Waterproofing device and method for installing a waterproofing device at a roof window

Abstract

A waterproofing device (1014) for a roof window (1), comprising: a first waterproof member (1015), a second waterproof member (1016) and two sealing members (106), the two sealing members being arranged at opposite ends of the waterproofing device. The first waterproof member and the second waterproof member are interconnected in a sliding engagement manner, thereby allowing adjustment of the relative position between the first waterproof member and the second waterproof member during installation. Each sealing member (106) includes a first sealing portion (1061) and a second sealing portion (1062), the first sealing portion being positioned substantially parallel to the inward portion of the second waterproof member, and the second sealing portion being positioned substantially parallel to the downward portion of the second waterproof member. The sealing member (106) further includes at least one frame attachment portion configured to attach the sealing member to the frame of the roof window. A method for installing the waterproofing device is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a waterproofing device for a roof window including a frame and mounted in a roof structure, the waterproofing device comprising: a first waterproof member and a second waterproof member, both the first waterproof member and the second waterproof member extending in a longitudinal direction; and two sealing members arranged at opposite ends of the waterproofing device when viewed in the longitudinal direction, wherein an upward portion of the first waterproof member and a downward portion of the second waterproof member are connected to each other in a sliding engagement manner, thereby allowing adjustment of the relative position between the first waterproof member and the second waterproof member during installation of the waterproofing device, wherein the first waterproof member further includes an outward portion that extends at an angle relative to the upward portion and is configured to extend away from the roof window on the roof structure, wherein the second waterproof member further includes an inward portion that extends at an angle relative to the downward portion and is configured to engage with the frame of the roof window, and wherein each sealing member includes a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the first sealing portion being positioned substantially parallel to the inward portion, and the second sealing portion being positioned substantially parallel to the downward portion. The present invention also relates to a method of installing the waterproofing device at a roof window. Background Art

[0002] When installing a window in a roof structure of a building, it is necessary to make an opening in the roof structure and subsequently re - establish the weather protection provided by the roof structure of the building. To this end, the connection between the roof window and the roof structure is covered by a covering assembly including waterproof members and devices and covering members and devices. To achieve the best possible weather protection effect, it is crucial that the covering assembly is installed correctly and that it subsequently remains in place even during strong winds and when affected by large temperature variations. In addition, it is important that the components of the covering assembly itself remain waterproof.

[0003] A waterproofing device of the above - mentioned type including sealing members is known from the applicant's prior patent application WO2004 / 051026A1 and has been successfully used for many years, but the increasing use of new types of roof windows and roof windows in roofs with low slopes has prompted the desire for further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved waterproofing device and a method for installing the waterproofing device at a roof window.

[0005] This object and other objects are achieved by a roof window of the type mentioned in the introduction. In addition, the roof window is characterized in that the sealing member includes at least one frame attachment portion, and the at least one frame attachment portion is configured to attach the sealing member to the frame of the roof window. By providing the frame attachment portion, the sealing member not only helps to make the waterproof device itself weatherproof as in the case of W02004 / 051026A1, but also helps to establish a connection between the waterproof device and the frame of the roof window. Thereby, the number of components required for installing the roof window and thus the number of joints can potentially be reduced. In addition, since the connection has a built-in sealing function due to being incorporated in the sealing member, the need to subsequently seal the joints using, for example, silicone-based joint fillers as commonly found in many prior art roof windows can be reduced.

[0006] This type of waterproof device is particularly well-suited for use at the bottom of a roof window installed in an inclined roof structure, where the sliding engagement between the waterproof members allows for adaptation to different inclination angles of the roof structure. Accordingly, the waterproof device installed at the bottom frame member of the roof window frame will be referred to hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to this use.

[0007] Since the first sealing portion is positioned substantially parallel to the inward portion and the second sealing portion is positioned substantially parallel to the downward portion, the sealing member is generally L-shaped.

[0008] The sealing member is preferably made of an elastic material, preferably an elastomer, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EDPM).

[0009] The at least one frame attachment portion may include a flange that extends from the first sealing portion and is configured for sliding engagement with a groove in the frame. When the waterproof device is installed at the roof window, the flange is brought into the groove in the frame as the waterproof device is displaced relative to the frame. The displacement can be substantially perpendicular to the frame plane defined by the frame members of the frame, but it is currently considered advantageous to displace the waterproof device in a direction parallel to the frame plane, i.e., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upward portion and the downward portion and perpendicular to the length direction of the waterproof device, to bring the waterproof device into contact with the frame. This can, for example, allow the waterproof device to be arranged below another component of the roof window or to slide into engagement with a waterproof member or a cover member. If the waterproof device is installed at the bottom frame member, where the length direction of the waterproof device extends parallel to the length direction of the bottom frame member, the displacement is preferably perpendicular to the length direction of the bottom frame member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flange includes a first flange leg extending away from the second sealing portion from the first sealing portion and a second flange leg extending substantially perpendicular to the first flange leg and substantially parallel to the first sealing portion, such that the flange has an L-shape. This will for example allow the second flange leg to be arranged in a groove extending substantially parallel to the first sealing portion at a distance from the first sealing portion, and / or for example allow the sealing member to be fixed in two directions.

[0011] It is currently considered advantageous that the flange has a longitudinal direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waterproof device, and the waterproof device is installed by being displaced in a direction substantially parallel to the inner portion and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The flange may engage with a groove in an interface unit on / in the frame, the interface unit, for example, including an extruded profile made of: metal, such as aluminum; or a dimensionally stable polymer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, for example polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene, which polymer may be reinforced by fibers, such as glass fibers.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, at least one frame attachment portion may include a fastener guiding section configured to guide a fastener for fixing the sealing member to the frame. During installation of the waterproof device, the fastener may be inserted into the fastener guiding section and driven into the frame, and the fastener guiding section thus ensures that the fastener penetrates into the frame or the interface unit on the frame at the correct position and at the same time seals the connection between the fastener and the frame. In one embodiment, the fastener guiding section extends substantially parallel to the first sealing portion and substantially perpendicular to the second sealing portion, such that the fastener is guided in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the frame and perpendicular to the frame member on which the waterproof device is installed. Specifically, it is currently considered advantageous that the fastener guiding section extends from an opening in the second sealing portion and passes through the first sealing portion. Since the sealing member is located at the end of the waterproof device in the longitudinal direction of the waterproof device, the fastener can be driven into the end of the frame member extending perpendicular to the following frame member: the waterproof device extends along this frame member in the installed state, which frame member is the side frame member when the waterproof device is used at the bottom frame member of the roof window. The fastener does not need to be driven into the actual frame member. As mentioned above, the frame may further include an interface unit for engaging with other components of the roof window, and such an interface unit may be used to receive the fastener.

[0014] To further facilitate the connection of different components of the roof window, the second waterproof member may include a hole positioned in the continuation of the fastener guiding section such that the fastener guided by the fastener guiding section projects through the hole.

[0015] The sealing member may further include a support protrusion that supports an inward portion of the second waterproof member and forms a sealed connection with the inward portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing member may include one or more of the following:

[0017] One or more guiding surfaces located on the second sealing portion for engaging an extending section of the second waterproof member;

[0018] An opening located in the second sealing portion for receiving the extending section of the second waterproof member; and

[0019] Ribs located on the first sealing portion and / or the second sealing portion.

[0020] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of installing a waterproof device at a roof window including a frame and installed in a roof structure, including the following steps:

[0021] A) Providing a waterproof device according to the first aspect of the present invention,

[0022] B) Arranging the waterproof device on the roof structure and at an outer side portion of the frame of the roof window, the outer side portion facing away from a frame opening defined by the frame,

[0023] C) Connecting the sealing member to the frame using at least one frame attachment portion.

[0024] Note that the reference to the waterproof device need not directly engage with the outer side portion of the frame of the roof window. It may also engage with insulation materials, such as an insulating frame arranged around the frame, or other items related to the installation or operation of the roof window, such as a motor enclosure.

[0025] Embodiments and advantages described with reference to one aspect of the present invention also apply to other aspects of the present invention, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to schematic diagrams, in the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roof window having a covering assembly,

[0028] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a perspective cross-sectional view of a lower left hand corner portion of a waterproof member and a waterproof device on the roof window in

[0029] Figure 3 and Figure 4 showsFigure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional view of an end section of a waterproof member of a waterproof device in

[0030] Figure 5 and Figure 6 are perspective cross-sectional views showing details marked V in Figure 2 from different angles,

[0031] Figures 7 to 9 showing from different angles the sealing members used in the waterproof device in Figure 1 and Figure 2

[0032] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the installation of the bottom waterproof member,

[0033] Figure 11 and Figure 12 are perspective views of details marked XI in Figure 10 at different stages during the installation of the bottom waterproof member,

[0034] Figures 13 to 16 correspondingly showing only a different embodiment, Figures 3 to 6

[0035] Figures 17 to 20 showing from different angles the sealing members used in Figures 13 to 16

[0036] Figures 21 to 24 showing from different angles another embodiment of the sealing member,

[0037] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the sealing member in Figures 21 to 24 in the installed state,

[0038] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the bottom element of the interface unit used in Figure 25

[0039] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the sealing member used with a one-piece bottom waterproof member, and Figures 13 to 20

[0040] Figure 28 is Figure 27 a perspective view of the bottom element of the interface unit and the components of the bottom waterproof member in Detailed Description

[0041] First, refer to Figure 1 ​​​​​, shows a roof window 1 with a covering assembly 10, wherein the right - hand side of the top waterproof member 1011 is shown in a delivery state before being adapted to the shape of the roof material for use side - by - side with the roof window. The roof window 1 is shown in an inclined position as it is intended to be installed in an inclined roof structure.

[0042] In addition to the top waterproof member 1011, the covering assembly includes a plurality of side waterproof members 1012, 1013, a bottom waterproof device 1014, and a plurality of covering members 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, and the plurality of covering members 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024 each cover a part of the window sash that bears the window pane elements 4.

[0043] The roof window 1 includes a frame (not visible in Figure 1 ), and the top waterproof member 1011, the side waterproof members 1012, 1013, and the bottom waterproof device 1014 extend along the top member, the side members, and the frame members respectively in the corresponding length direction L. These frame members together define a frame opening covered by the window pane elements 4 and the frame plane F.

[0044] The bottom waterproof device 1014 is shown in more detail in Figure 2 and corresponds to the lower left - hand side of Figure 1 , but only the waterproof members and the waterproof device are shown. The bottom waterproof device includes a first waterproof member 1015 and a second waterproof member 1016. Both the first waterproof member 1015 and the second waterproof member 1016 extend along the length direction L of the waterproof device and are connected to each other in a sliding engagement manner, thereby allowing the relative position between the first waterproof member and the second waterproof member to be adjusted in the height direction perpendicular to the frame plane F during the installation of the waterproof device.

[0045] Figures 3 to 4 shows the end sections of the first waterproof member 1015 and the second waterproof member 1016.

[0046] The first waterproof member 1015 includes: an outward portion 1015o configured to extend away from the roof window on the roof structure; and an upward portion 1015u extending at an angle relative to the outward portion and configured to extend upward along the outer side of the frame of the roof window. In the bottom waterproof device, the upward portion 1015u is connected to a downward portion 1016d of the second waterproof member 1016, the downward portion 1016d being configured to extend downward along the outer side of the frame of the roof window, and the second waterproof member further includes an inward portion 1016i extending at an angle relative to the downward portion and configured to engage with the outer side portion of the frame of the roof window. In this embodiment, both the upward portion 1015u and the downward portion 1016d have curved edges 1015e, 1016e, and the curved edges 1015e, 1016e surround each other in the installed state as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 and allow telescopic relative movement both in the length direction L and in the height direction perpendicular to the frame plane F.

[0047] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A sealing member 106 is also shown arranged at the end of the waterproof device, and it should be understood that a similar sealing member is found at the opposite end of the waterproof device 1014.

[0048] Each sealing member 106 includes at least one first sealing portion 1061 positioned substantially parallel to the inward portion 1016i and a second sealing portion 1062 positioned substantially parallel to the downward portion 1016d, such that the sealing member is in an L shape.

[0049] Now turning also to Figures 7 to 9 , a sealing member 106 is shown as seen from a different angle. The sealing member further includes two frame attachment portions 1063, 1064 configured to attach the sealing member to the frame of the roof window.

[0050] The first frame attachment portion in the form of a flange 1063 extends from the first sealing portion 1061 and includes: a first flange leg 10631 extending away from the second sealing portion 1062 from the first sealing portion; and a second flange leg 10632 extending substantially perpendicular to the first flange leg and substantially parallel to the first sealing portion. As can be seen in Figure 5 , the flange 1063 extends perpendicular to the length direction L of the waterproof device 1014 in the installed state and engages with the flange 1017 of the lowermost side waterproof member 1013a.

[0051] As Figure 10 shown, wherein the roof window 1 is shown mounted in a roof structure 11 having a roof material 112, the installation of the covering assembly starts with the installation of the bottom waterproofing device 1014, and the covering assembly is displaced in a direction parallel to the frame plane F and perpendicular to the length direction L of the bottom frame member 24. As a result of this displacement, the first frame attachment portion 1063 slides through the first flange leg 10631 into the groove 85 in the side element 82 to engage with the side element 82 of the interface unit 8 as Figure 11 shown.

[0052] Although Figures 2 to 6 shown is the left hand side of the roof window as seen in Figure 1 , however Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown is the right hand side. It should be understood that the two sides are identical except for a mirror image inversion, and the sealing members used at the right hand side are also mirror image inverted with respect to the sealing members as Figures 7 to 9 shown.

[0053] The second frame attachment portion in the form of a fastener guiding section 1064 is configured to guide a fastener 1065 for fixing the sealing member to the frame, as Figure 12 shown. The fastener guiding section extends from an opening 10641 in the second sealing portion 1062 and extends through the first sealing portion 1061 in a direction substantially parallel to the first sealing portion and substantially perpendicular to the second sealing portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 2065 is a screw which is driven into the bottom element 84 of the interface unit 8, the bottom element being seen in Figure 11 wherein the bottom waterproofing device is not yet in its installed position.

[0054] As seen in Figure 4 , the second waterproof member 1016 in this embodiment includes a hole 10161 in the downward portion 1016d, and in the assembled state of the bottom waterproofing device 1014 as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the hole is continuously positioned. When the fastener 1065 is inserted into the fastener guiding section, it will project through the hole, and thus the bottom waterproofing device will be indirectly attached to the frame of the roof window only by being connected to the sealing member attached to the bottom waterproofing device, and also directly attached to the frame of the roof window by engaging with the fastener.

[0055] Although the frame attachment portions 1063, 1064 have been described herein as being attached to the side element 82 and the bottom element 84 of the interface unit, it should be understood that such units need not be present and the frame attachment portions may alternatively be used to attach directly to conventional frame members.

[0056] The sealing member 106 also includes a support protrusion 1066 that forms part of the first sealing portion 1061 and bears against and seals against the inward portion 1016i, as Figure 5 shown.

[0057] The sealing member 106 further includes: a guiding surface 1067 located on the second sealing portion 1062 for engaging an extended section 10162 of the second waterproof element 1016 during assembly; and an opening 1068 located in the second sealing portion for accommodating the extended section in the assembled state.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, both the first sealing portion 1061 and the second sealing portion 1062 include ribs for preventing contact with the entire surface of the second waterproof member 1016.

[0059] As shown in Figures 13 to 21 an alternative embodiment of the sealing member 106 and the waterproof device, in which Figures 13 to 16 corresponds to Figures 3 to 6 and Figures 17 to 20 the sealing member is shown from a different angle.

[0060] Figures 13 to 21 The sealing member 106 in Figure 6 differs from the sealing member described above in that the second sealing portion is shorter and does not extend to contact the second waterproof member 1015 as shown in

[0061] nor does it include the opening 1068 for accommodating the extended section of the second waterproof element. Instead, the sealing member rides on the second waterproof member 1016 and engages a recess 10163 in the second waterproof member. Figures 7 to 9 A sealing lip 1069 that engages a portion 10151 of the second waterproof member 1015 that projects along the side member of the frame of the roof window is included in the sealing member 106. Such a lip may also be added to the sealing member in

[0062] Another alternative embodiment of the sealing member 106 is shown in Figures 21 to 24 shown.

[0063] Figures 13 to 20 The waterproof device and the sealing member inFigures 21 to 24 The attachment of the sealing member in the roof window to the frame takes place in the same way as described above, and the bottom element 84 of the interface unit is Figure 25 It is seen and Figure 26 As shown separately in Figure 26 As can be seen in FIG. 8 , bottom element 84 includes a fastener guide section 841 having an opening 842. Fastener guide section 841 fits into the bottom of the sealing member. Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 , Figure 23 and Figure 24 842 and aligns with the opening 10641 in the sealing member so that the fastener 1065 inserted into the fastener guide section 1064 of the sealing member is received in the fastener guide section 841 of the bottom element 84. Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 , Figure 23 and Figure 24 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , fastener guide section 1064 of the sealing member is relatively short, but it will be appreciated that fastener guide section 1064 could be longer and fastener guide section 841 in the bottom element would be correspondingly shorter.

[0064] like Figures 27 to 28 As shown in Figures 17 to 20 The sealing member 106 shown in the figure can also be used on a one-piece bottom flashing member, not just on a two-piece flashing arrangement. This allows the same sealing member to be used on several different roof windows, and or in combination with several different covering assemblies 10, which are designed, for example, for different installation depths of roof windows in a roof structure.

[0065] The components of the roof window 1 and the flashing 1014 are easily disassembled and each component can in principle be reused, recycled through appropriate environmentally responsible disposal means, or the material recovered for other uses.

Claims

1. A waterproof device (1014) for a roof window (1) including a frame and mounted in a roof structure, the waterproof device comprising a first waterproof member (1015) and a second waterproof member (1016) extending along a length direction (L) of the waterproof device, and two sealing members (106) arranged at opposite ends of the waterproof device as seen in the length direction, wherein, The upward portion of the first waterproof member and the downward portion of the second waterproof member are interconnected in a sliding engagement manner, thereby allowing adjustment of the relative position between the first waterproof member and the second waterproof member during installation of the waterproof device. Wherein, the first waterproof member further includes an outward portion, which extends at an angle relative to the upward portion and is configured to extend away from the roof window on the roof structure. Wherein, the second waterproof member (1016) further includes an inward portion, which extends at an angle relative to the downward portion and is configured to engage with the frame of the roof window. And wherein each sealing member (106) includes a first sealing portion (1061) and a second sealing portion (1062), the first sealing portion (1061) is positioned parallel to the inward portion, and the second sealing portion (1062) is positioned parallel to the downward portion. Characterized in that The sealing member (106) further includes at least one frame attachment portion configured to attach the sealing member to the frame of the roof window. Wherein, the at least one frame attachment portion includes a flange that extends from the first sealing portion and is configured to engage in a sliding manner with a groove in the frame. And wherein, the flange includes a first flange leg and a second flange leg, the first flange leg extends away from the second sealing portion from the first sealing portion, and the second flange leg is perpendicular to the first flange leg and extends parallel to the first sealing portion.

2. The waterproof device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one frame attachment portion includes a fastener guiding section configured to guide a fastener for fixing the sealing member to the frame.

3. The waterproof device according to claim 2, wherein, The fastener guiding section extends parallel to the first sealing portion and perpendicular to the second sealing portion.

4. The waterproof device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The fastener guiding section extends from an opening in the second sealing portion and passes through the first sealing portion.

5. The waterproof device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The second waterproof member includes a hole positioned in a continuation of the fastener guiding section such that a fastener guided by the fastener guiding section projects through the hole.

6. A method of installing a waterproof device (1014) at a roof window (1) including a frame and mounted in a roof structure, comprising the steps of: A) Provide a waterproof device according to one of claims 1 to 5. B) Arrange the waterproof device on the roof structure and at an outer side portion of the frame of the roof window, the outer side portion facing away from a frame opening defined by the frame. C) Connect the sealing member to the frame using at least one frame attachment portion.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, During step B), the waterproof device is engaged with the outer side portion of the frame by shifting the waterproof device in a direction perpendicular to the upward portion and the downward portion.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, During step C), a flange extending from the first sealing portion of the frame attachment portion engages with a groove in the frame by a sliding movement.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The flange engages with a groove in an interface unit of the frame.

10. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, During step C), a fastener is inserted into the fastener guiding section of the frame attachment portion and into the frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The fastener is inserted through a hole in the second waterproof member.

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