Bracket for tiled roof

Abstract

A bracket for installing solar panels onto a roof, comprising: an elongate portion 102; a mount portion 104 at first end of elongate portion, configured to have mounted thereon a solar panel mounting

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bracket for use in the installation of solar panels onto a roof comprising a plurality of tiles. The present disclosure also relates to a method for installing a bracket for use in the installation of solar panels onto a roof comprising a plurality of tiles. Background

[0002] A bracket may be used in the installation of solar panels onto a roof that comprises a plurality of tiles. To do this, brackets are secured to a roof frame that is located beneath the tiles of the roof. If the brackets are being secured to the roof at the time of construction, access to the roof frame is simple. However, solar panels are often retrofitted. To retrofit a bracket to a roof for supporting a solar panel mounting rail, several roof tiles are typically removed to access the roof frame. The bracket is then fitted to the roof frame. For example, the roof frame comprises rafters and battens in perpendicular relation to one another. The rafters are a relatively strong, structural part of the roof frame. It is desired that the bracket be installed onto a rafter, at least in part. In other words, it is desired that the bracket have a direct physical connections (e.g., by means of fixings) to the rafter.

[0003] To ensure that the roof is sufficiently sealed against the elements (for example, rain or snow) a cover is often fitted over the bracket and secured in place, for example via nails. Such covers are designed to direct water away from critical areas of the roof to prevent water ingress which may result in erosion, leaking, wood rot or other forms of water damage. After the bracket and the cover has been fitted, the tiles that were removed are repositioned in relation to both the bracket and the cover. Some of the tiles are typically cut to remove portions so that parts of the bracket and the cover which are positioned where the removed portions would have been, can be accommodated.

[0004] However, the tiles and the rafters of the roof frame can have varying relative positioning. For example, it is not the case that all tiled roofs would have a rafter aligned with a middle of a tile of every other course (layer) of tiles in a double lapped pattern. Put another way, it is not the case that all tiled roofs would have a rafter aligned with a tile meeting position (where the sides of two adjacent tiles meet) of every other course (layer) of tiles in a double lapped pattern.

[0005] It is also important that for structural strength, the bracket be installed on a rafter. Therefore, the bracket may be installed at a number of positions relative to the tiles depending on how the rafters and tiles of the roof in question are positioned. Accordingly, different cuts to the tiles may be required to accommodate the bracket and the cover as appropriate.

[0006] The present disclosure provides solutions to problems associated with the installation of a bracket used in the installation of solar panels. Summary

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bracket for use in the installation of solar panels onto a roof comprising a plurality of tiles, the bracket comprising: an elongate portion; a mount portion at a first end of the elongate portion, the mount portion being configured to have mounted thereon a solar panel mounting rail; an extension portion having a first extension portion end connected to a second end of the elongate portion; a roof fixable portion connected to a second extension portion end of the extension portion, the roof fixable portion being a hatchannel and configured to simultaneously be secured to a batten and a rafter of the roof, wherein: a first spatial dimension of the hat-channel along a longitudinal axis of the hatchannel is 90% to 100% of a tile width of each of the tiles, the tile width being the spatial dimension of each of the tiles arranged, in use, to be horizontal or close to horizontal.

[0008] Optionally, the hat-channel is configured to simultaneously be secured to the batten and the rafter of the roof such that the batten is received within the hat-channel.

[0009] Optionally, the hat-channel comprises: a base portion comprising a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side; a first side wall extending from the first longitudinal side, the first side wall being perpendicular, or close to perpendicular, to the base portion; a second side wall extending from the second longitudinal side, the second side wall being perpendicular to, or close to perpendicular to the base portion; a first protrusion extending from the first side wall at an end opposite the base portion and extending away from a channel portion of the hat-channel, the first protrusion being parallel, or close to parallel, to the base portion; and a second protrusion extending from the second side wall at an end opposite the base portion and extending away from the channel portion of the hat-channel, the second protrusion being parallel, or close to parallel, to the base portion.

[0010] Optionally, the base portion is configured to be directly fixed to the batten.

[0011] Optionally, the first protrusion is configured to be directly fixed to the rafter; and the second protrusion is configured to be directly fixed to the rafter.

[0012] Optionally, the first protrusion has a first width perpendicular, or close to perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the hat-channel; the second protrusion has a second width perpendicular, or close to perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the hatchannel; and each of the first width and the second width is greater than half of a base portion width of the base portion parallel, or close to parallel, to the first and second widths.

[0013] Optionally, the roof fixable portion comprises a plurality of fixing through-holes for fixing the roof fixable portion simultaneously to the rafter and the batten.

[0014] Optionally, the plurality of fixing through-holes comprises: a first set of fixing through-holes provided on the first protrusion of the hat-channel; a second set of fixing through-holes provided on the second protrusion of the hat-channel; and a third set of fixing through-holes provided on the base portion of the hat-channel.

[0015] Optionally, each hole of the first set is aligned with a hole of the second set along a width direction of the hat-channel, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hat-channel.

[0016] Optionally, each hole of the first set is aligned with a hole of the third set along the width direction of the hat-channel.

[0017] Optionally, each of the first, second and third sets of holes are spread along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hat-channel such that it spans at least 80% of the first spatial dimension.

[0018] Optionally, the elongate portion is centred along the first spatial dimension.

[0019] Optionally, the second extension portion end connects to the base portion adjacent to one of the first wall base and the second wall base.

[0020] Optionally, the first spatial dimension is the same as the tile width.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of installing a bracket for use in the installation of solar panels onto a roof comprising a plurality of tiles, the bracket comprising: an elongate portion; a mount portion at a first end of the elongate portion, the mount portion being configured to fix to a solar panel mounting rail; an extension portion having a first extension portion end connected to a second end of the elongate portion; a roof fixable portion connected to a second extension portion end of the extension portion, the roof fixable portion being a hat-channel and configured to simultaneously be secured to a batten and a rafter of the roof, wherein: a first spatial dimension of the hat-channel along a longitudinal axis of the hat-channel is 90% to 100% of a tile width of each of the tiles, the tile width being the spatial dimension of each of the tiles arranged, in use, to be horizontal or close to horizontal, the method comprising: fixing the hat-channel such that it is simultaneously secured to a batten and a rafter of the roof.

[0022] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect comprises: fixing the hatchannel along the batten at a position such that the elongate portion overlaps a tile meeting position at which two tiles directly underneath the elongate portion meet one another.

[0023] Optionally, the method according to the second aspect comprises: fixing the hatchannel to a portion of the rafter above the batten, and a portion of the rafter below the batten. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a simplified schematic front view of a bracket, according to examples; Figure 2 is a simplified schematic perspective view of the bracket, according to examples; Figure 3 is a simplified schematic side view of the bracket, according to examples; Figure 4 is a first simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped pattern, according to examples; Figure 5 is a second simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped pattern, according to examples; Figure 6 is a third simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped pattern, according to examples; Figure 7 is a fourth simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped pattern, according to examples; Figure 8 is a fifth simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped pattern, according to examples; Figure 9 is a sixth simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped pattern, according to examples; and Figure 10 is a seventh simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped pattern, according to examples. Detailed Description

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a bracket for use in the installation of solar panels onto a roof comprising a plurality of tiles. Figure 1 is a simplified schematic front view of a bracket 100, according to examples. Figure 2 is a simplified schematic perspective view of the bracket 100, according to examples. Figure 3 is a simplified schematic side view of the bracket 100, according to examples.

[0026] The bracket 100 comprises an elongate portion 102, and a mount portion 104 at a first end 106 of the elongate portion 102. The mount portion 104 is configured to have mounted thereon a solar panel mounting rail. In these examples, the mount portion 104 comprises a plate portion which is appropriately oriented, when the bracket 100 is installed as intended, to receive a solar panel mounting rail. For example, the mount portion 104 has a through-hole or the like for receiving a fixing. For example, the mount portion 104 may comprise a slotted through-hole.

[0027] In these examples, the bracket 100 comprises an extension portion 108 having a first extension portion end 110 connected to a second end 112 of the elongate portion 102. The extension portion 108 can be seen clearly in the side view of Figure 3, for example. Accordingly, at a first end 106 of the elongate portion 102, there is provided the mount portion 104, whereas on the second end 112 of the elongate portion 102, there is provided the extension portion 108. For example, the extension portion 108 is useful in positioning components of the bracket 100 at an offset from the elongate portion 102, as will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying Figures.

[0028] The bracket 100 comprises a roof fixable portion 114 connected to a second extension portion end 116 of the extension portion 108. The roof fixable portion 114 is a hat-channel (given that the roof fixable portion 114 is in the form of the hat-channel, the numeral 114 is commonly used to refer to the roof fixable portion and the hat-channel hereafter) and configured to simultaneously be secured to a batten and a rafter of the roof. For example, there is a first spatial dimension 118 (see, in particular, the front view of Figure 1) of the hat-channel 114 along a longitudinal axis 120 of the hat-channel 114. The first spatial dimension 118 may be referred to as the length of the hat-channel 114. However, as will become apparent from the following description, the first spatial dimension 118 is aligned, in use, with the width of the roof tiles with respect to which the bracket 100 is installed. For examples, the first spatial dimension 118 is 90% to 100% of a tile width of each of the tiles, the tile width being the spatial dimension of each of the tiles arranged, in use, to be horizontal or close to horizontal. More specifically, in some examples, the first spatial dimension 118 of the hat-channel 114 is the same as the tile width of each of the tiles.

[0029] In some examples, the tile width is about 165 millimetres (6.5 inches in imperial units). In some examples, the tile width is about 267 millimetres (10.5 inches in imperial units). Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various available dimensions of roof tiles.

[0030] For example, the context of the present disclosure is roofs of building structures. Accordingly, it will be understood that terms such as vertical and horizontal are to be interpreted relative to the ground which supports said building structure. In this context, the terms vertical and horizontal have a clear meaning as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0031] As referred to herein, the first spatial dimension 118 being the same as the tile width means substantially the same as the tile width within acceptable tolerances. For example, if the first spatial dimension is marginally smaller than the tile width, this is still considered as substantially the same as the tile width given the functional purpose of configured the hat-channel 114 in this way. For example, the hat-channel 114 is configured to take up most of the gap (in terms of width of the tile) left by removal of a roof tile (see, for example, Figure 7).

[0032] The roofs onto which the bracket 100 is intended to be deployed is, for example, a pitched roof. It will be appreciated that a pitched roof has at least one slanted side (sloped / angled / pitched, etc. - the terms sloped, angled, pitched, slanted and the like may be used to refer to roofs which are not flat roofs, for example). Typically, there are rafters (typically elongate timber pieces) which are structurally supportive members of the roof frame, and are angled according to the angle of the pitched roof. Battens are typically mounted onto the rafters. The battens are also elongate timber pieces, and are mounted horizontally onto the rafters. For example, the battens are in perpendicular relation to the rafters. However, the battens tend to be less substantial pieces of timber. The battens are used to mount the tiles, for example, using appropriate nails and the like.

[0033] It is desired that the tiles are mounted in an overlapping pattern such that water ingress past the tiles is avoided. A double lapped pattern is a typically utilised and is the preferred pattern in which the tiles may be installed. Those skilled in the art will be well aware of the details of a double lapped pattern in the context of roof tiles. However, briefly, the tiled are arranged in horizontal rows where each row has tiles lined up, side by side, width ways. Each row may be referred to as a course or a layer. In a double lapped pattern, the courses are caused to overlap so that each course has an overlap not only with the course directly underneath, but also the course which is one after the course directly underneath. In other words, a course overlaps the course which is one after the very next course underneath. It will be appreciated that the bottom-most course and the penultimate course will have two overlapping courses underneath.

[0034] Figure 4 is a first simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped patten, according to examples. Figure 4 shows only a part of a pitched portion of the roof as may be seen from an outside perspective. In these examples, there is a first course 402 of tiles, a second course 404 of tiles and a third course 406 of tiles. There is indicated a particular example tile 408 which belongs to the third course 406 of tiles. Parts of the example tile 408 which lie underneath the second course 404 and the first course 402 are indicated by a dashed (broken) line. It can be seen that there is overlap between a tile of the first course 402 and the example tile 408. This overlap illustrated in Figure 4 may be referred to as head lap. Maintaining a desired amount of such head lap helps in avoiding water penetrating to the underlying roof structure of rafters and battens, etc.

[0035] Certain features of the bracket 100 have been described above. As described above, the roof fixable portion 114 is a hat-channel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the shape / profile of a hat-channel, as can be seen from Figure 3, for example. Furthermore, as described above, the hat-channel 114 is configured to simultaneously be secured to a batten and a rafter of the roof. This is advantageous because fixing to both a rafter and a batten provides for more secure fixation of the bracket 100. It is always desired that the bracket be fixed to the rafter for appropriate structural support. However, additionally fixing to the batten provides additional site(s) of fixation, improving the structural integrity with which the bracket 100 is fixed.

[0036] The first spatial dimension 118 (in other words, the length of the hat-channel 114) is substantially (within acceptable tolerances) the same as the tile width, as described above. For example, in Figure 4, there is indicated the tile width 410. The spatial dimension 118 being equal to the tile width 410 provides particular advantages, as will be described in the following. It will be appreciated that tiles of different widths may be used in the context of roofs. The bracket 100 may be configured according to the width of the tiles it is intended to be used with. For example, the first spatial dimension 118 is selected according to the tile width in question.

[0037] Configuring the first spatial dimension 118 in the described manner advantageously provides that the hat-channel can be positioned where there was originally a tile and not have to be shifted side to side in order to reach a rafter. For example, the elongate portion 102 can always be positioned similarly relative to adjacent or underlying tiles, while the hat-channel 114 does not have to be shifted. This is described with reference to the Figures in the following.

[0038] For example, to install the bracket 100, two of the tiles from the first course 402 may be removed. Figure 5 is a second simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped patten, according to examples. In Figure 5, two tiles from the first course 402 have been removed, as shown. It can be seen in Figure 5 that the removal of said tiles from the first course has resulted in a portion of the rafter 502 being exposed. In the examples of Figure 5, there are also shown tile fixation sites 504 which are holes for receiving nails to fix the tiles to an underlying batten.

[0039] Figure 6 is a third simplified schematic sketch of a number of roof tiles in a double lapped pattern according to examples. In the examples of Figure 6, a tile from the second course 404 has also been removed. By virtue of the removal of the tile from the second course 404, there is exposed a portion of the batten 602 onto which the tiles of the second course 404 are mounted. In these examples, it can be seen that a portion of the rafter 502 below the batten 602 is also exposed.

[0040] In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the rafter 502 is positioned such that it lies partly underneath the tile of the second course 404 which is shown removed in Figure 6, and the adjacent tile (to the left, in the orientation shown in the Figures) of the second course 404. However, in other examples, the rafter 502 may be positioned differently, for example, aligned with the middle of the removed tile of the second course 404, etc.

[0041] Figure 7 is a fourth simplified schematic sketch of the tiles of Figure 6, according to examples. In these examples, there is shown the bracket 100 in its “in use” position. In some examples, the hat-channel 114 is configured to simultaneously be secured to the batten and the rafter of the roof such that the batten 602 is received within the hatchannel 114. Advantageously, the batten 602 being received in the hat-channel 114 provides for greater surface area of contact between the inside of the hat-channel and the timber of the rafter 502 and the batten 602. For example, the dimensions of the hatchannel are chosen so that the batten 602 can fit within the channels. As a mere example, the width of the batten (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120 when the bracket is in the in use position) may be between 38 millimetres and 50 millimetres.

[0042] It can be seen that the first spatial dimension 118 of the bracket 100 in the in use position in Figure 7 matches the width of the removed tile from the second course 404. This provides the advantage that the hat-channel 114 overlaps with the rafter 502. It would be the case that wherever underneath the removed tile the rafter 502 is positioned, the hat-channel 114 would overlap the rafter 502. There is overlap of the hat-channel 114 with rafter 502, while the position of the elongate portion relative to the tiles of the third course 406 is constant. For example, the elongate portion 102 always would overlap the position where the two tiles of the third course 406 directly underneath meet one another. The examples of the disclosure are described in the context of the first spatial dimension 118 being the same as the tile width. However, the advantage of constant positioning of the elongate portion 102 relative to the tile may be achieved if the first spatial dimension 118 is 90% to 100% of the tile width. For example, even if the rafter 502 is centred on where two tiles of the second course 404 meet, there is enough of the rafter 502 overlapping with the removed tile giving enough surface area for fixation of the hat-channel 114 when the first spatial dimension is 90% of the tile width. If less of the rafter 502 overlaps, a different, more appropriate tile can be removed instead. Accordingly, in some examples which also achieve the described advantage, the first spatial dimension 118 is 90% to 100% of the tile width.

[0043] For example, if the first spatial dimension 118 was notably smaller, the bracket 100 would have the be shifted to the left (relative to the position and orientation shown in Figure 7) in order to overlap with the rafter 502. This would shift the position of the elongate portion 102 away from where the underlying tiles of the third course 406 meet, for example, to the left in the orientation of Figure 7 such that the elongate portion 102 is differently positioned to that shown in Figure 7.

[0044] For example, if there is no portion of a rafter behind the removed tile of the second course 404, then a different tile of the second course 404 may be removed for the installation of the bracket which does overlap a portion of a rafter. However, it still remains the case that the elongate portion 102 substantially aligns with where two underlying tiles (two tiles of the third course 406 directly underneath the elongate portion 102 of the bracket 100) meet. For example, the elongate portion 102 is substantially (within acceptable tolerances) centred along the first spatial dimension 118 of the hatchannel 114.

[0045] The tiles which are removed in order to allow installation of the bracket 100 are typically cut in a way such that the installed bracket can be accommodated, and then reinstalled back onto the roof. Advantageously, if the elongate portion 102 (and other parts of the bracket 100 which extend out from the roof fixable portion 114) is always positioned in the same way relative to the surrounding tiles, then the tiles may always be cut in the same pattern. For example, there is no need to prepare differently cut tiles depending on how the rafters are positioned relative to the tiles.

[0046] In some examples, the position of the rafters relative to the tiles in a given course may change along said course. In this case, different cut pattern for the tiles may be required at different parts of the roof as a number of prior art brackets are installed. However, this is mitigated by the disclosed bracket 100 because the relative position of the rafter becomes unimportant due to the configuration of the hat-channel 114.

[0047] Referring again to Figure 3, for example, the hat-channel 114 comprises a base portion 302 comprising a first longitudinal side 304 and a second longitudinal side 306. For examples, the first and second longitudinal sides 304, 306 are substantially (within acceptable tolerances) parallel to the first spatial dimension 118 and the longitudinal axis 120. In Figure 3, the longitudinal axis 120 is into and out of the page, and indicated by a cross inside of a circle (representing the tail of an arrow). It should be noted that only the direction and orientation of the longitudinal axis 120 is indicated in the figures, and not a position relative to the hat-channel 114 necessarily.

[0048] For example, the hat-channel 114 comprises a first side wall 308 extending from the first longitudinal side 304. The first side wall 308 is perpendicular, or close to perpendicular, to the base portion 302. For example, the first side wall 308 is connected to the first longitudinal side 304 at a first wall base 310 of the first side wall 308. For example, the hat-channel 114 comprises a second side wall 312 extending from the second longitudinal side 306. The second side wall 312 is perpendicular, or close to perpendicular, to the base portion 302. For example, the second side wall 312 is connected to the second longitudinal side 306 at a second wall base 314 of the second side wall 312. In these examples, the base portion 302 and the first and second side walls 308, 312 define a channel portion of the hat-channel. In some examples, the channel portion has a rectangular profile in cross-section, with one of the sides of the typical rectangular shape missing, as can be seen in the side view of Figure 3. As previously described, the batten 602 may be received in the hat-channel 114. More specifically, the batten 602 may be received in the channel portion of the hat-channel 114, for example.

[0049] In these examples, the hat-channel 114 also comprises a first protrusion 316 extending from the first side wall 308 at an end opposite to the base portion 302. For example, the first protrusion 316 is connected to and extending from a first wall apex 318 of the first side wall 308. The first wall apex 318 is at an opposite end of the first side wall 308 compared to the first wall base 310. In these examples, the first protrusion 316 extends away from the channel portion. In other words, the first protrusion 316 extends outwardly. For example, the first protrusion 316 is parallel, or close to parallel, to the base portion 302.

[0050] In these examples, the hat-channel 114 also comprises a second protrusion 320 extending from the second side wall 312 at an end opposite to the base portion 302. For example, the second protrusion 320 is connected to and extending from a second wall apex 322 of the second side wall 312. The second wall apex 322 is at an opposite end of the second side wall 312 compared to the second wall base 314. In these examples, the second protrusion 320 extends away from the channel portion. In other words, the second protrusion 320 extends outwardly. For example, the second protrusion 320 is parallel, or close to parallel, to the base portion 302.

[0051] In other words, there are side walls which extend from the base portion 302. The portion of the side walls closest to the base portion 302 is referred to as the wall base of the respective wall. The portion of the side walls farthest from the base portion 302 is referred to as the apex of the respective side wall. It should be appreciated that the terms base and apex are not intended to limit the reference exclusively to the very extreme tip / edges of the side walls. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the nature of profiles such as a hat-channel as well as other profiles such as a C channel or a U channel for example, which are other kinds of elongate channels.

[0052] For example, the first and second side walls 308,312 may be substantially (within acceptable tolerances) perpendicular to the base portion 302. For example, the first and second protrusions 316, 320 may be substantially (within acceptable tolerances) parallel to the base portion 302.

[0053] As previously described, the hat-channel 114 may be configured such that the batten is received inside the hat-channel 114. In some examples, the base portion 302 is configured to be directly fixed to the batten (e.g., the batten 602 shown in Figure 6 and the like). For example, the batten may be received such that the inside surface of the base portion 302 (the surface which faces away from the elongate portion 102, for example, and defines an inner surface of the channel portion) is in contact with the batten. For example, the hat-channel 114 is dimensioned appropriately to receive the batten in a way so that the batten can contact the base portion 302 when received in the hat-channel 114. For example, the hat-channel 114 may also be configured such that the batten is close to or contacts the side walls 308, 312 when received in the hat-channel 114. With greater contact of the batten and the hat-channel 114, the bracket 100 is provided with greater support. In other words, the channel portion may be dimensioned to fit the batten 602. In some examples, the fit may be snug enough such that there is contact on three sides of the batten 602 without there being undue friction against the batten 602 being received in the channel portion.

[0054] In these examples, the first protrusion 316 is configured to be directly fixed to the rafter 502, and the second protrusion 320 is configured to be directly fixed to the rafter 502. In this manner, the step like shape of the hat-channel provides a fixing surface (provided by the base portion 302) in contact with the batten 602 and fixing surfaces (provided by the first and second protrusions 316, 320) in contact with the rafter 502.

[0055] Advantageously, there are provided two spatially separated contact surface which contact the rafter 502. There is one contact surface provided by the first protrusion 316, and a second contact surface (separated by the width of the base portion 302) provided by the second protrusion. Fixing the bracket 100 to the rafter 502 at two physically separated locations enhances the strength of the fixation to the rafter. The bracket 100 may also be fixed to the portion of the rafter 502 underneath the batten 602 through the batten 602 (e.g., a long fixing may be deployed at the base portion 302 which bites / threads into the rafter 502 underneath the batten 602).

[0056] As previously described, the first protrusion 316 may be parallel to the base portion 302. In some examples, the first protrusion 316 has a first width 324 which is perpendicular to, or close to perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis 120 of the hat-channel 114. As previously described, the second protrusion 320 may be parallel to the base portion 302. In some examples, the second protrusion 320 has a second width 326 which is perpendicular to, or close to perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis 120 of the hat-channel 114. In some examples, the first and second widths are between 25 millimetres and 65 millimetres. In some examples, the first and second widths are 50 millimetres. In some examples, each of the first width 324 and the second width is greater than half of a base portion width of the base portion parallel to the first and second widths.

[0057] For example, the wider the first and second protrusions 316, 320 are, the more separated the points can be at which the hat-channel 114 is fixed to the rafter 502 above and below the batten 602 which is received in the channel portion. This greater separation advantageously provides stronger fixation to the rafter and more structural stability. For example, the protrusions being at least half as wide as the base portion 302 may provide an advantageous balance between compactness of the roof fixable portion 114 (e.g., so that it fits into the space left by the removed tile of the second course 404) and strength of attachment to the rafter 502.

[0058] In some examples, the roof fixable portion 114 comprises a plurality of fixing through-holes 122 for fixing the roof fixable portion 114 to the rafter 502 and the batten 602. For example, a number of the fixing through-holes 122 can be seen in the examples of Figures 1 and 2. The fixing through-holes 122 are for receiving fixings such as screws, bolts and the like, to allow for fixing to timber, for example.

[0059] In the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the plurality of fixing through-holes comprises a first set of fixing through-holes 122, a second set of fixing through-holes 122 and a third set of fixing through-holes 122. The first set of fixing through-holes is provided on the first protrusion 316, the second set of fixing through-holes is provided on the second protrusion 320 and the third set of the through-holes 122 is provided on the base portion 302. Advantageously, these examples provide fixation sites for receiving fixings on a number of the surfaces which contact the rafter 502 and the batten 602. In this way secure fixing can be provided. Each of these parts of the roof fixable portion 114 has a number of the fixing through-holes 122 so that there are many options for the positions where fixings can easily be deployed.

[0060] In some examples, each hole 122 of the first set is aligned with a hole of the second set along a width direction of the hat-channel 114, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120 of the hat-channel 114. The width direction is also parallel to the surface of the base portion 302, for example. In the Figures, which are schematic in nature, such alignment is roughly indicated. However, it should be noted that the Figures are of a simplified and schematic nature, and are not intended to indicate minute variations in alignment.

[0061] For example, such alignment of the first and second set of through-holes 122 would mean that if there is only a slim portion of the rafter 502 which overlaps with the roof fixable portion 114, there can still be provided two fixation sites which are separated in the width direction and distributed between the first and the second protrusions 316, 320.

[0062] In some examples, additionally, each of the holes 122 of the first set is aligned with a hole of the third set along the width direction of the hat-channel 114. In this case, there are provided three fixing through-holes 122 in alignment so that not only are there at least two spread apart fixation sites to attach directly to the rafter 502, there is also at least one hole to allow fixing to a portion of the batten 602 which directly overlaps the underlying rafter 502 (in this case, the base portion 302 can be fixed to the rafter through / via the batten therebetween). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the batten 602 would be attached to the rafter 502 where the two overlap. It is desired that the roof fixable portion 114 be fixed to the batten 602 at a position of the batten 602 where it is fixed to the rafter 502, and ideally all the way through to the rafter 502. In this manner, even if only a part of the rafter 502 (to which fixation is intended) overlapped with the removed tile in the position where the bracket 100 is being installed, there is provided strong fixing to the rafter and the batten. For example, fixation at three holes 122, one at the first protrusion 316, one at the second protrusion 320 and one at the base portion 302 would provide good structural stability / strength to the bracket 100.

[0063] As previously described, the wider the first and second protrusions 316, 320 are, the more separated can be the points at which the hat-channel 114 is fixed to the rafter 502 above and below the batten 602 which is received in the channel portion. This greater separation advantageously provides stronger fixation to the rafter and more structural stability. In some examples, the holes which are aligned in the width direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102) may span between about 70 millimetres to 170 millimetres in the width direction. In some examples, the holes which are aligned in the width direction may be within a range of about 75 millimetres in the width direction. In some examples, the holes which are aligned in the width direction may be within a range of about 160 millimetres in the width direction.

[0064] In some examples, each of the first, second and third sets of holes 122 are spread along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 120 of the hat-channel 114 such that it spans at least 80% of the first spatial dimension 118. In other words, the sets of fixing through-holes 122 are arranged so that they are spread across at least 80% of the length of the hat-channel 114. Such spread advantageously provides fixing sites at a large range of the length of the hat-channel 114 to allow for flexibility in fixing to the rafter 502, wherever the rafter 502 may be positioned in relation to the hat-channel 114.

[0065] Referring again to Figure 7, the bracket 100 is positioned in the in use position, and fixings 702 have been deployed into the three left-most (in this particular example, in the orientation shown in Figure 7) of each of the first, second and third sets of fixing through-holes 122. Note that for the sake of clarity of depiction, only one of the fixings 702 is indicated with the reference numeral. Figure 8 is a fifth simplified schematic sketch of the tiles showing the installed bracket 100, according to examples. In the examples of Figure 8, a cut portion of the removed tile of the second course 404 is replaced. In examples, a flashing cover 902 may then be placed on top of the bracket 100, as shown in Figure 9, which is a sixth simplified schematic sketch of the roof tiles, according to examples. Figure 10 is a seventh simplified schematic sketch of the roof tiles, according to examples. In these examples, cut versions of the previously removed tiles of the first course 402 have been replaced. It can be seen that the cuts in the tiles of the first course 402 accommodate the extension portion and the elongate portion, as well as the portion of the flashing cover 902 which overlap those parts of the bracket 100. In this manner, the double lapped pattern is mainly preserved.

[0066] As previously described, the elongate portion 102 is substantially (within acceptable tolerances) centred along the first spatial dimension 118 of the hat-channel 114. For example, the second extension portion end 116 connects to the roof fixable portion 114 in a centred position with respect to the first spatial dimension 118. For example, the second extension portion end 116 connects to the roof fixable portion 114 at a centre of the base portion 302 with respect to the longitudinal axis 120 of the hatchannel. In some examples, the second extension portion end 116 connects to the base portion 302 adjacent to one of the first wall base 310 and the second wall base 314. In the examples shown in the Figures, the first wall 308 is labelled as the one closer to the extension portion 108 and therefore the second end portion end 116 connects adjacent to the first wall base 310. In this manner, there is an outward face of the base portion 302 which is unobstructed, which is advantageous for deploying fixings, for example.

[0067] In examples, there may be provided a method of installing a bracket according to any of the described examples onto a roof comprising a plurality of tiles. The method may comprise fixing the hat-channel such that it is simultaneously secured to a batten and a rafter of the roof. For example, the method may comprise fixing the hat-channel along the batten at a position such that the elongate portion overlaps a tile meeting position at which two tiles directly underneath the elongate portion meet one another. In other words, the elongate portion may be aligned in a manner as shown in Figure 7, for example. For example, the method may comprise fixing the hat-channel to a portion of the rafter above the batten, and a portion of the rafter below the batten. It will be appreciated that various steps are apparent, for example, from the description relating to Figures 4 to 10. The method may comprise any combination of the steps apparent from said description and figures.

[0068] In the above description, various specific examples are described. Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0070] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0071] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing example(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A bracket for use in the installation of solar panels onto a roof comprising a plurality of tiles, the bracket comprising:an elongate portion;a mount portion at a first end of the elongate portion, the mount portion being configured to have mounted thereon a solar panel mounting rail;an extension portion having a first extension portion end connected to a second end of the elongate portion;a roof fixable portion connected to a second extension portion end of the extension portion, the roof fixable portion being a hat-channel and configured to simultaneously be secured to a batten and a rafter of the roof, wherein:a first spatial dimension of the hat-channel along a longitudinal axis of the hat-channel is 90% to 100% of a tile width of each of the tiles, the tile width being the spatial dimension of each of the tiles arranged, in use, to be horizontal or close to horizontal.

2. The bracket according to claim 1 wherein:the hat-channel is configured to simultaneously be secured to the batten and the rafter of the roof such that the batten is received within the hat-channel.

3. The bracket according to claim 2, wherein:the hat-channel comprises:a base portion comprising a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side;a first side wall extending from the first longitudinal side, the first side wall being perpendicular, or close to perpendicular, to the base portion;a second side wall extending from the second longitudinal side, the second side wall being perpendicular to, or close to perpendicular to the base portion;a first protrusion extending from the first side wall at an end opposite the base portion and extending away from a channel portion of the hat-channel, the first protrusion being parallel, or close to parallel, to the base portion; anda second protrusion extending from the second side wall at an end opposite the base portion and extending away from the channel portion of the hat-channel, the second protrusion being parallel, or close to parallel, to the base portion.

4. The bracket according to claim 3, wherein:the base portion is configured to be directly fixed to the batten.

5. The bracket according to claim 4, wherein:the first protrusion is configured to be directly fixed to the rafter; and the second protrusion is configured to be directly fixed to the rafter.

6. The bracket according to claim 5, wherein:the first protrusion has a first width perpendicular, or close to perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the hat-channel;the second protrusion has a second width perpendicular, or close to perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the hat-channel; andeach of the first width and the second width is greater than half of a base portion width of the base portion parallel, or close to parallel, to the first and second widths.

7. The bracket according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein:the roof fixable portion comprises a plurality of fixing through-holes for fixing the roof fixable portion simultaneously to the rafter and the batten.

8. The bracket according to claim 7, wherein:the plurality of fixing through-holes comprises:a first set of fixing through-holes provided on the first protrusion of the hatchannel;a second set of fixing through-holes provided on the second protrusion of the hat-channel; anda third set of fixing through-holes provided on the base portion of the hatchannel.

9. The bracket according to claim 8, wherein:each hole of the first set is aligned with a hole of the second set along a width direction of the hat-channel, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hat-channel.

10. The bracket according to claim 9, wherein:each hole of the first set is aligned with a hole of the third set along the width direction of the hat-channel.

11. The bracket according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein:each of the first, second and third sets of holes are spread along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hat-channel such that it spans at least 80% of the first spatial dimension.

12. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the elongate portion is centred along the first spatial dimension.

13. The bracket according to claim 12, wherein:the second extension portion end connects to the base portion adjacent to one of the first wall base and the second wall base.

14. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:the first spatial dimension is the same as the tile width.

15. A method of installing a bracket for use in the installation of solar panels onto a roof comprising a plurality of tiles, the bracket comprising:an elongate portion;a mount portion at a first end of the elongate portion,the mount portion being configured to fix to a solar panel mounting rail;an extension portion having a first extension portion end connected to a second end of the elongate portion;a roof fixable portion connected to a second extension portion end of the extension portion, the roof fixable portion being a hat-channel and configured to simultaneously be secured to a batten and a rafter of the roof, wherein:a first spatial dimension of the hat-channel along a longitudinal axis of the hat-channel is 90% to 100% of a tile width of each of the tiles, the tile width beingthe spatial dimension of each of the tiles arranged, in use, to be horizontal or close to horizontal,the method comprising:fixing the hat-channel such that it is simultaneously secured to a batten and a5 rafter of the roof.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising:fixing the hat-channel along the batten at a position such that the elongate portion overlaps a tile meeting position at which two tiles directly underneath the elongate portion10 meet one another.

17. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, comprising:fixing the hat-channel to a portion of the rafter above the batten, and a portion of the rafter below the batten.15

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