GB2385868A

GB2385868A - Ring beams

Info

Publication number: GB2385868A
Application number: GB0304421A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Newley; Paul Mulkeirins
Original assignee: Newdawn & Sun Ltd
Current assignee: Newdawn & Sun Ltd
Priority date: 2002-02-27
Filing date: 2003-02-27
Publication date: 2003-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-27
Also published as: GB0304421D0; GB2385868B; GB0204588D0

Abstract

A ring beam 1 of a conservatory supports the lower edge of a glazed roof 3 which comprises glazing bars 8 and glazing panels 9. The glazing bars 8 are pivotally mounted on the ring beam extending between the ring beam and glazing material 1 by fixing plates 15 pivotally and slidably mounted on a continuous projection 13 on the ring beam. The pivotal connection may comprise a part-cylindrical member 14 on the projection 13 and a socket 18 on the fixing plate. Each fixing plate 15 may have holes 21 for attachment of a glazing bar 8. Also disclosed are a ring beam 1 including means for pivotal mounting of a seal 10 extending between the ring beam 1 and glazing material 9, a ring beam 1 including means for slidable mounting of a seal 10 extending between the ring beam 1 and glazing material 9 and a ring beam 1 having an outer face 6 including a portion for mounting a bracket 52 and means for mounting a fascia member 57 to cover a lower portion 44 of the outer face 6.

Description

RING BEAMS This invention relates to ring beams of the kind used in conservatories and the like at the top of a wall or window frame, to support the lower edge of a glazed roof.

A ring beam of the kind set forth is usually of extruded aluminium, and is attached to the top of the wall or window frame. The lower edges of roof glazing beams are attached to it, with their upper edges being attached to a roof ridge member. Glazing material, such as glass or multi-wall polycarbonate sheet, is then supported between the glazing beams. A seal is provided between the underneath surface of the glazing material and the ring beam to prevent draughts at the eaves.

Typically the upper outer edge of the ring beam has a curved portion, to which the glazing beams are screwed at the appropriate angle for the pitch of the roof, which is usually between 10 and 45 . This entails making holes for the screws at the appropriate points on the curved portion round the ring beam, and then attaching the glazing beams at the correct pitch.

This is time-consuming, because of the need to make the holes and then to attach and adjust the glazing beams.

The seal at the eaves is normally a flipper seal, mounted at one end in a groove in the ring beam, and at its other end sealing against the glazing material. It is time-consuming to install the seal in the groove, and it may not work efficiently, as it can be lifted away from the glazing material by the wind. Then a silicone or similar sealant must be used as well. Thus, installations of the glazing beams, seal and glazing material tends to take a relatively long time, and is a tricky operation, especially in adverse weather conditions.

In one known proposal, shown in GB 2 287 048 the ring (or eaves) beam is made in two parts, to provide pivotal mounting for the glazing beams. The ring beam has a first stationary part mounted on the wall, and a second upper part which pivots relative to the first part. The glazing bars are attached to the second part by bolts sliding in a channel. This construction allows the angle of the glazing beams to be varied, but it is still complex to install. Further, because the second part is continuous all the glazing beams must adopt the same angle, which can lead to stress in the glazing beams, and the glazing material.

Another construction is shown in US 6 026 615, which attempts to overcome the disadvantages of GB 2 287 048, by removing the second part of the ring beam, and simply providing a channel in the main part, in which a bolt for attaching the glazing beam can pivot and slide. A trim is clipped into the channel between the bolts, and is secured by adhesive to the underside of the glazing material to form the seal. Although this is a simpler construction, the glazing beams are not well supported at the eaves, as they are in contact only with the edges of the channel, and this can also lead to stress round the bolt.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a ring beam of the kind set forth includes means for pivotal mounting of a lower edge of at least two glazing beams of the glazed roof, the pivotal mounting means comprising a continuous projection on the ring beam having a pivotal connection with a fixing plate for attachment to a respective glazing beam, each fixing plate being slidable relative to the ring beam.

The pivotal mounting has the advantage that the lower edge of each glazing beam automatically assumes the correct pitch, so that installation of the glazing beams is easier and quicker. Further, as each glazing beam is mounted on its own fixing plate, which is slidable, each can

automatically assume the correct lateral position as well as the correct pitch. The fixing plates also ensure proper support of the glazing means.

The pivotal connection conveniently comprises a part-cylindrical member on one of the projection and the fixing plate accommodated in a complementary socket on the other of the projection and the fixing plate. The socket is designed to provide the necessary range of movement for the range of roof pitches.

Preferably the part-cylindrical member is provided on the ring beam and the socket on the fixing plate, so that debris does not fall into the socket and impede sliding and pivotal movement.

Each fixing plate preferably extends both upwardly and downwardly from the socket, so that it is substantially T-shaped. This ensures that it pivots into the correct position when the glazing beam comes into contact with it. Each plate is preferably pre-formed with holes for attachment of the glazing beam. There is therefore no need to make holes in the ring beam.

Thus, in use, the appropriate number of fixing plates is slid onto the ring beam before it is placed in position on the wall. The glazing beams are first attached to the ridge, and then a fixing plate is placed under each glazing beam. The plate automatically pivots into engagement with the underside of the glazing beam, assuming the correct angle for the roof pitch. The glazing beam is then attached to the fixing plate. Installation of the glazing beams is therefore much easier and quicker.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a ring beam of the kind set forth includes means for pivotal mounting of a rigid seal extending between the ring beam and glazing material of the roof.

The pivotal mounting of the seal ensures that it automatically assumes the correct position in contact with the glazing material, so that it cannot be displaced by the wind.

Preferably the pivotal mounting means comprises a projection on the ring beam having a pivotal connection with a projection from a flat sealing member. The pivotal connection conveniently comprises a part-cylindrical member on either of the projections, accommodated in a complementary socket on the other of the projections. This enables the seal to be clipped onto the ring beam, providing simple attachment.

Preferably the part-cylindrical member is provided on the ring beam, and the socket on the seal.

It will be evident that the same part-cylindrical member on the ring beam can be used for attachment of the seal as well as the fixing plates.

6 The flat sealing member preferably extends inwardly and outwardly of the projection, to ensure it remains in engagement with the glazing material.

The outer end of the flat sealing member may have an angled portion.

This is adapted for a hook engagement with a complementary angled portion on a closure for the lower edge of the glazing material. This provides further securing of the seal against movement by the wind.

In use, the rigid seal is clipped onto the ring beam projection after the glazing beams are installed. The glazing material with its closures is then put in place, and the angled portions of the seal and closure interengaged to retain the seal securely in place.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a ring beam of the kind set forth includes means for mounting a rigid seal extending between the ring beam and glazing material of the roof slidably along the ring beam.

This enables the rigid seal to act as a spacer element between adjacent glazing beams supporting the glazing material of the roof. Thus, once the rigid seal is cut to the required length, it can be slid along and used to position the glazing beams laterally relative to each other, making installation of the roof much easier.

Preferably the slidable mounting means is the same as the pivotal mounting means for the seal in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. The seal can therefore slide as well as pivot on the partcylindrical member and complementary socket.

A ring beam usually also has a gutter attached to its outer vertical face, which is in line with the wall, to catch the water coming off the roof. The gutter may be a bespoke extruded aluminium member which is attached by engaging over hooks provided at the top and bottom of the outer face of the ring beam, and is designed to cover that vertical face.

However, it is also possible for the gutter to be of a standard PVC type, mounted by brackets attached to the outer face of the ring beam. In this case, the gutter covers only the upper part of the outer face, leaving the lower part exposed, which is unsightly. A typical solution to this problem is to provide a face member which hooks onto the ring beam to cover the outer face, and to which the brackets are attached. However, this is costly, as the face member must be of aluminium, to bear the load of the brackets and gutter.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a ring beam of the kind set forth, an outer face of the ring beam has a portion adapted for mounting a bracket and means for mounting a fascia member to cover the lower part of the outer face.

This enables the gutter brackets to be mounted directly on the ring beam, thus ensuring their security. The fascia member is then not load-bearing and can be made of plastics, which is less expensive.

Preferably the portion for mounting the bracket is at the top of the outer face. It preferably extends substantially vertically. The means for mounting the fascia member may comprise a channel. Conveniently, the fascia member is L-shaped, with a shorter arm received in the channel, and a longer arm covering the lower part of the outer face of the ring beam.

The various aspects of the invention are illustrated, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an end view of a ring beam for supporting the lower edge of a glazed roof; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing a seal rather than the fixing plate; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ring beam of Figure 1, including glazing material and a gutter; and Figure 4 is an end view of the ring beam of Figures 1 to 3, but with a different gutter arrangement.

Figures 1 to 3 show a ring beam 1 of the kind used in conservatories at the top of a wall 2, to support the lower edge of a glazed roof 3. The ring beam 1 is of box section, and is formed from extruded aluminium. It has a lower face 4 engaging with the top of the wall 2 (or a window frame), an inner face 5, aligned with the inner face of the wall 2 or

window frame, a stepped outer face 6 whose outermost portion is aligned with the outer face of the wall 2 or window frame, and an upper face 7 on which the roof 3 is mounted. The upper face 7 forms a mounting for the lower edges of roof glazing beams 8 (Figure 1), the upper edges of which (not shown) are attached to a roof ridge (not shown). Glazing material 9 (Figures 2 and 3) is supported between the glazing beams 8, with a seal 10 mounted on the upper face 7 of the ring beam 1 to prevent draughts entering at the eaves, between the glazing material 9 and the ring beam 1.

The upper face 7 of the ring beam 1 has an inner, substantially horizontal portion 11 and an outer angled portion 12. At the junction of the portions 11,12 is an outwardly extending projection 13 terminating in a hollow, part-cylindrical member 14 for attachment of the glazing beams 8 and seal 10.

Each glazing beam 8 is attached to a fixing plate 15 mounted on the projection 13. Each fixing plate 15 is substantially T-shaped, comprising a flat bar 16. The glazing beam 8 is adapted to be mounted on the outer side of the bar 16, while the underside has curved projecting members 17 forming a socket 18 for receiving the member 14 of the projection 13.

The fixing plate 15 can slide along the member 14 and can also pivot on it, within limits determined by the extent of the socket 18. Before the glazing beam 8 is attached to the fixing plate 15, the fixing plate 15 can assume one of two inoperative positions: a first in which the upper edge 19 of the plate 15 engages the horizontal portion 11, and a second in which the lower edge 20 of the plate 15 engages the angled portion 12.

Two holes 21 (see Figure 3) are provided in the lower part of the plate 15 for attachment of the glazing beam 8 by bolts (not shown) or any other suitable fastening. It will be appreciated that the fixing plates 15 will be slid onto the member 14 before the ring beam 1 is placed on the top of the

wall 2. When a glazing beam 8 is laid onto the fixing plate 15 it pushes the upstanding edge 19 or 20 downwards, pivoting the fixing plate 15 to the correct angle for the pitch of the roof 3. The glazing beam 8 is then attached to the fixing plate 15. The fixing plate 15 may assume any angle between about 2. 5 and 45 .

The member 14 is also used to attach the seal 10, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. As can be seen in those figures, the seal 10 is accommodated between the glazing material 9 and the ring beam 1 to prevent the draughts entering at the eaves. The seal 10 is extruded from PVC. It comprises a sealing member 22 whose upper face 23 engages the glazing material 9, and whose lower face 24 has three projections 25,26, 27. The upper face 23 has sealing projections 28 at its inner edge to provide a good seal with the glazing material 9. The first projection 25 is the longest, and extends perpendicular to the sealing member 22. Its free end 29 is bifurcated, forming a part-cylindrical socket 30 for receiving the member 14. The member 14 clips into the socket 30, which can pivot and slide on the member 14. The second and third projections 26,27 are shorter than the first. The second projection 26 is formed at the outer edge of the member 22, at an acute angle, while the third projection 27 is at an intermediate position, and is perpendicular to the member 22.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the outer edge of the sealing member 22 is held by a closure 31 for the free edge of the glazing material 9.

Closures 31 are used to protect and seal the free edge of the glazing material 9, particularly where the glazing material 9 is a multi-wall polycarbonate sheet. The closure 31 is substantially U-shaped, having a first member 32 covering the edge of the glazing material, and respective upper and lower members 33,34 extending from the first member 32 to engage and seal with upper and lower faces of the glazing material 9.

The lower member 34 terminates in a hook 35 adapted to engage the angled projection 26 of the sealing member 22, to retain its outer edge in position. This ensures that it cannot move in the wind to allow a draught in at the eaves. The hook 35 and projection 26 snap together: they are engaged by squeezing the third projection 27 and a corresponding projection 36 on the lower member 34 towards each other.

The lower face 4 of the ring beam 1 is substantially flat for engagement with the wall or window frame. The upper and lower faces each have respective reinforcing ribs 37,38. The inner face 5 forms a channel 39 adapted to take a decorative member (not shown), while the outer face 6 is adapted to mount a gutter 40 to catch the water running down the roof 3.

The outer face 6 has top and bottom hook members 41,42, and a straight upper portion 43 in line with the bottom hook member 42. The lower portion 44 of the outer face 6 is displaced inwardly, and includes a pair of projections 45,46 forming a longitudinal channel 47, whose purpose is explained further in relation to Figure 4.

The gutter 40 of Figure 3 is a single-piece member of extruded aluminium with respective top and bottom hooks 48,49 which engage over the top and bottom hook members 41,42 respectively to mount the gutter 40.

The rear wall 50 of the gutter 40 extends between the hooks 48,49 so that in use the rear wall 50 covers the whole of the outer face 6.

Installation of the roof 3 on the ring beam 1 is extremely simple. First of all the correct number of fixing plates 15 are mounted on the ring beam 1 by sliding the socket 18 over the member 14. The ring beam 1 is then laid on the wall 2. The glazing beams 8 are then attached to the ridge, and each fixing plate 15 adjusted along the member 14 to be in alignment

with a glazing beam 8. Each glazing beam 8 is then attached to its fixing plate 15, which pivots on the member 14 to assume the correct roof pitch. The sealing member 22 is then cut to the correct lengths to fit between the glazing beams, and each length is clipped onto the member 14. Each sealing member 22 acts as a spacer between adjacent glazing beams, to ensure that they assume the correct lateral position. The glazing material 9, with its sheet closure 31, is then installed. The seal 10 also assumes the correct angle when the glazing material engages it. The hook 35 and projection 26 are then snapped together to fix the sealing member 22 to the sheet closure 31. Lastly the correct length of gutter 40 is hooked on.

Figure 4 shows a modification of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, and corresponding reference numerals have been applied to corresponding parts. In Figure 4 the gutter is modified. Instead of the single-piece extrusion of Figure 3, a standard plastics gutter 51 is used, mounted on spaced brackets 52. Each bracket 52 has a fixing member 53 attached to the outer face 6 of the ring beam 1, and gutter support members 54,55. The fixing member 53 is attached to the upper portion 43 of the outer face 6 by a screw or similar fastener (not shown) and extends beyond the lower face 4, so that its lower end 56 engages the wall 2 or window frame. Because the brackets 52 are spaced along the wall 2, and the gutter 51 is not as deep as the ring beam 1, a substantial part of the lower portion 44 of the outer face 6 is exposed between the brackets 52. This is unsightly. In order to conceal the lower portion 44, a fascia member 57 is mounted on the outer face 6. The fascia member 57 is extruded from plastics, and is L-shaped. Its shorter arm 58 is adapted to engage in the channel 47 formed between the projections 45,46, while its longer arm 59 extends towards the bottom hook member 42.

In Figure 4 therefore the gutter 51 is installed by fixing the fascia member 57 in the channel 47, and then fixing the brackets 52 to the outer face 6 of the ring beam 1. The brackets 52 are held securely by their fixing to the ring beam 1. The gutter 51 is then put in place on the support members 55. It will be appreciated that fixing the gutter 51 of Figure 4 is not as simple as fixing the one-piece gutter 40 of Figure 3, but it is fixed securely, and the fascia member 57 provides an inexpensive way of improving the appearance of the outer face 6 of the ring beam 1.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A ring beam of the kind set forth, including means for pivotal mounting of a lower edge of at least two glazing beams of the glazed roof, the pivotal mounting means comprising a continuous projection on the ring beam having a pivotal connection with a fixing plate for attachment to a respective glazing beam, each fixing plate being slidable relative to the ring beam.
2. A ring beam as claimed in claim 1, in which the pivotal connection comprises a part-cylindrical member on one of the projection and the fixing plate accommodated in a complementary socket on the other of the projection and the fixing plate.
3. A ring beam as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the partcylindrical member is provided on the ring beam and the socket on the fixing plate.
4. A ring beam as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each fixing plate extends both upwardly and downwardly from the socket, so that it is substantially T-shaped.
5. A ring beam as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each fixing plate is formed with holes for attachment of the glazing beam.
6. A ring beam of the kind set forth, including means for pivotal mounting of a rigid seal extending between the ring beam and glazing material of the roof.

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7. A ring beam as claimed in claim 6, in which the pivotal mounting means comprises a projection on the ring beam having a pivotal connection with a projection from a flat sealing member.
8. A ring beam as claimed in claim 7, in which the pivotal connection comprises a part-cylindrical member on either of the projections, accommodated in a complementary socket on the other of the projections.
9. A ring beam as claimed in claim 8, in which the part-cylindrical member is provided on the ring beam, and the socket on the seal.
10. A ring beam as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, in which the flat sealing member extends inwardly and outwardly of the projection, to ensure it remains in engagement with the glazing material.
11. A ring beam as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, in which the outer end of the flat sealing member has an angled portion.
12. A ring beam of the kind set forth, including means for mounting a rigid seal extending between the ring beam and glazing material of the roof slidably along the ring beam.
13. A ring beam as claimed in claim 12, in which the slidable mounting means comprises a projection on the ring beam having a pivotal and slidable connection with a projection from a flat sealing member.
14. A ring beam of the kind set forth, in which an outer face of the ring beam has a portion adapted for mounting a bracket and means for mounting a fascia member to cover the lower part of the outer face.

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15. A ring beam as claimed in claim 14, in which the portion for mounting the bracket is at the top of the outer face.
16. A ring beam as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, in which the portion for mounting the bracket extends substantially vertically.
17. A ring beam as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, in which the means for mounting the fascia member comprises a channel.
18. A ring beam as claimed in any of claims 14 to 17, in which the fascia member is L-shaped, with a shorter arm received in the channel, and a longer arm covering the lower part of the outer face of the ring beam.
19. A ring beam of the kind set forth substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.