GB2543051A

GB2543051A - Structural component

Info

Publication number: GB2543051A
Application number: GB1517553.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michel Murray
Original assignee: Clear Amber LLP
Current assignee: Clear Amber LLP
Priority date: 2015-10-05
Filing date: 2015-10-05
Publication date: 2017-04-12
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-05
Also published as: GB201517553D0; GB2543051B

Abstract

The structural component 200 includes a support member 202 and a stop member 204. The support member is configured to abut an item such as a sheet, panel beam or rafter. The stop member is configured to abut a said item and limit the motion of the item. The component may be a gutter piece for a roof panel assembly. The support portion may include a contact portions 206 which may be resiliently deformable. Alternatively the structural component may be a wall plate which includes a side wall that defines one side of a structural component. Alternatively the structural component may be an eaves beam member comprising a fitting section for fitting the structural component to a supporting structure upon which the structural component may be fitted. Also claimed is an assembly comprising the structural component with at least one beam or rafter having a face. Also claimed is a roof with a structural component, including a jack and gutter rafter and a sheet or panel is provided on a set of jack rafters. Also claimed is a method of making a structural component and a computer program to make a structural component.

Description

STRUCTURAL COMPONENT

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a component of a structure or building, such as a component of a roof and/or glazing system, a solid wall or multiwall system, a cladding system and/or a kit system for a building or building extension, addition or part and/or the like. Optionally but not essentially, the present invention may comprise a gutter piece, a wall mounted piece, a supported or eaves piece and/or a panel for a structure or building, such as a roof and/or glazing system, a solid wall or multiwall system, a cladding system and/or a kit system for a building or building extension, addition or part and/or the like.

BACKGROUND

Glazed or panel systems such as glazed or panel roof systems may be used in applications such as conservatories, summer rooms, car ports, gazeebos, lean-tos, or in buildings themselves. The glazed or panel systems are generally formed from structural pieces that support one or more panels. The structural pieces may vary in shape, form and function depending on the design of the glazed system.

The structural pieces are generally rigid and can be formed or a metallic material such as aluminium or aluminium alloy or form a rigid polymeric material. The panels can be glass panes, integrated glass units, polymeric panels, such as polycarbonate panels, and/or the like.

For example, the structural pieces may comprise valley gutter pieces, which are configured to lie along a valley rafter of a glazed or panel roof. A plurality of jack rafters slope down from apex or hip beams to each side of the valley rafter. Panels are supported on the jack rafters. Rain and the like that runs down the panels in use can then be collected in a gutter channel formed by the valley gutter piece. It will be appreciated that the panels may be oriented at different angles with respect to the gutter piece depending on the design of the roof. GB2370588 addresses this issue of potentially differing panel angles by providing a gutter valley piece assembly that comprises several parts assembled together, including separate first and second gutter members and separate clips for receiving ends of the panels. Each of the first and second gutter members comprises a separate gutter channel and rigidly hold a respective panel in respective separate clips. The separate first and second gutter members are reorientable relative to each other via a hinge that comprises an inner arm of the second gutter member extending inside an arch of the first gutter member and engaging the inside of the arch via a seal that is carried at the free end of the inner arm. In this way, the panels are held fixed relative the respective first and second gutter pieces by the clips, but the first and second gutter pieces and thereby the respective glazing panels can be reoriented relative to each other via the hinge.

Other examples of structural components include wall plates and eaves beam members. In this case, for example, the wall plate can be attached to a wall to support panels and/or rafters that slope downwardly from the wall plate towards another component such as the gutter piece or the eaves beam member. Similarly, the eaves beam member may be provided on an eaves beam toward an outer part of a roof structure to support panels and/or rafters that slope down towards the eaves beam. Again, depending on the design of the roof, the panels and/or rafters may be at differing angles relative to the relevant structural component(s), e.g. the wall plate, the eaves beam member, the gutter piece and/or the like. It will be appreciated that this requirement is not limited to these pieces but may also be applicable to other structural components of roofing and/or glazing systems.

It may be at least one object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one problem with the prior art. At least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention may seek to provide a structural component having reduced complexity and/or improved ease of installation. At least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention may seek to be less expensive to manufacture, more compact and/or may be less prone to leaks.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are defined by the independent claims appended herewith. Preferred but optional features are defined by the dependent claims appended herewith.

According to a first aspect of the invention is a structural component, such as a structural component of a structure, such as a roof, a glazing and/or panel assembly, such as a glazed and/or panel roof assembly, and/or the like.

The structural component may be or comprise a gutter piece.

The structural component may comprise one or more, e.g. two, support members, which may be configured to abut and/or at least partially support at least one sheet or panel. The structural component may comprise or define at least one gutter channel. The structural component may comprise or define a single gutter channel. The structural component may comprise one or more, e.g. two, stop members, which may be configured to abut the at least one sheet or panel and/or limit motion of the at least one sheet or panel in at least one direction.

The at least one gutter channel and at least part or all of the at least one support member and/or at least part or all of the at least one stop member may be integrally formed and/or comprise or be comprised in a unitary or integral body or member. The integral body or member may be rigid. The integral body or member may be metallic, e.g. formed from or comprising aluminium or an aluminium alloy. The structural component and/or the unitary or integral body may be a hingeless structural component, e.g. it may not comprise a hinge.

At least part of at least one or each of the support members may be curved. At least one or each of the support members may comprise a contact section, which may be for contacting part of the sheet or panel, such as an inner or lower face of the sheet or panel. At least part of the contact section, e.g. a contact face, may be curved.

The support member may be configured such that, in use, the panel or sheet contacts the contact face of the contact section. The contact section may comprise a resiliently deformable member. The contract section may comprise an elastomeric member.

The support member may comprise a support section. The support section may be rigid. The support section may be integrally or unitarily formed with the gutter and/or at least part of the at least one stop member and/or at least one other support section. The contact section may be provided or mounted on or toward an end of the support section, such as a distal or free end of the support section. The contact section may comprise a base section, which may extend from the gutter channel, e.g. from a peripheral edge of the gutter channel. The distal or free end of the support section may extend from the base section. The distal or free end may be angled with respect to the base section. The distal or free end may be curved, e.g. corresponding to the curvature of the contact section. The distal or free end of the contact section may be configured to receive and/or support the contact section.

The contact section may be pivotably mounted on the support section. The support section may define a recess or slot. The contact section may comprise a retained part that extends into and/or interlocks and/or is retained in the recess or slot in the support section. The retained part of the contact section may be retained in the recess or slot of the support section such that the contact section is pivotably mounted on the support section.

At least one or each support member may run at least partially or entirely along the length of the gutter channel.

The curved part of the contact section may have a plurality or range of tangential planes. The at least one support member may be configured to receive the at least one sheet or panel or beam or rafter such that it lies on one or any of the tangential planes of the at least one curved part of the contact section.

At least one or each of the support members may be located outwardly and/or laterally of the at least one or each stop member and/or the at least one gutter channel.

The at least one support member may extend generally perpendicularly or obliquely to a floor of the gutter channel, e.g. the at least one support member may be upstanding from the floor of the gutter channel. The at least one support member may define a wall of the gutter channel. Respective support members of a pair of the support members may define opposing walls of the gutter channel. The at least one support member may extend along most or all of the length of the structural component.

At least part or all of at least one stop member may be positioned in and/or above the gutter channel. The at least one stop member may extend perpendicularly or obliquely to the floor of the gutter channel. The at least one stop member may be configured to abut an end or side of the at least one panel or sheet, in use. The end or side face of the at least one panel or sheet abutted by the at least one stop member in use may be angled, e.g. perpendicular to, the inner or lower face of the at least one panel or sheet that is abutted or supported by the at least on support member, in use.

At least part of the at least one stop member may be curved. At least one or each stop member may comprise a contact part, which may be for contacting the sheet or panel, such as the end or side face of the sheet or panel. At least part of the contact part, e.g. a stop member contact face, may be curved. The stop member may be configured such that, in use, the panel or sheet contacts the stop member contact face. The contact part of the stop member may comprise a resiliently deformable member. The contact part may comprise an elastomeric member. The stop member may comprise a stop member support section. The contact part may be provided or mounted on or toward an end of the stop member support section, such as a distal or free end of the stop member support section. The stop member support section may be rigid. The stop member support section may be integrally or unitarily formed with the gutter channel and/or at least part (e.g. the support section) of the at least one support member and/or at least one other stop member support section. The contact part of the stop member may be pivotably mounted on the stop member support section. The stop member support section, e.g. the distal or free end of the stop member support section, may define a recess or slot. The contact part of the stop member may comprise a retained part that extends into and/or interlocks and/or is retained in the recess or slot in the stop member support section. The retained part of the contact part may be retained in the recess or slot of the stop member support section such that the contact part is pivotably mounted on the stop member support section.

At least one or each stop member may run at least partially or entirely along the length of the gutter channel and/or the structural component.

The curved part of the stop member contact section may have a plurality or range of tangential planes. The at least one stop member may be configured to receive the at least one sheet or panel, e.g. the end of the at least one sheet or panel, such that it lies on one or any of the tangential planes of the at least one curved part of the contact part of the stop member.

The contact part of the stop member may be angled, e.g. generally perpendicular, to the contact section of the support member. At least part or all of the at least one stop member may be spaced apart and/or separated from at least part or all of the at least one support member, e.g. by at least part of the gutter channel.

In this way, in use, the bottom surface of the sheet or panel may lie on the contact section of the support member so as to be supported by it, whilst the end of the sheet or panel may abut the contact part of the stop member which may locate the sheet or panel in position.

The gutter channel may be provided along a central longitudinal axis of the structural component.

Since the curved contact section is provided on the support member and preferably the contact part is provided on the stop member, the sheet or panel may be mounted onto the structural component at a plurality of angles, wherein the different angles may be accommodated by the curvature and/or the pivoting motion of the contact section of the support member and/or the contact part of the stop member.

Furthermore, since at least part (e.g. the support sections) of the opposing support members, at least part (e.g. the stop member support sections) of the opposing stop members and the gutter channel may be provided in a unitary or integral body, the structural component may be simpler, easier and/or cheaper to install and/or manufacture, may be less likely to leak and may be more compact. Furthermore, in use, a larger proportion of the structural component may be hidden behind the sheets or panels than with prior art devices, which may thereby give a much less intrusive gutter.

The structural component may be or comprise a wall plate. The structural component may comprise a side wall, which may define one side wall of the gutter channel. The side wall may extend longitudinally along at least part or preferably the whole length of the structural component. The side wall may be arranged such that it is located toward a wall, facade or other structure upon which the structural component is mounted or mountable. The stop member may extend from the side wall, optionally from a top or upper edge of the side wall, e.g. at an angle, such as an oblique angle, from the side wall. The stop member may extend over the gutter channel. The support section of the support member may define an opposite side wall of the gutter channel. The support section may extend along at least part or preferably the whole of the length of the structural component.

The support section of the support member may comprise a fixing portion, which may extend generally perpendicularly to the support section, and may be configured to receive a fixing member for fixing the sheet or panel to the fixing portion. The fixing portion may be curved. The fixing portion may comprise an elongate slot for receiving the fixing member. The fixing may comprise a bolt, for example.

The structural component may comprise at least one, e.g. two or more, positioning or spacer member. The at least one positioning or spacer member may extend from a face of the side wall that is opposite to the gutter channel and/or stop member. The at least one positioning or spacing members may be adapted to space the structural component from the wall or other structure upon which it is mounted or mountable. The positioning or spacer members may be L-shaped members and/or hooks. The hooks may provide easy gutter bracket levelling and support. The spacing from the wall or other structure may reduce thermal transfer between the structural component and the wall upon which it is mounted.

The contact section of the support member and/or the contact part of the stop member may be arranged to directly or indirectly contact, abut or support the sheet or panel, e.g. via an end cap of the sheet or panel.

The structural component, e.g. the side wall, may comprise one or more mounting arrangements, which may be for mounting the structural component to a wall or other supporting structure. The mounting arrangements may comprise bolt holes or the like.

The structural component may be or comprise an eaves beam member. The structural component, e.g. the body forming the gutter channel floor, may comprise a fitting section for fitting the structural component to a supporting structure upon which the structural component is fitted or is to be fitted. For example, the fitting section may comprise a recess for receiving part of a corresponding beam, eaves beam, rafter, post and/or the like.

The structural component may be operable as both a wall plate and an eaves beam member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention is an assembly comprising at least one structural component according to the first aspect and at least one sheet or panel and/or beam or rafter. The sheet or panel may be or comprise a planar sheet or panel. The sheet or panel and/or beam or rafter may comprise at least two opposing faces, such as an upper or outer face and a lower or inner face opposing the upper or outer face. The sheet or panel or beam or rafter may comprise one or more, e.g. four, sides. The sides may be angled, e.g. generally perpendicular to the upper or outer face and/or the inner or lower face. At least one of the sides may be an end. At least two of the sides may be lateral sides. The at least one support member of the structural component may abut or support the lower or inner face of the sheet or panel or beam or rafter. The at least one stop member may abut or limit the motion of at least one of the sides, e.g. the end, of the sheet or panel or beam or rafter. The at least one stop member may abut only the end of the sheet or panel or beam or rafter (e.g. the at least one stop member may not abut the upper or outer face or the inner or lower face). The at least one support member may abut only the lower or inner face of the sheet or panel or beam or rafter (e.g. the at least one support member may not abut any of the sides or the upper or outer face).

The assembly may comprise a cap, cover or blanking plate. The cap, cover or blanking plate may be provided on or comprised in at least part or all of the end of the sheet or panel or beam or rafter and/or at least part of the lower or inner face of the sheet or panel or beam or rafter. The cap, cover or blanking plate may comprise a seal or gasket, e.g. at an upper or uppermost end thereof. The beam or rafter may comprise a seal on the upper or outer face thereof. The seal or gasket of the cap, cover or blanking plate may be located at substantially the same level as, adjacent, proximate, co-planar with and/or abutting the seal or gasket of the beam or rafter. This may provide better weather, water and/or draught sealing. The sheet or panel, e.g. the inner or lower face of the sheet or panel, may be received or receivable on the seal or gasket of the beam or rafter and/or the seal or gasket of the cap, cover or blanking plate.

The provision of the stop member and the support member may allow the sheet or panel or the beam or rafter to be angled at any of a plurality of angles without moving parts and may provide extra thermal insulation, e.g. via the provision of the elastomeric contacting portions.

In an example, the structural component may be a gutter piece. The elastomeric contacting portions of the support members may be provided at substantially the same level as, adjacent, proximate, co-planar with and/or abutting a seal or gasket of the beam or rafter. This may provide better weather, water and/or draught sealing. The sheet or panel, e.g. the inner or lower face of the sheet or panel, may be received or receivable on the seal or gasket of the beam or rafter and/or the elastomeric contacting portions of the support members. The structural component may comprise a pair of stop members and a pair of support members. The stop members and the support members may extend the length of the structural component. One of the pair of stop members and/or support members may be provided at or toward one side of the gutter channel and/or centre line of the structural component and the other of the pair of stop members and/or support members may be provided at or toward the other side of the gutter channel and/or centre line of the structural component. At least one sheet or panel or beam or rafter may be mounted on one of the pair of stop members and/or support members, and may slope up from the structural component in one direction, and at least one other sheet or panel or beam or rafter may be mounted on the other of the pair of stop members and/or support members, and may slope up from the structural component in another direction, such as an opposite direction.

The curved part of the contact section of the support member and/or the contact section of the stop member may have a plurality or range of tangential planes. The at least one support member and/or stop member may be configured to receive the at least one sheet or panel or beam or rafter such that it lies on one or any of the tangential planes of the at least one curved part of the contact section of the support member and/or the contact part of the stop member.

The assembly may comprise a plurality of structural components, e.g. arranged end to end, which may form a continuous gutter channel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention is a roof, the roof comprising at least one structural component, at least one beam or rafter and at least one sheet or panel mounted on the structural component and/or the beam or rafter.

The at least one beam or rafter may comprise at least one gutter rafter and/or at least one jack rafter. The structural component may be at least partially recessed or embedded in the gutter rafter. First and second sets of differently sloping jack rafters may extend from opposite sides of the gutter rafter. At least one sheet or panel may be provided on the first set of jack rafters and/or the structural component and another sheet and/or panel may be provided on the second set of jack rafters and/or the structural component.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a method of manufacturing the structural component of the first aspect, comprising moulding, extruding and/or otherwise forming at least the unitary or integral body of the structural component, which may comprise the gutter channel and/or the support sections of the support member(s) and/or the stop members(s).

Accoridng to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a method of installing or assembly the structural component of the first aspect and/or constructing a roof comprising the structural component.

According to sixth aspect of the present invention is a computer program product or instructions for a manufacturing device such as a 3D printer, a moulding machine, a cnc machine, and/or the like to perform the method of the fifth aspect and/or to produce at least the unitary or integral body of the structural component of the first aspect.

It will be appreciated that features analogous to those described in relation to any of the above aspects may be individually and separably or in combination applicable to any of the other aspects.

Apparatus features analogous to, or configured to implement, those described above in relation to a method and method features analogous to the use and fabrication of those described above in relation to an apparatus are also intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:

Figure 1 a cross section a gutter valley according to the present invention;

Figure 2 a cross section of an alternative gutter valley according to the present invention, in use;

Figure 3 a perspective view of the gutter valley of Figure 2 in a first configuration;

Figure 4 a perspective view of the gutter valley of Figure 2 in a second configuration;

Figure 5 a cross section of an eaves beam assembly according to the present invention; and

Figure 6 a cross section of a wall panel assembly according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a structural component of a panel or glazed roof system. In the example, the structural component is a valley gutter. However, it will be appreciated that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to other structural components, particularly those that support at least one panel or sheet.

Figure 1 shows a cross section of a valley gutter 100 that comprises opposing curved support members 102a, 102b and opposing stop members 104a, 104b. The opposing curved support members 102a, 102b are configured to receive a deformable component (see Figures 2 to 4). The opposing curved support members 102a, 102b are configured to receive a sheet or panel (see Figures 2 to 4). The sheet or panel is supported by the curved support member 102a, 102b if the sheet or panel lies on any of the tangential planes of the curved support member 102a, 102b. The sheet or panel will rest against the curved support member 102a, 102b and the stop member 104a, 104b.

In this embodiment, opposing sheets or panels are received by the opposing curved support member 102a, 102b and the opposing stop members 104a, 104b. The curved support member 102a and stop member 104a are configured to receive a first sheet or panel which lies on any tangential plane to the curved support panel 102a. The curved support member 102b and stop member 104b are configured to receive a second sheet or panel which lies on any tangential plane to the curved support panel 102b.

The valley gutter 100 defines a single gutter channel 105 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the valley gutter 100, with opposing sides of the gutter channel 105 being respectively defined by the opposing support members 102, 102b.

The valley gutter 100, i.e. the gutter channel 105, the support members 102a, 102b and the stop members 104a, 104b are comprised in a unitary or integral unit. The gutter channel 105, the support members 102a, 102b and the stop members 104a, 104b are all made from a single piece of material, for example metal, preferably aluminium, which may be extruded (or alternatively may be formed from a rigid polymeric material).

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a valley gutter 200 that is similar to that of Figure 1 and comprises opposing curved support members 202a, 202b and opposing stop members 204a, 204b. The support members 202a, 202b define opposite sides of an integral gutter channel 205 that extends in a longitudinal direction of the valley gutter 200. The opposing curved support members 202a, 202b are provided with a deformable component 206a, 206b. The opposing stop members 204 are provided with deformable components 208a, 208b. The opposing curved support members 202a, 202b are configured to receive and support opposing sheets or panels 210a, 210b. When the sheet or panel 210a, 210b is received by the curved support member 202a, 202b, the sheet or panel 210a, 210b lies on a tangential plane of the curved support member 202a, 202b. The receivable sheet or panel 210a, 210b makes contact with the deformable component 206a, 206b of the curved support member 202a, 202b and with the deformable component 208a, 208b of the stop member 204a, 204b. The stop member 204a, 204b is curved such that sheets or panels 210a, 210b can be received by the stop member 204a, 204b and/or the deformable component 208a, 208b of the stop member 204a, 204b in a range of angles, such that the stop member 204a, 204b and/or the deformable component 208a, 208b of the stop member 204a, 204b can receive a sheet or panel 210a, 210b which can also be received and supported by the curved support member 202a, 202b.

Separate sheets or panels 210a, 210b are separately receivable by the separate curved support members 202a, 202b and stop members 204a, 204b. The sheet or panel 210a, 210b can be transparent, for example glass, preferably an integrated glass unit, or may be polymeric, e.g. polycarbonate. The sheet or panel 210a is received by the deformable component 206a of the curved support member 202a and by the deformable component 208a of the stop member 204a. The sheet or panel 210b is received by the deformable component 206b of the curved support member 202b and by the deformable component 208b of the stop member 204b. The sheet or panel 210a and the sheet or panel 210b can be received at different angles.

The valley gutter 200, e.g. the gutter channel 205, the support members 202a, 202b and the stop members 204a, 204b form a unitary or integral unit. The gutter channel 205, the support members 202a, 202b and the stop members 204a, 204b are all made from a single piece of material, for example metal, preferably aluminium, which can be extruded aluminium.

In use, the valley gutter 200 provides an all-round weather and/or draught seal. The deformable component 206 of the curved support member 202 and the deformable component 208 of the stop member 204 form a seal between the valley gutter 200 and the sheet or panel 210. The deformable component 206 of the curved support member 202 and the deformable component 208 of the stop member 204 are made from an impermeable material, for example rubber. Water, liquid, solutions, or precipitation which runs down the sheet or panel 210 will enter the gutter channel 205. In this embodiment, water, liquid, solution, or precipitation that falls between the opposing sheets or panels 210 will fall directly into the valley gutter. The seal formed by the deformable component 208 between the curved support member 204 and the sheet or panel 210 prevents water, liquid, solution, or precipitation leaking from the valley gutter 200.

The valley gutter is partially or wholly supported by a rafter, for example a hip rafter, preferably a recessed hip rafter 212. The sheets or panels 210a, 210b are partially or wholly supported by rafters, for example jack rafters 214. An all-round weather and draught seal is formed between the jack rafter 214 and the sheet or panel 210 by the rafter gasket 216.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment comprising a valley gutter 300 substantially identical to that of Figure 2, the valley gutter 300 comprising at least one curved support member 302a, 302b and at least one stop member 304a, 304b. The curved support members 302a, 302b are each provided with a deformable component 306a, 306b. The stop members 304a, 304b are provided with deformable components 308a, 308b. The opposing curved support members 302a, 302b are configured to receive opposing sheets or panels 310. When the sheet or panel 310 is received by the curved support member 302, the sheet or panel 310 lies on a tangential plane of the curved support member 302. The sheet or panel 310 makes contact with the deformable component 306 of the curved support member 302 and with the deformable component 308 of the stop member 304. The stop member 304 is curved such that sheets or panels 310 can be received by the stop member 304 and/or the deformable component 308 of the stop member 304 in a range of angles, such that the stop member 304 and/or the deformable component 308 of the stop member 304 can receive a sheet or panel 310 received by the curved support member 302 at a range of angles.

Separate sheets or panels 310 are separately receivable by the separate curved support members 302 and stop members 304. Sheep or panel 310 can be transparent, for example polycarbonate or glass, preferably an integrated glass unit. The sheets or panels 310a is received by the deformable component 306a of the curved support member 302a and by the deformable component 308a of the stop member 304a. The sheets or panels 310b is received by the deformable component 306b of the curved support member 302b and by the deformable component 308b of the stop member 304b. The sheets or panels 310a and glass unit 310b can be received at different angles.

The valley gutter 300, including a gutter channel 305, the support members 302a, 302b and the stop members 304a, 304b are comprised in a unitary or integral unit. The gutter channel 305, the support members 302 and the stop members 304 are all made from a single piece of material, for example metal, preferably aluminium, such as extruded aluminium.

In use, the valley gutter 300 provides an all-round weather and/or draught seal. The deformable component 306 of the curved support member 302 and the deformable component 308 of the stop member 304 form a seal between the valley gutter and the sheet or panel 310. The deformable component 306 of the curved support member 302 and the deformable component 308 of the stop member 304 are made from an impermeable material, for example rubber. Water, liquid, solution, or precipitation which runs down the sheet or panel 310 will enter the valley gutter. In this embodiment, water, liquid, solution, or precipitation which falls between the opposing sheets or panels 310 will fall directly into the valley gutter. The seal formed by the deformable component 308 between the curved support member 304 and the sheet or panel 310 prevents water, liquid, solutions, or precipitation leaking from the valley gutter 300.

The valley gutter is partially or wholly supported by a rafter, for example a hip rafter, preferably a recessed hip rafter 312. The sheet or panel is partially or wholly supported by a rafter, for example a jack rafter 314. An all-round weather and draught seal is formed between the jack rafter 314 and the sheet or panel 310 by the rafter gasket 316.

Figure 4 shows a valley gutter 400 substantially identical to that of Figure 2 where opposing sheets or panels 410a, 410b are at different angles to the valley gutter 400. The individual sheets or panels 410a, 410b have different pitches. The sheets or panels 410a and the sheets or panels 410b are not symmetrical about the vertical axis. A curved support member 402a can be configured to receive the sheet or panel 410a and a curved support member 402b can be configured to receive sheet or panel 410b individually and separately. In this embodiment the sheet or panel 410a is received by the deformable component 406a of the curved support member 402a and by the deformable component 408a of the stop member 404a. The sheet or panel 410b is received by the deformable component 406b of the curved support member 402b and by the deformable component 408b of the stop member 404b. The sheet or panel 410a and sheet or panel 410b can be received at different angles or pitches.

The valley gutter is configured to receive a sheet or panel 410 in a range of angles or pitches. Each curved support member 402 is able to individually and separately receive a sheet or panel 410. The deformable component 406 of the curved support member 402 forms a seal between the curved support member 402 and the sheet or panel 410. There is an individual and separate seal between each sheet or panel 410 and the corresponding curved support member 402. The installation of the valley gutter on the hip rafter 412 does not have to be altered to receive a sheet or panel 410 at a different pitch or on a different tangential plane to the curved support panel 402. The configuration of the valley gutter does not have to be altered or reconfigured or physically adjusted to receive a plurality of sheets or panels 410 at a plurality of pitches or at a plurality of angles to the valley gutter. Each stop member 404 can receive a sheet or panel 410 at a different pitch or on a different tangential plane to the curved support panel 402. A seal is formed between the sheet or panel 410 and the jack rafter 414 by the rafter gasket 416. There is an individual and separate seal between each sheet or panel 410 and the jack rafter 414 on which the sheet or panel 410 is partially or wholly supported. Rafter gasket 416a forms a seal between the sheet or panel 410a and the jack rafter 416a. The seal is an all-round weather and draught seal. Rafter gasket 416b forms a seal between the sheet or panel 410b and the jack rafter 416b. The seal is an all-round weather and draught seal.

Although Figures 1 to 4 show an application of the present invention to a gutter valley, the present invention is in no way limited to this and can be applied to other structural components that support a rafter, beam, sheet, panel and/or the like.

Figure 5 shows a cross section through a support beam, comprising a curved support member 602 and a curved stop member 604. The curved stop member 604 is arranged to lie on an inside wall of the channel 630 and to extend obliquely over the channel 630. The support member 602 is provided on an edge of the channel 630. In this embodiment the curved support member 602 is provided with a deformable component 606 and the curved stop member 604 is provided with a deformable component 608. The curved support member 602 and the stop member 604 are configured to receive a sheet, panel or rafter 610. Typically, the sheet or panel is mounted on the rafters 610. The curved support member 602 and stop member 604 are configured to receive and support the sheet, panel and/or rafter 610 in a range of pitches or angles to the curved support member 602 and the stop member 604. The stop member 604 is configured to engage an end of the sheet, panel and/or rafter 610 so as to locate it in a desired position, whilst the support member 602 supports the sheet, panel and/or rafter 610 from below. In this embodiment, the support beam is an eaves beam, receiving sheets, panels or rafters 610 at the bottom edge of the sheets, panels or rafters 610. A seal is formed by the deformable component 606 between the curved support member 602, the stop member 604 and the sheet, panel or rafter 610. The sheet, panel or rafter 610 is received by the curved support member 602, the stop member 604 and partially houses within the channel 630 of the support beam.

The sheet, panel or rafter 610 is capped by a blanking plate 632. The blanking plate 632 provides full cover on the end of the sheet, panel or rafter 610. The blanking plate 632 makes contact with the deformable component 606 of the curved support members 602 and the deformable component 608 of the curved stop members 604 such that a seal is formed between the curved support members 602, the curved stop members 604 and the blanking plate 632. The seal is an all-round weather and drought seal. This seal provides a thermal break. The blanking plate 632 is configured to receive a gasket 634. This gasket 634 is at the same level as the rafter gasket 616. This provides a seal, which is an all-round weather and draught seal. The deformable component 606, 608 of the curved support member 602 and/or stop member 604 can be a gasket. The deformable component 606, 608 can be made from rubber.

The curved support members 602 and stop members 604 are configured to receive a sheet, panel or rafter 610 or a blanking plate 632 in a range of angles or pitches. The curved support members 602 and stop members 604 can receive a sheet, panel or rafter 610 or a blanking plate 632 which lies on a tangential plane to the curved support member 602 and/or the stop members 604. The same sheet, panel or rafter 610 or a blanking plate 632 can be received by multiple curved support members 602 or by only one curved support member 602.

The eaves beam comprises a curved securing point 636. The sheet, panel or rafter 610 or blanking plate 632 can be secured in place to the securing point 636 using a connector 638. The connector 638 can be a bolt, screw, nail or similar. Any sheet, panel or rafter 610 or blanking plate 632 which can be received by the curved support members 602 can be secured to the securing point 636, e.g. to a slot in the securing point 636 by the connector 638, irrespective of the pitch or angle of the sheet, panel or rafter 610 or blanking plate 632 relative to the securing point 636.

The eaves beam comprises auxiliary members 640. The auxiliary members 640 can be on the outside of the channel 630. The auxiliary member 640 can be used to align and/or support a gutter or other item. The eaves beam comprises guide members 642. The guide members 642 can be on the outside of the channel 630. The guide members 642 are configured to receive a leg, support, or post which supports the eaves beam.

The eaves beam, the curved support members 602, the stop members 604, the securing point 636, the auxiliary members 640 and the guide members 642 are a unitary or integral unit. The eaves beam, the curved support members 602, the stop members 604, the securing point 636, the auxiliary members 640 and the guide members 642 can be formed of a single piece of material. The eaves beam, the curved support members 602, securing point 636, the auxiliary members 640 and the guide members 642 can be formed of a single piece of metal, preferably aluminium. The eaves beam, the curved support members 602, securing point 636, the auxiliary members 640 and the guide members 642 can be formed of a single piece of extruded material, for example extruded metal, preferably extruded aluminium, but may alternatively be plastic.

Figure 6 shows a support beam, comprising at least one curved support member 702 and at least one stop member 704. The curved stop members 704 are arranged to extend from an inside wall of the channel 730 so as to extend over the channel 730. The support members 704 are provided on an edge of the channel 730. In this embodiment the curved support members 702 and stop members 704 are configured to receive a deformable component 706, 708. The curved support members 702 and the stop members 704 are configured to receive a sheet, panel or rafter 710. The stop members 704 engage an end of the sheet, panel or rafter 710 so as to locate it in a desired position whilst the support members 702 support the sheet, panel or rafter 710 from below. In this embodiment, the support beam is a wall plate, receiving sheets, panels or rafters 710 at the top edge of the sheets, panels or rafters 710. A seal is formed by the deformable components 706, 708 between the curved support members 702, the cured stop members 704 and the sheet, panel or rafter 710. The sheet, panel or rafter 710 is received by the curved support members 702 and the stop members 704 and partially houses within the channel 730 of the support beam.

The sheet, panel or rafter 710 is capped by a blanking plate 732. The blanking plate 732 provides full cover on the end of the sheet, panel or rafter 710. The blanking plate 732 makes contact with the deformable component 706 of the curved support members 702 and the deformable component 708 of the stop members 704 such that a seal is formed between the curved support members 702, the stop members 704 and the blanking plate 732. The seal is an all-round weather and draught seal. This seal provides a thermal break. The blanking plate 732 is configured to receive a gasket 734. This gasket 734 is at the same level as the rafter gasket 716. This provides a seal, which is an all-round weather and draught seal. The deformable component 706, 708 of the curved support member 702 and stop member 704 can be a gasket. The deformable component 706, 708 can be made from rubber.

The curved support members 702 and stop members 704 are configured to receive a sheet, panel or rafter 710 or a blanking plate 732 in a range of angles or pitches. The curved support members 702 and curved stop members 704 can receive a sheet, panel or rafter 710 or a blanking plate 732 which lies on a tangential plane to the curved support member 702 and stop member 704. The same sheet, panel or rafter 710 or a blanking plate 732 can be received by multiple curved support members 702 or by only one curved support member 702.

The wall plate comprises a securing point 736. The sheet, panel or rafter 710 or blanking plate 732 can be secured in place to the securing point 736 using a connector 738, e.g. through a slot. The connector 738 can be a bolt, screw, nail or similar. Any sheet, panel or rafter 710 or blanking plate 732 which can be received by the curved support members 702 can be secured to the securing point 736 by a connector 738, irrespective of the pitch or angle of the sheet, panel or rafter 710 or blanking plate 732 relative to the securing point 736.

The wall plate comprises auxiliary members 740. The auxiliary members 740 can be on the outside wall of the channel 730. The auxiliary member 740 can be used as a spacer and/or pressure plate to hold the wall plate away from the wall 744. The auxiliary member 740 acts as a thermal break, reducing thermal heat transmission. The wall plate is mounted to the wall 744 by a connector 748 at a mounting point 746. There are at least one mounting points 746 and connectors 748. The connector 748 can be a bolt, screw, nail or similar. The eaves beam comprises guide members 742. The guide members 742 can be on the outside wall of the channel 730. The guide members 742 are configured to receive a leg, support, or post which supports the eaves beam.

The wall plate, the curved support members 702, securing point 736, mounting point 746, the auxiliary members 740 and the guide members 742 are a unitary or integral unit. The eaves beam, the curved support members 702, securing point 736, mounting point 746, the auxiliary members 740 and the guide members 742 can be formed of a single piece of material. The eaves beam, the curved support members 702, securing point 736, mounting point 746, the auxiliary members 740 and the guide members 742 can be formed of a single piece, which can be of metal, preferably aluminium. 100 valley gutter 102 curved support member 104 stop member 105 gutter channel 200 valley gutter 202 curved support member 204 stop member 205 gutter channel 206 deformable component of the curved support member 202 208 deformable component of the stop member 204 210 sheet or panel 212 hip rafter 214 jack rafter 216 rafter gasket 300 valley gutter 302 curved support member 304 stop member 305 gutter channel 306 deformable component of the curved support member 302 308 deformable component of the stop member 204 310 sheet or panel 312 hip rafter 314 jack rafter 316 rafter gasket 400 valley gutter 402 curved support member 404 stop member 405 gutter channel 406 deformable component of the curved support member 402 408 deformable component of the stop member 204 410 sheet or panel 412 hip rafter 414 jack rafter 416 rafter gasket 602 curved support member 606 deformable component of the curved support member 602 610 sheet, panel or rafter 616 rafter gasket 630 channel 632 blanking plate 634 gasket 636 securing point 638 connector 640 auxiliary member 642 guide member 702 curved support member 706 deformable component of the curved support member 702 710 sheet, panel or rafter 716 rafter gasket 730 channel 732 blanking plate 734 gasket 736 securing point 738 connector 740 auxiliary member 742 guide member 744 wall 746 mounting point 748 connector

Claims

1. A structural component of a roof, glazing or panel assembly, the structural component comprising: one or more support members configured to abut and/or at least partially support at least one sheet, panel, beam or rafter; one or more stop members configured to abut the at least one sheet, panel, beam or rafter and/or limit motion of the at least one sheet, panel, beam or rafter in at least one direction.

2. The structural component of claim 1, wherein the structural component is a gutter piece for a roof panel assembly and comprises at least one gutter channel.

3. The structural component of claim 2, wherein the at least one gutter channel, at least part or all of the at least one support member and at least part or all of the at least one stop member are integrally formed into a unitary or integral body.

4. The structural component according to claim 3, wherein the structural component and/or the unitary or integral body is hingeless.

5. The structural component according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the structural component has a single gutter channel and two or more stop members and two or more support members.

6. The structural component according to any preceding claim, wherein the support members comprise a contact section for contacting part of the sheet, panel, beam or rafter and at least part of the contact section is curved.

7. The structural component according to claim 6, wherein the contact section comprises a resiliently deformable member.

8. The structural component according to claim 7, wherein the support member comprise a rigid support section that is integrally or unitarily formed with at least the gutter and at least part of the at least one stop member.

9. The structural component according to claim 8, wherein the support section extends from the gutter channel or a body of the structural component to a distal or free end, the distal or free end being angled with respect to the base section.

10. The structural component according to claim 9, wherein the distal or free end is curved.

11. The structural component according to any of claims 9 or 10, wherein the contact section is provided on or toward the distal or free end of the support section.

12. The structural component according to claim 11, wherein the contact section is pivotably mounted on the support section.

13. The structural component according to claim 12, wherein the support section defines a recess or slot and the contact section comprises a retained part that extends into, and is retained in, the recess or slot in the support section.

14. The structural component according to any of claims 6 to 13, wherein the curved part of the contact section has a plurality of tangential planes such that the at least one support member is configured to contact the at least one sheet, panel, beam or rafter such that the sheet, panel, beam or rafter lies on one or any of the tangential planes of the at least one curved part of the contact section.

15. The structural component of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein at least one or each of the support members are located outwardly or laterally of the at least one or each stop member and the at least one gutter channel.

16. The structural component of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the at least one support member extends generally perpendicularly or obliquely to a floor of the gutter channel.

17. The structural component of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the at least one support member defines a wall of the gutter channel.

18. The structural component of claim 17, wherein respective support members of a pair of the support members define opposing walls of the gutter channel.

19. The structural component of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one support member extends along most or all of the length of the structural component.

20. The structural component of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein at least part or all of at least one stop member is positioned in or above the gutter channel.

21. The structural component of claim 20, wherein the at least one stop member extends perpendicularly or obliquely to the floor of the gutter channel.

22. The structural component of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one stop member is configured to abut an end or side of the at least one panel or sheet, in use.

23. The structural component of claim 22, wherein at least one stop member and the at least one support member are arranged to receive the sheet, panel, beam or rafter such that the end or side face of the sheet, panel, beam or rafter abutted by the at least one stop member in use is angled or perpendicular to an inner or lower face of the at least one panel or sheet that is abutted or supported by the at least on support member, in use.

24. The structural component of any preceding claim, wherein at least one or each stop member comprises a contact part for contacting the sheet, panel, beam or rafter, and at least part of the contact part is curved.

25. The structural component of preceding claim 24, wherein the contact part of the stop member comprises a resiliently deformable member.

26. The structural component of claim 25, wherein the stop member comprises a rigid stop member support section and the contact part is provided on or toward a distal or free end of the stop member support section.

27. The structural component of claim 26, wherein the stop member support section is integrally or unitarily formed with at least the gutter channel or body of the structural component and the support section of the at least one support member and optionally also at least one other stop member support section.

28. The structural component according to any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the contact part of the stop member is pivotably mounted on the stop member support section.

29. The structural component of claim 28, wherein the distal or free end of the stop member support section defines a recess or slot and the contact part of the stop member comprises a retained part that is retained in the recess or slot in the stop member support section.

30. The structural component of any of claims 24 to 29, wherein the curved part of the stop member contact section has a plurality of tangential planes and the at least one stop member is configured to contact the at least one sheet, panel, beam or rafter such that the sheet, panel, beam or rafter lies on one or any of the tangential planes of the at least one curved part of the contact part of the stop member.

31. The structural component of any of claims 24 to 30, wherein the contact part of the stop member is angled or perpendicular to the contact section of the support member.

32. The structural component of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein at least one or each stop member runs most of the way or entirely along the length of the gutter channel and/or the structural component.

33. The structural component of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein at least part or all of the at least one stop member is spaced apart from at least part or all of the at least one support member by at least part of the gutter channel.

34. The structural component of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the gutter channel is provided along a central longitudinal axis of the structural component.

35. The structural component of any claims 1 or 3 to 34 when not dependent on claim 2, wherein the structural component is a wall plate.

36. The structural component of claim 35, comprising a side wall that defines one side of the structural component.

37. The structural component of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the side wall extends longitudinally along most, or preferably the whole, of the length of the structural component.

38. The structural component of any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the side wall is arranged such that it is located toward a wall, facade or other structure upon which the structural component is mounted or mountable.

39. The structural component of any of claims 35 to 38, wherein the stop member extends from the side wall at an oblique angle.

40. The structural component of any of claims 35 to 39, wherein the stop member extends from a top or upper edge of the side wall.

41. The structural component of claim 36 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the support section of the support member defines an opposite side of the structural component to that defined by the side wall of the structural component.

42. The structural component of any of claims 35 to 41, wherein the support section of the support member comprises a fixing portion configured to receive a fixing member for fixing the sheet, panel, beam or rafter to the fixing portion.

43. The structural component of claim 42, wherein the fixing portion is curved.

44. The structural component of claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the fixing portion comprises an elongate slot for receiving the fixing member.

45. The structural component of any of claims 35 to 44, wherein the structural component comprises at least one positioning or spacer member that extends from a face of the side wall that is opposite to the stop member.

46. The structural component according to any of claims 1 or 3 to 34 when not dependent on claim 2, wherein the structural component is an eaves beam member, comprising a fitting section for fitting the structural component to a supporting structure upon which the structural component is fitted or is to be fitted.

47. The structural component of claim 46, wherein the fitting section comprises a recess for receiving part of a corresponding beam, eaves beam, rafter or post.

48. An assembly comprising at least one structural component according to any of claims 1 to 47 and at least one beam or rafter having a lower or inner face and an end face, wherein the at least one support member of the structural component supports the lower or inner face of the beam or rafter and the at least one stop member supports or limits the motion of the end of the beam or rafter.

49. The assembly of claim 48, wherein the at least one stop member supports only the end of the beam or rafter and does not support an upper or outer face or the inner or lower face of the beam or rafter; and the at least one support member supports only the lower or inner face of the beam or rafter and does not support any of the sides or the upper or outer face of the beam or rafter.

50. The assembly of claim 48 or 49 further comprising comprise a cap, cover or blanking plate provided on or comprised in at least part or all of the end of the beam or rafter and/or at least part of the lower or inner face of the beam or rafter and wherein the at least one support member supports the portion of the cap, cover or blanking plate that is provided on or comprised in at least part of the lower or inner face of the beam or rafter and/or the stop member supports the portion of the cap, cover or blanking plate that is provided on or comprised in at least part of the end of the beam or rafter.

51. The assembly of claim 50, wherein the cap, cover or blanking plate comprises a seal or gasket at an upper or uppermost end thereof.

52. The assembly of claim 51, comprising at least one beam or rafter, wherein the beam or rafter has a seal on the upper or outer face thereof and the seal or gasket of the cap, cover or blanking plate is located at substantially the same level as, adjacent or abutting the seal or gasket of the beam or rafter.

53. The assembly of any of claims 48 to 52, when dependent on claim 7, wherein the resiliently deformable portions of the support members are provided at substantially the same level as, adjacent or abutting a seal or gasket of the beam or rafter.

54. A roof comprising at least one structural component, at least one beam or rafter and at least one sheet or panel mounted on the structural component and/or the beam or rafter, wherein: the at least one beam or rafter comprises at least one gutter rafter and at least one jack rafter; at least part of the structural component is provided on the gutter rafter; first and second sets of differently sloping jack rafters extend from opposite sides of the gutter rafter; at least one sheet or panel is provided on the first set of jack rafters and the structural component and another sheet or panel is provided on the second set of jack rafters and the structural component.

55. The roof of claim 54, wherein the structural component is at least partially recessed or embedded in the gutter rafter.

56. The roof of claim 54 or claim 55, wherein the structural component is a structural component according to claim 5 or any claim depending thereon, and at least one first support member of the structural component abuts the lower or inner face of the sheet or panel; at least one second support member of the structural component abuts the lower or inner face of the other sheet or panel; at least one first stop member limits the motion of the end of the sheet or panel; and at least one second stop member limits the motion of the end of the other sheet or panel.

57. A method of manufacturing the structural component of claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, the method comprising moulding, extruding and/or otherwise forming at least the unitary or integral body of the structural component that comprise the gutter channel, the support section(s) and the stop members(s).

58. A computer program product or instructions for a manufacturing device, the computer program or instructions being configured such that, when loaded onto the manufacturing device, the computer program product or instructions cause the manufacturing device to produce at least the unitary or integral body of the structural component of claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon.