GLASS ROOF STRUCTURE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular canopy structure allowing for easy assembly.

[0002] One potential application is the assembly of kit-form skylights. Such skylights are designed to be easily assembled by a non-professional using common tools.

[0003] Typically, glass roofs are custom-designed by professionals. They begin by taking measurements on-site. Then, in their workshop, they cut and weld together metal profiles to create the frame of the glass roof.

[0004] Next, the framework is installed on site so that the glass panels can be inserted crosswise. These panels are held in place at their edges by means of glazing beads, usually screwed into the profiles.

[0005] Installing such glass roofs is relatively expensive. Therefore, the idea arose to create kit-based glass roofs that can be easily assembled by non-professional individuals. Based on measurements provided by the homeowner and various possible configurations suggested by a professional, the latter can produce a kit of metal profiles that the homeowner can then assemble on-site.

[0006] For example, to fit a rectangular bay, the profile kit includes a U-shaped bottom rail and a U-shaped top rail, n T-shaped uprights adapted to fit into the two U-shaped rails, n-1 glass panels and n U-shaped glazing beads intended to cooperate with the T-shaped uprights to enclose the side edges of the glass panels.

[0007] It is known from document FR 3 057 899 to produce T-shaped profile uprights, each with a central flange and two opposing free flanges, forming two rebates adapted to receive two glazed wall edges respectively. Also known from this document is the production of U-shaped metal profiles, each with two facing flanges extended respectively by two return edges extending towards each other. The two return edges are in turn extended by two free flanges towards the interior of the U-profile. These U-profiles are then attached opposite the central flange of the T-profile to cap it, forming glazing beads. The central flange has two opposing grooves into which the two free flanges of the U-profile engage after elastic deformation.In other words, the two free wings elastically move apart when the middle wing is forcibly engaged between the two, then come back into contact inside the grooves when the two return edges of the U-shaped profile rest against the wall edges.

[0008] The U-shaped profile is integral with the T-shaped profile and together they form a glazing bead.

[0009] However, such an adjustment requires U-shaped profiles whose free wings are spaced at the same constant distance in order to ensure a perfect connection with the median wing of the T-shaped profile.

[0010] However, reproducibility of U-shaped profiles with such precision is possible, but at the expense of productivity, and consequently manufacturing costs.

[0011] Document US4750310A describes a modular canopy structure according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0012] Therefore, a problem that arises and that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a modular canopy structure that allows for reliable assembly and that can be obtained at an advantageous cost.

[0013] In order to solve this problem, the invention proposes a modular glass structure comprising: a plurality of T-shaped metal profiles, each having a central flange and two free flanges extending in opposite directions, forming two rebates to receive two glazed wall edges respectively; a plurality of U-shaped metal profiles, each having two facing flanges extended by two returning edges, each of said U-shaped profiles being adapted to be attached to each of said T-shaped profiles so that said central flange engages between said two facing flanges, while said glazed wall edges engage respectively between said free flanges and said two returning edges respectively.The modular structure further comprises a plurality of U-shaped hooking profile sections made of polymer material, each having two retaining wings and two facing hooking wings situated between said retaining wings; and the U-shaped hooking profile sections are adapted to be engaged inside each of said U-shaped profiles so that said retaining wings come into contact with said return edges, while said middle wing comes into contact between said two hooking wings.

[0014] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of U-shaped attachment profile sections made of a polymer material, the flanges of which are doubled with two external retaining flanges and two opposing attachment flanges located inside between the two retaining flanges. The U-shaped attachment profile sections are short compared to the length of the U-shaped profiles, as will be explained in more detail later in the description. For example, their length ranges from 20 mm to 40 mm.

[0015] Thus, when the section of the attachment profile is engaged inside the U-profile, the retaining wings engage under the return edges of the U-profile, while the middle wing of the T-profile engages between the two attachment wings.

[0016] Thanks to the polymer material, the two attachment flanges can elastically separate from each other over a relatively large range before engaging with the central flange of the T-profile. This eliminates the need for U-profiles with precisely spaced edges at a constant distance, allowing the use of U-profiles with greater dimensional variability, particularly in the distance between the two return edges. Such U-profiles are therefore less expensive to produce.

[0017] Advantageously, the central wing has two opposing sides, each with a recess forming a supporting shoulder. The two attachment wings then engage against the two shoulders of the opposing sides. Preferably, the sides of the central wing of the T-profile converge towards each other above the shoulders to facilitate the engagement of the central wing between the two attachment wings, as will be explained in more detail later in the description.

[0018] Furthermore, these two attachment wings advantageously include two edges that curve back towards each other, forming two attachment shoulders. Thus, when the central wing of the T-profile is engaged between the two attachment wings, they tend to move elastically apart until the two curved edges come to rest against the edges of the glazed wall and the two attachment shoulders extend to the level of the support shoulders. At this point, the two attachment wings release and abruptly come together, regaining their equilibrium, and the two attachment shoulders then align with the two support shoulders of the central wing.

[0019] It is understood that, thanks to the flexibility of the attachment flanges, it is possible to design attachment shoulders of a relatively large width and, correspondingly, retention shoulders for the attachment flanges of roughly the same width. Thus, by increasing the width of the retention and attachment shoulders, the attachment span is increased. Consequently, the central flange of the T-profile is perfectly enclosed between the two attachment flanges.

[0020] Preferably, each of the two attachment flanges has a chamfered free end to receive the central flange of the T-profile. In this way, the chamfered free ends form ramps when the central flange is engaged between the two attachment flanges. Consequently, the separation of the two attachment flanges is facilitated. Furthermore, their range of deformation can be increased, which can allow for better engagement when they return to equilibrium.

[0021] Furthermore, and according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the U-shaped attachment profile sections comprise two connecting wings linking the two attachment wings and the retaining wings, respectively. In this way, the attachment wings and the retaining wings are respectively held relative to each other. Consequently, the attachment profile section is more rigid. And as a result, the central wing of the T-profile is more firmly held between the attachment wings.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said retaining wings have free ends with two first portions converging towards each other and two second free portions substantially parallel to each other. Thus, the two first converging portions bear against the inside of the return edges, while the two second free portions extend outwards from the U-shaped profile between the return edges. In this way, the central wing of the T-shaped profile is guided inside the U-shaped profile between the two second free portions of the retaining wings and then engages between the two attachment wings.

[0023] Preferably, these second free portions extend in line with the two attachment wings. In other words, the second free portions extend directly from the two attachment wings. This ensures perfect guidance of the central wing of the T-profile when it is engaged inside the U-profile attachment. Furthermore, the central wing of the T-profile is completely covered by the U-profile attachment without contacting the inside of the U-profile. Thus, given the greater elastic deformability of the U-profile attachment compared to the U-profile, which is metallic, a better locking mechanism is achieved. Indeed, the U-profile is made, for example, of aluminum. The T-profile is advantageously also made of aluminum.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the free flanges of each of the T-profiles each have a first dovetail groove to receive the base of a gasket. In this way, the gasket can be secured to the free flanges of the T-profile without adhesive. According to another embodiment, the first groove can be formed in the form of an inverted T-profile.

[0025] Furthermore, and advantageously, these two edges, returning towards each other, each feature a second dovetail groove to accommodate the base of a seal. A seal is thus secured to the two returning edges with the same advantages as for free flanges. The second groove can also be formed with an inverted T-shaped profile.

[0026] Advantageously, the canopy structure according to the invention further comprises at least two asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles adapted to be held parallel to each other, for transversely receiving said T-profiles of said plurality of T-profiles. Preferably, the two asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles form two horizontal crossbars, an upper crossbar and an opposing lower crossbar. And the T-profiles form vertical uprights installed parallel to each other between the asymmetrical crossbars.

[0027] Also, the canopy structure according to the invention further comprises at least two L-shaped metal profiles adapted to cooperate respectively with said two asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles to hold said glazed walls in contact.

[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic perspective view of an element of the structure according to the invention; [ Fig.2 ] is a schematic perspective view of another element of the structure according to the invention; [ Fig.3 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of said structural element; [ Fig.4 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of said other structural element; [ Fig.5 ] is a schematic perspective view of yet another element of the structure according to the invention; [ Fig.6 ] is a partial schematic perspective view of a canopy structure according to the invention during assembly; [ Fig.7 ] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view showing the cooperation of the three structural elements illustrated on the [ Fig. 3 ], [ Fig. 4] et [Fig. 5 ] in a first state; and, [ Fig.8 ] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view showing the cooperation of the three structural elements illustrated on the [ Fig. 3 ], [ Fig. 4] et [Fig. 5 in a second state.

[0029] There [ Fig. 1 ] shows a metal T-profile 10, here in aluminium, having a central flange 12 and two opposing free flanges 14, 16. Also, each of the two free flanges 14, 16, has a first elastomer seal 18.

[0030] The T-profile 10 has a predetermined length, for example 200 mm.

[0031] We find in straight section on the [ Fig. 3 ] the T-profile 10. The two opposing free wings 14, 16 extend in line with each other and of the same width on each side of the median wing 12.

[0032] The mid-wing 12 is hollow and has a thickness considerably greater than twice that of the free wings 14, 16. The mid-wing 12 has a vertex 20 and two opposing sides 22, 24. The two opposing sides 22, 24 each have a recess forming two attachment shoulders 26, 28 opposite each other near the vertex 20. Also, the two opposing sides 22, 24 have two upper portions 30, 32 located above the attachment shoulders 26, 28. The two upper portions 30, 32 converge towards each other up to the vertex 20. Therefore, it will be observed that the vertex 20 of the mid-wing 12 is considerably narrower than the thickness of the mid-wing 12, below the attachment shoulders 26, 28.

[0033] Furthermore, it will be observed that the height of the median wing 12 is approximately equal to the sum of the widths of the two free wings 14, 16. The median wing 12 has, for example, a height between 30 mm and 40 mm.

[0034] Thus, the two free wings 14, 16 and the median wing 12 which separates them, form two rebates, back to back, adapted to receive respectively two edges of glazed wall as will be explained below.

[0035] Furthermore, we find on the [ Fig. 3 ], the first two elastomer seals 18. They each have a sole 34 engaged in a first inverted T-profiled groove 36. In this way, the sole 34 of the seals 18 is engaged by sliding in the grooves 36 so as to secure the seals 18 to the free wings 14, 16.

[0036] Thanks to this method of fastening, the position of joint 18 is perfectly defined. In this case, it extends at a distance from the median flange 12. Moreover, it is not at risk of any transverse slippage.

[0037] We will now refer to the [ Fig. 2 [showing a U-shaped metal profile 38. According to the implementation method presented here, it is also made of aluminum. It has a base 40 and two opposing flanges 42, 44. The flanges 42, 44 extend respectively into two return edges 46, 48 extending towards each other. The two return edges 46, 48 have an external face on which two second elastomer seals 50 are installed.]

[0038] The U-shaped metal profile 38 has a length that is significantly shorter than the length of the T-shaped profile 10.

[0039] We find on the [ Fig. 4 ], in cross-section, the U-shaped metal profile 38. It will be observed that the two opposing flanges 42, 44 are erected perpendicularly to the bottom 40. In addition, they are separated from each other by a distance close to the sum of the widths of the two free flanges 14, 16 of the metal T-profile 10. Furthermore, the two opposing flanges 42, 44 have a height less than the height of the median flange 12 of the T-profile 10.

[0040] Also, the two return edges 46, 48 each have a second inverted T-profile groove 52. And the second joints 50 have a second base 54 captive of the inverted T-profile groove 52.

[0041] Furthermore, it will be observed that the two return edges 46, 48 define between the two, an opening 56 whose width is for example greater than one and a half times the width of the median wing 12 of the T-profile 10.

[0042] We will now refer to the [ Fig. 5 showing in perspective a section of a U-shaped 58 attachment profile made of a polymer material. Such a section is obtained, for example, by cutting a profile produced using a corresponding die.

[0043] The U-shaped attachment profile section 58 comprises a second bottom 61, two retaining wings 60, 62 extending outwards, and two facing attachment wings 64, 66 erected relative to the second bottom 61 and situated between the retaining wings 60, 62.

[0044] Also, the two attachment wings 64, 66 have two free edges 68, 70 curved towards each other to form two attachment shoulders 72, 74.

[0045] In other words, the two attachment shoulders 72, 74 extend between the two attachment wings 64, 66. Furthermore, the two free edges 68, 70 are respectively chamfered, flaring out from the attachment shoulder 72, 74 to the apex 20.

[0046] Furthermore, the U-shaped attachment profile section 58 includes two connecting flanges 76, 78, which respectively link the attachment flanges 64, 66 and the retaining flanges 60, 62. Thanks to the connecting flanges 76, 78, the attachment flanges 64, 66 are more rigid. Also, bringing the retaining flanges 60, 62 closer together also brings the attachment flanges 64, 66 closer together. This advantage will be explained later in the description.

[0047] In addition, the two retaining wings 60, 62 have free ends having two first portions 80, 82 converging towards each other and two second free portions 84, 86 extending at the right of the attachment wings 64, 66 parallel to each other.

[0048] As will be explained in more detail below, the U-shaped 58 attachment profile section is intended to be engaged inside the U-shaped 38 metal profile.

[0049] We will now refer to the [ Fig. 6 ] partially illustrating a skylight structure 88. It comprises an upper crossbar 90 substantially parallel to a lower crossbar 92. The two crossbars 90, 92 are connected to each other by a plurality of vertically oriented T-profiles 10' spaced at equal distances from each other. The T-profiles 10' shown on the [ Fig. 6 ] are identical to the one shown on the [ Fig. 1 ]. Consequently, its elements will now be described with the same reference marked with a prime sign: « ' ».

[0050] Also, the 12' median wing of the 10' T-profiles is oriented towards the front of the [ Fig. 6 ]. And a plurality of glazed walls 94 having two opposing vertical edges 96, 98 were respectively engaged between the T-profiles 10' so that two opposing vertical edges 96, 98 come to rest on the first joint 18 of two free wings 14, 16, of two contiguous T-profiles 10'.

[0051] The upper 90 and lower 92 crossbars each include an asymmetrical U-shaped metal profile 100. These asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles 100 are designed to receive the upper and lower ends of the T-profiles 10', respectively, and also the upper and lower edges of the supporting glazed panels 94. The upper 90 and lower 92 crossbars each also include an L-shaped metal profile 102. These L-shaped metal profiles 102 are designed to form glazing beads to enclose the upper and lower edges of the glazed panels 94.

[0052] It will be observed that the metal profiles in L 102 have notches 104 through which the median wing 12' of the profiles in T 10' extend.

[0053] Also, U-shaped metal profiles 38' will be attached respectively to the 12' central flanges of the 10' T-profiles to form vertical glazing beads. This will be explained in relation to [ Fig. 7] et [Fig. 8 ] the mode of cooperation of the 10' T-profiles and the 38' U-profiles. Here too, the 38' U-profiles are entirely analogous to that of the [ Fig. 2 ] And [ Fig. 4 ], and their elements will have the same references marked with a prime sign: « '. The same will apply to the U-shaped 58 attachment profile.

[0054] Thus, we find on the [ Fig. 7 [ ], in cross-section, one of the T-profiles 10' and two vertical edges 96, 98 of two separate glazed walls 94. The two vertical edges 96, 98 are aligned with the two free flanges 14', 16' against the first two joints 18'. The central flange 12' is also present, projecting between the two vertical edges 96, 98 of the two glazed walls.

[0055] The U-shaped profiles 38' are then fitted with a plurality of U-shaped 58' connecting profiles, spaced at intervals between them. For example, the U-shaped 58' connecting profiles have a length of approximately 30 mm, and in this case, four sections are fitted inside the U-shaped profiles 38', at roughly equal intervals. The number of sections is not limited.

[0056] Thus, the U-shaped 58' attachment profile section is engaged inside the U-shaped 38' profile, so that the second bottom 61' of the 58' attachment profile rests on the first bottom 40' of the U-shaped 38' profile, while the retaining wings 60', 62' rest respectively against the two opposite wings 42', 44', and the first two portions 80', 82' rest respectively on the two return edges 46', 48', while the two second free portions 84', 86' extend parallel to each other through the opening 56 and outside the U-shaped 38' profile.

[0057] We also find the two attachment wings 64', 66', extending from the second bottom 61' towards the two second free sections 84', 86'. The latter extend approximately in the same plane as that defined by the two attachment wings 64', 66'.

[0058] Thus, the U-shaped attachment profile 58' is brought closer to the T-shaped profile 10' so that the mid-wing 12' first engages between the two second free portions 84', 86' of the attachment profile 58' as illustrated by the [ Fig. 7 ].

[0059] Thanks to the two converging upper portions 30', 32' of the two opposite sides 22, 24 of the median wing 12', it is easier to adjust the median wing 12' between the two second free portions 84', 86'. These then guide the U-shaped profiles 38' in translation when it is driven along the arrow F towards the T-shaped profile 10'.

[0060] By continuing the training of the U-shaped profile 38', the two upper portions 30', 32' then respectively come into contact against the two free edges 68', 70' of the attachment wings 64', 66', and more precisely, in sliding support against the chamfers of the two free edges of the two attachment wings 64', 66'.

[0061] As it sinks, the two attachment wings 64', 66' flex and move apart, while the two second elastomer joints 50' take support on the vertical edges 96, 98 of the glass walls opposite the first joints 18'.

[0062] By further training the U-profile 38', the first 18' and second 50' joints deform and compress elastically against the vertical edges 96, 98 of the glazed walls, while the two attachment wings 64', 66' are separated from each other to their maximum amplitude.

[0063] As soon as the two attachment shoulders 72', 74' extend at the level of the two attachment shoulders 26', 28', the two attachment wings 64', 66' relax by moving closer to each other and the two attachment shoulders 72', 74' then engage in the two attachment shoulders 26', 28'.

[0064] There [ Fig. 8 ] illustrates such a situation where the middle wing 12' is trapped between the two attachment wings 64', 66', while the U-shaped profile 38' forming a glazing bead compresses the two vertical edges 96, 98 against the first joints 18' of the two free wings 14', 16' in order to ensure sealing.

[0065] Thanks to the 58' attachment profile sections, the 12' mid-wing is completely captive within the 38' U-shaped profile.

[0066] And if we attempt to forcefully move the 38' profile away from the 12' T-profile, the two retaining wings 60', 62' tend to move closer together thanks to the cooperation of the first two sections 80', 82' with the two return edges 46', 48'. And consequently, the two attachment wings 64', 66' tend to move closer together via the two connecting wings 76', 78'.

[0067] Therefore, the two hook shoulders 72', 74' are then more firmly held in contact with the two hook shoulders 26', 28'.

[0068] Furthermore, the two second free sections 84' and 86' of the attachment profile 58' come into contact with the two opposite sides of the mid-wing 12', thus preventing the two retaining wings 60' and 62' from moving any closer together. Consequently, the first two sections 80' and 82' remain abutted against the two return edges 46' and 48'. As a result, the attachment profile 58' is also confined within the U-shaped profile 38'.

Claims

1. Modular canopy structure comprising: - a plurality of T-shaped metal profiles (10), each having a middle wing (12) and two free wings (14, 16) extending in opposite directions to each other while forming two rebates for receiving two glazed-wall edges (96, 98) respectively; - a plurality of metal U-shaped profiles (38), each having two wings facing one another (42, 44) and extended by two return edges (46, 48), each of said U-shaped profiles (38) being adapted to be attached to each of the T-shaped profiles (10) such that the middle wing (12) is engaged between said two facing wings (42, 44), while said glazed-wall edges (96, 98) engage respectively between said free wings (14, 16) and said two return edges (46, 48) respectively; - a plurality of U-shaped attachment-profile sections (58) made of polymer material, each including two retaining wings (60, 62) and two facing attachment wings (64, 66); characterised in that the two facing attachment wings (64, 66) are located between said retaining wings; and in that the sections of the U-shaped attachment profiles (58) are adapted to be engaged within each of said U-shaped profiles (38) so that said retaining wings (60, 62) engage with said return edges (46, 48), while said middle wing (12) is engaged between said two attachment wings (64, 66).

2. Canopy structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said central wing (12) has two opposing flanks (22, 24), each having a recess forming a support shoulder (26, 28).

3. Canopy structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the two attachment wings (64, 66) comprise two edges that return towards each other (68, 70), forming two attachment shoulders (72, 74).

4. Canopy structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said U-shaped attachment profile sections (58) comprise two connecting wings (76, 78) respectively connecting said two attachment wings (64, 66) and said retaining wings (60, 62).

5. Canopy structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said retaining wings (60, 62) include free ends having two first portions converging towards each other (80, 82) and two second free portions (84, 86) substantially parallel to one another.

6. Canopy structure according to claim 5, characterised in that said second free portions (84, 86) extend respectively in line with said two attachment wings (64, 66).

7. Canopy structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said free wings (14, 16) of each of said T-shaped profiles (10) each have a first dovetail groove so as to be able to receive the flange of a seal.

8. Canopy structure according to claim 7, characterised in that said two edges that return towards each other (46, 48) each have a second dovetail groove to be able to receive the flange of a seal.

9. Canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it further comprises at least two asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles (100) adapted to be held parallel to one another, for transversely receiving said T-shaped profiles (10') of said plurality of T-shaped profiles.

10. Canopy structure according to claim 9, characterised in that it further comprises at least two L-shaped metal profiles (102) adapted to cooperate respectively with said two asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles (100) to keep said glazed walls (94) in engagement.