U.S. patent application number 10/693755 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for flashing and mounting bracket for a skylight.
This patent application is currently assigned to VKR HOLDING A/S. Invention is credited to Collins, Gregory Foster, Darmer, Samuel Howard, Feucht, Mark Albert, Lindgren, Claes, Nissen, Kaj Bo, Ronan, Jeffrey Joseph, Talcott, Elizabeth Ferrell.
Application Number | 20050086878 10/693755 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34522470 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050086878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feucht, Mark Albert ; et
al. |
April 28, 2005 |
Flashing and mounting bracket for a skylight
Abstract
A skylight for installation on a roof of a building is provided.
The skylight includes a frame that has a plurality of elements and
defines an interior opening. A mounting bracket with a first and
second leg is included. The first leg of the mounting bracket is
connected to one of the elements of the frame, and the second leg
may have a guide structure with at least one opening that extends
at an angle with respect to the second leg. The guide structure may
be used for securing the mounting bracket and skylight to the
roofing structure. The skylight may be provided with a flashing
profile that has a rigid section attached to one of the elements of
the frame and a flexible section attached to the rigid section. The
rigid and flexible sections may extend along the longitudinal
lengths of two different elements of the frame. The skylight may be
provided with both the mounting bracket and the rigid and flexible
flashing sections as discussed above in accordance with various
exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Inventors: |
Feucht, Mark Albert;
(Greenwood, SC) ; Lindgren, Claes; (Lillevangsvej,
DK) ; Darmer, Samuel Howard; (Greenwood, SC) ;
Ronan, Jeffrey Joseph; (Greenwood, SC) ; Talcott,
Elizabeth Ferrell; (Greenwood, SC) ; Collins, Gregory
Foster; (Greenwood, SC) ; Nissen, Kaj Bo;
(Virum, DK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 1449
GREENVILLE
SC
29602-1449
US
|
Assignee: |
VKR HOLDING A/S
|
Family ID: |
34522470 |
Appl. No.: |
10/693755 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/031 20130101;
E04D 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/200 |
International
Class: |
E04B 007/18 |
Claims
What is claim d:
1. A skylight with mounting bracket for installation on a roof,
comprising: a frame defining an interior opening, the frame having
a plurality of elements; and a mounting bracket having a first leg
and a second leg connected to the first leg, the first leg
connected to one of the elements of the frame, the second leg
having a guide structure defining at least one opening extending at
an angle with respect to the second leg for accepting a
fastener.
2. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the guide
structure has an inclined portion, and wherein the at least one
opening of the guide structure is defined in the inclined
portion.
3. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the guide
structure includes at least one bushing element, and wherein the at
least one opening of the guide structure is defined in the bushing
element.
4. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the guide
structure includes a portion of the second leg having an enlarged
thickness, and wherein the opening of the guide structure is
located in the portion of the second leg having an enlarged
thickness.
5. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the
second leg has at least one aperture, and wherein the guide
structure is a guiding element removably engageable with the second
leg, and wherein the opening of the guide structure is located in
the guiding element.
6. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5,
wherein the mounting bracket has an alignment means for aligning
the mounting bracket with respect to the roof, the alignment means
having at least one alignment opening.
7. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 6, wherein the
alignment means has a plate that is connected to the first leg and
is substantially parallel to the first leg, and wherein the
alignment opening is located in the plate.
8. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 6, wherein the
alignment means has an alignment portion having the alignment
opening, and wherein the alignment means has a connecting portion
that connects the alignment portion to the first leg, and wherein
the alignment portion is movable from a position in which the
alignment portion is substantially parallel to the second leg to a
position in which the alignment portion is substantially parallel
to the first leg.
9. A skylight with flashing profile for installation on a roof,
comprising: a frame defining an interior opening, the frame having
a plurality of elements, each of the elements extending in a
longitudinal direction; a flashing profile having a rigid section
comprising a first and second flashing leg, the first flashing leg
carried by one of the elements of the frame, the flashing profile
having a flexible section attached to the second flashing leg of
the rigid section; a rigid flashing profile connected to one of the
elements of the frame; and wherein the flashing profile and the
rigid flashing profile extend along the longitudinal lengths of two
different elements of the frame.
10. The skylight with flashing profile of claim 9, wherein the
second flashing leg has a raised folded portion, and wherein an end
of the flexible section is attached to the raised folded portion
and extends outwardly.
11. The skylight with flashing profile of claim 10, wherein the
flexible section is attached to the raised folded portion by
crimping.
12. The skylight with flashing profile of claim 10, wherein the
flexible section is attached to the raised folded portion by
adhesion.
13. The skylight with flashing profile of claim 10, wherein the
flexible section is attached to the raised folded portion by a
combination of crimping and adhesion.
14. The skylight with flashing profile of claim 10, wherein an end
of the raised folded portion is turned down such that the end of
the raised folded portion is substantially perpendicular with the
first flashing leg.
15. The skylight with flashing profile of claim 10, wherein the
raised folded portion, the first flashing leg, and the second
flashing leg define a channel for the drainage of water.
16. The skylight with flashing profile of claim 9, wherein the
flexible section is at least one member of the group natural
rubber, natural elastomeric material, natural polymeric material,
synthetic rubber, synthetic elastomeric material, or synthetic
polymeric material.
17. The skylight with flashing profile of claim 9, wherein the
frame defines a rectangular shaped opening and has a top element, a
bottom element, and two side elements, and wherein the flashing
profile is connected to the two side elements, and wherein the
rigid flashing profile is connected to the top and bottom
elements.
18. A skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket for
installation in a roof, comprising: a frame defining an interior
opening, the frame having a plurality of elements, each of the
elements extending in a longitudinal direction; a mounting bracket
having a first leg and a second leg connected to the first leg, the
first leg connected to one of the elements of the frame, the second
leg having a guide structure having at least one opening extending
at an angle with respect to the second leg; a flashing profile
having a rigid section made of a first and second flashing leg, the
first flashing leg connected to one of the elements of the frame,
the flashing profile having a flexible section attached to the
second flashing leg of the rigid section; and wherein the first leg
of the mounting bracket is disposed between the element of the
frame and the first flashing leg of the flashing profile.
19. The skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket of
claim 18, further comprising a rigid flashing profile connected to
one of the elements of the frame; and wherein the flashing profile
and the rigid flashing profile extend along the longitudinal
lengths of two different elements of the frame.
20. The skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket of
claim 19, wherein the second flashing leg has a raised folded
portion, and wherein an end of the flexible section is attached to
the raised folded portion.
21. The skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket of
claim 20, wherein the frame defines a rectangular shaped opening
and has a top element, a bottom element, and two side elements, and
wherein the flashing profile is connected to the two side elements,
and wherein the rigid flashing profile is connected to the top and
bottom elements, and wherein a pair of mounting brackets are
connected to each of the two side elements.
22. A skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket for
installation on a roof, comprising: a frame defining an interior
opening, the frame having a plurality of elements, each of the
elements extending in a longitudinal direction; a flashing profile
having a rigid section comprising a first and second flashing leg,
the first flashing leg connected to one of the elements of the
frame, the flashing profile having a flexible section attached to
the second flashing leg of the rigid section; a rigid flashing
profile connected to one of the elements of the frame, wherein the
flashing profile and the rigid flashing profile extend along the
longitudinal lengths of two different elements of the frame; and a
mounting bracket connected to one of the elements of the frame, and
configured for accepting a fastener.
23. The skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket of
claim 22, wherein the mounting bracket has an inclined portion, and
defines at least one opening in the inclined portion.
24. The skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket of
claim 22, wherein the mounting bracket has a first and second leg,
the second leg defines at least one aperture, and further
comprising a guiding element removably engageable with the second
leg.
25. The skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket of
claim 22, wherein the mounting bracket has an alignment means for
aligning the mounting bracket with respect to the roof, the
alignment means defining at least one alignment opening.
26. The skylight with flashing profile and mounting bracket of
claim 25, wherein the alignment means has an alignment portion
having the alignment opening, and wherein the alignment means has a
connecting portion that connects the alignment portion to the first
leg, and wherein the alignment portion is movable from a position
in which the alignment portion is substantially parallel to the
second leg to a position in which the alignment portion is
substantially parallel to the first leg.
27. A skylight with mounting bracket and flashing profile for
installation on a roof, comprising: a frame defining an interior
opening, the frame having a plurality of elements; a mounting
bracket having a first leg and a second leg connected to the first
leg, the first leg connected to one of the elements of the frame,
the second leg having a guide structure having at least one opening
extending at an angle with respect to the second leg; and a
flashing profile connected to one of the elements of the frame.
28. The skylight with mounting bracket and flashing profile of
claim 27, wherein the flashing profile has a rigid section
comprising a first and second flashing leg, the first flashing leg
connected to one of the elements of the frame, the flashing profile
having a flexible section attached to the second flashing leg of
the rigid section.
29. The skylight with mounting bracket and flashing profile of
claim 27, further comprising a rigid flashing profile connected to
one of the elements of the frame, and wherein the flashing profile
and the rigid flashing profile extend along the longitudinal
lengths of two different elements of the frame.
30. The skylight with mounting bracket and flashing profile of
claim 27, wherein the flashing profile has a raised folded portion,
and wherein an end of the flexible section is attached to the
raised folded portion.
31. The skylight with mounting bracket and flashing profile of
claim 30, wherein the raised folded portion and the flashing
profile define a channel for the drainage of water.
32. The skylight with mounting bracket and flashing profile of
claim 30, wherein an end of the raised folded portion is turned
down.
33. A skylight with mounting bracket for installation at an
aperture in a roof, comprising: a frame defining an interior
opening; and a mounting bracket, said mounting bracket including
alignment means for aligning the skylight with respect to the
aperture in the roof.
34. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 33, wherein said
mounting bracket includes a first leg attachable to said skylight
and said alignment means includes an alignment leg connected to and
substantially parallel to said first leg.
35. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 33, wherein said
mounting bracket includes a first leg attachable to said skylight,
said alignment means selectively movable from a position
non-parallel to said first leg to a position substantially parallel
to said first leg.
36. The skylight with mounting bracket of claim 33, said alignment
means including at least one alignment opening.
37. A method of aligning a skylight with mounting bracket and
flashing profile to a roof aperture, comprising the steps of:
providing a skylight with flashing profile; providing a mounting
bracket with alignment means; attaching said mounting bracket with
alignment means to said skylight; aligning said skylight with
respect to said roof aperture using said mounting bracket with
alignment means.
38. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of providing a
mounting bracket with alignment means includes a mounting bracket
having a first leg attachable to said skylight and alignment means
having a plate substantially parallel to the first leg.
39. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of providing a
mounting bracket with alignment means includes a mounting bracket
having a first leg attachable to said skylight and wherein the
alignment means has a connecting portion that connects to said
first leg, and wherein the alignment portion is movable from a
first position to a second position in which the alignment portion
is substantially parallel to the first leg.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Skylights and roof windows are popular features in
commercial and residential buildings, allowing the illumination of
rooms with natural light and thereby reducing the consumption of
electricity associated with lighting rooms through electric power.
In addition to enhancing the illumination of rooms, skylights and
roof windows increase the perceived interior roominess of a
structure to a higher degree than through the use of vertical
windows in walls. Skylights and roof windows may also be configured
to enhance the air circulation through a room.
[0002] In some contexts, the term "skylight" may be used to refer
to a window structure typically out-of-reach of occupants of a
building, and not configured to open entirely for cleaning; the
term "roof window" may be used to refer to a window structure
typically within the reach of occupants of the building, such as in
a "living attic" or "bonus room" over a garage, and configured to
facilitate cleaning of the exterior pane from inside the building.
However, for purposes of this description and disclosure, the term
"skylight" will be used herein to refer to both types of products,
it being understood that the invention herein as referenced to a
"skylight" equally applies to a "roof window."
[0003] Skylights are installed in original building construction,
but also are installed in existing buildings as improvements.
Because skylights act as a barrier to outside elements, accurate
mounting and sufficient sealing of skylights may be desirable in
order to ensure proper functioning.
[0004] The opening for a skylight in a building roof extends
through the entirety of the roof thickness, including the interior
building ceiling and all structures, such as roof joists, between
the exterior roofing surface and the interior ceiling surface. For
structural and aesthetic purposes, framing and sheet rocking may be
employed in order to form finished sidewalls that extend between
the ceiling and the roof.
[0005] As a component in the exterior building envelope, a skylight
assembly needs to be configured to prevent the unwanted intrusion
of the elements, such as rain and wind, from entering the building.
Furthermore, a skylight needs to be configured to manage water
vapor that may condense on the interior side of the skylight pane,
which, if not controlled, may flow to adjacent sheetrock or wood,
leading to undesirable discoloration or deterioration of such
adjacent materials.
[0006] It is known in the art to provide mounting brackets on the
side pieces of the frame of the skylight. One such skylight having
mounting brackets is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,713 to
Borresen et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. In the '713
patent, mounting screws or mounting nails may be inserted through
the mounting bracket and driven into the sheathing, rafters, or
other structure in order to secure the skylight to the roof of the
building. When driving mounting screws or mounting nails into
rafters, the '713 patent is dependent upon a consistent and uniform
distance between adjacent rafters. Further, the skylight and
mounting brackets disclosed in the '713 patent may also only be
secured to rafters when the skylight and mounting brackets are
sized for a particular amount of space between adjacent
rafters.
[0007] In order to provide for proper sealing of the skylight,
flashing is used in order to help create a seal against moisture
and other elements. One such type of seal is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,972,638 to Minter, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.
Such flashing suffers from the disadvantage of being made of a
completely flexible elastomeric material, which may be advantageous
for positioning but disadvantageous for effective sealing when
compared to a rigid flashing. As such, current flashing designs
incorporate either a completely rigid or a completely flexible
flashing, hence gaining the advantages but also suffering the
disadvantages associated with either particular type of
flashing.
[0008] The present invention improves upon currently known mounting
brackets and flashing for skylights and provides for an improved
skylight that prevents the unwanted transfer of rain, wind, heat
and the like both into and from the interior of the building. The
present invention provides for flashing for use with a skylight,
mounting brackets for use with a skylight, and the combination of
flashing and mounting brackets for use with a skylight.
SUMMARY
[0009] Various features and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from
the description.
[0010] The present invention provides for a skylight that has a
mounting bracket for installation on a roof of a building. The
skylight includes a frame that defines an interior opening and has
a plurality of elements. The mounting bracket has a first and
second leg. The first leg is connected to one of the elements of
the frame. The second leg has a guide structure that has at least
one opening that extends at an angle to the second leg.
[0011] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the guide structure has an inclined portion and at least
one opening located thereon. Alternatively, the guide structure may
include at least one bushing element with at least one opening
therein. Further, the present invention provides for an alternative
exemplary embodiment where the guide structure is a portion of the
second leg that has an enlarged thickness in which the opening of
the guide structure is located in the portion of the second leg
that has an enlarged thickness.
[0012] The present invention also provides for a skylight as
described above with which the mounting bracket has an alignment
means that may have at least one alignment opening. Additionally,
in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, the alignment means may be a plate or leg that is
connected to the first leg and is substantially parallel to the
first leg. In accordance with other alternative exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, an alignment portion may be
provided that is movable from a position in which it is
non-parallel to the first leg to a position in which it is
substantially parallel to the first leg.
[0013] The present invention also provides for a skylight with a
flashing profile for installation on a roof. The skylight includes
a frame that defines an interior opening and has a plurality of
elements. A flashing profile is provided and has a rigid section
that is made of a first and second flashing leg. The first flashing
leg is connected to, or is adjacent to, one of the elements of the
frame. The flashing profile has a flexible section that is attached
to the second flashing leg of the rigid section. A rigid flashing
profile is also provided and is connected to one of the elements of
the frame. The flashing profile and the rigid flashing profile
extend along the lengths of two different elements of the
frame.
[0014] The present invention also provides for a skylight where the
second flashing leg has a raised folded portion, and where an end
of the flexible section is attached to the raised folded portion.
In accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, this attachment may be made by crimping, adhesion, or a
combination of crimping and adhesion.
[0015] The present invention also provides for an exemplary
embodiment as discussed above where an end of the raised folded
portion is turned down such that the end is substantially
perpendicular with the first flashing leg. Alternatively or
additionally, the skylight may be configured in which the raised
folded portion, the first flashing leg, and the second flashing leg
define a channel for the drainage of water.
[0016] The present invention also provides for a skylight that has
both a flashing profile and a mounting bracket. The skylight
includes a frame that defines an interior opening with a plurality
of elements that each extend in a longitudinal direction. A
mounting bracket is included and has a first and second leg. The
first leg is connected to, or is adjacent to, one of the elements
of the frame, and the second leg has a guide structure with at
least one opening that extends at an angle with respect to the
second leg. A flashing profile is included and has a rigid section
that is made of a first and second flashing leg. The first flashing
leg is connected to one of the elements of the frame. The flashing
profile also has a flexible section that is attached to the second
flashing leg of the rigid section. The first leg of the mounting
bracket is disposed between the element of the frame and the first
flashing leg of the flashing profile.
[0017] The present invention also provides for an exemplary
embodiment of the skylight as discussed above where a rigid
flashing profile is included and is connected to one of the
elements of the frame. The rigid flashing profile and flexible
flashing profile extend along the longitudinal lengths of two
different elements of the frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skylight having a mounting
bracket and prepared for installation on a roof of a building.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
mounting bracket used in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of
FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
mounting bracket used in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of
FIG. 4.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
mounting bracket used in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of
FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
mounting bracket used in accordance with the present invention. The
mounting bracket has a separate guiding element engageable
therewith.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a front plan view of the guiding element of FIG.
8.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a skylight in accordance with the present invention.
The skylight includes a flashing profile that has a flexible
section.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a skylight with a mounting
bracket used in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The skylight is prepared for installation on a
roof of a building.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a mounting bracket used in accordance with the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a skylight
having a flashing profile with a flexible section in accordance
with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The
skylight includes a mounting bracket that has an alignment
portion.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a skylight used in accordance with the present invention. The
skylight is prepared for installation on a roof of a building.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a mounting bracket used in accordance with the present invention.
The mounting bracket includes an alignment means.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a skylight used in accordance with the present
invention. The skylight has a flashing profile that includes a
flexible section, and has a mounting bracket that includes an
alignment means.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a skylight in accordance
with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The
skylight has a flashing profile located on each of the side
elements of the frame of the skylight, and has a rigid flashing
profile located on the top and bottom elements of the frame.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the skylight of
FIG. 17 installed on a sheathing and a rafter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Hereinafter provided is a detailed description of various
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, some of which are
presented in the drawings of the present application. Other
exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in the
following detailed description.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a skylight frame 1 including a plurality
of elements, in the embodiment shown four elements, namely bottom
element 2, two side elements 3 and 4, and top element 5. Throughout
the within description it is noted that the terms "bottom", "side"
and "top" are for orientation only, referring to an installation of
the skylight in an inclined roof; however, such terms may also be
used for orientation purposes in understanding the invention as
relating to an installation on a non-inclined roof. Additionally,
it is to be understood that any number of elements comprising
various shapes may be used to form the skylight frame 1 in various
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be
appreciated that while FIG. 1 depicts miter joints between the
elements, such is for illustration purposes only and connections
between the plurality of elements may be any type of joint, such as
butt joint, mortise and tenon joint, rabbit joint, or dovetail
joint. It should be further appreciated that skylight frame 1 may
include no joints in the case of skylight frame 1 being a frame
formed by injection molding or other similar processes.
[0038] At the installation site shown in FIG. 1, a sheathing 6,
made for example from plywood, resides on an underlying supporting
structure comprising a number of rafters 7 which are normally
positioned with a predetermined spacing between adjacent rafters 7.
In sheathing 6, an aperture 8 corresponding substantially to the
outer dimensions of skylight frame 1 is prepared prior to placing a
skylight (not shown) on sheathing 6. Headers 7' and 7" may also be
installed between adjacent rafters 7 for use in constructing a
finished interior light shaft beneath the skylight. The skylight is
placed in such a way that side elements 3 and 4 of skylight frame 1
extend substantially in parallel with rafters 7, and is
subsequently mounted on the roof surface and anchored to the
supporting structure in a manner that will be described in further
detail in the following. The skylight furthermore may comprise a
glass-carrying frame or sash (not shown) connected with skylight
frame 1, for instance by hinge joints. In its position of use, i.e.
when the installation has been completed, exterior cladding (not
shown) protects the skylight against weather, and a flashing
arrangement connected with, or adjacent to, the skylight frame
provides a substantially weather-tight transition to the
surrounding roofing as will be described in further detail
hereinbelow.
[0039] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two mounting
brackets generally designated 11 are fastened to one side element 4
and two mounting brackets (not shown) are fastened to the other
side element 3. The arrangement of further mounting brackets 11 on
the other skylight elements 2, 5 and other configurations with
respect to the individual positions of the mounting brackets 11 may
be employed if desired.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a preferred exemplary
embodiment of mounting bracket 11 is shown. Each mounting bracket
11 comprises a first leg 14 and a second leg 15 extending at a
substantially right angle to first leg 14 and in connection
therewith. First leg 14 is provided with a plurality of openings 12
for receiving a fastener, not shown, such as nails or screws, that
are driven into the outer side wall of a respective side element 3,
4. It is to be understood that other types of fasteners may be
employed in accordance with the present invention. For example,
bolts, staples, brads, or adhesives may also be used. Furthermore,
in the case of skylight frame 1 being formed by injection molding
or similar processes, first leg 14 may be attached to skylight
frame 1 by heat riveting, heat welding, or being formed within the
skylight frame 1. At a distance from the connection with the first
leg 14, the second leg 15 is provided with openings 16, 17 for
receiving a mounting means, not shown, in the form of mounting
nails, screws, bolts, brads, staples, and the like. In order to
ensure that such mounting means are anchored in the underlying
supporting structure, i.e. rafters 7 in FIG. 1, these openings 16,
17 are provided in an inclined portion 18 of second leg 15. Hence,
inclined portion 18 incorporating openings 16, 17 constitutes a
guide structure for ensuring that the mounting nails or screws are
driven into rafter 7, even in the case in which openings 16, 17 are
placed at a considerable distance from the connection between first
and second legs 14, 15.
[0041] Advantageously, openings 16, 17 extend at substantially
right angles to inclined portion 18. Furthermore, openings 16, 17
may be provided with a recess or countersunk portion surrounding
each opening 16, 17. The inclination of the inclined portion 18
with respect to the plane of second leg 15 may vary, typical
examples being an angle of inclination of 30.degree.-60.degree..
Alternatively, angles of inclination of 10.degree., 20.degree.,
70.degree., and 80.degree. may be used in other exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 2, the portions of second leg 15 positioned on
opposite sides of inclined portion 18 are in the same plane,
achieved by forming second leg 15 with a corresponding inclined
portion 19 which adjoins inclined portion 18 at apex 19a.
Alternatively, the portions of second leg 15 positioned on opposite
sides of inclined portion 18 may reside in substantially parallel
planes but not in the same plane, with the plane of second leg 15
closer to first leg 14 higher than the other plane (not shown), for
example by one millimeter, to increase the size of inclined portion
18 relative to inclined portion 19. Optionally, second leg 15 may
also include other openings (not shown) in addition to openings 16,
17 for receipt of temporary nails or screws, to allow for temporary
securement of the skylight to the roof during installation until
final positioning is achieved and openings 16, 17 are then used for
receipt of permanent nails, screws, and the like, whereupon the
temporary nails or screws may be removed.
[0042] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a
mounting bracket, generally designated 21, comprises a first leg 24
including openings 22 for receiving a fastener, and a second leg 25
which is provided with a guide structure in the form of bushing
elements 28 and 29. Bushing element 28 and 29 may be of steel,
aluminum, or other metal; alternatively, bushing element 28 and 29
may be of plastic, nylon, or other non-metals such that, during
installation of the skylight upon a roof, bushing element 28 and 29
will serve to guide fasteners at a predetermined angle as the
fastener is driven into the roof but will thereafter crush to a
flatter profile upon full seating of the fastener (such as, for
example, from blows of a hammer driving a nail fastener to full
seating). Each bushing element 28 and 29 includes an obliquely
extending opening 26 and 27, respectively, and is accommodated in a
corresponding aperture (not shown in detail) in second leg 25. The
openings 26 and 27 extend in a predetermined angle with respect to
the plane of second leg 25 through respective bushing elements 28
and 29. Such predetermined angle and the orientation of such
obliquely extending openings 26 and 27 may be preserved by shaping
bushing element 28 and 29 rectangularly such that rotation of
bushing element 28 and 29 within second leg 25 is resisted. As in
the above exemplary embodiment, the value of the predetermined
angle may vary, such angle may be dependent on the length of second
leg ?5 in various exemplary embodiments of the present
invention.
[0043] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a
mounting bracket 31 comprises a first leg 34 with a number of
openings 32 and a second leg 35. The guide structure of this
exemplary embodiment comprises a portion of a second leg 35 being
formed to provide space between such portion and sheathing 6. In
second leg 35, openings 36 and 37 are provided, which extend in a
predetermined angle through second leg 35. In one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, countersunk recesses may be
provided for openings 36 and 37 for receipt of fastener heads such
as nailheads and screwheads.
[0044] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a mounting
bracket 41 includes a first leg 44 with openings 42 and a second
leg 45. Apertures 48 and 49 are provided in second leg 45. The
guide structure comprises a separate guiding element 50. Guiding
element 50 has an inclined body portion 53 with a leg 51 protruding
from the bottom of inclined body portion 53 at an edge thereof for
temporary abutment with an edge 45a of second leg 45. Guiding
element 50 is provided with obliquely extending openings 46 and 47
which extend in a predetermined angle through inclined body portion
53.
[0045] Following positioning of guiding element 50 with leg 51 in
abutment with edge 45a, the mounting means in the form of nails,
screws, bolts, or the like, are inserted and driven into adjacent
mounting bracket 41 structure to a certain extent in order to
secure an appropriate insertion angle. When the mounting means are
appropriately engaged to the structure, guiding element 50 is
removed from mounting bracket 41. This removal is made possible by
the provision of keyhole-shaped sections 46a and 47a adjoining
openings 46 and 47. During this removal operation, guiding element
50 is moved along edge 45a and subsequently away in a direction
substantially perpendicular to edge 45a. Once guiding element 50
has been removed, the driving of mounting screws or nails may be
completed to fully seat them. Guiding element 50 may then be
utilized for securing the other mounting brackets 41 of the
skylight frame 1 (FIG. 1) to the supporting structure such as
sheathing 6 (FIG. 1).
[0046] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a number of
mounting brackets 11 of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3
have been fastened to skylight frame side piece 4. First leg 14 of
each mounting bracket 11 is received in a recess 4a of skylight
frame side piece 4. Although FIG. 10 shows the side piece 4 have
the recess 4a, it is also possible in accordance with the present
invention to provide a skylight frame side piece 4 without the
recess 4a. In such an instance, the mounting bracket 11 or other
components may be mounted flush against the skylight frame side
piece 4. A portion of second leg 15 of mounting bracket 11 rests on
sheathing 6 as shown (or on tarpaper atop sheathing 6, not shown),
which in turn rests on rafter 7. A mounting nail 20 is inserted
through each of the openings (not shown in detail) of the guide
structure including inclined portion 18 (FIG. 2) and is driven
through sheathing 6 and into rafter 7.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 10, side piece 4 may have a non-rectangular
cross-section so as to accommodate other components of the skylight
system such as panes of glass, interior sheetrock, and the like.
For illustration purposes, FIG. 10 also, however, depicts
cross-section 4', so that side piece 4 may be understood to
correspond to side element 4 in FIG. 1, side element 104 in FIG.
11, and such others of the appended Figures in which the skylight
frame is depicted simply as having members of rectangular
cross-section.
[0048] In order to obtain a substantially weather-tight connection
between the skylight and the surrounding roofing, a flashing
arrangement is provided. The flashing arrangement comprises a
substantially L-shaped flashing profile 9 extending along at least
the length of side piece 4 of skylight frame 1, of which a first
leg 9a is positioned in abutment with the outer wall of skylight
frame side piece 4, and thus overlaps first leg 14 of mounting
bracket 11. A second leg 9b of flashing profile 9 is disposed above
second leg 15 of mounting bracket 11 and includes a raised folded
portion 9c which together with the first leg 9a forms a channel 99
for transporting water along skylight frame side piece 4 of
skylight frame 1.
[0049] A flexible section 10 is retained on one end in the raised
folded portion 9c. For instance, the flexible section 10 may be
retained in the raised folded portion 9c by crimping, adhesion, or
by a combination of crimping and adhesion. As such, the flexible
section 10 and the raised folded portion 9c may be crimped along
the entire length of the flashing profile 334, 338 (depicted in
FIG. 17, explained in more detail hereinbelow) or along any amount
of length thereof. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, the flexible section 10 is crimped along the
entire length of the flashing profile 334, 338 (FIG. 17) except for
the last 6 inches on the ends of the flashing profile 334, 338. The
flexible section 10 may be made of natural or synthetic rubber,
elastomeric, or polymeric material. Due to the flexibility of
flexible section 10, the entire flashing arrangement and mounting
brackets 11 may be pre-mounted on the skylight frame 1. During
mounting of such a skylight frame 1, flexible section 10 is lifted
as indicated in FIG. 10, which will reveal and provide access to
mounting bracket 11. The mounting means may then be inserted
through the openings (not shown in detail) of the guide structure
of second leg 15 of each mounting bracket 11 as described above.
When mounting means have been driven into the underlying roof
supporting structure, flexible section 10 is released and is
brought to a position which substantially overlaps the entire
length of second leg 15 of mounting bracket 11. Subsequently,
roofing shingles (not shown) may be mounted over the flexible
section 10.
[0050] FIG. 11 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
having a majority of components as previously described with
respect to FIG. 1, but with reference numerals in the 100's that
correspond to the reference numerals of like components in FIG. 1.
The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11 may be made as that
previously described with respect to FIG. 1.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 12, each mounting bracket 111
comprises a first leg 114 and a second leg 115 extending at
substantially right angles from the lower edge of first leg 114 and
in integral connection therewith. First leg 114 is provided with a
plurality of openings 112 for receiving a fastener, not shown, such
as nails or screws. The fastener may be driven into the outer wall
of respective side elements 103, 104.
[0052] At a distance from the connection with first leg 114, second
leg 115 is provided with openings 116, 117 for receiving mounting
means (not shown) in the form of mounting nails or screws or the
like. In order to ensure that skylight frame 101 is positioned
correctly with respect to aperture 108, and furthermore to ensure
that the skylight does not move substantially from this position or
slide off the roof during installation in the event of inclined
roof surfaces, at least some of the mounting brackets 111 are
provided with alignment means. In the exemplary embodiment shown,
the alignment means include a plate member 160 formed integrally
with the remaining parts of the mounting bracket 111, those being
first and second legs 114, 115. Plate member 160 may reside in the
same plane as first leg 114 (not shown), or may reside in a
substantially parallel plane as shown in FIG. 12. In plate member
160 a plurality of alignment openings are provided, one such
alignment opening 161 is shown.
[0053] In FIG. 13, the mounting bracket 111 of the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 12 has been fastened to the skylight frame side
piece 104. First leg 114 of each mounting bracket 111 may be
received in a recess 104a of skylight frame side piece 104;
however, it is also possible in accordance with the present
invention to provide a skylight frame side piece 104 without recess
104a. In such an instance, the mounting bracket 111 or other
components may be mounted flush against the skylight frame side
piece 104. Alignment means 160 may be used to align the skylight
with respect to aperture 108 in that the alignment means 160 extend
below the plane of sheathing 106; alignment means 160 will extend
into aperture 108, allowing the skylight to be aligned with respect
to aperture 108 in that alignment means 160 will abut sheathing
106, rafters 107, or headers 7', 7" (FIG. 1) to prevent the
skylight from moving upon the plane of the roof. Following
alignment of the skylight with respect to the aperture 108 by means
of alignment means 160, second leg 115 of mounting bracket 111
rests on sheathing 106. Sheathing 106 in turn rests on rafter 107.
A mounting nail 120 is inserted through each of the alignment
openings 116, 117 (FIG. 12) and is driven through sheathing 106 and
into rafter 107.
[0054] In order to obtain a substantially weather-tight connection
between the skylight and the surrounding roofing, a flashing
arrangement is provided. The flashing arrangement comprises a
substantially L-shaped flashing profile 109 extending along at
least the length of skylight frame side piece 104 of skylight frame
101. A first leg 109a is positioned in abutment with the outer wall
of skylight frame side piece 104, and thus overlaps first leg 114
of mounting bracket 111. A second leg 109b of flashing profile 109
is disposed above second leg 115 of mounting bracket 111 and
includes a raised folded portion 109c which together with first leg
109a forms a channel 199 for transporting water along skylight
frame side piece 104 of skylight frame 101.
[0055] A flexible section 110 is retained on one end in the raised
folded portion 109c. For instance, the flexible section 110 may be
retained in the raised folded portion 109c by crimping, adhesion,
or by a combination of crimping and adhesion. As such, the flexible
section 110 and the raised folded portion 109c may be crimped along
the entire length of the flashing profile 334, 338 (FIG. 17) or
along any amount of length thereof. In accordance with one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flexible section
110 is crimped along the entire length of the flashing profile 334,
338 (FIG. 17) except for the last 6 inches on the ends of the
flashing profile 334, 338. Due to the flexibility of flexible
section 110, the entire flashing arrangement and mounting brackets
111 may be pre-mounted on the skylight. During mounting of such a
skylight, the flexible section 110 is lifted as shown in FIG. 13,
which will reveal and provide access to mounting bracket 111. The
mounting means may be inserted through the alignment openings 116,
117 (FIG. 12) of second leg 115 of each mounting bracket 111 as
described above. Once mounting means are driven into the underlying
roof supporting structure, the flashing profile 110 is released and
is brought to a position in which it substantially overlaps the
entire length of second leg 115 of mounting bracket 111. Alignment
portion 160 abuts the edge of sheathing 106 and a vertical side of
rafter 107. The skylight may be additionally secured to the
underlying roof structure by the insertion of mounting nails 162
through openings 161 in the alignment portion 160. FIG. 13 shows
mounting nail 162 inserted through opening 161 and extending into
rafter 107.
[0056] FIG. 14 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
as previously described with respect to FIG. 1, but with reference
numerals in the 200's that correspond to the reference numerals of
like components in FIG. 1. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
14 may be made as that previously described with respect to FIG.
1.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 15, each mounting bracket 211
comprises a first leg 214 and a second leg 215 extending at
substantially right angles from a lower edge of first leg 214 and
in integral connection therewith by transition portion 214a. First
leg 214 is provided with a plurality of openings 212 for receiving
a fastener, not shown, such as nails or screws, that may be driven
into the outer wall of respective side elements 203, 204. At a
distance from the connection with first leg 214, second leg 215 is
provided with openings 216, 217 for receiving mounting means, not
shown, in the form of mounting nails or screws.
[0058] In order to ensure that the mounting means are anchored in
the underlying supporting structure, for instance rafters 207 in
FIG. 14, openings 216, 217 are provided in an inclined portion 218
of second leg 215. Therefore, inclined portion 218 incorporates
openings 216, 217 and serve to guide the mounting nails or screws
into rafter 207, even in the case in which openings 216, 217 are
placed a considerable distance from the connection between first
and second legs 214, 215.
[0059] Advantageously, the openings 216, 217 may extend at a
substantially right angle to inclined portion 218. Furthermore the
openings may be provided with a recess or countersunk portion
surrounding each opening 216, 217 for receipt of nailheads or
screwheads. The inclination of inclined portion 218 with respect to
the plane of second leg 215 may vary, typical examples being an
angle of inclination of 30.degree.-60.degree.. Alternatively,
angles of inclination of 10.degree., 20.degree., 70.degree., and
80.degree. may be used in other exemplary embodiments of the
present invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 15;
the portion of second leg 215 positioned beyond inclined portion
218 may be in the same plane as the portion on the opposite side of
inclined portion 218, or may be in a substantially parallel plane.
This is achieved by forming second leg 215 with a corresponding
inclined portion 219 which adjoins inclined portion 218 at apex
219a.
[0060] In order to ensure that skylight frame 201 is aligned, that
is positioned correctly with respect to aperture 208, at least some
of the mounting brackets 211 are provided with alignment means,
generally designated 260. The alignment means 260 also help ensure
that the skylight does not move substantially from the aligned
position or slide off of the roof in case of inclined roof
surfaces. In the exemplary embodiment shown, alignment means 260
include an alignment portion 265 connected with first leg 214 by
means of a connecting portion 267 and a flap 266. In the alignment
portion 265, an alignment opening 261 is provided. In FIG. 15,
alignment portion 265 assumes a transportation position in which it
is substantially parallel with second leg 215 of mounting bracket
211.
[0061] Referring now to both FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, a number of
mounting brackets 211 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15 have
been fastened to skylight frame side piece 204 in such a manner
that first leg 214 of each mounting bracket 211 is received in a
recess 204a of skylight frame side piece 204. However, it is also
possible in accordance with the present invention to provide a
skylight frame side piece 204 without recess 204a; in such an
instance, the mounting bracket 211 or other components may be
mounted flush against the skylight frame side piece 204. The
alignment means 260 of mounting bracket 211 is brought from the
transportation position to an installation position by swinging
alignment portion 265 in a bending operation about connecting
portion 267. Aperture 264 may be provided, for receipt of the tip
of a screwdriver or other tool to be used for leverage to swing
alignment portion 265 from the transportation position to an
installation position. The connecting portion 267 is bent at an
angle of substantially 90.degree. until the alignment portion 265
assumes a position substantially parallel with first leg 214 of
mounting bracket 211 defining an installation position. Due to the
position of connecting portion 267 relative to second leg 215,
alignment portion 265 is slightly displaced with respect to first
leg 214. During this bending or swinging operation, connecting
portion 267 undergoes a permanent deformation. Following alignment
of the skylight with respect to the aperture 208 by use of
alignment means 260, a portion of second leg 215 of mounting
bracket 211 rests on sheathing 206. Sheathing 206 in turn rests on
rafter 207. A mounting nail 220 is inserted through each of the
openings 216, 217 (FIG. 15) of inclined portion 218 and is driven
through sheathing 206 and into rafter 207.
[0062] In order to obtain a substantially weather-tight connection
between the skylight and the surrounding roofing, a flashing
arrangement is provided. The flashing arrangement comprises a
substantially L-shaped flashing profile 209 extending along at
least the length of side element 204 of skylight frame 201. A first
leg 209a is positioned in abutment with the outer wall of skylight
element 204, and thus overlaps first leg 214 of mounting bracket
211.
[0063] A second leg 209b of flashing profile 209 is disposed above
second leg 215 of mounting bracket 211 and includes a raised folded
portion 209c which together with first leg 209a forms a channel 299
for transporting water along side element 204 of skylight frame
201. A flexible section 210 is retained on one end in the raised
folded portion 209c. For instance, the flexible section 210 may be
retained in the raised folded portion 209c by crimping, adhesion,
or by a combination of crimping and adhesion. As such, the flexible
section 210 and the raised folded portion 9c may be crimped along
the entire length of the flashing profile 334, 338 (depicted in
FIG. 17, explained in more detail hereinbelow) or along any amount
of length thereof. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, the flexible section 10 is crimped along the
entire length of the flashing profile 334, 338 (FIG. 17) except for
the last 6 inches on the ends of the flashing profile 334, 338.
[0064] During installation, the alignment portion 265 abuts the
edge of sheathing 206 and the vertical side of rafter 207. A
mounting nail 262 (or screw, not shown) may be inserted through
alignment opening 261 into rafter 207, the mounting nail 262 (or
screw, not shown) may therefore be used both to align the skylight
and also to further secure the skylight to the underlying roof
structure. Due to the flexibility of flexible section 210, the
entire flashing arrangement and mounting brackets 211 may be
pre-mounted on the skylight frame. Upon installation on a roof of
such a skylight, the flexible section 210 may be lifted as
indicated in FIG. 16, following which the mounting means may be
inserted through openings 216, 217 (FIG. 15) of inclined portion
218 of second leg 215 of each mounting bracket 211 as described
above. After the mounting means are driven into the underlying roof
supporting structure, flexible section 210 may be released and
brought to a position in which it substantially overlaps the entire
length of second leg 215 of mounting bracket 211.
[0065] An additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is shown in FIG. 17, in which the skylight is provided with a rigid
flashing profile 332 may be attached to, or disposed adjacent to, a
top element 348 of the skylight 352. Additionally, a rigid flashing
profile 336 may be attached to, or disposed adjacent to, the bottom
element 346 of the skylight 352. A flexible flashing profile 310L
is attached to the side element 342L, and a flashing profile 310R
is attached to the side element 342R. Provision of the rigid
flashing profile 332, 336 at the top and bottom of the skylight 352
is beneficial in that the rigid flashing profile 332 may be
positioned under shingles or other roofing elements that provide
for a substantially weather-tight connection and rigid flashing
profile 336 may be positioned over shingles or other roofing
elements. Provision of the flexible flashing profiles 310L and 310R
on the sides of the skylight 352 allows for pre-installation of the
mounting brackets to skylight 352 and access thereto during
installation of skylight 352 upon a roof.
[0066] FIG. 18 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the skylight
352 of FIG. 17 installed on a sheathing 306 and a rafter 307. Here,
a mounting bracket 311 is attached to the side element 304 by a
plurality of mounting nails 350 (or screws, not shown) through a
plurality of openings 312 in the first leg 314 of the mounting
bracket 311. The first leg 314 may be received in a recess 304a of
the side element 304. However, it is also possible in accordance
with the present invention to provide a skylight frame side piece
304 without recess 304a; in such an instance, the mounting bracket
311 or other components may be mounted flush against the skylight
frame side piece 304. A mounting nail 320 (or screw, not shown) is
inserted through each of the alignment openings 116, 117 (FIG. 12)
and is driven through the sheathing 306 and into the rafter
307.
[0067] The substantially L-shaped flashing profile 309 is used to
obtain a substantially weather-tight connection between the
skylight 352 and the surrounding roofing. A first leg 309a is
positioned in abutment with the outer wall of the side element 304,
and thus overlaps the first leg 314 of the mounting bracket 311. A
second leg 309b of the flashing profile 309 is disposed above
second leg 315 of the mounting bracket 311 and includes a raised
folded portion 309c. The first leg 309a along with the raised
folded portion 309c in the second leg 315 forms a channel 340 for
transporting water along the side element 304 of the skylight frame
301.
[0068] A flexible section 310 is retained on one end in the raised
folded portion 309c. For instance, the flexible section 310 may be
retained in the raised folded portion 309c by crimping, adhesion,
or by a combination of crimping and adhesion. As such, the flexible
section 310 and the raised folded portion 309c may be crimped along
the entire length of the flashing profile 334, 338 (FIG. 17) or
along any amount of length thereof. In accordance with one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flexible section
310 is crimped along the entire length of the flashing profile 334,
338 (FIG. 17) except for the last 6 inches on the ends of the
flashing profile 334, 338.
[0069] The flexibility of the flexible section 310 allows for the
flashing profiles 334, 338 along with the rigid flashing profiles
332, 336 and any number of mounting brackets 311 to be pre-mounted
on the skylight 352. During installation of the skylight 352, the
flexible section 310 is lifted as shown in FIG. 18, which will
reveal and provide access to mounting bracket 311. Mounting means,
such as the mounting nail 320, may be inserted through the
alignment openings 116, 117 (FIG. 12) of the second leg 315 of each
mounting bracket 311 as described above. Once the mounting means
are driven into the underlying roof supporting structure, such as
the sheathing 306 and the rafter 307, the flexible section 310 is
released and is brought to a position in which it substantially
overlaps the entire length of the second leg 315 of the mounting
bracket 311. Incorporation of the mounting bracket 311 allows for
insertion of a fastener 320 into the sheathing 306 and the rafter
307, providing for a more secure attachment of the skylight 352
without the need for puncturing the flexible portion 310 with the
fastener 320. In such an arrangement, a larger opening of the
aperture 8 (FIG. 1) may be realized for use with the skylight
352.
[0070] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
18, a seal 351 may be provided between the sheathing 306 and the
side element 304. The seal 351 may provide for a further barrier to
keep unwanted wind, water, and other elements from entering or
exiting the interior of the building through the skylight. It is to
be understood that in other exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, the seal 351 is not illustrated but may be utilized if
desired or appropriate; use of seal 351 in the present invention is
not limited to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18. Seal 351
provides for airtightness between the sheathing 306 and the side
element 304, to avoid for example humid indoor air escaping and,
upon reaching for example second leg 315 which may be cooler from
outside temperatures, condensing to undesirable liquid water. Seal
351 also prevents air flow from outside a structure to inside a
structure resulting from pressure differentials between the inside
and outside, caused for instance by wind; such air flow has been
found sometimes to be accompanied by undesirable water flow that
can stain or deteriorate interior building components. Seal 351 may
be attached to side element 304 by tacking, nailing, stapling,
adhesives, or other methods. Attachment leg 353 may be included
with seal 351 for attachment by such methods to side element 304.
Because of variations in the space between side element 304 and
sheathing 306 about a skylight, caused for example by placing rigid
flashing profile 336 on top of one or two courses of roofing
shingles but placing rigid flashing profile 332 directly upon
sheathing 306 (or upon tar paper installed upon sheathing 306, not
shown), it has been found that seal 351 may be formed of a
compressible material allowing effective sealing notwithstanding
such variations, such as compressible foam or elastomeric, such as
for example SANTOPRENE.RTM. thermoplastic elastomer by Advanced
Elastomer Systems, L.P. Seal 351 may be constructed and sized so as
to adapt to variations of spaces between side element 304 and
sheathing 306 about skylight frame 201 (FIG. 14), such as from
about 2 millimeters to about 9 millimeters, and yet still provide
an effective seal therebetween. As described, seal 351 may be
formed of a compressible material, yet attachment leg 353 may be
formed of comparatively stiffer material; so configured, seal 351
may adapt to variation in spaces as described yet attachment leg
353 may resist substantial displacement of the predetermined
position of seal 351 between the sheathing 306 and the side element
304.
[0071] The flashing profile 334, 338 may have a turned down end 330
located on one end thereof in certain exemplary embodiments. The
turned down end 330 allows for shingles to be located over the
rigid flashing profile 332 to the location of turned down end 330.
Shingles may also be located over the flashing profiles 334, 338 in
various exemplary embodiments. Also, the rigid flashing profile 336
has no shingles located on top of the rigid flashing profile 336 in
accordance with various exemplary embodiments. The flashing profile
334, 338 has a rigid section 342 located on at least the second leg
309b of the flashing profile 309., In certain exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, both the first leg 309a and the second
leg 309b of the flashing profile 309 are rigid.
[0072] The use of the brackets 311 and the flashing profile 309
provides for an improvement over prior art structures in that
substantial space may be saved in the overall assembly of the
skylight, and such space savings helps to keep the skylight 352 to
be of a larger size, which is generally desired by users of
skylights.
[0073] It should be understood that the present invention includes
various modifications that can be made to the embodiments of the
skylight described herein as come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *