FRAMEWORK, PARTICULARLY FOR PANTILED ROOF COVERINGS

Abstract: The framework (2) is associable with a roof boarding (9) and is provided with a plurality of seats (5) for the alignment of tiles (10) arranged with upwardly facing concavity. The seats (5) have a concave configuration and are arranged parallel to one another. In the interspace between two adjacent seats (5) a coupling region (8) is provided for tiles (7) arranged with downwardly facing concavity.

Description: The present invention relates to a framework particularly for pan-tiled roof coverings. The use is currently known of pan-tiles as covering materials for roofs, said pan-tiles having a characteristic curved form and being tapered at one end. Known from US-A-2,002,206 is a roof construction having an inclined sub-structure, a water shedding membrane covering the sub-structure, and pan-tiles overlying the membrane. Fastening members penetrate the membrane and have shield members which surround the fastening members and form a water-tight seal around the point where the fastening member penetrates the membrane. The fastening member also has an upper end portion provided with a hanger member adapted to be connected to a pan-tile. Also known from FR-A-2,041,689 is a framework for pan-tiled roof coverings as defined in the precharacterizing part of claim 1. The framework of FR-A-2,041,689 has cross members bearing an elongate undulated panel on which the tiles are fixed. The placing of said pan-tiles on the pitches of the roof entails, if the latter consist of a cement roof panel, the resting thereon of an undulated panel the shape whereof has an amplitude and a pattern similar to that of the pan-tile. Subsequently the roofer places the pan-tiles on the undulated panel, arranging the concave or channel tiles so that starting from the ridge the tapered end of one tile rests on the larger end of the subsequent tile. A row of convex or covering tiles is then superimposed between two rows of channel tiles, their tapered end being directed towards the ridge, and the perimetral edges resting on those of the two adjacent channel tiles. Also in this case there is a superimposition of the larger end on the tapered one of the following covering tile. The disadvantage found in this known type of covering structure resides in the fact that since the tile is in contact with the undulated panel, condensation forms between their surfaces and is absorbed by the tile. Thus, if the weather conditions are favourable to the formation of ice, the tile freezes and consequently breaks. In summer, moreover, when the temperature rises considerably, the tar of the undulated panel liquefies and welds said undulated panel to the tile, thus worsening the above described situation. If the undulated panel is not used, in order to achieve a correct laying, that is to say an optimum alignment of the channel tiles, the roofer must use, for example, wires pulled along the roof pitch so as to have a precise and exact positioning guide. Besides the disadvantage due to the considerable time required to make this alignment, in order to fix the tile to the roof panel, the roofer uses mortar applied to the sides of the channel tile. The arrangement furthermore allows the pan-tile not to wobble, since it has a curved configuration, and not to slip. The disadvantage due to the use of mortar resides in the fact that, in drying, the mortar tends to separate from the tile, since the two materials are not compatible so as to allow adherence therebetween. Furthermore, since the tile has a rapid absorption of humidity, breakages may occur, as described above, at the point of contact with the mortar. If the roof boarding is made by a wood slab having a plurality of longitudinal and mutually parallel strips, the roofer must place cross-members at preset distances in order to allow the placing of the channel tiles and of the covering tiles, these last being merely placed, and being therefore subject to settlings which may create unprotected regions in the roofing and therefore allow the infiltration, for example, of water. The aim of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages described above in known types, by devising a roof covering framework which has characteristics of waterproofing, thermal insulation, resistance to mechanical stresses, and of good aeration with respect to the roof boarding, all this being achieved while optimally simplifying the laying of the tiles. Within the scope of the above described aim, an important object is to provide a framework which associates with the preceding characteristic that of requiring a modest number of tiles and of reducing as much as possible their maintenance. Another important object is to provide a framework made of pan-tiles which can also be used for steeply pitched roofs. This aim, as well as these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a framework, particularly for pan-tiled roof coverings as defined in claim 1. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of a particular embodiment, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a perspective view of a covering according to the invention; figure 2 is a lateral view, in partial cross section, of the locking of the covering tiles onto the framework, the channel tiles not being illustrated in this figure for the sake of clarity; figure 3 is instead a view, along the cross section plane III-III of figure 2, in which also the channel tiles are illustrated. With reference to the above described figures, the covering 1 comprises a framework 2 composed of a plurality of cross-members 3 arranged parallel to one another and preferably connected at their ends to a bar 4. A plurality of mutually parallel concave seats 5 is provided at each of the cross-members 3, along the same longitudinal axis parallel to the bars 4. In the interspace comprised between two adjacent seats 5, a coupling region for the tapered end 6 of a covering tile 7 is provided at each of said cross-members 3, and comprises a tab 8, essentially parallelepipedal in shape and protruding in the direction of said tiles. The framework 2 is associable in the most appropriate manner, depending on the specific requirements, with a roof panel 9, said framework being advantageously sinkable therein. Conveniently, said framework can be of the modular type, so as to allow to further improve its installation by keeping in stock an extremely small number of parts having different dimensions. Thus, once the roofer has associated the framework 2 with the roof boarding 9, it is sufficient for him to apply the channel tiles 10 arranging their ends at the seats 5 provided on the cross-members 3. This application is extremely simple and at the same time rapid and precise, since the seats are already aligned. The roofer subsequently places between two adjacent channel tiles 10 a covering tile 7, locating its tapered end 6 at the underlying tab 8. Said covering tiles 7 are in fact provided at said end with a hole 11 which acts as seat for an element for the dry-fixing of said covering tile 10 to said framework 2. Said element is constituted by a screw 12 which can be screwed at said tab 8. The roofer's use of, for example, a battery-powered drill allows to secure every single covering tile 7 to the framework 2 in a rapid and easy manner. This securing allows to give the covering a stable configuration and thus to protect in any case the garrett from bad weather. It has thus been observed that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, a covering having been provided the laying whereof is facilitated and can be performed even by unskilled personnel, the use of a framework furthermore allowing an optimum aeration of the roof boarding, increasing at the same time the operating life of the tiles. The definition of the seats 5 at the cross-members 3 furthermore allows a rapid and correct application of the channel tiles 10, giving them a precise alignment. The fact is furthermore stressed that by the use of the framework 2 the roofer must not continuously verify the amount of overlapping to be given to each tile, this being obtainable simply by appropriately marking the tiles. Furthermore, the roof can be covered completely by a limited number of tiles since the framework provides a set optimal overlapping of the tiles. The framework is advantageously made of a material compatible with the tile and therefore provides for optimum operating life conditions with any climate and prevents the roof covering from degrading. The invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the same inventive concept; the dimensions and the shapes of all the components of the covering may also be the most suitable according to the specific requirements. Thus, for example, the coupling region of the framework 2 for the covering tile can have the most advantageous shapes and dimensions, depending on the particular condition of laying, such as for example that of steeply pitched roofs. Figures 1-3 illustrate a coupling region constituted by a tab 8 provided monolithically with the framework 2. Naturally, the materials constituting the individual components of the covering may also be any according to the specific requirements. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims: Framework particularly for pan-tiled roof coverings, said framework (2) being associable with the roof boarding (9) of a roof and provided with a plurality of seats (5) for the alignment of tiles (10) arranged with upwardly facing concavity, between said seats (5) there being provided coupling regions for engagement with tiles (7) arranged with downwardly facing concavity, characterized in that each of said coupling regions is interposed between said adjacent seats (5) on a cross-member (3) and is constituted by a tab (8) protruding towards said covering tile (7), at said tab (8) there resting the tapered end of said tile (7). Framework according to claim 1, characterized in that said framework (2) is constituted by a plurality of cross-members (3) parallel to one another and equally mutually spaced, said cross-members (3) being connected at their ends to longitudinal bars (4). Framework according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said seats (5) are complementarily shaped with respect to the shape of said tiles (10) and are provided at said cross-members (3) of said framework (2), said seats (5) being provided at longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of arrangement of said bars (4). A pan-tiled roof covering, in which the framework according to claims 1-4 is used. Covering according to claim 5, characterized in that said tile (7) arranged with downwardly facing concavity is provided with a through hole (11) acting as seat for an element (12) for its locking to said framework (2), said element being constituted by a screw (12) associable at said coupling region.

Inventors: VARDANEGA, BRUNO
Applicants: VARDANEGA, BRUNO
Application year: 1987
Main classification: E04D12
IPC codes: E04D12