Canopy structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a canopy structure comprising a plurality of T-shaped profile members (10) each having a middle flange (12) and two free flanges (14, 16); and a plurality of metal U-shaped profile members (38) each having two opposing flanges (42, 44) extended by two edges (46, 48) folded towards one another. The structure further comprises a plurality of latching U-shaped profiled sections (58) made of polymeric material, each comprising two retaining flanges (60, 62) and two opposing latching flanges (64, 66). The latching U-shaped profiled sections (58) are suitable for being inserted into each of said U-shaped profile members (38) so that said retaining flanges (60, 62) engage with said folded edges (46, 48), while said middle flange (12) engages between said two latching flanges (64, 66).

Description

DESCRIPTION Title of the invention: Glass roof structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular glass roof structure allowing easy assembly.

[0002] One area of ​​application being considered is the assembly of canopies in kit form. Such canopies are suitable for easy assembly by a non-professional using common tools.

[0003] Typically, glass roofs are custom-designed by professionals. They first take measurements on site. They then proceed, in the workshop, to cut and weld metal profiles to create the frame of the glass roof.

[0004] The frame is then installed on site to allow the glass walls to be inserted crosswise. These walls are held in place by their edges using glazing beads, which are generally screwed into the profiles.

[0005] The installation of such canopies is relatively expensive. Therefore, it has been thought to produce canopies in kit form, allowing easy assembly by non-professional individuals. Thus, from dimensions provided by the individual, and different possible configurations suggested by the professional, the latter can produce a kit of metal profiles that can be assembled by the individual himself on site.

[0006] For example, to fill a rectangular bay, the profile kit includes a low U-shaped crosspiece and a high U-shaped crosspiece, n T-shaped uprights adapted to engage in the two U-shaped crosspieces, n-1 glass panels and n U-shaped glazing beads intended to cooperate with the T-shaped uprights to trap the side edges of the glass panels.

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

[0008] The U-shaped profile is attached to the T-shaped profile and thus forms a glazing bead.

[0009] However, such an adjustment requires U-shaped profiles whose free wings are spaced at the same constant distance to ensure a perfect connection with the central 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] Therefore, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide a modular glass roof structure allowing reliable assembly and which can be obtained at an advantageous cost.

[0012] In order to solve this problem, the invention proposes a modular glass roof structure comprising: a plurality of T-shaped metal profiles each having a middle wing and two free wings extending opposite each other, forming two rebates to be able to receive two glazed wall edges respectively; a plurality of U-shaped metal profiles each having two wings facing each other extended by two edges returning towards each other, each of said U-shaped profiles being adapted to be attached to each of said T-shaped profiles so that said middle wing engages between said two facing wings, while said glazed wall edges respectively engage between said free wings and said two edges returning respectively.The modular structure further comprises a plurality of U-shaped hooking profile sections made of polymer material, each comprising two retaining wings and two facing hooking wings located 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 engage with said edges in return, while said middle wing engages between said two hooking wings.

[0013] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of U-shaped attachment profile sections made of a polymer material and whose wings are split with two external retaining wings and two facing attachment wings, inside between the two retaining wings. The U-shaped attachment profile sections are of short length compared to the length of the U-shaped profiles, as will be explained in more detail in the remainder of the description. They have a length of, for example, between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0014] In this way, when the hooking profile section is engaged inside the U-shaped profile, the retaining wings engage under the return edges of the U-shaped profile, while the middle wing of the T-shaped profile engages between the two hooking wings.

[0015] Thanks to the polymer material, the two attachment wings can elastically deviate from each other with a relatively large amplitude and then engage in the central wing of the T-profile. In this way, it is possible to dispense with U-profiles whose two edges are precisely spaced from each other by a constant value and to use U-profiles obtained with greater variability in the dimensions and in particular the distance which separates the two edges in return. Such U-profiles are then less expensive to produce.

[0016] Advantageously, said middle wing has two opposite flanks, each having a clearance forming a support shoulder. The two attachment wings then respectively engage against the two shoulders of the opposite flanks. Also, and preferably, the flanks of the middle wing of the T-shaped profile converge towards each other above the shoulders so as to facilitate the engagement of the middle wing between the two attachment wings, as will be explained in more detail in the remainder of the description.

[0017] Also, said two attachment wings advantageously comprise two edges returning towards each other, forming two attachment shoulders. In this way, when the middle wing of the T-shaped profile is engaged between the two attachment wings, they tend to move away elastically from each other until the two returning edges come to bear against the edges of the glazed wall and the two attachment shoulders come to extend at the level of the support shoulders. From then on, the two attachment wings release and suddenly approach each other, returning to their state of equilibrium and the two The attachment shoulders are located respectively opposite the two support shoulders of the central wing.

[0018] It is understood that thanks to the flexibility of the attachment wings, it is possible to provide attachment shoulders of a relatively large width and, correlatively, retaining shoulders for the attachment wings of a substantially the same width. In this way, by increasing the width of the retaining shoulders and the attachment shoulders, the attachment range is increased. And consequently, the middle wing of the T-profile is perfectly trapped between the two attachment wings.

[0019] Preferably, the two attachment wings each have a chamfered free end to receive the middle wing of the T-profile. In this way, the chamfered free ends form ramps when the middle wing is engaged between the two attachment wings. As a result, the separation of the two attachment wings is facilitated. And in addition, their deformation amplitude can be increased, which can allow better attachment when they regain their balance.

[0020] Furthermore, and according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said U-shaped attachment profile sections comprise two connecting wings respectively connecting said two attachment wings and said retaining wings. In this way, the attachment wings and the retaining wings are respectively retained relative to each other. Therefore, the attachment profile section is more rigid. And as a result, the middle wing of the T-shaped profile is more firmly retained between the attachment wings.

[0021] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said retaining wings comprise free ends having two first portions converging towards each other and two second free portions substantially parallel to each other. In this way, the two first portions converging towards each other, respectively come to bear against the inside of the return edges, while the two second free portions come to extend towards the outside of the U-shaped profile between the return edges. In this way, the middle wing of the T-shaped profile is guided inside the U-shaped profile between the two second free portions of the retaining wings to then come into engagement between the two attachment wings.

[0022] Preferably, said second free portions extend respectively in the extension of said two attachment wings. In other words, the second free portions extend respectively in line with the two attachment wings. In this way, perfect guidance of the middle wing of the T-shaped profile is obtained when it is engaged inside the U-shaped attachment profile. In addition, the middle wing of the T-shaped profile is entirely covered by the U-shaped attachment profile without contact with the inside of the U-shaped profile. Thus, given the greater elastic deformability of the U-shaped attachment profile, compared to the U-shaped profile, which is metallic, better locking is obtained. Indeed, the U-shaped profile is made for example of aluminum. The T-shaped profile is advantageously also made of aluminum.

[0023] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said free wings of each of said T-profiles each have a first dovetail groove to be able to receive the sole of a joint. In this way, the joint can be made integral with the free wings of the T-profile without adhesive. According to another embodiment, the first groove can be made according to an inverted T-profile.

[0024] Furthermore, and advantageously, said two edges returning towards each other each have a second dovetail groove to be able to receive the sole of a joint. A joint is thus made integral with the two edges returning with the same advantages as for free wings. The second groove can also be made according to an inverted T profile.

[0025] Advantageously, the glass roof structure according to the invention further comprises at least two asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles adapted to be held parallel to each other, to transversely receive said T-shaped profiles of said plurality of T-shaped profiles. Preferably, the two asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles form two horizontal crosspieces, an upper crosspiece and an opposite lower crosspiece. And the T-shaped profiles form vertical uprights installed parallel to each other between the asymmetrical crosspieces.

[0026] Also, the glass roof 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 glass walls in place.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention, given for informational purposes but not as a limitation, with reference to the appended 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 glass roof 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 in [Fig. 3], [Fig. 4] and [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 in [Fig.3], [Fig.4] and [Fig.5] in a second state.

[0028] [Fig. 1] shows a metal T-profile 10, here made of aluminum, having a central wing 12 and two opposite free wings 14, 16. Also, each of the two free wings 14, 16, comprises a first elastomer seal 18.

[0029] The T-profile 10 has a predetermined length, for example 200 mm.

[0030] [Fig. 3] shows the T-shaped profile 10 in cross-section. The two opposite free wings 14, 16 extend in line with each other and of the same width on each side of the central wing 12.

[0031] The middle wing 12 is hollowed out and has a thickness substantially greater than twice the thickness of the free wings 14, 16. The middle wing 12 has a top 20 and two opposite flanks 22, 24. The two opposite flanks 22, 24 each have a clearance forming two hooking shoulders 26, 28 opposite each other in the vicinity of the top 20. Also, the two opposite flanks 22, 24 have two upper portions 30, 32 located above the hooking shoulders 26, 28. The two upper portions 30, 32 converge towards each other up to the top 20. Therefore, it will be observed that the top 20 of the middle wing 12 is substantially less wide than the thickness of the middle wing 12, below the hooking shoulders 26, 28.

[0032] Furthermore, it will be observed that the height of the middle wing 12 is substantially equal to the sum of the widths of the two free wings 14, 16. The middle wing 12 has, for example, a height of between 30 mm and 40 mm.

[0033] Thus, the two free wings 14, 16 and the middle wing 12 which separate them, form two rebates, back to back, adapted to receive respectively two edges of glazed wall as will be explained below.

[0034] Furthermore, [Fig. 3] shows the first two elastomer seals 18. They each have a sole 34 engaged in a first inverted T-shaped groove 36. In this way, the sole 34 of the seals 18 is slidably engaged in the grooves 36 so as to secure the seals 18 to the free wings 14, 16.

[0035] Thanks to this method of joining, the position of the joint 18 is perfectly defined. In this case, it extends at a distance from the central wing 12. In addition, there is no risk of it slipping transversely.

[0036] Reference will now be made to [Fig. 2] showing a U-shaped metal profile 38. According to the embodiment presented here, it is also made of aluminum. It has a base 40 and two wings facing each other 42, 44. The wings 42, 44 are extended respectively by 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.

[0037] The U-shaped metal profile 38 has a length significantly shorter than the length of the T-shaped profile 10.

[0038] [Fig. 4] shows, in cross section, the U-shaped metal profile 38. It will be observed that the two facing wings 42, 44 are erected perpendicular to the bottom 40. In addition, they are spaced from each other by a distance close to the sum of the widths of the two free wings 14, 16 of the metal T-shaped profile 10. By elsewhere, the two facing wings 42, 44 have a height less than the height of the middle wing 12 of the T-shaped profile 10.

[0039] Also, the two return edges 46, 48 each have a second inverted T-shaped groove 52. And the second joints 50 have a second sole 54 trapped in the inverted T-shaped groove 52.

[0040] 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 middle wing 12 of the T-shaped profile 10.

[0041] We will now refer to [Fig. 5] showing in perspective a section of U-shaped hanging profile 58 made of a polymer material. Such a section is for example obtained by cutting a profile, obtained by means of a corresponding die.

[0042] The U-shaped attachment profile section 58 comprises a second base 61, two retaining wings 60, 62 extending outwards, and two facing attachment wings 64, 66 raised relative to the second base 61 and located between the retaining wings 60, 62.

[0043] Also, the two attachment wings 64, 66 have two free edges 68, 70 curved towards each other to form two attachment shoulders 72, 74.

[0044] 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 by widening from the attachment shoulder 72, 74 to the apex 20.

[0045] In addition, the U-shaped attachment profile section 58 comprises two connecting wings 76, 78 for connecting the attachment wings 64, 66 and the retaining wings 60, 62 respectively. Thanks to the connecting wings 76, 78, the attachment wings 64, 66 are more rigid. Also, the bringing together of the retaining wings 60, 62 towards each other correlatively causes the bringing together of the attachment wings 64, 66. Such an advantage will be presented in the remainder of the description.

[0046] Furthermore, the two retaining wings 60, 62 comprise free ends having two first portions 80, 82 converging towards each other and two second free portions 84, 86 extending in line with the attachment wings 64, 66 parallel to each other.

[0047] As will be explained in more detail below, the U-shaped hanging profile section 58 is intended to be engaged inside the U-shaped metal profile 38.

[0048] Reference will now be made to [Fig. 6] partially illustrating a canopy structure 88. It comprises an upper cross member 90 substantially parallel to a lower cross member 92. The two cross members 90, 92 are connected to each other by a plurality of T-shaped profiles 10' oriented vertically and spaced from each other by the same distance. The T-shaped profiles 10' shown in [Fig. 6] are identical to that shown in [Fig. 1]. Consequently, its elements will now be described with the same reference assigned a prime sign: "'".

[0049] Also, the middle wing 12' of the T-profiles 10' is oriented towards the front of [Fig. 6]. And a plurality of glazed walls 94 having two opposite vertical edges 96, 98 have been respectively engaged between the T-profiles 10' so that two opposite vertical edges 96, 98 come to bear on the first joint 18 of two free wings 14, 16, of two contiguous T-profiles 10'.

[0050] The upper 90 and lower 92 crosspieces each comprise an asymmetrical U-shaped metal profile 100. The asymmetrical U-shaped metal profiles 100 are capable of receiving respectively the upper and lower ends of the T-shaped profiles 10' and in addition, the upper and lower edges of the supported glass walls 94. The upper 90 and lower 92 crosspieces each further comprise an L-shaped metal profile 102. The L-shaped metal profiles 102 are capable of forming glazing beads to be able to trap the upper and lower edges of the glass walls 94.

[0051] It will be observed that the L-shaped metal profiles 102 have notches 104 through which the middle wing 12' of the T-shaped profiles 10' extend.

[0052] Also, 38' U-shaped metal profiles will be added respectively to the 12' middle wings of the 10' T-shaped profiles so as to form vertical glazing beads. The method of cooperation of the 10' T-shaped profiles and the 38' U-shaped profiles will be explained with reference to [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8]. Here too, the 38' U-shaped profiles are completely similar to those of [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 4], and their elements will have the same references with a prime symbol: "'". The same will apply to the 58 U-shaped hanging profile.

[0053] Thus, in [Fig. 7], in cross-section, we find one of the T-shaped profiles 10' and two vertical edges 96, 98 of two separate glazed walls 94. The two vertical edges 96, 98 come in line with the two free wings 14', 16' against the first two joints 18'. We also find the middle wing 12' which extends in projection between the two vertical edges 96, 98 of the two glazed walls.

[0054] The 38' U-shaped profiles are then provided with a plurality of 58' U-shaped attachment profile sections adjusted at a distance from each other. For example, the 58' U-shaped attachment profile sections have a length of approximately 30 mm and in this case, four sections are adjusted inside the 38' U-shaped profiles, substantially at an equal distance from each other. The number of sections is in no way limiting.

[0055] Thus, the U-shaped attachment profile section 58' is engaged inside the U-shaped profile 38', so that the second base 61' of the attachment profile 58' comes to bear on the first base 40' of the U-shaped profile 38', while the retaining wings 60', 62' respectively bear against the two facing wings 42', 44', and the two first portions 80', 82' respectively bear 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 profile 38'.

[0056] We also find the two attachment wings 64', 66', extending from the second bottom 61' towards the two second free portions 84', 86'. The latter extend substantially in the same plane as that which the two attachment wings 64', 66' define.

[0057] Thus, the U-shaped attachment profile 58' is brought closer to the T-shaped profile 10' so that the middle wing 12' first comes to engage between the two second free portions 84', 86' of the attachment profile 58' as illustrated in [Fig. 7],

[0058] Thanks to the two converging upper portions 30', 32' of the two opposite flanks 22, 24 of the middle wing 12', it is easier to adjust the middle wing 12' between the two second free portions 84', 86'. The latter then guide the U-shaped profiles 38' in translation when it is driven according to the arrow F towards the T-shaped profile 10'.

[0059] By continuing to drive the U-shaped profile 38', the two upper portions 30', 32' then come into contact respectively against the two edges free 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'.

[0060] As the insertion progresses, the two attachment wings 64', 66' flex and then move away from each other, while the two second elastomer seals 50' bear on the vertical edges 96, 98 of the glass walls opposite the first seals 18'.

[0061] By further continuing the driving of the U-shaped profile 38', the first 18' and the second 50' joints deform and compress elastically against the vertical edges 96, 98 of the glass walls, while the two attachment wings 64', 66' are separated from each other to their maximum amplitude.

[0062] As soon as the two hooking shoulders 72', 74' extend to the level of the two hooking shoulders 26', 28', the two hooking wings 64', 66' release by moving closer to each other and the two hooking shoulders 72', 74' then engage in the two hooking shoulders 26', 28'.

[0063] [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' so as to ensure sealing.

[0064] Thanks to the 58' hanging profile sections, the 12' middle wing is completely captive in the 38' U-profile.

[0065] And if one attempts to force the profile 38' in order to separate it from the T-profile 12', the two retaining wings 60', 62' tend to move closer to each other thanks to the cooperation of the first two portions 80', 82' with the two return edges 46', 48'. And consequently, the two hooking wings 64', 66' tend to move closer to each other by means of the two connecting wings 76', 78'.

[0066] Therefore, the two hooking shoulders 72', 74' are then more firmly held in engagement in the two hooking shoulders 26', 28'.

[0067] Furthermore, the two second free portions 84', 86' of the attachment profile 58' come to bear respectively against the two opposite flanks of the middle wing 12' and thereby prevent the two retaining wings 60', 62' from moving any closer together. Consequently, the two first portions 80', 82' remain in abutment respectively against the two return edges 46', 48'. Consequently, the 58' hanging profile is also trapped inside the 38' U-profile.

Claims

CLAIM

1. ^ Modular canopy structure comprising: - a plurality of T-shaped metal profiles (10) each having a central flange (12) and two free flanges (14, 16) extending in opposite directions from each other, forming two rebates to be able to receive respectively two edges of glazed wall (96, 98); - a plurality of U-shaped metal profiles (38) each having two opposite wings (42, 44) extended by two return edges (46, 48), each of said U-shaped profiles (38) being adapted to be attached to each of said T-shaped profiles (10) so that said median wing (12) comes into contact between said two opposite wings (42, 44), while said glazed wall edges (96, 98) come into contact respectively between said free wings (14, 16) and said two return edges (46, 48); characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of U-shaped attachment profile sections (58) made of polymer material, each comprising two retaining wings (60, 62) and two opposing attachment wings (64, 66) situated between said retaining wings;and in that the U-shaped attachment profile sections (58) are adapted to be engaged inside each of said U-shaped profiles (38) so that said retaining wings (60, 62) come into contact with said return edges (46, 48), while said middle wing (12) comes into contact between said two attachment wings (64, 66).

2. Canopy structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said middle wing (12) has two opposite sides (22, 24) each having a clearance forming a support shoulder (26, 28).

3. A canopy structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said two attachment wings (64, 66) comprise two edges returning towards each other (68, 70) forming two attachment shoulders (72, 74).

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

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

6. A canopy structure according to claim 5, characterized 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, characterized in that said free wings (14, 16) of each of said T-profiles (10) each have a first dovetail groove to be able to receive the base of a joint.

8. Canopy structure according to claim 7, characterized in that said two edges returning to each other (46, 48) each have a second dovetail groove to be able to receive the base of a joint.

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

10. A canopy structure according to claim 9, characterized 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 hold said glazed walls (94) in contact.

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