GB2611403A

GB2611403A - Roof fixing

Info

Publication number: GB2611403A
Application number: GB2210922.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Tucker Allen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-08-10
Filing date: 2022-07-26
Publication date: 2023-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2042-07-26
Also published as: GB2611403B; GB202210922D0

Abstract

A roof fixing assembly comprises a roof fixing in the form of an elongate member 24 for spanning over a ridge, edge or hip of a roof, and which overlays at least part of a roof covering 16 such as tiles, shingles or sheet metal. A support bracket 48 is fixed to a structural part 14 of the roof and a connecting arrangement 40 connects the roof fixing to the support bracket. In use, the connecting arrangement may be in tension, causing the elastically deformable fixing to exert a force on the roof covering. A sealing member may be provided between the roof fixing and the roof covering. The fixing may comprise a track 34 for receiving the connecting arrangement. The connecting arrangement may comprise a head portion 60 to be received in the track and a stud 68 for connecting to the bracket. A method of installing a roof fixing includes the use of at least a first and a second support bracket which may be nailed to a rafter through first and second arms.

Description

ROOF FIXING

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

This invention relates to roof structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a roof fixing and roof fixing assembly, and a method of installing a roof fixing on a roof of a building. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a so called "dry roof fixing" that does not require adhesives such as cement during installation. The roof fixing takes various forms, such as a ridge cap, a hip cap and a verge fixing.

Conventional A-frame roofs comprise a supporting structure and a covering. The supporting structure is made up of sets of rafters arranged parallel to each other along a length of the roof. Each set of rafters comprises two rafters fixed relative to each other to form the A-shaped frame.

The sets of rafters are interconnected by means of purlins or brandering as well as cross bracing to withstand side loads. The structure also includes purlins or brandering which run along the length of the roof The purlins/brandering provide points of fixation or support to the roof covering. The roof covering typically takes the form of tiles, shingles, or corrugated sheet metal.

A ridge cap (sometimes referred to as a ridge board) spans over a ridge beam or ridge opening formed at the peak of the roof between two sides thereof. The ridge cap overlays top portions of the roof covering on both sides of the roof. The ridge cap provides weatherproofing to the top portion of the roof.

The ridge cap therefore forms a corner or edge structure which runs along the length of the roof.

Typically, the ridge cap is held in position by adhesives, such as concrete, glue or the like. The adhesive used here, prevents moisture, air or foreign objects from entering between the covering and the ridge cap, and in addition to fixing the position of the ridge caps, plays a role in the weatherproofing of the roof.

A "hip" of a roof refers to a portion of a roof where two sides of the roof meet at a sloping angle. Hip caps are provided over the hip of a roof in similar fashion as ridge caps are provided over the ridge of a roof and perform a similar function.

Of late, so-called "dry ridging" or "dry roof fixings" has grown in popularity. The British Standards Institute has published a standard BS8612:2018, which notes that dry ridgings are preferred over traditional fixing using a cement and sand mixture (known as wet fixing) for the following reasons: Applying the cement/sand mixture is a time consuming and skilled operation which, if not carried out to the correct standard, results in an inferior appearance; The cement/sand mixture must be coloured using oxides to match the colour of the roof covering; The natural expansion and contraction of the fixing is at right angles to the movement of the roof covering, resulting in a tendency for the cement holding the fixing to the roof covering to separate and allow for water ingress; Individual fixings are also joined using the cement/sand mixture which suffer the same disadvantages as above; Water, which enters between the fixing and the cement/sand mixture in freezing conditions, freezes and expands, increasing the size of any existing crack. After a number of wet/freeze cycles, the cement/sand mixture is destroyed or severely damaged, resulting in a leaking roof.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a roof fixing assembly and a method of installing a roof fixing that will, at least partially, address the above disadvantages.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a roof fixing assembly and a method of installing a roof fixing which will be a useful alternative to existing assemblies and methods.

It is furthermore an object of the invention to provide dry roof fixings in the form of a dry ridge cap, a dry hip cap and a dry verge fixing.

Throughout this specification, the phrase "roof fixing" will be taken to refer to any one or all of a ridge cap, a hip cap and a verge fixing, unless stated otherwise or the specific context dictates 25 otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a roof fixing assembly, 30 comprising: a roof fixing, in the form of an elongate member shaped operatively to span over one of: a ridge; an edge; and a hip of a roof and to overlay at least part of a roof covering; a support bracket operatively fixed to a structural part of a roof; and a connecting arrangement for connecting the roof fixing to the support bracket, the connecting arrangement operatively extending between the roof fixing and the support bracket.

The configuration may be such that, in use, the connecting arrangement is arranged in tension, to cause the roof fixing to exert a force on the roof covering.

The operative force exerted by the roof fixing on the roof covering may be a sealing force to cause the roof fixing to seal against the roof covering.

The roof fixing may be curved, semi-circular or substantially L-shaped in cross-section. The roof fixing may be manufactured from a material which allows elastic deformation thereof and may therefore be elastically deformable.

The roof fixing may be manufactured from a composite concrete material. Particularly, the ridge cap may be manufactured from a fibre-reinforced concrete material.

The ridge cap may have a wall thickness of between 6 mm and 10 mm.

Alternatively, the roof fixing may be manufactured by a polymeric material, such as an ultra-violet resistant polyvinyl chloride material.

An edge of the roof fixing may be shaped commensurate with a shape or profile of the roof 20 covering.

The roof fixing may typically have a length exceeding 600mm, and typically limited by practicality and convenience of handling.

An edge or interior surface of the roof fixing may be provided with a sealing member. The sealing member may be an elastic member operatively arranged between the edge or the interior surface and the roof covering. The sealing member may comprise an elastic polymeric material, such as natural or synthetic rubber with or without impregnation of sealing compound.

The roof fixing may comprise a track extending axially relative to an inner surface thereof. The track may comprise a lipped channel. The track may comprise opposing lips carried by opposing flanges, spaced by a web. The track may be fixed to the roof fixing. The track may be moulded into the roof fixing. The track may comprise holes or protuberances to allow fixing to the roof fixing during moulding. The protuberances may take the form of at least a first, but typically a first and second T-shaped extension. The track may be provided for receiving the connecting arrangement. The arrangement may be such that the connecting arrangement may be axially displaceable relative to the track. The track may extend along the whole length of the roof fixing. The track may be provided for receiving more than one connecting arrangement.

In use, more than one roof fixing may be axially aligned along the length of the roof, and may be arranged in end-to-end fashion, or in overlapping fashion.

The connecting arrangement may comprise a stud extending between the roof fixing and the support bracket. The stud may extend from a head portion. The head portion may be arranged to be received by the track of the roof fixing. The head portion may define a first and second slot, for in use, receiving the opposing lips of the track. The connecting arrangement may be configured to be slidably displaceable relative to the track, in use.

The stud may comprise at least a first shoulder formation to catch on and be retained by the support bracket. Typically, the stud may comprise a number of shoulders along a length thereof One or more of the shoulders may be angled. The stud may be arranged as a linear ratchet, when interacting with the support bracket. The stud may comprise a slit from a tip and along a portion of its length to define two elastically displaceable portions, to facilitate insertion of the stud into a hole of the support bracket.

The roof fixing assembly may be associated with more than one connecting arrangement and more than one support bracket.

Alternatively, the connecting arrangement may be fixed to the roof fixing and may extend from an internal surface of the roof fixing. The connecting arrangement may be moulded into the roof fixing.

The support bracket may be manufactured from plate metal, such as steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel or aluminium. Alternatively, the support bracket may be manufactured from a plastic material such as polypropylene.

In one example, the roof fixing may take the form of a ridge cap and may be configured to cover a ridge of the roof, and to overlay at least part of a roof covering on either side of the ridge.

The support bracket may comprise a first and second arm and a lateral extension. The lateral extension may comprise a hole for receiving the stud of the connecting arrangement. The hole may comprise a plurality of radial slits, defining a plurality of elastically deformable tabs, which may deform in use, to allow or facilitate insertion of the stud and shoulder formation(s) therein.

The support bracket may be configured to be fixed to at least one, but typically two rafters, and to span the ridge of the roof.

In another example, the roof fixing may take the form of a hip cap and may be configured to cover a hip of the roof, and to overlay at least part of a roof covering on either side of the hip.

The support bracket may be configured to be fixed to a hip rafter of the roof. The support bracket may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section and may comprise two spaced arms or flanges spaced by a web. A first one of the spaced arms or flanges may constitute a base portion for contacting the hip rafter. A second one of the arms of flanges may comprise a hole for receiving the stud of the connecting arrangement.

In yet a further example, the roof fixing may take the form of a verge fixing and may be configured to cover a verge of the roof, and to overlay at least part of a roof covering in proximity of the verge.

The support bracket may be configured to be fixed to an edge of a rafter or purlin of the roof In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a roof fixing, comprising the steps of: a) providing a roof fixing assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 34, the assembly including a roof fixing, at least a first and second support bracket, and at least a first and second connecting arrangement; b) fixing the first and second support brackets to a structure of the roof; c) aligning the first and second connecting arrangements with the first and second support brackets; and d) fixing the roof fixing relative to the roof, by fixing the first and second connecting arrangements to the first and second support brackets.

Step b) above may comprise the further sub-steps of: b1) aligning first and second arms of each support bracket with a first and second rafter; b2) fixing each of the first and second arms to the respective rafter, by means of one of a nail and/or a screw.

Step c) above may comprise the further sub-steps of: c1) arranging the first and second connecting arrangements within a track associated with the roof covering by receiving opposing lips of the track within slots in a head portion of the connecting arrangements; c2) sliding the first and second connecting arrangements along the track until stud portions of the connecting arrangements are brought into alignment with holes located on the support brackets.

Step d) above may comprise the further sub-steps of: d1) exerting a force on an outer surface of the roof fixing to cause the studs to advance axially into the holes located on the support brackets, until further advancement is inhibited by interference between a covering on the roof and an edge of the roof fixing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of a roof fixing assembly in accordance with the invention, in a first example embodiment taking the form of a ridge cap assembly, installed on a roof of a building; Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 1, shown relative to the roof of the building prior to being installed; Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a side view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 1, installed on a roof of a building; Figure 6 shows a sectioned side view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a side view of a roof fixing assembly in accordance with the invention, in an alternative example embodiment taking the form of a second example ridge cap assembly, again installed on a roof of a building; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a roof fixing assembly in accordance with the invention, in an alternative example embodiment taking the form of a third example ridge cap assembly, again installed on a roof of a building; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a ridge cap assembly of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 1, wherein an alternative example embodiment of a track is shown; Figure 11 shows a side view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 10; Figure 13 shows an exploded side view of a roof fixing assembly in accordance with the invention, in an alternative example embodiment taking the form of a verge fixing, before being installed on a roof of a building; Figure 14 shows a side view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 13, after being installed on the roof of the building; Figure 15 shows an exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 13; Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 13, after installation; Figure 17 shows a detailed exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 13; Figure 18 shows an alternative detailed exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 13; Figure 19 shows an alternative exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 13, before installation; Figure 20 shows an alternative perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 13, after installation; Figure 21 shows an exploded perspective view of a roof fixing assembly in accordance with the invention, in an alternative example embodiment taking the form of a hip cap, before being installed on a roof of a building; Figure 22 shows a detailed exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 21; Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 21, after installation; Figure 24 shows an exploded top perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 21; Figure 25 shows a top perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 21, after installation; Figure 26 shows an exploded perspective view of a further example embodiment of the roof fixing assembly in accordance with the invention, and again taking the form of a ridge cap assembly and shown relative to a roof of a building prior to being installed; Figure 27 shows a partial perspective view of the embodiment of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 26, Figure 28 shows a further exploded perspective view of the roof fixing assembly of figure 26 in isolation; Figure 29 shows a side view of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 26, in use installed to the roof of the building; and Figure 30 shows a top view of a support bracket forming part of the embodiment of the roof fixing assembly of Figure 26.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", "engaged" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "engaged" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term "include" and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting example of a roof fixing assembly in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

Figures 1 to 12 show a first example embodiment in which the roof fixing assembly 10 takes the form of a ridge cap assembly 10.1. Figures 13 to 20 show a second example embodiment in which the roof fixing assembly 10 takes the form of a verge fixing assembly 10.2. Figures 21 to 25 show a third example embodiment in which the roof fixing assembly 10 takes the form of a hip cap assembly 10.3. Reference numeral 10 will therefore throughout this disclosure designate any one of the ridge cap assembly, verge fixing assembly and hip cap assembly, unless otherwise stated or the context dictates otherwise. Like numerals used in connection with the various embodiments discussed above, refer to like features which are common between the embodiments.

Referring firstly to figures 1 to 12, the ridge cap assembly 10.1, in use, forms part of a roof 12 of a building (not shown). The roof 12, as shown, is an A-frame or pitched roof and comprises an underlying roof structure 14 and a roof covering 16. The roof structure 14 comprises, among others, rafters 18 and purlins 20. Two rafters (such as rafters 18.1 and 18.2) are arranged and fixed relative to each other to form a set or A-frame. A ridge 22 is defined along a length of the roof 12, at a top portion of the roof 12 (typically where the two rafters 18.1 and 18.2 meet).

The purlins 20 are fixed to the rafters 18 and extend along the length of the roof 12. The purlins 20 support the roof covering 16 which in the example shown in figures 1 to 7, takes the form of shingles. The disclosure is not limited to shingles, and the roof covering 16 may therefore take other forms, such as tiles, corrugated sheet metal and the like.

The ridge cap assembly 10.1 includes a roof fixing in the form of a ridge cap 24 which has a main body 25 in the form of an elongate member which is arranged in use, to cover and span the ridge 22 of the roof 12. The ridge cap 24 overlays at least part of the roof covering 16 on either side of the ridge 22. The main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 has an outer surface 26 and defines an interior 28 which faces the ridge 22 in use.

The main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 has a first edge 30 and a second edge 32. The edges (30, 32) in use, contact the roof covering 16 on the respective sides of the ridge 22. As is discussed in more detail below, a force is exerted by the edges (30, 32) on the roof covering 16, which causes a seal to be formed between the edges (30, 32) of the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 and the roof covering 16.

As is best shown in figure 4, the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 has a curved or semi-circular shape in cross-section. It will readily be appreciated that other cross-sectional shapes are also feasible.

The material from which the main body of the ridge cap 24 is manufactured allows a degree of elastic deformation. Therefore, when installed, the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 may be in a state of elastic stress, causing a force to be exerted on the covering 16 as mentioned above. A biasing force may therefore be exerted by the main body on the roof covering 16.

In one example, the main body 25 is manufactured from a composite material which consists of a slurry of ordinary Portland cement and sand reinforced with alkali resistant glass fibres sprayed into a mould to create the desired shape. Alternatively, the main body of the ridge cap could also be manufactured from ultra-violet resistant poly vinyl chloride elements.

The ridge cap 24 includes a track 34 which extends along a length thereof. It will be appreciated that the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 shown in the figures has been reduced in length to reveal details of the track 34, but that, under normal circumstances, the track 34 does not protrude beyond an edge of the main body 25. The track 34 extends within the interior 28 of the ridge cap 24 and is fixed to the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24.

In the example shown in the figures, the track 34 is moulded into the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24. Typically, the track 34 comprises perforations or protuberances (not shown) which promote adherence between the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 and the track 34.

The track 34 comprises a lipped channel, having a first and second opposing lip (36, 38). As discussed more fully below, the track 34 is specifically provided for receiving connecting arrangements 40 forming part of the assembly 10.

The edges (30, 32) of the main body 25 of the ridge cap, are, in some cases, shaped in accordance with the shape of the roof covering. For example, figure 8 shows an embodiment where the roof covering 16 takes the form of files having ridges, corrugations or castellafions 42.

As shown in figure 9, the edges (30, 32) of the main body 25 are now shaped in corresponding fashion and include corresponding cut-outs 44 within which the ridges or, corrugations or castellations 42 are received in use.

In some cases, such as the example shown in figure 7, a sealing member 46 is provided between the roof covering 16 and each of the edges (30, 32) or between the roof covering and any part of the interior 28. The sealing member 46 is provided for improving the seal created between the edges (30, 32) or the interior 28 and the covering 16, and is, in use, in a compressed state. The sealing members 46 may be fixed to the respective edges (30, 32), or to the covering 16, or may simply be kept in place by the biasing forces exerted between the edges (30, 32) and the covering 16. Typically, the sealing member 46 is manufactured from an elastically deformable material, such as an elastic polymeric material, for example natural or synthetic rubber. In one example, the sealing member 46 may be manufactured from polychloroprene (also known as neoprene). The addition of the sealing member 46 may have a positive impact on the sealing and therefore the weatherproofing provided by the ridge cap 24.

The ridge cap assembly 10.1 also includes a support bracket 48, which is, in use, fixed to the roof structure 14.

Typically, the support bracket 48 is fixed to the first and second rafters (18.1, 18.2) and spans over the ridge 22. The support bracket 48 comprises first and second arm portions (50, 52) which are provided in contact with the first and second rafters (18.1, 18.2). The support bracket is manufactured to bend to the angle formed at the joint between rafters (18.1 and 18.2) at the apex of the roof depending on the slope of the roof.

The support bracket 48 furthermore comprises a lateral extension 54 which is arranged over the ridge 22 but spaced laterally from the first and second rafters (18.1, 18.2) so as to prevent obstruction by the rafters. This will become clearer from what follows. The first and second arms comprise holes 56 through which a nail or screw is driven into the rafters (18.1, 18.2), to fix the support bracket thereto. The lateral extension 54 also comprises a hole 58.

Typically, the support bracket 48 is manufactured from plate metal (such as galvanized steel plate, though other steel, stainless steel or aluminium plates would also be feasible) which is cut and bent into the required shape. Alternatively, the support bracket 48 may be manufactured from a plastics material.

As mentioned, the ridge cap assembly 10.1 includes a connecting arrangement 40. The connecting arrangement 40 is provided for connecting the ridge cap 24 to the support bracket 48 and extends on the interior 28 of the ridge cap 24 and between the ridge cap 24 and the support bracket 48.

It will be appreciated that the edges (30, 32) exerting a force on the covering, means that the connecting arrangement 40 is arranged in tension.

The connecting arrangement 40 comprises a head portion 60 which is shaped and sized to be received by the track 34. The head portion 60 comprises two slots 62 formed on opposing sides thereof, within which the first and second lips (36, 38) are received in use. The connecting arrangement 40 may therefore, by means of interaction between the slots 62 and the lips (36, 38), slide relative to the track 34. Therefore, the axial position of the connecting arrangement 40 relative to the track 34 is adjustable.

Due to the shape and configuration of the slots 62, an upper and lower shoulder portion (64, 66) are created. This is best illustrated in figure 4. The first shoulder resists force in a first axial direction (upward in the figures), such as the tensile force exerted on the connecting arrangement 40 in use. The second shoulder transfers a second axial force (downward in the figures) from the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 to the connecting arrangement 40, such as during installation of the ridge cap 24, as is discussed more fully below.

The connecting arrangement also comprises a stud or shank 68 extending from the head portion 60. The stud 68 has a relatively sharp pointed end 70 to assist guiding the stud 68 during installation. The stud 68 comprises a series of angled shoulder formations 72. In use, the angled shoulder formations interact with the hole 58 in the lateral extension 54 of the support bracket 48 and allows the stud 68 to advance axially through the hole 58 but resists or inhibits the stud from being axially removed from the hole 58. In this way, the angled shoulder formations 72 along the length of the stud 68 act as a linear ratchet. In some embodiments, the stud 68 has a slit (not shown) which runs from the end 70 along the length thereof, such that two elastically displaceable portions are defined. This enables easy insertion of the stud into the hole 58.

The length of the stud is long enough to allow the stud to be fitted into the hole of the support bracket 48 prior to fixing the cap in position. Typically, the length of the stud is in the order of about 150mm, though this may vary depending on application. Other lengths, such as between 100mm and 200 mm, or even longer, is foreseeable.

Installation of the ridge cap assembly 10.1 will now be discussed in more detail. In this example, a pitched roof 12 with a single ridge 22 will be considered.

A number of support brackets 48 are fixed to some or all of the pairs of rafters 18, by driving nails or screws through the holes 56 and into the rafters 18. It will be appreciated that the number of support brackets 48 are now spaced along the length of the roof 12, and along the ridge 22. The spacing between the support brackets 48 need not be constant.

A separate connecting arrangement 40 is provided for each support bracket 48. Therefore, a number of connecting arrangements 40 (equal to the number of support brackets 48 installed) are provided onto the track 34. The connecting arrangements 40 are spaced in accordance with the spacing of the support brackets 48. It will be appreciated that, due to a length of the studs 68, a gap will exist between the covering 16 and the edges (30, 32) when the pointed end 70 is brought into contact with the hole 58. The spacing of the connecting arrangements can therefore be handled through these gaps.

Once the connecting arrangements 40 have been brought into correct alignment, the ridge cap 24 is fixed in position, by exerting a force to the main body 25 of the ridge cap 24 (in a downward direction in the figures), to drive the studs deeper into the holes 58 in the support brackets 48.

The studs 68 will advance deeper into the holes, until further advancement is resisted by interaction between the covering 16 and the edges (30, 32) of the main body 25. As mentioned before, interaction between the shoulder formations 72 and sides of the hole 58 inhibits or resists the stud 68 from being pulled from the hole 58.

The ridge cap 24 is now fixed in position and contact between the covering 16 and edges (30, 32) creates a seal.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting arrangement may be fixed to the ridge cap, and may extend from an internal surface of the ridge cap. The connecting arrangement may be moulded into the ridge cap.

Figures 10 to 12 and 26 to 29 show alternative examples of the track 34, wherein the lips (36, 38) of the track have bulbous ends 88. The slots 62 of the head portion are again shaped to accommodate the track, and therefore, the bulbous ends 88 of the lips. It will be appreciated that the example embodiments of the track as shown in figures 10 to 12 and 26 to 29, may be used in any of the other embodiments shown in the figures, with suitable adjustments made to accommodate same. The bulbous ends 88 may improve interaction between the track 34 and the head portion 60.

Furthermore, the embodiment of the track 34 shown in figures 26 to 29 comprise two T-shaped extensions 90, which assist in fixing the track 34 relative to the main body 25. Even though the exploded views of figures 26 and 28 show T-shaped slots in the main body 25, it will be appreciated that the track 34 is rather cast into position, and not assembled into pre-formed slots provided in the main body 25.

Reference is now made to figures 13 to 20 in which the roof fixing assembly 10, takes the form of a verge fixing assembly 10.2. The verge fixing assembly 10.2 differs from the ridge cap assembly 10.1, in that a roof fixing in the form of a verge fixing 74, rather than a ridge cap 24 is provided. Furthermore, the verge fixing assembly 10.2 includes support brackets 76 which are fixed to ends of the purlins 20 or rafters 18. Also, the verge fixing 74 is shaped substantially L-shaped in cross section and overlays a part of the roof covering 16 proximate the verge.

Reference is next made to figures 21 to 25 in which the roof fixing assembly 10, takes the form of a hip cap assembly 10.3. The hip cap assembly 10.3 differs from the ridge cap assembly 10.1, in that a roof fixing in the form of a hip cap 78, rather than a ridge cap 24 is provided (even though the hip cap 78 is substantially similar to the ridge cap 24).

Furthermore, the hip cap assembly 10.3 includes support brackets 80 which are configured to be fixed to a hip rafter 82 of the roof structure 14. The support brackets 80 are substantially U-shaped in cross-section, and comprises two spaced-apart arms (84, 86). The first arm 84 is installed in contact with the hip rafter 82 and fixed thereto. The second arm 86 comprises the hole 58 for receiving the stud 68 in use. The two arms are spaced apart to allow the stud 68 to protrude into the hole 58 during installation.

It will be appreciated that the roof fixing assembly 10 does not require any adhesive during installation, which makes installation of the ridge cap 24, the verge fixing 74 and the hip cap 78, and therefore the overall construction of the roof, a lot easier, quicker and cost effective. The roof fixing assembly 10 can therefore be considered a "dry" roof fixing assembly.

Figures 26 to 30 show an alternative embodiment of the support bracket 48. Here, the lateral extension 54 is reinforced by extension members 92, while the hole 58 is defined by radially extending tabs 94 (best shown in figure 30), which are elastically deformable, to facilitate insertion of the shank 68 into the hole 58.

It will be appreciated that the above description only provides example embodiments of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of the invention. It is easily understood from the present application that the features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment/s illustrated in the drawings. Accordingly, it should be understood that where features mentioned in the appended claims are followed by reference signs, such signs are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting on the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A roof fixing assembly (10), comprising: a roof fixing (24, 74, 78), in the form of an elongate member shaped operatively to span over one of: a ridge (22); an edge; and a hip of a roof (12) and to overlay at least part of a roof covering (16); a support bracket (48) operatively fixed to a structural part of a roof (12); and a connecting arrangement (40) for connecting the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) to the support bracket (48), the connecting arrangement (40) operatively extending between the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) and the support bracket (48).
2. The roof fixing assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting arrangement (40) is operatively arranged in tension, to cause the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) to exert a force on the roof covering (16) and to seal against the roof covering (16).
3. The roof fixing assembly (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) is one of: curved; semi-circular; and substantially L-shaped in cross-section.
4. The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) is elastically deformable.
5. The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) has a wall thickness in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm.
The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) is manufactured from one of a composite concrete material, including fibre-reinforced concrete material; and a polymeric material, including ultra-violet resistant polyvinyl chloride.
The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an edge (30, 32) of the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) is shaped commensurate with a profile of the roof covering (16).
8. The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) has a length exceeding 600 mm. 9. 10. 12. 13. 14. 15.The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a sealing member (46) is provided between an edge (30, 32) or interior surface of the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) and the roof covering (16), in use, and wherein the sealing member (46) comprises an elastic member manufactured from natural or synthetic rubber.The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) comprises a track (34) extending axially relative to an inner surface thereof, wherein the track (34) is configured for receiving the connecting arrangement (40), such that the connecting arrangement (40) is axially displaceable relative to the track (34), and wherein the track (34) comprises a lipped channel, with opposing lips (36, 38) carried by opposing flanges which are spaced by a web.The roof fixing assembly (10) according to claim 10, wherein the track (34) is fixed to the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) by being moulded into the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) and wherein the track (34) comprises holes or protuberances in the form of at least a first axially extending T-shaped extension (90), to facilitate fixing of the track (34) to the roof fixing (24, 74, 78), during moulding, and wherein the track (34) is configured for receiving more than one connecting arrangement (40).The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting arrangement (40) comprises a head portion (60) and a stud (68) extending therefrom, wherein the head portion (60) is configured to be received by a track (34) associated with the roof fixing (24, 74, 78), wherein the head portion (60) comprises first and second slots along sides thereof, operatively to receive lips (36, 38) of the track (34) in sliding fashion, and wherein the stud (68) comprises at least a first shoulder formation (72) to catch on, and be retained relative to, the support bracket (48).The roof fixing assembly (10) according to claim 12, wherein the stud (68) comprises a plurality of shoulder formations (72), such that the stud (68) is configured as a linear ratchet formation when interacting with the support bracket (48).The roof fixing assembly (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the stud (68) comprises an axial slit extending from a tip thereof, along at least a portion of a length thereof, to define two elastically deformable stud portions The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising more than one support bracket (48) and more than one connecting arrangement (40). 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 22.The roof fixing assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting arrangement (40) is fixed to, by being moulded into, the roof fixing (24, 74, 78), and extends from an internal surface of the roof fixing (24, 74, 78).The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support bracket (48) is manufactured from one of: steel; stainless steel; galvanised steel; aluminium; and plastics materials including polypropylene, and wherein the support bracket (48) comprises a lateral extension (54) with a hole (58), for receiving a portion of the connecting arrangement (40).The roof fixing assembly (10) according to claim 17, wherein the hole (58) comprises a plurality of radial slits defining a plurality of elastically deformable tabs (94).The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) comprises a ridge cap, configured to cover a ridge (22) of the roof (12), and to overlay at least part of a roof covering (16) on either side of the ridge (22), wherein the support bracket (48) is configured to be fixed to at least one rafter, and wherein a portion of the support bracket (48) spans the ridge (22).The roof fixing assembly (10) according to claim 19, wherein the support bracket (48) comprises a first and second arm (50, 52), to be fixed to a first and second rafter respectively, and wherein a lateral extension (54) extends between the first and second arms (50, 52), and over the ridge (22).The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) comprises a hip cap (78) configured to cover a hip of the roof (12), and to overlay at least part of a roof covering (16) on either side of the hip, wherein the support bracket (80) is configured to be fixed to a hip rafter of the roof (12), and wherein the support bracket (80) is substantially U-shaped, having a first and second flange, spaced by a web, the first flange constituting a base portion provided in contact with the hip rafter.The roof fixing assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) comprises a verge fixing (74) configured to cover a verge of the roof (12), and to overlay at least part of a roof covering (16) in proximity of the verge, and wherein the support bracket (76) is fixed to an edge of one of a rafter and purlin of the roof (12).23. A method of installing a roof fixing (24, 74, 78), comprising the steps of: a) providing a roof fixing assembly (10) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 22, the assembly including a roof fixing (24, 74, 78), at least a first and second support bracket (48), and at least a first and second connecting arrangement (40); b) fixing the first and second support brackets (48) to a structure of the roof (12); c) aligning the first and second connecting arrangements (40) with the first and second support brackets (48); and d) fixing the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) relative to the roof (12), by fixing the first and second connecting arrangements (40) to the first and second support brackets (48). 10 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein step b) comprises the further sub-steps of: bl) aligning first and second arms (50, 52) of each support bracket (48) with a first and second rafter; and b2) fixing each of the first and second arms (50, 52) to the respective rafter, by means of one of a nail and a screw.25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein: step c) comprises the further sub-steps of: cl) arranging the first and second connecting arrangements (40) within a track (34) associated with the roof covering, by receiving opposing lips (36, 38) of the track (34) within slots of head portions (60) of the connecting arrangements (40); and c2) sliding the first and second connecting arrangements (40) along the track (34) until stud (68) portions of the connecting arrangements (40) are brought into alignment with holes (58) located on the support brackets (48), and/or step d) comprises the further sub-step of: d1) exerting a force on an outer surface of the roof fixing (24, 74, 78) to cause the studs (68) to advance axially into the holes (58) located on the support brackets (48), until further advancement is inhibited by interference between a covering (16) of the roof (12) and an edge (30, 32) or internal surface of the roof fixing (24, 74, 78).