. securitig the first sLipport structure to a support member; 3. inserting an abLitinent provided along the edge of a second glazing panel in aii entry regioti provided in the support structure; 4. niovlil,(-,, the second glaziiig paiiel along an angular path to a position, (foi. example, in wiilcli it is substantially co-planar with the first glazing panel) so that the second glazing panel has its abutment captively retained by said support structure.

20. A method according to Claim 19 wherein a second support structure is secured along one edge of the second glazing panel.

0

21. A method accoi-diiig to Claim 20 wherein the first glazing panel and the first Support structilre comprise a stib-asseinbly according to any one of Claims 1 to 12.

22. A glazitig system siibstaiitially as herembefore described with reference to the accompanying drawnigs.

C1 2). A support sti-tictiii.e substatitially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying dramyings.

24. A method of asseiiibllii(, a glazitig system substaiitially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompany drawings.

25. Any novel featUre or novel combmation of features as herein described and/or shown in the accompanymg drawings.