U.S. patent application number 11/766969 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for rooflight.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE METAL WINDOW CO. LTD.. Invention is credited to Peter Daniel, Paul Herbert, Peter King, Tim Muller.
Application Number | 20080034677 11/766969 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36803726 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080034677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daniel; Peter ; et
al. |
February 14, 2008 |
ROOFLIGHT
Abstract
There is disclosed an improved rooflight 100. A first aspect of
the rooflight provides a perimeter lip 1401 which protects an edge
of a pane 210 of glass from being accidentally chipped or cracked.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a channel for a
blind 1100, which channel is formed by two cooperating channel
sections 1601, 1602. A third aspect of the present invention
provides a flashing system 1700. Another aspect of the rooflight
100 provides a water deflector 450 for preventing rain water from
impinging directly onto a weather seal between a casement 120 and
baseplate 110. Another aspect provides removable linings 610, 620,
1210, 1220 which can be mounted an interior face of the casement
120 and/or baseplate 110. Another aspect provides a slot 1000, for
securing flashing 800, 810, which extends around the perimeter of
the baseplate 110. Another aspect provides a blind 110 which is
recessed within cavities and a blind runner 1300, thus reducing
unwanted transmission of light when the blind 1101 is pulled.
Inventors: |
Daniel; Peter;
(Shipston-on-Stour, GB) ; Herbert; Paul; (Chipping
Norton, GB) ; King; Peter; (Lechlade, GB) ;
Muller; Tim; (Oxford, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P.O. BOX 770
Church Street Station
New York
NY
10008-0770
US
|
Assignee: |
THE METAL WINDOW CO. LTD.
The Old School House Leckhampton Road, Gloucestershire
Cheltenham
GB
GL53 0AX
|
Family ID: |
36803726 |
Appl. No.: |
11/766969 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/72 ; 49/483.1;
49/490.1; 52/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 2201/01 20130101;
A47H 99/00 20130101; E04D 13/0354 20130101; E06B 9/40 20130101;
E04D 13/033 20130101; E04D 13/1475 20130101; E04D 13/031
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/072 ;
049/483.1; 049/490.1; 052/200 |
International
Class: |
E04B 7/18 20060101
E04B007/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 22, 2006 |
GB |
0612413.5 |
Claims
1. A casement comprising: glazing; a lip for protecting an edge of
the glazing.
2. The casement according to claim 1, wherein the glazing is
frameless.
3. The casement according to claim 1, wherein the lip and the edge
of the glazing are positioned relative to each other so that the
total angular range of vulnerability is substantially one of:
0.degree., 15.degree., 30.degree., 45.degree., . . . , 75.degree.,
90.degree., 105.degree., . . . , 165.degree..
4. The casement according to claim 1, wherein all edges of the
glazing are protected by a respective lip.
5. The casement according to claim 1, wherein the lip comprises an
inner and an outer upstanding member.
6. The casement according to claim 1, comprising one or more
cleats.
7. The casement according to claim 1, wherein the lip, relative to
the glazing, is one of: flush, recessed and protruding.
8. The casement according to claim 1, comprising a sealant between
the glazing and the lip.
9. The casement according to claim 1, comprising an adhesive
between the glazing and the casement.
10. The casement according to claim 1, wherein the glazing is
double glazed or triple glazed.
11. The rooflight, or window, comprising a casement according to
claim 1, and a baseplate.
12. A baseplate comprising: a removable lining; first channel means
provided at the lining; second channel means provided at the
baseplate, wherein the first channel means and second channel means
are arranged to cooperate to provide a constriction for captively
retaining a retention stud.
13. The baseplate according to claim 12, wherein the first and
second channel means each comprise a "U" shaped channel
section.
14. The baseplate according to claim 12, wherein the first channel
means comprises a channel section attached to the lining, and
wherein the second channel means comprises a channel section
attached to the baseplate.
15. The baseplate according to claim 12, comprising a roller blind
having retention studs.
16. The rooflight, or a window, comprising a baseplate according to
claim 12 and a casement.
17. A flashing for a rooflight, comprising: two corner pieces; and
two diverter pieces.
18. The flashing according to claim 17, comprising a head piece
between the two corner pieces.
19. The flashing according to claim 17, wherein the two corner
pieces are integrally formed.
20. The flashing according to claim 17, comprising jamb pieces
between the corner pieces and the diverter pieces.
21. The flashing according to claim 17, comprising roofing
felt.
22. The combination of a rooflight and flashing according to claim
17.
23. A kit of parts for assembly as flashing for a rooflight, the
kit of parts comprising: two corner pieces; and two diverter
pieces.
24-58. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention is concerned with windows,
particularly (but not exclusively) rooflights. Rooflights are
windows suitable for installation into roofs. Roofs are often
angled (so that rain can run off into guttering) and thus
rooflights are typically installed into an angled roof.
[0002] The uppermost end (i.e. the end nearest the apex of an
inclined roof) of a rooflight is typically referred to as the head
end. The sides of a rooflight are typically referred to as jambs.
The lowermost end (i.e. the end nearest the gutter of an inclined
roof) of a rooflight is typically referred to as the cill
(sometimes spelled sill) end.
[0003] A rooflight comprises a casement and a baseplate. The
casement is glazed and is moveable relative to the baseplate. The
baseplate is secured to the roof in which the rooflight is
mounted.
[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides a casement
with a protective perimeter lip or flange.
[0005] A second aspect of the present invention provides a combined
lining and guide rail for a blind.
[0006] A third aspect of the present invention provides a flashing
system for a rooflight.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a water
deflector for preventing rain water from impinging directly onto a
weather seal between a casement and baseplate. Another aspect
provides removable linings which can be mounted an interior face of
the casement and/or baseplate. Another aspect provides a slot, for
securing flashing, which extends around the perimeter of the
baseplate. Another aspect of the present invention provides a blind
which is recessed within cavities and a blind runner, thus reducing
unwanted transmission of light when the blind is pulled. Some or
all of the various aspects may be used in conjunction with each
other.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] Embodiments of the invention will be described with
reference to the following Figures. For clarity, some features are
not illustrated in all Figures. For clarity, in cross section
views, only features in the plane are shown (unless stated
otherwise).
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a rooflight and also shows
two rafters, one rafter on each side of the rooflight.
[0010] FIGS. 2-5 are primarily concerned with illustrating a water
deflector.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the rooflight of FIG. 1 in a
vertical plane II-II of FIG. 1, along a longitudinal centre line of
the rooflight. FIG. 2 also shows trimmers which span the rafters of
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the rooflight of FIG. 1 in
the vertical plane II-II, and shows a casement of the rooflight
opened and spaced apart from a baseplate.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a zoomed view of a region IV at the head end of
FIG. 2, and shows primary and secondary water seals and a deflector
plate.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the region V of
FIG. 4.
[0015] FIGS. 6 and 7 are primarily concerned with illustrating the
way in which a head casement lining and a head baseplate lining are
attached to the head end of the casement and baseplate,
respectively.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a zoomed view of a region VI at the head end of
FIG. 2, and shows a head casement lining and a head baseplate
lining.
[0017] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of FIG. 6, in which the head
casement lining has been separated from the head end of the
casement, and in which the head baseplate lining has been separated
from the head end of the baseplate.
[0018] FIGS. 8-10 are primarily concerned with illustrating the way
in which a jamb flashing and a cill apron are attached to the
rooflight.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the rooflight of FIG. 1 (in a
direction normal to the plane of the rooflight), and shows a jamb
flashing, and also shows a cill apron at the cill end of the
rooflight (the rafters of FIG. 1 are not shown).
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a cross section of FIG. 8 in a vertical plane
IX-IX of FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 10 shows a zoomed view of a region X at the cill end of
FIG. 9.
[0022] FIGS. 11-13 are primarily concerned with illustrating the
way in which a roller blind is incorporated within the
rooflight.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the rooflight of FIG. 1 in
the vertical plane II-II, and shows a roller blind, a blind and a
hem bar.
[0024] FIG. 12 shows a cross section of the rooflight of FIG. 1 in
a generally vertical plane XII-XII (the plane XII-XII is inclined
from true vertical by the same angle as the inclination of the
rafters) along a transverse centre line of the rooflight, and shows
jamb casement linings and jamb baseplate linings, together with the
blind.
[0025] FIG. 13 shows a zoomed view of a region XIII of FIG. 13, and
shows a blind runner and retention studs.
[0026] FIG. 14 shows a zoomed view of a portion of an embodiment of
a rooflight having a protective lip; the zoomed view of FIG. 14
corresponds to a region XIV of FIG. 7.
[0027] FIG. 15 shows a zoomed view of a portion of an embodiment of
a rooflight having a recessed protective lip.
[0028] FIG. 16a shows a zoomed view of a portion of an embodiment
in which a guide rail for a blind is provided by two linings; the
zoomed view of FIG. 16 corresponds generally to FIG. 6 and to the
region XIII of FIG. 12. FIG. 16b shows a more detailed view of a
portion of FIG. 16a.
[0029] FIG. 17 shows a view of a flashing system that may be used,
instead of the jamb flashing of FIG. 8, in an embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional through a jamb piece of the
flashing system of FIG. 17 and also through the baseplate of the
rooflight; the view of FIG. 18 corresponds generally to region
XVIII of FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a rooflight 100 comprising a baseplate 110 and
a casement 120. The baseplate 120 comprises a baseplate flange 130
which extends around the perimeter of the baseplate 120 and
facilitates mounting of the baseplate 120 to rafters. The rooflight
100 is shown mounted to two rafters 140; the rafters 140 are not
part of the rooflight 100 but show how the rooflight 100 is
supported by the rafters 140. The rafters 140 are inclined from
horizontal by the pitch angle, .alpha., of the roof and thus the
rooflight 100 is also inclined from horizontal by .alpha..
[0032] In this embodiment, the rooflight 100 is formed from
profiles produced by a pultrusion moulding process. The baseplate
110 comprises four lengths of a profile which are joined together
by a mitre joint at each corner. The casement 120 also comprises
four length of a profile (different from the profile of the
baseplate 110) which are joined together by a mitre joint at each
corner. In a pultrusion process, glass fibre and thermosetting
resin are pulled through a passage in heated metal die to produce a
glass-reinforced plastic profile having a substantially constant
cross section. The pultruded profile has the same cross section as
the passage in the metal die. In alternative embodiments, materials
such as aluminium (whether formed by extrusion or by machining) or
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) may be used instead or in addition.
[0033] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, tiling battens
(not shown) typically extend across the rafters. Tiles/slates are
mounted above the tiling battens by nailing the tiles/slates to the
tiling battens. The tiling battens are also used to attach roofing
felt underneath the tiling battens. Those skilled in the art will
also appreciate that the rooflight 100 requires an aperture in the
roofing felt and that the roofing felt is sealed to the rooflight
100 (around the perimeter of the rooflight 100) to prevent entry of
rainwater through to the interior side of the roofing felt in the
region of the rooflight 100.
[0034] In this embodiment, the rooflight 100 is double glazed. An
alternative embodiment is single glazed. In this embodiment the
rooflight 100 is generally rectangular. In alternative embodiments
the rooflight is polygonal.
Water Deflector
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the rooflight of FIG. 1 in a
vertical plane II-II of FIG. 1. As shown, the head end and casement
end of the rooflight are generally symmetric about the transverse
plane XII-XII. FIG. 2 also shows trimmers 200 which span the
rafters 140 of FIG. 1. The baseplate flange 130 rests on the
trimmers 200 (and on the rafters 140). In this embodiment the
casement is double glazed and has an upper pane of glass 210 and a
lower pane 220. The panes 210, 220 are bonded to the four profiles
which make up the casement 120.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 2 but in which
the casement 120 has been separated from the baseplate 110. As
those skilled in the art will appreciate, the cill end 300 of the
casement 120 may be moved upwards relative to the cill end 310 of
the baseplate 310 by using a handle (not shown) or an electric
motor mechanism (not shown), optionally in conjunction with one or
more gas springs (not shown). Also not shown is a linkage which
connects the casement 120 to the baseplate. Suitable handles,
electric motor mechanisms and linkages are known to those skilled
in the art. In alternative embodiments, the linkage may be replaced
with a hinge at the head end between the casement 120 and baseplate
110.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a zoomed view of a region IV at the head end of
FIG. 2. In this embodiment the casement 120 is provided with two
recesses 430, 440. The recess 430 extends around the exterior
perimeter of the pultrusion profile 420 of the casement 120; the
recess 440 extends around the interior perimeter of the profile
420. Each recess 430, 440 is provided with a respective rubber
gasket 431, 441 that is captively retained within its respective
recess 430, 440. When the rooflight 100 is closed (so that the
casement 120 is flush with the baseplate 110), the rubber gaskets
431, 441 form a substantially watertight seal against mating
surfaces 432, 442 of the baseplate pultrusion profile 440. The
recess 430, rubber gasket 431 and mating surface 432 form a primary
water seal. The recess 440, rubber gasket 441 and mating surface
442 form a secondary water seal.
[0038] In this embodiment, when the casement 120 is closed, the
casement 120 is spaced apart from the baseplate 110 by 2 mm. The
rubber gaskets 431, 441 bridge the 2 mm gap. The 2 mm gap forms, in
effect a channel at the split line (the split line is, strictly
speaking, planar but at the head end of the rooflight 100 the split
plane can be regarded as a split line) which could convey impinging
rain drops directly towards the primary water seal.
[0039] A deflector plate 450 is mounted to the baseplate 110 (in
other embodiments the deflector plate 450 is instead mounted to the
casement 120). The deflector plate 450 prevents rain drops from
impinging directly on the split line between the casement 120 and
baseplate 110, and thus improves the ability of the primary water
seal 430, 431, 432 to prevent entry of water into the rooflight
100. In other words, the deflector plate 450 ensures that the
kinetic energy of falling raindrops is substantially dissipated
before the water encounters the primary water seal. The deflector
plate 450 also reduces water entry through the head end of the
rooflight 100 when the casement 120 is partially opened.
[0040] In this embodiment the defector plate extends the entire
width of the casement 120 and overlaps the casement 120 (when the
casement 120 is closed) by an overlap distance 460. In this
embodiment the overlap distance is 5 mm but in alternative
embodiments the overlap distance may be any integer in the range 1
mm to 40 mm inclusive. In this embodiment the deflector plate 450
is made of stainless steel and is attached to the baseplate using
adhesive (not shown) and screws 470.
[0041] In this embodiment, the deflector plate 450 is positioned on
the baseplate 110 so that when the casement 120 is closed, there is
a substantially zero gap between the deflector plate 450 and the
casement 120. In alternative embodiments, the deflector plate 450
is positioned so that when the casement 120 is closed, the
deflector plate 450 is spaced apart (in a direction perpendicular
to the distance 460) from the casement 120, for example by 2
mm.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the region V of
FIG. 4. In this alternative embodiment, instead of using a
deflector plate 450, the baseplate 110 is provided with a lip 550
along the head end. In yet other embodiments, the casement 110 is
provided with a deflector plate or a lip. In yet other embodiments,
the entire exterior periphery of the casement 120 or baseplate 110
is provided with a deflector plate or a lip.
Casement Lining and Baseplate Lining
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a zoomed view of a region VI at the head end of
FIG. 2, and shows a head baseplate lining 610 mounted to the head
end of the baseplate 110 also shows a head casement lining 620
mounted to the head end of the casement 120.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of FIG. 6. The head baseplate
lining 610 comprises a generally "L" shaped bracket 611. A lug 612
of the bracket 611 projects substantially normal to the plane of
the head baseplate lining 610. The baseplate profile 410 has a
groove 613; the width of the groove is dimensioned to retain the
lug 612 by a friction fit. Similarly, the head casement lining 620
comprises a generally "L" shaped bracket 621 having a lug 622; the
casement profile 420 has a groove 623.
[0045] Although not shown by FIGS. 6 and 7, in this embodiment the
cill end and two jambs of the baseplate 110 and casement 120 are
also provided with linings. The head and cill linings are mounted
first and then the jamb linings are mounted. The dimensions of the
linings are such that the jamb linings lock the head and cill
linings in position so that the head and cill linings cannot be
removed without first removing the jamb linings.
[0046] The various linings close off what would otherwise be open
cavities of the baseplate profile 410 and casement profile 420, and
therefore prevent access to the cavities. It will be recalled that,
for clarity, a handle (having a handle mechanism), an electric
motor mechanism, optional gas springs, and linkages have not been
shown. In this embodiment, the handle mechanism, electric motor
mechanism and linkages are mounted in the cavities of the baseplate
profile 410 and casement profile 420. The various linings therefore
prevent inadvertent access to the handle mechanism, electric motor
mechanism, optional gas springs, and linkages. Access to the handle
mechanism, electric motor mechanism and linkages may be obtained by
pulling the appropriate lining to overcome the friction fit between
the lug and groove.
[0047] The arrangement shown by FIG. 7 also allows the linings to
be detached for decoration. For example, if a householder
redecorates the room into which the rooflight 100 is mounted, the
householder may remove the linings and paint the linings so that
the painted linings match the colour of the redecorated room.
[0048] The embodiment shown by FIGS. 6 and 7 has separate brackets
611, 612 such that a bracket 611, 612 is provided, in this
embodiment, every 20 cm along the lining. In this embodiment the
grooves 613, 623 are continuous as they are moulded into the
baseplate profile 410 and casement profile 420. In alternative
embodiments, each lining may be provided with a single bracket that
extends substantially the entire length of the bracket.
[0049] In yet other embodiments, different methods may be used to
detachably mount the linings. For example, magnets may be mounted
in the linings and profiles. Alternatively, a hook and loop type
fasteners may be used.
[0050] In alternative embodiments, either only the baseplate or
only the casement is provided with removable linings. In other
embodiments, the rooflight comprises a glazed baseplate but does
not comprise a casement that is movable relative to the
baseplate.
[0051] FIG. 7 also shows the way in which the upper pane 210 and
lower pane 220 of glass are bonded to the casement profile 420. In
this embodiment, the upper pane 210 is bonded to the casement
profile 420 around the exterior perimeter 700 of the casement
profile 420. The lower pane 220 is bonded to the casement profile
420 around the interior perimeter 710 of the casement profile. Thus
the upper pane 210 is larger than the lower pane 220.
[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the panes 210 and 220 are the
same size. In this alternative embodiment, the profile 420 has a
perimeter lip which surrounds both the panes 210, 220 and is spaced
apart from the panes 210, 220 by a 3 mm perimeter gap. The lower
pane 220 is bonded to the profile. A weatherproof seal is formed
between the upper pane 210 and the perimeter lip using silicone
sealant to bridge the 3 mm gap.
Jamb Flashing and Cill Apron
[0053] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the rooflight 100 of FIG. 1 (in
a direction normal to the plane of the rooflight 100), and shows a
jamb and head flashing 800 and a cill apron 810 (the rafters of
FIG. 1 are not shown). The jamb flashing 800 generally has the
shape of an upside down "U" and provides, in this embodiment, 30 cm
of flashing around the two jambs and head of the baseplate 110. The
cill apron 810 provides, in this embodiment, 30 cm of flashing
around the cill of the baseplate 110. In this embodiment the jamb
flashing 800 and the cill apron 810 are formed of metal, for
example aluminium.
[0054] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, lead flashing
is conventionally used to integrate a rooflight with, for example,
tiles or slates of the roof. The lead flashing guides rain water
over the first or so row of tiles downstream of the rooflight. The
installation of lead flashing is a skilled operation which
increases the cost of installing conventional rooflights.
[0055] The cill ends of the jamb portions of the jamb flashing 800
overlap the ends of the cill apron 810 but do not overlap a central
portion 820 of the cill apron 810. Once the rooflight 100, jamb
flashing 800 and cill apron 810 have been installed into a roof,
the jamb flashing 800 is covered by roof tiles/slates and is thus
hidden; the central portion 820 of the cill apron 810 is visible as
the cill apron 810 overlies a row (or several rows, depending on
the size of the tiles/slates) of tiles/slates.
[0056] As shown in more detail by FIGS. 9 and 10, the exterior
perimeter of the baseplate flange 130 is provided with a slot into
which the jamb flashing 800 and cill apron 810 are received. FIG. 8
shows that there are two regions 830 where the jamb flashing 800
overlaps the cill apron 810 within the slot. FIG. 8 shows in
phantom lines the edges of the jamb flashing 800 and the cill apron
810 within the slot.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows a cross section of FIG. 8 in a vertical plane
IX-IX of FIG. 8, and shows the rooflight 100 inclined by the angle
(i.
[0058] FIG. 10 shows a zoomed view of a region X at the cill end of
FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows a slot 1000. The slot 1000 is the cill end of
the slot which, as mentioned above, extends around the exterior
perimeter of the baseplate flange 130. The slot 1000 receives the
uppermost end of the cill apron 810. Grub screws 1010 (only a
single grub screw 1010 is visible in the vertical plane IX-IX shown
zoomed by FIG. 10) retain the cill apron 810.
[0059] To mount the cill apron 810 to the slot 1000, the slot 1000
is first filled with a sealant such as silicone sealant. The cill
apron 810 is then inserted into the slot 1000 and the grub screws
1010 are tightened to secure the cill apron 810. Excess sealant on
the top surface 810t of the cill apron 810 is then removed (excess
sealant on the bottom surface 810b of the cill apron 810 need not
be removed).
[0060] The jamb flashing 800 is mounted to the baseplate flange 130
in the same way as the cill apron 810, using sealant and grub
screws. The jamb flashing 800 may be mounted to the baseplate
flange 130 before or after the cill apron 810 has been mounted
(provided that the cill ends of the jamb portions of the jamb
flashing 800 overlap the ends of the cill apron 810).
[0061] As shown by FIG. 10, the opening of the slot 1000 is located
at a corner junction of the baseplate flange 130. In an alternative
embodiment, the opening of the slot 1000 is moved onto a face 1020
of the baseplate flange 130 (i.e. onto the face from which the grub
screws 910 are inserted). In a less preferred alternative
embodiment, the opening of the slot 1000 is moved onto a face 1030
of the baseplate flange (i.e. onto the uppermost face of the
baseplate flange 130).
[0062] In this embodiment, the slot (i.e. including the slot 1000
at the cill end of the baseplate flange 130) is formed in the
baseplate flange 130 during the pultrusion moulding process used to
manufacture the baseplate profile 410.
[0063] As shown by FIG. 10, the slot 1000 at the cill end of the
baseplate 110 is orientated (that is, when the rooflight 100 is
mounted to a sufficiently inclined roof) so that even if the
sealant in the slot 1000 degrades, rain water will still be
prevented from reaching the bottom surface 810b of the cill apron
810 as the water would have to flow uphill in the slot in order to
reach the bottom surface 810b. In an alternative embodiment, the
slot 1000 is in the same plane as the baseplate flange 130; in this
alternative embodiment the grub screws are inserted from a face
1040 on the underside of the baseplate flange 130.
Roller Blind
[0064] FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the rooflight of FIG. 1 in
the vertical plane II-II, and shows a roller blind 1100, blind
material 1101 and a hem bar 1102. As shown, the roller blind 1100
is mounted at the head end of the rooflight 100, inside a cavity in
the baseplate profile 410. The hem bar 1102 allows a user to
readily extend the blind by pulling the blind material 1101 out of
the cavity in the baseplate profile 410. As those skilled in the
art will appreciate, in alternative embodiments an electric motor
may be provided in the cavity in the cill end of the baseplate
profile in order to electrically extend and retract the blind.
[0065] FIG. 11 also shows the head baseplate lining 610, the cill
baseplate lining 1110 and cill casement lining 1120 (the cill
baseplate lining 1110 and cill casement lining 1120 were not
previously shown). As shown by FIG. 11 (but for clarity, not shown
by FIGS. 6 and 7), the head baseplate lining 610 and the cill
baseplate lining 1120 do not extend to the lower plane of the
baseplate 110. A slot shaped aperture 1130 is defined between the
head baseplate lining 610 and the bottom plane of the baseplate
110; the aperture 1130 allows the blind material 101 to leave the
cavity in the baseplate profile 410. Similarly, a slot shaped
aperture 1131 is defined between the cill baseplate lining 1110 and
the bottom plane of the baseplate 110; the aperture 1131 allows the
hem bar 1102 to enter the cavity in the cill end of the baseplate
profile 410.
[0066] An advantage of the rooflight 100 over prior art rooflights
is the use of profiles having cavities; the cavities allow
components (such as the roller blind 1100) to be mounted inside the
frame of the rooflight 100. This avoids obscuring the glazed
aperture of the casement 110. Conventional rooflights are
manufactured from solid materials such as timber and thus if a
roller blind is fitted, the roller blind is mounted to the head end
of the baseplate. Ignoring the matter that conventional rooflights
do not have baseplate linings, a conventional rooflight would, in
effect, mount the roller blind 1100 to the head baseplate lining
610, thus obscuring a portion of the glazed area of the casement
and thus reducing the amount of light transmitted through the
rooflight.
[0067] FIG. 12 shows a cross section of the rooflight of FIG. 1 in
a generally vertical plane XII-XII (the plane XII-XII is inclined
from true vertical by the same angle as the inclination of the
rafters), and shows jamb baseplate linings 1210 and jamb casement
linings 1220, together with the blind. As shown, the jambs of the
rooflight are generally symmetric about the longitudinal plane
II-II.
[0068] FIG. 13 shows a zoomed view of a region XIII of FIG. 12, and
shows a blind runner 1300 and a retention stud 1310. A blind runner
1300 is mounted (using, in this embodiment, a suitable adhesive
1301) to the baseplate 110 on each jamb. A plurality of retention
studs 1310 are fitted at intervals along each edge of the blind
1011. The blind runners 1330 each have a constriction 1330 that is
smaller than the retention studs 1310. The edges of the blind 1101
are therefore captively retained within the blind runners 1300.
[0069] As shown by FIG. 13, the jamb baseplate linings 1210 do not
extend to the bottom plane of the baseplate 110. For each jamb, a
slot shaped aperture 1340 (analogous to the slot shaped apertures
1110 and 1111) is defined between the jamb baseplate lining 1210
and the bottom plane of the baseplate 110, thus allowing the edges
of the blind 1101 to enter the blind runners 1300.
[0070] Again, conventional rooflights are made from solid materials
such as timber and thus, ignoring the matter that conventional
rooflights do not have baseplate linings, for a conventional
rooflight the blind runners would be mounted to, in effect, the
jamb baseplate linings, thus obscuring a portion of the glazed area
of the casement and thus reducing the amount of light transmitted
through the rooflight.
[0071] A further advantage of having the roller blind 1100 and
blind runners 1300 mounted within a cavity of the profile 420 is
that unwanted transmission of light around the edges and ends of
the blind 1101 is reduced. As shown by FIGS. 11, 12 and 13,
unwanted light cannot pass around the edges or ends of the blind
1101 as the profile 420 (in conjunction with the head baseplate
lining 610, cill baseplate lining 1120 and jamb baseplate linings
1210) and also the blind runners 1300 form, in effect, a light box.
The light box attenuates transmission of light as any light would
have to reflect off multiple surfaces in order to escape around the
edges or ends of the blind 1101. In some embodiments, a blackout
blind is fitted as the blind 1101 and the combination of rooflight
100 and blackout blind is effective in preventing unwanted
transmission of light.
Perimeter Lip
[0072] As was mentioned above in connection with FIG. 7, in an
alternate embodiment of the rooflight, the profile 420 is provided
with a perimeter lip or flange. The perimeter lip/flange provides
protection to what would otherwise be the exposed edge of the pane
210. Thus the perimeter lip reduces the risk of accidental damage,
such as chipping or cracking, to the pane 210 during manufacture,
transport or installation of the rooflight.
[0073] Prior art rooflights include a frame which encases the
perimeter region of the glazing 210, 220. Such prior art rooflights
do not therefore suffer the problem of damage to the edge of the
glazing. The rooflight described herein has the advantage of
simplified manufacture as it is not necessary to encase the
perimeter of the glazing in a frame (i.e. the glazing of the
present rooflight is frameless). Instead of using a frame, the
glazing is bonded (as described below in more detail) to the
casement 120 and then a weatherproof seal is applied between the
glazing and the casement 120. Without a protective lip, the
advantage of easier manufacturing would be offset by the risk of
damage to the edge of the glazing.
[0074] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment 1400 of a perimeter lip 1401. In
this embodiment, the panes 210, 220 are not the same size; the
outer pane 210 overlaps the inner pane 220 by 8 mm at each edge and
thus the outer pane 210 is 16 mm wider and 16 mm longer than the
inner pane 220. The perimeter lip 1401 is the uppermost portion of
an outer upstanding member 1420. An inner upstanding member 1421 is
formed 4 mm away from the outer upstanding member 1420; the inner
1421 and outer 1420 upstanding members are each 5 mm thick. The
outer 1420 and inner 1421 upstanding members stand up in a plane
substantially perpendicular to the panes 210, 220.
[0075] FIG. 14 shows a portion of a cleat 1430. The cleat 1430 is
formed of galvanized steel and in this embodiment has formed in it
a 90.degree. bend which is used to hold the mitre joints of the
casement 120 secure during manufacture of the casement 120. Screws
(not shown) are inserted through the inner upstanding member 1421,
through the cleat 1430 and partially through the outer upstanding
member 1420 in order to secure the cleats 1430 (although only one
cleat in shown by FIG. 14, there are a total of four cleats 1430
per casement 120) to the pultrusion profile 420 of the casement
120. Note that in some embodiments, a total of 12 cleats are used.
FIG. 16a shows an embodiment in which as well as the four cleats
1430, there are also four cleats 1631 and four cleats 1632. As
shown, the cleats 1631 and 1632 are received by respective recesses
in the profile of the casement Silicone 1440 is applied, between
the pane 210 and the perimeter lip 1401, as the primary weather
seal between the glazing and the profile 420. In this embodiment,
the distance from the edge of the pane 210 to an inside face 1402
of the perimeter lip 1401 is 5 mm. The distance from the bottom of
the pane 210 to the top of the inner upstanding member 1421 is 2
mm. The silicone 1440 is applied in a liquid form and covers the
cleat 1430 and in this embodiment at least partially fills a cavity
1450.
[0076] FIG. 14 also shows the configuration of the glazing in more
detail. The panes 210, 220 are each 4 mm thick and are spaced apart
by a spacer bar 1460. As is known to those familiar with double
glazing, in this embodiment the spacer bar 1460 has a cross-section
of approximately 12 mm.times.12 mm and is attached to the panes
210, 220 by a hot melt adhesive. As is also known to those familiar
with double glazing, glazing tape 1470 is used to attach the inner
pane 220 to the profile 420. Glazing tape is a type of double sided
adhesive tape and, as well as mechanically securing the glazing
210, 220, 1460, provides a secondary weather seal.
[0077] FIG. 14 shows that the top of the perimeter lip 1401 is
flush with the top of the pane 210. In alternative embodiments, the
top of the perimeter lip 1401 may be project above the top (i.e.
outermost surface) of the pane 210 or may be recessed below the top
of the pane 210. For example, the top of the perimeter lip 1401 may
either project or be recessed by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 mm. A disadvantage
of a recessed perimeter lip compared to the flush perimeter lip
1401 is that the risk of accidental damage to the edge of the pane
210 is increased. In effect, with a recessed perimeter lip there is
a range of angles which could allow an object to impinge on the
edge of the pane 210 and crack or chip the pane 210.
[0078] In FIG. 14, the glazing tape 1470 has a thickness of 9 mm
which, in conjunction with the 4 mm thickness of the panes 210, 220
and the 12 mm height of the spacer bar 1460, provides a total
height of 29 mm. In embodiments which use 6 mm thick glass for the
panes 210, 220, the thickness/height of the glazing tape 1470 may
be reduced to, say, 5 mm to compensate for the increased thickness
of the glass, thus ensuring that the top of pane 210 is flush with
the top of the perimeter lip 1401.
[0079] FIG. 15 shows a simplified version of FIG. 14 but in an
embodiment in which a perimeter lip 1501 is recessed. As shown,
there is a range of angles .beta. which allow an object to impinge
on the edge of the pane 210. In FIG. 15, the outermost portion of
the top of the perimeter lip 1501 is laterally 12 mm (5 mm silicone
gap together with, in this embodiment, 7 mm (instead of 5 mm as was
the case for FIG. 14) of outer upstanding member 1420) away from
the edge of the pane 210. The outermost portion of the top of the
perimeter lip 1501 is 3 mm lower than the pane 210. Thus there is
an angular range of arctan (3/12)=17.degree. from below and
90.degree. from above which together gives a
17.degree..+-.90.degree.=107.degree. angular range of
vulnerability. In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter lip may
be spaced 1 mm (i.e. 1 mm of silicone 1440) from the edge of the
pane 210 and may be raised 1 mm above the top of the panel 210. In
such an alternative embodiment, the edge of the pane 210 is
protected from below and thus the total angular range of
vulnerability is reduced to arctan (1/1)=45.degree.. In other
embodiments the perimeter lip 1501 and the edge of pane 1501 may be
positioned relative to each other so that the total angular range
of vulnerability is reduced (from 180.degree., which is
unprotected) to one of: 0.degree., 15.degree., 30.degree., 45, . .
. , 75.degree., 90.degree., 105.degree., . . . , 165.degree..
[0080] In alternative embodiments, the cleats 1430 may be dispensed
with and a single upstanding member (not shown) may be used to
replace the inner 1421 and outer 1420 upstanding members.
[0081] In alternative embodiments, the panes 210, 220 may be the
same size. However, an advantage of panes 210, 220 of different
size is that the cleats 1430 and inner upstanding members 1421 may
be recessed under the pane 210.
[0082] The protective lip/flange 1401, 1501 is preferably provided
on all four sides of the casement 120 (of course, the casement 120
need not be rectangular). In some embodiments, the protective lip
1401 may be provided on some, but not all, side/surfaces of the
casement 120.
Integrated Linings and Guide Rail for Blind
[0083] FIGS. 16a and 16b show a zoomed view of a portion of an
embodiment in which a guide rail for a blind is formed between two
channel sections 1601, 1602. In contrast, in FIG. 13 a blind runner
1300 was shown which was attached to the baseplate 110.
[0084] The channel sections 1601, 1602 cooperate to form a blind
runner which captively retains the retention studs 1310 of blind
material 101. Channel section 1602 is mounted on the baseplate 110
whereas channel section 1601 is mounted to the baseplate lining
610. A roller blind 1100 (not shown in FIG. 16) may be mounted
inside a cavity of the baseplate profile 410 (not shown in FIG.
16). As shown by FIG. 16, the two channel sections 1601, 1602 may
be identical; in FIG. 16 both channel sections are "U" shaped. In
alternative embodiments, the channel sections may have different
shapes and/or dimensions relative to each other, as long as the
channel sections cooperate to captively retain the retention studs
1310. In yet other embodiments, the channel section 1602 may be
formed as an integral part of the baseplate profile 410, and/or the
channel section 1601 may be formed as an integral part of the
baseplate lining 610.
[0085] An advantage of FIG. 16 over the embodiment shown at FIG. 13
is that it is not necessary to string the retention studs 1310
one-by-one into a blind runner 1300. In other words, FIG. 16 allows
the blind material 101 to be detached from the baseplate 110, even
when the blind material 1101 is partially or completely extended
across the panes 210, 220, by opening up the channel that is formed
by the cooperation of the two channel sections 1601, 1602. In
contrast, with FIG. 13 the blind material 101 must be retracted
onto the roller blind 1100.
Flashing System
[0086] FIG. 17 shows a flashing system 1700 that may be used
instead of the jamb flashing 800 shown at FIG. 8. The flashing
system may be used in conjunction with the cill apron 810 (not
shown). The flashing system 1700 guides water along the jambs of
the rooflight 100 (not shown) and then diverts this water
substantially along paths 1799 towards the centre of the cill apron
810.
[0087] The flashing system 1700 comprises two corner pieces 1701,
1702 which, when in use, are mounted at the head end of the
rooflight. The corner pieces 1701, 1702 are substantially mirror
images of each other. The flashing system 1700 also comprises two
diverter pieces 1711, 1712 which, when in use, are mounted at the
cill end 300 of the rooflight. The diverter pieces 1711, 1712 are
also substantially mirror images of each other. The corner pieces
1701, 1702 are interconnected by a head piece 1720. The corner
piece 1701 is connected to the diverter piece 1711 by a jamb piece
1731; the corner piece 1702 is connected to the diverter piece 1712
by a jamb piece 1732. The jamb pieces 1731, 1732 are substantially
mirror images of each other.
[0088] FIG. 18 shows a cross section through the jamb piece 1732
and through the baseplate flange 130; the view of FIG. 18
corresponds generally to region XVIII of FIG. 8. Also shown is the
slot 1000 which extends around the exterior perimeter of the
baseplate flange 130.
[0089] The jamb piece 1732 is similar to a "U" shaped channel but
rotated through 90.degree.. A jamb slot portion 1801, of the jamb
piece 1732, fits inside the slot 1000. Silicone sealant (not shown)
may be used to seal the jamb slot portion 1801, and hence the jamb
piece 1732, to the baseplate flange 130. Also shown by FIG. 18 is
roofing felt 1810 (not shown by FIG. 17) that is clipped onto the
jamb piece 1732. One end of the roofing felt is secured by clips
1820, the other end runs underneath the tiles (not shown), or other
roofing material, of the roof into which the rooflight 100 is
installed.
[0090] Above the roofing felt 1810 is a piece of foam 1830 (not
shown by FIG. 17). The foam 1810 reduces wind noise by bearing
against the underside of the tiles to prevent wind from blowing
underneath the tiles. In this embodiment the foam is substantially
triangular, with a flat surface positioned on the roofing felt
1810.
[0091] Referring back to FIG. 17, three pieces (not shown by FIG.
17) of roofing felt 1810 are used, one along each jamb and one at
the head end of the rooflight. In this embodiment, each diverter
piece 1711, 1712 has an angled portion 1720 which acts to divert
rainwater flowing down along the jambs towards the centre of the
cill apron. In this embodiment, the angled portions 1720 are angled
at 45.degree..
[0092] The two diverter pieces 1711, 1712 each have a respective
portion 1720 for diverting water onto a cill apron 810 (see FIG. 8,
nor shown by FIG. 17). In this embodiment, the portions 1720 are
regions of the diverter pieces 1711, 1712 that are angled at
45.degree. to the jambs of the rooflight 100. In other embodiments,
the portions 1720 may have a different angle or alternatively the
diverter pieces 1711, 1712 may omit the portions 1720 and so may be
similar in shape to the two corner pieces 1701, 1702.
[0093] In this embodiment the head piece 1720 and the jamb pieces
1731, 1732 are plastic extrusions; the corner pieces 1701, 1702 and
the diverter pieces 1711, 1712 are vacuum formed. At the interfaces
between (i) the head 1720 and jamb 1731, 1732 pieces and (ii) the
corner pieces 1701, 1702 and diverter pieces 1711, 1712, the corner
pieces 1701, 1702 and diverter pieces 1711, 1712 are swollen during
the vacuum forming process so that the extrusions of the head 1720
and jamb 131, 1732 pieces may be received inside the corner pieces
1701, 1702 and diverter pieces 1711, 1712.
[0094] The flashing system 1700 is modular which allows it to be
installed to rooflights 100 of a variety of different sizes.
Firstly, an extrusion is cut to the appropriate length to form the
head piece 1720 and the jamb pieces 1731, 1732. Secondly, silicone
sealant, in the form of a viscous liquid, is inserted into the slot
1000 around the perimeter of the baseplate flange 130. Thirdly, the
ends of the head piece 1720 and the jamb pieces 1731, 1732 are then
coated with an adhesive or a plastic cement.
[0095] Fourthly, the head piece 1720 and the jamb pieces 1731, 1732
are then assembled together with the corner pieces 1701, 1702 and
diverter pieces 1711, 1712, by pushing them into the silicone and
bonding the head piece 1720 and the jamb pieces 1731, 1732 to the
corner pieces 1701, 1702 and diverter pieces 1711, 1712.
[0096] In an alternative embodiment of the rooflight, the slot 1000
may, instead of being angled as shown by FIG. 10, be in a plane
parallel to the panes 210, 220. In such an embodiment, the flashing
system 1700 may be pre-assembled and then slid, along the slot
1000, from the head end to the cill end 300 of the rooflight.
[0097] In an alternative embodiment of the flashing system 1700,
the head piece 1720 and the jamb pieces 1731, 1732 are dispensed
with, and the corner pieces 1701, 1702 and the diverter pieces
1711, 1712 are made overlong. The overlong corner pieces 1701, 1702
and the overlong diverter pieces 1711, 1712 are arranged to
cooperate with each other without requiring the head piece 1720 and
the jamb pieces 1731, 1732. Instead, the overlong corner pieces
1701, 1702 and the overlong diverter pieces 1711, 1712 are cut to
the appropriate length and glued (or fastened) together. In yet
other embodiments, the corner pieces (1701, 1702) and the head
piece (1720) are provided as an integrated assembly, for example
formed by vacuum forming; such embodiments are suitable for
situations where rooflights will tend to have a standard width.
* * * * *