A flat roof skylight with a safety grid fastened directly to the roof structure

Abstract

A flat roof skylight (1) is disclosed, comprising a rectangular panel frame (3) enclosing an upward opening of the flat roof skylight (1), a panel (4), and a curb (2) configured for extending upwards from a flat roof surface, wherein the panel frame (3) supports the panel (4) on top of the curb (2), wherein the flat roof skylight (1) comprises a fall protection device, which fall protection device comprises a safety grid (6) arranged below the panel frame (3) to secure a downward opening of the skylight (1), the downward opening being enclosed by the curb (2), wherein the safety grid (6) is mounted across the downward opening by means of a plurality of brackets (7), each comprising a grid-holding part (11) for surrounding and supporting one or more bars (14, 16) of the safety grid (6) and a fastening part (12) for securing the bracket (7) directly to the roof structure between the roof structure and the curb (2). Furthermore, a method for mounting a flat roof skylight (1) is disclosed, comprising a fall protection device, said method comprising the steps of installing the fall protection device by fastening parts (12) of brackets (7) thereof directly to the roof structure, and subsequently mounting a curb (2) for the flat roof skylight (1) so that the brackets (7) of the fall protection device are sandwiched between the curb (2) and the roof structure.

Description

Background

[0001] In modern architecture, skylight windows are often used in flat-roofed buildings to provide natural daylight and ventilation for interior spaces. These skylight windows are commonly installed on flat roofs with an inclination of less than 5 degrees, typically positioned over an opening in the roof. They are typically supported by curbs that extend upwards from the roof surface. In addition to their daylighting function, skylight windows are also utilized as smoke vents in the event of a fire, offering a path for smoke to escape from the building, thereby improving fire safety.

[0002] To enhance safety, especially in buildings where the flat roof skylights cover large openings, it is common to install fall protection devices, such as safety grids. These grids are designed to prevent people or large objects from accidentally falling through the roof openings into the building. Safety grids typically consist of a metal framework covering the opening beneath the skylight and ensuring that it is secure. The use of such grids is normal in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings where roof access is required or when the skylight dimensions are large enough to pose a significant hazard.

[0003] However, the installation of such safety grids presents some challenges. Assembling and mounting these grids can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring skilled labor and additional structural components. Furthermore, the grids are generally installed after the curb and maybe other parts of the skylight has been mounted, which can leave the roof opening unprotected during part of the installation process, increasing the risk of falls. Moreover, these safety grids, while providing essential fall protection, may impede the effectiveness of the skylight as a smoke vent. The grid's structure, which partially obstructs the cross-sectional area of the roof opening, can limit the free passage of smoke, thus reducing the overall efficiency of the skylight in performing its smoke ventilation function.

[0004] It is therefore an objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved flat roof skylight with an integrated safety grid that offers fall protection during the entire installation process of the flat roof skylight, maybe even before the roof, onto which the skylight is installed, has been finished. The solution aims to address the disadvantages of existing systems by improving installation safety and minimizing the obstruction of the roof opening during smoke ventilation.Summary

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, it relates to a flat roof skylight comprising a rectangular panel frame enclosing an upward opening of the flat roof skylight, a panel, and a curb configured for extending upwards from a flat roof surface, wherein the panel frame supports the panel on top of the curb, and wherein the flat roof skylight comprises a fall protection device. The fall protection device comprises a safety grid arranged below the panel frame to secure a downward opening of the skylight, the downward opening being enclosed by the curb, and the safety grid is mounted across the downward opening by means of a plurality of brackets, each comprising a grid-holding part for surrounding and supporting one or more bars of the safety grid and a fastening part for securing the bracket directly to the roof structure between the roof structure and the curb.

[0006] The disclosure provides several technical advantages. By incorporating a fall protection device with a safety grid, the skylight offers enhanced safety by preventing accidental falls through the downward opening of the skylight, which can occur when the skylight is mounted on a flat roof. The brackets that support the safety grid are configured to be fastened directly to the roof structure, creating a reliable and robust connection that enhances the overall structural integrity of the system. The ability to secure the grid by means of brackets between the roof structure and the curb not only ensures safety but also simplifies the installation process and makes sure that the fall protection device is in place already during the process of mounting the remaining parts of the flat roof skylight.

[0007] Thus, this configuration allows the skylight to be securely installed over an opening in a flat roof while providing both structural support and aesthetic integration with the roof. The rectangular panel frame offers versatility for various building designs and is suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

[0008] The disclosed flat roof skylight offers several advantages over existing systems, particularly in terms of simplifying the installation of the safety grid. By fastening the safety grid with fasteners sandwiched between roof structure and the curb, the need for complex mounting mechanisms or additional supporting structures within the downward opening, which might obstruct smoke venting in case of fire, is reduced. This design allows the grid to be securely positioned without obstructing the upward opening of the skylight, thereby enhancing the overall ease of assembly.

[0009] A further benefit of the disclosed system is that the safety grid, being located at the bottom of the curb, will not interfere with traverse structures crossing the downward opening. Such traverse structures may, for instance, be provided for supporting an actuator configured for opening and closing the skylight window.

[0010] The horizontal placement of the grid across the downward opening provides a strong barrier that effectively prevents accidental falls, while also ensuring that the smoke can escape through the upward opening with minimal resistance. The overall design thus optimizes both safety and functionality, addressing the shortcomings of conventional flat roof skylight installations where safety grids may impede ventilation.

[0011] This arrangement also offers flexibility in terms of materials and construction. The grid may be configured from various materials, such as welded metal bars, which can be adapted to specific strength or durability requirements. These features ensure that the disclosed flat roof skylight is well-suited for a wide range of building types, offering both improved safety and efficient smoke venting capabilities.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the downward opening at the position of the safety grid, i.e. at the bottom of the curb, is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the upward opening at the top of the curb. Placing the safety grid at a position, in which the cross-sectional area is larger allows for a more open passage for smoke to exit through the upward opening, enhancing the skylight's effectiveness as a smoke vent. Thus, it provides a sufficient flow through the opening while ensuring that the safety grid remains in place to prevent fall accidents. Tests have demonstrated that lowering the safety grid by at least 10 cm below the level of the panel frame can significantly reduce its impact on the flow of air and smoke through the opening, in some cases reducing the effect of the obstruction by half or more.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the grid-holding part and the fastening part are formed in one piece as an integral part of the bracket. This design simplifies the manufacturing process, reducing the number of separate parts needed and minimizing the potential for assembly errors. By having these components as a single piece, the strength and reliability of the connection between the safety grid and the roof structure are enhanced, providing a more robust fall protection system.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each bracket is formed by folding a single sheet of metal in such a way that the grid-holding part is formed by the part of the sheet closest to the folding and the fastening part comprises two adjacent layers of metal formed by the parts of the sheet, which do not form the grid-holding part. This folding method optimizes material usage while providing increased strength and durability. The use of metal sheets also allows for cost-effective manufacturing and the ability to easily form the bracket into the desired shape, whether through mechanical or automated processes. Suitable metals for this process may include steel, aluminum, or any other material with appropriate strength and corrosion-resistant properties.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening part of the bracket comprises an elongation section arranged to deform and extend the length of the fastening part in response to a sudden pulling force being applied to the bracket. This feature improves the overall safety and resilience of the flat roof skylight system by enabling the bracket to absorb and dissipate energy during abrupt stress events, such as heavy impacts or loads. This deformation capability reduces the likelihood of structural failure in the event of accidental forces being applied to the safety grid, ensuring the continued effectiveness of the fall protection device.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional area of the fastening part is smaller within the elongation section than outside the elongation section. This narrowing of the cross-sectional area localizes the deformation to the dedicated elongation section of the bracket, allowing for controlled elongation when stress is applied. This design feature enables the safety grid to better handle sudden and unexpected loads by concentrating deformation in designated zones, reducing the risk of damage to other parts of the system. The size and shape of the cross-sectional area may vary depending on the material used and the required load capacity.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, within the elongation section, the fastening part of the bracket is divided into at least two parts, extending individually from a first end of the elongation section to a second end of the elongation section. Preferably these parts form together a trapezoidal shape, a circular shape or another closed shape. The division into multiple parts allows for more precise control over the elongation behavior of the bracket. Different geometries, such as trapezoidal or circular shapes, may be used to tailor the bracket's response to different load conditions. This configuration enhances both the strength and flexibility of the fastening part, allowing the safety grid to maintain structural integrity even under challenging conditions.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety grid is made from metal bars, which are welded together. Welding the bars provides strong, durable connections between them, ensuring that the grid can withstand significant forces and provide reliable fall protection. Metal materials such as steel or aluminum may be used, offering resistance to corrosion, weathering, and impact.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, along one or more edges of the safety grid, the safety grid comprises two discrete parallel bars arranged adjacent to each other. This arrangement enhances the strength and stability of the grid along its edges, where it may be subject to the highest stresses. The double-bar configuration can also provide additional support for the grid, further improving its resistance to deformation or failure.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel comprises one or more planar sheets. This design allows for flexibility in the materials used for the panel, which may include transparent or translucent materials such as glass or plastic, depending on the desired optical and structural properties. Planar sheets offer a sleek, modern appearance while providing efficient coverage of the roof opening.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel comprises one or more roof domes. Roof domes offer the advantage of increased structural rigidity and improved water runoff due to their curved surfaces. Domes are particularly suitable for areas where weather conditions may pose a challenge to the integrity of flat skylights.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more the planar sheets, if any, and / or the one or more roof domes, if any, are made from polycarbonate or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). These materials are lightweight, strong, and resistant to impact and environmental stresses while providing efficient light transmission., making them ideal for skylight panels. Polycarbonate and PMMA also offer good transparency and UV resistance, ensuring that the flat roof skylight remains functional and aesthetically pleasing over time.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel is transparent or translucent. This feature allows natural light to enter the building through the skylight, enhancing the energy efficiency and comfort of interior spaces. Depending on the application, the level of transparency can be adjusted to control the amount of light entering the space, with options such as frosted or tinted panels being used to reduce glare or increase privacy.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel frame is hinged to the curb. Such a hinged design allows the skylight to be easily opened or closed, providing ventilation when needed or access to the roof for maintenance. Hinged skylights are particularly advantageous in smoke vent applications, where they can automatically open in the event of a fire, ensuring rapid smoke extraction.

[0025] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, it relates to a method for mounting a flat roof skylight comprising a fall protection device, said method comprising the steps of installing the fall protection device by fastening parts of brackets thereof directly to the roof structure, and subsequently mounting a curb for the flat roof skylight, so that the brackets of the fall protection device are sandwiched between the curb and the roof structure.

[0026] Such a method of installation described allows for efficient and secure mounting of the fall protection device. By fastening the brackets of the fall protection device directly to the roof structure before mounting the curb, the system ensures that the safety grid is properly positioned and secured and provides full fall protection already before the skylight is completed. This method enhances the reliability of the fall protection device and reduces the complexity of installation, which is beneficial in terms of time and labour savings. The sequence of steps described in the method results in a skylight that is securely integrated with the roof structure while maintaining its fall protection capabilities.Brief description of the figures

[0027] In the following a few exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in more detail with reference to the drawings, of which Fig. 1is a perspective view of a flat roof skylight according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Fig. 2is a perspective view of a cross-cut flat roof skylight according to another embodiment of the disclosure, and Fig. 3is a perspective view of a part of a safety grid of a flat roof skylight according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Detailed description

[0028] Fig. 1 shows schematically a flat roof skylight 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The base part of the flat roof skylight 1 is a rectangular curb 2, which is configured to be mounted onto a flat roof of a building (not shown).

[0029] A safety grid 6 is configured for being mounted directly to the roof structure by means of a number of brackets 7 as described in further detail below. In Fig. 1, there is a distance between the safety grid 6 and the lowermost part of the curb 2. However, when the flat roof skylight 1 is fully assembled, the safety grid 6 is placed immediately below the curb 2, the brackets 7 being sandwiched between the curb 2 and the roof structure.

[0030] The uppermost part of the flat roof skylight 1 consists of a skylight window comprising a panel 4, which is mounted on a panel frame 3. This panel frame 3 is hinged to the top of the curb 2 by means of one or more hinges 10 (not shown in Fig. 1) in such a way that the skylight window can be opened (as shown in Fig. 1) and closed.

[0031] The illustrated panel 4 comprises three planar sheets, but in other embodiments, the panel may comprise fewer or more such planar sheets and / or a number of roof domes. In principle, and especially if the flat roof skylight 1 is to be used as a smoke vent and / or for normal ventilation of the room beneath the roof only, such planar sheets and / or roof domes can be made from any rigid material, which is able to withstand the weather conditions at the location of the building. In most cases, however, it is also the purpose of the flat roof skylight 1 to provide some light to the room beneath the roof, in which case the planar sheets and / or roof dome are typically made from a transparent or at least translucent material, such as polycarbonate or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).

[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, an edge frame 5 is mounted on top of the curb 2 along the upper edge thereof. When the skylight window is closed, the panel frame 3 rests at the edge frame 5 along the full circumference thereof. Preferably, one or more gaskets 17 are mounted on the upper side of the edge frame 5 (and / or on the underside of the panel frame 3) for making the closure tight when the skylight window is closed. In other embodiments, there is no edge frame 5, and the panel frame 3 rests directly on the top of the curb 2, when the skylight window is closed.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, such as the one shown in Fig. 1, the walls of the curb 2 are inclined in such a way that the cross-sectional area of the vertical opening through the curb 2 is larger at the bottom of the curb 2, i.e. near the roof, than at the top of the curb 2. This means that the safety grid 6, which is arranged below curb 2, is arranged at a vertical position, in which the cross-sectional area of the downward opening is larger than the cross-sectional area of the opening at the top of the curb 2.

[0034] This is an important feature if the flat roof skylight 1 serves a function as a smoke vent, because it means that, at the position of the safety grid 6, the smoke pressure is smaller than at the top of the curb 2, and therefore, the impact on the flow through the vertical opening through the curb 2 caused by the safety grid 6 is smaller than it would have been, had the safety grid 6 been placed immediately under the panel frame 3. Test results indicate that, with a preferred and typical inclination of the curb walls, a safety grid 6, which would cause a reduction of the flow of 5-6% if placed at the top of the curb 2, only causes a reduction of 3% when placed 10 cm lower and 2% when placed 16 cm below the top of the curb 2. Thus, lowering the safety grid 6 by 16 cm more than halves the impact thereby on the flow.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows schematically a cross-cut flat roof skylight 1 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. This embodiment of the flat roof skylight 1 comprises an actuator 9 configured for opening and closing the skylight window. This actuator 9 is supported by a traverse structure 8 arranged across the vertical opening through the curb 2. In other embodiments, there may be more than one actuator 9 or none at all. If there is more than one actuator 9, the skylight window may still be hinged at one end or side as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 or it may be opened in a different way involving no hinges 10. If there are no actuators, the skylight window may be opened manually, for instance by means of a rod or a chain system, or it may not be possible to open it at all. In the latter case, the flat roof skylight 1 will only serve the purpose of letting in light, but it will not function as a smoke vent or could be used for normal ventilation of the room beneath the roof.

[0036] In Fig. 2, the safety grid 6 is positioned immediately below the curb 2 as is the case when the flat roof skylight 1 has been installed onto a flat roof. Thus, the brackets 7 are not visible in Fig. 2 because they are sandwiched between the curb 2 and the roof structure (not shown).

[0037] Fig. 2 also indicates how the grid bars 14 of the safety grid 6 may be arranged in pairs of two parallel and adjacent grid bars 16 along one or more edges of the safety grid 6 as discussed in further detail below.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of a part of a safety grid 6 of a flat roof skylight 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It shows how the safety grid 6 is supported and held in place by a plurality of brackets 7, each comprising a grid-holding part 11 and a fastening part 12 configured for being mounted directly on top of the roof structure (not shown).

[0039] The safety grid 6 comprises a plurality of grid bars 14 arranged to form a grid, and the grid-holding part 11 of each bracket 7 surrounds and supports a grid bar 14 or, preferably and as shown in Fig. 3, two parallel grid bars 16 arranged adjacent to each other, at the edge of the safety grid 6. The use of two parallel and adjacent grid bars 16 along one or more edges of the safety grid 6 increases the stiffness and strength of the safety grid 6, because the number of welding points connecting the grid bars 14, 16 to each other is increased. In order to reduce the impact on the flow caused by the safety grid 6, the cross-sectional dimensions of the two adjacent grid bars 16 may be chosen to be smaller than the dimensions of the other grid bars 14 of the safety grid 6.

[0040] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the grid-holding part 11 and the fastening part 12 are formed in one piece as an integral part of the bracket 7, thus minimising the number of components required and facilitating the installation process on-site. More particularly, each bracket 7 is formed by folding a single sheet of metal in such a way that the grid-holding part 11 is formed by the part of the sheet closest to the folding and the fastening part 12 comprises two adjacent layers of metal formed by the parts of the sheet, which do not form the grid-holding part 11. In other embodiments, the bracket 7 may comprise two or more parts, which are connected to each other by means of one or more screws or rivets, by welding or by other appropriate means providing the necessary strength and other characteristics of the bracket 7.

[0041] The fastening part 12 of the brackets 7 illustrated in Fig. 3 comprise a number of holes 15 for mounting the brackets onto a roof structure, typically by means of a number of screws (not shown). In other embodiments, the brackets 7 may be mounted onto the roof structure by other means.

[0042] The configuration of the brackets 7 shown in Fig. 3 implies that the brackets 7 must be arranged with their grid-holding part 11 surrounding the relevant grid bars 14, 16 before the brackets 7 are mounted onto the roof structure. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the grid-holding part 11 of the brackets 7 may be designed in such a way that they can be configured in open and a closed position. This means that the relevant grid bars 14, 16 may be placed within the open grid-holding part 11 of the brackets 7 after mounting the brackets 7 onto the roof structure, after which the grid-holding parts 11 may be closed to completely surround the grid bars 14, 16. In order to ensure the required strength of the closed grid-holding part 11, such closing typically involves the use of one or more screws or rivets, welding, a string or cord of an appropriate material for tying the parts together, or another fixation method.

[0043] In order to enable the bracket 7 to absorb and dissipate energy during abrupt stress events, such as heavy impacts or loads, the fastening part 12 of the brackets 7 illustrated in Fig. 3 comprises an elongation section 13. This elongation section is configured to deform and extend the length of the fastening part 12 in response to a sudden pulling force being applied to the bracket 7. This deformation capability reduces the likelihood of structural failure of the bracket 7 in the event of accidental forces being applied to the safety grid 6.

[0044] It is ensured that such a deformation actually takes places within elongation section 13 by configuring the bracket 7 in such a way that the cross-sectional area of the fastening part 12 is smaller within the elongation section 13 than outside the elongation section 13. This causes the ability to resists a pulling force to be lower in the elongation section 13 than outside the elongation section 13, and the risk of damage to other parts of the system is reduced. The size and shape of the cross-sectional area may vary depending on the material used and the required load capacity.

[0045] Dividing the fastening part 12 into two or more parts extending individually from one end of the elongation section 13 to the other end thereof as illustrated in Fig. 3 allows for more precise control over the elongation behavior of the bracket 7. Preferably these parts form together a trapezoidal shape, a circular shape or another closed shape as indicated in Fig. 3. Different geometries of the elongation section 13 may be used to tailor the bracket 7's response to different load conditions.List of reference numbers

[0046] 1.Flat roof skylight 2.Curb 3.Panel frame 4.Panel 5.Edge frame 6.Safety grid 7.Bracket 8.Traverse structure 9.Actuator 10.Hinge 11.Grid-holding part of bracket 12.Fastening part of bracket 13.Elongation section of fastening part of bracket 14.Grid bar 15.Hole for mounting bracket 16.Two bars adjacent to each other at edge of safety grid 17.Gasket

Claims

1. A flat roof skylight (1) comprising a rectangular panel frame (3) enclosing an upward opening of the flat roof skylight (1), a panel (4), and a curb (2) configured for extending upwards from a flat roof surface, wherein the panel frame (3) supports the panel (4) on top of the curb (2), wherein the flat roof skylight (1) comprises a fall protection device, which fall protection device comprises a safety grid (6) arranged below the panel frame (3) to secure a downward opening of the flat roof skylight (1), the downward opening being enclosed by the curb (2), wherein the safety grid (6) is mounted across the downward opening by means of a plurality of brackets (7), each comprising a grid-holding part (11) for surrounding and supporting one or more bars (14, 16) of the safety grid (6) and a fastening part (12) for securing the bracket (7) directly to the roof structure between the roof structure and the curb (2).

2. The flat roof skylight (1) according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal cross-sectional area of the downward opening at the position of the safety grid (6), i.e. at the bottom of the curb (2), is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the upward opening at the top of the curb (2).

3. The flat roof skylight (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grid-holding part (11) and the fastening part (12) are formed in one piece as an integral part of the bracket (7).

4. The flat roof skylight (1) according to claim 3, wherein each bracket (7) is formed by folding a single sheet of metal in such a way that the grid-holding part (11) is formed by the part of the sheet closest to the folding and the fastening part (12) comprises two adjacent layers of metal formed by the parts of the sheet, which do not form the grid-holding part (11).

5. The flat roof skylight (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening part (12) of the bracket (7) comprises an elongation section (13) arranged to deform and extend the length of the fastening part (12) in response to a sudden pulling force being applied to the fastening part (12).

6. The flat roof skylight (1) according to claim 5, wherein the cross-sectional area of the fastening part (12) is smaller within the elongation section (13) than outside the elongation section (13).

7. The flat roof skylight (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, within the elongation section (13), the fastening part (12) of the bracket (7) is divided into at least two parts, extending individually from a first end of the elongation section (13) to a second end of the elongation section (13), preferably forming together a trapezoidal shape, a circular shape or another closed shape.

8. The flat roof skylight (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the safety grid (6) is made from metal bars (14, 16), which are welded together.

9. The flat roof skylight (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, along one or more edges of the safety grid (6), the safety grid (6) comprises two discrete parallel bars (16) arranged adjacent to each other.

10. The flat roof skylight (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (4) comprises one or more planar sheets.

11. The flat roof skylight (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (4) comprises one or more roof domes.

12. The flat roof skylight (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the one or more planar sheets, if any, and / or the one or more roof domes, if any, are made from polycarbonate or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).

13. The flat roof skylight (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (4) is transparent or translucent.

14. The flat roof skylight (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel frame (3) is hinged to the curb (2).

15. A method for mounting a flat roof skylight (1) comprising a fall protection device, said method comprising the steps of ∘ installing the fall protection device by fastening parts (12) of brackets (7) thereof directly to the roof structure, and ∘ subsequently mounting a curb (2) for the flat roof skylight (1), so that the brackets (7) of the fall protection device are sandwiched between the curb (2) and the roof structure.

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