Patent Description:
Different fastening arrangements for fastening or attaching roof equipment to a roof are provided on the market. Such fastening arrangements may comprise one or more brackets for engagement with the roof equipment and one or more fastening means or fastening devices for fastening the bracket to a roof. Examples of roof equipment are ladders, snow fences, safety equipment and solar panels.

<CIT> shows a fastening arrangement for roof equipment. <CIT> shows a roof bracket. <CIT> shows a bracket for a stairway. <CIT> shows a roof bracket. <CIT> shows a bracket for roof equipment. <CIT> shows a conduit mounting assembly.

A further objective of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which makes mounting of roof equipment to a roof easier than conventional solutions.

The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the independent claim <NUM>.

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 fastening arrangement for fastening roof equipment to a roof, the fastening arrangement comprising:.

Thereby, the fastening arrangement can be made narrow make mounting easier such as for roofs with specific types of roof tiles.

A roof structure herein may have any of a first side facing a roof ridge, a second side facing outwards from a plane of a 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 roof structures may have elongated shape/form.

The expression "in operation" herein may be understood as how different parts are arranged and/or located in relation to each other and/or to different parts of a roof, such as roof structure and tiles, when mounted in use.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the attachment means comprises attachment means for attaching the bracket in an angle to a plane of the roof.

The angle may be <NUM> degrees and hence perpendicular to the plane of the roof but is not limited thereto. The angle may be larger than <NUM> degrees and smaller than <NUM> degrees in relation to the plane of the roof which also may be denoted the surface of the roof.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the bracket is configured to extend outwards in an angle to a plane of the roof in operation.

The angle may be <NUM> degrees and hence perpendicular to the plane of the roof but is not limited thereto. The angle is however larger than <NUM> degrees and smaller than <NUM> degrees in relation to the plane of the roof which sometimes also may be denoted the surface plane of the roof.

An advantage of the fastening arrangement according to the first aspect is that roof tiles are securely attached at the roof since they are supported by the supporting means. Furthermore, mounting of roof equipment to a roof is easier than with conventional solutions.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the supporting means is configured to enclose and support a lower end of the first tile in operation.

The lower end of a tile in operation may be considered as the end of the tile that is farthest from a ridge of the roof.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the supporting means is arranged between the bracket and the second fastening portion.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the supporting means is a U-shaped portion of the fastening arrangement extending around and enclosing the lower end of the first tile in operation.

The U-shaped portion may be arranged between the bracket and the second fastening portion.

Thereby, an even more secure and robust fastening of roof equipment is provided. Further, the first tile will also be more securely arranged at the roof structure.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the fastening arrangement further comprises at least one first adjustment means for adjusting a length of the supporting means thereby adjusting the length of the section enclosed and supported by the supporting means.

Thereby, adapting the fastening arrangement to different types of tiles is simplified. Further, different supporting levels are possible.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect,.

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

An advantage with this embodiment is that the length of the fastening arrangement can be adjusted or varied. Thereby, the fastening arrangement can be fastened to different types of roof structures or to roof structures with different dimensions or centre distances between the construction parts. For example, the distance between battens of a roof may vary in different roof structures. Therefore, the same fastening arrangement can be used for different roof structures. Further, mounting of the fastening arrangement to roof structure and hence the roof equipment is also made easier since the length of the fastening arrangement can be adjusted to a specific roof structure design. Moreover, in some embodiments by changing the length of the fastening arrangement the length of the supporting means is also changed thereby making adaptation to different types of tiles easier.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the second adjustment means comprises adjustment means for adjusting the length of the fastening arrangement 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 a roof structure is a batten. The mentioned direction may also be parallel to the plane of the roof.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the attachment means and the second adjustment means are co-located.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the attachment means and the second adjustment means are co-located at the back of the first fastening portion.

The back of the first fastening portion may be considered as the section of the first fastening portion arranged closest to the second fastening portion and/or the bracket.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the attachment means and the second adjustment means together form a combined attachment and adjustment means.

Thereby, a compact solution is provided.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the bracket and the second fastening portion are formed from a common structure.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the second fastening portion comprises a supporting portion configured to support the fastening arrangement on a third roof structure of the roof in operation.

Thereby, an even more secure and stable solution is provided for fastening roof equipment at the roof.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the bracket comprises at least one deformation portion configured to deform at a deformation level when receiving excessive loads.

The deformation level may correspond to a load level or an excess load level applied on the bracket.

Thereby, different safety systems may be used with the present fastening arrangement for improved safety.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement according to the first aspect, the deformation portion is arranged at the bracket adjacent to the first fastening portion.

This can also be understood that the deformation portion is arranged on a section of the bracket facing and/or being closest to the ridge of the roof.

Thereby, safety systems for fall protection can advantageously be coupled to the present fastening arrangement.

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

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

Thereby, the fastening portions can extend between roof tiles in operation making mounting easier but also avoiding roof tiles to have a raised position when being arranged on the roof structure/roof.

In an embodiment of a fastening arrangement 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 system comprising.

According to a third aspect which is not comprised in the claimed invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for mounting a fastening arrangement at a roof, the method comprising:.

<FIG> shows a fastening arrangement <NUM> according to embodiments of the invention and <FIG> show the fastening arrangement in <FIG> in different perspective views. The herein disclosed fastening arrangement <NUM> for fastening roof equipment <NUM> to a roof <NUM> comprises a bracket <NUM> comprising at least one engagement means 132a, 132b,. , 132n for engagement with a roof equipment <NUM>. The fastening arrangement <NUM> further comprises a first fastening portion <NUM> comprising at least one first fastening means <NUM> for fastening the fastening arrangement <NUM> to a first roof structure 310a of a roof <NUM>. The fastening arrangement <NUM> further comprises a second fastening portion <NUM> comprising at least one second fastening means <NUM> for fastening the fastening arrangement <NUM> to a second roof structure 310b of the roof <NUM>. The fastening arrangement <NUM> further comprises attachment means <NUM> for attaching the first fastening portion <NUM> to the bracket <NUM> and/or to the second fastening portion <NUM>. The fastening arrangement <NUM> further comprises supporting means <NUM> for supporting at least one section of a first tile 320a in operation.

The supporting means <NUM> may be configured to enclose and support a lower end of the first tile 320a in operation, see also <FIG>. This may e.g. be achieved when the supporting means <NUM> is a U-shaped portion <NUM> of the fastening arrangement <NUM> extending around and enclosing the lower end of the first tile 320a in operation. The supporting means <NUM>, such as the U-shaped portion, can be formed or arranged between the second fastening portion <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> as shown in the Figs. This may be suitable when the bracket <NUM> and the second fastening portion <NUM> are formed from a common structure and the first fastening portion <NUM> is attached to the common structure by means of attachment means. Such a common structure is shown more in detail in <FIG>. The common structure may imply that the bracket <NUM> and the second fastening portion <NUM> are formed from a single piece of material, such as sheet metal punched and bended in a suitable way.

It is further noted that the bracket <NUM> herein comprises multiple different types of engagement means 132a, 132b,. , 132n for engagement with different roof equipment. As disclosed non-limiting examples of engagement means 132a, 132b,. , 132n are circular through holes in different sizes, elongated slots and slits that may or may not be combined with circular holes. Other non-limiting examples of engagement means 132a, 132b,. , 132n may be different types of couplings and connections such as screw connections and bolt connections. Further non-limiting examples are protrusions or other protruding portions for engagement with the roof equipment.

In embodiments of the invention, the fastening arrangement <NUM> comprises at least one second adjustment means <NUM> for adjusting a length L2 of the fastening arrangement <NUM>. The second adjustment means <NUM> may comprise adjustment means for adjusting the length L2 of the fastening arrangement <NUM> along a direction perpendicular to an extension of the first roof structure 310a and an extension of the second roof structure 310b as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. This embodiment is suitable for roof structures comprising battens arranged in parallel to each other which may imply that the length L2 is adjusted in parallel to the plane of the roof <NUM>.

As also noted from <FIG>, the attachment means <NUM> and the second adjustment means <NUM> may be co-located e.g. at the section of the first fasting portion <NUM> being located closest to the bracket <NUM> and/or the second fastening portion <NUM>. This also means that the attachment means <NUM> and the second adjustment means <NUM> together may form a combined attachment and adjustment means for a compact solution.

Moreover, each attachment means <NUM> and each second adjustment means <NUM> may comprise one or more attachment means and one or more adjustment means, respectively.

As shown in the enlarged detailed view in <FIG>, the second adjustment means <NUM> may e.g. be an elongated slot extending along a length extension of the fastening arrangement <NUM> in parallel to the plane of the roof <NUM> and in which an attachment means <NUM>, in this case a bolt connection/coupling, can be locked in different continuous or discrete positions in the slot. Hence, the adjustment means can be configured to change the length L1 of the whole fastening arrangement <NUM> by taking are being arranged at different continuous or discrete positions along the length extension of the fastening arrangement <NUM>. Thereby, the total length L2 of the fastening arrangement <NUM> can be varied and adapted to different roof structures and different types of tiles having different dimensions and shapes. This implies that the fastening arrangement <NUM> can be applied on different roof constructions in which the distance between the first and second roof structures is different. For example, roof structures comprising battens arranged in a parallel pattern, the distance such as centre distance between the battens may vary.

In further embodiments of the invention, the attachment means <NUM> comprises attachment means for attaching the bracket <NUM> to the first fastening portion <NUM> and/or to the second fastening portion <NUM> in an angle to a plane P of the roof <NUM>. The angle shown in the Figs. is substantially <NUM> degrees which means that the bracket <NUM> is attached to the first fastening portion <NUM> and/or to the second fastening portion <NUM> in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the roof <NUM>. Mentioned plane perpendicular to the plane of the roof <NUM> may be considered as a vertical plane extending in an outwards direction OD from the surface of the roof and the plane of the roof <NUM> may be denoted as a pitched roof area having a pitch or a slope having a pitch direction or a slope direction from the ridge of the roof to the eaves or roof projection. The slope direction is illustrated with an arrow S as shown in the Figs. Thereby, the bracket <NUM> may be configured to extend outwards in an angle to the plane of the roof <NUM> in operation.

As previously mentioned, the fastening arrangement <NUM> comprises fastening means for fastening the fastening arrangement <NUM> to a roof structure. In embodiments of the invention as disclosed, the first fastening means <NUM> comprises a first portion 112a for fixative means for fastening the fastening arrangement <NUM> to the first roof structure 310a and/or the second fastening means <NUM> comprises a second portion 122a for fixative means for fastening the fastening arrangement <NUM> to the second roof structure 310b. In the examples shown such first and second portions 112a, 122a may have the shape of a 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. Non-limiting examples of fixative means are screws and nails which are used for fastening the fastening arrangements <NUM> to the battens.

For even more secure and robust fastening, the first fastening means <NUM> may also comprises a first hook portion 112b arranged on the tip of the first fastening portion <NUM> for hooking onto the first roof structure 310a. Correspondingly, the second fastening means <NUM> may be or also comprise a second hook portion 122b arranged on the tip of the second fastening portion <NUM> for hooking onto the second roof structure 310b. These hook portions may be configured to hook around the side of the batten facing the ridge <NUM> of the roof <NUM>. Therefore, also the tip of the first and second fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged at the part closest to the ridge <NUM>.

In embodiments of the invention, the first portion 112a and the second portion 122a extend in a plane parallel to a plane of the roof <NUM>, and the first hook portion 112b and the second hook portion 122b extend in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the roof <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Hence, they are perpendicularly arranged in relation to each other. In the disclosed example, 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 fastening arrangement <NUM> to the roof structure.

Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention the second fastening portion <NUM> comprises a supporting portion <NUM> configured to support the fastening arrangement <NUM> on a third roof structure 310c of the roof <NUM> in operation. The supporting portion <NUM> may be arranged in the part of the second fastening portion <NUM> closest to the eaves or roof projection in operation. The supporting portion <NUM> in contact with the third roof structure 310c may be covered with rubber or any other suitable material. Thus, mechanical damage on the tile is reduced and also undesired noise generated by the mechanical contact between the supporting portion <NUM> and the tile can be reduced. The combination of one or more of the first and second fastening means and the supporting portion <NUM> a very robust and secure anchoring of the fastening arrangement <NUM>, and hence the roof equipment <NUM>, to the roof structure of the roof <NUM> is achieved. It its further noted that also the first fastening portion <NUM> may comprise a corresponding supporting portion <NUM> for supporting the first fastening portion <NUM> on the second roof structure 310b as shown in <FIG>.

Yet another advantage with such a secure anchoring of the roof equipment is provided for the embodiments of the invention when the bracket <NUM> comprises at least one deformation portion <NUM> configured to deform at a deformation level when receiving excessive loads. Since the fastening arrangement is securely fastened to the roof structure there is no risk that the roof equipment will detach or disconnect from the roof <NUM>, hence a very secure anchoring is provided. Therefore, with the combination of very secure fastening and deformation portion(s) robust and safe safety applications can be designed. For example, the deformation portion(s) may be designed for different load levels and hence for different safety applications with different load level requirements for deformation. Such different load levels may e.g. be designed based on the number of deformation portions arranged on the bracket, the size and location of each deformation portion, the thickness of the bracket <NUM>, and so on.

Generally, the deformation portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> 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. Different designs of deformation portions are possible. A non-limiting example is the disclosed deformation portion <NUM> which is a cut out having an open portion facing the roof ridge in operation. The deformation portion <NUM> allows 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.

In further embodiments of the invention, the deformation portion <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the first fastening portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In other words the deformation portion <NUM> is arranged in the portion of the bracket <NUM> facing or being closest to the ridge of the roof <NUM> in operation. This is suitable for safety equipment for fall accidents since the force of gravity is generally the acting force in such cases.

<FIG> shows a fastening arrangement <NUM> comprising least one first adjustment means <NUM> for adjusting a length L1 of the supporting means <NUM> thereby adjusting the length of the section enclosed and supported by the supporting means <NUM>. Different solutions for the first adjustment means <NUM> are possible and in the non-limiting disclosed example, the first adjustment means <NUM> is made of a plate or a piece that limits the enclosing and supporting space. The plate can be arranged in different position such that the length L1 of the supporting means <NUM> is varied. In this respect the plate and the bracket <NUM> and/or the second fastening portion <NUM> may have corresponding engagement means and/or attachment means illustrated as black and white circles in <FIG>.

<FIG> show further bracket <NUM> design according to further embodiments of the invention. The bracket <NUM> therein shown comprises further types of engagement means 132n in the form of hooks for engagement with roof equipment <NUM> and in this particular case for engaging with a roof ladder or stair. It is further noted from <FIG> that the first 310a and second roof 310b structures to which the first <NUM> and second <NUM> fastening portions are fastened do not have to be adjacent roof structures, such as adjacent battens. <FIG> shows the example of every other batten. Certainly, it could be every third or every fourth batten, etc. Also, non-regular patterns of battens, e.g. even and/or non-even, made be used for fastening the first <NUM> and second <NUM> fastening portions to the roof structure construction.

Moreover, many different types of roof tiles for covering roofs are provided on the market. The tiles may have different dimensions and shapes as mentioned and may be produced from many different materials. The roof tiles are often arranged upon a roof structure in a given pattern. The roof structure often comprises battens extending in horizontal lines and being arranged in parallel to each other seen from the ridge of the roof to the eaves or roof projection as shown in <FIG>. The battens on which the tiles are supported may be arranged on a construction of counter battens which however is not shown in the Figs.

A common type of roof tiles is so called Bieber roof tiles which are shown in <FIG>. A drawback with such roof tiles is that it may be difficult to mount roof equipment on roofs covered by such tiles due to their shape and the laying pattern prescribed for such tiles. Often one or more of such roof tiles will be arranged in a deviated position, e.g. slightly raised position, when mounting roof equipment which means reduced protection of the roof and a risk of tiles detaching from the roof structure, e.g. under windy or stormy conditions.

Therefore, in the invention the first fastening portion <NUM> has an elongated band shape and the second fastening portion <NUM> has an elongated band shape, as is for instance shown in the Figs. The bands extend along the surface of the roof <NUM> in a raised position extending outwards from the surface of the roof <NUM> which implies a very narrow build in the plane of the roof <NUM>. More specifically, in embodiments of the invention the first fastening portion <NUM> has a first length extending in a plane parallel to a plane of the roof <NUM> and a first band width extending outwards from the roof <NUM>, and/or the second fastening portion <NUM> has a second length extending in a plane parallel to a plane of the roof <NUM> and a second band width extending outwards from the roof <NUM>. The length is larger than the band width, e.g. more than two times the width. Further, the thickness of the bands is less than the band width of the bands hence the term band used herein.

Furthermore, <FIG> show examples of different systems <NUM> according to aspects of the invention. Such systems <NUM> comprises at least one fastening arrangement <NUM> according to embodiments of the invention and at least one roof equipment <NUM>. By coupling any number of brackets <NUM> and first <NUM> and second <NUM> fastening portions as disclosed herein a system <NUM> can be formed.

In the disclosed non-limiting example, the roof equipment <NUM> in <FIG> is a walkway. However, only a section of the walkway is shown. In <FIG> the roof equipment <NUM> is a snow fence. Non-limiting further examples of roof equipment are roof ladders, solar panels, ridge and roof rails, hatches, guardrails, fall protection and other safety devices, snow stoppers, roof steps, etc..

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

<FIG> show an embodiment of the present fastening arrangement <NUM> comprising two attachment means and one second adjustment means <NUM>. A first attachment means <NUM> is configured to attach the bracket <NUM> to the first fastening portion <NUM> and a second attachment means and the second adjustment means are configured to attach the bracket <NUM> to the second fastening portion <NUM>.

As disclosed in the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, the first fastening portion <NUM> extends on a first tile 320a in operation and the second fastening portion <NUM> extends under the first tile 320a in operation. In such cases the second fastening portion <NUM> may comprise a U-shaped portion <NUM> extending around and holding and supporting a lower end of the first tile 320a in operation as shown. The U-shaped portion <NUM> may be arranged adjacent to the supporting portion <NUM> and facing the opposite direction to the slope S of the roof <NUM> in embodiments of the invention. As further disclosed in <FIG>, the first fastening portion <NUM> extends between a side of a second tile 320b and a side of a third tile 320c in operation, and the second fastening portion <NUM> extends between a side of a fourth tile 320d and a side of a fifth tile 320e in operation. Further, the second fastening portion <NUM> extends between a side of a fourth tile 320d and a side of a fifth tile 320e in operation This is possible due to the band shape of the first and second fastening portions.

In <FIG>, a second fastening portion <NUM> is attached to a second batten 310b e.g. by using screws.

In <FIG>, a first tile 320a is arranged on and over the second fastening portion <NUM> and the end of the first tile 320a is fitted into the U-shaped portion <NUM>. A first fastening portion <NUM> is attached to a first batten 310a by using screws and the first fastening portion <NUM> extends above the first tile 320a in operation. It is further noted from <FIG> that the second fastening portion <NUM> extends between a side of a fourth tile 320d and a side of a fifth tile 320e in operation.

In <FIG>, a bracket <NUM> is attached to the first fastening portion <NUM> and the second fastening portion <NUM>, respectively, e.g. by using bolt connections. However, if the second fastening portion <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> are formed from a common structure, there is no need to perform any attachment of the second fastening portion <NUM> and the bracket <NUM>.

The bracket <NUM> extends outwards from the plane of the roof <NUM> and comprises engagement means for engagement with corresponding engagement means of a roof equipment <NUM> (not shown). The bracket <NUM> may also comprise a supporting portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The supporting portion may be a plate arranged perpendicular to the outwards extension of the bracket <NUM> and configured to be supported by a tile in operation, e.g. the first tile 320a.

In more general terms, aspects external to the scope of the claimed invention relate to a method for mounting a fastening arrangement <NUM> at a roof <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the method <NUM> comprises:.

The general method may also involve the use of the embodiments of the fastening arrangement herein disclosed. Hence, the method <NUM> may involve the use of first and second adjustment means, the U-shaped portion, etc..

Claim 1:
A fastening arrangement (<NUM>) for fastening roof equipment (<NUM>) to a roof (<NUM>), the fastening arrangement (<NUM>) comprising:
a bracket (<NUM>) comprising at least one engagement means (132a, 132b,..., 132n) for engagement with a roof equipment (<NUM>);
a first fastening portion (<NUM>) comprising at least one first fastening means (<NUM>) for fastening the fastening arrangement (<NUM>) to a first roof structure (310a) of a roof (<NUM>);
a second fastening portion (<NUM>) comprising at least one second fastening means (<NUM>) for fastening the fastening arrangement (<NUM>) to a second roof structure (310b) of the roof (<NUM>);
attachment means (<NUM>) for attaching the first fastening portion (<NUM>) to the bracket (<NUM>) and/or to the second fastening portion (<NUM>); and
supporting means (<NUM>) for supporting at least one section of a first tile (320a) in operation; and wherein the first fastening portion (<NUM>) and the second fastening portion (<NUM>) have elongated band shapes, each elongated band, except for their respective first (<NUM>) and second fastening means (<NUM>), is extending outwards from a plane of the roof (<NUM>) perpendicular to the plane of the roof (<NUM>) so as to be narrow in the plane of the roof (<NUM>), such that the first fastening portion (<NUM>) and the second fastening portion (<NUM>) are arranged in a raised position along the plane of the roof (<NUM>) in operation.