ROOF TILE ATTACHMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TILING A PITCHED ROOF

Abstract

The present invention provides a batten mount 51 for attaching to a first batten 1, and an elongate member 53 having a tile-securing part 55 and a fulcrum contact for engaging with a second batten 2, where the batten mount 51 is selectively attachable to the elongate member 53 at either: a first position spaced from the first end by a first distance; or a second position spaced from the first end by a second distance different from the first distance. In this way, the distance between the fulcrum contact and the point at which the elongate member is attached to the batten mount can be selected to correspond to the gauge of the roof, thereby making the roof tile attachment system appropriate for use on a number of different roofs having different gauges.

Claims

1. A roof tile attachment system, configured for use with a pitched roof of the type having a plurality of battens extending transversely across the roof, the system comprising: a batten mount comprising a batten attachment part configured to attach to a first batten; and an elongate member comprising: a tile-securing part at a first end thereof, configured to hold an edge of a roof tile; a fulcrum contact spaced from the first end, the fulcrum contact configured to be engageable with a second batten above the first batten, the second batten extending parallel thereto; and a batten mount engagement part spaced from the first end, the batten mount engagement part configured to allow selective attachment of the batten mount to the elongate member at either: a first position spaced from the first end by a first distance; or a second position spaced from the first end by a second distance different from the first distance.

2. The roof tile attachment system of claim 1, wherein the batten mount engagement part comprises at least one aperture extending between an upper surface of the elongate member and a lower surface of the elongate member.

3. The roof tile attachment system of claim 2, wherein the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of through-holes.

4. The roof tile attachment system of claim 2, wherein the at least one aperture comprises an elongate slot extending through from the upper surface of the elongate member to the lower surface of the elongate member.

5. The roof tile attachment system of claim 2, wherein the batten mount comprises a projection configured to be insertable into the at least one aperture.

6. The roof tile attachment system of any one of claim 2, wherein the batten mount comprises a body into which a fixing may be driven.

7. The roof tile attachment system of claim 1, wherein the batten mount comprises a recess on an upper surface thereof upon which to receive an upper edge (opposing the edge) of a roof tile.

8. The roof tile attachment system of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises a flange that is configured to be overlappable with an adjacent tile.

9. The roof tile attachment system of claim 1, wherein the tile-securing part is removably attachable to a core of the elongate member.

10. The roof tile attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of roof tiles.

11. The roof tile attachment system of claim 10, wherein the elongate member has a length approximately equal to that of each roof tile, and the roof tiles are arranged in single-lap arrangement.

12. The roof tile attachment system of claim 10, wherein the elongate member has a length greater than half that of the roof tile, and less than three-quarters that of the roof tile, and the roof tiles are arranged in double-lap arrangement.

13. A pitched roof having a plurality of battens extending transversely across the roof, spaced apart by a gauge distance, the pitched roof comprising the roof tile attachment system of claim 12, wherein the tile has a length greater than twice the gauge and the elongate member has a length greater than the gauge.

14. A method of tiling a pitched roof, the pitched roof having a plurality of battens extending transversely across the roof, the method comprising the steps of: providing the system of claim 1; attaching the batten attachment part to a first batten; selectively attaching the batten mount to the batten mount engagement part of the elongate member at either: the first position spaced from the first end by the first distance; or the second position spaced from the first end by the second distance different from the first distance; providing a roof tile; and holding an edge of the roof tile with the tile-securing part.

15. The method of tiling a pitched roof of claim 14, wherein the method comprises arranging the tiles in double-lap arrangement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0058] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a prior art no-lap tiling arrangement.

[0060] FIGS. 2a to 2c show a prior art single-lap tiling arrangement.

[0061] FIGS. 3a to 3d show a prior art double-lap tiling arrangement.

[0062] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through the prior art arrangement of FIG. 3d.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an elongate member for use in the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows detail of one end of the elongate member of FIG. 5.

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a batten mount for use in the present invention.

[0066] FIGS. 8a to 8d show a double-lap tiling arrangement using the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section through the arrangement of FIG. 8d.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0069] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence.

[0070] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0071] It is to be noticed that the term comprising, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression a device comprising means A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0072] Reference throughout this specification to an embodiment or an aspect means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one embodiment, in an embodiment, or in an aspect in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

[0073] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0074] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0075] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0076] In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0077] The use of the term at least one may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term any may mean all and/or each in certain circumstances.

[0078] The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0079] FIGS. 1, 2a to 2c, 3a to 3d, and 8a to 8d are in an oblique perspective view, showing the tiles as parallelograms on the page. However, this distortion is for clarity only; the tiles they represent would be rectangular, and only appear as parallelograms due to the viewpoint chosen.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a hypothetical no-lap tiling arrangement, which are not conventionally used for roofing due to their failure to seal effectively. Parts of four horizontal battens 1, 2, 3, 4 are shown, each spaced apart by a common gauge, with a first course of no-lap tiles 11 extending between first batten 1 and second batten 2, a second course of no-lap tiles 12 extending between second batten 2 and third batten 3, and a third course of no-lap tiles 13 extending between third batten 3 and fourth batten 4. Each no-lap tile 6 is provided with two fixings 5 anchoring it to an upper one of the respective battens 1, 2, 3, 4. If not properly sealed, water ingress would be possible at these fixings 5, or between adjacent tiles 6 (both horizontally and vertically adjacent). The no-lap tiles are sized to have a height substantially the same as the gauge of the roof.

[0081] FIGS. 2a to 2c show a prior art single-lap tiling arrangement. FIG. 2a shows the same battens 1, 2, 3, 4 as FIG. 1, and shows similar single-lap tiles 26 arranged in a first course 21 extending between the first batten 1 and the second batten 2. The single-lap tiles 26 are slightly taller than the no-lap tiles 6 of FIG. 1 (though they have the same width and thickness, though the latter is not shown), such that when secured to the second batten 2 by similar fixings 5, the single-lap tiles 26 extend entirely over the first batten, rather than simply meeting it. Thus, the single-lap tiles are sized to have a height equal to the gauge of the roof plus an overlap.

[0082] FIG. 2b shows a second course 22 laid over the first course 21 of FIG. 2a, such that the upper edge and fixings 5 on the first course 21 are covered by the overlapping tiles 26 of the second course 22. If not properly sealed, water ingress would be possible between horizontally adjacent tiles in the same course, but not between courses.

[0083] FIG. 2c shows a third course 23 laid over the second course 22 of FIG. 2b, such that the upper edge and fixings 5 on the second course 22 are covered by the overlapping tiles 26 of the third course 23.

[0084] FIGS. 3a to 3d show a prior art double-lap tiling arrangement. FIG. 3a shows the same battens 1, 2, 3, 4 as FIG. 1, and shows similar double-lap tiles 36 arranged in a first course 31 extending between the first batten 1 and the second batten 2. The single-lap tiles 36 are much taller than the no-lap tiles 6 of FIG. 1 and the single-lap tiles of FIG. 2a-2c (though they have the same width and thickness, though the latter is not shown), such that when secured to the second batten 2 by similar fixings 5, the double-lap tiles 26 extend entirely over the first batten by a significant margin, rather than simply meeting it or just overlapping it. Thus, the double-lap tiles are sized to have a height equal to twice the gauge of the roof plus an overlap.

[0085] FIG. 3b shows a second course 32 laid over the first course 31 of FIG. 3a, such that the upper edge and fixings 5 on the first course 31 are covered by the overlapping tiles 36 of the second course 32. The double-lap tiles 36 of the second course 32 are horizontally off-set from the first course 31 by a distance equal to half the tile width, such that each tile 36 from the second course 32 only covers one of the fixings 5 of each of the tiles 36 from the first course 31 that it overlaps.

[0086] FIG. 3c shows a third course 33 laid over the second course 32 of FIG. 3b, such that the upper edge and fixings 5 on the second course 32 are covered by the overlapping tiles 36 of the third course 33. The double-lap tiles 36 of the third course 32 are horizontally off-set from the second course 32 by a distance equal to half the tile width, such that each tile 36 from the third course 33 only covers one of the fixings 5 of each of the tiles 36 from the second course 32 that it overlaps, but actually covers both fixings 5 of each of the tile 26 of the first course 31 that it overlaps. Accordingly, each fixing 5 of the first course is double overlapped.

[0087] FIG. 3d shows part of a fourth course 34 laid over the third course 33 of FIG. 3b, such that the upper edge and fixings 5 on the third course 33 are covered by the overlapping tiles 36 of the fourth course 34, in a similar manner to that discussed above. It can be appreciated that, away from the boundaries of such an arrangement, no water penetration is possible.

[0088] Also indicated in FIG. 3d are individual tiles 41, 42, 43 and 44, each from respective courses 31, 32, 33, 34.

[0089] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through FIG. 3d along line A-A. Tiles 41 and 43 from the first 31 and third 33 courses are shown in cross-section and hatched; whereas tiles 42 and 44 from the second 32 and fourth 34 courses are shown end on. Fixings 5 are shown connecting tiles 41, 42 and 43 to the battens 2, 3 and 4. An additional zeroth batten 0 is shown below the first batten 1. It can be seen that wind that lifts tile 41 adjacent to batten 0 would have a torque due to the tile height (twice the gauge plus overlap) all the way up to the fixing 5 in the second batten 2.

[0090] FIG. 5 shows a portion of a first batten 1, with a batten mount 51 mounted thereon, and coupled thereto, via fixing 5 is elongate member 53. A first end 54 of the elongate member 53 is shown to the bottom left, and includes a spring clip 55 for receiving a tile therein. An opposing second end 56 is show at the top right. Additional through holes 58 adjacent to the fixing 5 are available for use with the fixing, in connecting the elongate member 53 to the batten mount 51, so that the relative extent of the first end 54 and second end 56 away from the first batten 1 can be varied.

[0091] FIG. 6 shows detail of the first end 54 of the elongate member 53 of FIG. 5. The spring clip 55 is shown passing inside a cavity 60 inside the elongate member, and connecting to the elongate member 53 via holes 61 (one shown, with a matching hole on the other side). Squeezing the spring clip 55 inwards releases the spring clip from the holes 61 allowing it to be removed from the cavity 60. Flanges 63, 64, 65, 66 extend from the core of the elongate member 53 around the cavity 60. Slots 68 on each side of the elongate member permit insertion of a tile (not shown) therein, to enable alignment and secure the tiles in place.

[0092] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the batten mount 51 of FIG. 5, which is provided with opposing sprung arms 71 for gently gripping a batten (not shown) with an interference fit. A block 73 on the upper surface thereof provides a body into which a pilot hole 75 is formed, capable of receiving a fixing through the holes 58 in the elongate member. The block 73 does not extend across the entire upper surface of the batten mount 51, but instead a recess 77 is provided into which an upper edge of a tile may be placed, to aid alignment.

[0093] FIGS. 8a to 8d show a double-lap tiling arrangement using the present invention. FIG. 8a shows the same battens 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 as above, and affixed to each are a plurality of batten mounts 51. Each batten mount is not rigidly secured to the respective batten, but is only loosely attached so that the position can be easily moved along a batten during installation. Secured by respective fixings 5 to the batten mounts 51 on the zeroth 0 and first 1 battens are a plurality of elongate members 53, each provided with a respective spring clip 55 at their first end, which is shown as a single line for clarity. The elongate members 53 rest their second end on an adjacent batten immediately above the batten upon which they are mounted.

[0094] FIG. 8b shows a first course 81 of double-lap tiles 86, each resting with their upper edge on a recess 77 of a respective batten mount 53 on the second batten 2, and each with a lower edge held by a spring clip of an elongate member mounted (via a batten mount 53) on the zeroth batten 0.

[0095] The flanges 63, 64, 65, 66 are not shown for clarity; however, it is to be understood that each tile could be inserted into such slots 68 therebetween to assist in alignment and securing.

[0096] A further row of elongate members is secured by respective fixings 5 to the batten mounts 51 on the second batten 2. These are arranged over the first course 81 of double-lap tiles.

[0097] FIG. 8c shows a second course 82 added in a similar manner to the first course, and a still further row of elongate member on the third batten 3.

[0098] FIG. 8d shows a third course 83 and part of a fourth course 84 added in a similar manner to the first course.

[0099] Also indicated in FIG. 8d are individual tiles 91, 92, 93 and 94, each from respective courses 81, 82, 83 and 84.

[0100] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section through FIG. 8d along line B-B. Tiles 91 and 93 from the first 81 and third 83 courses are shown in cross-section and hatched; whereas tiles 92 and 94 from the second 82 and fourth 84 courses are shown side on. Fixings 5 are shown connecting tiles 91, 92 and 93 to the battens 0, 1 and 2. It can be seen that wind that lifts tile 91 adjacent to batten 0 would have a torque due to simply the overlap distance (the distance from the spring clip 55 to the fixing 5), and that any torque is counteracted by the support provided by the first batten 1.

[0101] Although the above-figures show the roof tile attachment system holding a tile centrally, for use in double-lap tiling arrangements, it is to be appreciated that a similar system may be used to hold tiles along their lateral edges in a single-lap arrangement. Such elongate members 53, would each be provided with two respective spring clips 55 at their first end, each for holding a respective corner of an adjacent single-lap tile.