GB2378208A

GB2378208A - Roof structure

Info

Publication number: GB2378208A
Application number: GB0216971A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dennis Anthony Jones; Colin Antony Jones
Original assignee: Aspect Management Ltd
Current assignee: Aspect Management Ltd
Priority date: 2001-08-01
Filing date: 2002-07-22
Publication date: 2003-02-05
Anticipated expiration: 2022-07-22
Also published as: GB0216971D0; GB2378208B

Abstract

A roofing structure comprises a ridge, an eaves beam, spaced apart glazing bars 10 extending between the ridge and the eaves beam and roofing panels 12 supported by the glazing bars 10. Each glazing bar 10 comprises an inner member 14 and an outer member 16 which are arranged to prevent lifting of the panels 12. This may be achieved by the inner 14 and outer 16 members being connected together by fastening means 40, 46 operable from the inner member side of the glazing bar or by means associated with the inner member obstructing lifting of the panel independently of the outer member. The fastening means 40, 46 may be a nut 46 and bolt 40 set having one part concealed and captive within the outer member 16 and the other part bearing against the inner member 14. Also disclosed are end fittings for the roofing panels for connection to the eaves structure in which the connection comprises male and female connectors or in which the coupling between the end fitting and eaves structure comprises a fulcrum arrangement at a first location and a connection internally of the outer face of the eaves structure.

Description

ROOF STRUCTURES This invention relates to the construction of roofs, especially conservatory roofs.

The invention is applicable for example to glazed roofs of the type comprising panels, e. g. of glass or a plastics material such as polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride, supported between glazing bars which may be produced as aluminium extrusions.

In a known form of glazing bar assembly, as disclosed in British Patent Application No.

2347963, the assembly comprises an elongated bar which serves to support the panels and an elongated capping element which has a plastics connector which engages as a push fit in a channel in the bar.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved roof structure; in particular, one which affords greater security against thieves making entry through the roof of a conservatory or the like by removing one or more panels.

According to the present invention there is provided a roofing structure comprising a ridge, an eaves beam, spaced apart glazing bars extending between the ridge and the eaves beam and roofing panels supported by the glazing bars, characterised in that to provide security against removal of the roof panels: each glazing bar comprises an inner elongate member which has at least one shoulder providing support for the inner face of an edge of a roofing panel and at least one outer elongate member for co-operation with the inner member and, in use, overlies an outer face of the roofing panel edge, the inner and outer elongate members being so arranged that lifting of the panels is prevented by (a) the members being coupled together by fastening means operable from the inner member side of the glazing bar and/or (b) means

associated with the inner member for obstructing lifting of the panel independently of the outer member (s) in such a way as to maintain the panel captive against lifting from the inner member after the outer member has been removed; and the lower edge of at least one the panels is provided with an end fitting including a portion overlying one end of the roofing panel to prevent that end of the panel being lifted.

In this manner, it is possible to locate the panels between the inner and outer

b 4-r members and because the fastening means is not operable or accessible from the side of the assembly on which the outer member is located, greater security is afforded against break-in to a conservatory or the like by removal of a roof panel or panels. This is in contrast with the glazing bar assembly of British Patent Application No. 2347963 where break-in can simply effected easily by levering the capping from the bar and then removing one or more roofing panels.

The end fitting serves to prevent access to the lower end of the roofing panel and, in conjunction with the arrangement of the glazing bars affords enhanced security against break-in because, usually the other end of the roofing panel or panels extend to a ridge structure part of which overlies that end of the roofing panel (s) resulting, by virtue of the present invention, in both ends of the panel being trapped at the ridge and eaves structures thereby further obstructing any attempt to remove the panel (s).

FEATURES OF THE GLAZING BARS Usually there will be just one outer member but the possibility of there being more than one is not excluded.

The inner and outer members may be fabricated as extruded profiles, e. g. of aluminium or aluminium alloy or of a plastics material.

The inner member may be generally T-shaped comprising a hollow central portion in which the fastening means is accommodated.

The outer member may be generally V-shaped, the arrangement being such that the hollow central portion of the inner member extends into the V-shaped outer member.

FEATURES OF THE FASTENING MEANS The inner and outer members may each be formed with a channel defined by spaced walls and arranged in such a way that they interfit in telescopic fashion. The fastening means may be accommodated within the interfitting channels.

The fastening means may include a tension-transmitting element.

The fastening means may include complementary screwthreaded portions, one of which may co-operate with the underside of the inner member in use and be operable to draw the inner and outer members together.

The fastening means may comprise one component for locating the same relative to the outer member and such component may be concealed within the glazing bar assembly so as to be inaccessible from the outside of the roofing structure in use.

The fastening means may comprise a bolt and nut set. One component of the bolt and nut set may be captive with the outer member and the other component may cooperate with the underside of the inner member.

Two or more fastening means may be provided at spaced intervals along the length of the glazing bar.

Where applicable, the outer member may include a fastener-locating housing within the V-section for receiving for example the head of a bolt forming part of the fastening means.

FEATURES OF THE OBSTRUCTING MEANS The glazing bar is arranged to support the panels on each side thereof and obstructing means may be associated with each side of the glazing bar.

Said means may comprise at least one channel-section element for receiving a side edge of a panel.

The channel-section element may be retained in place relative to the inner member at a location or locations beneath the panel (s) whereby external access to such location (s) is obstructed by the presence of the panel.

The channel-section element (s) may be of extruded form.

The channel-section element (s) may be attachable to the inner member.

The panel-obstructing means may be coupled to the outer member.

The point (s) of attachment may be located so as to be concealed from access outboard of the panel (s).

There may be a channel-section element associated with each side of the glazing bar and the elements may be arranged to be coupled to one another inboard of the panels.

The inner member may be of generally T section with a central stem which fits between the side edges of adjacent panels and a cross-piece which underlies the and provides support for the panel side edges, and the outer member may be of V-section and arranged to be connected to the free end of the stem of the T section so that the sides of the V project towards the cross-piece of the T and the or each channel-section element may be arranged to fit between the cross-piece of the inner member and the sides of the V with the mouth of the channel presented laterally in a direction away from the stem of the T.

FEATURES OF THE END FITTING The end fitting may include a portion overlying one end of the roofing panel and coupled to the eaves structure internally of the outer face of the latter.

In one embodiment of the invention, the end fitting may be connected to the eaves structure through male and female connector parts which are arranged to be coupled together by push insertion of the male part into the female part in a direction transverse to the eaves structure in such a way that the male part is captive against withdrawal in the opposite direction to insertion.

For the avoidance of doubt, the phrase"captive against withdrawal"is not to be interpreted in a strict literal sense irrespective of the force exerted in attempting to withdraw the male part; rather it is to be interpreted as meaning that withdrawal is not possible without damaging one or other part or both, e. g. to the extent that it is no longer possible to reassemble them together with the male part held captive within the female part.

Once the male part is captive, lifting of the panel (s) is prevented at that end of the roofing structure as mentioned above.

The male part may be rendered captive by a formation or formations located in vicinity of the entry opening to the female part.

The blocking formation (s) may be provided on the female part.

The blocking formation (s) may be provided in the vicinity of the entry opening of the female part.

The end fitting may include a channel-defining portion at its forward end for reception of the forward end of the panel (s).

The male and female parts may interfit in such a way as to permit the end fitting to tilt at least about an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the eaves structure.

In one form of the invention, the male part includes a pair of oppositely directed wing portions which can deflect towards one another to allow insertion through an entry opening of the female part but which restore once inserted and block withdrawal

of the male part. The blocking action may be implemented by co-operation between the wing portions, e. g. the free ends thereof, and one or more formations provided in the vicinity of the margins of the entry opening, e. g. in such a way as to prevent deflection of the wing portions towards each other. Such formations may be constituted by configuring the margins appropriately, e. g. by configuring them so that they are in-turned. Additionally or alternatively, the or each formation may be in the form of a lip, nib or the like provided on the end fitting at a suitable location in relation to the entry opening.

The male part may be provided on the end fitting while the female part may be provided on the eaves structure, or vice versa.

The male and female parts may be of generally part-circular configuration and the arrangement may be such that the male part forms a knuckle fitting within the female part which may be a socket associated with the eaves structure.

In another embodiment, the end fitting is so designed as to be coupled at the eaves structure at one location by a fulcrum arrangement so that the end fitting can be mounted in different tilted attitudes with respect to the eaves structure.

The end fitting may be adapted to be coupled to the eaves structure internally of the outer face of the latter and at a location spaced from the fulcrum arrangement.

In this embodiment of the invention, the end fitting may include a channeldefining portion at its forward end for reception of the forward end of the panel (s) and a section which extends rearwardly between the panel (s) and the eaves structure and is adapted to be engaged with the eaves structure on the inboard side of the latter.

In one example of this embodiment of the invention, the end fitting may comprise a channel for reception of the forward end of a roofing panel, a laterally projecting leg which serves as a fulcrum to allow tilting or rocking of the end fitting so as to accommodate the pitch of the roof and an L-shaped section extending rearwardly of the leg to provide a limb which extends laterally in the same general direction as the leg whereby the limb may be engaged with the eaves structure at a location on the inboard side of the eaves structure.

The end fitting may be provided with one or more projections for cooperation with the eaves structure to allow the extent of the tilting angle to be set.

The end fitting and the eaves structure may be provided with formations which can be interfitted to allow tilting or rocking of the end fitting.

The interfitting formations may be of part-circular configuration and the arrangement may be such that the formation associated with the end fitting forms a knuckle fitting within a socket associated with the eaves structure.

The end fittings of the invention may be of a plastics material or they may be of a metal or metal alloy particularly one which may be extruded, e. g. aluminium.

Usually the other end of the roofing panel or panels extend to a ridge structure part of which overlies that end of the roofing panel (s) and it will be seen that the end fittings in accordance with the above aspects of present invention will afford security against break-in even if the glazing bars are designed as disclosed in British Patent Application No. 2347963 because both ends of the panel remain trapped at the ridge and eaves structures thereby obstructing any attempt to remove the panel (s).

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a glazing bar assembly in accordance with the present invention shown in conjunction with two glazing panels, the glazing bar assembly being arranged to trap the side edges of the panels in such a way as to hinder an intruder attempting to break in by removing the roofing panels; Figures 2 and 3 are similar views to that of Figure 1 but showing modifications thereof; Figures 4 to 8 each show a cross-sectional view through additional embodiments of a glazing bar in accordance with the present invention ; Figure 9 is a sectional view through the eaves structure of a pitched conservatory roof, illustrating one form of end fitting; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second form of end fitting; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third form of end fitting.

Figure 12 is a similar view to that of Figure 10, illustrating another form of end fitting; Figure 13 is a sectional view illustrating a further form of end fitting; and Figure 14 is a sectional view illustrating yet another form of end fitting.

The present invention is concerned with the provision of security means for preventing lifting of the roofing panels of for instance a conservatory by trapping both the side edges and the lower ends of the panels in a manner which severely hinders any attempt by a would-be intruder to effect break-in by lifting the roofing panels. Even if the would-be intruder succeeds in disabling the means trapping the side edges of a panel, the means trapping the lower ends of the panel also have to be contended with (or vice versa).

The glazing bars 10 according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention are typically used in the construction of a glazed conservatory roof with each glazing bar extending between a ridge structure and an eaves beam. Glazing roofing panels 12 are supported by the glazing bar and are typically in the form of polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride or glass, each panel being supported at its edges by the glazing bars.

Each glazing bar 10 comprises an inner member 14 and an outer member 16 either of both of which may be manufactured as aluminium extrusions. As used herein, "inner"and"outer"refer to the location of the components relative to the roofing structure. The inner member 14 is generally T-shaped comprising a central portion 18 and a crosspiece 20 which has upwardly directed flanges 22 forming shoulders 24 on which the inner faces at the panel edges 26 of the panels 12 can seat. The panels 12 may seat directly on the shoulders 24 or indirectly via interposed seals (not shown). The central portion 18 comprises a deep channel formed by two upstanding spaced apart walls 30.

The cross-piece 20 may in use be concealed on the internal side of the glazing bar in known fashion by a cladding section or sections of plastics material, aluminium or wood for example, the cladding section (s) being attachable to the inner member. The cladding section (s) may be provided with the seals on which the panels seat. Figure 2 illustrates one form of cladding comprising a channel-section 50 having lips 52 which snap

fit into grooves 54 formed in the flanges 22. The profile of the section 50 is generally the same as the cross-piece 20. In this embodiment, the flanges are shown as extending generally vertically but they need not necessarily do so. The cladding section 50 is also provided with seals 56 (e. g. co-extruded seals) for making sealing contact with the inner surfaces of the roofing panels.

The outer member 16 is generally V-shaped having downwardly directed legs 32 which extend from each side of a central section 34. The legs 32 together with the flanges 22 form openings which receive the edge portions 26 of the panels. The legs 32 may contact the outer face of the panels directly or indirectly via unshown seals (not shown). A main pair of walls 36 extend inwardly from the central section 34 and define a channel which, when the inner and outer members are assembled together as shown, interfits in telescoping fashion with the channel defined by the walls 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel associated with the outer member 16 receives the channelforming walls 30 associated with the inner member 14; however, the arrangement could be reversed.

The central section 34 is also provided with a housing 38 formed by spaced walls 40 having inwardly directed lips 42 which serve to trap the head (s) of one or more bolts 44. The bolt heads may be introduced through open ends of housing 38 at the ends of the outer member 16. The bolts 44 are of sufficient length to extend inwardly through the channel defined by walls 30 and through and beyond drilled holes in the cross-piece 20 so that the inner and outer members 14,16 can be coupled together by tightening of a nut 46 threaded on to the inner end of the bolt 44. In this manner, the inner and outer members 14,16 may be drawn together on opposite sides of the panels 12 to firmly locate the panels and secure good sealing via interposed seals. Usually the inner and outer members will be coupled together by bolt and nut sets 44,46 at two or more locations

along the length of the glazing bar. The seals may co-extruded with the profiles forming inner and outer members 14,16 or they may be bonded thereto.

It will be observed that, when the roofing structure has been assembled, the fastening means formed by the bolt and nut 44,46 firmly secure the inner and outer members together and afford effective resistance to the outer member 16 being detached from the inner member 14 merely by levering the outer member upwardly as is readily possible with the plastics connector used in the assembly shown in GB Patent No.

2347963.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bolt head is captive with the outer member 16 while the nut co-operates with the underside of the inner member 14. In a modification, the nut may be captive within the housing 38 and the bolt head may co-operate with the underside of the inner member.

In another modification, the outer member may be provided with an extension corresponding to the housing 38 which projects into close proximity with the cross-piece so that the inner and outer members may be coupled together by a fastener such as a selftapping screw 60 which engages in, for instance, a suitable aperture provided in the lower end of the extension. This embodiment is illustrated in Figure 3.

In a further modification, instead of the outer member being a single component as illustrated in the drawing, it may consist of two components extending laterally and downwardly from opposite sides of the central stem portion 18, in which case the arrangement may be such that the inner member is coupled to one or both of the outer members by a coupling arrangement which is not accessible from the external side of the roofing structure.

Referring to Figure 4, the glazing bar 110 may comprises an inner member 114 and an outer member 116 either or both of which may be manufactured as aluminium or plastics extrusions. The inner member 114 is generally T-shaped comprising a central stem portion 118 and a cross-piece 120 which has upwardly directed flanges 122 forming shoulders 124 providing support for the the inner faces at the panel side edges. In its normal position of use, the inner member is inverted with the free end of the stem portion 118 uppermost.

The outer member 116 is generally V-shaped having downwardly directed legs 132 which extend from each side of a central section 134. The legs 132 together with the flanges 122 form openings which receive the side edge portions of the panels. The legs 132 may contact the outer face of the panels via seals 135. The outer member is releasably coupled to the inner member by reception of inward exension 137 which may be bifurcated within a channel 139 at the free end of the stem portion 118. The extension 137 may be integral with the outer member or it may be a separately formed components which is secured to the outer member. The channel 139 may be provided with formations such as internal ribs for co-operation with projections on the extension 137 in order to provide resistance to separation of the outer member 116 from the inner member 114.

Thus far, the glazing bar construction is generally similar to that disclosed in British Patent Application No. 2347963. With such an arrangement, it will be seen that once the outer member is removed by levering it away from the inner member, the side edges of the panels are then free thus enabling the panels to be lifted and allowing entry to be gained by an intruder.

In contrast with the glazing bar construction of British Patent Application No.

2347963, the glazing bar forming the embodiments of Figures 5 to 9 of the present invention are each provided with means which, with respect to lifting of the panels, serve

to render the panels 112 captive with the inner member 114 in such a way that such means cannot be easily released even after the outer member has been removed.

In Figure 4, such means comprise a pair of side edge retainers 140 each of which may be in the form of a plastics or aluminium extrusion. Each retainer 140 comprises a channel 142 defined by base 144 and side walls 146,148 for receiving a panel side edge as illustrated. Each retainer 140 is designed for assembly to the inner member 114 in such a way that the channel 142 fits within the gap between the inner and outer members with its base 144 proximate the central stem portion 118. The wall 146 has a depending L-shaped leg 150 which extends around one side of the cross-piece 120 for connection, via coupling 152, to the leg 150 of the other retainer. The coupling 152, which may be of a releasable nature, is located on the internal side of the glazing bar and is not therefore accessible from the exterior when the panels 112 are in place. The coupling 152 may take various forms, e. g. it may be in the form of interfitting snap engageable elements associated one with each of the retainers or it may comprise a fastener securing the the two retainers together. Once the two retainers are coupled together and the panel side edges received within the channels 142, it will be seen that each panel (located between a pair of such glazing bars) is rendered captive to the inner member independently of the outer member so far as lifting of the panel is concerned.

The retainers 140 may be assembled to the side edges of each panel 112 prior to placement of the panel on the inner members 114 during construction of the conservatory or like building. The panel plus retainers is positioned on the inner members and the legs 150 of the retainers can be flexed appropriately to allow them to pass over the cross-piece 120 and then brought together secured by the coupling 152. This method of fitting is particularly applicable where the retainers are of an adequately flexible material such as a suitable plastics. An alternative method of assembly involves initially fitting the retainers 40 to the inner member and then registering the panels with the channels 142 at

one end of the inner member and sliding the panels into position. Once the panels have been located, the outer members are connected to the inner members by engagement of the extensions 137 with the channels 139.

Each retainer may also co-operate with the outer member if desired in such a way that the outer member is linked to the retainers and hence to the inner member independently of the interconnection afforded by the extension 137 and channel 139. In the embodiment of Figure 4 and also the other embodiments described below, this may be implemented by the provision of a a flange 154 projecting upwardly from the wall 148 for coupling to the legs 32. Such coupling may for instance comprise interlocking barbs 156, 158 which automatically lock as the outer member is pushed towards the inner member, e. g. so that the barb 156 on the flange 154 slides past and then engages with the barb 158 on the leg 132, this being aided by the ability of the flange 154 to flex resiliently to a sufficient degree..

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the retainers 140 are coupled to each other at the underside of the inner member. However, the manner in which the retainers are located and secured can vary as illustrated by the variants illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 which are not to be considered as exhaustive. In Figures 6 to 9, the same reference numerals are used to depict those parts which have counterparts in Figure 4.

In Figure 5, each retainer 140 is held in place by engagement of the L-shaped leg 150 with the underside of the cross-piece 120 rather than by coupling with the other retainer. The engagement between the leg 150 and the cross-piece is obtained by means of formations 160,162 which are automatically brought into engagement as the retainer is assembled to the inner member with the formation 160 snapping over the formation 162 by virtue of flexing of the end portion of the leg 150. The formations 160 and 162 may be

uncoupled from each other by pulling the end portion of the leg 150 away from the cross-piece.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the retainers 140 serve to conceal the inner member 114 and may in addition to their retaining feature also function as a cladding to conceal the inner member on the inner side of the roofing structure. For this purpose, the retainers 140 may be produced as plastics, aluminium or wood sections. In the embodiment of Figure 5 and other embodiments to be described below, the retainers 140 may only partially conceal the inner member and, if desired, in these embodiments, cladding section or sections additional to the retainers 140 may be provided to conceal the cross-piece 120 may in use be concealed on the internal side of the glazing bar in known fashion, such cladding section (s) being of plastics material, aluminium or wood for example and being attachable to the inner member 114 and/or to the retainers 140. For this purpose, the retainers and cladding section (s) may be provided with means for enabling the cladding section (s) to be secured in place, e. g. by snap engagement. The cladding section (s) may be provided with the seals on which the panels seat.

In Figure 6, the legs 150 co-operate with the underside of the flanges forming the shoulders 124. In this case, the coupling of the retainers 140 to the cross-piece 120 may be purely by virtue of the end portions of the legs 150 being trapped below the shoulderdefined flanges or the retainers may be coupled to the cross-piece by a suitable fastening arrangement (not shown). In this embodiment, the gap between the underside of the roofing panels and the shoulders 124 may be taken up by the previously mentioned cladding section (s) and/or seals associated therewith.

In Figure 7, instead of depending L-shaped legs, the wall 146 is provided with a projection 161 which engages with a groove in the shoulder 124, e. g as a snap fit. In Figure 4, the end portions of the legs 150 (again not L-shaped) are coupled at 162 to the

upwardly directed legs 122 of the cross-piece. Such coupling may be by way of snapengaging features or other fastening arrangements such as self-tapping screws.

As described with reference to the embodiment of Figure 4, the retainers 140 in each of the embodiments of Figures 5 to 8 may be fitted to the side edges of the panels and then engaged with the inner member on placement of the panels between an adjacent pair of inner members or alternatively the retainers may be fitted to the inner members prior to placement of the panels. In the latter case, placement of the panels may involve registering them with the channels 142 at the eaves ends of the inner members and then sliding the panels upwardly to the desired position.

Referring now to Figure 9, a pitched conservatory roof comprises a number of spaced glazing bars (not shown, but which are of the form described with reference to Figures 1 to 3) between which polycarbonate or like roofing panels 210 are supported along their edges. The glazing bars extend between a ridge structure (not shown) and a box section eaves structure 212 which may be manufactured as an aluminium or aluminium alloy extrusion. The panels are supported with their ends overhanging the eaves structure 212 to drain into guttering (not shown). The eaves structure 212 surmounts a side of the conservatory.

Associated with the lower or forward ends of the panels 210 is an end fitting 214 which may be manufactured as a plastics extrusion or a metal extrusion such as an aluminium or aluminium alloy extrusion. The end fitting 214 has at its forward end a channel 216 having a rearwardly directed open mouth for reception of the forward ends of the panels 210. The channel 216 is defined by a base 218 which closes the open end of the polycarbonate panel, a wall 220 which overlies the marginal edges at the lower ends of the panels 210 and a lower wall 222 which underlies the lower end of the panel. In this manner, the end fitting co-operates with the lower panel edges extending between adjacent

glazing bars. The wall 222 may serve as a thermal break in that it prevents direct exposure of the overhanging portions of the inner faces of the panels.

The fitting includes a downwardly directed leg 224 which projects laterally from the wall 222, e. g. at an angle of 90 degrees, for engagement with the top wall of the eaves structure 212 so as to act as a fulcrum about which the fitting can tilt or rock about an axis parallel to the axis of elongation of the end fitting (i. e. perpendicular to the plane of the paper as viewed in Figure 1) to accommodate the pitch of the roof The leg 224 also serves as a closure for the gap between the underside of the panel 210 and the top of the eaves structure 212.

An L-section shaped portion 226 extends rearwardly of the leg 224 and includes a laterally projecting limb 228 which is spaced from and extends downwardly in generally parallel relation with the leg 224 for co-operation with the rear of the eaves structure. The limb 228 is intended to be fastened to the eaves structure so as to locate the end fitting 214. To this end, the limb 228 and the rear of the eaves structure may be drilled to receive a self-tapping screw to firmly secure the end fitting in place. It will be noted that the attachment of the end fitting 214 to the eaves structure 212 is located interiorly and cannot be accessed from the exterior when the roof panels are in place.

To facilitate tilting of the end fitting according to requirements, the limb 28 may be provided with a number of forwardly directed projections 230 for co-operation with a flange 232 projecting rearwardly from the eaves structure. As shown in Figure 9, the flange 232 is located between the uppermost and intermediate projections 230 but it will be understood that the angle of tilt of the end fitting can be increased by arranging it so that the flange 232 is located between the intermediate and lower projections 230. In the illustrated embodiment, three such projections are provided; by using a larger number

of projections and/or a different spacing between adjacent projections, the incremental change in the tilting angle may be modified as desired.

Figure 10 illustrates a modification in which like parts are depicted by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the limb 228 is not provided with projections 230 as in Figure 9. In this case, the limb 228 is simply connected, e. g. by means of a screwthreaded fastener, to the eaves structure after it has been tilted to the appropriate angle about the leg 224. In Figure 10, it will be noted that the upper wall 220 is downwardly inclined so that insertion of the panel into the channel 216 involves some flexure of the wall 220 which may then bear against the panel. This feature may also be present in the embodiment of Figure 9 if desired.

Figure 11 illustrates another modification using the same reference numerals as in Figure 9 to identify like parts. In this embodiment, the leg 224 terminates in a knuckle-shaped formation 236 which is adapted for reception in a channel 240 of the eaves structure (see Figure 9) in such a way that the formation 236 can pivot or rotate in the channel 240 to afford the tilting action necessary to accommodate the pitch of the roof. As illustrated, the knuckle 236 and the channel 240 are of part-circular section for this purpose. To facilitate insertion of the knuckle 236 into the channel, it may be hollow and interrupted, as shown at 242, so that it can be deformed sufficiently for insertion as a push fit into the channel 240 and then spring back to its original shape especially where the end fitting is of a plastics material. In other instances, the knuckle 236 may be introduced from one end of the channel 240 and slid to the desired location. As described below with reference to the embodiments of Figures 12 to 14, where the knuckle 236 is push-inserted into the channel 240, a formation or formations may be provided in the vicinity of the entry opening of the channel so as to block withdrawal of the knuckle.

Referring now to Figure 12, in this embodiment the end fitting includes a downwardly directed leg 324 which is formed with a spigot 326 which is generally wing- shaped or of arrow head configuration for engagement in a socket 328 located adjacent the forward comer at the top of the eaves structure 212, the arrangement being such that the fitting can tilt or rock about an axis parallel to the axis of elongation of the eaves structure (i. e. perpendicular to the plane of the paper as viewed in Figure 12) to accommodate the pitch of the roof. The leg 324 may also serve as a closure for the gap between the underside of the panel 210 and the top of the eaves structure 212.

The spigot 326 comprises a pair of wing portions 330 projecting to either side of the leg 324. Assembly of the spigot 326 to the socket 328 involves push insertion of the spigot 326 through a slot-shaped opening 332 forming the mouth of the socket 328. To this end, the wing portions 330 have some degree of flexibility such that they close up during insertion through the opening 332 and then spring back or restore to the configuration illustrated once fully inserted into the socket. Although the spigot may be readily inserted into the socket, once the parts have been assembled the spigot is then captive against withdrawal through the opening by virtue of expansion of the wing portions 330 to the illustrated configuration. To ensure that withdrawal is blocked, the marginal edges of the opening 332 may be turned inwardly or provided with inwardly projecting lips or other formations which co-operate with the free ends of the wing portions 330 to trap the spigot. In Figure 12, these formations are illustrated as nibs 350 which, in the event of any attempt to pull out the spigot 326, co-operate with the free edges of the wing portions 330 to block withdrawal.

In the modification of Figure 13, the wing portions are configured so that the spigot 326 is of arrowhead configuration and the marginal edges of the opening 332 are inwardly turned at 334 to co-operate with the wing portions 330 and thereby block withdrawal of the spigot once it has been push inserted into the socket.

In the embodiment of Figure 14, the spigot and socket are generally of the same configuration as shown in Figure 12 but the socket in this case is located partway down the front wall 212A of the eaves structure.

Although the arrangement can be such that the spigot cannot be withdrawn from the socket in a direction tranverse to the longitudinal axis of the eaves structure (at least not without damage to the spigot and/or the socket), it will be appreciated that because the eaves structure is usually an extruded component with the socket extending along the full extent of its length, the end fitting may be uncoupled from the eaves structure by sliding it along the eaves structure to the end of the latter.

In each embodiment, the wall 222 may be provided with spacing elements such as ribs to space the underside of the roof panel from the wall 222 to permit water drainage in the event of water ingress into the channel 216. If desired, the channel, e. g. the wall 222, may be provided with outlet holes to allow drainage of any water into the guttering.

The end fittings in each case will typically be cut to length (from an extruded profile) to correspond with the spacing between adjacent glazing bars, although the possibility of using an end fitting of a length sufficient to span the width of two or more roofing panels is not excluded nor is the possibility of using end fittings which are somewhat narrower than the spacing between adjacent glazing bars.

The ridge structure includes a part which overlies the upper ends of the panels with the consequence that lifting of the upper ends is prevented. If the security afforded by the glazing bars is in some way breached, the use of an end fitting according to the present invention serves to trap the lower end of each panel thereby preventing the lower end of the panel being lifted and a would-be intruder is further hindered by the fact that the

fixture of the end fitting is located interiorly and is not therefore accessible without damaging the roofing panel thereby creating noise which could alert others to the intruder's activity.

In a modification of the illustrated embodiments, the end fitting may be provided with a downwardly depending leg located forwardly of the fulcrum and forming a closure or weatherproofing member which covers the gap between the underside of the roofing panels and the forward face of the eaves beam. This is depicted in phantom outline by reference numeral 50 in the embodiment of Figure 9 but it will be appreciated that it may also be incorporated in other embodiments of the invention. The weatherproofing member 250 may be of a flexible nature so that, regardless of the angle of tilt of the end fitting, it makes sealing contact with a front surface of the eaves beam.

Where the end fitting is fabricated as a metal extrusion, it may incorporate a thermal break between the fulcrum and the remainder of the end fitting, e. g. between the leg 224 or 324 and the lower wall 222.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features disclosed herein and/or shown in the drawings whether or not those features are described in relation to the same embodiment or in relation to different embodiments and whether or not particular emphasis has been placed on such feature or features.

Claims

1. A roofing structure comprising a ridge, an eaves beam, spaced apart glazing bars extending between the ridge and the eaves beam and roofing panels supported by the glazing bars, characterised in that to provide security against removal of the roof panels: each glazing bar comprises an inner elongate member which has at least one shoulder providing support for the inner face of an edge of a roofing panel and at least one outer elongate member for co-operation with the inner member and, in use, overlies an outer face of the roofing panel edge, the inner and outer elongate members being so arranged that lifting of the panels is prevented by (a) the members being coupled together by fastening means operable from the inner member side of the glazing bar and/or (b) means associated with the inner member for obstructing lifting of the panel independently of the outer member (s) in such a way as to maintain the panel captive against lifting from the inner member after the outer member has been removed; and the lower edge of at least one the panels is provided with an end fitting including a portion overlying one end of the roofing panel to prevent that end of the panel being lifted.

2. In or for a structure as claimed in Claim 1, a glazing bar in which the inner and outer members are each formed with a channel defined by spaced walls and arranged in such a way that they interfit in telescopic fashion.

3. A glazing bar as claimed in Claim 2 in which the fastening means is accommodated within the interfitting channels.

4. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the fastening means includes a tension-transmitting element.

5. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the fastening means includes complementary screwthreaded portions.

6. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in Claim 5 in which one of the complementary portions co-operates with the underside of the inner member in use and is operable to draw the inner and outer members together.

7. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the fastening means comprises one component for locating the same relative to the outer member and such component is concealed within the glazing bar assembly so as to be inaccessible from the outside of the roofing structure in use.

8. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the fastening means comprises a bolt and nut set.

9. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the fastening means comprises a self-tapping fastener.

10. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in Claim 8 in which one component of the bolt and nut set is captive with the outer member and the other component co-operates with the underside of the inner member.

11. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which two or more fastening means are provided at spaced intervals along the length of the glazing bar.

12. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the inner member is generally T-shaped comprising a hollow central portion in which the fastening means is accommodated.

13. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in Claim 12 in which the outer member is generally V-shaped, the arrangement being such that the hollow central portion of the inner member extends into the V-shaped outer member.

14. A glazing bar or structure as claimed in Claim 13 in which the outer member includes a fastener-locating housing for receiving an enlarged part the fastening means.

15. A glazing bar substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, any of Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawing.

16. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15, the end fitting being connected to the eaves structure through male and female connector parts which are arranged to be coupled together by push insertion of the male part into the female part in a direction transverse to the eaves structure in such a way that the male part is captive against withdrawal in the opposite direction to insertion.

17. A structure as claimed in Claim 16 in which the male part is rendered captive by a formation or formations located in vicinity of the entry opening to the female part.

18. A structure as claimed in Claim 17, the blocking formation (s) being provided on the female part.

19. A structure as claimed in Claim 17 or 18, the blocking formation (s) being provided in the vicinity of the entry opening of the female part.

20. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the male part includes a pair of oppositely directed wing portions which can deflect towards one another to allow insertion through an entry opening of the female part but which restore once inserted and block withdrawal of the male part.

21. A structure as claimed in Claim 20 in which the blocking action is implemented by co-operation between the wing portions and the margins of the entry opening in such a way as to prevent deflection of the wing portions towards each other.

22. A structure as claimed in Claim 21 in which the margins are provided with lips, nibs or other blocking formations within the interior of the female part.

23. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the end fitting includes a channel-defining portion at its forward end for reception of the forward end of the panel (s).

24. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the male and female parts interfit in such a way as to permit the end fitting to tilt at least about an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the eaves structure.

25. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the male part is provided on the end fitting while the female part is provided on the eaves structure.

26. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the end fitting is of a plastics material, metal or metal alloy.

27. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the male and female parts are of generally part-circular configuration.

28. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the arrangement is such that the male part forms a knuckle fitting within the female part.

29. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 28 in which the male part has an arrowhead configuration.

30. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the part associated with the eaves structure is located on the top wall thereof or at the junction between the top and the front wall of the eaves structure.

31. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 29 in which the part associated with the eaves structure is located on the front wall thereof

32. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15, the end fitting and eaves structure being coupled at one location by a fulcrum arrangement so that the end fitting can be mounted in different tilted attitudes with respect to the eaves structure and the end fitting being adapted to be coupled to the eaves structure internally of the outer face of the latter and at a location spaced from the fulcrum arrangement.

33. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15, the end fitting comprising a channel for location at the eaves structure of the roofing structure and arranged to receive the forward end of a roofing panel, a laterally projecting leg which serves as a fulcrum to allow tilting or rocking of the end fitting relative to the eaves structure so as to accommodate the pitch of the roof, and a section extending rearwardly of the leg to provide a limb which extends laterally in the same general direction as the leg whereby the end fitting may be engaged with the eaves structure at a location on the inboard side of the eaves structure.

34. A structure as claimed in Claim 32 or 33, the fitting comprising an extrusion.

35. A structure as claimed in Claim 34, the fitting being made of a plastics material or a metal or metal alloy.

36. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 32 to 35, the fitting being provided with one or more projections for co-operation with the eaves structure to allow the extent of the tilting angle to be set.

37. A structure or fitting as claimed in any one of Claims 32 to 36, the fitting being provided with a formation for interfitting with a generally complementary formation associated with the eaves structure.

38. A structure or fitting as claimed in Claim 37 in which the interfitting formations are of part-circular configuration and the arrangement is such that the formation associated with the fitting forms a knuckle fitting within a socket associated with the eaves structure.

39. A structure or fitting as claimed in Claim 37 or 38 in which the formation associated with the fitting is resiliently deformable to allow it to be deformed for insertion into the formation associated with the eaves structure.

40. A structure or fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding clams including a weatherproofing member for co-operation with the eaves beam.

41. A roof structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, any one of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3 in combination with any one of the embodiments of Figures 4 to 14 shown in the accompanying drawings.