Patent Description:
Roof hooks are commonly used for attaching solar panels to a roof. A conventional type of roof hook is screwed to a tile batten and connected to a mounting rail for fixing the solar panel to the roof. A drawback of such system is that mounting of a solar panel on the roof is a relatively time-consuming due to the relatively high number of mechanical fixing elements required. A further drawback is that the tile batten, or other roof element whereto the roof hook is fixated, is weakened due to the mechanical fixation via the screw connection. A known solution which provides a faster mounting method without weakening the roof construction is the use of a roof hook which makes use of a hook-shaped member which is adapted for co-action with a tile batten arranged on the roof. Such roof hook according to the prior art is for example described in <CIT>. A drawback of this known roof hook, and of further known roof hooks, is that they are typically relatively massive wherefore it can still be relatively time consuming to install the roof hooks on a roof. Furthermore, <CIT> for instance discloses a roof hook for coupling to at least one mounting device, having a positive-locking frame element for enclosing at least one roof tile on the top and/or bottom in sections in a first direction (y), the positive-locking frame element comprising an upper section and a lower section, and the upper section having at least two contact regions spaced apart from one another, for bringing into contact with the roof tile, wherein the upper section comprises a coupling region, which is spaced apart in the first direction (y) from the contact regions and connects the contact regions, for receiving the mounting device.

It is therefore a goal of the invention to provide a further improved roof hook configured for (nondestructive) co-action with a tile batten.

The invention provides thereto a roof hook according to claim <NUM> for fixing solar panels to a roof. comprising:.

wherein the roof hook comprises at least two hook members, wherein each hook member is displaceable with respect to the base element such that the mutual distance between said hook members can be varied.

The roof hook according to the present invention experiences the known advantages that the roof hook can be positioned between tiles on a tiled roof without additional mechanical fixing means being necessary here, thereby realizing a strong and reliable coupling between the roof and the roof hook. Hence, mounting can be done relatively quickly and simply wherein the tile batten is not unnecessarily weakened. A further benefit of the roof hook according to the present invention is that mounting of the roof hook can be further optimized. Due to the base element and at least one hook member being mutually displaceable between at least a position of use wherein the base element and at least one hook member define a hook structure such that at least one hook member can be hooked behind part of the roof, in particular a tile batten arranged on the roof, and an initial position wherein the roof hook is more compact than in the position of use, the roof hook can be easier installed onto a roof. With more compact, it is meant that at least one dimension of the roof hook is reduced, preferably at least in vertical direction. For example, but not limited to, the (effective) height of the roof hook. However, this may also be the length of the roof hook, and/or the volume. Installing of a roof hook onto a roof is typically done via providing a receiving space for the roof hook to be received in via sliding a tile upwards such that the tile is positioned under the tile above it. The hook structure of the roof hook can then be hooked behind a tile batten of the roof underneath the displaced tile. Once the roof hook is in a proper position, the displaced tile is to be put back in its regular position. Since the hook structure of the roof hook is configured to be hooked behind the tile batten the volume defined the hook structure is relatively large wherefore also a relatively large receiving space between the tiles is required in order to be able to insert the roof hook into position. The required receiving space can be substantially reduced if the roof hook can be inserted in an initial position wherein the roof hook is more compact than in the position of use. Hence, after the roof hook is inserted, the configuration of the roof hook can be adapted such that the base element and at least one hook member will be in the position of use. This can be done via mutual displacement of the base element and at least one hook member. When it is referred to mutual displacement of the base element and at least one hook member, it is possible that the base element is displaced with respect to the hook member and/or vice versa. The compact character of the roof hook when the base element and at least one hook member are in the initial position, has besides the easier mounting also the benefit that the transport volume can be reduced. When the base element and at least one hook member are in the initial position, it can also be said that the roof hook, as such, is in the initial position. This also applies to the position of use. The initial position can also be referred to as mounting position and/or transport position. Typically, in the initial position, the (effective) height defined by the base element and at least one hook member is smaller than said (effective) height in the position of use. The height is defined substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction defined by the elongated part of the base element. That the height defined by the base element and the hook member(s) is increased again when the mutual position is displaced to the position of use would not cause difficulties, since generally this area of the location of use of the roof hook is sufficiently spacious. This is especially the area behind (in extension of) the roof tile of which tile batten the roof hook is to be hooked and the area underneath said tile.

When it is referred to a hook member, also a hook-shaped member can be meant. Further, at least one hook member can define a hook (structure) by itself and/or define a hook (structure) in combination with the base element. At least part of the base element in a roof hook according to the present invention is substantially elongated. The hook structure defines and/or encloses an accommodating space configured for accommodating at least part of the roof.

An advantage of the roof hook of the present invention is that the roof hook has a large adaptive capacity. A further benefit of the roof hook according to the present invention is that use and understanding of the roof hook is relatively simple. Initiating of the mutual displacing between said possible positions is self-explanatory. A specialist professional is not required for installing the roof hook onto a roof. Neither are specific tools necessary to initiate the mutual displacement. The roof hook will generally be applied for mounting solar panels on a tiled roof. It is however also possible to envisage arranging other objects, such as for instance a solar boiler, on the roof by means of the roof hook according to the invention.

It is in particular beneficial if the base element and at least one hook member are mutually pivotable between the initial position and the position of use. A pivotable movement is relatively simple and can already be ensured when only single side engagement between the base element and a hook member is applied. In fact, the base element and at least one hook member can be pivotably connected. However, it is also conceivable that the base element and at least one hook member are rotatably connected. In this embodiment, typically, at least one (or each) hook member is pivotable with respect to the base element and/or the base element is pivotable with respect to at least one hook member.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one hook member and the base element are mutually pivotable around an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base element. A benefit of this embodiment is that the compact (vertical) character of the roof hook in the initial position can be obtained in a relatively simple manner. It is for example conceivable that in the initial position, at least one hook member is positioned substantially parallel to the base element, preferably in a transverse direction. The roof hook is in such embodiment typically more wide, or broad, in the initial position than in the position of use. However, roof tiles are typically relatively wide compared to the roof hook, wherefore the difficulty of mounting is providing sufficient vertical space and the provision of sufficient horizontal space. Roof tiles may for example have a width between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, where the width of a base element of a roof hook may for example vary between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. However, this measures are exemplary and not limitative.

It is also conceivable that at least one hook member and the base element are mutually pivotable around an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base element. Said axis can for example be located at or near a distal end of the elongated part of the base element. In this way, a relatively simple and strong configuration of the roof hook can be obtained.

It is beneficial if the base element and at least one hook member are connected via at least one hinge. Hence, a pivotable connection between the base element and at least hook member can be obtained in a relatively simple manner. Non-limiting examples of possible hinges which can be used are a barrel hinge, a spring-loaded hinge and/or a pivot hinge. It is however, also conceivable that the base element and at least one hook member are connected via a ball and socket joint. A spring-loaded hinge may be in particular beneficial, if this embodiment may apply a force in order to secure the base element and at least one hook member in either the initial position and/or the position of use.

It is advantageous if the mutual position of at least one hook member and the base element can be locked, preferably at least in the position of use. It would also be beneficial if the mutual position of at least one hook member and the base element can be locked in the initial position and/or any further position. Mutual locking of the base element and at least one hook member in a (predetermined) position has as a benefit that the roof hook can be adapted to the preferences of the user in a relatively easy manner. The roof hook may for example comprise at least one locking element configured for locking the mutual position of at least one hook member and the base element in a predetermined position. If the hook member can at least be locking in the position of use, it can be prevented that undesired further mutual displacing of the base element and the hook member can occur. This is beneficial for the reliability of the roof hook and thus for the safety of the entire system wherein the roof hook is applied.

It is conceivable that at least one hook member comprises a rotatable shaft. It is for example possible that said shaft is rotatable in a longitudinal direction defined by the base element. Preferably the shaft is positioned in line with or parallel to the elongated part of the base element. The presence of a rotatable shaft may provide stability to the hook member, and thus also for the roof hook as such. It is possible that the rotatable shaft is configured for co-action with part of the base element. Rotation of the rotatable shaft may cause displacing of the hook member, in particular part of the hook member defining the hook structure. Rotation of the shaft may for example be actuated in a manual way. It is for example also conceivable that the hook member remains substantially stationary, seen from positional point of view, during mounting onto the roof, and that the base element is rotated with respect to the hook member, and in particular the rotatable shaft thereof. The rotatable shaft may possibly be connected to the base element such that twisting of the base element causes the hook member to act as a torsion spring. This may cause an effective fixation of the roof hook to part of the roof. During use of this embodiment of the roof hook, a distal end of the hook member may engage part of the roof such that a (temporary) fixation point is obtained. The rotatable shaft can for example be connected to the base element at two connection points spaced apart from another. A non-limiting example of this embodiment is shown in <FIG>.

A further possible embodiment of the roof hook comprises at least one operating element configured for (manual) activation of a mutual displacement between the base element and at least one hook member, preferably at least from the initial position to the position of use. The presence of at least one operating element may further improve the ease of use of the roof hook. The operating element may for example be connected to at least one hook member and/or to the base element. This may be either a direct or an indirect connection. It is also conceivable that the operating element forms integral part of the base element or hook member. It is further conceivable that the operating element would be remotely controllable.

The roof hook may be substantially symmetrical. This may further enhance the stability of the roof hook during use.

The roof hook comprises at least two hook members, wherein each hook member is (individually) displaceable with respect to the base element. It is for example possible that the hook members are positioned at a distance from another and/or that each hook member is pivotably connected to the base element. It would be beneficial if each hook member is at least displaceable, and in particular pivotable, with respect to the base element around an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base element. In such embodiment, the hook members can typically be pivoted in a transverse (or sideways) direction.

Each hook member is displaceable with respect to the base element such that the mutual distance between said hook members can be varied. Typically, each hook member is configured to be displaced in an outward direction. An outward direction means a direction facing away from the base element.

It is also conceivable that the base element and at least one hook member are mutually displaceable in a longitudinal direction, preferably such that the length of roof hook can be adapted. Such embodiment may further contribute to the adaptive character of the roof hook. It can be advantageous to be able to adapt the length of the roof hook for facilitating easier installation and/or for a more compact transport configuration. It is for example possible that at least one hook member is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the base element. It is also conceivable that the base element and/or at least one hook member is substantially telescopic. It is also possible that the roof hook is a modular roof hook. It is furthermore possible that the base element and at least one hook member are mutually displaceable in both longitudinal and transverse direction.

It is possible that the volume enclosed by at least one hook member and the base element is smaller in the initial position than in the position of the use. This may further contribute to the ease of use of the roof hook. A smaller volume enclosed by the base member and at least one hook member may positively contribute to the compact design of the roof hook in the initial position. As outlined above, a smaller receiving space for receiving part of the roof hook during installation is enabled. In practice, this means that displacing of the roof tile which is to be lifted during installation is less labor intensive than for a more voluminous roof hook embodiment.

The roof hook comprises in a preferred embodiment at least one actuator for initiating mutual displacement between the base element and at least one hook member. The use of at least one actuator may be beneficial since it can further enhance the ease of use of the roof hook. The actuator can contribute to providing a controlled mutual displacement between the base element and at least one hook member. Further, manual contact of at least one hook member and or the base element by the user may be omitted. The actuator may also enable that said mutual displacement is initiated once the roof hook is already substantially positioned upon the roof. The actuator may enable that the mutual position is shifted from the initial position to the position of use during installation of the roof hook (instead of prior to installation). Preferably, the actuator is connected to the base element and/or at least one hook member. If an operating element is applied, the actuator may for example be controlled via the operating element. This may further contribute to remote initiation and/or remote control of the mutual displacement between the base element and at least one hook member, and thus to the ease of use.

Possibly, the base element and at least one hook member are connected via at least one gear, wherein the roof hook further comprises at least one gear rack configured for initiating mutual displacement between the hook member and the base element. Basically, the gear rack may act as actuator for initiating the mutual displacement between the base element and at least one hook member. In this embodiment, said mutual displacement can be initiated via a relatively simple but reliable manner. It is beneficial if the gear rack can be manually controlled, for example via at least one operating element.

It is furthermore conceivable that the base element and at least one hook member are mutually connected via at least two parallel positioned pivotable arms, such that at least part of the hook member stays substantially parallel to at least part of the base element during mutual displacement. Typically, at least one hook member is connected to the base element via at least two hinges positioned in series such that at least part of the hook member stays substantially parallel to at least part of the base element during mutual displacement. When it is referred to a hinge, also a pivotable joint can be meant. A benefit of this embodiment is that the effective height, or vertical extend, of the roof hook in the position of use can be minimized. This enables easier positioning on the roof in case a limited space is available.

It would be beneficial if the base element comprises at least one coupling member configured for coupling with at least one further mounting element for mounting a solar panel to a roof. In this manner, further mounting parts of a solar roof mounting system can be mounted to the base element in a relatively simple manner. It is for example also conceivable that the coupling member is configured for (releasable) coupling with a top structure of a roof hook. Such top structure may for example be configured for realizing a snap connection between the roof hook and a further mounting element. The roof hook may for example be a modular roof hook. This may further improve the adaptive ability of the roof hook.

Preferably, the base element and/or at least one hook member comprises at least one reinforcement rib. Such reinforcement rib may for example form integrally part of the base element or hook member. Via this embodiment, the strength of the roof hook can be enhanced in a relatively simple manner. Further, such reinforcement rib could also be used for secondary purposes, for example as protection element. It is also conceivable that a reinforcement rib of the base element is configured for co-action with at least part of the hook member and/or that the a reinforcement rib of the hook member is configured for co-action with at least part of the base element.

In a possible embodiment, at least part of the base element is configured to enclose at least part of at least one hook member. Preferably, at least part of the base element is configured to enclose at least part of at least one hook member in both the initial position and in the position of use. In this way, the base element can fulfil a protective function. This may in particular be beneficial in case the hook member comprises movable parts.

Further, a part of the base element may define a boundary configured to restrict the mutual displacement between the base element and at least one hook member. In this case, it can be prevented that the mutual displacement can be such that an undesired mutual position can be obtained. If the base element and hook member are rotatably connected, the boundary may for example restrict the mutual rotation, for example up to <NUM> or <NUM> decrees. However, it is also conceivable that part of the hook member defines a boundary configured to restrict the mutual displacement between the base element and said hook member.

The roof hook may at least partially be made of metal. Non-limiting examples thereof are steel, stainless steel, aluminum and/or an alloy. It is also conceivable that the roof hook is at least partially made of a plastic material. A combination of one or more plastics and/or metals is also conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment, the roof hook comprises at least one visual indicator for indicating the state of the mutual position between the base element and at least one hook member. Such visual indicator can be used in order to determine if the displacement between the base element and at least one hook member was successful. The displacement may for example be classified as successful if one or each hook member and the base element are in the position of use. The visual indicator may for example be positioned at a distance from the hook structure as defined in the position of use. The base element may for example comprise such visual indicator. The visual indicator may for example be positioned at or near a distal end of the base element opposite where the base element is connected with at least one hook member. It is also conceivable that the hook member comprises a visual indicator. The visual indicator is preferably positioned such that a used can detect the visual indication when the roof hook is installed on the roof, in particular in the position of use.

The invention also relates to a method for applying a roof hook according to the present invention to a roof, the method comprising the steps of:.

The method according to the present invention has similar benefits as outlined for the roof hook according to the present invention. Due to the relatively compact configuration of the roof hook in the initial position only a relatively small receiving space needs to be provided during step b). Hence, compared to when a roof hook according to the prior art is used, the required receiving space is substantially reduced. After the roof hook is inserted, the configuration of the roof hook is to be adapted such that the base element and at least one hook member are in the position of use (step d). This can be done via mutual displacement of the base element and at least one hook member. When the roof hook is in the position of use, the hook member can be hooked behind part of the roof, in particular the tile batten. Hence, said tile batten is received within the hook structure as defined by the base element and at least one hook member. During optional step f), the roof hook can be positioned into the dip of the primary tile. It is also conceivable that the roof hook is positioned upon a further predetermined part of the primary tile.

The method may further comprise the step of locking of the base element and at least one hook member into the position of use. If at least one visual indicator is applied, a step of verifying if the mutual displacement was successful may be present.

The invention will be further elucidated below on the basis of the non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. It should be noted that <FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments that help to understand the invention rather than being according to the claimed invention.

<FIG> show a first possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. <FIG> shows a side view of the roof hook <NUM>, where <FIG> shows a perspective view of said roof hook <NUM>. The roof hook <NUM> is configured for fixing solar panels (not shown) to a roof (not shown). The roof hook <NUM> comprises a substantially elongated base element <NUM> and a hook member <NUM> which is configured for co-action with a part of a roof, in particular a tile batten arranged on the roof. The base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> are mutually displaceable between at least an initial position and a position of use. The arrows indicate possible directions of the mutual displacement between the base element <NUM> and hook member <NUM>. The hook member <NUM> and base element <NUM> are mutually connected via hinges <NUM>. The mutual displacement between the hook member <NUM> and the base element <NUM> is in particular defined by a pivotable movement. In the shown embodiment, the hook member <NUM> is substantially elongated and is provided with a sawtooth profile <NUM> adapted for relatively intensive co-action with a part of the roof, in particular a tile batten. The base element <NUM> comprises a coupling member <NUM> configured for coupling with at least one further mounting element for mounting a solar panel to a roof. The base element <NUM> is reinforced by making use of a profiled configuration. Thereto, the base element <NUM> comprises reinforcement ribs <NUM>. The hook member <NUM> can be positioned substantially parallel to the elongated part of the base element <NUM>. Said position can be used for example during transport of the roof hook <NUM> as the roof hook <NUM> is relatively compact in this configuration. It is also beneficial to use a position wherein the hook member <NUM> is substantially parallel to the base element <NUM> as it may enable easier positioning of the roof hook <NUM> onto the roof, as the (vertical) space required wherein the roof hook <NUM> is to be inserted between adjacent tiles can be reduced. The (average) mutual distance between the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> is typically increased for the position of use.

In the position as shown in especially <FIG>, the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> define a hook structure wherein the hook member <NUM> can be hooked behind part of the roof, in particular a tile batten arranged on the roof. Hence, the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> define an accommodating space <NUM> wherein part of the roof, in particular a tile batten arranged on the roof can be received.

<FIG> show a second possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. <FIG> shows a side view of the roof hook <NUM>, where <FIG> shows a perspective view both in a possible position of use. <FIG> shows the roof hook <NUM> in a further opened position. <FIG> shows a side view of the roof hook <NUM> in an initial position. The roof hook <NUM> of the shown embodiment has a substantially similar configuration as the roof hook <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The roof hook <NUM> also comprises an substantially elongated base element <NUM> and a hook member <NUM>, which are mutually displaceable. The mutual displacement between the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> can be initiated via an actuator <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the actuator <NUM> comprises a shaft <NUM> which is connected to both the hook member <NUM> and the base element <NUM>. Said connection can be either directly or indirectly. The base element <NUM> comprises a through hole <NUM> wherethrough the shaft <NUM> is passed. The dimensions of the trough hole <NUM> are preferably adapted to the dimensions of the shaft <NUM> and the desired displacement of the hook member with respect the base element (or the mutual displacement). The shaft <NUM> is preferably pivotably connected to an part of the hook member <NUM> near the connection of the hook member <NUM> with the base element <NUM> when the roof hook is in a position of use. In this way, the accommodating space <NUM> enclosed between the hook member <NUM> and the base element <NUM> is not negatively affected. It can be seen that the accommodating space <NUM> is larger in the embodiment of <FIG> compared to <FIG> (and 2d). The hook member <NUM> and base element <NUM> are connected via a hinge connection <NUM>. The roof hook <NUM>, and in particular the actuator <NUM> further comprises an operating element <NUM>. The operating element <NUM> is in the shown embodiment slideable over the outer edges <NUM>, or reinforcement ribs <NUM>, of the base element <NUM>. Hence, displacement of the operating element <NUM> causes displacement of the hook member <NUM> with respect to the base element <NUM>. The operating element <NUM> can be manually operated. In the shown embodiment, the operating element is <NUM> encloses part of the base element <NUM>. It is, however, also conceivable that the operating element <NUM> would be substantially enclosed between part of the base element <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is pivotably connected to the operating element <NUM>. The arrows indicate possible directions of the displacement of the base element <NUM> with respect to the hook member <NUM>, or vice versa. In <FIG>, the roof hook <NUM> is in its initial position. The compact character of the roof hook <NUM> is shown in this figure. Herein the effective height defined by the longitudinal part of the base element and the hook member is relatively small.

<FIG> show a third possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. <FIG> show a side view of the roof hook <NUM>, where <FIG> shows a perspective view. The shown embodiment of the roof hook <NUM> comprises a base element <NUM> and a hook member <NUM>. The hook member <NUM> is connected to the base element <NUM> via multiple hinges <NUM>. Said hinges <NUM> are positioned in series. The roof hook <NUM>, and in particular the hook member <NUM>, comprises two parallel positioned pivotable arms <NUM> which are connected to via the hinges <NUM> to respectively the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM>. Basically, the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> are mutually connected the two parallel positioned pivotable arms <NUM>. Due to this configuration, part of the hook member <NUM> can stay substantially parallel to part of the base element <NUM> during mutual displacement. In the shown embodiment, each arm <NUM> comprises a bridge-configuration. Each arm <NUM> comprises two co-acting arm members 312a, 312b which are mutually connected at a central region of the arm via a bridge 312c. Each arm member 312a, 312b is hingeably connected to both the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> at a pivot point <NUM>. The parallel displacement of the hook member <NUM> can be seen in the figures, where <FIG> shows the roof hook <NUM> in its position of use, <FIG> shows an initial position and <FIG> shows an intermediate position.

<FIG> show a fourth possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. <FIG> show a perspective view, <FIG> a side view and <FIG> a cross-sectional view. <FIG>, <FIG> show the roof hook <NUM> in a position of use, wherein the base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM> define a hook structure such that both hook members <NUM> can be hooked behind a tile batten arranged on a roof. In the shown embodiment, the base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM> are hingeably connected via hinges <NUM>. The hinges <NUM> are in the shown embodiment partially formed by the base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM>. Both the base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM> define at least one knuckle, wherein the knuckles are co-acting via the interposition of a pin (not shown) which acts as axis of rotation. The roof hook <NUM> further comprises an operating element <NUM> configured for manual activation of a mutual displacement between the base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM> at least from the initial position (<FIG>) to the position of use (<FIG>). <FIG> show that in case the operating element <NUM> is activated such that the spring <NUM> is released from the compressed configuration (<FIG>) to the stretched configuration (<FIG>). It is beneficial if the operating element <NUM> is positioned at a distance from the hook structure which is to be formed, since this facilitates simplified (manual) activation. Hence, the roof hook <NUM> is preferably provided in the initial position, and placed between tiles of the roof such that there is sufficient space for the hook members <NUM>, and in particular the outer ends 402z thereof to unfold. Subsequently each hook member <NUM> can be individually displaced with respect to the base element <NUM>. This is a pivotable displacement around an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base element <NUM>. Each hook member <NUM> thereby displaces transversally, or sideways (seen from the base element <NUM>). The hook members <NUM> may displace in a symmetrical manner. When the roof hook <NUM> is in the position of use, the hook structure may be hooked behind the tile batten. Due to the use of the spring <NUM> the roof hook will remain in the position of use. This can also be set by making use of a fixation element <NUM>, such as a screw <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the displacement of the hook members <NUM> is restricted into the position of use due to part of the base element <NUM>, in particular an outer edge, forming a (vertical) boundary. It can be seen when comparing <FIG> that the mutual distance between the hook members <NUM> can be varied depending on the position.

<FIG> show a simplified embodiment of the roof hook <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The mutual displacement between the base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM> of the roof hook <NUM> can be manually initiated in a relatively simple manner. Hereto, the operating elements 409a are configured for manual activation of said mutual displacement form integrally part of the hook members <NUM>. The hook members <NUM> comprise an elongated part which extend along the elongated part of the base element <NUM>. The support edges <NUM> of the base element <NUM> form a boundary for restriction of the mutual displacement between said base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM>.

<FIG> show a fifth possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. The roof hook <NUM> is conceptual seen substantially similar to the configuration shown in <FIG>. Despite not shown, the device <NUM> may be spring-activated, for example via an operating element as shown in <FIG>. The hinges <NUM> of the device <NUM> extend over substantially the full length of the elongated part of the base element <NUM>. Herewith a rather stable displacement between the base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM> can be obtained. The arrows indicate possible directions of the mutual displacement between the base element <NUM> and hook members <NUM>. The base element <NUM> comprises a coupling member <NUM> configured for coupling with at least one further mounting element for mounting a solar panel to a roof.

<FIG> show a sixth possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. The roof hook <NUM> also comprises a substantially elongated base element <NUM> and two hook members <NUM> which are configured for co-action with a part of the roof, in particular a tile batten arranged on the roof. Despite the figures only showing one intermediate position, the base element <NUM> and the hook members <NUM> are mutually displaceable at least between a position of use and an initial position. In this embodiment, each hook member <NUM> comprises a rotatable shaft 602e which is rotatable in the longitudinal direction of the base element <NUM>. The base element <NUM> comprises reinforcement ribs <NUM> which enclose the rotatable shafts 602e of the hook members <NUM>. Rotation of the shaft 602e causes displacing of the hook member <NUM> with respect to the base element <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the ribs <NUM> create a protective environment for the hook members <NUM>, and in particular the rotatable shafts 602e thereof. Guide elements <NUM> are present for guiding the hook members <NUM>. The displacement between the hook members <NUM> and base element <NUM> can be manually activated via the operating element <NUM>, which form integral part of the hook members <NUM>. The hook members <NUM> further each define a substantially rectangular hook. If both hook members <NUM> are positioned in the position of use, the combination of the hook members <NUM> define a hook structure for which can be hooked behind part of the roof.

<FIG> show a seventh possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. <FIG> and <FIG> show the roof hook <NUM> in a possible position of use, where <FIG> and <FIG> show a possible initial position. The roof hook <NUM> is substantially similar to the roof hook <NUM> shown in <FIG>. However, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the hook members <NUM> are positioned along the outer edges of the base element <NUM>. Due to the wider configuration of the roof hook <NUM>, this embodiment may provide a relatively large stability when positioned upon a roof. The hook members <NUM> are made of (metal) wire.

<FIG> show an eighth embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. The elongated base element <NUM> comprises reinforcing ribs <NUM> which are configured for co-action with the hook member <NUM>. The hook member <NUM> comprises a rotatable shaft 802e. Part of the hook member <NUM>, and in particular the rotatable shaft <NUM> is received in a through hole of the reinforcing rib <NUM> of the base element. In the shown embodiment, the operating element <NUM> forms integral part of the base element <NUM>. The figures shown an initial position of the roof hook <NUM>. The roof hook <NUM> can be hooked behind a part of a roof, such as a tile batten. Then the base element <NUM> can be pivoted such that the hook member <NUM>, present in the form of a wire, can act as a torsion spring, thereby clampingly engaging the roof hook <NUM> to the roof. In fact, the hook member <NUM> remains substantially stationary, seen from positional point of view, during mounting onto the roof. Part of the roof is then received within the receiving space <NUM> defined by the hook member <NUM>. Subsequently, the base element <NUM> is rotated with respect to the hook member <NUM>, and in particular the rotatable shaft 802e thereof. The rotatable shaft 802e connected to the base element <NUM> at two connection points <NUM> spaced apart from another. In the shown embodiment, the connection points <NUM> are formed in a relatively simple manner; by providing a through hole in part of the base element <NUM> wherein part of the hook member <NUM> can be received. The base element <NUM> can be twisted such that the base element <NUM> causes the hook member <NUM> to act as a torsion spring. This may cause an effective fixation of the roof hook <NUM> to part of the roof.

<FIG> show a ninth possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. The roof hook <NUM> comprises a base element <NUM> and one hook member <NUM>. The hook member <NUM> has substantially the same width as the base element <NUM>. The pivotable connection between the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> is provided via a gear construction. The base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> are connected via a gear <NUM>, wherein the roof hook <NUM> further comprises a gear rack <NUM> configured for initiating mutual displacement between the hook member <NUM> and the base element <NUM>. Hence, the gear <NUM> can also be referred to as actuator <NUM>. Part of the hook member <NUM> thereto comprises a toothed surface. The gear rack <NUM> is configured for co-action with said toothed surface. The mutual displacement between the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> is limited at the point where both engage another, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>. This is the initial position. The position of use (<FIG>) define a smaller accommodating space <NUM> than which is defined in a position of substantially maximum extension (<FIG>). It is possible that the gear rack <NUM> comprises an operating element <NUM>. Preferably, the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> can be locked in a preferred position, such as the position of use and the initial position. The operating element <NUM> is in the shown embodiment a sliding member, which can actuate the gear rack <NUM> and subsequently rotate the gear <NUM>, thereby pivoting the hook member <NUM> with respect to the base element <NUM>.

<FIG> show a tenth possible embodiment of a roof hook <NUM> according to the present invention. The roof hook <NUM> has a substantially similar basic configuration as the embodiment shown in <FIG>. The hook member <NUM> and the base element <NUM> are pivotably connected via a hinge <NUM>. The pivotable displacement between the base element <NUM> and the hook member <NUM> can be actuator via actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can be actuated via an operating element <NUM>, wherein a user can rotate the operating element <NUM> such that the actuator starts rotating too, thereby causing the hook member <NUM> to pivot with respect to the base element <NUM>. Depending on the direction of rotation of the operating element <NUM> and/or the actuator <NUM>, the hook member <NUM> will either move towards the base element <NUM> or in a direction away from the base element <NUM>.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

Claim 1:
Roof hook (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for fixing solar panels to a roof, comprising:
- a substantially elongated base element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and
- at least one hook member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the base element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and at least one hook member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are mutually connected and configured for co-action with a tile batten arranged on the roof, and
wherein the base element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and at least one hook member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are mutually displaceable between at least:
∘ a position of use wherein the base element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and at least one hook member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) define a hook structure such that at least one hook member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can be hooked behind a tile batten arranged on the roof,
and
∘ an initial position wherein the roof hook (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is more
compact than in the position of use, characterized in that the roof hook (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises at least two hook members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein each hook member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is displaceable with respect to the base element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) such that the mutual distance between said hook members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can be varied.