GB2104124A

GB2104124A - Roofing structure

Info

Publication number: GB2104124A
Application number: GB08218353A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ghislain Leurent
Original assignee: SITRAPLAST SA
Current assignee: SITRAPLAST SA
Priority date: 1981-08-07
Filing date: 1982-06-24
Publication date: 1983-03-02
Also published as: GB2104124B; EP0072382B1; EP0072382A1; CH644423A5; CA1190374A

Description

1 GB 2 104 124 A 1

SPECIFICATION Roofing structure

The present invention relates to a roofing structure, for example for making a generally transparent or translucent vault for covering a defined zone.

The structure according to the invention makes it possible, particularly but not ex61usively, to make portions of tranparent or translucent surfaces in the roof of a building, the roofing of corridors, passages, shelters, porches, etc.

Structures of this type are generally constituted by a plurality of transparent or translucent plates, for example made of plastics material, fixed by being gripped between hoop 80 elements and possibly cross-pieces which define its frame.

Such structures must comply with criteria of tightness, aesthetics, ease of assembly and occasionally ease of modification of the structure, for example by adding other surface levels thereto whilst using the structure which has already been positioned. Furthermore, they generally use materials of different natures which, in particular, present different coefficients of expansion. When the structure is made, it is therefore necessary to take into account the differences in expansion in the materials assembled together.

Presently existing structures are constituted by plates of which the edges are fixed by being gripped between superposed sections which are assembled together. These sections are generally made of metal, steel or aluminium alloy, and a seal is interposed between a plate and a section, or between a plate and each of the superposed sections.

The sections and the plates are assembled together by fixing the sections together, for example by means of rivets, screws or bolts which are distributed over the whole length of the section. The plates are engaged between the sections and fixed by gripping, as well as the seal, when the fixing means are tightened.

Such a structure presents numerous drawbacks. Firstly, the sections must undergo a particular machining operation, since the orifices of the screws, bolts or rivets must be provided in advance. On the other hand, the positioning of the members for assembling the sections requires specific tools. It is not easy for an operator to position these assembly members per se, particularly the members located in the central zone of the sections, as these members are not very accessible. Furthermore, the seals, apart from their debatable aesthetic appearance, complicate assembly of the structure. They rarely guarantee a perfect seal and therefore do not completely eliminate the infiltrations of water in the structure, all the more so as certain types of seals do not age well in the course of time and lose their quality of tightness. In addition, due to their adherence, these seals constitute a hindrance to the expansion of the plates with respect to the sections. By way of illustration, this expansion may, in certain cases, reach several centimetres.

In other structures, the assembly of the superposed sections by means of rivets, screws or bolts, is completed by the fixing of the sections at their ends. This fixing at the ends of the sections forming hoop elements does not eliminate the use of seals and it requires adjustment and register of the curvature of the sections and the plates.

The above drawbacks are also met with at the join between the connecting cross-pieces perpendicular to the hoop elements and these hoop elements, when these cross-pieces are present in the structure. The connection between the crosspieces and hoop elements is generally not very water-tight.

It is also an object of the present invention to propose a structure which overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks, which complies with the criteria of seal, aesthetics, ease of assembly and ease of adaptation of additional walls to a structure which is already in position, and which, moreover, allows free expansion of the plates with respect to the frame.

It is another object of the invention to propose a structure in which the plates and sections, constituting hoop elements or cross-pieces, are assembled together without seals.

It is a further object of the invention to propose a structure in which the sections constituting the hoop elements or the cross-pieces are assembled without fixing members distributed over the length of these sections.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a structure in which the assembly of the sections constituting the hoop elements and the sections constituting the connecting cross-pieces, when the latter are present, is homogeneous and the join between the cross-pieces and the hoop elements prevents possible infiltrations of water inside the construction.

To this end, this roofing structure, adapted for example to form vault, possibly transparent or translucent, for covering a zone located between two supports substantially parallel in a longitudinal direction, composed of a plurality of juxtaposed roofing plates, located at one or more levels, and of hoop elements disposed transversely between the two longitudinal supports, each of these hoop elements being constituted by a pair of elementary hoop elements comprising a lower hoop element and an upper hoop element superposed on the lower hoop element, the transverse edges of the plates being engaged between the lower and upper hoop elements of each pair, is characterized in that it comprises means for provoking deformation of one of the superposed hoop elements by applying it under pressure against the other and thus effecting gripping of the plates between the superposed elementary hoop elements.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the means for provoking deformation of one of the superposed elementary hoop elements comprise means which exert a tangential traction 2 GB 2 104 124 A 2 at each end of the upper hoop element, each end of the lower hoop element being fast with the adjacent longitudinal support or in abutment thereon, so that the upper hoop element, deformed in traction, exerts a pressure on the roofing plate and the lower hoop element.

According to a variant embodiment, the means provoking deformation of one of the superposed elementary hoop elements comprise means which exert a tangential thrust at each end of the lower hoop element, each end of the upper hoop element being fast with the adjacent longitudinal support or in abutment thereon, so that the lower hoop element, deformed by thrust, exerts a pressure beneath the roofing plate and the upper hoop element.

The different modes of deformations, by traction of the upper hoop element or compression of the lower hoop element, make it possible to apply one of the superposed elementary hoop elements under pressure against the other, acting from the ends of these hoop elements. Therefore, contrary to certain existing structures, the fixing members are not distributed over the length of the hoop elements. Furthermore, it should be noted that the modes of deformation carried out enable the transverse edges of the plates to be gripped between the elementary hoop elements without having to resort to seals. This is mainly due to the fact that the modes of deformation effect an application under pressure of the upper hoop element against the lower hooper element, or vice versa, which is translated by a substantially uniform grip of the transverse edges of the materials constituting the structure in the longitudinal and transverse sense.

The invention will be more readily understood on reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the whole of a structure according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view in transverse section illustrating the deformation of the upper elementary hoop element, by traction with 110 respect to the lower hoop element; Figure 3 is a schematic view in transverse section illustrating the deformation of the lower elementary hoop element, by thrust with respect to the upper hoop element.

Figures 4 and 5 are partial views in section along line A-A of Figure 1, for the mode of deformation shown schematically in Figure 2, in the case of structure with one and with two surface levels, respectively.

Figures 6 and 7 are partial views in section along line A-A of Figure 1, for the mode of deformation shown schematically in Figure 3, in the case of a structure with one and with two surface levels, respectively.

Figure 8 is a view in perspective of a variant embodiment of the whole of the structure.

Figure 9 is a schematic view in transverse section illustrating the deformation in traction of the upper hoop element, in the case of the structure of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a schematic view in transverse section illustrating the deformation in thrust of the lower hoop element, in the case of the structure of Figure 8; Figures 11 and 12 are partial views in section along line C-C of the structure shown in Figure 8, for the mode of deformation schematically shown in Figure 9, in the case of a structure with one and with two surface levels, respectively; Figures 13 and 14 are partial views in section along line C-C of the structure shown in Figure 8, for the mode of deformation shown schematically in Figure 10, in the case of a structure with one and with two surface levels, respectively; Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the end part of the hoop elements shown in Figure 11; 85 Figure 16 is a view in transverse section along line D-D of Figure 11; Figure 17 is a variant of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a view in perspective of a detail of embodiment of the structure shown in Figure 8; 90 Figure 19 is a partial view in section along line B-B of the structures shown in Figures 1 and 8; Figures 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 and 27 are views in transverse section through different sections constituting hoop elements; 95 Figure 24, 28 and 29 are views in perspective of variant embodiments of the end of upper hoop elements and of lower hoop elements; Figure 30 is a view in elevation of an upper hoop element composed of a plurality of portions disposed end to end; Figures 31 and 32 are, respectively, view in profile and in elevation of a variant embodiment of the means for deforming the upper hoop element in traction; Figure 33 is a perspective view of the whole of a structure presenting cross-pieces and an opening; Figure 34 is a view in longitudinal section through the zone of connection between a cross piece and hoop elements, this section being made along line B-B of Figure 35; Figure 35 is a view in transverse section along the line F-F of Figure 34; Figure 36 is a view in transverse section along line G-G of Figure 34; Figure 37 is a view in section through the zone of connection between the end of an opening and a connecting cross-piece of the structure; and Figure 38 is a view in section through the zone of connection between hoop elements of the fixed structure.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a structure 1 in the form of a vault which covers a zone defined by two generally parallel longitudinal supports 2, connected or not at their ends by transverse supports 3. The whole of these supports defines for example a cut which projects with respect to the surface of a roof and which defines an opening in this roof which this structure 1 covers. The upper surface 4 of the 3 GB 2 104 124 A 3 supports 2 is substantially horizontal. The structure 1 further comprises longitudinal end sections 11 and 19 fast with the supports 2. It also comprises hoop elements oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction defined by the supports 2 and spaced out longitudinally. Each of these hoop elements is in fact constituted by two superposed elementary hoop elements, namely an upper hoop element 5 and a lower hoop element 6.

Between the upper and lower hoop elements 5 and 6 respectively, are engaged the transverse edges of roofing plates 7, generally transparent or translucent. These plates are for example made of a plastics material or a resin and they are supple enough to be bent for assembly purposes.

The structure 1 presents one or more surface levels. In the case of the structure presenting more than one surface level, an intermediate hoop element is interposed between an upper hoop element 5 and a lower hoop element 6 of the same pair, all these hoop elements 5, 6, 8 being superposed. Unless indicated to the contrary, an intermediate hoop element 8 shall be considered as an upper hoop element with respect to a lower 90 hoop element 6 and as a lower hoop element with respect to an upper hoop element 5.

The transverse edges of the roofing plates 7 are gripped between the upper hoop elements 5 and lower hoop elements 6 and the gripping is effected by deformation of one of the superposed elementary hoop elements and the pressure exerted by this deformed hoop element on the other. This gripping is effected without the use of members for fixing the hoop elements together, distributed over their length, nor of seals between the plates and the hoop elements. However, this gripping is effected in totally water-tight manner with respect to the interior of the construction, whilst allowing free expansion of the plates.

Figures 2 and 3 schematically show two modes of deformation of one of the elementary hoop elements allowing such a gripping of the plates.

In Figure 2, the ends 9 and 10 of the lower elementary hoop element 6 are respectively immobilised in position with respect to the flange of the longitudinal end section 11 fast with each support, this flange being oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the curve defined by the hoop element 6. This immobilisation may be an abutment or it may be ensured by a set screw. In this case, it is the upper hoop element 5 which is deformed and this deformation consists in exerting a traction on the ends 12 and 13 of the upper hoop element 5, this traction being substantially parallel to the tangent to the bottom point of the curve which it defines: Such a traction is schematically shown by arrows 14 and 15. This traction provokes tensional stresses inside the 125 upper hoop element 5 which is consequently applied, by deformation, over the whole of its length, on the lower hoop element 6. This is translated by the appearance of a pressure exerted by the upper hoop element 5 on the lower 130 hoop element 6, this pressure being perpendicular to each point of the curve defined by the upper hoop element 5. Such a pressure is schematically shown by arrows 16. The transverse edges of the roofing plates 7 which are inserted in and between the elementary hoop elements 5 and 6 are therefore gripped over the whole of their length.

In the variant embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, it is the ends 17 and 18 of the upper hoop element 5 which are respectively immobilised in position, for example with respect to the flange of a longitudinal end section 19 fast with each of the supports 2. This immobilisation may be an abutment or it may be ensured by a screw. In this case, the mode of deformation consists in exerting a thrust on the ends 20 and 21 of the lower hoop element 6, this thrust being shown schematically by arrows 22. This thrust is oriented parallel to the tangent to the bottom point of the curve defined by the lower hoop element 6. It provokes, over the whole length of the lower hoop element 6, a pressure oriented perpendicularly to each point of the curve defined by the lower hoop element 6, this pressure being shown schematically by arrows 23. The lower hoop element 6 is thus applied under pressure over the whole of its length, against the upper hoop element 5 and the edges of the plates are inserted and gripped between the hoop elements 5 and 6.

The two modes of deformation which have just been described enable the assembly between the upper hoop elements 5, the.lower hoop elements 6 and the roofing plates 7 to be adjusted without having to resort to fixing members distributed over the length of the hoop elements, nor to seals, being given that a deformation by traction or by thrust is exerted on one hoop element with respect to the other.

Figures 4 and 5 are relative to an embodiment corresponding to the mode of deformation shown schematically in Figure 2. In Figure 4, the end 9 of the lower hoop element 6 is in abutment against a flange 25 of the section 11. A set screw 26 is provided to exert a traction on the end 12 of the upper hoop element 5. This screw 26 is oriented parallel to the tangent to the bottom point of the curve of the hoop element 5. Its head abuts on a flange 27 of the section 11, this flange being oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the screw and offset outwardly with respect to flange 25 for a reason which shall be specified hereinbelow. The threaded part of the screw 26 is screwed in one or more tapped housings in the end 12 of the upper hoop element 5.

As may be seen in Figure 4, sections 29 are interposed between the different upper hoop elements 5, these sectons 29 ensuring a watertight connection between the upper faces of the roofing plates 7 and a flange 28 of the longitudinal end section 11. This section 29 is of any appropriate form, for example the one shown in Figure 4 which advantageously allows it to be fitted in the end part of the flange 28 of the 4 GB 2 104 124 A 4 longitudinal end section 11. When the screw 26 is tightened, the upper part 28 of the section 11 closes and exerts a pressure on the upper face of the upper hoop element 5, the section 29 being rendered fast with section 11 by fitting on the flange 28. The section 29 follows the movement of the flange 28 and exerts a pressure on the upper face of the roofing plate 7 which, itself, due to this pressure, is applied on the lower flange parallel to the flange 28 of the section 11 and thus forms a water-tight assembly in the longitudinal sense.

Figure 5 shows a variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 4, in which variant the structure 1 presents two levels of roofing plates. The traction members 30 and 3 1, such as screws, are preferably respectively engaged in the end of the upper hoop element 5 and the intermediate hoop element 8.

The screw 31 engaged in the intermediate hoop element 8 is naturally tightened before the screw engaged in the upper hoop element 5, so as firstly to effect deformation of the intermediate hoop element 8 on the lower hoop element 6, then deformation of the upper hoop element 5 on the intermediate hoop element 8. The end section 90 11 has substantially the same shape as that described with reference to Figure 4, apart from the fact that its flange 27 has an upper width which constitutes a support surface for the heads of the screws 30 and 3 1. A section 32 is preferably interposed between the ends of the different successive intermediate hoop elements. The sections 29 and 32 render the whole longitudinal by water-tight when the screws 30 and 31 are tightened, according to the same principle described hereinbefore.

Figures 6 and 7 relate to embodiments corresponding to the mode of deformation shown schematically in Figure 3. In these figures, the end 34 of the lower hoop element 6 is subjected to a thrust made with the aid of a screw abutting on a flange of the longitudinal end section 19. The thrust exerted by the screw 35 may possibly be effected by a longitudinally oriented section 41.

In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7, the end of the longitudinal sections 11 and 19 formed by a U-section oriented towards the outside of the structure and of which the lower level is located below the level 4 of the support 2, presents means for collecting, channelling and evacuating the water of condensation of the structure and the water which has possibly infiltrated. Moreover, the sections 11 and 19 presents means which avoid the water collected by these sections flowing inside the construction.

Figure 8 shows a variant embodiment of a structure 60 in which the longitudinal supports 61 present either an inclined upper face 62 substantially parallel to the tangent to bottom point of the curve of the hoop elements at their ends, or a substantially horizontal face, in which case the inclination is compensated by an appropriate bracket. As in the preceding case, the transverse edges of the roofing plates 7 are gripped by deformation of one of the superposed hoop elements on the other.

Figure 9 illustrates a deformation by traction at the ends 63 and 64 of the upper hoop element 5, the ends 65 of the lower hoop element 6 being immobilised with respect to the supports 61, via a bracket for example.

Figure 10 illustrates a deformation by thrust at the ends 66 and 67 of the lower hoop element 6, the ends 68 of the upper hoop element 5 being immobilised with respect to the supports 61.

The stresses provoked by these deformations are similar to those described respectively with respect to Figures 2 and 3.

Figures 11 and 16 are relative to embodiments more particularly adapted to the nature of the supports 6 1. In Figure 11, the end of the lower hoop element 6 is rendered directly fast with the support 6 1. In other words, longitudinal sections such as sections 11 or 19, are absent. This connection may be effected for example by screwing the inner face of the hoop element 6, at its end, to the upper surface 62 of the support 6 1. A seal may possibly be disposed at that spot. The end 65 of the lower hoop element 6 projects with respect to the support 6 1. The deformation of the upper hoop element 5 on the lower hoop element 6, by traction, is preferably effected by means of an intermediate piece 69 which is illustrated in Figures 15 to 17, relative to a determined embodiment of the hoop elements 5 to 6.

Deformatioti by traction is effected by means of a screw 70 which is tightened in a tubular rib 71 on the upper hoop element 5, tapped at least at its end part. The lower part of this tubular rib is open and, when the hoop elements are superposed, a rib 72 on the lower hoop element 6 engages in the tubular rib 7 1. When the screw 70 is tightened, its end 73 exerts a pressure on the end of the piece 69 engaged in the rib 7 1. As this piece 69 abuts on the end 74 of the rib 72 of the lower hoop element 6, the pressure is transferred to the rib 72 of the lower hoop element 6 and as this lower hoop element is fast with the support 6 1, the screw 70 therefore exerts a traction on the upper hoop element 5, abutting on the end of the piece 69.

The piece 69 presents a part 75 parallel to the roofing plates and of thickness equal to or slightly less than said plates. It further comprises a rib 76 oriented towards the upper hoop element 5 and similar to the upper part of the rib 72, this rib 76 engaging in the open tubular rib 7 1.

In addition, the intermediate piece 69 comprises means for applying the end of the upper hoop element 5 on the end of the lower hoop element 6. These means act from the inside of the hoop elements, which is shown in Figures 15 and 16, or from the outside, as shown in Figure 17. In Figures 15 and 16, these means consist of two ribs 78 and 79, in the form of a C, of which the opening is oriented laterally towards the outside of the hoop elements. These C- shaped ribs imprison the means for gripping the hoop elements 5 and 6 for the transverse edges of the plates, these means being described hereinafter.

GB 2 104 124 A 5 in the case of Figure 17, the means for application of the intermediate piece 69 comprise two C-shaped ribs 80 and 81 of which the opening is oriented laterally towards the inside of the hoop elements. These ribs imprison the hoop elements 5 and 6 by abutting respectively on their upper face and on their lower face. The mode of assembly is identical to that described previously.

Figure 12 shows a variant of Figure 11 for a structure presenting two levels of roofing plates.

The principle is similar to that which was described previously and two intermediate pieces 82 and 83 ensure connection of the ends of the hoops elements 5 and 8, on the one hand, 8 and 6 on the other hand. The screw corresponding to 80 the intermediate piece 82 is tightened in a tapped tubular rib in the upper hoop element 5, whilst the screw corresponding to the intermediate piece 83 is tightened in a tapped tubular rib in the intermediate hoop element 8. Furthermore, two 85 longitudinal sections 84 and 85, fitted in each other, preferably present flanges which act, during tightening, like clamps with respect to the longitudinal edges of each level of roofing plate and maintain a constant distance between the 90 roofing plates 7, ensuring tightness at this spot between the hoop elements. These sections present, for example, a section similar to that shown in Figure 12. With a view to ensuring tightness, a seal 86, single or double, is interposed between the upper face 62 of the support 61 and the lower face of the roofing plates 7. The seals 86 are disposed between the different hoop elements and ensure tightness between the roofing plates and the support 61.

An embodiment of the mode of deformation shown schematically in Figure 10 is shown in Figure 13. In this case, the hoop elements abut on or are deformed with respect to a bracket 87 having a width substantially equal to that of the 105 hoop elements. The bracket 87 presents a flange 88 which is rendered fast, for example by screwing, with the upper face 62 of the support 6 1. The end of the upper hoop element 5 is rendered fast with the other flange 89 of the 11 bracket 87, for example by means of a screw 90.

A screw 9 1, in combination for example with a tapped nut 92, exerts a thrust on the end of the lower hoop element 6, possibly via an intermediate longitudinal section 93 of length 115 substantially equal to the width of the hoop elements. One or more seals 94 interposed between the roofing plates and the upper face 62 of the support 61 and disposed between two consecutive lower hoop elements ensure water- 120 tightness with respect to the interior of the construction.

Figure 14 shows a variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 13, in the case of the structure having two levels of roofing plates. This embodiment is similar to the preceding one, apart from the fact that the flange 89 of the bracket 87 is of longer length. Furthermore, a longitudinal section 95 is interposed between the longitudinal edges of the roofing plates 7, constituting the two 130 levels, and disposed between two consecutive intermediate hoop elements ensuring tightness at this spot and the spaced apart relationship between the two superposed plates.

The structure 60 shown in Figure 8 further preferably presents clips 96 for holding the longitudinal edges of the roofing plates 7. These holding clips 96 are distributed between consecutive superposed hoop elements. Figure 18 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a clip 96 in the form of a flattened C, one arm 97 of which is fast with the upper face 62 of the support 6 1, for example by screwing. This arm 97 is preferably longer than the other. The longitudinal edges of the roofing plates 7 are engaged in the groove constituted by the flattened C-shape and are consequently maintained therein. It should be noted that the spaced apart relationship between the horizontal arms of the C is determined as a function of the thickness of the seals 86 or 94, so that the longitudinal edges of the plates exert a substantially constant and uniform pressure on the seals, between two consecutive assemblies of superposed hoop elements.

Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment of a longitudinal end of the structure shown in Figures 1 and 8. At this spot is located a pair of elementary hoop elements, an upper one 5 and lower one 6, between which the transverse edge 48 of a roofing plate 7 is gripped from the inside. On the outside of the structure, a section 49 presents a flange 50 of thickness substantially equal to that of the roofing plate 7 and which is gripped between the hoop elements 5 and 6. The section 49 further presents a part 51 in the form of an inverted U which is located opposite another part 52, in U-form, of a section 53 fast with the support 3. The upper and lower transvese edges of a vertical end plate 54 are engaged in the two U-shapedparts 51 and 52 of the sections 49 and 53. The assembly of the section 49 and more precisely of its flange 50 between the hoop elements 5 and 6 is similar to that of the end 48 of the roofing plate 7, and the flange 50 is gripped 0 between the hoop elements during tightening, which renders the end piece, constituted by the plate 54 and the section 49, fast with the longitudinal structure.

In addition to the deformation means which have just been described, lower and possibly intermediate hoop elements also comprise guide means which are preferably continuous over their length. These guide means are generally constituted by at least one rib for one of the hoop elements, which is oriented towards the other hoop element which is engaged in a groove therein. This groove may be constituted by two parallel ribs or may be obtained by shaping the section constituting the hoop element. It should further be noted that the guide means traverse the level defined by the roofing plates 7, between two juxtaposed plates, in order to avoid disconnection of the roofing plates from the hoop elements due to their free expansion.

Figures 20 to 29 illustrate different variant 6 GB 2 104 124 A 6 embodiments of the cross section of the sections constituting the upper and lower hoop elements. These figures illustrate the means for gripping the plates, the guide means and means for tightening the hoop elements at their ends. The sections of the hoop elements are generally symmetrical with respect to a substantially vertical plane and they present, on either side of this plane, means for gripping the roofing plates 7. These gripping means are preferably constituted by flanges of the sections, opposite for a superposed lower hoop element and upper hoop element, these flanges possibly being reinforced by inner raised edges. The means for tightening the screws, for a deformation by traction or by thrust, are preferably constituted by a tubular rib open over the whole length of the section and tapped at each end.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 28, the means for guiding the lower hoop element 6 are in the form of brackets 138 and 139 fast with the support 61 and of which the distance is substantially equal to the width of the lower hoop element 6. The upper hoop element 5 is guided with the aid of the traction screw of the upper hoop element 5, this screw traversing and abutting in the flange of a bracket fast with the support 6 1.

Furthermore, the embodiments illustrated in Figures 24 and 29 advantageously enable the 95 upper hoop element 5 to be made of a plurality of portions assembled end to end.

By way of example, Figure 30 shows an upper hoop element composed of three portions 144, 145, 146, assembled by screwing or by bolting end to end. This screwing may also be effected as means for deformation of the upper hoop element on the lower hoop element 6. In fact, in this case, it suffices to provide a space between the different lugs fast with the upper hoop elements 5, such as lugs 141, 142 (Figure 24) and 143 (Figure 29), and to effect tightening or bolting for assembling the portions of the upper hoop element, similar to what is effected at the ends of a hoop element.

In addition, as is visible in particular in the embodiments shown in Figures 20 to 29, the lower hoop element 6 presents one or more channels. The or each channel is defined by the flanges constituting the gripping means, the lower wall of the lower hoop element 5 and part of the guide means. These channels are water-tight over the length of the hoop element. They channel the water which might possibly infiltrate between a roofing plate 7 and a hoop element. The longitudinal support sections naturally present appropriate means for evacuating this water for example, water outlet orifices. Thus, these channels contribute to the tightness of the structure, as they evacuate the water coming from the outside which might infiltrate between the roofing plates and the hoop elements, more particularly the upper hoop element.

Moreover, it will be noted in Figures 20 to 29, that the means for guiding the upper and lower hoop elements are not in contact, in order to avoid the thermal bridge between the air outside the construction and the air inside and thus to eliminate to a maximum the risks of water of condensation forming inside the construction.

The modes of deformation which were previously described mainly use screws. However, this is not limiting and any other device for exerting a traction on the upper hoop element or a pressure on the lower hoop element is suitable. By way of example, Figures 31 to 32 show a device of the lever and spring type 98.

Fig. 33 shows a structure 150 whose span requires lengths of plates which render the assembly of the structure expensive and difficult. It presents roofing plates 7 which are juxtaposed both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. The plates are joined in the transverse direction by means of hoop elements 15 1, similar to those which have been described. The join of the roofing plates 7 in the longitudinal direction is effected by means of connecting crosspieces 152. These crosspieces connect two assemblies of successive superposed hoop elements and their number depends on the span of the structure. The connecting cross-pieces further enable an opening such as window 153 to be made, by defining, in a longitudinal direction, the periphery of the opening and that of the window itself, the hoop elements 151 defining the opening in the transverse direction. The hoop elements are of any appropriate nature and for example are shaped as illustrated in Figs. 20 to 29. However, the lower hoop element presents a longitudinal tubular reinforcing chamber 173 (in its lower part (Fig. 34).

Figs. 34 to 36 show in transverse section the crosspiece sections and the connection between a crosspiece and the hoop elements, in the case of the crosspiece presenting two surface levels. Figs. 34 and 35 show an upper hoop element 5, a lower hoop element 6 and an intermediate hoop element 8. The connecting crosspiece presents, in register with the hoop elements, an upper section 155, a lower section 156 and an intermediate section 154. The sections of the crosspiece, as well as the hoop elements grip the edges of roofing plates 7.

The crosspiece sections 155, 156 and 154 are superposed and maintained in position with respect to one another by guide means.

The upper section 155 is approximately in the form of a very open upturned V, of which the ends of the two arms 158 and 159 constitute part of the gripping means for the upper level of the roofing plates 7.

The lower section 156 is approximately in the form of a U of which the ends of the two arms 160 and 161 constitute part of the means for gripping the lower level of the roofing plates 7.

The intermediate crosspiece section 154 is approximately in the form of an H, of which the upper and lower ends of the arms 162 and 163 are respectively opposite the ends of arms 158, 160 and 159, 161 and constitute a complement 7 GB 2 104 124 A 7 for the means gripping the roofing plates 7.

The guide means are constituted, for the lower section 156, by a central rim 143, oriented longitudinally with respect to the crosspiece, which is engaged in a rib 164, in the form of an upturned U, on the intermediate element 154.

The rib 164 extends vertically by a single rib 165, in the axis of the rib 143, and which engages in a rib 166, in the form of an upturned U, on the upper section 155. It will be noted that the means 75 for guiding the sections 154, 155, 156 are in the same longitudinal plane, which enables the section 155 to be directly fitted in the section 156 in the case of one level of roofing plates.

In addition, the single ribs 143 and 165 and the upturned U ribs 164 and 166 associated therewith preferably do not present any mechanical contact with one another, so as to avoid any thermal bridges.

The ends of the arms of the ribs 164 and 166, in the form of an upturned U, extend laterally by respective flanges 167, 168. The upper face of the flanges 167 and 168 is located at a level equal to or slightly higher than the level of the lower face of the roofing plates 7. The thickness of the flanges 167 and 168 is substantially less than the thickness of the roofing plates 7 disposed at their level. Furthermore, the lower face of the lower section 156 of the crosspieces presents at least one projecting rib. By way of illustration, two ribs 169 and 170 have been shown in Fig. 35.

The dimension of the sections constituting the crosspiece are determined so as to be in relation with those of the hoop elements of which 100 they ensure connection, mainly in height. The purpose of these ratios between the dimensions is to ensure continuity between the longitudinal and transverse zones of grip of the edges of the roofing plates.

The connection between a crosspiece and the superposed hoop elements is effected by fitting or gripping the ends of the crosspiece sections in the hoop elements and between the superposed hoop elements.

The lower section 156 presents, at each end, a projecting part 171 which is constituted by the lower face and the lower part of the arms of the U. This part 171 is fitted in an orifice 172 in the lateral wall of the lower hoop element 6, said orifice being of substantially corresponding form. This orifice is pierced in the lateral wall with a watertight tubular chamber 173 located in the lower wall of the lower hoop element 6. The lower edge of the orifice 172 is located at a sufficient distance above the lower face of the tubular chamber 173, in order to allow the water recovered by the connecting cross-piece to flow inside the lower hoop element 6. For the upper section 155 and the intermediate section 154, the flanges 168 and 167 extend beyond the ends of these sections and constitute respective projections 174 and 175. The projections 174 and 175 are located substantially at the level of the roofing plates 7 and they extend respectively 130 between the upper hoop element 5 and the intermediate hoop element 8 and between the intermediate hoop element 8 and the lower hoop element 6.

In the projecting part 171 of the lower section 156, the projecting ribs 169 and 170 each present a notch 176 which overlaps the lower edge of the orifice 172 provided in the lateral wall of the lower hoop element 6, which avoids disconnection when the structure is assembled.

Thus, the different sections constituting a crosspiece are fitted in the hoop elements or between the hoop elements and the assembly of the hoop elements by deformation, by traction or by thrust brings about assembly of the sections constituting the crosspiece and the grip of the roofing plates 7 between the hoop elements and between the sections of each crosspiece.

The central open tubular rib of the lower section 156 may possibly be tapped at the ends so as to render this section 156 fast with a door upright, window, etc.

It should be noted that the roofing plates 7 are mounted directly between the sections constituting a crosspiece, without resorting to seals, and they allow free expansion.

In the same way as the hoop elements, the crosspieces present means for collecting and evacuating possible water infiltrating from the outside, which might infiltrate between the roofing plates and the sections constituting the crosspieces.

As for the hoop elements, channels are defined for the sections constituting a crosspiece and in particular the lower section 156 and the intermediate section 154. These channels are laterally defined by the flanges of the sections and by the ribs constituting the guide means. They are defined in their lower part by the lower part of the sections. It should be noted that, at the level of the lower section, the projecting part 171 extends the channels of this section inside the tight tubular chamber 173. In this way, the running water which may infiltrate in the sections of the crosspiece towards the lower section 156 is channelled and evacuated towards the outside through the watertight tubular chamber 173 of the lower hoop element 6, which is provided at each of its ends with means for evacuation to the outside.

A crosspiece is generally inclined transversely, being given that it follows the curvature of the hoop elements at the point of connection. In this way, the water which may infiltrate accumulates only on one side of the crosspiece, i.e. the side oriented towards the top of the slope. In Fig. 35, it has been assumed that the lefthand side of the Figure is oriented towards the slope. It is therefore necessary to provide orifices for evacuating the infiltration water from the intermediate section 154 towards the lower section 156. The means for channelling the running water towards the lower section 156 comprise, for the intermediate section 154, orifices 17 7 which are pierced in the horizontal arm of the H formed by this section and 8 GB 2 104 124 A 8 on the left-hand side of Fig. 35. These orifices 177 allow the water which may infiltrate between the upper level of the roofing plates 7 and the upper section 155 to flow in the direction of the 5 lower part of the lower section 156.

The orifices 177 in the intermediate section 154 located on the righthand side of Fig. 35, i.e. towards the lower level of the slope are equipped with funnels 179 which define, with each orifice 177, a watertight channelling tube opening out beneath the level of the roofing plates 7 of the lower level. In this way, the possible infiltration water is directly channelled towards the channels of the lower section 156 without risk of infiltration between the upper face of the roofing plate 7 of the lower level and the lower edge of the flange 163 of the intermediate section 155.

At the ends of the intermediate section 154, stops 178 hermetically obturate the water evacuation channels defined by this section. These stops are for example assembled at the horizontal part of the H, by screwing.

The channels of the lower section 156, and more particularly the channel oriented towards the top of the slope, channel the water towards the interior of the watertight tubular chamber 173 of the lower hoop element 6, whence it is evacuated towards the outside. It should be noted that the channels of the lower section 156 open out in the watertight tubular chamber 173 at a level at least equal to the level which the water might reach in this chamber, so as to avoid saturation or overflow of this chamber.

In this way, tightness is ensured inside the construction, as all the water likely to infiltrate between the roofing plates and the hoop elements or the crosspiece sections is evacuated towards the outside via the interior of the hoop elements and the crosspiece sections.

Furthermore, the lower section 156 of the crosspiece is preferably laterally provided with two gutters 181 and 182 which collect the water of condensation of the structure. These gutters extend in the projecting part 171 and open out in the tight tubular chamber 173 via the opening 172. In this way, the water of condensation is also collected, channelled and evacuated.

Fig. 37 schematically shows the connection between an opening, such as the window 153 shown in Fig. 33, and a crosspiece which defines 115 the opening in a longitudinal direction. This crosspiece which is indicated by reference 183 in Fig. 33, is similar to the crosspiece which was described with reference to Figs. 34 and 36, apart

Claims

from the fact that the upper section 184 is Claims truncated on the

opening side. On the other hand 120 1. Roofing structure for forming for example a the roofing plates located on the opening side are absent and the plate of the lower level is replaced by a shim 185. At its ends, the crosspiece 183 presents the same means for fitting in the hoop elements and for gripping between the hoop element as the one described previously. The connection between the crosspiece and the end of the opening is rendered substantially watertight by means of seals which are preferably three in number and which are indicated in Fig. 37 by reference 186, 187 and 188. The seal 186 abuts on the flange 162 of the intermediate section 154 and, at each of its ends, on the upper face of the upper hoop element 5 of the fixed structure. The seal 187 abuts on the upper part of the upper section 184, as well as on the upper face of the upper hoop element 5 of the fixed structure. Seals 186 and 187 are flexible and housed in cavities 189 and 190 which are defined for example by the flanges of a section fast with the end of the opening 153. These two seals thus render the lateral part of the opening structure watertight at this spot.

The seal 188 is itself preferably in the form of a lip. It is semi-rigid and abuts against the wall of the gutter 181 of the lower section 156. This seal 188 effects an insulation between the inner and outer parts of the construction and thus avoids water of condensation inside the construction to a maximum.

Fig. 38 schematically illustrates the connection between the hoop elements 5, 6 and 8 of the fixed structure and hoop elements 191, 192 and 193 of the opening structure. This connection comprises two U shaped sections 194, 195 disposed head to tail. The section 194 is gripped between the upper hoop element 5 and the intermediate hoop element 8 of the fixed structure whilst the section 195 is gripped between the upper hoop element 191 and the intermediate hoop element 193 of the window. The section 195 of the window is naturally above the section 194 of the fixed structure and overlaps one of its arms.

A seal 196 is housed in the section 195, thus avoiding to a maximum possible water of infiltration.

Tightness is thus ensured by a seal 197 in the form of a lip which is gripped between the intermediate hoop element 8 and the lower hoop element 6 of the fixed structure and of which the end rests beneath and against the lower face of the lower hoop element 192 of the opening. This seal, with seal 196, offers double insulation from the outside.

According to a variant embodiment a threaded rod may be longitudinally welded onto each end of the upper hoop element 5, said threaded rod passing through a hole in the flange 27 and a nut being screwed on said threaded rod, in order to exert a longitudinal traction onto the upper hoop element 5.

vault, possibly transparent or translucent, adapted to cover a zone located between two supports substantially parallel in a longitudinal direction, composed of a plurality of juxtaposed roofing plates located at one or more levels, and of hoop elements disposed transversely between the two longitudinal supports, each of these hoop elements being constituted by a pair of elementary hoop elements comprising a lower 9 GB 2 104 124 A 9 hoop element, the transverse edges of the roofing plates being engaged between the lower and upper hoop elements of each pair, wherein said roofing structure comprises means for provoking the deformation of one of the superposed hoop elements by applying it under pressure against the other and thus effecting gripping of the 70 roofing plates between the superposed elementary hoop elements.
2. Structure according to Claim 1, wherein the superposed hoop elements present guide means extending across the level defined by the juxtaposed roofing plates.
3. Structure according to Claim 1, wherein the lower hoop element is hollow and internally presents at least one channel for evacuating the water infiltrating from the outside, as well as means for evacuation to the outside at each of its ends.
4. Structure according to Claim 1, wherein the means provoking deformation of one of the superposed elementary hoop elements comprise means which exert a tangential traction at each end of the upper hoop element, each end of the lower hoop element being fast with the adjacent longitudinal support or in abutment thereon, so that the upper hoop element, deformed in traction exerts a pressure on the roofing plate and the lower hoop element.
5. Structure according to Claim 4, wherein the means exerting the tangential traction comprise a tapped housing provided in the end of the upper hoop element and a screw screwed in this tapped housing, this screw being oriented parallel to the tangent to the bottom point of the curve of the hoop element and abutting on a flange of a longitudinal end section fast with the support.
6. Structure according to Claim 1, wherein the 100 means provoking deformation of one of the superposed elementary hoop elements comprise means which exert a tangential thrust at each end of the lower hoop element, each end of the upper hoop element being fast with the adjacent 105 longitudinal support or in abutment thereon so that the lower hoop element deformed by thrust exerts a pressure beneath the roofing plate and the upper hoop element.
7. Structure according to Claim 6, wherein the 110 thrust means comprise a screw screwed in a flange of a section fast with the support and exerting a thrust on the end of the lower hoop element.
8. Structure according to Claim 1, wherein the lower hoop element presents a rib engaged in a tubular rib on the upper hoop element of which the ends are tapped and a screw is screwed in each tapped end of the rib on the upper hoop element, the end of this screw being applied against an intermediate piece abutting on the end of the rib of the lower hoop element, the intermediate piece comprising means for applying the end of the upper hoop element on the end of the lower hoop element.
9. Structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, comprising connecting crosspieces between the hoop elements and extending perpendicularly thereto, wherein the connecting crosspieces are composed of superposed sections comprising mutual guiding means between which are engaged the longitudinal edges of the roofing plates, and the means provoking deformation of one of the superposed elementary hoop elements with respect to the other also provoke the assembly in compression of the superposed sections constituting the connecting crosspiece.
10. Structure according to Claim 9, wherein the lower section of a crosspiece comprises, at each of its ends, a projecting part fitting in a corrresponding orifice in the lateral wall of the lower hoop element, this orifice being at a height ensuring continuity between the zone of gripping' of the transverse edge of a plate between the hoop elements and of its longitudinal edge between the sections of the crosspiece, the projecting part presenting anchoring means with respect to the lower hoop element.
11. Structure according to Claim 10, wherein the projecting part has a cross section substantially in the form of a U and, on its lower face, at least one notch fitting on the lower edge of the orifice provided in the lateral wall of the lower hoop element.
12. Structure according to any of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the upper section of the connecting crosspiece presents at each end a projecting part of thickness less than or equal to the thickness of the roofing plates of which the upper face is located at the level of the upper face of the roofing plates and which is engaged between two superposed hoop elements.
13. Structure according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the lower section of the connecting crosspiece presents means for channelling the water of infiltration towards the projecting part which ensures communication with the hollow part of the lower hoop element.
14. Structure according to any one of Claims 9 to 13, wherein the upper section is provided with a guiding rib of upturned U section, in which is engaged a rib on the lower section, and the part of the upper section which is projecting inside the hoop elements is constituted by the extension of the lower part of the rib of the upper section.
15. Structure according to any one of Claims 9 to 14, comprising at least two superposed levels of roofing plates of which the transverse edges are engaged between superposed upper, intermediate and lower elementary hoop elements and the longitudinal edges are engaged between superposed upper, intermediate and lower sections of a connecting crosspiece, wherein the intermediate section is pierced with orifices ensuring flow of the water of infiltration towards the lower section of the crosspiece and it presents at each end means hermetically GB 2 104 124 A 10 obturating the water evacuation channels defined by this intermediate section.
16. Structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by 5 the accompanying drawings.

Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by the Courier Press, Leamington Spa, 1983. Published by the Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A lAY, from which copies may be obtained