The present invention relates to a roof mounting device. According to a first aspect, the roof mounting device includes a flashing configured to be inte- grated into a roof of a building. The flashing inter alia comprise two interconnect able parts; a base member having a protrusion configured to extend through a roof covering material and a top cover configured to receive the protrusion. The flashing also may comprise a sheet of roof covering material interposed in-between the base member and the top cover. The sheet of roof covering may constitute a sheet of bituminous roof covering.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of mounting a roof mounting device.

Background

In particular, the present invention relates to roof mounting devices of the type configured for retaining various structures, such as solar panels and the like, on or on top of, a building or a structure having a roof provided with a roofing membrane.

Solar panels have become increasingly popular due to, among others; focus on reduction of CO ₂ emission and reduction in production and acquisition costs.

Solar panels, both photovoltaic and solar thermal, are often provided as integrated parts of new buildings. The panels are also provided as retrofits on existing buildings. During retrofits, the panels typically are installed on top of existing roofing decks or roof coverings. Installation of solar panels and other equipment requires a strong foundation on which the equipment can be safely mounted. Such foundations are often obtained by placing or installing new structures, or roof mounting devices, on top of existing roofs. The structures may not corrupt the water tight nature of the roofs and the structures has to be durable, easy to construct and facilitate easy installation.

Relatively light equipment require, due to wind forces, a firm and pull resis- tant connection to the roof supporting the structure. The connections have to be able to withstand not only gravity-forces resulting from the weight of the structure, but also upwards and sideways forces induced on the equipment, typically by the wind. Today, such connections are obtained e.g. by securing a mounting device inter alia comprising a base plate, a sheet of a bituminous roof covering such as a bituminous roofing membrane, and means for receiving the object to be fastened, onto the roof. Typically, the means for receiving the object to be fastened onto the roof protrudes through the sheet of bituminous roof covering or roofing membrane, such that, upon the base being secured to the roof and the sheet of bituminous roof covering being unified with the underlying roof membrane, the base is embedded in the roofs covering material.

In order to obtain roof mounting devices capable of resisting the upwards and sideways forces induced on the structure, one of today's practices is to design the mounting devices including base plate and supporting structures with material thicknesses allowing for sufficient strength such that the com- ponents of the device will not deform or fail under load. The downside of in- creasing material thickness is increased weight as well as increased costs of manufacture and transport etc.

DE 10 2008 012 717 A discloses a roof mounting device comprising a base plate, arranged at a lower end of a support unit, and a fixing geometry part e.g. flange disk, arranged at an upper end of the unit. The unit has upper and lower support segments adjusted relative to each other. The plate is arranged at the lower segment, and the geometry part is arranged at the upper segment. A flange is arranged at an outer circumference of the upper seg- ment. The segments are designed as a threaded sleeve and a threaded spindle. A polyamide disk is arranged between the geometry part and the flange.

Brief description of the invention

The present invention seeks to set forth an improved roof mounting device having increased strength properties over today ^' s roof mounting devices.

Further, the present invention seeks to set forth an improved roof mounting device configured for quick and easy installation.

Even further, the present invention seeks to set forth a roof mounting device configured mitigate damages to roof coverings as a result of deflection of a part of the roof.

Finally, the present invention seeks to set forth a method of installing structures on top of roofs.

This is achieved by a roof mounting device in accordance with the preamble of the present specification wherein the roof mounting device further include a sleeve configured for connecting with an interior of the protrusion of the base member and a threaded rod configured for connecting with the sleeve.

Hereby an improved roof mounting device that resolves the abovementioned drawbacks are provided.

The connecting rod may comprise means for connecting with an underlying structure a roof. The protrusion arranged in said base member may be arranged as an inverted and/or cup shaped protrusion. Further the protrusion may be arranged or oriented such that the protrusion, when the roof mounting device is installed on a roof, extends away from the roof. The protrusion may be provided in the base member by means of deep drawing or equivalent.

According to one embodiment, the flashing may further include a sheet of roof covering material interposed in-between a portion of the base member and a portion the top cover or cap. The base member and/or the top cover may be provided with protrusions or equivalent configured for obtaining watertight connection between the flashing, i.e. the base member on one side and the top cover or cap on the other side, and the roof covering material. According to one embodiment, the sleeve may further include engagement means configured for coupling the flashing with the sleeve.

According to one embodiment, the engagement means may constitute threads configured for engaging with an interior of the protrusion. According to one embodiment, the engagement means may constitute a snap locking ring such as a Seeger ring or equivalent configured for engaging with an interior of the protrusion. According to one embodiment, the sleeve may define an interior cavity and the sleeve may, in one end, be partially closed and comprise a passage for the threaded rod.

According to one embodiment, the partially closed end may be configured for receiving in a threaded union or a nut.

According to one embodiment, the flashing and the sleeve may be connected to the threaded rod in a way allowing the sleeve and the flashing to be displaced downwardly together, along with the threaded rod, towards a sub ad- jacent structural roofing member when the roof mounting device is installed on a roof.

According to one embodiment, the threaded rod may be configured for receiving, in a threaded connection, a threaded union or a nut configured for anchoring the sleeve from inside an upwards open cavity of the sleeve. This allows for downwards displacement of the sleeve along a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod when the roof mounting device is installed on a roof.

According to one embodiment, the sleeve may comprise an inner surface or area configured to receive said a nut in a connection configured for conveying rotational motion of the sleeve to the nut whereby the nut and the sleeve may move along threads provided on the threaded rod.

According to one embodiment, the sleeve may include an inner surface con- figured for accommodating said nut and the inner surface may be configured for preventing the sleeve from moving away from a sub adjacent structural roofing member.

According to one embodiment, the sleeve may have a hexagonal internal cross section. The dimensions of internal cross section may be chosen as to fit loosely with a standardized nut.

According to one embodiment, the sleeve may comprise grooves, faces or holes suitable for engagement with a tool configured for rotating the sleeve.

According to one embodiment, the flashing may be configured for transmittal of loads through the flashing, via the sleeve, and onto the threaded rod whereby loads are conveyed onto a sub adjacent roofing structure.

According to one embodiment, the top cover may comprise means for receiving equipment such as a solar collector.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a method of mounting a roof mounting device, wherein the roof mounting device is to be anchored to a sub adjacent structural roofing element is provided. The method includes the steps of:

1 ) fixating a threaded rod into or onto a sub adjacent structural roofing member;

2) placing a sleeve onto, or around, the threaded rod;

3) adjusting the position of the sleeve with respect to the threaded rod by turning the sleeve;

4) connecting a flashing, which may or may not include a base member, to the sleeve; According to one embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include the steps of, in-between the steps 2) and 3):

• placing a threaded union or nut in threaded connection with threaded rod;

· placing the sleeve around the union or nut by lifting the sleeve;

According to one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further may include the steps of:

• placing a sheet of roof covering material onto the flashing such that a protrusion of the base member protrudes through the roof covering material;

• installing a top cover onto the protrusion.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the method may comprise the steps of: fixating an elongated support into or onto a sub adjacent structural roofing member; mounting a sleeve onto said elongated support; adjusting the position of said sleeve, by turning or manipulating the sleeve along an axis defined by the support or threaded rod; connecting a base member and a coupling portion to said sleeve by corre- sponding locking means; placing a roof covering membrane around a protrusion of said base member; mounting a top cover.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: mounting a nut onto said elongated support after the mounting of said sleeve; adjusting the position of said nut, by turning or manipulating said sleeve along an axis defined by the extent of said elongated support.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a roof mounting device comprising a flashing configured to be fastened onto a roofing structure is provided. The roof mounting device further comprise an elongated support member configured for rigid fixation into or onto a sub adjacent structural roofing member, wherein the support member further is configured for transmittal of loads through the flashing such that the flashing does not act as a structural load bearing member. Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded perspective and sectional view of a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective and sectional view of a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a cut away sectional view of a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view through a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view through a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view through a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a sectional perspective view through a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view through a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 illustrates an exploded perspective and sectional view of a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a sectional view of a flashing in perspective.

Figure 1 1 illustrates a sectional view of a flashing.

Figure 12 illustrates an exploded perspective and sectional view of a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a perspective and sectional view of a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 illustrates a sectional view through a part of a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 illustrates two views of a perspective and sectional view through a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 illustrates two views of a perspective and sectional view through a roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description with reference to the figures

With reference to the drawings, the invention will in the below be described in detail.

A roof mounting device according to an embodiment of the invention may include three main components; a flashing 4, or base structure, and a sleeve 12, as illustrated in the exploded view according to figure 1 , and means con- figured for connecting the sleeve 12 to an underlying roofing structure. Such means may constitute a threaded rod 10 or equivalent.

The threaded rod 10 may in one end be provided with threads configured for engaging with threads 12' provided on the sleeve 12 or threads provided on a nut 1 1 or a threaded union. The threaded rod 10 may further, opposite the said mentioned threads, be provided with means 10' configured for connection with an underlying roofing structure. The means 10' may or may not be integrated with the threaded rod 10, see figures 15 and 16 which disclose embodiments of the roof mounting device in its entirety.

The base member is illustrated singly in figures 10 and 1 1 .

The flashing 4 according to the embodiment as sown in figure 1 includes a base member 5 having a protrusion 6, which may be circular, and a vaguely visible coupling portion 7 configured to be rigidly connected, e.g. by welding, riveting or gluing, to the base member 5, welding zones are indicated by 7'.

A roofing membrane 20 may be disposed between a top cover 9, or cap, and the base member 5, when the flashing 4 is assembled. The roofing membrane 20 may, in order to facilitate waterproof integration, be unified with a roofing membrane of a not shown surrounding roof of a building and the like.

The roofing membrane 20 may constitute a bituminous roofing membrane.

The sleeve 12 may be provided as an open ended and hollow component defining a passageway for an elongated threaded rod 10. The sleeve 12 may be provided with threads 12' configured for engagement with corresponding threads provided on the threaded rod 10. During installation of the roof mounting device according to the embodiment as shown in figure 1 , the threaded rod 10 is, as a first step, rigidly fixated onto or into an underlying roofing structure and the sleeve 12 is, by means of threads 12', the screwed down on the threaded rod 10 until the sleeve 12 reaches a suitable height with respect to the not shown surrounding roof.

The base part 5 is then applied onto the sleeve 12 by leading an upper portion of the sleeve 12 into a protrusion 6 provided on the base part 5. The configuration according to the embodiment as shown in figure 1 will maintain the flashing 4, and thereby also any attached roof covering and attached equipment etc. fixed with respect to the underlying roofing structure.

The embodiment according to figure 1 is suitable for installation on stable roofs, such as concrete roofs, which cannot substantially move or give in e.g. as a result of temperature changes or mechanically induced loads.

Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is particular advantageous if the site of application constitute a flexible rooftop e.g. of the type where roof covering material is applied onto insulation material whereby the roof or roof covering will give in or deflect in case a craftsman is walking on the roof or the roof is burdened by snow etc.

The embodiment according to figure 2 differs from the embodiment according to figure 1 in that the sleeve 12 is not provided with threads for engagement with the threaded rod 10 and in that the sleeve 12 will allow the threaded rod 10 to move inside the sleeve 12 along a horizontal axis of the threaded rod 10. As can be seen in figure 2, the sleeve 12 accommodates a nut 1 1 which rests on a shoulder 12" arranged at the end of the sleeve 12. The shoulder 12" prevents the nut 1 1 from moving past or over the end of the sleeve 12. The interior dimensions of the sleeve 12, and the outer dimensions of the nut 1 1 is chosen as to allow the nut 1 1 to move inside the sleeve 12 along a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod 10 whereby the sleeve 12 incl. flashing and any attached equipment is allowed to follow the roof covering material down- wards in case a flexible underlying roof for some reason give in. If the sleeve was configured not to slide downwards along the threaded rod, the surrounding roof covering material potentially would suffer damage as the roof covering material is maintained in a static position with respect to the threaded rod 10 and the underlying roof support.

Figure 3 is a partial and sectional view through a part of the roof mounting according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the parts, i.e. the flashing 4 and the sleeve 12, may be coupled together by locking means 13.

The locking means 13 may, in one embodiment, constitute a Seeger ring or equivalent configured for engagement, or internal engagement, with a groove arranged or provided on an outside surface of the sleeve 12. The Seeger ring 13 or equivalent may further be configured to, on an outside surface of the ring or equivalent, correspond or connect with a space or area inter alia defined by the protrusion 6 of the base member 5 and the coupling portion 7 defining an internal step 7" or change of diameter within the protrusion 6. The step 7" may be annular.

The dimensions of the components are be chosen such that upon pressing the sleeve 12 into the hollow defined the protrusion 6 of the base member 5, the Seeger ring 3 or equivalent may engage with the space above the coupling portion 7, and thereby coupling the sleeve 12 and the flashing 4 to- gether. As can be seen in the figures, the flashing 7 may include a base member 5 and a coupling portion 7. The two parts may be fixed together by means of welding, gluing, pressure processes or equivalent. Welding zones is indicated by numeral 7' in figure 1 .

As can be seen in figures 6 - 9 and figures 12 - 16, the flashing 4 may as an alternative be coupled to the sleeve 12 by means of threads 70 provided on an upper an outer surface of the sleeve 12. The threads 70 may or may not be provided as conical threads.

In embodiments wherein the sleeve 12 is connected to the flashing 4 by via threads, the connecting plate 7 may be embodied as a thread engaging member having an upper edge 7" configured for engagement with the threads 70.

The roof covering membrane 20 may, prior to onsite installation, be integrated in the flashing, between the base member 5 and the top cover 9 or cap, whereby a pre-assembled unit configured to couple to the sleeve 12 is obtained.

As can be seen in the figures, an essentially vertical threaded rod 10 may be rigidly fastened to a sub adjacent structural roofing member, such as a trapeze roof structure, concrete or wooden deck 30. The threaded rod 10 may be embedded in the concrete deck so that the threaded end of the rod project upwards from the top surface of the concrete deck 30. Insulation 40, such as rigid insulation, may be laid on the roof in a well-known manner in order to obtain a stable underlay or foundation for the flashing 4. A hole or passage may be provided in the insulation 40 in order to accommodate the threaded rod 10, the sleeve 12 and a nut 1 1 , as seen in figure 5a. The rigid insulation 40 may, after installation of the rod 10 and the sleeve 12, be covered with one or more layers of roof covering material such as bituminous roof covering material 60, or similar layers of protective facing material. If the roof mounting device is not provided as a pre-assembled unit, a sheet of roof covering material 20 is the arranged around the circular protrusion 6 of the base member 5, and finally the top cover 9, or cap, is mounted and fastened by a suitable fastening technique. As shown in figures 6, 7, 9, 12, 13 and 14, the top cover 9, or cap, may comprise connecting means 9', such as a coupling element, bracket or equivalent, for receiving a structure such as a solar panel or other equipment to be mounted above a not shown sub adjacent structural roofing member. Typically and as already briefly discussed above, roof covering materials and structures tend to give in to loads such as when a craftsman is walking on the roof. This may be further increased when a relatively thick layer of insulation is applied underneath the roof mounting device. Under certain embodiments, the configuration of the sleeve 12 serve to mitigate damage to the waterproof joints encircling the roof mounting device, as the sleeve 12 is able to slide down along an axis defined by the extent of treaded rod 1 1 , and still acts as an anchoring e.g. for a solar panel.

The sleeve 12 may be cup shaped may, in certain embodiments, have a hexagonal inner cross section configured for receiving a nut 1 1 in a loose connection such that the nut relatively effortless may slide within the cup shaped interior of the sleeve 12. This configuration is particular advantageous as the sleeve may be displaced along a longitudinal axis downward towards the sub adjacent structural roofing member. As already mentioned, this configuration allows the surrounding roofing structure to move without compromising the integrity of the surrounding roofing structure and its watertight connection with the roof mounting device.

As can be seen in the figures, the sleeve 12 may be provided with apertures or through holes oriented essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve 12. The holes 17 are configured for receiving an elongated object or tool facilitating turning of the sleeve in order to displace the sleeve along its threaded connection with the rod 10. The outer surface of the sleeve 12 may also, possible in combination with the holes 17 or not, be provided with planar surfaces 16 suitable for engagement with a tool. The planar surfaces may be configured for engagement with tool facilitating turning of the sleeve in order to displace the sleeve along its threaded connection with the rod 10.

The threaded connection between the rod 10 and the nut 1 1 allow displacement of the sleeve 12 by rotating the sleeve. The connection is such that the sleeve may be rotated after coupling with the flashing 4 in order to adjust or alter the position of the flashing with respect to the underlying roofing struc- ture.

As can be seen in e.g. in figures 12 - 16, the nut 1 1 as shown in some of the preceding figures, may constitute a threaded union 1 1 ' which may or may not be configured to rest within the sleeve 12 on a washer 1 1 ".

The nut 1 1 or threaded union 1 1 ' may be configured for engagement with a not shown tool through the upwards opening in the sleeve 12. This allows for easy setting of the desired height of the sleeve 12 with respect to the surrounding roof. The nut 1 1 and/or the threaded union 1 1 ', or threaded bush, consequently may be furnished with means configured for receiving the tool. The threaded union 1 1 ' may, as shown e.g. in figure 15, be configured to extend partially through the hole or through hole in the sleeve 12, and in such configurations, the union 1 1 ' may be provided with tappet or equivalent configured for preventing the union 1 1 ' from leaving the interior of the sleeve 12.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented as examples above. The invention is however intended to be applied widely and inter alia within the scope of the invention idea as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the expression "coupled" implies that the elements may be directly connected together or may be coupled through one or more intervening elements. The application and combination of features and solutions presented by the present invention are not limited to the presented embodiments. One or more features of one embodiment can and may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, whereby not described but valid, embodiments of the present invention may be obtained.

The terms "including/comprises/comprising/comprised of" when used in this specification incl. claims is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.