Field of the Invention

[0001 ] This invention relates generally to louvre systems, and more particularly, a louvre system which is designed to not only be easily installed, but which can be retrofitted to existing structures, especially those comprising metal sheet roofing.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0002] There is provided herein a louvre system which is designed to not only be easily installed, but which can be retrofitted to existing structures, especially those comprising metal sheet roofing. The louvre system is specifically designed so that the louvre system can replace an existing sheet from a roof structure.

[0003] The system comprises spaced apart rails attachable above respective spaced apart roof sheets and a plurality of louvres spanning orthogonally therebetween.

[0004] Each louvre may be approximately 1 .3 m in length. Ends of the louvres may extend over the edges of the sheet.

[0005] Each louvre may comprise a planar base and substantially orthogonal sidewalls. The sidewalls may define pivot points with the respective rails so that the louvres can pivot between open and closed positions.

[0006] Longitudinal edges of the louvres may overlap in the closed position in a watertight manner. Preferably, the longitudinal edges comprise inverted raised channels wherein a first longitudinal edge closes over a second raised longitudinal edge of an adjacent louvre in a watertight manner.

[0007] The louvres may be controlled by a control rod connecting between control rod pivot points of the sidewalls. Preferably, the control rod pivot points are above the louvre pivot points so as to not interfere with the upper edges of the side rails in the closed position. The control rod may be controlled by an electric motor and suitable gearing, including under automatic control for automated closing during rain.

[0008] Installation of the present louvre system may comprise spacing apart metal sheeting and affixing the rails of the system thereto using metal screws. As alluded to above, a metal sheet section may be removed from an existing roof structure and the present louvre system installed in its place.

[0009] The system may comprise louvre sections of approximately 1200 cm in length and comprising six louvres which may be joined in series to form indefinite lengths.

[0010] The ends of the louvres may extend over the edges of the roof sheets. In the closed position, the planar base may lie flush against the edges of the roof sheets, not only providing a uniform aesthetic from underneath, but also providing a watertight closure. The edges of the sheets may comprise a seal to seal against the louvres when in the closed position.

[001 1 ] At least one sidewall of the louvres may comprise a drainage aperture therethrough so that water collected thereatop may drain laterally onto the edges of the roof sheets. Preferably, the roof sheets are installed with raised inner edges to channel water draining from the louvres therealong.

[0012] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] Figure 1 shows a louvre system in an open position in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0015] Figure 2 shows an opposite side of the louvre system of Figure 1 in a closed position.

Description of Embodiments

[0016] A louvre system 100 comprises spaced apart rails 101 attachable to respective spaced apart roof sheets 102.

[0017] A plurality of louvres 103 span between the rails 101. As best shown in Figure 2, the louvres 103 extend over edges 104 of the sheets 102. In embodiments, each louvre 103 may be 1 .3 m long. [0018] As is further shown in Figure 2, each rail 101 may be right angled in comprising a vertical portion 105 and an outwardly extending horizontal portion 106.

[0019] Each sheet 102 may comprise a plurality of ridges 107 therealong and, in this regard, the outwardly extending horizontal portions 106 may be shaped to conform to these ridges 107. As shown in Figure 2, the horizontal portion 106 may comprise a downwardly extending edge 108 which conforms against the side of the ridge 107. The rails 101 may be affixed to the sheets 102 using metal screws 109.

[0020] As best shown in Figure 1 , each louvre 103 is pivotally coupled between louvre pivot points 1 10. As such, each louvre 103 can pivot between open positions as shown in Figure 1 and a closed position 102 shown in Figure 2.

[0021 ] Each louvre 103 may define a planar base 1 1 1 and substantially orthogonal sidewalls 1 12. The sidewalls 102 may define the louvre pivot points 1 10. The louvre pivot points 1 10 may be orthogonally spaced from the planar base 1 1 1 .

[0022] The sidewalls 102 and position of the louvre pivot points 1 10 may be configured such that, in the closed position, the planar base 1 1 1 lies flush against the edges 104 of the sheets 102. As shown in Figure 1 , the edges 104 may comprise a seal 1 13 running therealong against which an undersurface of the planar base 1 1 1 presses in a watertight manner.

[0023] As further shown in Figure 1 , at least one sidewall 1 12 may comprise a drainage aperture 1 14 therethrough such that water collecting atop the louvre 103 can drain laterally onto the sheets 102 thereunderneath. As is shown in Figure 2, the sheets 102 are preferably arranged such that the inner edges 104 of the sheets 102 terminate in ridges 107 to thereby channel rainwater running from the louvres 103 down the sheets 102 and prevent the rainwater from running between the sheets 102. [0024] Each louvre 103 may comprise a first longitudinal edge 1 15 and a second longitudinal edge 1 16. In the closed position shown in Figure 2, the first longitudinal edge 1 15 overlaps the second longitudinal edge 1 16 of the adjacent louvre 103.

[0025] Preferably, the edges 1 15, 1 16 are raised inverted channels such that the first longitudinal edge 1 15 closes over the second longitudinal edge 1 16 thereunderneath in a watertight manner. [0026] The system 100 may comprise a control rod 1 17 connecting between the louvres 103 at respective control rod pivot points 1 18.

[0027] In the closed position, the control rod pivot point 1 18 is preferably higher than the louvre pivot point 1 10 so as to not interfere with an upper edge of the respective rail 101. As is best shown in Figure 1 , the side wall 1 12 may comprise a raised tab 1 19 defining the control rod pivot point 1 18.

[0028] The control rod 1 17 may be driven by electric motor and suitable gearing. The motor may be controlled by a user operable remote control. In embodiments, the system 100 comprises a rain sensor which automatically closes the louvres 103 when detecting rain.

[0029] The system 100 may be provided in 1200 cm long sections, each comprising six louvres 103. These sections may be joined in series to form indefinite lengths.

[0030] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

[0031 ] The term “approximately” or similar as used herein should be construed as being within 10% of the value stated unless otherwise indicated.