FIELD The present invention relates to an interlocking roof element, in particular, a roof tile or shingle for laying over a roof portion of a building regardless of gradient of the roof portion.

BACKGROUND Roof elements such as roof tiles are designed mainly to keep out rain, and are traditionally made from locally available materials such as terracotta or slate. Modern materials such as concrete may be used and some clay tiles have a waterproof glaze. The tiles are typically heavy enough not to be blown away by wind on a roof with low pitch i.e. gentle gradient. As roof tiles are heavy, they are not suitable for a roof with high pitch i.e. steep gradient, more difficult to transport and requires much time and effort to assemble them on a roof.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of an example of the present disclosure, there is provided an interlocking roof element having:

a front surface;

a back surface;

at least one interlocking member extending along a longitudinal axis of the interlocking roof element, the at least one interlocking member extending from the interlocking roof element for coupling to a receiving member of a first roof element so as to prevent movement of the interlocking roof element between the interlocking roof element and the first roof element and along the longitudinal axis of the interlocking roof element;

at least one receiving member for receiving an interlocking member of a second roof element to join the interlocking roof element to the second roof element, the at least one receiving member protruding from the back surface of the interlocking roof element in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the interlocking roof element and the at least one receiving member having an opening for insertion of the interlocking member of the second roof element so as to prevent movement of the interlocking roof element between the interlocking roof element and the second roof element and along the longitudinal axis of the interlocking roof element; at least one securing member protruding from the back surface of the interlocking roof element for locking to a third roof element so as to prevent movement of the interlocking roof element between the interlocking roof element and the third roof element and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the interlocking roof element; and

at least one elongate receiving member located on the back surface of the interlocking roof element for receiving a securing member of a fourth roof element to lock the interlocking roof element to the fourth roof element so as to prevent movement of the interlocking roof element between the interlocking roof element and the fourth roof element and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the interlocking roof element.

In another aspect of an example of the present disclosure, there is provided an interlocking roof element arrangement having a first one of the interlocking roof element in a first color and a second one of the interlocking roof element in a second color, the first color being different from the second color.

In another aspect of an example of the present disclosure, there is provided an interlocking roof element arrangement having a first one of the interlocking roof element and a second one of the interlocking roof element, wherein the first one of the interlocking roof element is placed adjacent to the second one of the interlocking roof element such that both the interlocking roof elements are aligned to contact each other at a junction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an interlocking roof element.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the interlocking roof element.

Figure 3 is a side view of an interlocking roof element assembly or arrangement on a frame structure using clouts or screws.

Figure 4 is a section view of an interlocking roof element arrangement assembled on a frame structure using cable.

Figure 5 is a top view of an interlocking roof element arrangement with a continuous arrangement.

Figure 6 is a top view of an interlocking roof element arrangement with a staggered arrangement. Figure 6a is a detail cross-sectional view illustrating securing features of two interlocking roof elements.

Figure 6b is a perspective view of illustrating interlocking features of two interlocking roof elements.

Figure 7a is a top view of a first interlocking roof element arrangement containing roof elements of different colours.

Figure 7b is a top view of a second interlocking roof element arrangement containing roof elements of different colours.

Figure 8 is a section view of two interlocking roof elements disposed over each other.

DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 will be described as follows. Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an example of an interlocking roof element 100 and Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the same. A substantial portion of the roof element 100 is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 140 (in this case, located centrally and parallel to length of the roof element 100) of the roof element 100, and a mirror image of each other. In the present example, the roof element 100 comprises at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b; in this example, two interlocking members), at least one receiving member (1 15a or 1 15b; in this example, two receiving members), at least one securing member (1 14a or 1 14b; in this example, two securing members), at least one positioning stopper (1 1 1 a or 1 1 1 b; in this example, two positioning stoppers) and at least one elongate receiving member (1 13). It is appreciated that the interlocking roof element 100 can be made of a material including plastic, metal (including sheet metal), composite material, and the like.

The roof element 100 has a front surface shown in Figure 1 and a back surface shown in Figure 2 respectively. Referring to Figure 1 , the roof element 100 may be configured to allow the at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b) to extend along the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100. The at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b) is extending from the roof element 100 for coupling to a receiving member (For example, 1 15a or 1 15b) of a first roof element (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) so as to prevent movement of the roof element 100 between the roof element 100 and the first roof element and along the longitudinal axis of the roof element 100. This interlocks the roof element 100 to the first roof element.

The first roof element is disposed such that it is adjacent to the roof element 100 and along the longitudinal axis of the roof element 100. The coupling of the at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b) from the roof element 100 to the receiving member of the first roof element will be described in further detail with reference to Figure 6b. The first roof element may be another roof element that is identical to the roof element 100 or any other suitable type of roof element.

The roof element 100 also comprises a plurality of ridges 101 located at the front surface of the roof element 100 as illustrated in Figure 1 . For example, the plurality of ridges is disposed orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis 140 and is in close proximity with one another for inhibiting water flow over the plurality of ridges towards a specific direction. The specific direction can be referring to when water such as rain is flowing over the roof element 100 in an upward manner against gravity and along the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100. For instance, during windy weather, the plurality of ridges 101 will prevent water from flowing towards the specific direction to a junction where the roof element 100 interface with another roof element (not shown in Figure 1 ) along the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100, and water may seep through the junction into a building.

The roof element 100 further comprises at least one water channel 107 (in this example, two water channels) for evacuating water. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the at least one water channel 107 may be located at a side edge of the roof element 100 along the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100. The at least one water channel 107 may be formed to have at least one elongate protrusion member 103 on the side edge of the at least one water channel 107 so as to prevent water from spilling in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100. In an example, the roof element 100 may be adapted to lay over a roof portion of any gradient, where the at least one water channel 107 will evacuate the water to a downstream end of the roof element 100 whereby the water will eventually reach a final gutter (not shown in Figure 1 ). In the present example, one of the at least one elongate protrusion member 103 has a corrugated surface and the other one has a plain surface. In a way, the at least one elongate protrusion member 103 sets the boundaries of the water channel 107.

As illustrated in Figure 1 , the roof element 100 further comprises at least one elongate flat recess 108 (in this example, two elongate flat recesses) located at the front surface of the roof element 100. The at least one elongate flat recess 108 will allow water to flow over the roof element 100 along the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100. In an example, the roof element 100 may be adapted to lay over a roof portion of any gradient, where the at least one elongate flat recess 108 will evacuate the water to a downstream end of the roof element 100 whereby the water will eventually reach a final gutter (not shown in Figure 1 ). In the present example, the at least one elongate flat recess 108 has at least one mounting point (106a or 106b; in this example, two mounting points) to enable the roof element 100 to be mounted to a building frame structure (not shown in Figure 1 ). As illustrated in Figure 1 , the roof element 100 further has one or more spacers 104 projecting from a side edge of the roof element 100 for forming a gap for air ventilation purposes between the roof element 100 and another roof element (which can be identical to the roof element 100 or any suitable roof element) placed adjacent to the roof element 100. It is appreciated that the one or more spacers 104 will increase the capacity for air ventilation apart from providing just a gap that will normally occur when 2 roof elements are interfacing with each other. The one or more spacers 104 will allow air ventilation such as air and moisture to escape from the building, which is especially important during cold seasons when the trapping of accumulated hot air in the building may lead to melting of snow which in turn may refreeze into ice. The ice may cause the roof element 100 to shift from its original position on a roof and this might result in higher risk of water leakage. In addition, the removal of moisture will improve the overall comfort of the building.

As illustrated in Figure 1 , the roof element 100 also includes at least one alignment rib 102 located at the front surface of the roof element 100. The at least one alignment rib 102 is used for improving the final position of the roof element 100 on a roof during assembly of the roof element 100 with another roof element (which can be identical to the roof element 100 or any suitable roof element). The at least one alignment rib 102 may be adapted to abut at least one interlocking rib (For example, 1 12 in Figure 2) of the another roof element to prevent sliding movement of the another roof element over the roof element 100.

The roof element 100 further includes at least one positioning rib 1 12 (essentially an alignment member) protruding from the back surface of the roof element 100 as illustrated in Figure 2. The at least one positioning rib 1 12 is used for improving the final position of the roof element 100 on a roof during assembly with another roof element (which can be identical to the roof element 100 or any suitable roof element). The at least one positioning rib 1 12 may be adapted to abut at least one alignment rib (For example, the at least one alignment rib 102 in Figure 1 ) of the another roof element. The roof element 100 also has at least one reinforcement rib 1 10 protruding from the back surface of the roof element 100 as illustrated in Figure 2. The at least one reinforcement rib 1 10 is disposed in a direction along the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100 and orthogonal to the at least one positioning rib 1 12. The at least one reinforcement rib 1 10 provides strength or resistance against bending forces in directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100, thereby maintaining the structure of the roof element 100.

With regard to the configuration of the at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b), the roof element 100 has a support (152a or 152b; in this case two supports) extending from the front surface of the interlocking roof element 100 towards the at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b). Furthermore, the at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b) extends from the support (152a or 152b) in a direction along the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100. Such a configuration enables another roof element having a receiving member for the at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b) to overlap a top portion of the roof element 100. The top portion refers to an area on the front surface of the roof element closer to the at least one interlocking member (105a or 105b). The area covers the mounting points 106a and 106b, the alignment ribs 102 and partially or fully the plurality of ridges 101 .

Referring to Figure 2, the at least one positioning stopper (1 1 1 a or 1 1 1 b) acts as a guide to position the roof element 100 when the roof element 100 is laid over a building frame structure. The positioning stopper (1 1 1 a or 1 1 1 b) is shaped in a manner conforming to a profile of the building frame structure so as to guide laying of the roof element 100 on the building frame structure. Each of the at least one positioning stopper (1 1 1 a or 1 1 1 b) may have at least one aperture, in this case, aperture 1 16a or 1 16b in Figure 2, for a cable (not shown in Figure 2) to loop through to tie the roof element 100 to a building frame structure (not shown in Figure 2). Use of the cable helps to secure the roof element 100 to the building frame structure.

The at least one receiving member (1 15a or 1 15b) is for receiving an interlocking member (For example, 105a and 105b in Figure 1 ) of a second roof element (not shown in Figure 2) to join the interlocking roof element 100 to the second roof element. The at least one receiving member (1 15a or 1 15b) protrudes from the back surface of the interlocking roof element 100 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 140 of the interlocking roof element 100. Each of the at least one receiving member (1 15a or 1 15b) have an opening 142 for insertion of the interlocking member (For example, 105a and 105b in Figure 1 ) of a second roof element (not shown in Figures 1 or 2) so as to prevent movement of the interlocking roof element 100 between the interlocking roof element 100 and the second roof element along the longitudinal axis 140 of the interlocking roof element 100. This interlocks the roof element 100 to the second roof element. The second roof element may be another roof element that is identical to the roof element 100 or any other suitable type of roof element.

The roof element 100 may be configured to allow the at least one securing member (1 14a or 1 14b) to protrude from the back surface of the roof element 100 for locking to a third roof element (not shown in Figures 1 or 2) so as to prevent movement of the roof element 100 between the roof element 100 and the third roof element orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100. The third roof element is being positioned in such a way that it is adjacent to the roof element 100 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 140 of the roof element 100. The locking of the at least one securing member (1 14a or 1 14b) from the roof element 100 to the third roof element will be described in further detail with reference to Figure 6a. This secures the roof element 100 to the third roof element. The third roof element may be another roof element that is identical to the roof element 100 or any other suitable type of roof element.

The at least one elongate receiving member 1 13 located on the back surface of the interlocking roof element 100 is for receiving a securing member (For example, 1 14a or 1 14b) of a fourth roof element (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) to lock the interlocking roof element 100 to the fourth roof element so as to prevent movement of the interlocking roof element 100 between the interlocking roof element 100 and the fourth roof element and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 140 of the interlocking roof element 100. This secures the roof element 100 to the fourth roof element. The fourth roof element may be another roof element that is identical to the roof element 100 or any other suitable type of roof element. Figure 3 shows a side view of an example of an interlocking roof element arrangement 109 having two of the interlocking roof element 100 in Figures 1 and 2 assembled on a building frame structure 200. One of the interlocking roof element 100 is laid over an area of the other interlocking roof element 100. The at least one positioning rib 1 12 of the interlocking roof element 100 laying over the other interlocking roof element 100 abuts the at least one alignment rib 102 of the other interlocking roof element 100. "interlocking roof element arrangement" indicates more than one of the interlocking roof element 100 being assembled on a building frame structure.

In this example, the building frame structure 200 may be a timber, concrete, or metal structure or a structure made of any suitable material. In the present example, the building frame structure 200 has a counter batten 201 , a plurality of tile battens 202 (in this example, two tile battens), a fascia board 203 and an eave lath 204. The fascia board 203 and the eave lath 204 are disposed at a final or terminating "downstream" layer of the roof elements 100 located at an edge of the building frame structure 200 just before a gutter (not shown in Figure 3). "gutter" refers to a shallow trough fixed beneath an edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater. The fascia board 203 and the eave lath 204 help to maintain a desired gradient of the roof.

In this case, each of the two interlocking roof elements 100 has the respective at least one mounting points 106a or 106b (in this case, two mounting points) mounted to each of the two tile battens 202 of the building frame structure 200 via more than one fasteners 205 (in this case, four fasteners for the four corresponding mounting points of the two roof elements). Examples of the fastener are clout nails, screws, and the like. With regard to the mounting points 106a or 106b, stepped blind holes may be used. This will help to provide waterproofing features. In the case of a conventional clay or concrete roof tile, having such type of holes is almost impossible.

In Figure 3, the side view of the interlocking members 105a and 105b of one of the roof element 100 is shown to be inserted into corresponding openings (142 in Figure 2) of the corresponding receiving members 1 15a and 1 15b of the second roof element 100. The interlocking features provided by the interlocking members 105a and 105b and the corresponding receiving members 1 15a and 1 15b for receiving them advantageously prevents dislodging of the two roof elements 100 during, for instance, very windy weathers.

Figure 4 shows a side view of an example of an interlocking roof element arrangement 209 having two of the interlocking roof element 100 in Figures 1 and 2 assembled on a building frame structure 200. In this example, the building frame structure 200 is made of timber. However, it is appreciated that it may be a concrete or metal structure or a structure made of any suitable material.

Figure 4 is the same as Figure 3 and the same reference numerals applies for the same building components. There is however one difference. The difference is in the assembly of the two roof elements 100. Instead of mounting each of the roof elements 100 to the plurality of tile batten 202 via the fasteners 205 in the case of Figure 3, the mounting of each roof element 100 in Figure 4 is done using a cable tie 206. Advantageously, this provides a quick way of assembling the roof element 100 to the building frame structure 200. This way is non- destructive as well in the sense that the roof element 100 can be easily dismounted by untying or cutting the cable 206 without damaging the roof element 100. Furthermore, the roof elements 100 need not be perforated by the fasteners 205 at the mounting points 106a and 106b in Figures 1 and 3 of the roof elements 100.

The at least one positioning stopper (1 1 1 a or 1 1 1 b) acts as a guide to position each roof element 100 when the respective roof element 100 is laid over the building frame structure 200. As mentioned earlier, the positioning stopper (1 1 1 a or 1 1 1 b) is shaped in a manner conforming to a profile of the building frame structure so as to guide laying of the roof element 100 on the building frame structure. In this case, each of the at least one positioning stopper (1 1 1 a or 1 1 1 b) has either the aperture 1 16a or 1 16b in Figure 2 for the cable 206 to loop through to tie the respective roof element 100 to the building frame structure. Use of the cable 206 helps to secure the roof element 100 to the building frame structure and is a convenient means of securing. In this manner, the roof element 100 can be replaced easily and assembled or disassembled quickly from a roof. Figure 5 shows a top view of an interlocking roof element arrangement 509. In this case, more than one of the interlocking roof element 100 are assembled over a roof of a building frame structure. Specifically, three rows, a first row 504, a second row 508 and a third row 510 of the more than one of the interlocking roof elements 100 are stacked over one another.

In Figure 5, a pitch distance Lg1 between the interlocking members 105a and 105b of each interlocking roof element 100 is shown to be equal to a pitch distance Lg2 between the interlocking member 105b of an interlocking roof element 100 and the interlocking member 105a of an adjacent interlocking roof element 100. The interlocking roof elements 100 in the interlocking roof element arrangement 509 are disposed adjacent to one another at aligned junctions 1 17. In other words, a first one of the interlocking roof element 100 is placed adjacent to a second one of the interlocking roof element 100 horizontally such that both the interlocking roof elements 100 are aligned to contact each other at the junction 1 17. Furthermore, the junctions 1 17 on different rows of the interlocking roof element arrangement 509 are aligned vertically to form a straight line.

With reference to Figures 1 and 5, these aligned junctions 1 17 may be a cause for rain leakage or seepage as rain can go through the gaps at these aligned junctions 1 17. In the case of heavy rain, water may not be fully evacuated by the at least one water channel 107 because water may overflow above a height of the at least one elongate protrusion member 103 of each interlocking roof element 100, which sets the boundaries of the water channel 107. One solution to this problem is discussed as follows with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a top view of an interlocking roof element arrangement 609. In this case, more than one of the interlocking roof element 100 in Figures 1 and 2 are assembled over a roof of a building frame structure. Specifically, three rows, a first row 604, a second row 608 and a third row 610 of the more than one of the interlocking roof element 100 are stacked over one another. The reference numerals of the pitch distances Lg1 and Lg2 in Figure 5 are maintained for easy reference.

In Figure 6, similar to Figure 5, the pitch distance Lg1 between the interlocking members 105a and 105b of each interlocking roof element 100 is shown to be equal to the pitch distance Lg2 between the interlocking member 105b of an interlocking roof element 100 and the interlocking member 105a of an adjacent interlocking roof element 100. In Figure 6, the interlocking roof elements 100 are disposed adjacent to one another horizontally and are aligned to contact one another at junctions 1 18.

Notably, different from Figure 5, the second row 608 of the interlocking roof elements 100 in the interlocking roof element arrangement 609 is disposed such that the junctions 1 18 in that row are not aligned to the junctions 1 18 in the first row 604 or the third row 610 of the interlocking roof element arrangement 609. The second row 608 of the interlocking roof elements 100 in Figure 6 is actually shifted sidewards by the pitch distance Lg1 or Lg2 (Lg1 = Lg2). As such, the junctions 1 18 appear staggered or alternated. Another way of looking at it is that one of the interlocking roof element 100 in the interlocking roof element arrangement 609 is placed over a portion of the junction 1 18 (in this case, a top portion of the junction 1 18). Having such staggered junctions 1 18 helps to relieve the overflow problem in water channels 107 as mentioned earlier.

As a result of the shift in the second row 608, the interlocking member 105a of an interlocking roof element 606 in the second row 608 will be inserted into the opening 142 of the receiving member 1 15b of an interlocking roof element 602 instead of the receiving member 1 15a of the interlocking roof element 602, which would be the case for the interlocking roof elements 100 in the interlocking roof element arrangement 509 in Figure 5.

Figure 6a is a zoom in cross-sectional view for illustrating connection of the elongate receiving member 1 13 of a first one of the interlocking roof element 100 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 to the securing member 1 14a of a second one of the interlocking roof element 100 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The securing member 1 14a, and correspondingly 1 14b (not shown) as well, protrudes from the back surface of the first one of the interlocking roof element 100 and are both shaped similarly. The protrusion is in a manner such that the securing member 1 14a tapers towards a terminating end 624. The securing member 1 14a has a recess portion 622 in the cross- sectional view with a profile following closely to a cross-sectional profile of an edge of the elongate receiving member 1 13 for receiving the securing member 1 14a. This provides a snug fit when the elongate receiving member 1 13 is seated in the recess portion 622 of the securing member 1 14a.

In another example, the securing member 1 14a may be made of a resiliently flexible material and the recess portion 622 may be made to have slightly smaller dimensions than the edge of the elongate receiving member 1 13. In this manner, when the edge of the elongate receiving member 1 13 is pushed against the recessed portion 622 during assembly, the recessed portion 622 can provide a snap fit to catch the edge of the elongate receiving member 1 13. This further secures the elongate receiving member 1 13 to the securing member 1 14a. The same concept for the securing member 1 14a described above applies to the corresponding identical securing member 1 14b.

Figure 6b is a zoom in perspective view of the portion illustrating the interlocking members 105a or 105b of a first one of the interlocking roof element 100 in Figures 1 and 2 being inserted into a corresponding opening (142 in Figure 2) of the corresponding receiving members 1 15a or 1 15b of a second one of the interlocking roof element 100 in Figures 1 and 2. The mounting point 106a or 106b is also shown in Figure 6b. All the labelled components are shown in more clarity compared to the side views in Figures 3 and 4 to aid better understanding.

Figures 7a and 7b shows two interlocking roof element arrangement 709a and 709b, each of them having at least a first one of the interlocking roof element 100 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 in a first color and at least a second one of the interlocking roof element 100 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 in a second color, wherein the first color is different from the second color.

Specifically, Figure 7a shows a top view of the interlocking roof element arrangement 709a. In the present example, by applying a pattern concept of repeating roof elements 100 and by coloring the interlocking roof elements 100 in the interlocking roof element arrangement 709a differently, it is possible to create a marking on a rooftop. In this case, use of white color interlocking roof elements 702 and red color interlocking roof elements 704 (denoted by the dark area in Figure 7a) creates a red cross marking on a rooftop. The remaining interlocking roof elements 710 are of a color different from white and red so as to provide contrast to direct attention to the red cross marking. Advantageously, the red cross advertises or indicates what a building being built is for. Figure 7b shows a top view of the interlocking roof element arrangement 709b. In the arrangement 709b, markings are made using grey color interlocking roof elements 706 on a roof of a building being built. The remaining interlocking roof elements are of another color 708 so as to provide contrast to direct attention to the markings. Figure 7b showcases flexibility of design made possibly by the arrangement of the interlocking roof elements 100.

Figure 8 shows a side view of an example of an interlocking roof element arrangement 809 having two of the interlocking roof element 100 in Figures 1 and 2. One of the interlocking roof element 100 is laid over an area of the other interlocking roof element 100. The key feature to illustrate in Figure 8 is an insulation layer 120 disposed over the front surface or the back surface of each interlocking roof element 100 for insulation. This insulation layer 120 is optional. In this case, the insulation layer 120 is disposed on the back surface of each interlocking roof element 100 in Figure 8. The insulation can be for heat insulation or sound insulation. The appropriate material can be coated to achieve this. The insulation layer 120 can be adhered or coated during or after the manufacture process of the interlocking roof element 100, depending on its type, via processes such as overmolding, bonding, and the like.

More information on examples of the present disclosure is as follows. Type of Tile

An example of the interlocking roof element 100 in Figure 1 , can be more specifically, an interlocking plastic roof shingle that is suitable for assembling on a roof top of a building. Assembly of more than one of the interlocking plastic roof shingle can form an interlocking roof element arrangement as described earlier.

A roof shingle in the present disclosure refers to a thin, flat roof tile suitable for assembling on a roof regardless of gradient of the roof. However, typically, roof shingles are used on slopes with steep gradient or inclination as they are lighter compared to the usual heavier concrete or clay roof tiles. Roof shingles may overlap one another and are typically rectangular in shape. They are typically laid beginning from a bottom edge of a roof (for example, just before a gutter) upwards with each successive layer of shingles overlapping a top area of a layer of shingles below. Shingles may be made of various types of materials such as wood, slate, flagstone, fiber cement, metal, plastic, and composite material such as asphalt shingles. Material

The interlocking plastic roof shingle of the present example is light weight, attributed to being made by a material including plastic, such as a plastic resin. The plastic resin may include polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) reinforced with glass fiber as principal materials. Of course, it is appreciated that other suitable types of materials may be used as well.

There are a few advantages for using the plastic resin as a material for roof covering. The plastic resin is typically corrosion resistant in particular towards water, which is not the case if steel is used as the material. Plastics, such as the plastic resin, and most other polymers, are also more corrosion resistant towards water compared to wood, which may rot in contact with water.

With regard to tile or shingle cracking issues, use of plastic resin will definitely provide highest crack resistance than most common materials such as clay and concrete.

Furthermore, manufacturing of the interlocking plastic roof shingle is relatively easy and relatively energy saving as it is molded through a normal molding process. Furthermore, being plastic, the interlocking plastic roof shingle is relatively durable, long life lasting and may be recyclable.

Another advantage provided by plastic is that it is relatively low cost compared to metal, clay or concrete.

Safety

It is appreciated that the plastic resin material used may be adjusted to comply with building safety requirements. The safety requirements may involve specific constraints with regard to risks of fire. Thus, there is a need for building components to be fireproof, and to limit occurrences of component meltdown causing them to liquefy, drip, and emit toxic smoke in the presence of high heat. A further point on safety, the interlocking features (E.g. the interlocking and securing features of the components 105a, 105b, 1 15a, 1 15b, 1 13, 1 14a and 1 14b in the Figures) of the interlocking plastic roof shingle reduce need for building frame components on roof tops that may be required to hold individual roof tiles or shingles and prevent, for instance, the roof tiles or shingles from falling.

Assembly

The interlocking features (E.g. the interlocking and securing features of the components 105a, 105b, 1 15a, 1 15b, 1 13, 1 14a and 1 14b in the Figures) of the interlocking plastic roof shingle allows a plurality of the interlocking plastic roof shingle to be preassembled before shipping to a building construction site for assembly. The preassembly helps to shorten assembly time on a building frame structure at the building construction site. Furthermore, a roof element arrangement made up of the interlocking plastic roof shingles can have a few different ways of arrangement as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. That is, an arrangement to have the vertically aligned junctions 1 17 in Figure 5 and an arrangement to have the staggered aligned junctions 1 18 in Figure 6. With reference to the apertures 1 16a and 1 16b in Figure 2, the interlocking plastic roof shingle can be advantageously assembled or disassembled quickly using a cable as and when required. Further on this point, the characteristic of quick assembly and quick dismantling (disassembly) enables the interlocking plastic roof shingle to be recycled for later use again. For instance, roofing of a temporary hospital can be set up quickly using the interlocking plastic roof shingle and tying cables and be dismantled or disassembled shortly after use of the hospital. Another temporary hospital can be set up at another location using recycled interlocking plastic roof shingles.

Weather resistance

Despite being lightweight, the interlocking plastic roof shingle actually solves the need for heavier conventional roof tiles to prevent the roof tiles from being blown away during very windy weather. In the case of very windy weather but not to an extent of natural catastrophe in which nothing can withstand, a pull-out of roof tiles by strong winds usually begin from pull-out or blowing away of one roof tile. When one roof tile is blown away by strong winds, this allows wind to enter an interior or rear side of the roof top. Such wind intrusion will create high pressure forces acting on a back surface of each roof tile. The high pressure forces then progressively pull-out the roof tiles one by one. The interlocking features (E.g. the interlocking and securing features of the components 105a, 105b, 1 15a, 1 15b, 1 13, 1 14a and 1 14b in the Figures) of the interlocking plastic roof shingle will help to hold a plurality of interlocking plastic roof shingles assembled on the roof. As the interlocking plastic roof shingle are interlocked and secured to one another, the high pressure forces as mentioned earlier, if present, will be acting against the entire roof made up of the interlocking plastic roof shingles instead of acting against individual roof elements. As such, a roof made up of the interlocking plastic roof shingles will be resistant to windy weathers.

Furthermore, as the interlocking plastic roof shingle is lightweight, even if the interlocking plastic roof shingle is blown away and hits another object, it will not be as destructive compared to blown away roofs made of bulky metal sheets, heavy clay, concrete, terra cotta and a slate top.

Advantageously, the interlocking plastic roof shingle has at least one water channel 107 for evacuating water, in particular rain water. This reduces water seepage through the roof. In addition, with reference to the interlocking roof element arrangement 609 described with reference to Figure 6 and the staggered junctions 1 18, notably by arranging the interlocking plastic roof shingle in certain manner, rain water drainage can be further improved. Environment Integration

The materials of the plastic resin used for making the interlocking plastic roof shingle may be adjusted to include dyeing it into different colors (i.e. one color for each shingle or even more than one color for each shingle). With color, the interlocking plastic roof shingle would have aesthetic value and would be useful in environment integration and/or advertising. For instance, having at least two different colors can already allow a user to create roof element arrangements with many designs. Furthermore, visibility of the shingle can be improved. Patterns and textures can be further added to each shingle. It is appreciated that making the interlocking plastic roof shingle using plastic resins as a material has an advantage that the interlocking plastic roof shingle can be colored throughout. The interior and exterior of the interlocking plastic roof shingle will have the same color. This is unlike paint over clay or concrete roof tiles, which are prone to peeling. More on environment integration, for instance, a small variation of green, brown and black color interlocking plastic roof shingles can provide a camouflage that is useful for military purposes. With reference to Figure 7a, white and red color interlocking plastic roof shingles can create a red cross marking on a rooftop advising people of a specific status of the building. Figure 7b showcases presence of flexibility in design in the use of interlocking plastic roof shingles.

Insulation

The insulation layer 120 in Figure 8 for insulating against, for instance, sound (noise) and heat (thermal), can be adhered or coated on the interlocking plastic roof shingle as an option. It is appreciated that the nature of the plastic material used in the interlocking plastic roof shingle already suggests that it is a form of insulation against sound, heat and even electricity (from lightning hazards). Generally, plastics, and most other polymers, are not good thermal conductors because a glassy structure of the polymer chains tends to disperse motions of the constituent molecules. With regard to sound insulation, use of expanded plastic resin, known also as plastic foam may be used. Expanded plastic resin actually provides even better thermal insulation than a simple sheet of plastic. Expanded plastic resin is relatively easy to manufacture. If for example expanded polystyrene (EPS) is used as the material for the interlocking plastic roof shingle, there will be good sound and heat insulation. Of course, another plastic material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) can also be used.

While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated, it will be understood by those skilled in the technical field that many variations or modifications involving particular design, implementation or construction are possible and may be made without deviating from the concepts described herein.