TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to keder roof system, as well as a method for assembling a keder roof system. The keder rood system is for example suitable for temporary installations, but may alternatively be used for buildings that are more permanent. The keder roof system is for example suitable as weather protection.

Moreover, even if the keder roof system according to the disclosure will be described primarily in relation to a roof, the keder roof system is not restricted to this use, but may equally be used for other purposes, such as side wall, privacy protection, or the like.

BACKGROUND

Keder is attached to fabric to create a continuous sealed connection between fabric and frame. Keder is used in a variety of applications including both permanent & semipermanent tents & structures.

Keder roof systems are known in the prior art. These known keder roof systems typically has specially designed roof support beams with integrated keder groove for enabling installation of a tarpaulin stretching between two neighbouring support beams.

A keder roof system comprises a sheet fabric or tarpaulin having a keder chord attached thereto a side edge of a fabric, and a keder groove may be provided in a support beam. Upon inserting the keder chord into the keder groove, a continuous sealed connection between fabric and support beam is accomplished. Keder is used in a variety of applications including both permanent & semi-permanent tents & structures.

In the known keder roof systems, the tarpaulin typically includes a pocket into which a laterally extending elongated pole or similar type of elongated rigid member may be inserted prior to mounting of the tarpaulin. A pull rope is then fastened to the pole, which acts a force transmitting member between the pull rope and the tarpaulin during mounting of the tarpaulin on the roof support beams. After finished assembly, the keder roof assembly staff generally climbs up on the keder roof for dismounting the pole from the keder roof for ensuring that the pole does not accidentally fall down during subsequent use of the keder roof.

These prior art keder roof design generally works well, but there is nevertheless a continuous demand for further improved performance, in particular in terms of costefficiency and safety.

SUMMARY

One particular problem with the prior art keder roof systems is the need for a dedicated roof support beam having the required keder groove. Hence, even if a user already has access to a conventional roof support beam without keder groove, such as a lattice girder, the user must nevertheless obtain another roof support beam having said keder groove.

Furthermore, the climbing-up on the mounted keder roof for disassembling the pole may involve a risk for accidents, for example in terms of falling persons or falling objects.

There is thus a demand for further improved performance, in particular in terms of cost-efficiency and safety.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a keder roof system where the previously mentioned problems are avoided. This object is at least partly achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims contain further developments of the keder roof system.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a keder roof system comprising: a first elongated rail structure with a first keder groove; a first tarpaulin having a rectangular form with first and second opposite side edges, wherein the first tarpaulin has a first keder chord located along the first side edge and second keder chord located along the second side edge, and wherein the first keder chord is configured for being inserted into, and slidingly moveable within, the first keder groove of the first elongated rail structure; a first shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin, wherein the first shuttle arrangement has a rope attachment structure; a pull rope configured for being attached to the rope attachment structure of the first shuttle arrangement; wherein the first elongated rail structure comprises a rope guiding structure configured for holding and guiding the pull rope along the first elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove; and wherein the pull rope and a portion of the first shuttle arrangement are configured to pass through the rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure when the first tarpaulin is being mounted on the first elongated rail structure.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for assembling a keder roof system, the method comprising: providing a first elongated rail structure having a first keder groove and a rope guiding structure; a first tarpaulin having a rectangular form with first and second opposite side edges, wherein the first tarpaulin has a first keder chord located along the first side edge and second keder chord located along the second side edge; and a first shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin. The method further comprises installing a pull rope in the pull rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure and attaching the pull rope to a pull rope attachment structure of the first shuttle arrangement; and assembling the first tarpaulin on the first elongated rail structure by pulling the pull rope for slidingly installing the first keder chord in the first keder groove, while holding and guiding the pull rope along the first elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove by means of the rope guiding structure, and while a portion of the first shuttle arrangement passes through the rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure.

In this way, thanks to the fact that the first shuttle arrangement is fastened to the first tarpaulin, the risk that the first shuttle arrangement may accidentally fall down during use of the keder roof is eliminated, thereby also eliminating the need to climb up on the keder roof for dismounting the first shuttle arrangement. There is consequently also no need to climb up on the keder roof for re-installing the first shuttle arrangement when the keder roof is disassembled.

Furthermore, the pull rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure ensures that the pull rope is securely held in correct position during assembly of the roof support beam, as well as during subsequent installation of the tarpaulin on the support beam. Without such pull rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure, the pull rope may easily become displaced from its appropriate position, thereby rendering the subsequent mounting of the tarpaulin on the support beam more difficult or even impossible.

For example, the direction of pulling force exerted by the pull rope on the tarpaulin should preferably be more or less in parallel with a direction of elongated of the keder groove at the position of the first shuttle arrangement, for ensuring a smooth and low- resistance sliding of the first keder chord in the first keder groove, and the pull rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure may be positioned for improving said level of parallelism.

This is particularly relevant in circumstances when the tarpaulin is mounted on an underside of the roof support beam, because such an installation prevents the use of a laterally extending roof ridge beam for guidance of the pull rope. Consequently, in such situations, the direction of pulling force exerted by the pull rope on the tarpaulin may diverge significantly from a direction of elongated of the keder groove at the position of the first shuttle arrangement, thereby rendering the installation of the tarpaulin difficult and time-consuming, and also possibly even incurring damages to the tarpaulin, pull rope, and/or first elongated rail structure.

Further advantages are achieved by implementing one or several of the features of the dependent claims. For example, the keder roof system may further comprise a second elongated rail structure with a first keder groove, wherein the second elongated rail structure is configured for being located next to the first elongated rail structure for defining a roof bay area, and wherein the second keder chord is configured for being inserted into, and slidingly moveable within, the first keder groove of the second elongated rail structure; a second shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin, wherein the second shuttle arrangement has a rope attachment structure; a pull rope configured for being attached to the rope attachment structure of the second shuttle arrangement; wherein the second elongated rail structure comprises a rope guiding structure configured for holding and guiding the pull rope along the second elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove; wherein the pull rope and a portion of the second shuttle arrangement are configured to pass through the rope guiding structure of the second elongated rail structure when the first tarpaulin is being mounted on the first and second elongated rail structures; and wherein the keder roof system is configured for simultaneous pulling the pull ropes of the first and second shuttle arrangements for slidingly installing the first tarpaulin on the first and second elongated rail structures.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first elongated rail structure is composed of a plurality of elongated rail sections connected end to end to jointly form the first elongated rail structure. This enables a modular and flexible design of the elongated rail structure.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the second elongated rail structure is composed of a plurality of elongated rail sections connected end to end to jointly form the second elongated rail structure.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, at least one elongated rail section of the first elongated rail structure comprises a rail holder, in particular two, three or four rail holders, for detachable fastening of the elongated rail section to a first roof support beam, in particular on a vertical upper or lower side of the first roof support beam. Thereby, the need for a costly dedicated roof support beam having the required keder groove is eliminated, and a user may rely on a conventional roof support beam, such as a lattice girder, without keder groove, when building keder roof system.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, at least one elongated rail section of the second elongated rail structure comprises a rail holder, in particular two, three or four rail holders, for detachable fastening of the elongated rail section to a second roof support beam, in particular on a vertical upper or lower side of the second roof support beam.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the rail holder has a foot for detachable fastening of the elongated rail section on the first and/or second roof support beam, and wherein a contact surface of the foot is located spaced apart from the first keder groove with a distance of at least 10 cm, specifically at least 25 cm, and more specifically within a range of 10 - 150 cm. Thereby, the risk that the tarpaulin comes in contact with the laterally extending brazing elements of the roof support structure is reduced, and the damages and wear associated with such contact is eliminated. In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the foot of the rail holder comprises: a clamping mechanism for clamping attachment of the foot to the first and/or second roof support beam; or at least two spring-loaded pins for detachable engagement with corresponding holes in the first and/or second roof support beam. A clamping mechanism provides a general solution that is compatible with a large number of different roof support beams, and a clamping mechanism with spring-loaded pins have the advantage of provide a very accurate and reliable angular positioning of the elongated rail, such that the tarpaulin is more easily mounted and dismounted.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first elongated rail structure is integrally formed in a first roof support beam. This provides a more compact design.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the second elongated rail structure is integrally formed in the second roof support beam.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the rope guiding structure of the first and/or second elongated rail structure comprises at least one individual rope guiding member located on an elongated rail section, in particular two, three, four or five individual rope guiding members located longitudinally spaced apart on an elongated rail section. Thereby, the material, weight and cost can be reduced, because individual rope guiding members may be positioned only where needed.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first and/or second elongated rail structure is composed of at least one curved elongated rail section and at least one straight elongated rail section, wherein the least one individual rope guiding member is located on the at least one curved elongated rail section, and wherein at least one, specifically all, straight elongated rail section is free from said rope guiding structure. Thereby, the material, weight and cost can be reduced, because individual rope guiding members may be positioned only where needed.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first elongated rail structure, at each point along its length, has an extension in a direction of elongation, a lateral direction located in a plane of the intended roof and perpendicular to the direction of elongation, and a height direction that is perpendicular to both the direction of elongation and lateral direction, wherein the first elongated rail structure has first and second keder grooves located on a first lateral side of the first elongated rail structure and being mutually offset in the height direction, and wherein the first elongated rail structure further has third and fourth keder grooves located on a second lateral side of the first elongated rail structure, opposite to the first lateral side, and being mutually offset in the height direction, such that two individual tarpaulins may be mounted on each lateral side of the first elongated rail structure in an overlapping arrangement. As a result, the keder roof system may be designed based on various different combinations of tarpaulins, thereby providing increased flexibility in terms of size of the keder roof, as well as in terms of the size of the tarpaulins used.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the second elongated rail structure has first and second keder grooves located on a first lateral side of the first elongated rail structure and being mutually offset in the height direction, and wherein the second elongated rail structure further has third and fourth keder grooves located on a second lateral side of the second elongated rail structure, opposite to the first lateral side, and being mutually offset in the height direction, such that two individual tarpaulins may be mounted on each lateral side of the second elongated rail structure in an overlapping arrangement.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure comprises: a first rope guiding portion located adjacent the first keder groove and configured for guiding a pull rope connected to a first tarpaulin mounted in the first keder groove; a second rope guiding portion located adjacent the second keder groove and configured for guiding a pull rope connected to a second tarpaulin mounted in the second keder groove; a third rope guiding portion located adjacent the third keder groove and configured for guiding a pull rope connected to a third tarpaulin mounted in the third keder groove; and a fourth rope guiding portion located adjacent the fourth keder groove and configured for guiding a pull rope connected to a fourth tarpaulin mounted in the fourth keder groove. Having separate rope guiding portion for each keder groove provides reduces risk for interference between different pull ropes.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the rope guiding structure of the second elongated rail structure comprises: a first rope guiding portion located adjacent the first keder groove and configured for guiding a pull rope connected to the first tarpaulin mounted in the first keder groove; a second rope guiding portion located adjacent the second keder groove and configured for guiding a pull rope connected to a second tarpaulin mounted in the second keder groove; a third rope guiding portion located adjacent the third keder groove and configured for guiding a pull rope connected to a fifth tarpaulin mounted in the third keder groove; and a fourth rope guiding portion located adjacent the fourth keder groove and configured for guiding a pull rope connected to a sixth tarpaulin mounted in the fourth keder groove.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first elongated rail structure comprises: a plurality of individual rope guiding members located spaced apart on an outer side of the first elongated rail structure; and a plurality of individual rope guiding members located spaced apart on an inner side of the first elongated rail structure. Having rope guiding members located on both the inner and outer side of the roof support beam provide improved flexibility in terms of design and implementation of the keder roof system. For example, having tarpaulins mounted on both inner and outer side of roof support beam enables improved thermal insulation.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the second elongated rail structure comprises: a plurality of individual rope guiding members located spaced apart on an outer side of the second elongated rail structure; and a plurality of individual rope guiding members located spaced apart on an inner side of the second elongated rail structure.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the rope guiding structure of the first and/or second elongated rail structure comprises a separate rope guiding passage for each keder groove of said first and/or second elongated rail structure. Thereby, the risk for interference between different pull ropes is reduced. In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the rope guiding structure of the first and/or second elongated rail structure comprises a separate rope guiding passage for each keder groove of said first and/or second elongated rail structure, and at least one rope guiding passage is dimensioned for being able to hold and guide two pull ropes simultaneously. As a result, two tarpaulins may be mounted in the same keder groove, thereby further increasing the flexibility and design options of the keder roof system.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first and/or second shuttle arrangement comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is fastened to the first tarpaulin and the second part, which includes the rope attachment structure, is detachably fastenable to the first part. This provides improved flexibility for servicing and repair of for example the second part, and avoids the need to replace the complete tarpaulin.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first part of the first and/or second shuttle arrangement comprises two plates that are mutually fastened, and the two plates jointly clamps the first tarpaulin between said two plates. This provides a strong and reliable permanent connection between the plate and the tarpaulin, thereby eliminating the need to dismount the shuttle arrangement after installation, because the shuttle arrangement cannot fall down.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, at least one, specifically both, of the plates have a textured inner contact surface, specifically a wavy inner contact surface, facing the first tarpaulin. A textured, in particular wavy inner contact surface provides improved clamping effect of the plates.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the two plates of the first part of the first and/or second shuttle arrangement are mutually fastened via rivets or threaded members extending through the first tarpaulin. Thereby a reliable permanent connection of the plates to the tarpaulin is provided. In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the rope attachment structure of the first shuttle arrangement comprises a projection that is configured to be engaged in a hole of an end piece of a pull rope. This provides a simply and strong connection of the pull rope to the shuttle arrangement.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the rope attachment structure of the second shuttle arrangement comprises a projection that is configured to be engaged in a hole of an end piece of a pull rope.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the second part of the first and/or second shuttle arrangement is made of a planar material, specifically sheet metal such as sheet aluminium or sheet steel. This enables use of a small access opening to the rope guiding passage of the rope guiding structure, such that the risk that the pull rope becomes stuck or jammed in the access opening is reduced.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the second part of the first shuttle arrangement is attached to the first part of the first shuttle arrangement by means of threaded members.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the second part of the second shuttle arrangement is attached to the first part of the second shuttle arrangement by means of threaded members.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the second part of the first shuttle arrangement may be selectively attached to any one of the two plates of the first part of the first shuttle arrangement. Thereby, the roof builder does not have to reposition the tarpaulin in the ground before installation, because the roof builder may simply attach the shuttle arrangement where needed.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the second part of the second shuttle arrangement may be selectively attached to any one of the two plates of the first part of the second shuttle arrangement. In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the at least one rope guiding member of the first elongated rail structure has a shape of a closed retainer defining a rope guiding passage through the at least one rope guiding member, wherein the closed retainer has an access opening along its circumference for enabling a portion of the first shuttle arrangement, specifically a portion of the second part of the shuttle arrangement, to extend into the rope guiding passage and to pass through the rope guiding structure. Thereby, the risk that the pull rope becomes stuck or jammed in the rope guiding structure is reduced.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the at least one rope guiding member of the second elongated rail structure has a shape of a closed retainer defining a rope guiding passage through the at least one rope guiding member, wherein the closed retainer has an access opening along its circumference for enabling a portion of the second shuttle arrangement, specifically a portion of the second part of the second shuttle arrangement, to extend into the rope guiding passage and to pass through the rope guiding structure.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the access opening of the closed retainer is dimensioned small enough for preventing escape of the pull rope from the rope guiding passage via the access opening. Thereby, the risk that the pull rope becomes stuck or jammed in the access opening is reduced.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first shuttle arrangement is fastened in a corner region of the first tarpaulin. This enables transfer of pull force from the pull rope to the keder chord.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the second shuttle arrangement is fastened in a corner region of the first tarpaulin. Specifically, each of the first and second shuttle arrangements is fastened in a separate corner region of the first tarpaulin.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the method may further comprise: providing a second elongated rail structure having a first keder groove and a rope guiding structure, and providing the first tarpaulin with a second shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin; arranging the first and second elongated rail structures spaced apart side by side and interconnecting the first and second elongated rail structures using brazing elements and/or ledgers for defining a rigid roof bay; installing a pull rope in the pull rope guiding structure of the second elongated rail structure and attaching the pull rope to a pull rope attachment structure of the second shuttle arrangement; wherein the step of assembling the first tarpaulin involves assembling the first tarpaulin on the first and second elongated rail structures by simultaneously pulling the pull ropes of the first and second shuttle arrangements for slidingly installing the first keder chord in the first keder groove of the first elongated rail structure and slidingly installing the second keder chord in the first keder groove of the second elongated rail structure, while holding and guiding the pull rope of the first shuttle arrangement along the first elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove by means of the rope guiding structure and holding and guiding the pull rope of the second shuttle arrangement along the second elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove by means of the rope guiding structure, and while a portion of the first shuttle arrangement passes through the rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure, and a portion of the second shuttle arrangement passes through the rope guiding structure of the second elongated rail structure.

In other words, the method for assembling a keder roof system comprises: providing first and second elongated rail structures, each having a first keder groove and a rope guiding structure; a first tarpaulin having a rectangular form with first and second opposite side edges, wherein the first tarpaulin has a first keder chord located along the first side edge and second keder chord located along the second side edge; a first shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin; and a second shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin; arranging the first and second elongated rail structures spaced apart side by side and interconnecting the first and second elongated rail structures using brazing elements and/or ledgers for defining a rigid roof bay; installing a pull rope in the pull rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure and attaching the pull rope to a pull rope attachment structure of the first shuttle arrangement, and installing a pull rope in the pull rope guiding structure of the second elongated rail structure and attaching the pull rope to a pull rope attachment structure of the second shuttle arrangement; and assembling the first tarpaulin on the first and second elongated rail structures by simultaneously pulling the pull ropes of the first and second shuttle arrangements for slidingly installing the first keder chord in the first keder groove of the first elongated rail structure and slidingly installing the second keder chord in the first keder groove of the second elongated rail structure, while holding and guiding the pull rope of the first shuttle arrangement along the first elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove by means of the rope guiding structure and holding and guiding the pull rope of the second shuttle arrangement along the second elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove by means of the rope guiding structure, and while a portion of the first shuttle arrangement passes through the rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure, and a portion of the second shuttle arrangement passes through the rope guiding structure of the second elongated rail structure.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first elongated rail structure is composed of a plurality of elongated rail sections, and wherein the method further comprising: detachable fastening a plurality of elongated rail sections to a first roof support beam, in particular on a vertical upper or lower side of the first roof support beam, by means of a rail holder of the elongated rail section, and connecting the plurality of elongated rail sections end to end to jointly form the first elongated rail structure.

Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the second elongated rail structure is composed of a plurality of elongated rail sections, and wherein the method further comprising: detachable fastening a plurality of elongated rail sections to a second roof support beam, in particular on a vertical upper or lower side of the second roof support beam, by means of a rail holder of the elongated rail section, and connecting the plurality of elongated rail sections end to end to jointly form the second elongated rail structure.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the method further comprises: lifting and installing the assembled first roof support beam and first elongated rail structure onto an elevated support element of a substructure, wherein the step of lifting and installing is performed before the step of assembling the first tarpaulin on the first elongated rail structure, and in particular also after the step of installing a pull rope in the pull rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure. Similarly, when the keder roof system further comprises a second elongated rail structure, the method further comprises: lifting and installing the assembled second roof support beam and second elongated rail structure onto an elevated support element of a substructure, wherein the step of lifting and installing is performed before the step of assembling the first tarpaulin on the second elongated rail structure, and in particular also after the step of installing a pull rope in the pull rope guiding structure of the second elongated rail structure.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the step of assembling the first tarpaulin on the first and/or second elongated rail structure is performed manually by a roof builder pulling the first and/or second pull rope while being located on the ground surface or on an elevated support surface of a substructure that carries the keder roof.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, the first shuttle arrangement, after the step of assembling the first tarpaulin on the first elongated rail structure, remains attached to the first tarpaulin at least as long as the keder roof system remains in an assembled and operational state.

In some example embodiments, that may be combined with any one or more of the above-described embodiments, a pull rope of the first or second shuttle arrangements, after the first tarpaulin has been assembled at a desired position on the first and/or second elongated rail structure, is secured to a substructure that carries the keder roof, or to an eave region of the keder roof system.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person in the art realizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those explicitly described hereinabove and below, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The keder roof system and corresponding method according to the disclosure will be described in detail in the following, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Fig. 1 A shows schematically a view of the roof support structure,

Fig. 1 B shows a close-up view of a part of figure 1 A,

Fig. 2 shows schematically a view of the roof support structure having tarpaulins mounted thereon,

Fig. 3A shows schematically a side-view of the roof support structure,

Fig. 3B-C show close-up views of parts of figure 3A,

Fig. 4 shows details of the curved section of the elongated rail structure

Fig. 5 shows two tarpaulins mounted on a common elongated rail structure,

Fig. 6 shows a section through the common elongated rail structure,

Fig.7A shows an exploded view of the first shuttle arrangement.

Fig.7B shows details of the rope attachment structure,

Fig. 8A-D show an example embodiment of how to mount a keder roof system,

Fig. 9A-C show a further way of mounting a keder roof system,

Fig. 10 shows a section through the common elongated rail structure with two tarpaulins and a rope guiding structure,

Fig. 11 A-D show still a further way of mounting a keder roof system,

Fig. 12A-C show a shuttle arrangement passing through a rope guiding passage,

Fig. 13A-B show a tarpaulin without and with the second part of the shuttle arrangement, respectively

Fig. 14A-B show one way of mounting a keder roof system,

Fig. 15A-B show a further way of mounting a keder roof system,

Fig. 16A-B show still a further way of mounting a keder roof system and a rope guiding structure,

Fig. 17 shows mounting of a rail holder on an underlying roof support beam,

Fig. 18A-C show one example embodiment of rail holder,

Fig. 19A-C show a further example embodiment of rail holder,

Fig. 20A-B show the modular design of the keder roof system,

Fig. 21A-B show assembly of a lattice guard rail on neighbouring roof support beams, and

Fig. 22-23 show the basic steps of two methods of mounting a keder roof system. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure, wherein like designations denote like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not restricted to the specifically shown embodiments, but are applicable on other variations of the disclosure.

Figure 1 A and 2 schematically show a perspective overview of the keder roof system according to the present disclosure, wherein figure 1A shows an assembled roof support structure 1 before mounting of the a set of tarpaulins, and figure 2 shows the assembled roof support structure 1 after mounting of the set of tarpaulins. The assembled and installed keder roof system may be deemed having an extension in a roof width direction 25, a roof length direction 26 that is perpendicular to the roof width direction 25, and a roof height direction 27 that is perpendicular to both the roof width and roof length directions 25, 26.

In the example embodiment of figures 1 A, 2, the assembled roof support structure 1 of figure 1A comprises four roof support beams 2-5 arranged spaced apart side by side in the roof length direction 26, namely a first 2, a second 3, a third 4 and a fourth 5 roof support beam, wherein neighbouring roof support beams 2-5 are mutually structurally connected via brazing elements and/or ledgers 6 for defining a rigid framework the forms the roof support structure 1 . Figure 1 B shows a closed-up view of a portion of the roof support structure 1 in the region of the fourth roof support beam 5.

One of the primary purposes of the roof support structure 1 is to carry and hold the tarpaulins at a desired position, and being capable of withstanding loads transferred to the roof support structure 1 from the tarpaulins and caused by for example winds, snow loads, etc.

The finished keder roof system of figure 2 comprises a roof ridge region 13, and first eave region 18 and a second eave region 19. The portion of the roof located between the roof ridge region 13 and the first or second eave region 18, 19 may be referred to as an intermediate region 20. Neighbouring roof support beams 2-5, such as for example the first and second roof support beams 2, 3 jointly define a roof bay 10. Hence, the roof structure of figure 2 comprises three roof bay regions 10, 11 , 12.

In the example embodiment of figure 2, a first tarpaulin 15 is being mounted to cover the first roof bay region 10 by means of first and second roof builders 23, 24, who cooperate for jointly pulling and mounting the first tarpaulin 15 on the roof support structure using two pull ropes 14. A second tarpaulin 16 has been mounted to cover the second roof bay region 11 , and a third tarpaulin 17 has been mounted to cover the third roof bay region 12.

In the example embodiment of figure 2, the roof is a gambrel-type roof, but the keder rood system is equally useful for other types of roof designs, such as flat roof, leaning roofs, gable-type roofs, etc.

The roof has a modular structure, because the roof support structure 1 is made of a plurality of parts that are temporarily connected. For example, each of the roof support beams 2-5 may be made of a set of straight beam segments and a set of curved beam segments that are interconnected using for example clamping connection or positive locking. Similarly, the brazing elements and/or ledgers 6 are also separate parts that are temporarily connected to the roof support beams.

Consequently, depending on the construction of the modular framework, the roof free span width 7 and roof height 8 of the final roof may vary a lot. For example, the roof free span width 7 may be in the range of 5 - 50 metres, or more, and roof height, as measured from the vertical support surface at the first or second eave to the roof ridge, may be in the range of 0-30 metres, or more.

Figure 3A schematically shows a side view of for example the first roof support beam 2 of figure 1A, wherein figure 3B shows a close-up side view of a curved portion of the first roof support beam 2, and figure 3C show a close-up side view of a straight portion of the first roof support beam 2. The roof support beam 2 of figure 3A is standing on a support surface 47.

Figure 4 shows a perspective overview of for example the first roof support beam 2 in a curved portion thereof. The roof support beams 2-5 may have various structure, composition and design. One particularly attractive design of the roof support beam 2-5 is in form of a lattice beam, lattice girder or truss beam, due to their high structural strength combined with low weigh. Such lattice girder or truss beams may be manufactured using steel, aluminium, or other types of metal. A lattice girder or truss beam, sometimes also referred to as an open web girder, typically comprises a top chord 59, a bottom chord 60 and a plurality of relatively straight structural elements 61 interconnecting the top and bottom chord and forming an essentially triangulated system.

In particular, by providing the roof support beam 2 in form of a lattice beam having top and bottom chords 59, 60 made from steel tubes with 48.3 mm outer diameter, according the European Standard EN 12810-1 for scaffolds products, the lattice beam is compatible for use as a scaffold part, i.e. for building fagade scaffolds or the like. The centre to centre distance of the top and bottom chords 59, 60 of the lattice beam may for example be 500 mm for further improved compatibility with other parts of a scaffold system.

However, the roof support beam is not limited to these kind of support beams, and may alternatively have a more solid design and being made of fibre-reinforced polymeric material and/or or a concrete material, or the like.

With reference to figure 3a-3C and figure 4, according to some example embodiments, the first roof support beam 2 carries a detachable first elongated rail structure 30 that has a first keder groove 31 . This design further increases the modular design of the keder roof system because the roof support beam 2 may be any type of roof support beam, and not necessarily a dedicated keder roof support beam having integrated keder grooves. Consequently, the scaffolding and/or keder roof supplier can use an already available roof support beam as load carrying member, or nearly any type of roof support beam, thereby reducing cost and complexity for increasing scope of service to include keder roof systems.

In addition, if for example the first keder groove of the first elongated rail structure 30 becomes damaged, it is not necessary to replace the entire roof support beam, but replacement of the first elongated rail structure 30 is sufficient.

Since the detachable first elongated rail structure 30 is carried by the rigid and load supporting first roof support beam 2, the first elongated rail structure 30 may be designed without any substantial requirement in terms of load capacity. In other words, the first elongated rail structure 30 may be designed with relatively low rigidity for saving weight and cost.

The first keder groove 31 may be integrally formed in the first elongated rail structure 30, for example by manufacturing the first elongated rail structure 30 as a costefficient aluminium profile in an aluminium extrusion process, or as a cost-efficient polymeric material profile in a polymeric material extrusion process.

The first elongated rail structure 30 may be made in one piece or composed of a plurality of parts and/or materials.

The first keder groove 31 clearly extends in parallel with the direction of elongation of the first rail structure 30.

According to some example embodiments, the first elongated rail structure 30 comprises a plurality of rail holders 35 for detachable fastening the first elongated rail structure 30 to the first roof support beam 2. The rail holder 35 may for example be fastened to, or integrally formed within, the first elongated rail structure 30, and configured for enabling quick and secure temporary attachment of the first elongated rail structure 30 to the first roof support beam 2 by a roof builder 23, 24. The quick and secure temporary attachment may for example be accomplished be means of a rail holder foot 9 that includes a clamping member or a positive locking device using for example pin and hole attachment.

However, the keder roof system according to the disclosure is not limited to a separate or detachable first elongated rail structure 30. In other words, in some example embodiments (not showed), first elongated rail structure 30 may be integrated in, or permanently attached to, the first roof support beam 2. For example, the first roof support beam 2 may include an integrally formed first keder groove 31 , or the first elongated rail structure 30 having the first keder groove 31 may be permanently attached, for example by welding or the like, to the first roof support beam 2.

Figure 13A schematically shows a top view of a tarpaulin, such as the first tarpaulin 15, and figure 13B schematically shows the same view, but here also including first, second, third and fourth shuttle arrangements 40, 41 , 42, 43, each installed in a separate corner of the first tarpaulin 15. Figure 13B further shows four pull ropes 14, one connected to each of first to fourth shuttle arrangements 40-43.

With reference to figures 2, 13A and 13B, the first tarpaulin 15 may have a rectangular form with first and second opposite side edges 28, 29, and third and fourth opposite side edges 36, 37, wherein the first tarpaulin has a first keder chord 38 located along the first side edge 28 and second keder chord 39 located along the second side edge 29.

Consequently, the first side edge 28 and the third side edge 36 meet at a first corner region 48 of the first tarpaulin 15, the second side edge 29 and the third side edge 36 meet at a second corner region 49 of the first tarpaulin 15, the first side edge 28 and the fourth side edge 37 meet at a third corner region 50 of the first tarpaulin 15, and the second side edge 29 and the fourth side edge 37 meet at a fourth corner region 51 of the first tarpaulin 15.

In other words, the rectangular circumference of the first tarpaulin 15 is thus defined by the first side edge 28, the third side edge 36, the second side edge 29, and the fourth side edge 37, in this order.

The pull ropes 14 may be made of various materials, such as for example jure rope or polypropylene rope or other type of plastic rope. The pull ropes 14 may have a diameter of about 10-30 mm for enabling good grip by a roof builder. Alternatively, a metal wire rope may be used, for example together with some type metal wire rope winding machine for enabling motorized pulling of the pull rope 14.

Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of first and second tarpaulins 15, 16 in assembled state together with the first elongated rail structure 30, wherein a first shuttle arrangement 40 is attached to the first tarpaulin 15 and connected to a pull rope 14, and wherein a second shuttle arrangement 41 is attached to a neighbouring second tarpaulin 16 and connected to a pull rope 14. Figure 5 also shows a rail holder 35 with associated rail holder foot 9 that is designed for detachable fastening on a first roof support beam 2.

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the of first tarpaulin 15 in assembled state together with the first elongated rail structure 30. Specifically, a first keder chord 38 of the first tarpaulin 15 is mounted in a first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30. Figure 6 also shows a first shuttle arrangement 40 connected to the first tarpaulin 15 and attached to a pull rope 14.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, upon mounting of the first tarpaulin 15 on the first elongated rail structure 30, the first keder chord 38 of the first tarpaulin should more or less be completely slidingly inserted into the first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30, for providing a strong and sealed connected between the first side edge 28 of the first tarpaulin and the first elongated rail structure 30.

The mounting of the first tarpaulin 15 on the first elongated rail structure 30 is for example performed by a roof builder inserting an end of the first keder chord 38 of the first tarpaulin 15 into an end of the first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30. This may for example be performed manually. Thereafter, a pulling force is exerted on the first tarpaulin 15 for sliding the first keder chord 38 into the first keder groove 31 until a desired position is attained. The pulling force is for example exerted on the first tarpaulin 15 via the pull rope 14 of the first shuttle arrangement 40.

Figure 10 schematically shows a sectional view through an example embodiment of the first elongated rail structure 30 at for example sectional cut A-A in figure 20A. This figure is similar to that figure 6 but additionally showing a second tarpaulin 16 and a rope guiding structure 52.

Specifically, a first keder chord 38 of the first tarpaulin 15 is mounted in a first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30, and a first keder chord 38 of the second tarpaulin 16 is mounted in a second keder groove 32 of the first elongated rail structure 30. Furthermore, a first shuttle arrangement 40 is attached to the first tarpaulin 15 and a pull rope 14 attached to the first tarpaulin 15 via the first shuttle arrangement 40 is guided along the first elongated rail structure 30 by means of an interior part 21 of the rope guiding structure 52. Moreover, a first shuttle arrangement 40 is attached to the second tarpaulin 16 and a pull rope 14 attached to the second tarpaulin 16 via the first shuttle arrangement 40 is guided along the first elongated rail structure 30 by means of an exterior part 22 of the rope guiding structure 52.

Figure 12A-C shows three different installation phases of an example embodiment of the first elongated rail structure 30 having a rope guiding structure 52 and first tarpaulin 15 being mounted in a first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30. In the example embodiments of the keder roof system that has a first elongated rail structure 30 with four keder grooves, the keder roof system according to the disclosure provides increased flexibility in terms of roof size, because one, two or three separate tarpaulins may be combined for covering a single roof bay region. For example, figure 14A, 15A and 16A show three different roof designs that may be build using the same type of rail structure.

Figure 14A shows schematically a keder roof system with a single-tarpaulin installation, and figure 14B shows an example of a sectional view through the first elongated rail structure 30 of said single-tarpaulin installation. A single-tarpaulin installation herein refers to an installation wherein a single tarpaulin 15 extends of the entire length of a roof bay region, i.e. in a roof width direction, and wherein the size of roof in a roof length direction 26 is determined by the number of tarpaulins installed side-by-side. The size of the roof in the roof width direction 25 in this type of installation is thus limited to the length of a single tarpaulin 15. Clearly, a single-tarpaulin installation may nevertheless include double layers of tarpaulins, i.e. a first tarpaulin 15 installed in the first keder groove 31 and a second 16 tarpaulin installed in the second keder groove 32, such that the two tarpaulins are overlapping.

More in detail, figure 14B shows a single-layer installation having a first tarpaulin 15 mounted in a first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30, and a second tarpaulin 16 mounted in a third keder groove 33 of the first elongated rail structure 30, wherein a pull rope of the first tarpaulin 15 is guided by a first rope guiding portion 53 located adjacent the first keder groove 31 , and wherein a pull rope of the second tarpaulin 16 is guided by a third rope guiding portion 55 located adjacent the third keder groove 33.

The basic steps for mounting single-tarpaulin installation are schematically illustrated in figures 8A-D. With reference to figure 8A, before starting mounting of the first tarpaulin 15, the roof support structure 1 with its roof support beams 2-5 and brazing elements 6 is mounted. This may for example be performed by first building roof bays at a convenient location, such as on the ground next to the desired final position, and subsequently lifting the finished roof bays to the desired final position using a crane or the like, and finally connecting the roof bays using brazing elements. A roof bay refers to two roof support beams interconnected by brazing elements to form a rigid entity. Alternatively, single roof support beams may be assembled and subsequently lifter to the desired final position and thereafter connected with neighbouring roof support beams using brazing elements 6.

All required pull ropes are installed in the rope guiding structure 52 in connection with building the roof segments on the ground and before lifting, because pre-installed pull ropes 14 enables avoiding unnecessary climbing on the assembled roof support structure 1 .

Mounting, lifting and installing the roof support structure 1 with its roof support beams 2-5 and brazing elements 6 is simplified when the tarpaulins are not yet installed because the wind-sensitivity is reduced, and climbing on the roof support structure for connecting neighbouring roof support beams is simpler before mounting the tarpaulins 15, 16.

With reference to figure 8B, when the roof support structure 1 with its roof support beams 2-5 and brazing elements 6 is completed, mounting of the first tarpaulin 15 may begin. This may be performed by first placing the first tarpaulin 15 at a location close to for example the first eave region 18, and inserting an end of the first and second keder chord 38, 39 of the first tarpaulin 15 in appropriate keder grooves 31- 34 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62, and connecting the preinstalled pull ropes 14 with first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41. Note that the second shuttle arrangement 41 is not visible in figure 8B because it is located on the backside of the first tarpaulin 15.

Thereafter, with reference to figures 8C and 8D, roof builders 23, 24 located at the second eave region 19 may manually pull the pull ropes 14 connected with the first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 for mounting the first tarpaulin 15 until it covers the entire first roof bay region 10, as shown in figure 8D.

Figure 15A shows schematically a keder roof system with a dual-tarpaulin installation, and figure 15B shows an example of a sectional view through the first elongated rail structure 30 of said dual-tarpaulin installation. A dual-tarpaulin installation herein refers to an installation wherein two tarpaulins partly overlap each other, such that none of the tarpaulins extends of the entire length of a roof bay region, i.e. in a roof width direction. In other words, a first tarpaulin 15 covers a first part of a roof bay region and a second tarpaulin 16 covers a second part of said roof bay region, wherein the first and second. The size of the roof in the roof width direction 25 is in this type of installation thus not limited to the length of a single tarpaulin 15, but rather to the combined length of the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16 after deducting the overlapping portion of one of the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16.

More in detail, figure 15B shows a first tarpaulin 15 mounted in a first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30, a second tarpaulin 16 mounted in a second keder groove 32 of the first elongated rail structure 30, a third tarpaulin 17 mounted in a third keder groove 33 of the first elongated rail structure 30, and a fourth tarpaulin 57 mounted in a fourth keder groove 34 of the first elongated rail structure 30.

Consequently, the first elongated rail structure 30 has, at each point along its length, an extension in a direction of elongation 76, a lateral direction 77 located in a plane of the intended roof and perpendicular to the direction of elongation, and a height direction 78 that is perpendicular to both the direction of elongation 76 and lateral direction 77, wherein the first elongated rail structure 30 has first and second keder grooves 31 , 32 located on a first lateral side of the first elongated rail structure 30 and being mutually offset in the height direction 78, and wherein the first elongated rail structure 30 further has third and fourth keder grooves 33, 34 located on a second lateral side of the first elongated rail structure 30, opposite to the first lateral side, and being mutually offset in the height direction 78, such that two individual tarpaulins 15, 16 may be mounted on each lateral side of the first elongated rail structure 30 in an overlapping arrangement with each other.

Furthermore, a pull rope 14 of the first tarpaulin 15 is guided by a first rope guiding portion 53 located adjacent the first keder groove 31 , a pull rope 14 of the second tarpaulin 16 is guided by a second rope guiding portion 54 located adjacent the second keder groove 32, a pull rope 14 of the third tarpaulin 17 is guided by a third rope guiding portion 55 located adjacent the third keder groove 33, and a pull rope 14 of the fourth tarpaulin 57 is guided by a fourth rope guiding portion 56 located adjacent the fourth keder groove 34.

The basic steps for mounting a dual-tarpaulin installation are schematically illustrated in figures 9A-C. With reference to figure 9A, to begin with, the roof support structure 1 with its roof support beams 2-5 and brazing elements 6 are mounted while the required pull ropes 14 become pre-installed in the rope guiding structure 52, the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16 are positioned at a location close to for example the first and second eave regions 18, 19, respectively, and the pre-installed pull ropes 14 becomes connected with first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 of the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16. This corresponds essentially to the activity described above with reference to figure 8A.

Thereafter, with reference to figure 9B, the ends of the first and second keder chords 38, 39 of the first tarpaulin 15 are inserted in appropriate keder grooves 31-34 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62, and roof builders 23, 24 located at the second eave region 19 may manually pull the pull ropes 14 connected with the first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 for mounting the first tarpaulin 15 until it covers a portion of the first roof bay region 10.

Thereafter, with reference to figure 9C, the ends of the first and second keder chords 38, 39 of the second tarpaulin 16 are inserted in appropriate keder grooves 31-34 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62, and roof builders 23, 24 located at the first eave region 18 may manually pull the pull ropes 14 connected with the first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 for mounting the second tarpaulin 15 until it partly overlaps with the first tarpaulin 15 and thus covers the remaining portion of the first roof bay region 10. In figure 9C, a third side edge 36 of the second tarpaulin 16 is located overlapping the first tarpaulin 15. This corresponds to the final position of the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16.

Figure 16A shows schematically a keder roof system with a triple-tarpaulin installation, and figure 16B shows an example of a sectional view through the first elongated rail structure 30 of said triple-tarpaulin installation. A triple-tarpaulin installation herein refers to an installation wherein two separate tarpaulins are located spaced apart and non-overlapping, and with a further tarpaulin arranged partly overlapping with each of said two spaced apart tarpaulins. In other words, a first tarpaulin 15 covers a first part of a roof bay region, a further tarpaulin 58 is arranged in the same keder groove as the first tarpaulin 15 but spaced apart from and nonoverlapping with the first tarpaulin 15, and a second tarpaulin 16 is arranged in another keder groove and partly overlapping with both of the first and further tarpaulins 15, 58. The size of the roof in the roof width direction 25 is in this type of installation corresponds to the total length of each of the first tarpaulin 15 and the further tarpaulin 58, in addition to the part of the second tarpaulin 16 that is not overlapping with any part of the first and further tarpaulins 15, 58. More in detail, figure 15B shows a first tarpaulin 15 mounted in a first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30, a second tarpaulin 16 mounted in a second keder groove 32 of the first elongated rail structure 30, a third tarpaulin 17 mounted in a third keder groove 33 of the first elongated rail structure 30, and a fourth tarpaulin 57 mounted in a fourth keder groove 34 of the first elongated rail structure 30.

A pull rope 14 of the first tarpaulin 15 is guided by a first rope guiding portion 53 located adjacent the first keder groove 31 , a pull rope 14 of the second tarpaulin 16 is guided by a second rope guiding portion 54 located adjacent the second keder groove 32, a pull rope 14 of the third tarpaulin 17 is guided by a third rope guiding portion 55 located adjacent the third keder groove 33, and a pull rope 14 of the fourth tarpaulin 57 is guided by a fourth rope guiding portion 56 located adjacent the fourth keder groove 34.

Said further tarpaulin 58 is not shown in the sectional view of figure 16B. However, the pull rope 59 attached to said further tarpaulin 58 is included in figure 16B. The pull rope 59 attached to said further tarpaulin 58 is here located within the first rope guiding portion 53, together with the pull rope of the first tarpaulin 15, because this sharing of the first rope guiding portion 53 enables said first tarpaulin 15 and said further tarpaulin 58 to be installed in the same keder groove 31.

The basic steps for mounting a triple-tarpaulin installation are schematically illustrated in figures 11 A-D. With reference to figure 11A, to begin with, the roof support structure 1 with its roof support beams 2-5 and brazing elements 6 are mounted while the required pull ropes 14 become pre-installed in the rope guiding structure 52, the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16 are positioned at a location close to for example the first and second eave regions 18, 19, respectively, and the pre-installed pull ropes 14 becomes connected with first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 of the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16.

Thereafter, the ends of the first and second keder chords 38, 39 of the first tarpaulin 15 are inserted in appropriate keder grooves 31-34 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62, and roof builders 23, 24 located at the second eave region 19 may manually pull the pull ropes 14 connected with the first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 for mounting the first tarpaulin 15 until it covers a portion of the first roof bay region 10. In figure 11A, a fourth side edge 37 of the first tarpaulin 15 has not reached the roof ridge at the final position.

Thereafter, with reference to figure 11 B, the ends of the first and second keder chords 38, 39 of the second tarpaulin 16 are inserted in appropriate keder grooves 31-34 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62, in particular the same keder grooves that are used by the first tarpaulin 15, and roof builders 23, 24 located at the first eave region 18 may manually pull the pull ropes 14 connected with the first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 for mounting the second tarpaulin 16. In figure 11 B, a third side edge 36 of the second tarpaulin 16 has not reached the fourth side edge 37 of the first tarpaulin 15 at the final position, thereby leaving a remaining gap between the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16.

Thereafter, with reference to figure 11 C, the ends of the first and second keder chords 38, 39 of a further tarpaulin 58 are inserted in appropriate keder grooves 31-34 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62, in particular not the keder grooves that are occupied by the first and second tarpaulins 15, 16, and roof builders 23, 24 may manually pull the pull ropes 14 connected with the first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 for mounting said further tarpaulin 58 to cover said remaining gap. Figure 11 D shows the keder roof system when said further tarpaulin 58 has reached the final position, and the complete roof bay region 10 is covered.

The length of the first, second and further tarpaulins 15, 16, 58 may be selected according to the circumstances and may for example be equal, or different, thereby providing the roof builders with large flexibility in terms of roof construction.

With reference to for example figures 3A, 3B, 4, 10, 12A-C, 14B, 15B and 16B, the rope guiding structure 52, which may be a separate part that is attached to, or integrally formed in, the first elongated rail structure 30, is configured for holding and guiding one or more pull ropes 14, 59 along the first elongated rail structure 30 at a location outside of the first to fourth keder grooves 31-34 of the first elongated rail structure 30.

Others said, the rope guiding structure 52 is arranged for preventing the pull rope 14, 59 from escaping from the rope guiding structure 52, and thus preventing the pull rope 14, 59 from becoming displaced from the first elongated rail structure 30, because this will potentially hinder a smooth and low-friction sliding motion of the keder chord in the associated keder groove.

Aligning the pull rope 14, 59 with the first elongated rail structure 30 generally results in smooth and low-friction sliding motion of the keder chord in the associated keder groove, because this set-up does not incur any lateral force in the keder chord, and thus no additional friction force between the keder chord in the associated keder groove.

Others said, without the rope guiding structure 52 arranged on the first elongated rail structure 30, there is a significant risk that a pull angle of the pull rope 14, 59 deviates significantly from the direction of elongation of the first elongated rail structure 30 at the location of the first shuttle arrangement 40. This problem may also worsen in embodiments where the first elongated rail is vertically displaced from frame, because frame support become positioned further away from rail

Furthermore, without the rope guiding structure 52 arranged on the first elongated rail structure 30, the pull rope may more easily get stuck in the roof support beam or roof support structure 1 , and the pull rope may more easily become displaced to an inconvenient position during lifting and mounting of roof support beam, and the pull ropes may become mixed up with each other more easily due to lack of any specific position.

Furthermore, when relying on an underlying roof support structure, such as a brazing element, for guidance of the pull rope, it is generally necessary to mount/dismount the tarpaulins in a certain order, namely outer tarpaulin first during mounting and inner tarpaulin first when dismounting, because if the firstly mounted tarpaulin is mounted in the inner keder groove, this tarpaulin may be forming a barrier between the outer keder groove and the pull rope 14.

In addition, when an elongated rail structure is mounted on an underside of the roof support beam, as schematically showed in figure 20A, the lack of support for pull ropes is even greater, because then brazing elements 6 of the frame structure 1 cannot be used.

All these problems are solved by providing a rope guiding structure 52 arranged on the first elongated rail structure 30, because thereby to the location of the pull ropes are reliably controlled for avoiding any problems with the pull ropes during mounting/dismounting and ensuring a smooth and low-friction sliding motion of the keder chord in the associated keder groove.

Since for example the first shuttle arrangement is fastened to a pull rope, not only said pull rope will pass through the rope guiding structure 52 of the first elongated rail structure, but also a part of the first shuttle arrangement. Consequently, the rope guiding structure 52 cannot have a completely closed circumference, but a relatively small passage may be available for enabling a part of the first shuttle arrangement to pass through a nearly closed circumference of the rope guiding structure 52.

Consequently, with reference to for example figures 1A-C, 3A-C, 4-6, 10, 12A-C, 13A- B, 14A-B, 15A-B and 16A-B, the present disclosure relates to a keder roof system comprising: a first elongated rail structure with a first keder groove; a first tarpaulin having a rectangular form with first and second opposite side edges, wherein the first tarpaulin has a first keder chord located along the first side edge and second keder chord located along the second side edge, and wherein the first keder chord is configured for being inserted into, and slidingly moveable within, the first keder groove of the first elongated rail structure; a first shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin, wherein the first shuttle arrangement has a rope attachment structure 83; a pull rope 14 configured for being attached to the rope attachment structure 83 of the first shuttle arrangement 40; wherein the first elongated rail structure comprises a rope guiding structure configured for holding and guiding the pull rope along the first elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove; and wherein the pull rope and a portion of the first shuttle arrangement are configured to pass through the rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure when the first tarpaulin is being mounted on the first elongated rail structure.

Moreover, with reference to for example figures 1A-C, 3A-C, 4-6, 10, 12A-C, 13A-B, 14A-B, 15A-B and 16A-B, as well as figures 8A-D, 9A-C and 11A-D, the keder roof system further comprises: a second elongated rail structure 62 with a first keder groove 31 , wherein the second elongated rail structure is configured for being located next to the first elongated rail structure for defining a roof bay area, and wherein the second keder chord is configured for being inserted into, and slidingly moveable within, the first keder groove of the second elongated rail structure; a second shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin, wherein the second shuttle arrangement 41 has a rope attachment structure 83; a pull rope 14 configured for being attached to the rope attachment structure 83 of the second shuttle arrangement 41 ; wherein the second elongated rail structure comprises a rope guiding structure configured for holding and guiding the pull rope along the second elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove; wherein the pull rope and a portion of the second shuttle arrangement are configured to pass through the rope guiding structure of the second elongated rail structure when the first tarpaulin is being mounted on the first and second elongated rail structures; and wherein the keder roof system is configured for simultaneous pulling of the pull ropes of the first and second shuttle arrangements for slidingly installing the first tarpaulin on the first and second elongated rail structures.

Figure 20A shows schematically a side view of an assembled first roof support beam 2 having a first elongated rail structure 30 temporarily fastened on an upper side of first roof support beam 2, as well as a second elongated rail structure 62 temporarily fastened on an under side of first roof support beam 2.

The first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 may have similar or identical design, i.e. similar or identical type and number of keder grooves 31-34, similar or identical type of rope guiding structure 52, such that the same type of tarpaulins may be selectively installed in the first or second elongated rail structures 30, 62.

This type of double installation of tarpaulins both above and below the first roof support beam 2 may be useful for improved heat insulation, or the like. Furthermore, the keder roof system may be built with only the second elongated rail structure 62, i.e. only the lower rail structure 62, if desired.

Figure 20B shows schematically a side view of an exploded view of the first roof support beam 2 of figure 20A. Figure 20B thus shows an example embodiment of the modular composition of the first roof support beam, the first elongated rail structure 30 and the second elongated rail structure 62.

In other words, the first roof support beam 2 may be composed of a plurality of support beam elements 63 that may have various forms, such as straight element and curved elements, and the desired first roof support beam 2 may thus be built by assembling and mutually fastening an appropriate set of support beam elements 63. Similarly, the first elongated rail structure 30 is composed of a plurality of elongated rail sections 64 that are connected end to end, in continuation with each other, to jointly form the first elongated rail structure 30. Likewise, the second elongated rail structure 62 is also composed of a plurality of elongated rail sections 64 that are connected end to end, [in continuation with each other, to jointly form the second elongated rail structure 62.

In the example embodiment of figure 20B, each of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 are composed of a curved elongated rail section 64 and a plurality of straight elongated rail sections 64.

The straight elongated rail sections 64 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 may be identical, such that the straight elongated rail sections 64 can be fastened to both on the upper and lower side of the first roof support beam 2.

The curved elongated rail sections 64 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 are different because the rail holders 35 for attaching the curved elongated rail sections 64 to the first roof support beam 2 are located on opposite sides.

At least one elongated rail section 64 of the first and/or second elongated rail structures 30, 62 comprises a rail holder 35, in particular two, three or four rail holders 35, for detachable fastening the elongated rail section 64 to a first roof support beam 2, in particular on a vertical upper or lower side of the first roof support beam 2.

With reference to figure 20A, the rail holders 35 have a foot 9 for detachable fastening the elongated rail section 64 on the first roof support beam 2, and a contact surface 66 of the foot 9, i.e. the surface of the foot that is in contact with and load-carrying relative to the first roof support beam, is located spaced apart from the first keder groove 31 with a distance 65 of at least 10 cm, specifically at least 25 cm, and more specifically within a range of 10 - 150 cm, specifically 15 - 50 cm, as measured in a direction opposite to the direction of elongation of the elongated rail section. This reduces the risk of damages and/or wear to the tarpaulins caused be interference with the roof support structure 1 .

Figures 17 and 18A-C show schematically an example embodiment of a foot 9 of a rail holder 35, wherein figure 17 shows a perspective view of the rail holder 35 with foot 9 when approaching the first roof support beam 2 that has a locking hole 67 or recess, figure 18A shows a side-view of the same position, figure 18B shows the foot 9 after a contact surface 66 of the foot 9 has arrived in contact with the first roof support beam 2 but before two locking pins 68 of the foot 9 have been inserted into the associated locking hole 67 or recess of the first roof support beam 2, and figure 18C shows the foot 9 after the locking pins 68 of the foot 9 have been inserted into the associated locking hole 67 or recess of the first roof support beam 2.

In the example embodiment of figures 17 and 18A-C, the locking pins 68 are spring- loaded towards the locked position showed in figure 18C, but the locking pins 68 may be selectively set in an open and closed state by turning motion of two control arms 69.

The locking pins 68 may for example have a slightly conical shape, at least over a certain length of the locking pin, such that the conical part of the locking pins may interact with the locking hole or recess 67 for ensuring improved stability and eliminated play.

The reliable and accurate angular positioning of the foot 9 on the first roof support beam 2 provided by the locking pins 68 when engaging within the locking holes 67 is advantageous, because this ensures that neighbouring rail holders 35 are mounted in parallel with each other. As a result, a distance between keder groves of neighbouring first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 is constant and within relatively tight tolerances over the length of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62, such that the tarpaulins are more easily mounted and dismounted within said keder grooves. Others said, when neighbouring rail holders 35 are not mounted in parallel with each other, i.e. slightly inclines with respect to each other, a distance between keder groves of neighbouring first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 is either too small or too large, thereby rendering mounting/dismounting of the tarpaulins more difficult.

A further example embodiment of the foot 9 is described below with reference to schematically illustrated figures 19A-C, which shows a foot 9 with two-spring loaded pins 68 arranged with snap-fit functionality. In other words, the locking pins 68 are by default always urged forwards towards a protruding position by means of mechanical spring devices 70, as showed in figure 19A. Upon pushing the foot towards the roof support beam 2, as depicted by foot motion arrow 73, the locking pins 68 are temporarily automatically retracted to the retracted position. Specifically, the pushing causes the locking pins 68 to automatically become temporarily retracted due to contact with the external rounded surface of the roof support beam 2, as shown in figure 19B.

Upon further motion of the foot 9 towards the roof support beam 2, the contact surface 66 of the foot 9 comes into contact with the roof support beam 2 and the locking pins 68 may pushed into the locking hole 67 by the mechanical spring devices 70, such that the foot 9 and rail holder 35 becomes firmly and reliably connected to the roof support beam 2, as showed in figure 19C.

The front end 71 of the locking pins 68 may have a slightly conical shape for ensuring improved stability and eliminated play.

In other words, the foot 9 of the rail holder 35 may in some example embodiments comprise at least two spring-loaded pins 68 for detachable engagement with corresponding holes 67 located in the first roof support beam 2, for safely and reliably connecting the rail holder 35 and associated first elongated rail structure 30 to the first roof support beam 2.

The snap-fit foot 9 of figures 19A-C is subsequently removed by for example manually pushing the two spring-loaded pins 68 backwards and simultaneously lifting the foot and rail holder away from the support beam 2.

According to an alternative example embodiment (not showed), the foot 9 of the rail holder 35 may comprise at least a clamping mechanism for clamping attachment of the foot 9 to the first roof support beam 2. The clamping mechanism may for example be accomplished using a threaded member or the like.

The rail holder 35 may comprise an elongated beam having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the beam is provided with a rail attachment interface configured for enabling permanent or detachable rigid connection with the first elongated rail structure 30, and wherein the second end 46 of the beam is provided with the foot 9 for enabling detachable connection with the first roof support beam 2. With reference to figures 3A-B, 4, 12A-C and 20A-B, the rope guiding structure 52 of the first elongated rail structure 30 may in some example embodiments comprise at least one individual rope guiding member 74, 75 located on an elongated rail section 64 or along the first elongated rail structure 30, in particular two, three, four or five individual rope guiding members 74, 75 located longitudinally spaced apart on an elongated rail section 64 or along the first elongated rail structure 30.

With reference to figures 3A-B, 4 and 20A-B, the least one individual rope guiding member 74, 75 is located on the at least one curved elongated rail section 64, and wherein at least one, specifically all, straight elongated rail section 64 is free from said rope guiding structure 52.

With reference to figures 4 and 20A-B, the first elongated rail structure 30 comprises a plurality of individual rope guiding members 74, 75 located spaced apart on an outer side, in the height direction, of the first elongated rail structure 30, and the first elongated rail structure 30 comprises a plurality of individual rope guiding members 74, 75 located spaced apart on an inner side, in the height direction, of the first elongated rail structure.

With reference to figures 4, 10, 12A-C, 14B, 15B and 16B, the rope guiding structure 52 of the first elongated rail structure 30 may in certain example embodiment comprise a separate rope guiding passage 79 for each keder groove 31-34 of said first elongated rail structure 30. As a result, the risk for interference between different pull ropes is reduced.

With reference to figures 4, 10, 12A-C, 14B, 15B and 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the rope guiding structure 52 of the first elongated rail structure 30 comprises a separate rope guiding passage 79 for each keder groove 31-34 of said first elongated rail structure 30, and at least one rope guiding passage 79 is dimensioned for being able to hold and guide two pull ropes 14 simultaneously. Thereby, two tarpaulins may be mounted from opposite direction into the same keder groove, and the pull ropes 14 attached to the first and second tarpaulins are thus sharing the rope guiding passages 79.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of one example embodiment of the first and second shuttle arrangement 40, 41 , each secured to an individual tarpaulin 15, 16 and each connected to an individual pull rope 14. Figure 6 shows a sectional view through an example embodiment of the first shuttle arrangement 40 and figure 10 shows a sectional view an example embodiments of through two first shuttle arrangements 40, figure 7A shows an exploded view of an example embodiment of the first shuttle arrangement 40 and figures 12B-C and 13A-B, and figures 14B, 15B, 16B show sectional views of another example embodiment of first and second shuttle arrangements 40-43.

With reference to figures 5, 6, 7A, 10, 13A-B, 14B, 15B, 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the first shuttle arrangement 40 comprises a first part 81 and a second part 82, wherein the first part 81 is fastened to the first tarpaulin 15 and the second part 82, which includes the rope attachment structure 83, is detachably fastenable to the first part 81 . Thereby, the second part 82 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 may be replaced separately in case of damages or the like, and the first part 81 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 may be reused, together with the first tarpaulin 15.

More in detail, the first part 81 may be permanently fastened to the first tarpaulin 15 and the second part 82, for example by means of one or more rivets that extend through the first tarpaulin 15, or by gluing.

With reference to figures 6, 7A, 10, 14B, 15B, 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the first part 81 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 comprises two plates, i.e. first and second plates 84, 85 that are mutually fastened, and the two plates 84, 85 jointly clamps the first tarpaulin 15 between said two plates 84, 85.

With reference to figures 6, 7A, 10, 14B, 15B, 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one, specifically both, of said first and second plates 84, 85 have a textured inner contact surface 44, specifically a wavy inner contact surface, facing the first tarpaulin 15. This results in improved grip of the tarpaulin.

With reference to figures 6, 7A, 10, 14B, 15B, 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the two plates 84, 85 of the first part 81 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 are mutually fastened and clamped together via fasteners (not shown), such as rivets or threaded members, extending through the first tarpaulin. With reference to figures 5, 6, 7A-B, 10, 12B-C, 14B, 15B, 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the rope attachment structure 83 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 comprises a projection 86, such as for example a pin that is configured to be engaged in a hole 87 of an end piece 88 of the pull rope 88, or oppositely. In other words, the rope attachment structure 83 may comprise a hole

87, and an end piece 86 of the pull rope 14 may include a projection 86, such as a pin, that is configured to be engaged in said hole 87.

The hole 87 of the end piece 88 may have an oblong shape oriented in a first direction, and the projection 86 of the second part 82 may be T-shaped with an oblong top plate 46 oriented in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, when being arranged in the hole 87 during mounting of a tarpaulin 15. Disconnection of the end piece 88 is accomplished by turning the end piece 90 degrees, such that the oblong shape of the hole 87 of the end piece 88 is aligned with the oblong top plate 46 of the projection 86, because thereby the parts may be disconnected. Before turning of the end piece

88, disconnection is impossible due to interference between the oblong shape of the hole 87 of the end piece 88 is non-aligned with the oblong top plate 46 of the projection 86. This arrangement enables a quick and user-friendly connection/disconnection of the pull rope 14 to the first shuttle arrangement 40, while also providing a relatively reliable connection during normal use of the shuttle arrangement 40 and pull rope 14.

With reference to figures 5, 6, 7A-B, 10, 12B-C, 14B, 15B, 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the second part 82 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 is made primarily of a planar material, specifically sheet metal, such as sheet aluminium or sheet steel. In other words, the second part 82 may have a primarily planar shape, and this may be advantageous because it enables and simplifies having a portion of the second part 82 extending into the rope guiding passage of the rope guiding member 74, 75, when the second part 82 passes through the rope guiding member 74, 75, while preventing the pull rope 14 from escaping in a sideways direction from the rope guiding member 74, 75, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to a direction of elongated of the pull rope 14.

With reference to figures 5, 6, 7A-B, 10, 12B-C, 14B, 15B, 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the second part 82 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 is attached to the first part 81 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 by means of fasteners 89, such as for example threaded members. These fasteners 89 may extend through holes in the first and second parts 81 , 82 of the first shuttle arrangement 40. The fasteners 89 enables smooth and convenient replacement of the second part 82 in case of damage, or in case the roof builder wants to shift the side of the tarpaulin 15, on which the second part 82 is attached. In other words, the fasteners 89 enables the second part 82 to be selectively and temporarily attached to either the first or second plate 84, 85 of the first part 81.

With reference to figures 5, 6, 7A-B, 10, 12B-C, 14B, 15B, 16B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the second part 82 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 may be selectively attached to any one of the two plates 84, 85 of the first part 81 of the first shuttle arrangement 40.

With reference to figures 5, 8B, 12B-C, 13B, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the first shuttle arrangement 40 is fastened in a corner region 48-51 of the first tarpaulin 15. Thereby, the pull force transmitted to the tarpaulin from the pull rope 14 is applied primarily to said corners regions 48-51 , which enables efficient transfer of pull force to the adjacent first and second keder chords 38, 39.

For example, with reference to figure 13A, a maximal extension 90 of the first part 81 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 along any side edge 36-39 of the tarpaulin 15 is less than 25% of the total length 91 of said side edge 36-39of the tarpaulin 15.

With reference to for example figures 10, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the rope guiding structure 52 or at least one rope guiding member 74, 75 of the first elongated rail structure 30 has a shape of a closed retainer defining a rope guiding passage 79 through the at least one rope guiding member 74, 75, and the closed retainer has an access opening 80 along its circumference for enabling a portion of the first shuttle arrangement 40, specifically a portion of the second part 82 of the first shuttle arrangement 15, to extend into the rope guiding passage 79 and to pass through the rope guiding structure 52.

According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the access opening 80 of the closed retainer is dimensioned small enough for preventing escape of the pull rope 14 from the rope guiding passage 79 via the access opening 80. Figure 21A shows a top-view of first and second roof support beams 2, 3 in mounted state, and two rail holders 35 of a first elongated rail section 30 are mounted on each of the first and second roof support beams 2, 3. As described above with reference to figures 1A and 2, neighbouring roof support beams 2-5 are mutually structurally connected via brazing elements and/or ledgers 6 for defining a rigid framework the forms the roof support structure 1. According to some example embodiments, as illustrated in figure 21 B and 1 B, neighbouring roof support beams 2-5 may be mutually structurally connected by connecting said brazing elements and/or ledgers 6 to the rails holders 35 of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62. Figure 21A shows the brazing element 6 while being moved towards the rail holders 25, and figure 21 B shows the brazing element 6 after complete connection with the rail holders 25.

By providing the rail holders 35, in particular the foot 9 of the rails holders 35, with attachment interface 93 for connection with available quick-coupling brazing elements and/or ledgers 6, the roof support structure 1 is provided with increased options for quickly add further structural strength to the roof support structure, if needed, by simply installing some additional quick-coupling brazing elements and/or ledgers 6 between neighbouring first and second roof support beams 2, 3.

In the example of figure 21 , the brazing element and/or ledger 6 is provided in form of a quick-coupling lattice guard rail, which is a standard component of many scaffold manufacturing companies. The lattice guard rail 6 has four hook-shaped attachments 92 for connecting with the attachment interface 93 of four individual rails holders 35. As a result, the lattice guard rail 6 is arranged lying between the neighbouring first and second roof support beams 2, 3, as shown also in figure 1A.

The attachment interface 93 of each foot 9 may be provided in form a bracket 95 provided on each side of the foot 9 for enabling attachment of a lattice guard rail 6 to neighbouring roof support beams on both sides. Furthermore, the attachment interface 93 of each foot 9 may be provided with a flat support surface 94 on each side of the foot 9 for engagement with the four hook-shaped attachments 92, thereby providing further improved stability of the finished roof support structure 1 . The bracket 95 and flat support surface 94 of the foot 9 is also shows in figure 2 and 18B.

The rail holder 35 may in some example embodiments be made of a separate foot 9 that is detachably connected to a separate elongated beam to form the rail holder 35. This design enabling use of the foot alone as a coupling member for connecting brazing elements or scaffold parts to the roof support beam, by means of the attachment interface 93 of the foot 9.

With reference to figure 22, the present disclosure also describes a method for assembling a keder roof system. The method comprises a first step S1 of providing a first elongated rail structure having a first keder groove and a rope guiding structure; a first tarpaulin having a rectangular form with first and second opposite side edges, wherein the first tarpaulin has a first keder chord located along the first side edge and second keder chord located along the second side edge; and a first shuttle arrangement fastened to the first tarpaulin.

The method further comprises a second step S2 of installing a pull rope in the pull rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure and attaching the pull rope to a pull rope attachment structure of the first shuttle arrangement.

The method further comprises a third step S3 of assembling the first tarpaulin on the first elongated rail structure by pulling the pull rope for slidingly installing the first keder chord in the first keder groove, while holding and guiding the pull rope along the first elongated rail structure at a location outside of the first keder groove by means of the rope guiding structure, and while a portion of the first shuttle arrangement passes through the rope guiding structure of the first elongated rail structure.

With reference to figure 23, the present disclosure also describes a more detailed example embodiment of the method for assembling a keder roof system. According to this more detailed example embodiment, the method of assembling a keder roof system comprises a first step S10 of providing a first elongated rail structure 30 having a first keder groove 31 and a rope guiding structure 52, and providing a second elongated rail structure 62 having a first keder groove 31 and a rope guiding structure 52. The first step S10 also comprises providing a first tarpaulin 15 having a rectangular form with first and second opposite side edges, wherein the first tarpaulin 15 has a first keder chord 38 located along the first side edge and second keder chord 39 located along the second side edge. The first step S10 of the method further comprises providing a first shuttle arrangement 40 fastened to the first tarpaulin 15, and providing a second shuttle arrangement 41 fastened to the first tarpaulin 15, as well as arranging the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 spaced apart side by side and interconnecting the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62, directly or indirectly via first and second roof support beams 2, 3, using brazing elements and/or ledgers 6 for defining a rigid roof bay.

The method further comprises a second step S20 of installing a pull rope 14 in the pull rope guiding structure 52 of the first elongated rail structure 30 and attaching the pull rope 14 to a pull rope attachment structure 83 of the first shuttle arrangement 40, and installing a pull rope 14 in the pull rope guiding structure 52 of the second elongated rail structure 62 and attaching the pull rope 14 to a pull rope attachment structure 83 of the second shuttle arrangement.

The method further comprises a third step S30 of assembling the first tarpaulin 15 on the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 by simultaneously pulling the pull ropes 14 of the first and second shuttle arrangements 40, 41 for slidingly installing the first keder chord 38 in the first keder groove 31 of the first elongated rail structure 30 and slidingly installing the second keder chord 39 in the first keder groove 31 of the second elongated rail structure 62, while holding and guiding the pull rope 14 of the first shuttle arrangement 40 along the first elongated rail structure 30 at a location outside of the first keder groove 31 by means of the rope guiding structure 52 of the first elongated rail structure 30, and holding and guiding the pull rope 14 of the second shuttle arrangement 41 along the second elongated rail structure 62 at a location outside of the first keder groove 31 by means of the rope guiding structure 52 of the second elongated rail structure 62, while a portion of the first shuttle arrangement 40 passes through the rope guiding structure 52 of the first elongated rail structure 30, and a portion of the second shuttle arrangement 41 passes through the rope guiding structure 52 of the second elongated rail structure 62.

It will be appreciated that the above description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. While specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims. Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand.

The term “tarpaulin” used herein refers to a sheet fabric, such as for example a heavy- duty waterproof or non-waterproof cloth or tarp or similar type of piece of sheet material suitable for being used for protecting or covering of exposed objects or areas.

The tarpaulin may be made of plastic material, such as fibre-reinforced polymeric material, such as PVC, polyethylene, polyester, etc. Alternatively, the tarpaulin may be made of natural material, such as canvas, cotton, or the like.

The example embodiments of the first and second elongated rail structures 30, 62 shown in the figures have four keder grooves 31-34, but the first and second elongated rail structures 30,62 are not limited to this design, but may alternatively have for example two keder grooves or six keder grooves, or the like. Furthermore, the order of the steps of the method claims should not be interpreted as strictly limiting, but merely one option for performing the method, and the method steps may thus be arranged in another order.

REFERENCE SIGNS

1 . Roof support structure 11 . Second roof bay region

2. First roof support beam 12. Third roof bay region 3. Second roof support beam 35 13. Roof ridge region

4. Third roof support beam 14. Pull rope

5. Fourth roof support beam 15. First tarpaulin

6. Brazing element 16. Second tarpaulin

7. roof free span width 17. Third tarpaulin 8. Roof height 40 18. First eave region

9. Rail holder foot 19. Second eave region

10. First roof bay region 20. Intermediate region 21. Interior part 35 55. Third rope guiding portion

22. Exterior part 56. Fourth rope guiding portion

23. First roof builder 57. Fourth tarpaulin

24. Second roof builder 58. Further tarpaulin

25. Roof width direction 59. Top chord

26. Roof length direction 40 60. Bottom chord

27. Roof height direction 61. Interconnecting element

28. First side edge of tarpaulin 62. Second elongated rail structure

29. Second side edge of tarpaulin 63. Roof support beam element

30. First elongated rail structure 64. Elongated rail section

31. First keder groove 45 65. Distance

32. Second keder groove 66. Contact surface of foot

33. Third keder groove 67. Locking hole

34. Fourth keder groove 68. Locking pin

35. Rail holder 69. Control arm

36. Third side edge of tarpaulin 50 70. Mechanical spring

37. Fourth side edge of tarpaulin 71. Conical front end

38. First keder chord 72. Foot housing

39. Second keder chord 73. Foot motion arrow

40. First shuttle arrangement 74. Rope guiding member

41. Second shuttle arrangement 55 75. Rope guiding member

42. Third shuttle arrangement 76. Direction of elongation of first

43. Fourth shuttle arrangement elongated rail structure

44. inner contact surface of plates 77. Lateral direction

45. holes of shuttle arrangement 78. Height direction

46. Top plate 60 79. Rope guiding passage

47. support surface 80. Access opening

48. First corner region 81. First part of shuttle arrangement

49. Second corner region 82. Second part of shuttle

50. Third corner region arrangement

51. Fourth corner region 65 83. Rope attachment structure

52. Rope guiding structure 84. First plate of first part of shuttle

53. First rope guiding portion arrangement

54. Second rope guiding portion 85. Second plate of first part of 91. Total length of side edge of shuttle arrangement 10 tarpaulin

86. Projection 92. Hook attachment

87. Hole 93. Attachment interface 88. End piece 94. Flat support surface

89. Fastener 95. Bracket

90. Maximal extension of first part of first shuttle arrangement