ROOF REINFORCEMENT ELEMENT, COMBINATION OF SUCH AN ELEMENT WITH A ROOF AND METHOD FOR MAKING SUCH AN ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a combination of a roof reinforcement element and a roof which extends substantially horizontally, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. DE 19738477 A1 discloses a combination according to the preamble of claim 1. Roof reinforcement elements of this type are used on substantially horizontal roofs, where they are placed on a damp-proofing layer positioned on the roof.

[0002] A roof reinforcement element of this type is known from DE-A1 101.11.413. This document discloses a roof reinforcement element which comprises a polyethylene sheet and a concrete slab joined to it. The polyethylene sheet has a plurality of lugs which act as supports. The lugs are provided with openings for draining rainwater which penetrates through the porous concrete slab to the roof surface. A roof reinforcement element of this type can be used instead of gravel on flat, substantially horizontal roofs in order to protect the roof covering from being blown up by the wind and to counteract the effect of sunlight.

[0003] A drawback of this known roof reinforcement element is that dirt, such as dust and sand, can stick to the surface of the concrete and penetrate into the pores in the concrete. This can lead to plant growth on the surface, which is generally undesirable.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a combination of a roof and a roof reinforcement element with which these drawbacks are at least partially overcome or to create a usable alternative.

[0005] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a combination of a roof and a roof reinforcement element which is less sensitive to dirt.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a combination of a roof and a roof reinforcement element according to claim 1. The roof reinforcement element comprises a ballast element and a covering shell. The covering shell at least partially accommodates the ballast element and, in use, extends at least over substantially the entire ballast element.

[0007] The covering shell prevents dirt from sticking to or penetrating into the ballast element.

[0008] Appropriately, the roof reinforcement element is provided with supports which, in use, project from the underside of the roof reinforcement element. The supports create a clearance between the underside of the roof reinforcement element and the roof. As a result, rainwater can flow away over the roof surface and air can circulate between the roof reinforcement elements and the roof itself.

[0009] In particular, the height of the supports is adjustable. This is advantageous if the roof is not completely flat and the supports can compensate for unevenness in the roof.

[0010] More particularly, at least one of the supports comprises a sleeve-like leg. By virtue of the fact that the sleeve-like leg is hollow, it is relatively lightweight and inexpensive to produce.

[0011] In an embodiment, the roof reinforcement element is provided with at least one sleeve-like opening which, in use, extends substantially perpendicular to the surface beneath it. A sleeve-like opening of this type can function as a rainwater drain, as a ventilation opening and to avoid a subatmospheric or superatmospheric pressure beneath the roof reinforcement elements.

[0012] In a particular form, the sleeve-like leg of at least one of the supports is at least partially provided in one of the sleeve-like openings. This represents a surprisingly simple way of securing the supports to the roof reinforcement element. On account of the fact that the sleeve-like leg is hollow, the functions of the sleeve-like openings for rainwater drainage and ventilation are retained.

[0013] In an embodiment, the ballast element comprises water glass. Water glass is relatively corrosion-resistant and is a relatively hard material, with the result that even a relatively thin roof reinforcement element can be subjected to loads which are sufficient to enable it, for example, to be walked upon.

[0014] Appropriately, the covering shell comprises plastic. Plastic is a relatively inexpensive, watertight and lightweight material. Moreover, it is relatively simple to finish a plastic covering shell so that it is sufficiently smooth for little dirt to adhere to it.

[0015] In an embodiment, the roof reinforcement element is provided with first coupling means and with complementary second coupling means. This allows two or more roof reinforcement elements to be coupled to one another. In this way, it is possible to form a continuous layer on the roof without the risk of roof reinforcement elements positioned next to one another sliding apart.

[0016] In particular, the coupling means comprise dovetail coupling means. This creates simple coupling between roof reinforcement elements.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the roof reinforcement element is provided with at least one partial seam. The ballast element comprises at least two parts, which each extend on one side of the partial seam. The roof reinforcement element can easily be separated at the partial seam, for example by breaking, cracking, cutting or sawing. On account of the fact that the ballast element extends on either side of the partial seam, it does not also have to be split into two in order to allow the roof reinforcement element to be divided.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a combination of a roof and a roof reinforcement element according to claim 12. The method comprises the steps of:

forming a covering shell,

filling the covering shell with a ballast material,

allowing the ballast material to set.

[0019] Filling the covering shell with a ballast material is a surprisingly simple way of fitting a covering shell to a ballast element. There is no need for a separate mould to form the ballast element, as the shape of the covering shell and the ballast element by definition match one another. On account of the fact that a covering shell is relatively open, it can be formed in various ways.

[0020] In particular, the covering shell is formed by injection moulding. This represents a relatively inexpensive production method which is particularly suitable for a relatively open structure such as the covering shell.

[0021] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the subclaims.

[0022] One embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a roof reinforcement element as used in the invention,

Figure 2 shows a cross section on line II-II from Figure 1, and

Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a support for use in a roof reinforcement element as shown in Figure 1.

[0023] A roof reinforcement element as used in the invention is denoted overall by reference numeral 1 in Figure 1. The roof reinforcement element 1 comprises a ballast element 2 and a covering shell or dish 3. The ballast element 2 provides the roof reinforcement element 1 with the required weight and can also have a sound-absorbing and insulating action. The covering shell 3 has a main surface 4 and a protruding rim 5 which extends around substantially the entire peripheral edge of the main surface 4. The covering shell 3 therefore extends on the top side, in use, and at the sides of the ballast element 2 and in particular is not present at the underside 6 of the ballast element 2.

[0024] Furthermore, the roof reinforcement element 1 is provided with four sleeve-like openings 10 which extend substantially perpendicular with respect to the main surface 4 and with respect to the underside of the roof reinforcement element 1, from the main surface 4 to the underside 6. The covering shell 3 extends in sleeve-like form into the openings 10, where it forms sleeve-like wall parts 11. The sleeve-like openings 10 are provided, on the radially inner side of their wall parts 11, with a bush 12 with an internal screwthread, for receiving adjustable supports (cf. Figure 3).

[0025] Furthermore, the roof reinforcement element 1 comprises a partial seam 20. The roof reinforcement element 1 can easily be divided into two parts along this partial seam 20. The partial seam 20 is designed as a double-walled partition 21 which is formed integrally in the covering shell 3. The double-walled partition 21 is joined together at what in use forms the top side. Furthermore, the double-walled partition 21 delimits a free space in which there is no material of the ballast element 2. The ballast element 2, by contrast, extends on either side of the double-walled partition.

[0026] The roof reinforcement element 1 is provided with first and second dovetail-like coupling means 25, 26. The first, male, dovetail-like coupling means 25 extend outwards with respect to the rim 5. The second, female, dovetail-like coupling means 26 extend inwards with respect to the rim 5. The dovetail-like coupling means 25 and 26 allow simple and rapid coupling of a plurality of roof reinforcement elements 1. On account of the fact that the roof reinforcement elements 1 have been fitted together by means of their coupling means 25, 26 from the top side, in use, it is relatively easy to remove a roof reinforcement element 1 from an assembly of roof reinforcement elements 1. This is advantageous for replacement of any damaged roof reinforcement element 1 and in the event of repair, inspection and maintenance to the roof below.

[0027] Supports 30 can be accommodated in the sleeve-like openings 10. The support 30 comprises a sleeve-like leg 31 and a foot 32. The sleeve-like leg 31 is hollow, and the foot 32 is provided with a continuous drainage opening 33 which is in open communication with the hollow space inside the sleeve-like leg 31. Rainwater which hits the covering shell 3 can therefore enter the sleeve-like leg 31 via the sleeve-like opening 10 and flows away via the drainage opening 33. The sleeve-like leg 31 is provided with an external screwthread 35 which interacts with the internal screwthread of the bush 12.

[0028] In use, a plurality of roof reinforcement elements 1 are located on a roof 40. An adjustable support 30 is accommodated in each of the sleeve-like openings 10. In this case, the supports 30 are fitted into the sleeve-like opening 10, with the aid of a screwthread 35, sufficiently far for any irregularities in the height of the roof 40 at the location of the support positions to be compensated for. The roof elements 1 are connected to one another by means of their dovetail-like coupling means 25, 26. In this way, the roof reinforcement elements 1 hold a damp-proofing layer (not shown), for example made from bitumen, on the roof 40 and protect this layer from being blown up by the wind. Furthermore, the roof reinforcement elements also protect the roof from the direct action of sunlight. The roof reinforcement elements also provide an insulating action, for example with respect to heat and/or sound.

[0029] Thanks to the covering shell 3, the ballast element 2 does not take up any rainwater. This prevents any unintended and uncontrolled increase in the weight of the roof reinforcement element 1. Also, it is impossible for harmful substances which may be present in the ballast material to leach out. On the other hand, the rainwater is drained to the roof 40 via the sleeve-like openings 10 and the legs 31. It is difficult for dirt, such as dust and sand, to adhere to the smooth surface of the covering shell 3, and consequently there is no soil base for plants to grow. As a result, the roof-reinforcing elements 1 retain a clean and pleasant appearance. On account of the fact that the covering shell 3 also extends into the sleeve-like openings 10 and extends along the side edge of the ballast element as a rim 5, it is also impossible for rainwater to penetrate into the ballast element here, and consequently here too it is difficult for dirt to adhere. Moreover, the sleeve-like openings 10 are of large cross section compared to the pores in roof-reinforcing elements according to the prior art. Each of these aspects mean that the risk of the rainwater drainage openings 10 becoming blocked is much lower than in the

prior art.

[0030] Roof reinforcement elements according to the invention can be produced as follows. First of all, a covering shell, such as the covering shell 3, is formed from plastic by means of injection moulding. Sleeves which extend perpendicular to a main surface of the covering shell and delimit circular openings in the plane of the main surface can be formed integrally directly during injection moulding. A double-walled projecting partition can also be formed integrally during the injection moulding. First and second coupling means can also be formed integrally in the rim of the covering shell, for example by making the wall project outwards or inwards. Widening these outwardly or inwardly projecting parts of the rim produces a dovetail shape.

[0031] After the injection-moulding operation, the covering shell formed in this way is positioned in such a manner that the main surface of the covering shell is situated on the underside and the rims of the shell, as well as any sleeve which may be present, extend upwards with respect to the main surface. Then, a ballast material in substantially liquid form is poured in, so as to fill up each of the open spaces which are delimited by the rims, the sleeves and the double-walled partition. This ballast material may consist of water glass, optionally mixed with sand and/or gravel. The double-walled partition forms two open spaces in which ballast material is placed separately.

[0032] After the ballast material has at least partially set, the covering shell together with the ballast material can be turned over so that it is in the orientation which it will adopt during use on a roof, namely with the covering shell at the top and the ballast material beneath it.

[0033] In addition to the embodiment shown, numerous variants are possible. For example, the covering shell may be formed from a material other than plastic, such as a metal or a ceramic material. The ballast element may in particular also consist of cement, concrete or any other combination of a filler with a binder. Fillers of this type may be recycled products which have been processed into granule form, such as glass wool from excess production or from the construction industry, glass wool from cultivation under glass, screening sand from domestic waste or perlite from horticulture. Binders used may also include starch, glue or resins.

[0034] A roof reinforcement element with dimensions of 500 x 500 x 40 mm may have a weight of approx. 8 kg. A weight of this nature is sufficient for the ballast action and is also not too heavy for manual processing and installing of the roof reinforcement element.

[0035] If desired, the roof reinforcement element may also be provided with fixed supports that are not adjustable. It is also possible to provide separate rainwater openings which are not also intended to accommodate a leg of a support.

[0036] Therefore, the invention uses a roof reinforcement element which is less susceptible to becoming dirty and to plant growth, in which the rainwater drainage openings are less likely to become blocked and which, partly for these reasons, offer a pleasant appearance. The supports of the roof reinforcement elements may be of adjustable design in order to compensate for unevenness in a roof. A large number of different materials can be used for the roof reinforcement elements, including recycled materials. Rainwater cannot penetrate into the ballast material, and consequently an uncontrolled increase in the weight of this material is impossible. Also, harmful substances which may be present in the ballast material cannot leach out as a result. The roof reinforcement elements protect the roof from heating and from the action of sunlight. They are also sound-absorbing and heat-insulating.

Claims

1. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) extending substantially horizontally, which roof reinforcement element (1) is positioned removably on the substantially horizontal roof (40) and comprises a ballast element (2), characterized in that the roof reinforcement element (1) furthermore comprises a covering dish (3), which at least partially accommodates the ballast element (2) and, in use, extends at least on the top side and at the sides of the ballast element (2).

2. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to claim 1, also provided with supports (30) which, in use, project from the underside of the roof reinforcement element (1).

3. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to claim 2, in which the height of the supports (30) is adjustable.

4. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which at least one of the supports (30) comprises a sleeve-like leg (31).

5. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the roof reinforcement element (1) is provided with at least one sleeve-like opening (10) which, in use, extends substantially perpendicular to the roof (4).

6. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to claims 4 and 5, in which the sleeve-like leg (31) of at least one of the supports (30) is at least partially provided in one of the sleeve-like openings (10).

7. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the ballast element (2) comprises water glass.

8. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the covering dish (3) comprises plastic.

9. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to one of the preceding claims, which is at least provided with first coupling means (25) and/or with complementary second coupling means (26).

10. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to claim 9, in which the coupling means comprise dovetail-shaped coupling means (25, 26).

11. Combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof (40) according to one of the preceding claims, also provided with at least one partial seam (20), the ballast element (2) comprising at least two parts which each extend on one side of the partial seam (20).

12. Method for producing a combination of a roof reinforcement element (1) and a roof as defined in claim 1, comprising the steps of:

forming a covering dish (3),

filling the covering dish (3) with a ballast material (2), allowing the ballast material (2) to set, and

turning over the covering dish together with the ballast material.

13. Method according to claim 12, in which the covering dish (3) is formed by injection moulding.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, in which at least one sleeve is formed integrally in the covering dish (3).

15. Method according to one of claims 12-14, in which a double-walled partition is formed integrally in the covering dish (3).

16. Method according to one of claims 12-15, in which coupling means are formed integrally on the covering dish (3).

Ansprüche

1. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40), welches sich im wesentlichen horizontal erstreckt, wobei das Dachverstärkungselement (1) entfernbar an dem im wesentlichen horizontalen Dach (40) angeordnet ist und ein Ballastelement (2) umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Dachverstärkungselement (1) des weiteren ein Abdeckelement (3) umfasst, welches zumindest teilweise das Ballastelement (2) aufnimmt und sich in Gebrauchslage zumindest auf der Oberseite und an den Seiten des Ballastelementes (2) erstreckt.

2. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach Anspruch 1, welche ferner mit Stützelementen (30) versehen ist, welche, in Verwendung, von der Unterseite des Dachverstärkungselementes (1) vorspringen.

3. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach Anspruch 2, bei welcher die Höhe der Stützelemente (30) einstellbar ist.

4. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach einem der Ansprüche 2 oder 3, bei welcher zumindest eines der Stützelemente (30) einen hülsenförmigen Schaft (31) umfasst.

5. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, bei welcher das Dachverstärkungselement (1) mit zumindest einer hülsenartigen Öffnung (10) versehen ist, welche sich, in Verwendung, im wesentlichen senkrecht zu dem Dach (40) erstreckt.

6. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach Anspruch 4 und 5, bei welcher der hülsenartige Schaft (31) zumindest eines der Stützelemente (30) zumindest teilweise in eine der hülsenartigen Öffnungen (10) eingreift.

7. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, bei welcher das Ballastelement (2) Wasserglas besteht.

8. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, bei welcher das Abdeckelement (3) aus Kunststoff besteht.

9. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, welche zumindest mit einer ersten Kopplungseinrichtung (25) und/oder mit einer komplementären zweiten Kopplungseinrichtung (26) versehen ist.

10. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach Anspruch 9, bei welcher die Kopplungseinrichtung ein schwalbenschwanzförmiges Kopplungselement (25, 26) umfasst.

11. Kombination eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1) und eines Daches (40) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, welche ferner mit zumindest einem Teilfalz (20) versehen ist, wobei das Ballastelement (2) zumindest zwei Teile umfasst, welche sich jedes von einer Seite des Teilfalzes (20) aus erstreckt.

12. Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Dachverstärkungselementes (1), welches die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

das Formen eines Abdeckelementes (3),

das Füllen des Abdeckelementes (3) mit einem Ballastmaterial (2),

das Ermöglichen des Ballastmaterials (2), sich zu setzen, und

das Umdrehen des Abdeckelementes zusammen mit dem Ballastmaterial.

13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, bei welchem das Abdeckelement (3) durch Spritzgiessen geformt wird.

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12 oder 13, bei welchem zumindest eine Hülse integral in das Abdeckelement (3) eingeformt wird.

15. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 14, bei welchem eine doppelwandige Trennwand integral in dem Abdeckelement (3) eingeformt wird.

16. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 15, bei welchem Kopplungseinrichtungen integral an das Abdeckelement (3) eingeformt werden.

Revendications

1. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) s'étendant sensiblement horizontalement, l'élément de renfort de toit (1) étant disposé de façon amovible sur le toit sensiblement horizontal (40) et comprenant un élément de ballast (2), caractérisée en ce que l'élément de renfort de toit (1) comprend en outre une plaque de couverture (3) qui reçoit au moins partiellement l'élément de ballast (2) et, en utilisation, s'étend au moins sur le côté supérieur et les côtés latéraux de l'élément de ballast (2).

2. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon la revendication 1, comprenant également des supports (30) qui, en utilisation, font saillie à partir du côté inférieur de l'élément de renfort de toit (1).

3. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle la hauteur des supports (30) est réglable.

4. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, dans laquelle au moins l'un des supports (30) comprend une patte en forme de manchon (31).

5. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément de renfort de toit (1) est muni d'au moins une ouverture en forme de manchon (10) qui, en utilisation, s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement au toit (4).

6. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon les revendications 4 et 5, dans laquelle la patte en forme de manchon (31) d'au moins un des supports (30) est au moins partiellement prévue dans l'une des ouvertures en forme de manchon (10).

7. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément de ballast (2) comprend un verre d'eau.

8. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la plaque de couverture (3) est en matière plastique.

9. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, qui est munie au moins d'un premier moyen de couplage (25) et/ou d'un second moyen de couplage complémentaire (26).

10. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle le moyen de couplage comprend un moyen de couplage en forme de queue d'aronde (25, 26).

11. Combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comprenant également au moins un joint partiel (20), l'élément de ballast (2) comprenant au moins deux parties qui s'étendent d' un côté du joint partiel (20).

12. Procédé de fabrication d'une combinaison d'un élément de renfort de toit (1) et d'un toit (40), selon la revendication 1, comprenant les étapes suivantes :

former une plaque de couverture (3) ;

remplir la plaque de couverture (3) du matériau de ballast (2) ;

permettre au matériau de ballast (2) de se fixer ; et

retourner la plaque de couverture avec le matériau de ballast.

13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel la plaque de couverture (3) est formée par moulage par injection.

14. Procédé selon la revendication 12 ou 13, dans lequel au moins un manchon est formé d'une seule pièce dans la plaque de couverture (3).

15. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 12 à 14, dans lequel une cloison à double paroi est formée d'une seule pièce dans la plaque de couverture (3).

16. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 12 à 15, dans lequel un moyen de couplage est formé d'une seule pièce sur la plaque de couverture (3).

Drawing