GB2488188A

GB2488188A - Hinged bracket assembly for fixing items to roofs

Info

Publication number: GB2488188A
Application number: GB1114372.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carl Raymond Reynolds
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-27
Filing date: 2011-08-22
Publication date: 2012-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-22
Also published as: GB201101424D0; GB201114372D0; GB2488188B; GB2487568A

Abstract

A fixing mechanism for fixing an article to a surface is described. The fixing mechanism comprises; a fixing plate 1 and a reversible fixing bracket; said fixing plate has a substantially flat base 2 and a receiving slot 14 extending substantially vertically upwards from a top surface of said base. The reversible fixing bracket comprises two bracket sections 31, 32 pivotally fixed together at a first end of each section by fixing means 36 such that the inner angle between the two bracket sections is variable. One of said bracket sections is received in said receiving slot and the other bracket section is secured to the article to be fixed to said surface. The bracket is reversible in that either of the two bracket sections can be received in the slot. Each bracket section has a fixing slot formed in it to enable selective positioning of the bracket section vertically in the slot, and to allow some play in the fixing of the article to the bracket. The slot and bracket may be formed with ridges and the mechanism may be made from plastics material.

Description

UNIVERSAL FIXING MECHANISM

This invention relates to an improved fixing mechanism suitable for attaching additional structures such as solar panels to a rooftop.

Currently, in relation to buildings both residential and commercial, there may be occasions when it is necessary to affix additionalstructures to the roof of the building, for example, solar panels or satellite receiver dishes, or scaffolding to enable work to be performed on the roof For example, in modem new build houses there is a trend to install solar panels on the roof to allow a householder to generate some or all of their electricity. Currently, fixing the solar panels to the roof may be complex and require a lot of additionalfixtures and fittings as well as requiring several man hours to ensure the panels are correctly fitted and secured to the roof The same houses may also generally require a satellite dish to also be provided.

Accordingto the invention there is provided a fixing mechanism for fixing an article to a surface comprising; a fixing plate and a reversible fixing bracket; said fixing plate has a substantially flat base and a receiving slot extending substantially vertically upwards from a top surface of said base; said reversible fixing bracket is comprised of two bracket sections pivotally fixed together at a first end of each section by fixing means such that the inner angle between the two bracket sections is variable, wherein,in use one of said bracket sections is received in said receiving slot and the other bracket section is secured to the article to be fixed to said surface.

In a preferred embodimentof the invention said inner angle between said bracket sections is between 8OlOO0.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said top surface of said base is smooth and br said underside of said base includes at least one longitudinally extending channel extending lengthways down said plate.

Preferably said receiving slot has a rear wall with an intemal serrated area for engaging with an inner surface of one of said bracket sections.

Preferably said inner surface of one of said bracket sections that engages with said internal serrated are also has a serrated area.

Further preferably said receiving slot has a substantially C-shaped crossed section with said rear fall forming the longest side of said receiving slot.

In a preferred embodimentsaid rear wall has a longitudinal slot extending down said serrated area.

In a further preferred embodiment said bracket sections have fixing slots passing through them, one fixing slot being longitudinally positioned on said bracket section and the other being laterally positioned Preferably in use, one of said bracket sections in inserted into said receiving slot, and said bracket is secured to said fixing plate by fixing means passing through said receiving slot and said fixing slot.

Further preferably said bracket section inserted into said receiving slot can be secured in said receiving slot at a variable height from the base of said slot by said securing means.

Preferably, said bracket section for receiving said article to be fixed has the lateral fixing slot, and one of more securing holes located along the long side of the lateral slot, said article is fixed to said bracket section by securing means passing through said lateral slot and/or said securing holes Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1(a) shows a top view of a fixing plate according to an embodimentof the invention; Figure 1(b) shows a side view corresponding to figure 1(a); Figure 1(c) shows a view of the fixing plate from the front end of the plate; Figure 1(d) shows a view of the fixing plate from the rear end of the plate; Figure 1(e) shows the underside of the fixing plate; Figure 2(a) shows a top view of one of the bracket sections; Figure 2(b) shows a top view of another of the bracket sections Figure 2(c) shows a perspective view of the complete bracket; Figure 2(d) is a side view corresponding to figure 2(a); Figure 2(e) is a side view corresponding to figure 2(b); Figure 3(a) shows a side view of the bracket inserted into the slot of the fixing plate at a first position; Figure 3(b) is a front end view corresponding to figure 3(a); Figure 3(c) shows a side view of the bracket inserted into the slot of the fixing plate at a second position; Figure 3(d) is a front end view corresponding to figure 3(c); Figure 4(a) shows a side view of the bracket inserted into the slot of the fixing plate at a first position using the alternative bracket section to figure 3(a); Figure 4(b) is a front end view corresponding to figure 4(a); Figure 4(c) shows a side view of the bracket inserted into the slot of the fixing plate at a second position using the alternative bracket section to figure 3(a);; Figure 4(d) is a front end view corresponding to figure 4(c); Figure 5 shows the fixing mechanism in use on a rooftop.

Figures 1(a)-(d) show various views of the fixing plate 1, of fixing mechanism 100. Plate 1 comprises base 2and receiving slot 10. Fixing holes 3 are also provided in the base 2. Two holes 3 are shown but the base may be provided with any number of fixing holes. The receiving slot 10 has rear wall 11 with inner and outer surfaces 12, 13. Preferably the inner surface 12 is serrated. Receiving slot 10 also has side walls 14 extending from either end of rear wall 11. Extending from the end of side walls 14 are retaining lips 15, these are parallel to rear wall 11. In cross section the receiving section is substantially C shaped.

As seen in figure 1(b), extending down from side walls 14 and retaining lips 15 are triangular brace walls 16.

Figures 1(c) and 1(d) also show longitudinal slot 20, and figure 1(c) shows serrations 17 on the inner surface 12 of rear wall 11. Figures 1(a), (b) and (d) also show retaining walls 21 extending vertically outwards from the outer surface 13 of rear wall 11. For completeness, figure 1(e) shows the underside of base plate 2. This has channels 25, separated by walls 26 and also bounded by the outer edge of plate 2. The purpose of these channels is to minimise the weight of the base plate 2 and also to allow fluid that passes under the plate to easily drain away, rather than collecting under the plate 2.

Figures 2(a)-(e) show various different views of the bracket 30 and its two component sections 31, 32. Both bracket sections 31, 32 have a substantially rectangular shape with long sides 40', 40 and short sides 41', 41 respectively. However, section 31 has a rectangular recess area 33 approximately in the centre of one of the short sides 41', and section 32 has a protrusion 34 also along a short side 41. Recess 33 and protrusion 34 matches up to form a hinge section 35, held together by a hinge pin 36.

As shown in figure 2(c) pin 36 passes through opening 37 in bracket section 31, then through opening 38 in bracket section 32, and then through opening 37 in the other side of the recess 33 to secure the racket sections 31, 32 together to form bracket 30. Of course, other means of securing the bracket sections together may also be used.

As also illustrated, surfaces 50, 50' forming the inner surface of bracket 30 are serrated along a substantial portion of their length.

Bracket section 31 has a lateral slot 44' positioned approximately in the centre of bracket section 31 and parallel to the short sides 41'. Positioned either side of slot 44' are fixing holes 45.

Bracket section 32 has a longitudinal slot 44 positioned approximately in the centre of bracket section 32 and parallel to the long sides 40.

Also shown on section 31 are positioning lugs 51. The lugs 51 extend vertically upwards from the end of section 3 lat either side of the recess 33. In this embodiment, when the sections 31, 32 are fixed together with hinge pin 36, the lugs 51 prevent the inner angle between section 31 and section 32 being less than 85°. Of course, the profile of the lugs (in this embodimentthey have a right angled trapezium cross section) could be altered so the inner angle is more/less than this. Typically, an inner angle of -80-100° is preferably.

The inner profile of the recess 33 is also designed to match that of protrusion 34 so that, once the bracket sections are fixed together, the inner angle is restricted to between 80-100°. This allows the bracket 30 to be slightly of vertical if desired.

Figures 3(a)-(d) show how the fixing mechanism works when the bracket section 32 of bracket 30 is inserted into receiving slot 10 of fixing plate 1. In figures 3(a)-3(b) section 31 is inserted into slot 10 and pushed all the way down to the bottom of the slot 10. As is clear from figure 3(b), longitudinal slots 20 and 44 line up precisely when section 31 is fully inserted into slot 10. Additional securing means (not shown) such as a nut and bolt and pass through slots 20, 44 to hold the bracket and the plate 1 together. Preferably the bolt head abuts slot 20 and the nut will abut slot 44. In this preferred embodimentthe bolt will pass through the centre of the slots 20, 44 to be secured by the nut, but it may pass through anywhere along the length of the slot.

As shown in figure 3(a) the inner angle of bracket 30 is approximately 90o, however as mentionedabove, the lugs 51, and the design of the recess 33 and protrusion 34 are such that this angle can be varied between -80-100o. Also in the embodiment as illustrated, the top of the bracket 30, namely bracket section 31, for fixing an article to the plate 1 has a lateral slot 44'. Typically, the article to be fixed will be provided with a fixing hole/slot and these will align with the slot 44' to be secured by securing means, such as a nut and bolt for example, to hold the two together.

Figure 3(c) and 3(d) show a view of the fixing mechanism where the bracket section 32 is only inserted part way into receiving slot 10. Once it is inserted at the desired depth in slot 10 it is secured with a nut and bolt for example, as described above. In this way the height of the bracket 30, with respect to the base 2 can be easily varied. Therefore an article can be positioned closer to or further away from the base 2, simply by adjusting the depth that the bracket section 32 is inserted into receiving slot 10.

The serrations on the inner surface of bracket section 32 and rear walll2 of receiving slot 10 also provide additionalgrip between the two surfaces, making them more secure at a desired position, rather than the two surfaces being smooth and simply sliding against each other.

Figures 4(a)-(d) correspond to figures 3(a)-(d) except that bracket section 31 is now inserted into the receiving slot 10, rather than bracket section 32.

The two alternative arrangements shown in figures 3(a)-(d) and 4(a)-(d) can be used to fix items such as a solar panel for example to a rooftop. In this ease, the fixing plate 1, can be fixed onto a roof tile (or as replacement for a roof tile, although fixing on top of the tile is necessary if the roof is made of natural slate or similar as this means the integrity of the roof is not comprised by removal of a tile) and the solar panel fixed (using standard fixing means) to the bracket section 31 or 32 whichever has not been inserted into receiving slot 10.

Accordingto which bracket section 31 or 32 is to be used the solar panel (or other fixture) can be positioned in alternative ways. Typically fixing mechanisms as herein described will be positioned on the roof top in positions corresponding to the corners of the solar panels for

example.

In a preferred embodimentthe fixing plate 1 replaces a standard 10 x 6 roof tile entirely. Both alternative fixing methods, namely; tile replacement, or fixing onto the top of a tile,when installed correctly, will ensure the weathering integrity of the roof surface is maintained and the channels 25 assist in this process.

Furthermore, the variability of the inner angle of the bracket means the fixing mechanism can be used on a roof surface where the pitch of the roof varies.

This is illustrated in figure 5, which shows a schematic cross-section of a solar panel 200 mounted on a rooftop 201. The rooftop 201 has an upper section 202 with a first pitch, and a lower section 203 with a second, shallower pitch. Fixing mechanism 100 is fixed to part of the upper roof section 202 and part of the lower section 203 with fixing means (typically screws) passing through fixing holes 3, into the tile on which the fixing mechanism is placed over. Alternatively, the fixing mechanism may be placed on the roof in place of a tile and fixing, with screw means through holes 3 to roof support members (not shown).

It is clear from figure 5 that the fixture mechanism 100 on the upper section 202 has an inner angle of 90°. By contrast, for the fixing mechanism on the lower section 203 the inner angle is greater than 90°, and is approx. 95°. This is due to the variability in inner angle as described earlier. Furthermore, in the embodimentas illustrated, the fixing mechanism 100 on the upper roof section 202 is arranged with the bracket 32 only partially inserted into receiving slot 10 (like in figure 3(b) described above),whereas the fixing mechanism on the lower section 203 has the bracket section 32 fully inserted into the receiving slot 10, like that shown in figure 3(a).

In all of the embodiments herein described the fixing mechanism is made of a sturdy weatherproof material, such as plastic for example, but it may be made of other suitable materials such as metal. Furthermore, as described, the base plate 2 is substantially the same shape and size and standard roof tiles, and provided with holes 3 to be fixed to the tile, or to a roof support if the fixing mechanism is positioned in the place of a tile. Of course, the base plate may be producedin a range of shapes and sizes.

The fixing mechanism 100 can also be constructed to look the same as any such commercially available tile, by being substantially the same size, shape and colour, as well as having any corresponding textural qualities to ensure a sympathetic match.

The primary function of the fixing mechanism 100 is to provide a suitable base onto which additionalequipment such as solar panels, satellite dishes etc., can be securely mounted onto a particular surface, -<e.g a rooftop) while at the same time allowing for full vertical and horizontal adjustment., Such horizontal and/or vertical adjustment may be necessary during initial installation of the additionalequipment, or a later stage once the equipment is being used.

Furthermore, although the description has been written with regard to fitting solar panels on a rooftop, the fixing mechanism can of course be used to most a wide variety of other articles on a rooftop, for example, scaffolding, or television satellite receivers for example.

Claims

Claims 1. A fixing mechanism for fixing an article to a surface comprising; a fixing plate and a reversible fixing bracket; said fixing plate has a substantially flat base and a receiving slot extending substantially vertically upwards from a top surface of said base; said reversible fixing bracket is comprised of two bracket sections pivotally fixed together at a first end of each section by fixing means such that the inner angle between the two bracket sections is variable, wherein,in use one of said bracket sections is received in said receiving slot and the other bracket section is secured to the article to be fixed to said surface.
2. A fixing mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said inner angle between said bracket sections is between 8O1OO0.
3. A fixing mechanism according to any preceding claim whereinsaid top surface of said base is smooth and br said underside of said base includes at least one longitudinally extending channel extending lengthways down said plate.
4. A fixing mechanism according to any preceding claim whereinsaid receiving slot has a rear wall with an internal serrated area for engaging with an inner surface of one of said bracket sections.
5. A fixing mechanism according to claim 4 wherein said inner surface of one of said bracket sections that engages with said internal serrated are also has a serrated area.
6. A fixing mechanism according to any of claims 4-5 wherein said receiving slot has a substantially C-shaped crossed section with said rear fall forming the longest side of said receiving slot.
7. A fixing mechanism according to according to any of claims 4-6 whereinsaid rear wall has a longitudinal slot extending down said serrated area.
8. A fixing mechanism according to any preceding claim wherein said bracket sections have fixing slots passing through them, one fixing slot being longitudinally positioned on said bracket section and the other being laterally positioned.
9. A fixing mechanism according to claim 8 wherein, in use, one of said bracket sections in inserted into said receiving slot, and said bracket is secured to said fixing plate by fixing means passing through said receiving slot and said fixing slot.
10. A fixing mechanism according to claim 9 wherein said bracket section inserted into said receiving slot can be secured in said receiving slot at a variable height from the base of said slot by said securing means.
11. A fixing mechanism according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said bracket section for receiving said article to be fixed has the lateral fixing slot, and one of more securing holes located along the long side of the lateral slot, said article is fixed to said bracket section by securing means passing through said lateral slot and/or said securing holes.
12. A fixing mechanism according to any of claims 9-11 wherein said securing means is a nut and bolt fastening.
13. A fixing mechanism according to any preceding claim whereinone of said bracket sections has one or more support lugs extending substantially vertically upwards from said bracket section, said lugs located to be adjacent to the inner cornerof the bracket, wherein movement of the other said bracket section is stopped when the other said bracket section abuts said lugs.
14. A fixing mechanism according to claim 13 whereinsaid one of said bracket sections has two tugs positioned at either side of said bracket section.
15. A fixing mechanism according to any preceding claim whereinsaid fixing plate and/or said bracket are made of weatherproof material.
16. A fixing mechanism according to claim 15 whereinsaid fixing plate and/or said bracket are made of plastic.
17. A fixing mechanism for fixing an article to a surface substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAiMS HAVE BEEN FiLED AS FOLLOWS Claims 1. A bracket for securing an article to a surface comprising; a fixing plate having a substantially flat first side by means of which the bracket is mounted on the surface and a second side on the opposite side of the plate to the first side having a receiving slot extending substantially vertically upwards from the second side away from the plate; and a reversible fixing bracket comprising first and second sections pivotally fixed to one another at a first end of each section by pivoting means such that an inner angle subtended by the two sections at the pivoting means ends is variable to a limited extent; the first section being adapted to be received, and demountably retained, in one of at least two positions in the receiving slot and the second section being adapted for securing to the article to be fixed by way of the bracket to the surface.2. A bracket according to claim 1 wherein the inner angle between the first and second sections lies between 80 and 100°.. : 3. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the second side of the fixing * plate is smooth and the first side of the fixing plate includes at least one * **. t0 * longitudinally extending channel extending lengthways along the plate. I. *q o * * * S4. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the receiving slot has an * internal wall with an internal serrated area for engaging with an inner surface of the *. first of the sections.5. A bracket according to claim 4 wherein at least one surface of the first of the sections has a serrated area that engages with the internal serrated area of the receiving slot.6. A bracket according to any of claims 4-5 wherein the receiving slot has a substantially C-shaped cross-section with said serrated area forming the longest side of the receiving slot.7. A bracket according to according to any of claims 4-6 wherein the rear wall has a longitudinal slot extending through the serrated area.8. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second sections have fixing slots through them, one fixing slot being longitudinally positioned on the section and the other being laterally positioned.9. A bracket according to claim 8 wherein, in use, the first section is adapted for insertion into the receiving slot, and said section is adapted for securing to the fixing plate by fixing means passing through the receiving slot and the fixing slot.10. A bracket according to claim 9 wherein said section for insertion into the receiving slot can be secured in the receiving slot at a variable height from a base of the slot by the securing means.S 11. A bracket according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the second section for receiving S...,.* said article to be fixed has the lateral fixing slot, and one of more securing holes * located along the long side of the lateral slot, the article being fixed to said the second section by securing means passing through the lateral slot and one or more of the securing holes. *5S12. A fixing mechanism according to any of claims 9-11 wherein the securing means is a nut and bolt fastening.13. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein one of the first or second sections has one or more support lugs extending substantially vertically upwards from the section, with lugs located to be adjacent to the inner corner of the section, whereby movement of the other section is prevented when the other section abuts said lugs.14. A bracket according to claim 13 wherein one of said sections has two lugs positioned at either side of section.15. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the fixing plate and/or the sections are made of weatherproof material.16. A bracket according to claim 15 wherein the fixing plate and/or the sections are of plastics material.17. A bracket for fixing an article to a surface substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures. te * qS * 0Vs0,. V. * S V. S. St pS 0* 0*S *05