The present invention relates especially, but not exclusively, to structures such as domestic conservatories, sunrooms, summer houses, orangeries, and the like as well as temporary demountable shelters.

Background the Invention It is common for temporary structures to be delivered to site either fully constructed or in complex kit form.

Also conservatories may be sold and delivered to the end user, and it is usual for this person to be without knowledge of and unskilled in the technique of conservatory construction. Such structures commonly comprise a plurality of glazed side panels and a roof structure comprising a plurality of glazed panels. It is desirable for such structures to be able to be constructed safely and accurately by those with little skill in the field and with a limited range of tools. These structures may be constructed to butt up against an existing building, or as stand-alone, temporary buildings.

However, structures of this nature and type are not designed with such construction possibilities in mind.

Furthermore, structures of this type require extensive amounts of sealants, usually silicone or similar. They also require one or more fitters to gain access onto the glazed roof before completion in order to install such things as top caps and other decorative items, as well as installing flashings from any existing building the structure may butt up against.

It is an aim of the preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a structure, a method of construction of the same, a ridge, a roof assembly and a glazing cassette which obviate or overcome at least one disadvantage of the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary the Invention According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a glazing cassette for a structure, the glazing cassette comprising a glazing panel, a master transom at a first edge of the glazing panel and a slave transom at a second edge of the glazing panel, the first edge being opposite the second edge, whereby the master and slave transoms comprise interlocking means for engagement therebetween.

Suitably, the master transom comprises means for engaging a glazing panel. Suitably, the master transom means for engaging a glazing panel comprises a glazing panel receiving leg.

Suitably, the master transom comprises a clip receiver for receiving a clip of a top cap. Suitably, the glazing

cassette comprises a top cap engaged in the clip receiver.

Suitably, the top cap comprises an internal top cap clip to engage with the clip receiver.

Suitably, a top cap extends over the master transom and the slave transom.

Suitably, the master transom comprises a hooked end and the slave transom comprises a slot for receiving a hooked end of another glazing panel master transom.

Suitably, the glazing cassette comprises a transom filler jointer for engaging with the master transom and the slave transom. Suitably, the transom filler jointer generally triangular in cross section for engaging with a generally triangular recess formed by the master transom and slave transom. Suitably, the glazing comprises an internal cap for covering the master transom and the slave transom.

Suitably, the transom filler jointer is provided on the internal cap.

According to the present invention in the second aspect, there is provided a method of construction of a structure, which method comprises providing as a roofing element a glazing cassette according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Suitably, the method further comprises the step of providing a further glazing cassette according to the first aspect of the present invention, which method comprises the additional step of interengaging the additional glazing cassette with the first glazing cassette by interengaging the master transom of one

glazing cassette with the slave transom of another glazing cassette. Suitably, the master transom is lowered onto the slave transom of an adjacent glazing cassette.

Suitably, the first glazing cassette is in its final position on a roof before the additional glazing cassette is interengaged therewith.

According to the present invention the third aspect, there is provided a ridge for a roof, the ridge comprising a ridge body comprising a channel therein for receiving a roof component, in which the channel and the roof component comprise means for mutual engagement.

Suitably, the mutual engagement means provide a snap-fit between the roof component and the ridge body. Suitably, the mutual engagement means comprises a first protrusion on the roof component and a second protrusion on the channel for mutual engagement therebetween. Suitably, the roof component comprises an end cap including the roof component means for mutual engagement.

Suitably, the channel comprises an upper part and a lower part, from which upper part depends a leg for engaging with at least one protrusion of the roof component mutual engaging means. Suitably, the leg is resilient.

Suitably, the roof component mutual engaging means comprises a plurality of parallel protrusions.

Suitably, the channel seals for sealing with the roof component.

Suitably, the roof component comprises a glazing component. Suitably, the glazing component comprises a glazing cassette.

According to the present invention in a fourth aspect, there is provided a glazing cassette comprising means for connecting the glazing cassette to a ridge boss end by a sliding fit.

Suitably, the ridge boss end comprises a slot and the connection means comprises a facet top assembly for location between a glazing panel and the ridge end boss, which facet top assembly fits into the slot in the ridge end boss. Suitably, the facet top assembly is a sliding fit in the ridge boss end. Suitably, the facet top assembly is a snap fit in the ridge end boss.

Suitably, the facet top assembly comprises a upper part and mating lower part between which an upper part of a glazing panel is located.

According to the present invention in a fifth aspect, there is provided a roof assembly for connecting a roof component extending from a ridge to an eaves beam comprising a roof component extending from a ridge, which roof component is connected to an eaves beam by a connector, which connector is secured to the glazing bar and to the eaves beam thereby to connect the glazing bar to the eaves bar.

Suitably, the connector is connected to an end of the glazing bar. Suitably, the glazing bar comprises at least one screw port in an end thereof. Suitably, the at least

one screw port runs the length of the glazing bar.

Suitably, a fixing secures the connector to the glazing bar by the at least one screw port. Suitably, the fixing is a screw. Suitably, there are two screw ports.

Suitably, the eaves beam comprises a cut out portion for receiving the connector.

Suitably, fixing means secure the connector to the eaves beam. Suitably, the fixing means comprise at least one, and preferably, a plurality of screws.

According to the present invention in a sixth aspect, there is provided a ridge for a roof, the ridge comprising a main body including a roof component receiving channel on at least one side thereof and a structural support member within the main body.

Suitably, a roof component receiving channel is provided on either side of the main body.

Suitably, the main body provides a duct therein within which the structural support member is located.

Suitably, the structural support member is secured to the main body.

Suitably, the main body consists of plastics material.

Typically this is a PVC extrusion.

Suitably, the structural support member consists of a metal material. Typically this is an aluminium extrusion.

The structural support member can be a single piece or in several sections mechanically fastened together.

Suitably, the main body comprises means for receiving a decorative trim. Suitably, the decorative trim receiving means comprises a channel in which a cooperatively shaped decorative trim can be inserted.

Suitably, the ridge comprises seals for sealing against the roof component.

Suitably, the roof component comprises a glazing component. Suitably, the glazing component is a glazing cassette.

According to the present invention in a seventh aspect, there is provided a side wall component for a structure, the side wall component comprising a side wall panel over part of at least one edge of which is provided edge beading, which edge beading comprises a connector to enable connection to an adjacent side wall component.

This arrangement allows side wall components to be connected edge-to-edge without the need for the side wall panel to be removed in order to do so by screwing one edge beading to another.

Suitably, the connector comprises a rebated channel for receiving a coupler for connecting the side wall component to an adjacent side wall component. Suitably, the coupler comprises a frame reinforcement coupler configured to fit the rebated channel and a central coupler, means for connecting the frame reinforcement coupler to the central

coupler and means for connecting the central coupler to an adjacent side wall component.

Suitably, on one of the frame reinforcement coupler and the central coupler there is provided a C-shaped channel and on the other there is provided an engaging portion, wherein the C-shaped channel and the engaging portion are configured whereby the engaging portion can enter the C- shaped channel at a first position and be moved to a second locking position. This can be achieved by the engaging portion being eccentrically shaped.

Suitably, central coupler means for connecting to an adjacent side wall component comprises an engaging portion for engaging with a C-shaped channel of a frame reinforcement coupler of an adjacent side wall component.

Suitably, cappings are provided between the side wall components. The cappings can cover the connector components.

Suitably, opposed edges of the side wall panel carry edge beading. Suitably, opposed edges of the side wall panel carry connectors. Suitably, the connectors on opposed edges are similar.

Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide advantages in that instead of using individual glazed sheets, pre-assembled glazing cassettes can be used, the ridge can be made as a one piece item removing the need for additional decorative items because these can be included with it, the bars used can be clipped together enabling the cassettes to be dropped into place (making

assembly far simpler) and the entire structure can be built from the inside.

Thus, the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide advantages in that instead of using a myriad of complex components in order that the structure may be erected and individual glazed sheets, a simple formation of a clip together main structure assembly hosting pre- assembled glazing cartridges can be used. The vertical side frame supports can be positioned and secured in place without the requirement for deglazing; the roof system is supported by a composite one-piece ridge with all external decorative items included and is supported by glazing bars which clip together thus enabling the afore-mentioned glazing cassettes to be offered into place eliminating the need to handle unsupported glass overhead or whilst on scaffold or ladders. It is a further benefit of the preferred embodiments of the present invention that the main structural elements may be constructed without climbing on the roof.

It is seen that this apparatus and methodology as well as being simpler may be completed by an unskilled person, also is quicker and removes dangerous practices such as fitters having to climb onto glazed roofs prior to completion to install such items as flashings and top caps.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention now be described, by way example only, with reference the drawings that follow; in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a conservatory structure in a first embodiment.

Figure 2 is a plan view of a conservatory structure in a second embodiment.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a lean-to conservatory structure.

Figures 4A to 4D are plan view illustrations of cassette panels for use in the conservatory structures of figures 1-3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged version of figure 2 showing cross sectional elevations of components of the structure.

Figure 6 is a cross sectional side elevation of an eaves beam and glazing arrangement.

Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation showing the linear connection of two side panel glazing elements.

Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation showing the degree of freedom of components for fitting.

Figure 9 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation showing a side panel to wall coupling arrangement.

Figure 10 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation showing the linear connection of two side panel glazing elements connected at right angles.

Figure 11 is an end view of a partly assembled roofing arrangement of figure 1, showing the wall support.

Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a boss end wall support.

Figure 13 is a cross sectional elevation showing details of the connection of glazing elements.

Figure 13A is a cross sectional elevation of the master and slave transoms shown in Figure 13 connected together.

Figure 13B is a cross-sectional elevation of the master transom shown in Figures 13 and 13A.

Figure 13C is a cross-sectional elevation of the slave transom shown in Figures 13 and 13A.

Figure 14 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation showing further details of the abstract of a glazing element to an existing wall or the like.

Figure 15 is an enlarged cross sectional elevation of an in-line cassette connection.

Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective illustration of a ridge end transom spigot and central support.

Figures 17A and 17B are enlarged cross sectional elevations showing the connection of glazing elements to a ridge and a half ridge respectively.

Figure 18 is an enlarged cross section or the elevation showing a detail of figures 17A and 17B.

Figure 19 is an exploded a view showing a ridge, glazing cassette and eaves beam.

Figure 19A is a cross-sectional elevation through the ridge shown in Figure 19 Figure 20 is an exploded view of a ridge end arrangement.

Figures 21A and 21B show details of a Victorian cassette panel.

Figure 22 is a functional flow diagram illustrating a method according to the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to figure 1 of the drawings that follow, there is shown a structure in the form of a Georgian hip-ended conservatory structure 2 (the roof structure only being visible) extending from the wall 4 of another structure, typically a permanent structure such as a house. It should be noted, however, that by mirroring the hipped end, the structure may be free-standing. The conservatory structure 2 comprises a starter bar 6 from approximately the centre and apex of which extends a ridge 8 terminating at its distal end in a boss end 10, on which are mounted ridge end support bars 12. The ridge end support bars 12 extend from the boss end 10 to an eaves beam 16, which is between the window side frame and roof structure.

The ridge 8 includes (optional) integral decorative features such as finials or crestings.

The roof structure is glazed with cassette panels. With reference to figures 4A to 4B of the drawings that follow, the roof structure is glazed with standard cassette panels 18 (figure 4A) Georgian cassette panels 20 (Figure 4B).

Transom bars 21 are provided within respective standard cassette panel 18. The cassette panels can be of a glazing material, an insulant or for short-terms structures, an opaque polycarbonate. For simplicity, the present embodiment is described with reference to glazed cassette panels.

Referring respectively to figures 2 and 3 of the drawings that follow, there is shown a Victorian conservatory structure 22 and a lean-to conservatory structure 24 each made up of substantially similar elements to the conservatory structure of illustrated in Figure 1, with the exception that the structure of Figure 2 uses first Victorian cassette panels 26 and second Victorian cassette panels 28 as indicated.

Each linear cassette panel includes a plurality of glazing elements 3. Some non-linear cassette panels (for the Victorian or Georgian facet panels) include a plurality of glazing elements. The glazing elements 3 will typically be double-glazed; polycarbonate sheeting or solid insulated roofing panels known in the art.

With reference to figure 5 of the drawings that follow, the interlocking nature of the glazing cassettes and the various bars is shown schematically.

With reference to figures 6 and 6A of the drawings that follow, there is shown a window side frame 30 at the top of a side glazing element 32. Over the windows side frame 30 is provided an eaves beam 16 which is notched (see also Figure 20). Notches 34 in the eaves beam 16 receive bars/transoms, while the glazing elements 3 rest on support structures 36. The glazing elements are secured in place relative to the eaves beam 37 by a connector 38 extending over the end of the glazing elements and also acting as an end cap to both retain the glazing material and provide a decorative cover to the open end of the glazing bars, through the notch 34 and over the eaves beam 16. Also shown is a proprietary gutter element 40.

Connector 38 extends from an end of glazing elements 3 to the eaves beam 37. One or more screws (not shown) in a glazing element receiving face 39 secures the connector 38 to the glazing element 3. One or more screws (not shown) in the eaves beam receiving face 41 secures the connector 38 to the eaves beam 37.

With reference to figure 7 of the drawings that follow, there is shown the linear connection of two pre-glazed side panel glazing elements 32. Each side frame carries an edge beading 42 encapsulating the edge of a glazing element and providing rebated channels 44. A central coupler 46 (see also Figure 8) is used to join the cassettes 18. The central coupler 46 comprises a centre wall 48 from which extend on either side C-shaped channels 50. In to each C-shaped channel 50 is inserted a frame reinforcement coupler 52 each frame of reinforcement coupler 52 comprises a base wall 54 from which extends a

C-shaped engaging portion 56 and an abutment leg 58. The engaging portion is eccentrically shaped, for instance as an oval whereby it can enter the C-shaped portion in a first position of the central coupler relative to the frame reinforcement coupler, and then be rotated to a second position in which it cannot then be removed. The second position is shown in Figures 7-10. This formation, when assembled by means of the geometry used, provides pivotable means for finite angular adjustment, from 9° to 23° pivotable movement is provide for, whilst remaining a secure connection. Upper 60 and lower 62 capping members are used to provide an aesthetic and environmental seal for the connection.

Figure 8 of the drawings that follow shows the range of angles to which each side panel can be set, 9°, 15° and 23° to provide for hip ends.

With reference to figure 9 of the drawings that follow, there is shown at a similar arrangement for engaging the edge of a cassette panel with a wall via a wall coupling 64, essentially consisting of half the coupling arrangement shown in Figure 7 with means (not shown) for attaching the wall coupling 64 to the wall 4. The attaching means may be a conventional anchor type fixing, rawl bolt or similar proprietary fixing. This allows a secure joint to the host wall without the requirement for de-glazing the vertical side frame.

While the vertical side frame panels may be offered into position, rotated and fixed along their vertical sides, they may also be coupled at their base as is shown in figure 10A whereby the c-shaped engaging portion 56 and

abutment leg 58 of the frame reinforcement coupler 52 interlock with engaging parts on a sill. Such a sill may firstly be secured by mechanical fixings to the sub-base, wall, or floor slab of the construction.

In figure 10 of the drawings that follow there is shown a coupling arrangement to provide a perpendicular connection between cassette panels using a square 90 degrees a coupler 66.

Figure 11 of the drawings that follow shows an elevation on the assembly of starter bars 6 with the boss end wall support 68 installed at the apex of the starter bars 6.

Figure 12 of the drawings that follow shows a boss end wall support 68 comprising a backing plate 70 carrying a ridge joint external cowl 72, together with a ridge internal seal and support 74. Additionally, on wall plate 70 there is provided a ridge wall boss 76. The ridge joint external cowl 72 and the ridge internal seal/support 74 between them receive the ridge 8 and form a weather right seal over the ridge boss support 76.

Figure 13 of the drawings that follow shows how the glazing elements are connected at a transom. In figure 13, there is shown a top cap 80 from the depending legs of which extend co-extruded gaskets 82. An internal top cap clip 84 is provided to engage with a master transom 86.

Master transom 86 comprises a clip receiver 88, a glazing element receiving leg 90 a glazing element receiving arm 91, and a hooked end 96 for interengaging with a slave transom 94. The internal top cap dip is a circular (in cross section) extrusion that snap-fits into a complementary shaped channel that acts as clip receiver

88. Any construction that holds the cap in place when compressed onto the glazing can be used. Slave transom 94 comprises a slot 92 for receiving the hooked end 96 a glazing element receiving arm-97 and a glazing element receiving leg 98. The internal (in use) side of the transom bar is covered by an internal cap 100 having co- extruded sealing gaskets 102. The internal cap 100 includes rebated legs 103 for engaging with corresponding projections of the glazing panel engaging legs 90,98 of the master 86 and slave 94 transoms respectively. The master and slave transoms 86,94 are located on their internal side by transom filler jointer 104, which may be an extrudate of either PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) or aluminium which when pushed between the master and slave transoms uses an interference clip fit to lock the assembly.

Screw ports 93 are provided to receive screws used with connectors 38.

A similar arrangement is shown in Figure 14 of the drawings that follow in relation to a glazing element fitting to a permanent wall 4, in which a wall bar master 106 connects to a master transom 86. Wall bar master 106 includes a fixing limb 108 for use in securing the wall bar master to the wall 4. A wall bar top cap 110 covers the upper side of the arrangement. Flashing 112 is provided as is known in the art.

Referring to figures 15 and 16 of the drawings that follow, there is shown a ridge end transom spigot 114 for receiving and mounting a ridge end transom central support 116. The ridge end transom central support 116 comprises a

rectangular hollow section 117 from which extend on other side a longitudinal slot 118. The longitudinal slots 118 are for receiving, respectively, a master ridge transom and a servant ridge transom 120,122 respectively (figure 15). Each of the master 120 and servant 122 transoms includes a hooked portion 124,126 respectively for interengaging with one of the slots 118. Upper 128 and lower 130 caps are provided as before. The ridge end transom central support 116 is a push fit on a spigot 131 of ridge end transom spigot 114, the shape of spigot 131 holding the ridge end central support 116 in place.

Figures 17A and 17B of the drawings that follow show a full and half ridge respectively.

Figure 18 of the drawings that follow shows a glazing cassette and what can be either a full or half ridge. Over the end of the glazing cassette to the inserted into the ridge a glazing cassette ridge end seal 132 is provided.

The internal structure of the ridge 8 is configured to receive the glazing cassette. It further includes a spring clip 134, an upper gasket 136 and a lower gasket 138. The spring clip 134 is configured to interengage with glazing cassette ridge end seal 132.

Figure 19 of the drawings that follow shows the boss end wall support 68, from which extends the ridge 8. Starter bar 6 depends from the ridge 8. A standard glazing cassette 18 includes glazing elements 3, cassette ridge end trim 132, a master transom 120, a slave transom 122, a transom bar 21, cassette end trim 133, a strap 38 and an eaves beam 16 including notches 34 therein.

Figure 19A shows the ridge in more detail. The ridge 8 comprises a PVC extrusion having a plurality of chambers 300 therein, into one of which is provided as longitudinal structural reinforcing member 302. The reinforcing member 302 is an aluminium extrusion which is slideable into the relevant duct 300. The ridge 8 includes co-extruded gaskets 304 avoiding the need for gasketry or cappings to be fitted after glazing cassettes have been mounted.

A rebated channel 306 receives a decorative element 308, such as a finial.

On each side of the ridge 8 is a channel defined by an upper part 310 and a lower part 312. The channel is configured to receive the end of a glazing component 314 on the end of which is an end cap 316 which carries protrusions 318a, 318b to interengage with corresponding protrusions in the channel to allow mutual engagement between the glazing component 314 and the ridge 8. End cap 316 includes a plurality of parallel protrusions 320 in a top arm thereof to interengage with a resilient foot 322 depending from upper part 310 to assist in securing the glazing component 314 to the ridge 8. The structural reinforcing member 302 is attached to the ridge 8 by screws 324 from the channels into the reinforcing member 302, into which holes can be drilled for this purpose if required.

Figure 20 of the drawings that follow shows the ridge 8, the boss end 10, the ridge end transom spigot 114 and transom central support 116, a facet top assembly 138 (see figures 21A and 21B), and a Victorian glazing cassette 26.

Referring to figures 21A and 21B of the drawings that follow, the facet top assembly 138 shown a more detailed comprise a facet top assembly upper 140 and a facet top assembly 142.

A method of assembly of the temporary structure shown in figures 1-21 will now be described with reference to Figure 22.

In step 200 a foundation (not shown) is laid and a prefabricated sill base (not shown) secured thereto in known manner. In step 202, two wall couplings 64 are secured to the wall 4 of an adjoining permanent structure.

The wall coupling 64 are fitted vertically above the sill.

In step 204, the side panel frames are assembled on the prefabricated sill base (not shown), providing a vertical structure to which the roof structure can be joined.

Each side panel 18 has the aluminium reinforcing element 52 inserted into rebated channels 44 and the reinforcing element 52 is then inserted into a channel 50 of central coupler 46. The adjacent side panel 18 is connected to a reinforcing element 52 which is connected to the opposite side central coupler 46. The C-shaped channels 50 are shaped to receive a complementary element of an adjacent panel at an angle and to pivot to a locking position. The side panels 18 can, if necessary, be pivoted to the desired angle to the vertical. Upper and lower cappings 60,62 are then applied. Next, the eaves beam 16 is fixed in place on top of the side frames.

In step 206 the ridge wall end boss 76 is secured to the starter bars 6 forming an A frame which is then offered into position and fixed to the wall 4 and eaves beam 16.

In step 208, a ridge 8 is push fitted onto ridge wall bars 76, the moulding of the ridge 8 being inserted between external cowl 72 and support 74. The distal end (furthest from the wall 4) of ridge 8 is supported in some way, such as by someone on a step-ladder, a plank of wood extending between ladders or otherwise. While one person supports the distal end of the ridge 8 another fixes the ridge end support bars 12 to the ridge 8 and eaves beam 6. The ridge 8 is now self-supporting.

In step 210, the roof glazing panels are affixed to the structure.

Working from one side clockwise, the glazing cassettes and bars are installed. Each glazing cassette is interlocked with an adjacent bar by clipping them together using the arrangements shown in figures 13-15.

Adjacent glazing cassettes are interlocked by being provided at each longitudinal end with either a master or slave transom. Each slave transom is configured to interlock with a corresponding master transom. The interlocking details can be reversed around the roof to enable it to be glazed completely. A slide and click fitting is used for connecting the glazing cassettes to the ridge.

The roofing panels are dropped into an adjacent transom and slid into the ridge (see Figure 18).

The bars are then secured in place using holding down straps internally and externally to the eaves beam and directly to the glazing bars via screw ports formed in the extrusion.

The gutter element 40 is then fixed in place.

It is noted that no silicone sealant is required and the final assembly is self-draining.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to a conservatory structure using glazed elements, it is equally applicable to other temporary structures in which the glazed elements are replaced by other infill components, which could be polycarbonate, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) or solid insulated panels.

It is noted that temporary structures according to the present invention can be left in place for extended periods and need not be left in a disassembleable state.

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.

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.

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.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (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.