Modular system for forming covering and cladding layers

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the formation of covering and/or cladding layers generally for masonry constructions such as roof decks and internal and external walls.

[0002] A modular system for covering and cladding layers roof desks is shown in EP-A-0787868 which comprises a modular system with retainers, panels and covers wherein:

each retainer comprises projecting flanges and opposing grooves for receiving the profiled edges of the panels and

each panel has along its edges a channel-shaped part, arranged to elastically snap-engage with its end part against the respective projecting flange of the retainer, and

each cover has lateral walls whose terminal bends are so formed that, when installed, they elastically press against the internal walls of said channel-shaped part.

[0003] The system of EP-A-0787868 discloses all the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] An object of the invention is to improve said known system in order to provide a modular system which on the one hand is generally impermeable or refractory to atmospheric agents, and on the other hand is totally without thermal and/or electrical "bridges".

[0005] Said objects are attained by virtue of the characteristics indicated in the claims.

[0006] All the objects of the invention are attained by virtue of the aforedescribed solution, as will be apparent hereinafter.

[0007] The characteristics and constructional merits of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing detailed description given with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one particular preferred embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example.

Figure 1 is an exploded front view showing the elements of the system in the positions occupied before being fitted together.

Figures 2 and 3 are partial views similar to Figure 1 but on an enlarged scale, showing two successive positions/configurations assumed by the profiled longitudinal edge of a filler panel during its coupling to the respective retainer.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the elements of the preceding figures on termination of assembly.

Figure 5 is a view similar to the preceding, showing a configuration which the invention can assume along a lateral edge of a roof deck.

[0008] It should firstly be noted that the component elements of the system in question can be used to form both covering layers for roof decks and cladding panelling for internal and external walls.

[0009] It should also be noted that the system of the invention is generally, but not exclusively, suitable for coverings having a relatively small slope, in the sense of a downward inclination of the order of a few degrees.

[0010] However if the underlying support structure presents, along the ridge line, adequate connection points for fixing a specific retention means, a covering in accordance with the invention can be installed even on roof decks with an inclination exceeding the aforesaid.

[0011] Reference will be made hereinafter to roof coverings for simplicity.

[0012] As can be seen in all the accompanying figures, the system comprises first elongate elements known as retainers 1, second generally flat elongate elements known as filler panels 2, and third elements of elongate form known as covers 3.

[0013] Each retainer 1 is formed of a suitable material which is substantially refractory to both electrical and heat conduction, such as a generally rigid synthetic material.

[0014] Said synthetic material can be filled with fibres or other equivalent material.

[0015] The retainer 1 is intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to the respective underlying structure, such as the said roof deck 4 (see Figures 4 and 5), where the said retainer 1 is orientated along its slope.

[0016] It should be noted that said retainer 1 can either consist of a single piece, i.e. having a length equal to that of the downward directrix of said deck 4, or consist of several pieces to be mutually abutted and aligned.

[0017] The retainer 1 comprises a flat connection bar 10 to be fixed to the deck 4 by known means, not shown, such as screws, bolts and expansion plugs.

[0018] The upper face of the flat bar 10 presents a totally extending longitudinal channel, from the centre of its base there rising a profiled rib, also of total extension, which divides the said channel into two identical longitudinal, parallel and opposing grooves 12.

[0019] The cross-section of said channel is generally of dovetail shape so that that side of the grooves which faces the rib 11 forms an undercut 13.

[0020] The cross-section through said rib 11 is in the shape of a Y which extends beyond the mouth of said channel.

[0021] Finally, most of the upper longitudinal edges of the retainer 1 are suitably radiused to facilitate their engagement with the other component elements of the system, as will be seen.

[0022] By way of example, in the illustrated case the cross-section through the retainer 1 can be inscribed within a theoretical rectangle of base 96 mm and height 63 mm, the distribution pitch of the retainers being 0.6 m.

[0023] The filler panel 2 and the cover 3 are constructed of metal or metal alloy, for example aluminium, copper or stainless steel, or surface-treated steel sheet, for example subjected to electrophoretic treatment.

[0024] The panel 2 has a length equal to that of the downward directrix of said deck 4.

[0025] According to the teachings of the invention, in the case of particularly extensive roof decks 4, i.e. having a downward dimension such that the panels cannot be transported, said panel and cover can be shaped on site by trailer-mounted means.

[0026] Said on-site preparation can also extend to the plastic retainers 1, in which case a trailer-mounted forming machine will be temporarily installed on site.

[0027] As can be seen, the panel 2 comprises a central plate 24 and two totally extending identical opposing longitudinal bands 20 which are flat and coplanar, they being positioned parallel to and slightly above the plane in which said central plate 24 lies, beyond them there being two identical opposing longitudinal profiled flanges of total extension.

[0028] In the illustrated case the central plate 24 is flat, but there is nothing to prevent it being suitably structured for particular requirements, for example it can present an undulated or zigzagged profile.

[0029] Said longitudinal band 20 and said profiled flange of said panel 2 have overall a generally elbow-shaped transverse profile arranged to mate with the groove 12 located to the side of said rib 11 of said retainer 1.

[0030] The transverse profile of said band 20 is substantially identical to that of the respective flat upper region of the retainer 1 which extends into the groove 12.

[0031] The transverse profile of said profiled flange comprises, starting from said band 20, a generally channel-shaped part 22 positioned below the band 20, and a part with a substantially regular undulated profile which extends from said channel-shaped part 22 to above said band 20.

[0032] The shape and external dimensions of said channel-shaped part 22 substantially match those of the groove 12 of the retainer 1.

[0033] Said channel-shaped part 22 has an inclined lateral wall 23 which matches the undercut side or surface 13 of said groove 12.

[0034] With reference to said undulated part, this comprises, proceeding from the bottom upwards, a wave crest 21 facing the plate 24, a wave recess 210, and a terminal arcuate coupling tooth 222.

[0035] The shape and dimensions of said undulated part generally match those of that lateral region of the rib 11 which extends beyond the groove 12.

[0036] The retainer 21 and panel 2 are coupled together substantially as shown in Figures from 2 to 5.

[0037] Firstly, after suitably elastically deforming the longitudinal coupling region of the panel 2, see Figure 2, the radiused edge situated at the base of the inclined lateral wall 23 of the channel 22 is rested against the upper radiused edge of the undercut 13 of the groove 12 in the retainer 1.

[0038] Having done this, the profiled longitudinal edge of the panel 2 is thrust downwards, so that the channel shaped part 22 and the undulated part deform elastically (see Figure 3), the former 22 passing beyond the top of the undercut 13 and the latter lying below the respective diverging flange 111 of the rib 11.

[0039] When this insertion has been completed the profiled longitudinal edge of the panel 2 virtually assumes the initial configuration, and has been elastically snap-coupled to the retainer 1 as shown in Figure 4.

[0040] Specifically, the flat band 20 of the panel 2 rests against the flat part of the retainer 1 which extends into the groove 12; the inclined lateral wall 23 of the channel-shaped part 22 rests completely against the undercut 13; the opposing lateral wall of the said channel-shaped part 22 rests completely against the lower part of the rib 11; the upper side of the wave recess 210 rests against the outer face of the flange 111 of the rib 11; and the terminal tooth 222 is hooked to the upper free end of said flange 111.

[0041] When two panels 2 have been snap-fitted to the retainer 1, the respective cover 3 is elastically snap-fitted to the profiled longitudinal edges of said two panels 2.

[0042] As can be seen, said cover 3 comprises an inverted channel-shaped body, the lateral walls 33 of which slightly diverge.

[0043] Each lateral wall 33 comprises a totally extending concavity 322 lying in proximity to the base of said channel shape, and a totally extending terminal arcuate bend 333 curved inwards.

[0044] The cover is mounted by forcing it, from above, onto the projecting part formed by the rib 11 of the retainer 1 and the profiled longitudinal edges of the two panels 2 which have been previously snap-fitted thereto.

[0045] At the commencement of said mounting operation, the said bends 333 of the cover 3 pass beyond said teeth 222 of the panel 2 without interference, after which the inner faces of the lateral walls 33 interfere with said teeth 222, and widen elastically.

[0046] When the bends 333 lie in proximity to the flat bands 20 of the panels 2, the bends 333 are suitable thrust towards the rib 11 to align them with the underlying channels 22, by which the lateral walls 33 flex elastically by the effect of their resting against the wave crests 21.

[0047] Having done this, the cover 3 is pushed downwards to automatically snap-couple the cover 3 to the panels 2, with simultaneous complete masking of the joint between the two panels 2.

[0048] When coupling is complete (Figure 4) the cover 3 assumes virtually its initial form, with its bends 333 elastically pressing against the inclined lateral walls 23 of the channel-shaped parts 22 of the panels 2; its lateral walls 33 press elastically against the wave crests 21 of said panels 2; and its cavities 322 elastically engage the teeth 222 of said panels 2.

[0049] When assembled in the aforesaid manner, the covering layer of the invention does not require further intervention, other than the usual perimetral finishing work at the eaves, the ridge and the end trusses.

[0050] For example along its lateral edges the covering can assume the form shown in Figure 5, in which the terminal covering panel 2 is shown as presenting a descending apron 5 extending from the band 20 and bent against the lateral face of the underlying flat bar 10.

[0051] At this point the total absence of thermal and/or electrical bridges should be noted, due to the total lack of through-passage fixing means, together with the total absence of respective seal or impermeabilization means.

[0052] In this respect the seal is intrinsic to the system, by virtue of the fact that the aforedescribed coupling arrangements with elastic snap engagement result in a labyrinth path which, besides presenting various anti-infiltration barriers, also has a particularly high overflow head.

[0053] Said barriers can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, and consist of the longitudinal regions of mutual contact between the cover 3 and panels 2, said head being determined by the height of the rib 11.

[0054] Said longitudinal regions of mutual contact generally extend without lack of continuity because of said coupling arrangements with elastic snap engagement, even in the presence of disturbance factors such as slight slippage and settling, and expansion due to temperature changes, which will be discussed below.

[0055] The resistance of the covering of the invention to downwardly acting static and dynamic perpendicular loads, either distributed, such as snow, or localized, such as persons, is comparable to that of roofing of similar characteristics installed by traditional fixing means.

[0056] Its resistance to upwardly acting perpendicular loads, such as gusts of wind infiltrating below the covering, is provided by the described snap-coupling arrangements, which themselves transmit the forces in play to the underlying support structure via the fixing means for the retainers 1.

[0057] With regard to loads acting parallel to the layer and perpendicular to the ribs 11, for example due to sheets of wind and/or thermal expansion, see Figure 4.

[0058] Again, with regard to its resistance to stresses acting parallel both to the layer and to the ribs 11, generally those due to the components of the weight of the panels 2 and of the covers 3, and to components of the loads acting thereon, this is provided by the friction between the elements 1, 2 and 3 of the layer.

[0059] The aforesaid is valid for generally modest or small slopes, of the order of a few degrees as indicated in the introduction.

[0060] In the presence of larger slopes, and if the structural characteristics of the roof deck 4 enable it, retention of the layer in the direction of the deck slope is provided by coupling means in correspondence with the ridge.

[0061] Finally, the covering of the invention is virtually free from stresses deriving from temperature changes by virtue of the fact that, because of the total absence of through-passage fixing means, it is substantially free to expand and contract along the two main directions of the plane in which it lies.

[0062] In this respect the expansion or contraction in a direction perpendicular to the ribs 11 is readily absorbed by the said elastic snap-engagements, whereas those parallel to the ribs 11 create no disturbance of any sort.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that because of the generally total absence of fixing means of through-passage type, a roof covering layer or a cladding panel formed in accordance with the teachings of the invention does not require maintenance in practice, at least of ordinary type.

Claims

1. A modular system for forming covering and cladding layers, comprising first elements (1) of elongate form known as retainers, which are intended to be fixed parallel to each other to the structure to be covered; substantially flat second elements (2) known as filler panels, which are intended to be snap-coupled along the facing sides of a pair of said first elements; and third elements (3) of elongate form known as covers, which are intended to snap-engage those sides of said second elements (2) which are coupled to the opposing sides of one of said first elements (1), in order to stabilize the surface continuity between pairs of second elements (2) coupled to said first elements (1);
wherein each retainer (1) presenting a fully extending salient rib (11), on the two sides of which there are provided two symmetrical opposing grooves (12) for receiving the profiled longitudinal edges of two consecutive filler panels (2), and each retainer (1) comprising projecting flanges (111) branching from the top of said rib (11), each filler panel (2) comprises a generally flat plate (24) and has on its opposing edges a profiled flange which has a channel-shaped part (22), arranged to elastically snap-engage against the respective projecting flange (111) of the rib (11),
and each cover (3) has a body with its cross-section in the shape of an inverted channel with diverging walls (33), each comprising a totally extending intermediate concavity arranged to elastically engage said projecting flange (111), and a totally extending terminal bend (333) to be forcibly inserted into said groove (12),
characterised in that
the cover is so formed that the terminal bends (333) when installed elastically press against an inner lateral wall (23) of the channel-shaped part (22), wherein said lateral wall (23) faces the rib (11).

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said channel-shaped part (22) of the filler panel (2) has a wave crest (21) facing the plate (24), and the cover 3 has lateral walls (33) which press elastically against the wave crests (21) of said panels 2 and cavities 322 which elastically engage the teeth (222) of said panels (2).

3. A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that each retainer comprises a flat bar (10) which is provided with means for its fixing to the structure (4) on which the layer is laid, such as threaded members.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that said grooves (12) are defined on one side by the base of said rib (11), and on the opposite side by an undercut surface.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that each filler panel (2) can be coupled to said retainers (1) by its generally flat plate (24), which presents a totally extending band (20) intended to rest on said retainers (1).

6. A system as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that said channel-shaped part (22) of the filler panel (1), when in its undeformed configuration, has generally the form and dimensions of said groove (12).

7. A system as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that between the wall (33) of said cover (3) and the adjacent profiled flange of the panel (2) an anti-infiltration labyrinth is created having a head of height equal to the height of said profiled flange.

Ansprüche

1. Modulares System zur Ausbildung von Abdeckungs- und Verkleidungsschichten, welches erste Elemente (1) mit länglicher Form aufweist, die als Rückhaltebauteile bekannt und dazu bestimmt sind, parallel zueinander an der abzudeckenden Konstruktion befestigt zu werden; im Wesentlichen flache zweite Elemente (2), die als Fülltafeln bekannt und dazu bestimmt sind, entlang der einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten eines Paares der ersten Elemente in Einrasteingriff zu gehen; und dritte Elemente (3) mit länglicher Form, die als Abdeckungen bekannt und dazu bestimmt sind, diejenigen Seiten der zweiten Elemente (2) in Einrasteingriff zu nehmen, die mit den entgegengesetzten Seiten eines der ersten Elemente (1) verbunden sind, um die Oberflächenkontinuität zwischen Paaren von mit den ersten Elementen (1) verbundenen zweiten Elementen (2) zu stabilisieren;
wobei jedes Rückhaltebauteil (1) eine sich vollkommen erstreckende hervorstehende Rippe (11) aufweist, auf deren zwei Seiten zwei symmetrische entgegengesetzte Nuten (12) zur Aufnahme der profilierten Längskanten von zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Fülltafeln (2) vorgesehen sind, und wobei jedes Rückhaltebauteil (1) von der Spitze der Rippe (11) abzweigende hervorstehende Flansche (111) aufweist, wobei jede Fülltafel (2) eine im Allgemeinen flache Platte (24) und auf ihren entgegengesetzten Kanten einen profilierten Flansch mit einem kanalförmigen Teil (22) aufweist, der dafür vorgesehen ist, gegen den jeweiligen hervorstehenden Flansch (111) der Rippe (11) elastisch in Einrasteingriff zu gehen,
und wobei jede Abdeckung (3) einen Körper aufweist, dessen Querschnitt die Form eines umgekehrten Kanals mit auseinanderlaufenden Wänden (33) aufweist, die jeweils eine sich vollkommen erstreckende Zwischenwölbung aufweisen, die dafür vorgesehen ist, den hervorstehenden Flansch (111) elastisch in Eingriff zu nehmen, und eine sich vollkommen erstreckende Endbiegung (333), die zwangsläufig in die Nut (12) einzusetzen ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet , dass
die Abdeckung so ausgebildet ist, dass die Endbiegungen (333), wenn sie angebracht sind, elastisch gegen eine innere Seitenwand (23) des kanalförmigen Teils (22) drucken, wobei die Seitenwand (23) der Rippe (11) gegenüberliegt.

2. System nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der kanalförmige Teil (22) der Fülltafel (2) einen der Platte (24) gegenüberliegenden Wellenkamm (21) und die Abdeckung (3) Seitenwände (33) aufweist, die elastisch gegen die Wellenkämme (21) der Tafeln (2) drücken, sowie Hohlräume (322), welche die Zähne (222) der Tafeln (2) elastisch in Eingriff nehmen.

3. System nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jedes Rückhaltebauteil eine flache Stange (10) aufweist, die mit Einrichtungen zu ihrer Befestigung an der Konstruktion (4) versehen ist, auf der die Schicht gelegt ist, wie zum Beispiel mit Gewindeteilen.

4. System nach Anspruch 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Nuten (12) auf einer Seite der Basis der Rippe (11) und auf der entgegengesetzten Seite durch eine Unterschnittfläche festgelegt sind.

5. System nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
jede Fülltafel (2) über ihre im Allgemeinen flache Platte (24) mit den Rückhaltebauteilen (1) verbunden sein kann, die ein sich vollkommen erstreckendes Band (20) aufweist, welches zum Aufliegen auf den Rückhaltebauteilen (1) vorgesehen ist.

6. System nach Anspruch 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der kanalförmige Teil (22) der Fülltafel (1) in seiner unverformten Ausgestaltung im Allgemeinen die Form und Abmessungen der Nut (12) aufweist.

7. System nach Anspruch 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen der Wand (33) der Abdeckung (3) und dem daran angrenzenden profilierten Flansch der Tafel (2) ein Anti-Infiltrationslabyrinth geschaffen ist, welches eine größte Höhe aufweist, die der Höhe des profilierten Flansches entspricht.

Revendications

1. Système modulaire destiné à former des couches de couverture et de revêtement, comprenant des premiers éléments (1) de forme allongée connus sous le nom d'organes de retenue qui sont destinés à être fixés parallèlement les uns aux autres à la structure à couvrir, des seconds éléments pratiquement plats (2) connus sous le nom de panneaux de remplissage, qui sont destinés à être couplés par enclenchement élastique le long des côtés en regard d'une paire de premiers éléments, et des troisièmes éléments (3) de forme allongée connus sous le nom de couvercles, qui sont destinés à coopérer de façon élastique avec les côtés des seconds éléments (2) qui sont couplés aux côtés opposés de l'un des premiers éléments (1) afin que la continuité de la surface soit stabilisée entre des paires de seconds éléments (2) couplés aux premiers éléments (1),
   dans lequel chaque organe de retenue (1) présente une nervure saillante (11) qui s'étend sur toute la dimension et des deux côtés de laquelle sont disposées deux gorges symétriques opposées (12) destinées à loger les bords longitudinaux profilés de deux panneaux consécutifs de remplissage (2), chaque organe de retenue (1) comprenant des flasques en saillie (111) qui partent en dérivation de la partie supérieure de la nervure (11), chaque panneau de remplissage (2) comporte une plaque (24) qui est plate de façon générale et possède à ses bords opposés un flasque profilé qui a une partie (22) en forme de canal, disposée afin qu'elle coopère par enclenchement élastique contre le flasque respectif en saillie (111) de la nervure (11), et
   chaque couvercle (3) a un corps dont la section a la forme d'un canal retourné ayant des parois divergentes (33), comprenant chacune une concavité intermédiaire s'étendant sur la totalité et destinée à coopérer élastiquement avec le flasque en saillie (111), et un coude terminal qui s'étend sur toute la longueur (333), destiné à être inséré à force dans la gorge (12),
   caractérisé en ce que
   le couvercle est formé de manière que les coudes terminaux (333), lorsqu'ils sont installés, exercent une pression élastique contre une paroi latérale interne (23) de la partie en forme de canal (22), la paroi latérale (23) étant tournée vers la nervure (11).

2. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la partie en forme de canal (22) du panneau de remplissage (2) a une crête ondulée (21) tournée vers la plaque (24), et le couvercle (3) a des parois latérales (33) qui exercent une pression élastique contre les crêtes ondulées (21) des panneaux (2) et des cavités (329) qui coopèrent élastiquement avec les dents (222) des panneaux (2).

3. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que chaque organe de retenue comporte une barre plate (10) qui comprend un dispositif assurant sa fixation sur la structure (4) sur laquelle est disposée la couche, par exemple sous forme d'organes filetés.

4. Système selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les gorges (12) sont délimitées d'un côté par la base de la nervure (11) et du côté opposé par une surface en retrait.

5. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que chaque panneau de remplissage (2) peut être couplé aux organes de retenue (1) par une plaque (24) plate de façon générale qui présente une bande (20) qui s'étend sur sa totalité et qui est destinée à reposer sur les organes de retenue (1).

6. Système selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la partie en forme de canal (22) du panneau de remplissage (1), dans sa configuration non déformée, a de façon générale la forme et les dimensions de la gorge (12).

7. Système selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce qu'un labyrinthe empêchant les infiltrations est créé entre la paroi (33) du couvercle (3) et le flasque profilé adjacent du panneau (2), avec une tête de hauteur égale à la hauteur du flasque profilé.

Drawing