Assembly for screwless panels

Abstract

A roof-covering kit configured to be assembled to form a roof covering for mounting to a roof frame is provided. The roof-covering kit comprises a plurality of corrugated panels, and a plurality of anchoring elements configured to facilitate anchoring the panels to the roof frame. Each of the panels comprises a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending corrugations having two laterally opposed sidewalls, and further comprising a ledge projecting inwardly from each of the sidewalls and defining a recess thereabove within the corrugation. The anchoring elements are configured to couple with one of the corrugations and comprise two laterally projecting detents configured to be received within recesses of a corrugation, thereby being vertically arrested therewithin and coupling the anchoring element therewith; a support structure configured to rigidly maintain the lateral positions of the detents; and a mounting arrangement configured to facilitate rigid connection of the anchoring element to the roof frame.

Description

[0001] ASSEMBLY FOR SCREWLESS PANELS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to roofing systems, anchoring assemblies and methods assembling and installing the same.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Roofing systems are important components of various types of structures, providing protection from weather and outdoor environment and contributing to the aesthetic appeal. Typically, roofing systems are installed by forming holes in the roofing panels to form a roof, a wall or a cover thereof, and employing screws to securely attach the panels to each other. However, the installation process requires technical skills and expertise to optimize the performance and maintain the integrity of the roofing system and components thereof. Improper installation may include, among others, forming insufficient amount of screwholes, resulting in a roofing system which is prone to leaks and damage. In addition, forming too many screw holes may also result in inadequate roof, wall, cover, and the like, prone to damage, moisture and dust accumulation. Moreover, once the screw-holes are formed, they remain a permanent fixture, limiting future adjustments and modifications, often requiring replacing of the entire roofing system. Furthermore, improper installation may result in noise disturbances, detracting from the comfort and functionality of the roofing system.

[0006] Hence, there is a need in the art for improved roofing systems and methods for installing thereof.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] Aspects of the disclosure, according to some embodiments thereof, relate to roofing systems, anchoring assemblies and methods assembling and installing the same.

[0009] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the disclosed systems may be devoid of screws and / or screw holes, thereby minimizing leaks through the roofing system and preventing cracks therein.

[0010] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods may enable safe, quick and technically simple installation of the disclosed system. In some embodiments, the system may be installed by a single person. In some embodiments, the system may be installed by a single person without the need for specialized technical expertise.

[0011] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the disclosed roofing system may be waterproof.

[0012] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the disclosed roofing system may be assembled and disassembled multiple times. In some embodiments, a portion of the roofing system may be replaced without needing to dismantle / disassemble the entire system.

[0013] According to some embodiments, disclosed is a roofing system comprising: a plurality of corrugated thermoplastic panels, each of the plurality panels is configured to be attached to one another by overlapping one or more corrugation of each of two adjacent panels to form a common connecting area; and an anchoring mechanism configured to locally deform a portion of the common connecting area, thereby locking each of the plurality panels to one another in the common connecting area, the anchoring mechanism comprising one or more anchoring assemblies.

[0014] According to some embodiments, each of the one or more anchoring assemblies comprises: a base comprising two legs upwardly extending therefrom, each terminating in an engagement area, wherein each of the engagement areas is configured to engage an inner face of a first corrugated panel of the plurality of corrugated panels in the common connecting area, thereby applying pressure on the common connecting area; a cap having an arc-like and / or a trapezoid-like shape, the cap is configured to be juxtaposed to an outer surface of a second corrugated panel of the plurality of corrugated panels in the common connecting area, wherein an inner surface of the cap comprises an indentation matching a shape of the engagement area; and a wedge configured to be positioned between the two legs of the base, the wedge is configured to expand the two legs, resulting in the two legs applying pressure on the common connecting area, and the cap applying opposing pressure thereon, such that the portion of the common connecting area is at least elastically deformed, thereby locking the two corrugated panels to each other in the common connecting area.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the locked common connecting area is devoid of screw holes. According to some embodiments, the thickness of each of the plurality of corrugated thermoplastic panels is in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

[0016] According to some embodiments, each of the corrugations of each of the plurality of corrugated thermoplastic panels comprises 5 faces.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the plurality of corrugated thermoplastic panels is made of or comprises polycarbonate.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the wedge is rotatable within the base, thereby expanding the two legs thereof until the locking is achieved.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the cap is at least partially transparent.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the anchoring mechanism comprises a stopper configured to facilitate retaining a position of the base and / or the cap in the common connecting area.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the roofing system, is capable of multiple rounds of assembly and disassembly.

[0022] An anchoring assembly comprising: a base comprising two legs upwardly extending therefrom and, each terminating in an engagement area, wherein each of the engagement areas is configured to engage an inner face of a first of a plurality of corrugated panels in a common connecting area, thereby applying pressure on the common connecting area; and a cap having an arc-like and / or a trapezoid-like shape, the cap is configured to be juxtaposed to an outer surface of a second corrugated panel in the common connecting area, wherein an inner surface of the cap comprises an indentation matching a shape of the engagement area; and a wedge configured to be positioned between the two legs of the base, the wedge is configured to expand the two legs, resulting in the two legs applying pressure on the common connecting area, and the cap applying opposing pressure thereon, such that the portion of the common connecting area is at least elastically deformed, thereby locking the two corrugated panels to each other in the common connecting area.

[0023] According to some embodiments, disclosed is a method for installing a roofing system as disclosed herein, the method comprising: overlapping a first corrugated panel and a second corrugated panel of a plurality of thermoplastic corrugated panels to form a common connecting area; positioning a base of an anchoring assembly within an inner surface of the common connecting area, wherein the base comprising two legs extending therefrom; positioning a cap of the anchoring assembly on an outer surface of common connecting area; and positioning a wedge of the anchoring assembly between the two legs of the base, thereby expanding the two legs, such that a portion of the common connecting area is at least elastically deformed, thereby locking the first and the second corrugated panel in the common connecting area.

[0024] According to some embodiments, locking the common connecting area comprises plastically deforming the portion of the common connecting area.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises engaging the base of the anchoring assembly with a purlin.

[0026] According to some embodiments, disclosed is a roofing system comprising: a plurality of corrugated thermoplastic panels having an undercut of at least about 4 mm formed during manufacturing thereof, each of the plurality panels is configured to be attached to one another by overlapping one or more corrugation of each of two adjacent panels to form a common connecting area; and an anchoring mechanism configured to lock each of the plurality of panels to each other in the common connecting area, the anchoring mechanism comprising one or more anchoring elements, the one or more anchoring elements comprising: a base; a holder extending from the base, the holder configured to be attached to a purlin; and two legs upwardly extending from the base, each leg terminating in an engagement area, wherein each of the engagement areas is configured to hook onto an inner portion of a loop formed by the undercut, thereby locking the two panels to each other in the common connecting area.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the locked common connecting area is devoid of screw holes.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the thickness of each of the plurality of thermoplastic panels is in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. According to some embodiments, the plurality of thermoplastic panels is made of or comprises polycarbonate.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the holder comprises two legs configured to click- and-lock onto the purlin.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the plurality of corrugated panels is capable of multiple assembly and disassembly.

[0031] According to some embodiments, disclosed is a method for installing a roof, the method comprising: attaching an anchoring element to a purlin; connecting a first corrugated thermoplastic panel of a plurality of thermoplastic panels to the anchoring element, the connecting comprising bending / expanding each undercut angle of the first thermoplastic panel to engage at an engagement area with the two legs of the anchoring element, such that the anchoring elements hooks onto an inner portion of a loop formed by the undercut, thereby locking the first thermoplastic panel to the anchoring element; and locking a second corrugated thermoplastic panel of the plurality of corrugated thermoplastic panels to the first corrugated thermoplastic panel by overlapping one or more corrugation of each of first and second panels to form a common connecting area.

[0032] According to some embodiments, disclosed is a roofing system comprising: a plurality of corrugated thermoplastic panels having an undercut of at least about 4 mm formed during manufacturing thereof, each of the plurality panels is configured to be attached to one another to form a roof by overlapping one or more corrugation of each of two adjacent panels to form a common connecting area; and an anchoring mechanism configured to lock each of the plurality panels to each other in the common connecting area, the anchoring mechanism comprising one or more anchoring elements, the one or more anchoring elements comprising: a first portion configured to be connected to a purlin; and a second portion configured to be inserted into a corrugation, such that the undercut of the corrugation locks around the second portion; wherein a corrugation of a second corrugated thermoplastic panel is configured to be inserted over the corrugation of the first corrugated thermoplastic panel, thereby locking the two corrugated thermoplastic panels to each other in the common connecting area. According to some aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a roof-covering kit configured to be assembled to form a roof covering for mounting to a roof frame, the roof-covering kit comprising a plurality of corrugated panels, and a plurality of anchoring elements configured to facilitate anchoring the panels to the roof frame; each of the panels comprising a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending corrugations, each of the corrugations comprising two laterally opposed sidewalls, each of the corrugations further comprising a ledge projecting inwardly from each of the sidewalls and defining a recess thereabove within the corrugation; each of the anchoring elements being configured to couple with one of the corrugations of a panel and comprising: two laterally projecting detents, each configured to be received within a respective one of the recesses of a corrugation, thereby being vertically arrested within the corrugation and coupling the anchoring element therewith; a support structure configured to rigidly maintain the lateral positions of the detents; and a mounting arrangement configured to facilitate rigid connection of its respective anchoring element to the roof frame.

[0033] Sidewalls of at least some of the corrugations may be formed with an inwardly- projecting concavity, upper surfaces of the concavities being defined be the ledges.

[0034] The plurality of panels may comprise one or more pairs of panels such that: one of the corrugations of a first of each pair of panels constitutes an outer nesting corrugation; and one of the corrugations of a second of each pair of panels constitutes an inner nesting corrugation; the outer nesting corrugation being configured to overlay the inner nesting corrugation at least when one or more anchoring elements are coupled therewith.

[0035] The shape and dimensions of an inner contour of the outer nesting corrugation may be substantially the same as the shape and dimensions of an outer contour of the inner nesting corrugation.

[0036] One of the lateral-most corrugations of each panel may constitute an outer nesting corrugation, wherein the other of the lateral-most corrugations of each panel constitutes an inner nesting corrugation.

[0037] All corrugations between the lateral-most corrugations may constitute inner nesting corrugations. Some of the anchoring elements may constitute margin anchoring elements, the edge anchoring elements further comprising a margin-securing arrangement configured to secure a margin of a panel therein.

[0038] The margin-securing arrangement may comprise a barrier, wherein the barrier and one of the laterally projecting detents define therebetween a slot for receiving therein the margin of a panel.

[0039] The mounting arrangement may comprise one or more through-going apertures configured to cooperate with a mechanical fastener to engage with the roof frame to facilitate the connection of the anchoring element thereto.

[0040] At least one of the through-going apertures may be formed as a laterally extending slot.

[0041] The mounting arrangement may comprise a gripping arrangement configured to engage with the roof frame to facilitate the connection of the anchoring element thereto.

[0042] The gripping arrangement may comprise a pair of downwardly projecting legs configured to grip the roof frame.

[0043] The panels may be made of a polymeric material, for example a thermoplastic material, for example a polycarbonate material.

[0044] According to some aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a roof kit configured to be assembled to provide a roof, the roof kit comprising: a plurality of elongate members configured to be assembled to form a roof frame; and a roof-covering kit as described above, the roof-covering kit being configured to be assembled to form a roof covering when mounted to the roof frame assembled from the plurality of elongate members.

[0045] At least some of the elongate members may constitute purlins of the roof frame, wherein at least some of the anchoring elements of the roof-covering kit are configured to be rigidly connected to purlins of the assembled roof frame.

[0046] According to some aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a roof covering assembled from a roof-covering kit as described above.

[0047] According to some aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a roof assembled from a roof kit as described above.

[0048] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

[0049] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0050] Some embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not drawn to scale. Moreover, two different objects in the same figure may be drawn to different scales. In particular, the scale of some objects may be greatly exaggerated as compared to other objects in the same figure.

[0051] In the figures:

[0052] Fig- 1 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a corrugated panel, according to some embodiments;

[0053] Figs. 2A-B show a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a roofing system before and after locking thereof, respectively, according to some embodiments;

[0054] Fig. 2C shows a schematic illustration of a perspective top view of a wedge 240 of roofing system depicted in FIGs. 2A-B, according to some embodiments;

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective front view of a roofing system, according to some embodiments;

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a method for installing a roofing system, according to some embodiments;

[0057] Fig. 5A shows a schematic illustration of a side view of a portion of a roofing system, according to some embodiments;

[0058] Fig. 5B shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of an anchoring assembly (also referred to as “an anchoring element”) of the roofing system depicted in FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments;

[0059] Fig. 6A shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of an anchoring assembly (also referred to as “an anchoring element”), according to some embodiments; Fig. 6B shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of the anchoring element of Fig. 6A engaged with a purlin, according to some embodiments;

[0060] Fig- 7 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of an anchoring assembly (also referred to as “an anchoring element”), according to some embodiments;

[0061] Figs. 8A-B show a schematic illustration of a perspective side view and a side view of a portion of a roofing system, respectively, according to some embodiments;

[0062] Fig- 9 shows a flow chart of a method for installing a roofing system, according to some embodiments;

[0063] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of an example of a roof covering according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0064] Fig. 10B is an exploded view of the roof covering illustrated in Fig. 10A;

[0065] Fig- 11 is a side view of a corrugation of a panel coupled with an anchoring element of the roof covering illustrated in Fig. 10A;

[0066] Figs. 12A and 12B are top and bottom perspective views of an anchoring element of the roof covering illustrated in Fig. 10A;

[0067] Fig. 13A is a perspective view of a margin anchoring element of the roof covering illustrated in Fig. 10A;

[0068] Fig. 13B is a perspective view of the margin anchoring element illustrated in Fig. 13 A coupled with a corrugation of a panel; and

[0069] Fig. 14 is a side view of outer nesting corrugation overlaid on an inner nesting corrugation according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0070] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings herein may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and figures. Upon perusal of the description and figures present herein, one skilled in the art will be able to implement the teachings herein without undue effort or experimentation. In the figures, same reference numerals refer to same parts throughout.

[0072] In the following description, various aspects of the invention will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the invention. As used herein, the term “roofing system” may refer to, among others, a system for sheltering / covering buildings, walls, and the like, or a combination thereof, and / or of any other types of structures. According to some embodiments, the term “roofing system” may refer to a cover, a roof and / or a wall of any structure, such as but not limited to, outdoor structures (e.g., a gazebo, a pergola, a carport, a pavilion, and the like), a sports arena and / or a stadium, parking structures, such as parking facilities having a roof and / or walls to protect the vehicles from sun, snow, rain, hail, and the like. According to some embodiments, the term “roofing system” may refer to a system installed on walkways, bus stops, shelters, outdoor dining areas, playgrounds, and the like, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the term “roofing system” may refer to systems installed in storage facilities as roofs and / or walls or as covers thereof, such as but not limited to, warehouses, industrial facilities, manufacturing sites, sheds, and the like. According to some embodiments, the term “roofing system” may refer to green / eco roofs, walls, houses, and the like, optionally covered with grass, flowers, or any other type of vegetation.

[0073] Reference is made to Fig. 1, which shows a schematic illustration of a corrugated panel 102, according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, a plurality of corrugated panels, such as a plurality of corrugated panel 102, may be implemented to form a roof, such as but not limited to, a building roof.

[0074] According to some embodiments, corrugated panel 102 may be a thermoplastic corrugated panel. According to some embodiments, corrugated panel 102 may be made of or include polycarbonate. According to some embodiments, corrugated panel 102 may be substantially transparent, semi-transparent, or substantially opaque. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0075] According to some embodiments, a thickness of corrugated panel 102 may be, inter alia, in a range of about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm, as elaborated in greater detail elsewhere herein.

[0076] According to some embodiments, corrugated panel 102 may include one or more corrugations 104A-C. According to some embodiments, each of one or more corrugations 104A-C may include, among others, three, four, five, six, or more faces. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0077] According to some embodiments, corrugated panel 102 may include an undercut, as elaborated in greater detail, e.g., in Fig. 5A. Reference is made to Figs. 2A-B, which show a schematic illustration of a cross- sectional side view of a portion of a roofing system 200 before and after locking thereof, respectively, according to some embodiments.

[0078] According to some embodiments, roofing system 200 includes a plurality of corrugated panels 202 (such as, but not limited to, a plurality of corrugated panel 102 depicted in Fig. 1). According to some embodiments, each of plurality of corrugated panels 202 is configured to be attached to one another by overlapping one or more corrugation 204 of each of two adjacent corrugated panels of plurality of corrugated panels 202 to form a common connecting area 214. As a non-limiting example, common connecting area 214 may include overlapping one corrugation (of one or more corrugations 204) of each of the two adjacent corrugated panels 202. According to some embodiments, the overlapping may include positioning one or more corrugation 204 of each two adjacent corrugated panels 202 one above the other.

[0079] According to some embodiments, a thickness of each of plurality of corrugated panels 202 may be in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, the thickness of each of plurality of corrugated panels 202 may be in a range of about 0.8 mm to about 2 mm, 0.8 mm to about 2.5 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 3.5 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 4 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 5 mm. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0080] According to some embodiments, each of plurality of corrugated panels 202 includes one or more corrugations 204 (e.g., as depicted in Fig. 1). According to some embodiments, each of the corrugations includes 5 faces. According to some embodiments, each of one or more corrugations 204 may include any required number of faces, such as but not limited to, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more corrugations. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0081] According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 202 are thermoplastic. According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 202 may be made of or include polycarbonate.

[0082] According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Figs. 2A-B, roofing system 200 includes an anchoring mechanism 210. According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 210 is configured to locally deform a portion of common connecting area 214, thereby locking each of plurality of corrugated panels 202 in common connecting area 214. According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 210 may be capable of multiple assembly and disassembly. According to some embodiments, system 200 may be capable of multiple assembly and disassembly.

[0083] According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 210 may be made of or include one or more polymers. According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 210 may be made of or include polycarbonate. According to some embodiments, the anchoring mechanism may be made of or include metal. According to some embodiments, the anchoring mechanism may be made of or include steel. According to some embodiments, the anchoring mechanism may be made of or include wood.

[0084] According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 210 includes one or more anchoring assemblies 212. According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Figs. 2A-B, each of one or more anchoring assemblies 212 includes a base 220 and a cap 230. According to some embodiments, one or more anchoring assemblies may optionally include a wedge 240.

[0085] According to some embodiments, base 220 includes two legs 222A-B upwardly extending therefrom. According to some embodiments, two legs 222A-B are substantially perpendicular to base 220. Alternatively, in some embodiments, two legs 222A-B may be inclined. As a non-limiting example, the angle between each of two legs 222A-B and base 220 may be an acute angle.

[0086] According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Figs. 2A-B, prior to locking the legs 222A-B may be substantially perpendicular to base 220, while after locking the legs 222A-B may be inclined.

[0087] According to some embodiments, each of two legs 222A-B terminates in an engagement area 224A-B, respectively. According to some embodiments, an outer portion of each of engagement area 224 A-B is configured to engage an inner face 206 of a first corrugated panel of plurality of corrugated panels 202 in common connecting area 214. According to some embodiments, an inner portion of each of engagement area 224A-B may be configured to receive / engage wedge 240.

[0088] According to some embodiments, base 220 may optionally include an additional pair of legs downwardly extending therefrom. According to some embodiments, each of the additional pair of legs terminating in a second engagement area. In some embodiments, each of the second engagement area may be configured to engage a rafter, purlin, or any other suitable portion of the frame construction of the roof. According to some embodiments, cap 230 of each one or more anchoring assemblies 212 has an arc-like and / or a trapezoid-like shape. According to some embodiments, cap 230 may have any shape adapted to be attached or juxtaposed to a panel of plurality of corrugated panels 202 in common connecting area 214. Specifically, in some embodiments, cap 230 is configured to be juxtaposed or otherwise attached to an outer surface 208 of a second panel of plurality of corrugated panels 202 in common connecting area 214.

[0089] According to some embodiments, cap 230 may have any shape adapted to be attached or juxtaposed to a panel of plurality of corrugated panels 202 prior to at least elastically deforming thereof, e.g., as depicted in Fig. 2B. Alternatively, in some embodiments, cap 230 may have any shape adapted to be attached or juxtaposed to a panel of plurality of corrugated panels 202 after at least elastically deforming thereof.

[0090] According to some embodiments, an inner surface of cap 230 includes an indentation 232A-B matching a shape of engagement area 224A-B, respectively. According to some embodiments, indentation 232A-B is configured to match a shape of a portion of connection area 214, wherein the portion of connecting area 214 is at least elastically deformed, as elaborated in greater detail elsewhere herein.

[0091] According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Fig. 2A, prior to locking connecting area 214 between the two adjacent corrugated panels, a gap may be present between each indentation 232A-B and the outer surface of the portion of connecting area 214. According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Fig. 2B, locking common connecting area 214 may include closing / sealing the gap between each indentation 232A-B and the outer (i.e., top) surface of the portion of connecting area 214, which, in turn, may increase the friction therebetween. Thereby, in some embodiments, facilitating locking common connecting area 214.

[0092] Alternatively, in some embodiments, prior to locking connecting area 214 between corrugated panels, connecting area 214 may be devoid of the gap between each indentation 232A-B and the outer surface 208 of the second panel of the plurality of corrugated panels 202 in the common connecting area 214.

[0093] According to some embodiments, cap 230 is configured to be juxtaposed to the outer surface 208 of a second corrugated panel of the two adjacent corrugated panels of plurality of corrugated panels 202 in common connecting area 214, such that when base 220 applies pressure on a portion of common connecting area 214, cap 230 applies opposing pressure thereon. Consequently, the portion of common connecting area 214 is at least elastically deformed, thereby locking the two adjacent corrugated panels (i.e., the first and the second corrugated panels) to each other in common connecting area 214. According to some embodiments, the portion of connecting area 214 may be elastically deformed, thereby facilitating multiple assembly and disassembly of roofing system 200. According to some embodiments, the portion of connecting area 214 may be plastically deformed. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0094] According to some embodiments, in the locked configuration of common connecting area 214, each of two legs 222A-B are retained in their positioned (e.g., locked).

[0095] According to some embodiments, wedge 240 of anchoring assembly 212 is configured to be positioned between two legs 222A-B of base 220. According to some embodiments, wedge 240 is configured to expand two legs 222A-B, resulting in each of two legs 222 A-B applying pressure on the portion of common connecting area 214, while cap 230 applying opposing pressure thereon. Thereby, at least elastically deforming the portion of common connecting area 214, and hence locking each two corrugated panels of plurality of corrugated panels 202 to each other in common connecting area 214.

[0096] In some embodiments, the locked common connecting area 214 may be devoid of screw holes. In some embodiments, the locked common connecting area 214 may be devoid of screws.

[0097] According to some embodiments, cap 230 may be at least partially transparent. According to some embodiments, cap 230 may be substantially opaque, semi-transparent, or substantially transparent. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0098] According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 210 may optionally include a stopper (not shown). According to some embodiments, the stopper may be configured to facilitate retaining a position of base 220 and / or cap 230 in common connecting area 214. According to some embodiments, the stopper may be attached or juxtaposed to the first and / or the second panel of plurality of panels 202 in common connecting area 214.

[0099] Reference is made to Fig. 2C, which shows a schematic illustration of a perspective top view of wedge 240 of roofing system 200, according to some embodiments.

[0100] According to some embodiments, a perimeter of wedge 240 includes a first and a second portion 242A-B configured to be inserted into or otherwise attached / engaged with two legs 222A-B of base 220. In particular, in some embodiments, first and second portion 242A-B configured to be attached / engaged with the inner portion of each of engagement area 224 A-B of two legs 222 A-B.

[0101] According to some embodiments, wedge 240 includes an opening 244. According to some embodiments, opening 244 may facilitate positioning / inserting wedge 240 between two legs 222A-B, e.g., by a user. According to some embodiments, a shape of opening 244 may be substantially circular, oval, D-shaped, or any other shape. Alternatively, in some embodiments, wedge 240 may be devoid of opening 244.

[0102] According to some embodiments, wedge 240 includes a gripping element 246. According to some embodiments, gripping element 246 may facilitate positioning wedge 240 between two legs 222A-B, e.g., by a user. In some embodiments, gripping element 246 may include a sloped shape.

[0103] In some embodiments, gripping element 246 may be integrally formed within expanding member 240.

[0104] According to some embodiments, wedge 240 may be detachable. According to some embodiments, wedge 240 may be made of or include, among others, one or more polymers, metal, steel, and the like. As a non-limiting example, wedge 240 may be made of or include polycarbonate.

[0105] Reference is made to Fig. 3, which shows a schematic illustration of a perspective front view of a roofing system 300, according to some embodiments.

[0106] According to some embodiments, the following components depicted in Fig. 3 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 320, 322A-B, 324A-B, 330, 332A-B and 340 correspond to and may have identical, similar or different structure and configuration as the previously described components 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 220, 222A-B, 224A-B, 230, 232A-B and 240, respectively.

[0107] According to some embodiments, roofing system 300 includes an anchoring mechanism 310. In some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 310 may be similar, identical or different from anchoring mechanism 210.

[0108] According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 310 includes one or more anchoring assemblies 312. According to some embodiments, each of one or more anchoring assemblies includes a base 320, a cap 330, and, optionally, a wedge 340.

[0109] According to some embodiments, base 320 includes two legs 322A-B upwardly extending therefrom. According to some embodiments, two legs 322A-B may be substantially perpendicular to base 320. Alternatively, in some embodiments, two legs 322A-B may be inclined.

[0110] According to some embodiments, prior to locking connecting area 314 two legs 322A-B may be substantially perpendicular to base 320, while after locking connecting area 314 two legs 322A-B may be inclined. According to some embodiments, each of two legs 322A-B is terminating in an engagement area 324A-B, respectively. According to some embodiments, an outer portion of each of engagement area 324A-B is configured to engage an inner face 306 of a first corrugated panel of plurality of corrugated panels 302 in common connecting area 314. According to some embodiments, an inner portion of each of engagement area 324A-B is configured to receive / engage wedge 340.

[0111] According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Fig. 3, wedge 340 is rotatable within base 320, such that positioning / rotating wedge 340 within engagement area 324A-B expands two legs 322A-B, thereby locking common connecting area 314. Put differently, in some embodiments, wedge 340 is rotated within base 320, thereby expanding two legs 322A-B until locking of common connecting area 314 is achieved.

[0112] According to some embodiments, wedge 340 is configured to expand two legs 322A- B, resulting in two legs 322A-B applying pressure on a portion of common connecting area 314, while cap 330 is applying opposing pressure thereon. Thereby, at least elastically deforming the portion of common connecting area 314, and hence locking each two adjacent corrugated panels of plurality of corrugated panels 302 to each other in common connecting area 314.

[0113] According to some embodiments, the portion of common connecting area 314 may be elastically deformed. According to some embodiments, the portion of common connecting area 314 may be plastically deformed. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0114] According to some embodiments, system 300 may de devoid of screw holes.

[0115] Reference is made to Fig. 4, which shows a flow chart 400 of a method for installing a roofing system, such as, but limited to, roofing system 200 and / or roofing system 300, according to some embodiments.

[0116] According to some embodiments, in step 402, the method may optionally include engaging a base of an anchoring assembly (such as, but not limited to, anchoring mechanism 210, anchoring mechanism 310) with a purlin. In some embodiments, the base of the anchoring assembly may optionally include an additional pair of legs configured to be engaged with the purlin. In some embodiments, the additional pair of legs may be configured to be fastened and / or clicked and / or otherwise attached to the purlin. In some embodiments, the additional pair of legs may be detachably attached to the purlin. In some embodiments, the purlin may be made of or include any suitable material(s), such as but not limited to, wood, metal, steel, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments, in step 404, the method may include overlapping a first corrugated panel and a second (i.e., adjacent) corrugated panel of a plurality of thermoplastic corrugated panels, thereby forming a common connecting area. As a nonlimiting example, overlapping the first and the second panel may include positioning a corrugation of the first panel above a corrugation of the second panel (or vice versa), such that the common connecting area includes an overlapping corrugation of the two adjacent corrugated panels.

[0117] According to some embodiments, in step 406, the method may include positioning the base of the anchoring assembly within an inner surface of the common connecting area. According to some embodiments, the base includes two legs upwardly extending therefrom, and terminating in an engagement area. Each of the engagement areas configured to engage the inner surface of the first corrugated panel in the common connecting area.

[0118] According to some embodiments, positioning the base within the inner surface of the common connecting area is devoid of using screws and / or screw holes.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the base may be detachably engaged with the common connecting area, thereby allowing locally replacing a portion of the roofing system.

[0120] According to some embodiments, in step 408, the method may include positioning a cap of the anchoring assembly on an outer surface of the common connecting area. According to some embodiments, the cap has an arc-like and / or a trapezoid-like shape adapted to be juxtaposed / attached to the outer surface of a second corrugated panel in the common connecting area. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the cap includes an indentation matching a shape of the engagement area and / or a portion of the common connecting area covering the engagement area of the two legs of the base.

[0121] According to some embodiments, positioning the cap on the outer surface of the common connecting area may include fastening, clicking, juxtaposing or otherwise engaging the cap to the outer surface of the common connecting area.

[0122] According to some embodiments, positioning the cap on the outer surface of the common connecting area is devoid of screws and / or screw holes.

[0123] According to some embodiments, the cap may be detachably engaged with the common connecting area, thereby allowing locally replacing a portion of the roofing system.

[0124] According to some embodiments, in step 410, the method may include positioning a wedge of the anchoring assembly between the two legs of the base thereof, thereby expanding the two legs until locking of the common connecting area is achieved. According to some embodiments, locking the common connecting area includes at least elastically deforming a portion of the common connecting area. According to some embodiments, the engagement area of the two legs of the base applies pressure on the on common connecting area, while the cap applies an opposing pressure thereon, such that the position of the common connecting area is at least elastically deformed, thereby locking the two corrugated panels to each other in the common connecting area.

[0125] According to some embodiments, locking the common connecting area may include closing / sealing a gap between each of the indentation of the cap and the outer surface of the portion of connecting area, which, in turn, may increase the friction therebetween. Thereby, in some embodiments, facilitating locking the common connecting area.

[0126] According to some embodiments, locking the common connecting area includes at least elastically deforming the portion of the common connecting area, by the pressure (and the opposing pressure) applied thereon by the anchoring assembly, as elaborated in greater detail elsewhere herein. According to some embodiments, locking the common connecting area includes at least elastically deforming the portion of the common connecting area. According to some embodiments, locking the common connecting area includes plastically deforming the portion of the common connecting area. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0127] Reference is made to Fig. 5 A, which shows a schematic illustration of a side view of a portion of a roofing system 500, and to Fig. 5B which shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of an anchoring assembly 512 detachably engaged within of system 500, according to some embodiments.

[0128] According to some embodiments, roofing system 500 includes a first corrugated panel 502A and a second (i.e., adjacent) corrugated panel 502B (also referred to as “a plurality of corrugated panels 502”) having an undercut 508. According to some embodiments, a size (e.g., the distance from the most inner to the most outer point of the undercut schematically marked as distance “A” in Fig. 5) of undercut 508 may be at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm or at least about 11 mm, at least about 12 mm or more. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0129] According to some embodiments, the size of undercut 508 may be in a range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm, about 4 mm to about 9 mm, about 4 mm to about 10 mm, about 5 mm to about 10 mm, about 6 mm to about 10 mm Each possibility is a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, undercut 508 is formed during manufacturing of plurality of corrugated panel 502.

[0130] According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 502 may be thermoplastic. According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 502 may be made or include one or more polymers. According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 502 may be made or include polycarbonate.

[0131] According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 502 may be substantially transparent, semi-transparent, or substantially opaque. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, transparency of each of plurality of corrugated panels 502 may be, among others, between about 5%-20%, about 20%-40%, about 40%-60%, about 50%-70%, about 80%-95%, about 50%-95%, about 90%-100%, and the like. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0132] According to some embodiments, a thickness of each of plurality of corrugated panels 502 may be, among others, in a range of about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 5 mm, about 1 mm to about 5 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, 0.3 mm to about 4 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 4 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm, 0.3 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 3 mm, about 1 mm to about 3 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 2 mm, about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0133] According to some embodiments, each of plurality of corrugated panels 502 includes one or more corrugations, e.g., a corrugation 504.

[0134] According to some embodiments, each of plurality of corrugated panels 502 is configured to be attached to one another by overlapping the one or more corrugations thereof to form a common connecting area. According to some embodiments, and as schematically depicted in Fig. 5, first and second corrugated panels 502A-B are configured to be attached to one another by overlapping corrugation 504 to form a common connecting area 514.

[0135] According to some embodiments, common connecting area 514 may include overlapping one corrugation of each two adjacent corrugated panels (e.g., as depicted in Fig. 5). Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, common connecting area 514 may include overlapping a plurality of corrugation of each two adjacent corrugated panels (not shown). According to some embodiments, roofing system 500 includes an anchoring mechanism 510. Anchoring mechanism 510 is configured to lock each of plurality panels 502 to each other in common connecting area 514.

[0136] According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 510 includes one or more anchoring assemblies 512. According to some embodiments, each of anchoring assemblies 512 includes a base 520.

[0137] According to some embodiments, one or more anchoring assemblies 512 may be made of or include any suitable material(s), such as but not limited to, one or more polymers. According to some embodiments, one or more anchoring assemblies 512 may be made of or include polycarbonate. According to some embodiments, one or more anchoring assemblies 512 may be made of or include metal. According to some embodiments, one or more anchoring assemblies 512 may be made of or include steel. According to some embodiments, one or more anchoring assemblies 512 may be made of or include wood.

[0138] According to some embodiments, base 520 includes two legs 522A-B upwardly extending therefrom. According to some embodiments, two legs 522A-B are substantially perpendicular to base 520 (i.e., an angle therebetween is about 90° degrees). Alternatively, in some embodiments, two legs 522A-B may be inclined.

[0139] According to some embodiments, the angle between each of two legs 522A-B and base 520 prior to locking common connecting area 514 may be substantially equal to the angle therebetween after locking common connecting area 514.

[0140] According to some embodiments, each of two legs 522A-B terminating in an engagement area 524A-B, respectively. According to some embodiments, each of engagement area 524A-B is configured to hook onto an inner portion of a loop formed by undercut 508, thereby locking first and second panels 502A-B to each other in the common connecting area 514. As a non-limiting example, and as depicted in Fig. 5 A, engagement area 524A-B is configured to hook onto an inner portion of the loop formed by undercut 508. In some embodiments, engagement area 524A-B is configured to hook onto an inner portion of the loop formed by undercut 508 of first panel 502A, and second panel 502B is configured to overlap first panel 502A in common connecting area 508, such that second panel 502B is hooked onto first panel 502A by the inner portion of the loop formed by undercut 508. Thereby, locking second panel 502B and first panel 502A in common connecting area 514.

[0141] According to some embodiments, in the locked configuration of common connecting area 514, each of two legs 522A-B are retained in their position (e.g., locked). In some embodiments, the locked common connecting area 514 may be devoid of screw holes.

[0142] According to some embodiments, base 520 further includes a holder 530 extending therefrom. Holder 530 is configured to be attached to a purlin 501.

[0143] According to some embodiments, holder 530 may be integrally formed with base 520. Alternatively, in some embodiments, holder 530 may be detachably attached or otherwise connected, engaged or locked to base 520.

[0144] According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Fig. 5B, holder 530 includes an additional pair of legs 532A-B. Each of the additional legs 532A-B terminating in a second engagement area 534A-B. According to some embodiments, additional pair of legs 532A-B is configured to click-and-lock onto purlin 501. According to some embodiments, additional pair of legs 532A-B is configured to be locked / hooked onto purlin 501 via second engagement area 534 A-B.

[0145] According to some embodiments, purlin 501 may be may of any suitable material, such as but not limited to, wood, metal, stainless steel, plastics, and the like.

[0146] According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 510 may optionally include a stopper (not shown). According to some embodiments, the stopper may be configured to facilitate determining and / or retaining a position of base 520 in common connecting area 514. According to some embodiments, the stopper may be attached or juxtaposed to one or more of: first panel 502A, second panel 502B, and / or purlin 501. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0147] According to some embodiments, system 500 may be capable of multiple assembly and disassembly. According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 510 may be capable of multiple assembly and disassembly.

[0148] Reference is made to Fig. 6A, which shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of an anchoring assembly 612, and to Fig. 6B, which shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of anchoring assembly 612 engaged with a purlin 601, according to some embodiments.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the following components depicted in Figs. 6A-B 612, 620, 622A-B, 624A-B, 630, 632A-B and 634A-B, correspond to and may have identical, similar or different structure and configuration as the previously described components 512, 520, 522A-B, 524A-B, 530, 632A-B and 534A-B, respectively, depicted in Figs. 5 A-B. According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Fig. 6A-B, a base 620 may be engaged with an inner portion of purlin 601, such that a holder 630 extending from base 520 is concealed from an outer surface of purlin 601. Put differently, in some embodiments, an orientation of an additional pair of legs 632A-B extending from base 620 may allow a concealed engagement with purlin 601.

[0150] Reference is made to Fig. 7, which shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of an anchoring assembly 712, according to some embodiments.

[0151] According to some embodiments, the following components depicted in Fig. 7 712, 720, 722A-B and 724A-B, correspond to and may have identical, similar or different structure and configuration as the previously described components 512, 520, 522A-B and 524A-B, respectively, depicted in Figs. 5A-B.

[0152] According to some embodiments, anchoring assembly 712 is configured to locally deform a portion of a common connecting area formed by a first and a second adjacent corrugated panels, thereby locking each of the plurality panels to one another in the common connecting area.

[0153] According to some embodiments, anchoring assembly 712 is configured to hook onto an inner portion of a loop formed by an undercut of a corrugated panel, thereby locking a first and a second corrugated panels to each other in a common connecting area 514.

[0154] According to some embodiments, and as depicted in Fig. 7, a base 720 of anchoring assembly 712 may be attached to a purlin (not shown) via a mounting mechanism 750. According to some embodiments, mounting mechanism 750 may include an anchor 752. According to some embodiments anchor 752 may be inserted, rotated, or otherwise engaged with mounting mechanism 750 to engage or otherwise connect base 720 to the purlin.

[0155] Reference is made to Fig. 8A, which shows a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of a portion of a roofing system 800, and to Fig. 8B, which shows a schematic illustration of a side view of roofing system 800, according to some embodiments.

[0156] According to some embodiments, roofing system 800 includes a plurality of corrugated panels 802 having an undercut 808. According to some embodiments, undercut 808 may be formed during manufacturing.

[0157] According to some embodiments, a size (e.g., as schematically marked as a distance “A” in Fig. 8B) of undercut 808 may be at least about 4 mm, mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, at least about 10 mm, at least about 11 mm or at least about 12 mm. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, the size of undercut 808 may be in a range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm, about 4 mm to about 9 mm, about 4 mm to about 10 mm, about 5 mm to about 10 mm, about 6 mm to about 10 mm. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0158] According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 802 may be thermoplastic. According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 802 may be made or include one or more polymers. According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 802 may be made or include polycarbonate.

[0159] According to some embodiments, plurality of corrugated panels 802 may be substantially transparent, semi-transparent, or substantially opaque. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, transparency of each of plurality of corrugated panels 802 may be, among others, between about 5%-20%, about 20%-40%, about 40%-60%, about 50%-70%, about 80%-95%, about 50%-95%, about 90%-100%, and the like. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0160] According to some embodiments, a thickness of each of plurality of corrugated panels 802 may be, among others, in a range of about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 5 mm, about 1 mm to about 5 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, 0.3 mm to about 4 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 4 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm, 0.3 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 3 mm, about 1 mm to about 3 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 2 mm, about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

[0161] According to some embodiments, each of plurality of corrugated panels 802 includes one or more corrugations, e.g., a corrugation 804.

[0162] According to some embodiments, each of plurality of corrugated panels 802 is configured to be attached to one another by overlapping the one or more corrugations thereof to form a common connecting area. According to some embodiments, and as schematically depicted in Figs. 8A-B, corrugated panels 802 is configured to be attached to one another by overlapping corrugation 804 to form a common connecting area 814. According to some embodiments, corrugation 804 of a second corrugated thermoplastic panel of plurality of panels 802 is configured to inserted over curation 804 of a first corrugated thermoplastic panel of plurality of panels 802, thereby locking the two corrugated thermoplastic panels to each other in common connecting area 814. According to some embodiments, roofing system 800 includes an anchoring mechanism 810. Anchoring mechanism 810 is configured to lock each of plurality panels 802 to each other in common connecting area 814.

[0163] According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 810 includes one or more anchoring elements 820 including a first portion 822 and a second portion 824.

[0164] According to some embodiments, first portion 822 is configured to be connected to a purlin 801. According to some embodiments, first portion 822 may be detachably connected to purlin 801. According to some embodiments, first portion 822 may include an aperture 826 configured to receive a rotating / connecting element therein (not shown). Alternatively, in some embodiments, first portion 822 may be devoid of aperture 826.

[0165] According to some embodiments, second portion 824 is configured to be inserted into corrugation 804, such that undercut 808 locks around second portion 824. According to some embodiments, second portion 824 includes an aperture 828 to facilitate installing thereof. Alternatively, in some embodiments, second portion 824 may be devoid of aperture 828.

[0166] According to some embodiments, one or more anchoring elements 820 may be made of or include any suitable material(s), such as but not limited to, one or more polymers, metal, stainless steel, and the like.

[0167] According to some embodiments, purlin 801 may be may of any suitable material, such as but not limited to, wood, metal, stainless steel, plastics, and the like.

[0168] According to some embodiments, system 800 may be capable of multiple assembly and disassembly. According to some embodiments, anchoring mechanism 810 may be capable of multiple assembly and disassembly.

[0169] Reference is made to Fig. 9, which shows a flow chart 900 of a method for installing a roof and / or a roofing system, such as, but limited to, roofing system 500, according to some embodiments.

[0170] According to some embodiments, in step 902, the method includes include engaging / attaching an anchoring element to a purlin. According to some embodiments, in step 902, the method may include engaging a base of an anchoring assembly with the purlin.

[0171] According to some embodiments, the anchoring element or the anchoring assembly may be engaged with an inner portion of the purlin, such that the anchoring element or the anchoring assembly is concealed from an outer portion / surface of the purlin. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the anchoring element or the anchoring assembly may be engaged with the outer portion / surface of the purlin. According to some embodiments, engaging / attaching may include clicking-and- locking the anchoring element or the anchoring assembly to the purlin.

[0172] According to some embodiments, in step 904, the method may include connecting a first corrugated panel to the anchoring element. According to some embodiments, connecting may include bending / expanding an undercut angle of the first thermoplastic panel to engage at an engagement area with two legs upwardly extending from the anchoring element, such that the anchoring element hooks onto an inner portion of a loop formed by the undercut, thereby locking the first thermoplastic panel to the anchoring element.

[0173] According to some embodiments, in step 906, the method may include locking a second corrugated thermoplastic panel of the plurality of corrugated thermoplastic panels to the first corrugated thermoplastic panel by overlapping one or more corrugation of each of first and second panels to form a locked common connecting area.

[0174] According to some embodiments, each of the first and / or the second panels detachably engaged within the common connecting area, thereby allowing locally replacing a portion of the roofing system.

[0175] According to some embodiments, the anchoring element may be detachably attached to the purlin.

[0176] As illustrated in Figs. 10A and 10B, there is provided a roof covering, which is generally indicated at 1000, configured to be mounted to a roof frame (not shown) to provide thereon a roof covering. The roof frame may be of any suitable type, and may comprise a plurality of elongate members constituting, e.g., rafters, purlins, crucks, bents, joists, etc., for example as is known in the art. It will be appreciated that the term “roof frame” is used herein the specification and claims for convenience only; in practice the roof covering 1000 according to the presently disclosed subject matter may be configured, mutatis mutandis, to be mounted to any suitable support structure to provide thereon a roof covering, even if the support structure is not one which one skilled in the art would typically characterize as a roof frame.

[0177] The roof covering 1000 comprises a plurality of corrugated panels 1002, and a plurality of anchoring elements 1004 configured to facilitate anchoring the panels to the roof frame.

[0178] The panels 1002 are formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending corrugations 1006, thereby providing the corrugated geometry of the panel. Each of the corrugations 1006 may be formed having a constant cross-section along its length. According to some examples, the corrugations of at least some of the panels 1002 are mutually parallel to each other.

[0179] The panels may be made of any suitable material, such as a polymer (e.g., a thermoplastic material, a polycarbonate material, etc.), metal, wood, engineered wood materials (e.g., particleboard, fiberboard), etc.

[0180] As seen in Fig. 11, each of the corrugations 1006 comprises two sidewalls 1010 being disposed opposite one another on lateral faces of the corrugation, and a top wall 1012 spanning therebetween. The sidewalls 1010 and the top wall 1012 define an interior corrugation cavity 1014 therebetween (in Fig. 11, an anchoring element is shown within the interior corrugation cavity 1014 for reference).

[0181] Each of the sidewalls 1010 is formed with a concavity 1016 projecting inwardly (i.e., toward the interior corrugation cavity 1014). The concavity 1016 may be defined by a generally vertical riser 1018 and a generally horizontal ledge 1020 projecting outwardly from the top of the riser 1018. A recess 1022 is defined above the ledge 1020 within the interior corrugation cavity 1014. As seen in Fig. 11, each of the recesses 1022 is configured to accommodate a portion of an anchoring element 1004 therewithin, and the ledges 1020 are configured to vertically support those portions of the anchoring element. A junction 1024 between the riser 1018 and the ledge 1020 may be curved, e.g., in order to facilitating receipt of the anchoring element 1004. The lateral depth of the concavity may be, e.g., as described above with reference to undercut 508 and / or undercut 808, mutatis mutandis.

[0182] It will be appreciated that while the ledge 1020 as illustrated in the accompanying figures is formed as a substantially planar surface, and further such a construction is suggested by the term “ledge,” this is by way of example only, and is not to be construed as limiting. In practice, the ledge may be embodied by any suitable structure which is configured to function as described herein, including to define a recess and to provide vertical support for a portion of the anchoring element received therewithin, mutatis mutandis. Moreover, the ledge may be formed in any suitable way, for example protruding inwardly from the sidewall 1010 of a corrugation 1006 formed substantially without a concavity as described above, mutatis mutandis.

[0183] Each of the anchoring elements 1004 is configured to couple with a corrugation 1006 of a panel 1002, and to be rigidly connected to the roof frame, for example to a purlin or other elongate member thereof. As illustrated in Fig. 12A, each of the anchoring elements 1004 comprises a central body 1026 with two detents 1028 projecting therefrom. A distal end 1030 of the detent 1028 is configured to be received within a recess 1022 of a corrugation 1006 when the respective anchoring element 1004 is coupled therewith. Accordingly, it may be curved, e.g., in order to facilitating its receipt within the recess 1022.

[0184] A bottom surface 1030 of the detent 1028 may be substantially horizontal, for example facilitating the vertical support provided thereto by the ledges 1020 of the corrugation 1006 when received therewithin.

[0185] The central body 1026 of the anchoring element 1004 constitutes a support structure thereof, which is configured to rigidly maintain the detents 1028 in their respective lateral positions, i.e., preventing them from laterally moving (e.g., by flexing) toward each other. This may be accomplished, e.g., by provided sidewalls 1032 or other suitable solid members laterally spanning between the detents 1028, for example along substantially all or most of the vertical height of the anchoring element 1004.

[0186] It will be appreciated that references in the present disclosure and appended claims to the rigidity of the support structure refers to its behavior when subject to forces which arise under typical operating conditions, including assembly, installation, usage, etc.; a support structure which fails to rigidly maintain the detents in their respective lateral positions under atypical conditions, e.g., an inwardly-directed lateral force which far exceeds that which is normally expected during assembly, installation, usage, etc., would not necessarily be excluded from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0187] As illustrated in Fig. 12B, the anchoring element 1004 further comprises a mounting arrangement, generally indicated at 1034, configured to facilitate rigid connection of the anchoring element to the roof frame. According to some examples, the mounting arrangement 1034 may comprise one or more through-going apertures 1036, configured to cooperate with a mechanical fastener (not shown), for example a screw, a bolt, etc., to engage with the roof frame to facilitate connecting the anchoring element 1004 thereto. The through- going aperture 1036 may be formed as a laterally extending slot, thereby facilitating adjustment of the lateral position of the anchoring element 1004 on the roof frame if necessary to be properly aligned with the corrugation 1006 when coupled therewith.

[0188] According to some examples (not shown), the mounting arrangement 1034 may comprise a gripping arrangement configured to engage with the roof frame to facilitate connecting the anchoring element 1004 thereto. The gripping arrangement may comprise a pair of downwardly projecting legs configured to grip the roof frame, for example similar to the holders 530, 630, mounting mechanism 750, and / or first portion 822 of anchoring element 820 as described above, mutatis mutandis. This may be particularly useful, e.g., wherein a kit is provided comprising necessary parts to assembled to provide a roof, the kit comprising, inter alia, a plurality of panels 1002 and anchoring elements 1004 as described herein, as well as elongate members configured to be assembled to form a roof frame. In such a case, the gripping arrangement may be configured to cooperate with portions of the roof frame specifically designed for such cooperation, mutatis mutandis.

[0189] As illustrated in Fig. 13 A, some of the anchoring elements constitute margin anchoring elements 1004a, which are provided as described above with reference to the anchoring elements 1004 and illustrated in Figs. 12A and 12B, and comprise a marginsecuring arrangement 1038 configured (for example as illustrated in Fig. 10A), to secure a margin 1040 of a panel 1002 therein. Typically, these are used at the edge of a section of the roof covering 1000, for example to more securely anchor the edge of the roof covering to the roof frame.

[0190] The margin-securing arrangement 1038 may comprise a barrier 1042 at one lateral side of the margin anchoring element 1004a. A slot 1044 is defined between the barrier 1042 and the detent 1028 adjacent thereto, configured for receipt therein of the margin 1040 of a panel 1002, for example as illustrated in Fig. 13B.

[0191] As illustrated in Fig. 14, some of the panels 1002 may be formed with outer and inner nesting corrugations 1006a, 1006b, which are configured such that the outer nesting corrugation 1006a of a first panel 1002a may overlay (e.g., conforming to its shape, such as a layer formed thereon) the inner nesting corrugation 1006b of a second panel 1002b, while each of which substantially maintains its shape. In particular, the outer nesting corrugation 1006a is configured to overlay the inner nesting corrugation 1006b when an anchoring element 1004 is coupled therewith, such that the nesting corrugations 1006a, 1006b nest with one another.

[0192] According to some examples, the shape and dimensions of the inner contour 1046a of the outer nesting corrugation 1006a are substantially the same as the shape and dimensions of the outer contour 1046b of the inner nesting corrugation 1006b. It will be appreciated that the size and dimensions of the respective contours 1046a, 1046b may be considered to be substantially the same if their respective nesting corrugations 1006a, 1006b could be nested, for example as illustrated in Fig. 14, without either being substantially compressed, stretched, and / or otherwise deformed (besides temporarily while the overlaying is being carried out).

[0193] Each of the panels 1002 may comprise an outer nesting corrugation 1006a at a lateral- most side thereof, and an inner nesting corrugation 1006b at the opposite lateral -most side thereof. The remainder of the corrugations 1006 of the panel may be provided according to any suitable design, e.g., all being inner nesting corrugations 1006b, all being outer nesting corrugations 1006a, etc.

[0194] It will be appreciated that reference herein the specification and appended to claims to a corrugation 1006 constituting an outer or inner nesting corrugation refers to its dimensions, for example as described above.

[0195] Herein the present disclosure and appended claims, the term “corrugated” is used with reference to the shape of the profile of the panel, i.e., being characterized by spaced corrugations, and not as referring to the material which is typically extruded and comprises a fluted corrugated panel in which one or both sides thereof are attached to a thin-walled linerboard.

[0196] Herein the present disclosure and appended claims, the corrugations are generally described with reference to their cross-sectional shape, unless otherwise clear or suggested from context. Similarly, while the presently disclosed subject matter described anchoring mechanisms, anchoring assemblies, and / or anchoring elements cooperating with a corrugation, in practice a single corrugation may typically so cooperate with a plurality of anchoring mechanisms, anchoring assemblies, and / or anchoring elements along its length, mutatis mutandis.

[0197] Herein the present disclosure and appended claims, terms relating to direction and / or orientation, including, but not limited to, “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “above,” etc., and similar / related terms are used with reference to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings based on a typical usage, for the purposes of clarity of disclosure and to provide a reference based on which the scope of the claims can be determined. Accordingly, terms relating to direction are not to be construed as limiting, unless otherwise indicated or clear from context.

[0198] Herein the present disclosure and appended claims, elements of which a plurality are provided may be subsequently described with reference thereto in the singular. This is for clarity of description only, and such references in the singular are to be understood as referring to some or each of the relevant elements, unless otherwise indicated or clear from context. For example, according to examples in which a plurality of panels are provided, subsequent descriptions of the panel which refer to “the panel” should ordinarily be understood as being applicable to some or each of the panels, mutatis mutandis. Similarly, descriptions of such elements collectively are to be understood as referring to some or each of the relevant elements, unless otherwise indicated or clear from context. For example, a description that “the panels comprise a plurality of corrugations” should ordinarily be understood to mean that each of the panels comprises a plurality of corrugations, mutatis mutandis.

[0199] In the description and claims of the application, the words “include,” “have,” and forms thereof, are not limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

[0200] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, governs. As used herein, indefinite articles (“a” and “an”) mean “at least one” or “one or more” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0201] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such.

[0202] Although stages of methods according to some embodiments may be described in a specific sequence, methods of the disclosure may include some or all of the described stages carried out in a different order. A method of the disclosure may include a few of the stages described or all of the stages described. No particular stage in a disclosed method is to be considered an essential stage of that method, unless explicitly specified as such.

[0203] Although the disclosure is described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations that are apparent to those skilled in the art may exist. Accordingly, the disclosure embraces all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth herein. Other embodiments may be practiced, and an embodiment may be carried out in various ways.

[0204] The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for descriptive purpose and should not be regarded as limiting. Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the disclosure. Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A roof-covering kit configured to be assembled to form a roof covering for mounting to a roof frame, the roof-covering kit comprising a plurality of corrugated panels, and a plurality of anchoring elements configured to facilitate anchoring the panels to the roof frame; each of the panels comprising a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending corrugations, each of the corrugations comprising two laterally opposed sidewalls, each of the corrugations further comprising a ledge projecting inwardly from each of the sidewalls and defining a recess thereabove within the corrugation; each of the anchoring elements being configured to couple with one of the corrugations of a panel and comprising: two laterally projecting detents, each configured to be received within a respective one of the recesses of a corrugation, thereby being vertically arrested within the corrugation and coupling the anchoring element therewith; a support structure configured to rigidly maintain the lateral positions of the detents; and a mounting arrangement configured to facilitate rigid connection of its respective anchoring element to the roof frame.

2. The roof-covering kit according to claim 1, sidewalls of at least some of the corrugations being formed with an inwardly-projecting concavity, upper surfaces of the concavities being defined by the ledges.

3. The roof-covering kit according to any one of the preceding claims, the plurality of panels comprising one or more pairs of panels such that: one of the corrugations of a first of each pair of panels constitutes an outer nesting corrugation; and one of the corrugations of a second of each pair of panels constitutes an inner nesting corrugation; the outer nesting corrugation being configured to overlay the inner nesting corrugation at least when one or more anchoring elements are coupled therewith.

4. The roof-cov ering kit according to claim 3, wherein the shape and dimensions of an inner contour of the outer nesting corrugation are substantially the same as the shape and dimensions of an outer contour of the inner nesting corrugation.

5. The roof-covering kit according to any one of claims 3 and 4, one of the lateral-most corrugations of each panel constituting an outer nesting corrugation, and the other of the lateral-most corrugations of each panel constituting an inner nesting corrugation.

6. The roof-covering kit according to claim 5, wherein all corrugations between the lateral-most corrugations constitute inner nesting corrugations.

7. The roof-covering kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein some of the anchoring elements constitute margin anchoring elements, the edge anchoring elements further comprising a margin-securing arrangement configured to secure a margin of a panel therein.

8. The roof-covering kit according to claim 7, wherein the margin-securing arrangement comprises a barrier, the barrier and one of the laterally projecting detents defining therebetween a slot for receiving therein the margin of a panel.

9. The roof-covering kit according to any one of the preceding claims, the mounting arrangement comprising one or more through-going apertures configured to cooperate with a mechanical fastener to engage with the roof frame to facilitate the connection of the anchoring element thereto.

10. The roof-covering kit according to claim 9, at least one of the through-going apertures being formed as a laterally extending slot.

11. The roof-covering kit according to any one of the preceding claims, the mounting arrangement comprising a gripping arrangement configured to engage with the roof frame to facilitate the connection of the anchoring element thereto.

12. The roof-covering kit according to claim 11, the gripping arrangement comprising a pair of downwardly projecting legs configured to grip the roof frame.

13. The roof-covering kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panels are made of a polymeric material.

14. The roof-covering kit according to claim 13, wherein the panels are made of thermoplastic material.

15. The roof-covering kit according to claim 14, wherein the panels are made of a polycarbonate material.

16. A roof kit configured to be assembled to provide a roof, the roof kit comprising: a plurality of elongate members configured to be assembled to form a roof frame; anda roof-covering kit according to any one of the preceding claims, the roof-covering kit being configured to be assembled to form a roof covering when mounted to the roof frame assembled from the plurality of elongate members.

17. The roof kit according to claim 16, at least some of the elongate members constituting purlins of the roof frame, at least some of the anchoring elements of the roof-covering kit being configured to be rigidly connected to purlins of the assembled roof frame.

18. A roof covering assembled from a roof-covering kit according to any one of claims 1 through 15.

19. A roof assembled from a roof kit according to any one of claims 16 and 17.

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