Patent ID: 6182404
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: E04D,H02S,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
A sub-roofing element in combination with a joist element and capable of supporting an energy collection module, the roof having a peak and an upper ridge portion disposed adjacent the roof peak and an eaves portion disposed below the roof peak, which ridge portion and eaves portion define a ridge-eaves direction, which energy collection module is fastened to the roof by at least one said joist element disposed in the ridge-eaves direction, said sub-roofing element being configured to be disposed upon one of the at least one joist element and, at least in part, beneath the energy collection module, said sub-roofing element comprising:a sheet of substantially water-proof material which is formed to provide a series of raised and recessed hollow beads extending in the ridge-eaves direction, said beads providing:two outer raised beads including a first outer raised bead adjacent a first edge of the sub-roofing element and a second outer raised bead adjacent a second edge of the sub-roofing element;at least one water channel; andat least one raised inner bead;said first outer raised bead having an underside configured to hold the top of a second outer raised bead adjacent the second edge of another substantially identical roofing element;said inner raised bead having a recessed underside with a width dimension;said at least one inner raised bead having an underside configured and disposed to receive the joist element disposed in the ridge-eaves direction and having an upper surface for receiving the energy collecting module, the joist element having a width dimension;said width dimension of the underside of said inner raised bead being configured to be substantially greater than the width dimension of said joist element to permit the shifting of said sub-roofing element in a direction substantially transverse to said ridge-eaves direction, upon the placement of said sub-roofing element upon the joist element;said width dimension of the underside of said inner raised bead being sufficient to permit the shifting of said sub-roofing element to position one of said at least one water channel beneath an edge, along the ridge-eaves direction, of the energy collecting module;said substantially water-proof material comprising a plastic film;said joist element having a member attached thereto providing a receptacle for an edge of said module;said inner raised bead including an eaves-side terminal segment;said sub-roofing element, at least in the vicinity of said eaves-side terminal segment of said inner raised bead, having a penetration connecting upper and lower surfaces of said terminal segment; andsaid penetration being of sufficient size to permit the insertion of said member attached to the joist element.