GB2700178A - Skylight assembly and kit and method for assembling such skylight assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A skylight assembly comprising a closed frame made from coextruded profiles comprising two materials with different coefficients of elasticity. The frame is rabetted and a light permeable element is placed on the frame on the rebate with a first structural bond 8 interposed. A flexible flap 10 extends from the surface adjacent the rabetted surface and extends towards the edge of the light permeable element or pane partially bridging the gap formed between the pane and the frame. A second structural bond 9 is applied over the flap to fully bridge the gap. (figure 1)

Description

SKYLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND KIT AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING SUCH SKYLIGHT ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings. In particular, the present invention relates to skylight assemblies.

BACKGROUND

EP3779090 discloses a skylight window for being installed in a roof of a building. The skylight window comprising a window frame having four frame side members, a window sash having four sash side members, a weather shield, and an IGU (Insulating Glass Unit), a first sash side member having a total sash height, and said first frame side member having a total frame height, in the height direction, said first frame side member comprising an interior part, the interior part in the closed position of the skylight window extending below the exposed interior major surface of the IGU and being located within the periphery of the interior pane, said interior part of the first frame side member having a total height in the height direction, and said first sash side member comprising a supporting leg extending beneath and supporting the exposed interior major surface of the IGU, the supporting leg having a total height in the height direction.

US2005000173 discloses a skylight with sealing gasket and a gasket are provided.

The skylight includes a frame with an inner side surface that faces an outer surface of a curb when installed, defining a first gap therebetween. A bottom surface of the frame faces an upper top surface of the curb when installed, defining a second gap therebetween. At least one light transmitting section is disposed within the frame. The gasket includes a main body portion disposable to contact the upper top surface of the curb and the bottom surface of the light transmitting section. The gasket also includes a first arm extending from the main body portion. The first arm is contactable with the inner side surface of the frame in order to seal the first gap.

Both the skylights disclosed in EP '090 and US '173 present a construction that rigidly constrains all elements together. Such rigid construction present a number of problems due to the substantially different thermal expansion characteristics of the different materials used in such construction. In such constructions, the risk of joint separation and seal damage is a likely possibility which have the potential to also damage adjacent structures, for example, due to water infiltration damage.

The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to a skylight assembly according to claim 1. The skylight assembly comprises a closed frame which is made of coextruded profiles comprising materials having different coefficients of elasticity. This results in a frame structure which is substantially rigid while elements requiring a higher degree of flexibility are made of material having a higher degree of elasticity, allowing for ideal mechanical properties of each element of the frame. A light permeable element is placed on the frame and bonded in place by means of a first and a second structural bonding elements. A flexible flap is provided on the frame between a surface adjacent to rabbeted top surface of the frame which supports the light permeable element, said flap extending towards the lateral surface of said light permeable element. In this way, the gap between the surface adjacent to rabbeted top surface and the lateral sides of the light permeable element is at least partially bridged, while the flap advantageously provides a surface upon which to apply the second structural bonding element. In this way, thermally induced dimensional variations are compensated for by the flap instead of stressing other elements, the second structural bonding element in particular, thereby guaranteeing the integrity of the seal between the frame and the light permeable element.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method/use according to claim 12. The kit as described herein provides an advantageous effect of providing all the necessary elements required to assemble the skylight in a state in which substantially facilitates the assembly of the skylight.

In a third aspect the present invention relates to a method for assembling the skylight assembly according to claim 13.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Figure 1 shows a section view of the skylight assembly.

Figure 2 shows a section view of the skylight assembly comprising a snap-on clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a skylight assembly. The skylight assembly comprises a closed frame which is made of coextruded profiles comprising materials having different coefficients of elasticity. This results in a frame structure which is substantially rigid while elements requiring a higher degree of flexibility are made of material having a higher degree of elasticity, allowing for ideal mechanical properties of each element of the frame. A light permeable element is placed on the frame and bonded in place by means of a first and a second structural bonding elements. A flexible flap is provided on the frame between a surface adjacent to rabbeted top surface of the frame which supports the light permeable element, said flap extending towards the lateral surface of said light permeable element. In this way, the gap between the surface adjacent to rabbeted top surface and the lateral sides of the light permeable element is at least partially bridged, while the flap advantageously provides a surface upon which to apply the second structural bonding element. In this way, thermally induced dimensional variations are compensated for by the flap instead of stressing other elements, the second structural bonding element in particular, thereby guaranteeing the integrity of the seal between the frame and the light permeable element.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised or as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any ?4, or etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a skylight assembly comprising a closed frame formed by extruded frame profiles. Each frame profile comprises a plurality of hollow chambers and a rebated top surface. At least one face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface is directed towards a center of the closed frame.

A light permeable element that is placed in the closed frame, has a substantially flat bottom area adjacent to its perimeter, wherein the substantially flat bottom is at least partially overlapping the rebated top surface of the frame profiles. The light permeable element is preferably made of glass, acrylic, polycarbonate or smart glass. This advantageously provides the user with an ample choice of materials with varying light transmission, thermal properties and shock resistance. In this context smart glass is type of glass which often contains a layer of liquid crystal or other technology in order to permit changing its transparency in repose to an electric or magnetic field or in response to changes in light or temperature. With this type of glass, the user can regulate the level of light transmission through the skylight, and therefore, the illumination inside the building where the skylight is installed. Most preferably the light permeable element is made of glass. The light permeable element is, by preference, flat, dome shaped or steeple shaped. Most preferably the light permeable element is flat. The light permeable element may be single pane, double pane or triple pane. Preferably the light permeable element is at least a double pane, more preferably a triple pane. This permits further increasing the thermal insulation capabilities of the skylight without compromising light transmission.

At least two structural bonding elements interposed between the closed frame and the light permeable element bond the light permeable element to the closed frame.

The frame profiles are coextruded profiles comprising two materials, wherein the plurality of hollow chambers and the rebated top surface are made of a first rigid material. The face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface comprises a flap extending from said face and between said face and a lateral face of the light permeable element. The flap comprises a thinner section near its base for making said flap (10) flexible, wherein a first structural bonding element is interposed between the rebated top surface and the substantially flat bottom area of the light permeable element. During assembly of early prototypes of the skylight, a sealing and bonding material was placed between a surface adjacent to rabbeted top surface of the frame which supports the light permeable element, and the lateral surface of said light permeable element. It was noticed that skylight assemblies exposed to moderate ( at least 10°C differences) thermal amplitudes, fissures tended to appear on and/or around the sealing and bonding material. In the skylight according to the invention, a second structural bonding element is interposed between the flap and the lateral face of the light permeable element. In this way, thermally induced dimensional variations are compensated for by the flap instead of stressing other elements, the second structural bonding element in particular, thereby guaranteeing the integrity of the seal between the frame and the light permeable element.

In this context, the term rigid material is to be understood as a material with a high Young's modulus. Preferably the Young's modulus is higher than 2 GPa, more preferably higher than 2.5 GPa, and even more preferably higher than 3 GPa.

In this context the term flexible material is to be understood as a material with a low Young's modulus. Preferably the Young's modulus is lower than 1 GPa, more preferably lower than 0.5 GPa, even more preferably lower than 0.1 GPa and most preferably lower than 0.05 GPa.

In an embodiment, the skylight assembly comprises a curb, wherein a bottom portion of the closed frame is attached to the curb, wherein the curb is configured to be rigidly attached to a building, said curb defining a closed perimeter and comprising extruded curb profiles. The curb advantageously acts as an interface between the building and the frame. By preference the curb is provided having a same top portion and different bottom portions suitable to be attached to different features in a building. More preferably, the curb is provided with an inverted "U"-shaped bottom portion or an "L"-shaped bottom potion in this way, the skylight can be attached to multiple types of roof apertures, such as those having a raised perimeter as well as those with a flush perimeter. In this way, the same frame profile can be used for all types of skylight, thereby saving on setup and production costs.

In an embodiment, an outer perimeter surface of the frame comprises a lip extending downwards from a bottom edge of the frame, said lip being configured to at least partially cover an outer perimeter of the curb. This lip advantageously protects the contact surfaces between the curb and the frame from water and debris, while allowing the condensation to be evacuated out of the outer surfaces of the skylight.

In an embodiment, the frame comprises at last one flexible support element extending from an inner surface of the lip towards a side surface of the curb, wherein the flexible support element is comprised in the coextruded frame profiles and wherein the flexible support element is made of the second material. By preference, said flexible support element is located near the base of the lip and extends towards the top surface of the curb. By preference, said flexible support element is a flexible tab, most preferably a longitudinally extending flexible chamber. In this way, the contact surface between the frame and the curb is advantageously maximized.

In an embodiment, the closed frame contacts at least a top surface and an outer lateral surface of the curb by means of at least two flexible support elements extending from the bottom surface of the frame, wherein the flexible support elements are comprised in the coextruded frame profiles and wherein the flexible support elements are made of the second material. By preference, at least one, more preferably two, of said flexible support elements are located near an inner perimeter of the frame and extends towards the top surface of the curb. By preference, said flexible support elements are a flexible tab or a longitudinally extending flexible chamber. Most preferably one of the flexible support element is a flexible chamber and a flexible tab. In this way, more chambers are created between the frame and the curb, while still having the weight of the frame distributed over multiple flexible support elements.

In an embodiment, a highest point of the lateral face of the light permeable element is at a higher position than a highest point of the face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface, wherein second structural bonding element forms a continuous descending slope from the highest point of the lateral face of the light permeable element to the highest point of the face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface. In this way, the top surface of the skylight is devoid of any areas where water or other fluids may pool and create circumstances which may contribute to the deterioration of any of the materials and/or structural integrity of the skylight.

In an embodiment, the skylight assembly comprises at least one clamp for attaching the closed frame to the curb, wherein the clamp is hooked at a first end in a ridge at an outer perimeter of the closed frame, wherein the clamp is hooked at a second end under an edge of the curb, and wherein the clamp is mechanically or thermally shrunk. In this way, the curb and the frame are easily joined while increasing both the safety and security of the skylight by increasing the clamping pressure between said frame and curb. Said clamps may be made of plastic, preferably a combination of two layers of different plastics having, or a metallic alloy, such as a memory alloy. In an embodiment, a volume defined by at least the first structural bonding element, the second structural bonding element, the rebated top surface, the face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface and the lateral faces of the light permeable element is in fluid communication with an atmosphere surrounding an outer perimeter of the closed frame by means of at least one channel. In this way, any condensations which may form inside said volume can advantageously be evacuated. By preference, said at least one channel is located on the rebated top surface or immediately adjacent to said surface. In this way, any condensation is more easily evacuated due to gravity.

In an embodiment, at least the second structural bonding element is an injectable sealing fluid configured to cure into a flexible solid seal. Fluid sealing materials advantageously conform to the surrounding geometries, thus occupying the totality of the volumes where they are injected. In this way the contact area between the second structural bonding element with flap and the lateral surfaces of the light permeable element is advantageously maximized, thus creating a better seal between the frame and the light permeable element.

In an embodiment, the skylight assembly further comprises an aluminum cover configured to cover top and outer perimeter surfaces of the closed frame. In this way, both the aesthetics and the resistance to the weather of the skylight is advantageously increased. By preference, the aluminum cover is fastened to the frame. More preferably the aluminum cover is slide-fit to a longitudinal groove or hooks on the outer surface of the frame. Most preferably, the aluminum cover is snap fit to at least two snap hooks on the outer surface of the frame. In an embodiment, the curb is also fitted with an aluminum cover, preferably a snap fitting aluminum cover.

In an embodiment, the frame and the curb are made of one or a combination of the following thermoplastics: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (Nylon), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Polyurethane (PU), Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP). In an embodiment, the frame and curb profiles are made of PVC. By preference, said PVC does not contain any plasticizers.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a kit for assembling a skylight assembly, the kit comprising a plurality of extruded frame profiles configured to be assembled into a closed frame, wherein each frame profile comprises a plurality of hollow chambers and a rebated top surface, a light permeable element, having a substantially flat bottom area adjacent to its perimeter, the substantially flat bottom configured for overlapping at least partially the rebated top surface of the frame profiles, a first structural bonding element and a second structural bonding element for bonding the light permeable element to the closed frame. The frame profiles are coextruded profiles comprising two materials, wherein the plurality of hollow chambers and the rebated top surface are made of a first rigid material and wherein a face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface comprises a flap extending from said face and substantially parallel to said face, wherein the flap comprises a thinner section near its base for making said flap flexible, wherein a first structural bonding element is configured for interposing between the rebated top surface and the substantially flat bottom area of the light permeable element and wherein the second structural bonding element is configured for interposing between the flap and a lateral face of the light permeable element. By preference, the extruded frame profiles are glued together, more preferably welded together, most preferably high-frequency welded.

In an embodiment, the frame profiles are provided already assembled into a closed frame. In this way, the assembly of the skylight is advantageously substantially easier to assemble.

In an embodiment, the kit further comprises a plurality of extruded curb profiles for assembly a closed curb. By preference, the extruded curb profiles are glued together, more preferably welded together, most preferably high-frequency welded. More preferably, the curb profiles are provided already assembled into a closed curb. The assembly of the skylight is, in this way, made even easier to assemble.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method for assembling a skylight assembly, the method comprising the steps of: - assembling a closed frame by attaching a plurality of extruded frame profiles, each frame profile comprising a plurality of hollow chambers ad an rebated top surface, wherein at least one face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface being directed towards a center of the closed frame; - placing a light permeable element substantially centered inside the closed frame, having a substantially flat bottom area adjacent to its perimeter, wherein the substantially flat bottom is at least partially overlapping and resting on the rebated top surface of the frame profiles; and - applying at least two structural bonding elements interposed between the closed frame and the light permeable element for bonding the light permeable element to the closed frame; The frame profiles are coextruded profiles comprising two materials, wherein the plurality of hollow chambers and the rebated top surface are made of a first rigid material and wherein the face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface comprises a flap extending from said face and between said face and a lateral face of the light permeable element, said flap comprising a thinner section near its base for making said flap (10) flexible. The method comprises the additional step before placing the light permeable element of applying the first structural bonding element on the rebated top surface of the frame profiles and wherein the method comprises the additional step after placing the light permeable element of applying the second structural bonding element between the flap and the lateral face of the light permeable element. By applying the second structural bonding element between the flap and the lateral face of the light permeable element, the flap advantageously deflects in response to any dimensional variations caused by thermal changes in any of the elements of the skylight. In this way, the second structural bonding material is kept from deformation and damage, thus ensuring a long lasting seal between the frame an the light permeable element.

In an embodiment, a highest point of the lateral face of the light permeable element is at a higher position than a highest point of the face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface, wherein during applying the second structural bonding element a continuous descending slope is formed from the highest point of the lateral face of the light permeable element to the highest point of the face of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface. in this way, water cannot pool on any of the surfaces of the skylight assembly.

However, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to this application. The method according to the invention can be applied in all sorts of windows, domes, or other constructions which require a frame as interface between a light permeable element and the structure of a building.

The invention is further described by the following non-limiting figures which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

With as a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of a preferred embodiment of the based on the invention, wherein: FIG.1 shows a section view of the skylight assembly (1). The skylight assembly (1) comprises a closed frame (2) formed by extruded frame profiles (3), wherein each frame profile (3) comprises a plurality of hollow chambers and a rebated top surface (4). The figure shows a face (5) of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface (4) facing a light permeable element (6). This light permeable element (6) in the present embodiment is a double pane glass that is placed in the closed frame (2), wherein part of its substantially flat bottom area adjacent to its perimeter (7) is shown at least partially overlapping the rebated top surface of the frame (4). The figure shows two structural bonding elements (8, 9) interposed between the closed frame (2) and the light permeable element (6), in this way bonding the light permeable element (6) to the closed frame (2). The frame profiles (3) are coextruded profiles comprising two materials, wherein the plurality of hollow chambers and the rebated top surface (4) are made of a first rigid material. The face (5) of the frame profile adjacent to the rebated top surface comprises a flap (10) extending from said face (5) and between said face and a lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6), said flap (10) comprising a thinner section near its base for making said flap (10) flexible. The first structural bonding element (8) is shown interposed between the rebated top surface (4) and the substantially flat bottom area of the light permeable element (7), thereby providing a first sealing surface. The second structural bonding (9) element is shown interposed between the flap (10) and the lateral face of the light permeable element (11). The figure further shows a curb (12), wherein a bottom portion of the closed frame (2) is attached to the curb (12).

Said curb (12) is configured to be rigidly attached to a building. The curb (12) comprises extruded curb profiles (13) assembled together to define a closed perimeter. A lip (14) is shown extending substantially downwards from the outer perimeter of the frame (2). Contact between the frame (2) and the curb (12) is provided by three flexible elements (15, 16, 17) made of the second material. A tab (15) and a longitudinal chamber (16) are shown near the inner perimeter of the frame (2), and a third longitudinal chamber (17) is shown extending from the lip (14) of the frame and towards the upper portion of the curb (12). A clamp (18) for attaching the closed frame (2) to the curb (12) is shown. hooked and fastened by means of a screw (19) onto a first end in a groove (20) near the outer perimeter on the underside of the closed frame (2). The clamp (18) is shown hooked and fastened by means of another screw (19) onto a second end under an edge (21) of the curb (12).

FIG. 2 shows a section view of the skylight assembly (1) comprising a snap-on clamp (18). The figure differs from FIG. 1 in that the clamp (18) is no longer attached to the frame (2) and curb (12) by means of screws (19). Instead, the clamp (18) is provided with a hook, which hook is shown engaging an edge (21) of the curb (12). The clamp (18) is further provided with another hook, which hook is shown engaging a ridge (22) on the frame (2).

List of numbered items: 1 skylight assembly 2 closed frame 3 frame profile 4 rebated top surface face of the frame profile adjacent to the rebated top surface 6 light permeable element 7 flat bottom area adjacent to perimeter the perimeter of light permeable element 8 first structural bonding element 9 second structural bonding element flap 11 lateral face of the light permeable element 12 curb 13 curb profiles 14 lip flexible tab 16 first flexible longitudinal chamber 17 second flexible longitudinal chamber 18 clamp 19 screw groove 21 edge 22 ridge It is supposed that the present invention is not restricted to any form of realization described previously and that some modifications can be added to the presented example of fabrication without reappraisal of the appended claims. For example, the present invention has been described referring to skylights, but it is clear that the invention can be applied to windows for instance or to shop counters.

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS1. A skylight assembly (1) comprising a closed frame (2) formed by extruded frame profiles (3), wherein each frame profile (3) comprises a plurality of hollow chambers and a rebated top surface (4), wherein at least one face (5) of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface being directed towards a center of the closed frame (2), a light permeable element (6) that is placed in the closed frame (2), having a substantially flat bottom area (7) adjacent to its perimeter, wherein the substantially flat bottom (7) is at least partially overlapping the rebated top surface (4) of the frame profiles (3), and at least two structural bonding elements (8, 9) interposed between the closed frame (2) and the light permeable element (6) for bonding the light permeable element (6) to the closed frame (2), characterized in that the frame profiles (3) are coextruded profiles comprising two materials, wherein the plurality of hollow chambers and the rebated top surface (4) are made of a first rigid material and wherein the face (5) of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface (4) comprises a flap (10) extending from said face and between said face (5) and a lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6), wherein the flap (10) comprises a thinner section near its base for making said flap (10) flexible, wherein a first structural bonding element (8) is interposed between the rebated top surface (4) and the substantially flat bottom area (7) of the light permeable element (6) and a second structural bonding element (9) is interposed between the flap (10) and the lateral face of the light permeable element (11).
2. 2. A skylight assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the skylight assembly (1) comprises a curb (12), wherein a bottom portion of the closed frame (2) is attached to the curb (12), wherein the curb (12) is configured to be rigidly attached to a building, said curb (12) defining a closed perimeter and comprising extruded curb profiles (13).
3. 3. A skylight assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that an outer perimeter surface of the frame (2) comprises a lip (14) extending downwards from a bottom edge of the frame (2), said lip (12) being configured to at least partially cover an outer perimeter of the curb (12).
4. 4. A skylight assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises at last one flexible support element (15, 16, 17) extending from an inner surface of the lip (14) towards a side surface of the curb (12), wherein the flexible support element (15, 16, 17) is comprised in the coextruded frame profiles (3) and wherein the flexible support element (15, 16, 17) is made of the second material.
5. 5. A skylight assembly (1) according to any of the previous claims 2-4, characterized in that the closed frame (2) contacts at least a top surface and an outer lateral surface of the curb by means of at least two flexible support elements extending from the bottom surface of the frame (2), wherein the flexible support elements (15, 16, 17) are comprised in the coextruded frame profiles (3) and wherein the flexible support elements (15, 16, 17) are made of the second material.
6. 6. A skylight assembly (1) according to any of the previous claims 1-5, characterized in that a highest point of the lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6) is at a higher position than a highest point of the face (5) of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface (4), wherein second structural bonding element (9) forms a continuous descending slope from the highest point of the lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6) to the highest point of the face (5) of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface (4).
7. 7. A skylight assembly (1) according to any of the previous claim 2-6, characterized in that the skylight assembly (1) comprises at least one clamp (18) for attaching the closed frame (2) to the curb (12), wherein the clamp (18) is hooked at a first end in a ridge (22) at an outer perimeter of the closed frame (2), wherein the clamp (18) is hooked at a second end under an edge (21) of the curb (12), and wherein the clamp (18) is mechanically or thermally shrunk.
8. 8. A skylight assembly (1) according to any of the previous claims 1-7, characterized in that a volume defined by at least the first structural bonding element (8), the second structural bonding element (9), the rebated top surface (4), the face (5) of the frame profiles (3) adjacent to the rebated top surface (4) and the lateral faces (11) of the light permeable element (6) is in fluid communication with an atmosphere surrounding an outer perimeter of the closed frame (2) by means of at least one channel.
9. 9. A skylight assembly (1) according to any of the previous claims 1-8, characterized in that, at least the second structural bonding element (9) is an injectable sealing fluid configured to cure into a flexible solid seal.
10. 10.A skylight assembly (1) according to any of the previous claims 1-9, characterized in that, the skylight assembly (1) further comprises an aluminum cover configured to cover top and outer perimeter surfaces of the closed frame (2).
11. 11.A skylight assembly (1) according to any of the previous claims 1-10, characterized in that, the frame (3) and curb profiles (13) are made of Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC.
12. 12.A kit for assembling a skylight assembly (1), the kit comprising a plurality of extruded frame profiles (3) configured to be assembled into a closed frame (2), wherein each frame profile (3) comprises a plurality of hollow chambers and a rebated top surface (4), a light permeable element (6), having a substantially flat bottom (7) area adjacent to its perimeter, the substantially flat bottom (7) configured for overlapping at least partially the rebated top surface (4) of the frame profiles (3), a first structural bonding element (8) and a second structural bonding element (9) for bonding the light permeable element (6) to the closed frame (2), characterized in that the frame profiles (3) are coextruded profiles comprising two materials, wherein the plurality of hollow chambers and the rebated top surface (4) are made of a first rigid material and wherein a face (5) of the frame profiles adjacent to the rebated top surface comprises (4) a flap (10) extending from said face (5) and substantially parallel to said face, wherein the flap (10)comprises a thinner section near its base for making said flap (10) flexible, wherein a first structural bonding element (8) is configured for interposing between the rebated top surface (4) and the substantially flat bottom area (7) of the light permeable element (6) and wherein the second structural bonding element (9) is configured for interposing between the flap (10)and a lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6).
13. 13. Method for assembling a skylight assembly (1), the method comprising the steps of: assembling a closed frame (2) by attaching a plurality of extruded frame profiles (3), each frame profile (3) comprising a plurality of hollow chambers and a rebated top surface (4), wherein at least one face (5) of the frame profiles (3) adjacent to the rebated top surface (4) being directed towards a center of the closed frame (2); placing a light permeable element (6) substantially centered inside the closed frame (2), having a substantially flat bottom area (11) adjacent to its perimeter, wherein the substantially flat bottom (11) is at least partially overlapping and resting on the rebated top surface (4) of the frame profiles (3); and -applying at least two structural bonding elements (8, 9) interposed between the closed frame (2) and the light permeable element (6) for bonding the light permeable element (6) to the closed frame (2); characterized in that the frame profiles (3) are coextruded profiles comprising two materials, wherein the plurality of hollow chambers and the rebated top surface (4) are made of a first rigid material and wherein the face (5) of the frame profiles (3) adjacent to the rebated top surface (4) comprises a flap (10) extending from said face (5) and between said face (5) and a lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6), wherein the flap (10) comprises a thinner section near its base for making said flap (10) flexible, wherein the method comprises the additional step before placing the light permeable element (6) of applying the first structural bonding element (8) on the rebated top surface (4) of the frame profiles (3) and wherein the method comprises the additional step after placing the light permeable element (6) of applying the second structural bonding element (9) between the flap (10) and the lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6).
14. 14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that a highest point of the lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6) is at a higher position than a highest point of the face (5) of the frame profiles (3) adjacent to the rebated top surface (4), wherein during applying the second structural bonding element (9) a continuous descending slope is formed from the highest point of the lateral face (11) of the light permeable element (6) to the highest point of the face (5) of the frame profiles (3) adjacent to the rebated top surface (4).Intellectual Property Office Application GB2500251.0 Search report under Section 17 of the Patents Act 1977 Date search completed: 07 July 2025 Claims searched: 1 to 14 International classification Subclass and subgroup Valid from E04D13/03 01/01/2006Field of searchWorldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC: E04D Databases used in the preparation of this search report: SEARCH-PATENT Documents considered to be relevant Patent literature Category Relevant claims Document of relevance A - BE 1024504 A9 (GLORIEUX), see esp. figures A - EP 1908910 A2 (INOUTIC DECEUNINCK), see whole document Urielievtual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office A WO 02/057563 Al (VKR HOLDING), see whole document A BE 778933 A (BOGAERT), see whole document Non-patent literature Category Relevant claims Document of relevance Categories Letter or symbolXDescriptionDocument indicating lack of novelty or inventive step.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step, if combined with another document of the same category.& Member of the same patent family.A Document indicating technological background.P Document published on or after the priority of the present application.E Earlier application published on or after the application.date but before the fling date filing date of the present