Patent Description:
A roof walkway is an access route on a roof for providing safe pedestrian access to installations and equipment on the roof. A walkway may be installed on horizontal roofs or on pitched or sloped roofs. A number of different walkway designs exist on the market. Commonly, a walkway comprises a plurality of walking treads and one or more fastening means for fastening the walkway onto a roof.

An example of a roof walkway system is known from <CIT>.

The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a walkway system for a roof, the walkway system comprising.

The walkway system may be arranged for a horizontal roof and/or for a pitched or sloped roof.

A roof structure herein may have any of a first side facing a roof ridge, a second side facing outwards from a plane of the roof, and a third side facing a roof eave or a roof projection. The first and second sides of the roof structure may face opposite directions.

The walkway system according to the first aspect can easily be installed/mounted on a roof.

Further, due to its general design a serial coupled walkway system comprising any number of walking treads can be provided adapted to the roof structures of the roof. Thereby, a walkway system with any number of walking treads can be mounted or assembled by adding additional treads and associated first, second, third and fourth fastening portions. The present walkway system is also more securely attached to the roof and more robust compared to conventional walkway system due its serially coupled structure.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion extend from the first roof structure to the second roof structure.

Thereby, a more secure and robust fastening is provided.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion extend in parallel to each other from the first roof structure to the second roof structure.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the third fastening portion and the fourth fastening portion comprises at least one supporting portion configured to support the third fastening portion and/or the fourth fastening portion on a third roof structure.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the third fastening portion and the fourth fastening portion extend from the second roof structure to the third roof structure.

Thereby, a more robust fastening is provided.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the third fastening portion and the fourth fastening portion extend in parallel to each other from the second roof structure to the third roof structure.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the third fastening portion comprises a supporting portion configured to support the third fastening portion on a third roof structure and the fourth fastening portion comprises a supporting portion configured to support the fourth fastening portion on the third roof structure.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the walkway system further comprises.

By adding further fastening portions and walking treads a serially coupled walkway system with any number of walking treads can be formed having the advantage properties of the invention.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect,.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the walkway system comprises
at least one first adjustment means for adjusting an angle of the first walking tread in relation to a plane of the roof.

Thereby, the angle of the first walking tread can be adapted to different roof slopes which is also known as roof pitches. Often it is desirable that the walking tread is horizontal or close to horizontal, e.g. between <NUM> - <NUM> degrees.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the walkway system comprises
at least one second adjustment means for adjusting a length of the walkway system.

Thereby, the length of the walkway system can be adjusted or varied. Hence, the walkway system can easily be fastened to different types of roof structures or to roof structures with different dimensions or centre distances between its construction parts. For example, the distance between battens of a roof may vary in different roof structures. Therefore, the walkway system can be used for many different roof structures. Further, mounting of the walkway system is also made easier since the length of the walkway system can be adjusted to a specific roof structure.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the second adjustment means comprises second adjustment means for adjusting the length of the walkway system along a direction perpendicular to an extension of the first roof structure and an extension of the second roof structure.

This case may for example be applicable when the roof structure is a batten. The mentioned direction may also be parallel to the plane of the roof.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the walkway system comprises
a first vertical section and a second vertical section together forming vertical side walls of the first walking tread and connecting the first walking tread to the first fastening portion, the second fastening portion, the third fastening portion and the fourth fastening portion.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, wherein the first adjustment means and/or the second adjustment means is arranged at the first vertical section and the second vertical section.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect,
the third fastening portion and the fourth fastening portion are attached to a front portion of the second walking tread.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, at least one of the first fastening means, the second fastening means, the third fastening means and the fourth fastening means comprises a portion for fixative means for fastening to the first roof structure or the second roof structure.

Thereby, a secure and robust fastening of the walkway system to the roof structures of the roof is provided.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, at least one of the first fastening means, the second fastening means, the third fastening means and the fourth fastening means comprises a hook portion arranged for hooking onto the first roof structure or the second roof structure.

Thereby, even more secure and robust fastening of the walkway system to the roof structures of the roof is provided.

It should be noted that if the fastening portions of the walkway system is very securely anchored to the roof structures, the walking treads and possible other parts, such as vertical sections, attached to the fastening portions may in an efficient manner act as energy absorbing zones or deformation zones when excessive loads are applied on the walkway system. The deformation zones allow deformation and tearing apart at loads exceeding predetermined threshold values e.g. for the purpose of preventing inelastic pull from a falling person having a life-line fastened in a roof equipment such as a rack pipe or a holding profile. Generally, the deformation zones may be designed to deform when being impacted by excessive load levels corresponding to threshold levels. Such load threshold levels may conform to regulatory requirements e.g. stipulated by government authorities and/or to standard requirements in the industry.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the first fastening portion, the second fastening portion, the third fastening portion and the fourth fastening portion has an elongated band shape.

Thereby, mounting the walkway system on a roof can be made easier e.g. for roofs covered with roof tiles. Further, with band shaped fastening portions the problem with raised roof tiles is reduced or minimized.

In an embodiment of a walkway system according to the first aspect, the first roof structure, the second roof structure and the third roof structure are arranged in parallel to each other in a plane of the roof and in a descending order along the slope of the roof.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the first roof structure is a first batten, the second roof structure is a second batten, the third roof structure is a third batten.

Hence, the first roof structure is arranged above the second roof structure seen along the slope of the roof and the second roof structure is arranged above the third roof structure seen along the slope of the roof. This may also be understood as that the first roof structure is arranged closer to the ridge of the roof than the second roof structure which in turn is arranged closer to the ridge of the roof than the third roof structure.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for installing a walkway system on a roof, the method comprising.

In an embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of:
supporting the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, respectively, on the second roof structure of the roof.

The method can be extended so that any number of treads and associated first, second, third and fourth treads are added in additional steps for installing a walkway with any number of walking treads.

Embodiments of the method according to the second aspect, mutatis mutandis, corresponds to the embodiments of the walkway system according to the first aspect.

<FIG> show a walkway system <NUM> according to embodiments of the invention in a perspective view and in a side view, respectively. The walkway <NUM> in <FIG> is also shown in <FIG> in a view from above and in <FIG> in a view from below.

With reference to <FIG> a walkway system <NUM> according to embodiments of the invention at least comprises a first fastening portion <NUM> comprising at least one first fastening means <NUM> for fastening the first fastening portion <NUM> to a first roof structure 310a of a roof <NUM> and at least one first attachment means <NUM> for attaching the first fastening portion <NUM> to a first walking tread 150a. The walkway system <NUM> further comprises a second fastening portion <NUM> comprising at least one second fastening means <NUM> for fastening the second fastening portion <NUM> to the first roof structure 310a of the roof <NUM> and at least one second attachment means <NUM> for attaching the second fastening portion <NUM> to the first walking tread 150a. The walkway system <NUM> further comprises a third fastening portion <NUM> comprising at least one third fastening means <NUM> for fastening the third fastening portion <NUM> to a second roof structure 310b of the roof <NUM> and at least one third attachment means <NUM> for attaching the third fastening portion <NUM> to the first walking tread 150a. The walkway system <NUM> further comprises a fourth fastening portion <NUM> comprising at least one fourth fastening means <NUM> for fastening the fourth fastening portion <NUM> to the second roof structure 310b of the roof <NUM> and at least one fourth attachment means <NUM> for attaching the fourth fastening portion <NUM> to the first walking tread 150a. The first fastening portion <NUM> comprises a supporting portion <NUM> configured to support the first fastening portion <NUM> on a second roof structure 310b. The second fastening portion <NUM> comprises a supporting portion <NUM> configured to support the second fastening portion <NUM> on the second roof structure 310b.

In embodiments of the invention, the first fastening portion <NUM> and the second fastening portion <NUM> extend from the first roof structure 310a to the second roof structure 310b. The first fastening portion <NUM> and the second fastening portion <NUM> may in such case extend in parallel to each other from the first roof structure 310a to the second roof structure 310b as shown in <FIG>.

In further embodiments of the invention, the first fastening portion <NUM> and the second fastening portion <NUM> comprises at least one supporting portion <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>) configured to support the first fastening portion <NUM> and/or the second fastening portion <NUM> on the second roof structure 310b. Hence, the third fastening portion <NUM> and the fourth fastening portion <NUM> may also comprise at least one supporting portion <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>) configured to support the third fastening portion <NUM> and/or the fourth fastening portion <NUM> on a third roof structure 310c. The supporting portion may be arranged on a part of a fastening portion closest to the eaves or roof projection in operation. The supporting portion in contact with the roof structure may be covered with rubber or any other suitable material. Thus, mechanical damage on the roof tile is reduced and also undesired noise generated by the mechanical contact between the supporting portion and the roof tile can be reduced.

It is further noted from <FIG> that the third fastening portion <NUM> and the fourth fastening portion <NUM> may extend from the second roof structure 310b to the third roof structure 310c and in parallel to each other from the second roof structure 310b to the third roof structure 310c.

In embodiments of the invention, the first fastening portion <NUM> and the second fastening portion <NUM> are attached to a front portion 152a of the first walking tread 150a, and the third fastening portion <NUM> and the fourth fastening portion <NUM> are attached to a back portion 154a of the first walking tread 150a. This also implies that the third fastening portion <NUM> and the fourth fastening portion <NUM> may in turn be attached to a front portion 152b of the second walking tread 150b.

Furthermore, <FIG> show the walkway system <NUM> in <FIG> in a view from above and below. In this exemplary case three walking treads are illustrated. However, the present walkway system <NUM> may comprise any number of walking treads by adding additional walking treads and associated additional fastening portions. Thereby, a serial coupled walkway is provided. Hence, with the present solution a walkway system <NUM> with any number of walking treads can be assembled and mounted on the roof <NUM>.

Therefore, in embodiments of the invention the third fastening portion <NUM> is further attached to a second walking tread 150b and the fourth fastening portion <NUM> is further attached to the second walking tread 150b, and so on. By adding further fastening portions and walking treads a serially coupled walkway system with any number of walking treads can be formed. A nonlimiting example is shown in <FIG> which illustrates a walkway system <NUM> having a fifth fastening portion <NUM>' comprising at least one fastening means for fastening the fifth fastening portion <NUM>' to the third roof structure 310c of the roof <NUM> and at least one attachment means for attaching the fifth fastening portion <NUM>' to a second walking tread 150b. The walkway system further has a sixth fastening portion <NUM>' comprising at least one fastening means for fastening the sixth fastening portion <NUM>' to the third roof structure 310c of the roof <NUM> and at least one attachment means for attaching the sixth fastening portion <NUM>' to the second walking tread 150b.

In further embodiments of the invention, the walkway system <NUM> comprises at least one first adjustment means <NUM> for adjusting an angle α of the first walking tread 150a in relation to a plane of the roof <NUM>, and/or at least one second adjustment means <NUM> for adjusting a length L of the walkway system <NUM>.

As disclosed in <FIG>, the first adjustment means <NUM> may comprise a pivot axle 162a, a supporting bracket 162b and a plurality of through holes 162c extending vertically in a vertical section 160a, 160b of the walking tread 150a for connecting the supporting bracket 162b to the walking tread 150a. The supporting bracket 162b in turn supports the walking tread 150a and connects the third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> fastening portions to the vertical sections 160a, 160b. Since the vertical sections 160a, 160b at its front portions are pivotably attached to the first <NUM> and second <NUM> fastening portions around the pivot axle 162a and the supporting bracket 162b may be connected to the back portions of the vertical sections 160a, 160b in different vertical positions in the plurality of through holes 162c, the angle α of the first walking tread 150a in relation to a plane of the roof <NUM> can be adapted to the roof pitch. Hence, e.g. the surface or the plane of the walking tread can be horizontal or close to horizontal for easier access, e.g. with a deviation of <NUM> - <NUM> degrees to horizontal. Since each walking tread may be connected to its own first adjustment means <NUM> the angle α may be individual adjusted for each walking tread.

As also disclosed in <FIG>, the second adjustment means <NUM> may e.g. be an elongated slot 164a extending more or less along a length extension of the walkway system <NUM> in parallel to the plane of the roof <NUM> and in which an attachment means, in this case a bolt connection, can be locked in different continuous or discrete positions in the slot. Hence, the second adjustment means <NUM> can be configured to change the length L of the walkway system <NUM> by taking different continuous or discrete positions along the length extension of the walkway system <NUM>. Thereby, the total length L of the walkway system <NUM> can be varied but also the inter-distance between the different parts of the walkway system. This implies that the walkway system <NUM> easily can be mounted on roof constructions in which the distances between different roof structures varies. For example, roof structures comprising battens arranged in a parallel pattern, the distance such as centre distance between the battens may also vary.

In further embodiments of the invention, adjusting the length L of the walkway system <NUM> comprises adjusting the length L along a direction perpendicular to an extension of the first roof structure 310a and an extension of the second roof structure 310b. This embodiment is especially suitable for roof structures comprising battens arranged in parallel to each other which may imply that the length L is adjusted in parallel to the plane of the roof <NUM>.

As previously mentioned, in embodiments of the invention, the walkway system <NUM> comprises a first vertical section 160a and a second vertical section 160b together forming side walls of the first walking tread 150a and connecting the first walking tread 150a to the first fastening portion <NUM>, the second fastening portion <NUM>, the third fastening portion <NUM> and the fourth fastening portion <NUM>. <FIG> show the first vertical section 160a and the second vertical section 160b more in detail. Aforementioned, the vertical sections may at its front portion comprises means for engage or receive a pivot axle 162a and at its middle or back portion plurality of through holes 162c extending vertically for engagement with a supporting bracket 162b for connection to fastening portions. For attachment to a walking tread the vertical section may include one or more supporting portions <NUM> for supporting the walking tread and one or more engagement portions <NUM> for engagement with the walking tread and securing the walking tread in a safe and correct position. The vertical sections may also stabilize the walkway design making the walkway more robust. As also noted from <FIG> the first adjustment means <NUM> and/or the second adjustment means <NUM> may be arranged at the first vertical section 160a and the second vertical section 160b for a very neat and compact walkway design.

<FIG> show a fastening portion according to embodiments of the invention in a side view and perspective view, respectively. As disclosed, the fastening means <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a portion 112a, 122a, 132a, 142a for fixative means for fastening to the first roof structure 310a or the second roof structure 310b. In the examples shown the portions 112a, 122a, 132a, 142a may have the shape of a flat plate extending from one side of the elongated fastening portion and configured to lay on a side of a batten facing outwards from the surface of the roof and comprising one or more receiving means e.g. in the form of through holes. Nonlimiting examples of fixative means are screws and nails which are used for fastening the fastening arrangements <NUM> to the battens.

From <FIG> it is further noted that for even more secure fastening the fastening means <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a hook portion 112b, 122b, 132b, 142b arranged for hooking onto the first roof structure 310a or the second roof structure 310b. For example, these hook portions may be configured to hook around the side of a batten facing a ridge <NUM> of a roof <NUM>. In embodiments of the invention, the portion 112a, 122a, 132a, 142a extend in a plane parallel to a plane of the roof <NUM>, and the hook portion 112b, 122b, 132b, 142b extend in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the roof <NUM>. Hence, they are perpendicularly arranged in relation to each other. In the disclosed examples the hook portion is arranged around a side of a batten facing the ridge <NUM> whilst the first portion 112a is located on a side of the batten facing outwards from the surface of the roof <NUM>. This solution provides an even more robust and secure anchoring of the walkway system <NUM> to the roof.

Moreover, the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have an elongated band shape as shown in <FIG>. This is also the case for the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG>. However, it should be noted that the band in <FIG> are arranged to extend in a raised position in relation to the plane of the roof in operation. The band in <FIG> however are arranged to extend flat along the plane of roof in operation. Thereby, different fastening portions suitable for different types of roof structures and roof tiles may be provided. It may also be noted that the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises an elongated slot with a plurality of slits 162d extending downwards from the slot. These slits 162d are arranged for receiving connection means and/or attachment means that may take different discreate positions in the slits 162d for adjustment of the length of the walkway system <NUM>.

The fastening portion in <FIG> has an elongated concave shape which reinforces the band structure of the fastening portion. The fastening portion in <FIG> further comprises a downward angled section 170a close to the tip so that the fastening portion easily can be arranged under and above roof tiles, e.g. without raising the roof tiles in operation. As further noted from <FIG> the back section of the fastening portion may comprise through holes 170b for receiving attachment means for a rubber protection (not shown) configured to be located below the fastening portion but above a roof tile to protect the roof tile from mechanical damage and reducing possible noise generated by such contact.

Contrary to the fastening portion in <FIG>, the fastening portion in <FIG> has an elongated flat shape, i.e. is not concave. For reinforcement the fastening portion in <FIG> instead comprises a reinforcement portion 170c in the form of an elongated inverted raised groove arranged in the middle section of the band and protruding outwards from the plane of the roof. Further, the tip of the fastening portion in <FIG> has a cut out 170d such that the band tip at the very top has a smaller width than the general width of the band contrary to the band in <FIG> which only has one width. The larger width forms the width of the band in <FIG> except at the cut out and forward to the very tip and hook portion. With this solution the band can be made wider except at its tip for a strong design but still easily be fitted under a roof tile. Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention as shown in <FIG>, the fastening portion may be attached to a walking tread by means of a vertical attachment section extending outwards from the band and comprising the attachment means <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for attachment directly or indirectly to a walking tread. Hence, the walking tread may be attached vertically to the fastening portions which also is shown in the embodiments of <FIG> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates and defines a front portion 152a, 152b and a back portion 154a, 154b of a walking tread 150a, 150b. The front portion 152a, 152b may also be denoted a first portion of a walking tread and being arranged closest to the plane or surface of the roof in operation. The back portion 154a, 154b may also be denoted a second portion of a walking tread and being arranged furthest away from the plane or surface of the roof in operation. The walkway tread 150a, 150b may comprise a pattern of partially raised holes for providing high friction and grip for the pedestrian walking on the walkway as shown in <FIG>.

Moreover, the walkway system <NUM> may in embodiments be combined with handrails for safer pedestrian access to different parts of a roof <NUM>. In this respect, the walkway system <NUM> may comprise one or more handrail attachment means (not shown in the Figs. ) for attaching such handrails. The handrail attachment means may e.g. be arranged on the fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM> and/or on the vertical sections 160a, 160b.

In embodiments of the invention, the first roof structures are arranged in parallel to each other in a plane of the roof <NUM> and in a descending order along the slope S or pitch of the roof <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The roof <NUM> may hence comprise a roof ridge <NUM> and a roof eave <NUM> or a roof projection.

Embodiments of the invention also relates to a method for installing a walkway system on a roof. <FIG> shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of supporting the first fastening portion <NUM> and the second fastening portion <NUM>, respectively, on the second roof structure 310b of the roof <NUM>. This optional step may be performed together with step <NUM>. Further embodiments of the method <NUM> involve adding additional fastening portions and additional walking treads for assembly and mounting of a walkway with any number of walking treads. Hence, any number of additional steps as previously stated may be added for such walkways.

The method <NUM> may further include any embodiments of the walkway systems per se, such as the configuration, design and construction of every portion, section and part together forming the walkway system herein disclosed. For example, the fastening portions may have supporting portions and/or being band shaped, etc.; the fastening portions may be connected to walking treads via vertical sections; the walkway system may comprise first and/or second adjustment means for adjusting angle α and length L; etc..

The walkway system <NUM> may be produced from sheet metal bent in suitable shapes. Hence, sheet metal may be punched in different shapes and thereafter bent or folded for producing the different parts of the walkway system <NUM> according to embodiments of the invention.

Claim 1:
A walkway system (<NUM>) for a roof (<NUM>), the walkway system (<NUM>) comprising
a first fastening portion (<NUM>) comprising at least one first fastening means (<NUM>) for fastening the first fastening portion (<NUM>) to a first roof structure (310a) of a roof (<NUM>) and at least one first attachment means (<NUM>) for attaching the first fastening portion (<NUM>) to a first walking tread (150a), wherein the first fastening portion (<NUM>) further comprises a supporting portion (<NUM>) configured to support the first fastening portion (<NUM>) on a second roof structure (310b);
a second fastening portion (<NUM>) comprising at least one second fastening means (<NUM>) for fastening the second fastening portion (<NUM>) to the first roof structure (310a) of the roof (<NUM>) and at least one second attachment means (<NUM>) for attaching the second fastening portion (<NUM>) to the first walking tread (150a), wherein the second fastening portion (<NUM>) further comprises a supporting portion (<NUM>) configured to support the second fastening portion (<NUM>) on the second roof structure (310b);
a third fastening portion (<NUM>) comprising at least one third fastening means (<NUM>) for fastening the third fastening portion (<NUM>) to the second roof structure (310b) of the roof (<NUM>) and at least one third attachment means (<NUM>) for attaching the third fastening portion (<NUM>) to the first walking tread (150a); and
a fourth fastening portion (<NUM>) comprising at least one fourth fastening means (<NUM>) for fastening the fourth fastening portion (<NUM>) to the second roof structure (310b) of the roof (<NUM>) and at least one fourth attachment means (<NUM>) for attaching the fourth fastening portion (<NUM>) to the first walking tread (150a),
wherein the third fastening portion (<NUM>) is further attached to a second walking tread (150b) and the fourth fastening portion (<NUM>) is further attached to the second walking tread (150b),
characterized in that the first walking tread (150a) and the second walking tread (150b) extend at different heights to form steps.