Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention finds application in the field of building and particularly
relates to a modular roof structure according to the preamble of claim 1.
Background of the invention
[0002] Modular roofing systems are known to be increasingly used for protection of buildings
or other load-bearing structures, for both residential and industrial use, which systems
are made of metal sheets having specially profiled edges, and are either pre-assembled
or directly mounted to the roofing.
[0003] These particular roofing structure have a much lighter weight than conventional solutions,
and further assure enhanced versatility.
[0004] European patent
EP-B1-0964114 discloses a roof structure comprising a plurality of roofing panels to be anchored
to the surface of a roof by means of suitable brackets. Each panel has a substantially
planar middle portion and edge portions that can overlap and be stably sealably connected
to edge portions of at least one adjacent panel to define a substantially continuous
roofing.
[0005] One problem of such prior art solution is that the structure, once assembled, has
a plurality of aesthetically unpleasant protrusions and unevennesses. The need has
been long felt for wholly planar modular roof structures, having no protrusion or
irregularity.
[0006] From
FR-A1-2731029 a roof structure is known having all the features of the preamble of the independent
claim 1.
Summary of the invention
[0007] One object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks, by providing
a roof structure that is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.
[0008] A particular object is to provide a substantially flat roof structure, i.e. having
no surface protrusion or unevenness.
[0009] A further object is to provide a roof structure that allows to effectively drain
water from its outer surface.
[0010] These and other objects, as better explained hereafter, are fulfilled by a roof structure
for buildings as defined in claim 1.
[0011] Thanks to this particular configuration, the roof structure according to the present
invention appears as a substantially continuous roof having no external unevenness
or protrusion.
[0012] Advantageously, the edge portions may be elastically deformable for snap fitting
together and to the brackets.
[0013] Conveniently, at least one deformable wall of an edge portion of a panel comprises
at least one second protrusion which is designed for snap engagement into a corresponding
recess or receptacle in the facing side wall of the other edge portion of an adjacent
panel.
[0014] Thanks to this configuration, the structure of the invention allows quick and effective
connection of the panels with one another and with the brackets.
Brief description of the drawings
[0015] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent upon reading
the detailed description of a few preferred, non-exclusive embodiments of a roof structure
according to the invention, which is described as a non-limiting example with the
help of the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the roof structure
according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a few details of the roof structure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a panel forming part of the roof structure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of certain details of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 5 to 9 are schematic views of the roof structure embodiment of FIG. 1 in various
operating steps;
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the roof structure
according to the invention;
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a panel forming part of the roof structure of FIG.
10;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a few details of the roof structure of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is a schematic enlarged view of certain details of FIG. 10;
FIGS. 14 to 19 are schematic views of the roof structure embodiment of FIG. 10 in
various operating steps.
Detailed description of a preferred embodiment
[0016] Referring to the above figures, the roof structure according to the invention, which
is generally designated by numeral 1, is particularly suitable as a roofing for both
residential and industrial buildings.
[0017] Two embodiments of the invention will be described hereinbelow without limitation.
[0018] The first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 9, and the second embodiment is shown
in Figures 10 to 19.
[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 10, structure 1 comprises a plurality of roofing panels
2, generally made of metal, to be anchored to the surface of a roof T by means of
suitable brackets 3.
[0020] Panels 2 are substantially identical, except for any possible variation in length
and/or width, wherefore they will be described hereinbelow with reference to one of
them, there being understood that the same parts are present in all panels. For convenience,
adjacent panel elements will be designated by primed numerals 2, 2', 2" etc., and
adjacent brackets will also be designated as 3, 3', 3". Unless otherwise stated, one
of such parts may be only mentioned, by its unprimed numeral, there being understood
that its designation and reference also extends to all corresponding parts.
[0021] As shown in Figures 3 and 11, each panel 2 is formed of a substantially planar middle
portion 4 with an upwardly facing outer side 5 and a downwardly facing inner side
6 and two edge portions, preferably provided at the longitudinal ends, which are generally
designated by numerals 7, 8.
[0022] According to the invention, the edge portions 7, 8 of each panel 2 extend transversly
to the middle portion 4 only from the inner side 6, i.e. the one facing toward the
roof T.
[0023] In operation, the edge portion 7 of one panel 2 can overlap and be stably connected
with the edge portion 8' of the adjacent panel 2' to define a substantially continuous
roofing surface, as viewed from the outside, i.e. on the side 5.
[0024] Suitably, as shown, for example in Figures 2 and 12, the end portions 7, 8 may have
complementary shapes to be snap fitted together and with the brackets 3, to provide
stable anchorage and high wheatherproofness, such as rain water or the like, to prevent
dangerous leakages into the building.
[0025] As shown in the annexed figures, the panels 2, 2', 2" may only contact the brackets
3, 3', 3" at the end edge portions 7, 7'; 8, 8'.
[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 10, the structure 1 may be solely composed
of the panels 2, 2' and 2" and the brackets 3, 3', 3", with no additional elements,
e.g. with no element interposed therebetween or with no element above the panels 2,
2', 2".
[0027] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 4 and 14, one of the edge portions 8, 8' has
a larger internal size than the other of the edge portions 7, 7' for accommodating
the latter therein.
[0028] Conveniently, as shown in such Figures 4 and 13, the larger edge portion 8 has a
free transverse margin 40 that is higher than the free transverse margin 41 of the
other edge portion 7'.
[0029] Also, for enhanced snap fit and tightness, each of the edge portions 7, 7', 8, 8'
of each panel 2, 2' may have snap engagement means 45 for easier and firmer connection.
[0030] The snap engagement means 45 may be defined by deformable walls 9, 10; 12, 13 of
each of the edge portions 7, 7', 8, 8'. Upon connection between the panels 2, 2' and/or
between the latter and the brackets 3, the deformable walls 9, 10; 12, 13 will be
deformed in response to a load stress P exerted on the panel, for optimized tightness.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that only one of the deformable walls 9, 10; 12,
13 may be formed of a deformable material, without departure from the scope defined
by the annexed claims.
[0031] In the areas of connection 90, 91 with their respective middle portions 4, 4', the
edge portions 7, 8 may have first protrusions 43, 43 which are designed to be mutually
opposed when the adjacent panels 2, 2' are connected to each other and to their respective
bracket 3, as shown in Figures 4 and 13.
[0032] Suitably, the structure 1 may include guide means 27 for guiding the mutual connection
of the edge portions 7, 7', 8, 8' of adjacent panels 2, 2' and facilitating fixation
thereof to the brackets 3.
[0033] As particularly shown in Figures 2 and 12, the guide means 27 may comprise a guide
element 28 to be connected to an edge portion of a panel 2 and to a guide groove 30
in a corresponding bracket 3, and forming a predetermined angle with respect to the
vertical axial plane π.
[0034] Conveniently, the guide element 28 may have a substantially T-shaped cross section,
with a transverse part 29 adapted to be slideably introduced in the guide groove 30
and a horizontal part 42. Advantageously, the latter may have a specially shaped step
32 for engaging a corresponding receptacle 33 formed at a first protrusion 43 of the
edge portion 7', to have a retaining action thereon.
[0035] Advantageously, the bracket 3 may include a prismatic member 50 having a base 51
and an inner axial cavity 25 which is designed to receive one of the edge portions
8, 8' of a panel 2, 2' for insertion and snap fit of the other smaller edge portion
7, 7' therein.
[0036] Conveniently, the inner cavity 25 has side walls 23, 24 and a bottom wall 26 which
are substantially symmetrical with respect to a vertical axial plane π, as shown in
Figures 4 and 13, and two upper edges 55, 56 as high as h
1, h
2.
[0037] Bracket 3 may further have an upper protrusion 52 which is adapted to cooperate with
a corresponding receptacle 53 formed in each panel 2 at the edge portion 8.
[0038] In a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 9, each of the edge
portions 7, 8 may be substantially U-shaped. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 3, the
edge portion 7 may have side walls 9, 10 joined by a bottom portion 11, and the edge
portion 8 may have side walls 12, 13 joined by a bottom portion 14.
[0039] Suitably, the side walls 9', 10' of the edge portion 7' of the panel 2' may have
second transverse protrusions 15, 16 which are designed to stably cooperate with corresponding
receptacles 17, 18 on the facing side walls 12, 13 of the edge portion 8 of the adjacent
panel 2.
[0040] Likewise, the side walls 12, 13 of the edge portion 8 of the panel 2 may have a further
pair of second transverse protrusions 19, 20 which are designed to stably cooperate
with corresponding receptacles 21, 22 on the facing side walls 23, 24 of a complementary
cavity 25 formed in the bracket 3.
[0041] While the protrusions 19, 20 and the receptacles 17, 18 are actually coincident in
the configuration as shown in Figures 1 to 9, and formed by suitable modeling of the
edge portion 8, it will be understood that, in practice, they may be also separate,
i.e. one above the other, and the shapes and/or positions of the first and second
protrusions, with their respective first and second receptacles, may be also different,
even from each other, without departure from the scope as defined in the annexed claims.
[0042] For optimized drainage of rain water or similar agents, the bottom portions 11' and
14 and their respective side walls may define channels 60, 61 for drainage of liquids
from the outer surface of the panels 2, 2' or liquids overflowing the edges 40, 41
thereof. Furthermore, for optimized water drainage, the side walls 21, 22 and the
bottom wall 26 of the cavity 25 may define a third drainage channel 62 for "capturing"
water overflowing the first two channels.
[0043] The collection capacity of the first channel 60 is determined by the height h
2 of the edge 41, and the capacity of the second channel 61 is determined by the height
h
1 of the edge 40.
[0044] Conveniently, the outer surface of the second protrusions 15', 16' may contact the
inner surface of the first transverse recesses 17, 18 to define a sealing arrangement
between the first channel 60 and the second channel 61.
[0045] In a second embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 to 19, the edge portion 8 may be U-shaped,
with the side walls 12 and 13 being joined together by the bottom portion 14, and
the edge portion 7 may be J-shaped, with the side wall 10 being joined to the bottom
wall.
[0046] Suitably, the side wall 10' of the edge portion 7' of the panel 2' may have a second
transverse protrusion 65 which is designed to stably cooperate with a corresponding
receptacle 66, which is formed on the side wall 13 of the edge portion 8 of the adjacent
panel 2 by inward folding of the free edge 40. Also, the bottom wall 9 is suitably
shaped to stably cooperate with a corresponding receptacle 67 formed at the bottom
portion 14 of the edge portion 8.
[0047] Also, in this second embodiment, bracket 3 may have an upper protrusion 52 which
is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding receptacle 53 formed in each panel 2
at the edge portion 8, for the panel to be firmly held in position.
[0048] For drainage of rain water or similar agents, the bottom portion 14 of the edge portion
8 has an underlying recess 70 which, in combination with the side walls 12 and 13,
will define channels 71, 72 for drainage of liquids from the outer surface of the
panels 2, 2' or liquids overflowing the edges 40, 41 thereof. The channels 71 and
72 are in communication with each other for better rain water drainage, and their
collection capacity is defined by the height h
2 of the free edge 41.
[0049] Furthermore, for better rain water drainage, the recess 70 defines with the bottom
wall 26 of the cavity 25 of the bracket 3, a third channel 73, whose collection capacity
is defined by the height h
1 of the free edge 40.
[0050] Conveniently, the outer surface of the bottom wall 9 may substantially contact the
side wall 12 at the receptacle 67 to define a sealing arrangement between the first
channel 72 and the second channel 71. Likewise, the inner surface of the receptacle
66 of the edge portion 7 may substantially contact the outer surface of the protrusion
65 of the edge portion 8 to define a further sealing arrangement between the first
and/or the second channel 71, 72 and the third channel 73.
[0051] In this second embodiment of the inventive roof structure, the upper protrusion 52
of the bracket 3 (and the corresponding receptacle 53) and the specially shaped step
32 of the horizontal part 42 of the guide element 28 (and the corresponding receptacle
33) will be so dimensioned as to allow the protrusions 43', 44 of the portions 7'
and 8 of adjacent panels 2, 2' to be in mutual contact, to define a further sealing
arrangement designed to prevent any leakage of rain water or similar agents into the
underlying area.
[0052] The roof structure of the invention may be assembled by the operating steps that
are shown in Figures 5 to 8 and 14 to 19, relating to the first and second embodiments
respectively.
[0053] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 8, as a first step the bracket
3 is fixed to the roof, then the edge portion 8 of the panel 2 is anchored in the
cavity 25 of the bracket 3, by exerting a substantially downwardly directed pressure
P on the outer surface of the panel 2, preferably at the portion 8, until the walls
12, 13 coincide with the walls 23, 24, while stably connecting the protrusions 19,
20 to their respective receptacles 21, 22.
[0054] Then, the guide element 28 is fixed to the panel 2', by securing its end portion
32 in the corresponding receptacle 33 formed in the edge portion 7' of the panel 2'.
[0055] Next, the transverse part 29 is introduced in the groove 30 and the pressure P' is
exerted on the panel 2', to first deform the wall 9', as shown in FIG. 6, and then
deform the wall 10', as shown in FIG. 7, until the panels 2 and 2' are stably connected.
In this position, the walls 9', 10' and the walls 12 and 13 of the panels 2 and 2'
respectively coincide, and the protrusions 15, 16 stably fit in the receptacles 17,
18. Also, in this position the bottom portions 11' and 14 lie over each other.
[0056] The structure may be disassembled by executing the above steps in the reverse order.
The tool 34 as schematically shown in FIG. 9 may be used to facilitate disassembly.
It comprises an L-shaped arm 35, which pivots at A
1 on a support element 36, and has a hook-like member 37 at its end, which is adapted
to fit below the protrusion 33 to release the protrusions 15, 16 from the receptacles
17, 18 and disconnect the panel 2' from the panel 2.
[0057] In operation, a force F
1 has to be exerted on the arm 35, as shown in FIG. 9, so that the hook 37 translates
upwards, in the direction of arrow F
2 so as to move with it the portion 7' of the panel 2', together with the plate 28.
[0058] Figures 14 to 19 show various operating steps for assembling the second embodiment
of the inventive roof structure.
[0059] Once the bracket 3 has been anchored to the slab of the roof T by suitable fastening
means, such as rivets, nails or the like, the panel 2 will be fixed to the bracket
3, and the edge portion 8 will be simultaneously introduced in the cavity 25. For
this purpose, a pressure P needs simply be exerted on the outer side 5 of the panel,
while causing the deformation of the walls 12 and/or 13 until the upper protrusion
52 of the bracket 3 fits in its respective receptacle 53, as shown in Figures 14 and
15. In this position, the wall 12 of the edge portion 8 of the panel 2 will contact
the side wall 23 of the cavity 25 of the bracket 3, the wall 13 will contact the lower
portion of the wall 24 and the bottom portion 14 will face toward the bottom portion
26 of the bracket 3. The recess 70 of the bottom portion 14 and the bottom wall 26
of the bracket 3 will define the channel 73. The same recess 70 and the side wall
13 of the edge portion 8 will define the drainage channel 71.
[0060] As shown in the figures, the wall 24 may have an inclined upper portion to define
a lead-in surface for the side wall 13 of the edge portion 8 and help it to fit into
the cavity 25.
[0061] Once the panel 2 is positioned with the edge portion 8 in the cavity 25, the guide
element 28 will have to be positioned with the part 29 in the groove 30. Advantageously,
the transverse part 29 may have a cog 75 at its bottom, which is designed to fit in
a corresponding counter-shaped receptacle 76. Thus, the element 28 may be held in
position with the part 42 in a substantially horizontal orientation and at a predetermined
height, to facilitate later fixation of the panel 2'. The latter will be fixed to
the element 28 with the step 32 fitting in the receptacle 33' and the edge portion
7' of the panel 2' also fitting in the cavity 25, as shown in Figures 17 and 18.
[0062] Now, a pressure P' need simply be exerted on the outer side 5' of the panel 2', to
cause the wall/s 9' and/or 10' to be deformed and translated downwards, to the final
position as shown in Figure 19. In this position, the bottom wall 9 of the edge portion
7' of the panel 2' will be introduced in the receptacle 67 until it coincides with
the wall 12 and defines the channel 72, whereas the protrusion 65' of the side wall
10' will fit in the corresponding receptacle 66. The bottom wall 95 of the transverse
part 29 contacts an abutment step 96 of the groove 30, which stops its downward translation.
Also, in this position the protrusions 43' and 44 are in contact with each other,
and thereby prevent atmospheric agent leakages.
[0063] As described above, this second embodiment has various sealing arrangements against
leakages of rain water or similar agents. In addition to a first sealing arrangement
100 defined by the contacting protrusions 43' and 44, a second sealing arrangement
101 is defined by the bottom wall 9' of the edge portion 7' of the panel 2' and the
wall 12 of the edge portion 8 of the panel 2 and a third sealing arrangement 102 is
defined between the protrusion 65' of the edge portion 7' and the side wall 13 of
the edge portion 8. Thus, rain water or similar agents are effectively hindered from
leaking beneath the panels 2. This provides optimized tightness for the underlying
roof and building.
[0064] In extremely bad weather conditions, if rain water leaks through the first sealing
arrangement 100, it will be drained away through the first channel 72.
[0065] If water is in such amount that the head of water is higher than h
2, with water leaking through the second sealing arrangement 101, the second channel
71 will cooperate with the first channel 72 for water drainage.
[0066] Then, if water is in such amount that the head of water is higher than h
1, with water leaking through the third sealing arrangement 102, the third channel
73 will cooperate with the first and the second channels 71, 72 for water drainage,
thereby making it actually impossible for water to contact the slab of the roof T.
In this regard, appropriate shaping of the upper portion 97 of wall 24 is highly important,
to provide an inclined surface for water to be conveyed into the third channel 73
and prevent it from contacting the roof T.
[0067] From the foregoing description, it clearly appears that the roof structure of the
invention fulfills the intended objects and particularly meets the requirement of
providing a substantially flat roof structure, i.e. having no surface protrusion or
unevenness.
[0068] By providing edge portions 7, 8 that extend transversly to the middle portion 4 only
from the inner side 6 of the panel 2, the roofing has a substantially continuous appearance,
having no external unevenness or protrusion, and further allows quick and effective
assembly of the structure.
[0069] By shaping the edge portions 7, 8 in such a manner that, with adjacent panels in
operating positions and their edge portions in mutual contact, they can define drainage
channels and sealing points, the structure is waterproofed in a highly reliable and
effective manner.
[0070] The structure of the invention is susceptible of a number of changes and variants,
within the inventive concept disclosed in the appended claims. All the details thereof
may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary
depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention.
[0071] While the structure has been described with particular reference to the accompanying
figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the
sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit
the claimed scope in any manner.
1. A roof structure for buildings comprising a plurality of roof panels (2; 2'), each
panel having a substantially planar middle portion (4; 4') with an upwardly facing
outer side (5; 5') and a downwardly facing inner side (6; 6') and two non-adjacent
edge portions (7, 8; 7', 8'), one of said edge portions (7, 7') being suitably shaped
to allow to partly overlap and be stably connected with the other of said edge portions
(8, 8') of an adjacent panel (2'), said non-adjacent edge portions (7, 8; 7', 8')
extending transversely to said middle portion (4, 4') exclusively downwardly thereof,
so that said outer side (5, 5') is solely visible from the outside in absence of any
upwardly directed unevenness or protrusion, characterized in that said roof structure also comprises suitable brackets (3; 3') to anchor said roof
panels to the slab of a roof (T) or the like.
2. Structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said edge portions (7, 8; 7', 8') are elastically deformable for snap fitting together
and to said brackets (3; 3').
3. Structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that one of said edge portions (8, 8') has a larger internal size than the other of said
edge portions (7, 7') for accommodating the latter therein, said larger edge portion
(8; 8') having a free transverse margin (40) that is higher than the free transverse
margin (41) of the other edge portion (7, 7').
4. Structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in the areas of connection (90, 91; 90', 91') with their respective middle portions
(4, 4'), the edge portions (7, 8; 7', 8') have first protrusions (43, 44) which are
designed to be mutually opposed when said adjacent panels (2, 2') are connected to
each other and to their respective bracket (3).
5. Structure as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said bracket (3) includes a prismatic member (50) having a base (51) and an inner
axial cavity (25) which is designed to receive one of the edge portions (8, 8') of
a panel (2, 2') for insertion and snap fit of the other smaller edge portion (7, 7')
therein.
6. Structure as claimed in claim 5 and 4, characterized in that said bracket (3) has an upper protrusion (52) which is adapted to cooperate with
a corresponding receptacle (53) defined by one of said first protrusions (44) of an
edge portion (8) of said panel (2).
7. Structure as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it includes guide means (27) for guiding the mutual connection of said edge portions
(7, 7', 8, 8') of adjacent panels (2, 2') and facilitating fixation thereof to said
brackets (3).
8. Structure as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each panel comprises means (45) for snap engagement thereof with an adjacent panel,
said snap engagement means (45) being defined by at least one deformable wall (9,
10, 12, 13) of each of said edge portions (7, 7'; 8, 8'), the latter comprising at
least one second protrusion (15, 16, 65) which is designed for snap engagement into
a corresponding recess or receptacle (17, 18, 66) in the facing sidewall (9, 10; 12,
13) of the other edge portion (7', 8') of an adjacent panel (2').
9. Structure as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a first of said edge portions (8) is substantially U-shaped, with side walls (12,
13) joined together by a bottom portion (14), the second edge portion (7) being substantially
J-shaped, with a side wall (10) joined to a bottom wall (9).
10. Structure as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the side wall (10') of said second edge portion (7') of a panel (2') has said second
transverse protrusion (65'), the facing side wall (13) of the first edge portion (8)
of the adjacent panel (2) having said corresponding receptacle (66).
11. Structure as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the bottom wall (9') of said second edge portion (7') of a panel (2') is suitably
shaped to stably cooperate with a corresponding receptacle (67) formed at the bottom
portion (14) of the first edge portion (8) of the adjacent panel (2).
12. Structure as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the bottom portion (14) of the first edge portion (8) has a recess (70) to define,
with said side edges (12, 13), a first and second channels (72, 71) for drainage of
rain water or similar agents, said recess (70) further defining a third drainage channel
(73) with the bottom wall (26) of the cavity (25) of the bracket (3).
13. Structure as claimed in one or more of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the upper protrusion (52) of the bracket (3) and the specially shaped step (32) of
the horizontal part (42) of the guide element (28) are configured in such a manner
that the first protrusions (43', 44) of the edge portions (7', 8) of adjacent panels
(2, 2') are in mutual contact, to define a further sealing arrangement (100) designed
to prevent any leakage of rain water or similar agents into the underlying area.
14. Structure as claimed in one or more of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the second edge portion (7') of a panel and the first edge portion (8) of an adjacent
panel are configured in such a manner that the bottom wall (9') of said second edge
portion (7') and the side wall (12) of said first edge portion (8) are substantially
in contact with each other at the corresponding receptacle (67) to form a second sealing
arrangement (101) to prevent rain water or similar agents from leaking into the underlying
area.
15. Structure as claimed in one or more of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the second edge portion (7') of a panel and the first edge portion (8) of an adjacent
panel are configured in such a manner that the second protrusion (65') of said second
edge portion (7') and the side wall (13) of said first edge portion (8) are substantially
in contact with each other at the corresponding receptacle (66) to form a third sealing
arrangement (102) to prevent rain water or similar agents from leaking into the underlying
area.
1. Eine Dachstruktur für Bauwerke einschließlich einer Vielzahl von Dachplatten (2; 2'),
jede Platte besitzt ein Zentralstück (4; 4'), das im Grunde genommen flach ist, mit
einer nach oben gerichteten Außenseite (5; 5') und einer nach unten gerichteten Innenseite
(6; 6') sowie zwei sich nicht berührende Randstücke (7, 8; 7', 8'); eines dieser Randstücke
(7, 7') ist so geformt, dass es das Randstück (8; 8') einer anliegenden Platte (2')
teilweise überdeckt und mit diesem eine stabile Verbindung eingeht; diese sich nicht
berührenden Randstücke (7, 8; 7', 8') verlaufen quer entlang des genannten Zentralstücks
(4; 4') ausschließlich unterhab dieser, so dass die genannte Außenseite (5; 5') nur
von außen sichtbar ist, ohne jede Unregelmäßigkeit und ohne jeden Vorsprung nach oben,
was durch die Tatsache charakterisiert wird, dass die genannte Dachstruktur ebenfalls
geeignete Halterungen (3; 3') umfasst, um diese Dachplatten an die Platte eines Dachs
(T) oder Ähnlichem zu verankern.
2. Struktur gemäß Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannten Randstücke (7, 8; 7', 8') elastisch verformbar sind, um ineinander
und in die genannten Halterungen (3; 3') einzuschnappen.
3. Struktur gemäß Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannten Randstücke (8, 8') innere Abmessungen besitzen, die größer sind als
diejenigen des genannten anderen Randstücks (7, 7'); um das Letztgenannte in sich
aufzunehmen, besitzt das genannte größere Randstück (8, 8') einen freien querlaufenden
Randsteg (40), der höher ist als der freie querlaufende Randsteg (41) des anderen
Randstücks (7, 7').
4. Struktur gemäß Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Randstücke (7, 8; 7', 8') in den Anschlussbereichen (90, 91; 90', 91') mit ihren
entsprechenden Zentralstücken (4, 4') erste Ausbauchungen (43, 44) aufweisen, die
dafür konstruiert sind, sich gegenseitig gegenüber zu liegen, wenn die genannten anliegenden
Platten (2, 2') miteinander und mit der entsprechenden Halterung (3) verbunden sind.
5. Struktur gemäß einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannte Halterung (3) einen Prismenkörper (50) mit einem Fuß (51) und einer
internen axialen Aushöhlung beinhaltet, die dafür konstruiert ist, eines der Randstücke
(8, 8') einer Platte (2, 2') aufzunehmen, in das das andere kleinere Randstück (7,
7') eingeschoben wird und dort einschnappt.
6. Struktur gemäß Patentanspruch 5 und 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Halterung (3) eine obere Ausbauchung (52) besitzt, die geeignet ist, eine entsprechende
Aushöhlung (53) zu unterstützen, die durch eine der zuvor genannten Ausbauchungen
(44) eines Randstücks (8) der genannten Platte (2) bestimmt wird.
7. Struktur gemäß einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie Führungsvorrichtungen (27) zur Führung der gegenseitigen Verbindung der genannten
Randstücke (7, 7', 8, 8') der anliegenden Platten (2, 2') und zur Vereinfachung der
Befestigung der genannten Halterungen (3) besitzt.
8. Struktur gemäß einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede Platte Mittel (45) für das eigene Einschnappen mit einer anliegenden Platte
besitzt; diese Mittel zum Einschnappen (45) sind bestimmt durch mindestens eine verformbare
Wand (9, 10; 12, 13) an jeder dieser Randstücke (7, 7', 8, 8'); diese Letzte besitzt
wenigstens eine zweite Ausbauchung (15, 16, 65), die für das Einschnappen in eine
entsprechende Aushöhlung oder Vertiefung (17, 18, 66) in der gegenüberliegenden Seitenwand
(9, 10; 12, 13) des anderen Randstücks (7', 8') einer anliegenden Platte (2') konstruiert
ist.
9. Struktur gemäß einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine erste der genannten Randstücke (8) eine Form aufweist, die im Wesentlichen einem
U entspricht, mit Seitenwänden (12, 13), die durch ein Bodenstück (14) verbunden sind,
das zweite Randstück (7) eine Form aufweist, die im Wesentlichen einem J entspricht,
mit einer Seitenwand (10), die an die Bodenwand (9) angeschlossen ist.
10. Struktur gemäß Patentanspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Seitenwand (10') des genannten zweiten Randstücks (7') einer Platte (2') die
genannte querlaufende zweite Ausbauchung (65') besitzt, die gegenüberliegende Seitenwand
(13) des ersten Randstücks (8) der anliegenden Platte (2), die genannte entsprechende
Aushöhlung (66) aufweisend.
11. Struktur gemäß Patentanspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bodenwand (9') des genannten zweiten Randstücks (7') einer Platte (2') angemessen
geformt ist, um eine entsprechende Aushöhlung (67) stabil zu unterstützen, die entsprechend
des Bodenstücks (14) des ersten Randstücks (8) der anliegenden Platte (2) geformt
ist.
12. Struktur gemäß Patentanspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Bodenstück (14) des ersten Randstücks (8) eine Aushöhlung (70) besitzt, die geeignet
ist, mit den genannten Seitenwänden (12, 13) einen ersten und zweiten Kanal (72, 71)
zur Ableitung von Regenwasser oder ähnlichen Stoffen zu bilden; diese Aushöhlung (70)
bildet zusätzlich einen dritten Ableitungskanal (73) mit der Bodenwand (26) der Aushöhlung
(25) der Halterung (3).
13. Struktur gemäß einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche 9 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die obere Ausbauchung (52) der Halterung (3) und die Stufe (32) mit spezieller Form
des horizontalen Teils (42) des Führungselements (28) so gestaltet sind, dass die
ersten Ausbauchungen (43', 44) der Randstücke (7', 8) der anliegenden Platten (2,
2') gegenseitig Kontakt aufweisen, um eine weitere wasserdichte Struktur (100) zu
bilden, dafür konstruiert, um jeglichem Regenwasser oder ähnlichen Stoffen ein Austreten
in den darunter liegenden Bereich zu untersagen.
14. Struktur gemäß einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche 9 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das zweite Randstück (7') einer Platte und das erste Randstück (8) einer anliegenden
Platte so gestaltet sind, dass die Bodenwand (9') des genannten zweiten Randstücks
(7') und die Seitenwand (12) des genannten ersten Randstücks (8) im Wesentlichen gegenseitigen
Kontakt aufweisen gemäß der entsprechenden Aushöhlung (67), um eine zweite wasserdichte
Struktur (101) zu bilden, die geeignet dafür ist, um jeglichem Regenwasser oder ähnlichen
Stoffen ein Austreten in den darunter liegenden Bereich zu untersagen.
15. Struktur gemäß einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche 9 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das zweite Randstück (7') einer Platte und das erste Randstück (8) einer anliegenden
Platte so gestaltet sind, dass die zweite Ausbauchung (65') des genannten zweiten
Randstücks (7') und die Seitenwand (12) des genannten ersten Randstücks (8) im Wesentlichen
gegenseitigen Kontakt aufweisen gemäß der entsprechenden Aushöhlung (66), um eine
dritte wasserdichte Struktur (102) zu bilden, die geeignet dafür ist, um jeglichem
Regenwasser oder ähnlichen Stoffen ein Austreten in den darunter liegenden Bereich
zu untersagen.
1. Une structure de toit pour bâtiments comprenant plusieurs panneaux de toit (2 ; 2'),
chaque panneau ayant une portion centrale (4 ; 4') substantiellement plane avec un
côté externe (5 ; 5') tourné vers le haut et un côté interne (6 ; 6') tourné vers
le bas et deux portions de bord non adjacentes (7, 8 ; 7', 8'), l'une desdites portions
de bord (7, 7') étant profilée de manière appropriée pour se superposer partiellement
et être reliée de façon stable à l'autre desdites portions de bord (8, 8') d'un panneau
adjacent (2'), lesdites portions de bord non adjacentes (7, 8 ; 7', 8') s'étendant
transversalement vers ladite portion centrale (4 ; 4'), exclusivement vers le bas
de celle-ci, de telle sorte que ledit côté externe (5 ; 5') soit exclusivement visible
de l'extérieur en l'absence de toute irrégularité ou saillie vers le haut, caractérisée en ce que ladite structure de toit comprend par ailleurs des fixations (3 ; 3') adaptées pour
ancrer lesdits panneaux de toit à la plaque d'un toit (T) ou similaire.
2. Structure selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que lesdites portions de bord (7, 8 ; 7', 8') sont déformables élastiquement de manière
à s'enclencher les unes dans les autres avec lesdites fixations (3 ; 3').
3. Structure selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'une desdites portions de bord (8, 8') présente des dimensions internes supérieures
à celles de l'autre desdites portions de bord (7, 7') pour loger cette dernière à
l'intérieur, ladite plus grande portion de bord (8, 8') ayant une marge transversale
libre (40) plus haute que la marge transversale libre (41) de l'autre portion de bord
(7, 7').
4. Structure selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que dans les zones de jonction (90, 91 ; 90', 91') avec leurs portions centrales respectives
(4, 4'), les portions de bord (7, 8 ; 7', 8') présentent des premières saillies (43,
44) conçues pour être réciproquement opposées lorsque lesdits panneaux adjacents (2,
2') sont joints l'un à l'autre et à leur fixation respective (3).
5. Structure selon une ou plusieurs des revendications de 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que ladite fixation (3) inclut un corps prismatique (50) ayant une base (51) et une cavité
axiale interne (25) conçue pour recevoir une des portions de bord (8, 8') d'un panneau
(2, 2') pour l'insertion et l'enclenchement dans celle-ci de l'autre portion de bord
(7, 7') la plus petite.
6. Structure selon les revendications 5 et 4, caractérisée en ce que ladite fixation (3) présente une saillie supérieure (52) destinée à s'adapter à une
cavité correspondante (53) définie par une desdites premières saillies (44) d'une
portion de bord (8) dudit panneau (2).
7. Structure selon une ou plusieurs des revendications de 1 à 6, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens de guidage (27) pour guider la jonction réciproque desdites
portions de bord (7, 7', 8, 8') de panneaux adjacents (2, 2') et pour faciliter son
ancrage auxdites fixations (3).
8. Structure selon une ou plusieurs des revendications de 1 à 7, caractérisée en ce que chaque panneau comprend des moyens pour son engagement par enclenchement (45) dans
un panneau adjacent, lesdits moyens d'engagement par enclenchement (45) étant définis
par au moins une paroi déformable (9, 10 ; 12, 13) de chacune desdites portions de
bord (7, 7', 8, 8'), cette dernière comprenant au moins une seconde saillie (15, 16,
65) conçue pour s'engager par enclenchement dans une cavité ou un creux correspondant
(17, 18, 66) dans la paroi latérale opposée (9, 10 ; 12, 13) de l'autre portion de
bord (7', 8') d'un panneau adjacent (2').
9. Structure selon une ou plusieurs des revendications de 1 à 8, caractérisée en ce qu'une première desdites portions de bord (8) a une forme substantiellement en U, avec
des parois latérales (12, 13) reliées entre elles par une portion de fond (14), la
seconde portion de bord (7) ayant une forme substantiellement en J, avec une paroi
latérale (10) reliée à la paroi de fond (9).
10. Structure selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que la paroi latérale (10') de ladite seconde portion de bord (7') d'un panneau (2')
présente ladite seconde saillie transversale (65'), la paroi latérale opposée (13)
de la première portion de bord (8) du panneau adjacent (2) présentant ladite cavité
correspondante (66).
11. Structure selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que la paroi de fond (9') de ladite seconde portion de bord (7') d'un panneau (2') est
profilée de façon appropriée pour s'adapter de manière stable dans une cavité correspondante
(67) formée au niveau de la portion de fond (14) de la première portion de bord (8)
du panneau adjacent (2).
12. Structure selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que la portion de fond (14) de la première portion de bord (8) présente une cavité (70)
destinée à définir, avec lesdits bords latéraux (12, 13), un premier et un deuxième
canal (72, 71) de drainage des eaux de pluie ou agents similaires, ladite cavité (70)
définissant par ailleurs un troisième canal de drainage (73) avec la paroi de fond
(26) de la cavité (25) de la fixation (3).
13. Structure selon une ou plusieurs des revendications de 9 à 12, caractérisée en ce que la saillie supérieure (52) de la fixation (3) et la marche (32) de forme spéciale
de la partie horizontale (42) de l'élément de guidage (28) sont configurées de telle
sorte que les premières saillies (43', 44) des portions de bord (7', 8) de panneaux
adjacents (2, 2') sont à contact réciproque, de manière à former une autre structure
étanche (100) conçue pour empêcher toute fuite d'eau de pluie ou agents similaires
dans la zone sous-jacente.
14. Structure selon une ou plusieurs des revendications de 9 à 13, caractérisée en ce que la seconde portion de bord (7') d'un panneau et la première portion de bord (8) d'un
panneau adjacent sont configurées de telle sorte que la paroi de fond (9') de ladite
seconde portion de bord (7') et la paroi latérale (12) de ladite première portion
de bord (8) sont substantiellement en contact réciproque au niveau de la cavité correspondante
(67) pour former une deuxième structure étanche (101) destinée à empêcher toute fuite
d'eau de pluie ou agents similaires dans la zone sous-jacente.
15. Structure selon une ou plusieurs des revendications de 9 à 14, caractérisée en ce que la seconde portion de bord (7') d'un panneau et la première portion de bord (8) d'un
panneau adjacent sont configurées de telle sorte que la seconde saillie (65') de ladite
seconde portion de bord (7') et la paroi latérale (12) de ladite première portion
de bord (8) sont substantiellement en contact réciproque au niveau de la cavité correspondante
(66) pour former une troisième structure étanche (102) destinée à empêcher toute fuite
d'eau de pluie ou agents similaires dans la zone sous-jacente.