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Title:
REINFORCED TRANSPARENT ROOFING ELEMENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/105038
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Generally, a roofing element is disclosed. The roofing element may include: a substantially flat rectangular frame having: a first pair of frame elements and a second pair of frame elements, wherein the frame elements of the first pair are substantially perpendicular to the frame elements of the second pair, and an inner frame opening surrounded by the frame elements of the first pair and the frame elements of the second pair; and at least one frame support positioned within the inner frame opening and affixable to the frame between the frame elements of one of the first pair or the second pair, wherein gaps between adjacent frame supports of the at least one frame support and gaps between the at least one frame support and the frame elements of one of the first pair or the second pair are no more than a predetermined distance value.

Inventors:
HEMSI JONATHAN (IL)
FURMAN TAL (IL)
Application Number:
PCT/IL2019/051256
Publication Date:
May 28, 2020
Filing Date:
November 18, 2019
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
PALRAM IND 1990 LTD (IL)
International Classes:
E04D3/06; E04D3/08; E04D3/36
Foreign References:
GB2306187A1997-04-30
EP0633370B11995-10-11
US6389770B12002-05-21
US8356454B22013-01-22
JP2007040091A2007-02-15
FR2920810A12009-03-13
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BARKAI, Yosi et al. (IL)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A roofing element comprising:

a substantially flat rectangular frame having:

a first pair of frame elements and a second pair of frame elements, wherein the frame elements of the first pair are substantially perpendicular to the frame elements of the second pair, and

an inner frame opening surrounded by the frame elements of the first pair and the frame elements of the second pair; and

at least one frame support positioned within the inner frame opening and affixable to the frame between the frame elements of one of the first pair or the second pair, wherein gaps between adjacent frame supports of the at least one frame support and gaps between the at least one frame support and the frame elements of one of the first pair or the second pair are no more than a predetermined distance value.

2. The roofing element of claim 1, further comprising at least one sheet that is at least partly light-transparent, the at least one sheet is affixable to corresponding at least one flat side of the frame and arranged to cover the inner frame opening.

3. The roofing element of claim 2, wherein at least one of the frame elements of the first pair and the frame elements of the second pair comprises:

a flat rectangular face that forms the respective frame element; and

at least one sheet channel formed by two protrusions perpendicularly protruding from the face at a predetermined distance with respect to each other and along at least a portion of the respective frame element,

wherein the at least one sheet channel of the respective frame element is arranged to receive and support a respective portion of a perimeter of the corresponding at least one sheet.

4. The roofing element of claim 3, wherein at least one of the frame elements of the first pair and the frame elements of the second pair comprises: a first sheet channel of the at least one sheet channel and a second sheet channel of the at least one sheet channel,

wherein the first sheet channel and the second sheet channel are positioned at opposite sides of the face of the respective frame element with respect to each other.

5. The roofing element of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first sheet channel or the second sheet channel of at least one of the frame elements of the first pair and the second pair is at a predetermined offset with respect to the face of the respective frame element.

6. The roofing element of any one of claims 2-5, wherein at least two of the frame elements of the first pair are connected to the frame elements of the second pair at respective ends of the frame elements thereof using L-shape brackets.

7. The roofing element of claim 6, wherein the at least two of the frame elements of the first pair and the second pair further comprise:

a bracket channel arranged to receive a respective part of the respective L-shape bracket,

wherein the bracket channel is formed by two L-shape protrusions perpendicularly protruding from the face and along at least a portion of the respective frame element, and

wherein the L-shape protrusions of the respective frame element are parallel and positioned at a predetermined distance with respect to each other.

Description:
REINFORCED TRANSPARENT ROOFING ELEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of roofing elements, and more particularly, to the field of transparent roofing elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typically, light-transparent (or at least partly light -transparent) roofing elements consist of a flat frame with an inner opening and one or two light -transparent sheets or glass plates that cover the inner opening of the frame at corresponding one or two flat sides of the frame. The frame is typically designed to provide the roofing element with a desired strength and to support the light-transparent sheets or glass plates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One aspect of the present invention provides a roofing element, the roofing element may include: a substantially flat rectangular frame having: a first pair of frame elements and a second pair of frame elements, wherein the frame elements of the first pair are substantially perpendicular to the frame elements of the second pair, and an inner frame opening surrounded by the frame elements of the first pair and the frame elements of the second pair; and at least one frame support positioned within the inner frame opening and affixable to the frame between the frame elements of one of the first pair or the second pair, wherein gaps between adjacent frame supports of the at least one frame support and gaps between the at least one frame support and the frame elements of one of the first pair or the second pair are no more than a predetermined distance value.

[0004] In some embodiments, the roofing element further includes at least one sheet that is at least partly light-transparent, the at least one sheet is affixable to corresponding at least one flat side of the frame and arranged to cover the inner frame opening. [0005] In some embodiments, at least one of the frame elements of the first pair and the frame elements of the second pair includes: a flat rectangular face that forms the respective frame element; and at least one sheet channel formed by two protrusions perpendicularly protruding from the face at a predetermined distance with respect to each other and along at least a portion of the respective frame element, wherein the at least one sheet channel of the respective frame element is arranged to receive and support a respective portion of a perimeter of the corresponding at least one sheet.

[0006] In some embodiments, at least one of the frame elements of the first pair and the frame elements of the second pair includes: a first sheet channel of the at least one sheet channel and a second sheet channel of the at least one sheet channel, wherein the first sheet channel and the second sheet channel are positioned at opposite sides of the face of the respective frame element with respect to each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least one of the first sheet channel or the second sheet channel of at least one of the frame elements of the first pair and the second pair is at a predetermined offset with respect to the face of the respective frame element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the frame elements of the first pair are connected to the frame elements of the second pair at respective ends of the frame elements thereof using L-shape brackets.

[0009] In some embodiments, the at least two of the frame elements of the first pair and the second pair further include: a bracket channel arranged to receive a respective part of the respective L-shape bracket, wherein the bracket channel is formed by two L-shape protrusions perpendicularly protruding from the face and along at least a portion of the respective frame element, and wherein the L-shape protrusions of the respective frame element are parallel and positioned at a predetermined distance with respect to each other.

[0010] These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same can be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0012] In the accompanying drawings:

[0013] Figures 1A, IB, 1C, ID and IE show schematic illustrations of a roofing element, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0014] Figure 2A shows a schematic illustration of a more detailed aspect of a roofing element and a traverse cross-section of frame elements of a frame of the roofing element, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0015] Figure 2B shows schematic illustrations of different views of a L- shape bracket of a roofing element, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0016] Figure 2C shows a schematic illustration of a traverse cross-section of a frame support of a roofing element, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0017] Figure 2D shows a schematic illustration of different configuration of frame elements of a frame of a roofing element, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0018] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E and 3G show schematic illustrations of exemplary stages of assembly of a roofing element, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0019] It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0020] In the following description, various aspects of the present invention are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well known features can have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention. With specific reference to the drawings, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention can be embodied in practice.

[0021] Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments that can be practiced or carried out in various ways as well as to combinations of the disclosed embodiments. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0022] Generally, a roofing element is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the roofing element may include a substantially flat rectangular frame having a first pair of frame elements and a second pair of frame elements. The frame elements of the first pair may be substantially perpendicular to the frame elements of the second pair. The frame may further include an inner frame opening surrounded by the frame elements of the first pair and the frame elements of the second pair.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the roofing element may include at least one frame support positioned within the inner frame opening and affixable to the frame between the frame elements of one of the first pair or the second pair. [0024] According to some embodiments, the roofing element may include one or two sheets (e.g., made from at least partly light-transparent material) that may be affixable to one or two flat sides of the frame and arranged to cover (or substantially cover) the inner frame opening.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the number and/or the positioning of the frame support(s) may be determined to reinforce/strengthen the roofing element, as compared to typical prior art roofing element without the frame support(s), to provide the roofing element with a desired strength value. The desired strength value may be determined to withstand a human (e.g., a technician, a cleaner, etc.) while standing/working on an external surface of roofing element.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the number and/or the positioning of the frame support(s) may be further determined to ensure that the human standing/working on the external surface of the roofing element will not fall through gaps between adjacent frame supports and gaps between the frame supports and the frame elements, once, for example, one of the sheet(s) fails/breaks.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the roofing element may be at least partly modular, in which at least some of the frame elements, the frame support(s) and/or sheet(s) are designed as separate units that may be assembled to provide the roofing element.

[0028] Reference is now made to Figures 1A, IB, 1C, ID and IE, which show schematic illustrations of a roofing element 100, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0029] Figures 1A and ID show partly exploded views of roofing element 100. Figures IB, 1C and IE show assembled views of roofing element 100.

[0030] According to some embodiments, roofing element 100 may include a frame 110. Frame 110 may be a flat rectangular (or substantially flat rectangular) frame. Frame 110 may, for example, include a first pair 112 of parallel (or substantially parallel) frame elements 112a, 112b and a second pair 116 of parallel (or substantially parallel) frame elements 116a, 116b. Frame elements 112a, 112b of first pair 112 may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to frame elements 116a, 116b of second pair 116 (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A, IB and 1C). [0031] Frame 110 may include an inner frame opening 118 (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A, IB and 1C). Inner frame opening 118 may be surrounded by frame elements 112a, 112b of first pair 112 and frame elements 116a, 116b of second pair 116.

[0032] According to some embodiments, roofing element 100 may include at least one frame support 120. For example, Figures 1A-1E show roofing element 100 that includes two frame supports 120 (e.g., a first frame support 120a and a second frame support 120b, as indicated in Figures 1A, IB and 1C).

[0033] Frame support(s) 120 may be affixable (or removably affixable) to frame 110. In some embodiments, frame support(s) 120 may positioned within inner frame opening 118 of frame 110 and may be affixable (or removable affixable) to frame 110 between the frame elements of one of first pair 112 or second pair 116 of frame elements.

[0034] In some embodiments, frame support(s) 120 may be affixable to frame 110 along a longitudinal axis 110a of frame 110 (e.g., between frame elements 116a, 116b of second pair 116, as shown in Figure IB). In some embodiments, frame support(s) 120 may be affixable to frame 110 along a traverse axis 110b (that is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 110a) of frame 110 (e.g., between frame elements 112a, 112b of first pair 112, as shown in Figure 1C). In various embodiments, frame support(s) 120 may be parallel (or substantially parallel) to frame elements 112a, 112b of first pair 112 (e.g., as shown in Figure IB) or to frame elements 116a, 116b of second pair 116 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1C) when affixed therein.

[0035] According to some embodiments, roofing element 100 may include one or two sheets 130 that may be affixable (or removably affixable) to one or two flat sides 110c, l lOd of frame 110 and arranged to cover (or substantially cover) inner opening 118 of frame 110. For example, Figures ID and IE show partly exploded view and fully assembled view, respectively, of roofing element 100 that includes a first sheet 132 and a second sheet 134 attachable to opposite flat sides 110c, 1 lOd of frame 100 with respect to each other. In some embodiments, sheet(s) 130 may be made from at least partly light- transparent material.

[0036] In various embodiments, at least some of frame elements 112a, 112b of first pair 112, frame elements 116a, 116b of second pair 116, frame support(s) 120 and/or sheet(s) 130 may be designed as separate elements that may be assembled to provide roofing element 100 (e.g., as described below with respect to Figure 2A and Figures 3A-3G).

[0037] According to some embodiments, frame support(s) 120 may be affixed/affixable to the frame elements of first pair 112 or second pair 116 at, for example, specified locations 122 along the respective frame elements. It is noted that specified locations 122 are indicated by symbol in Figures 1A, IB and 1C.

[0038] In various embodiments, specified locations 122 and/or the number of frame supports 120 may be determined to reinforce/strengthen roofing element 100 (e.g., as compared to typical prior art roofing element without frame support(s) 120) to thereby provide roofing element 100 with a desired strength.

[0039] The desired strength of roofing element 100 may be determined to be high enough to support and withstand a human (e.g., a technician, a cleaner, etc.) with an appropriate equipment, while, for example, standing/working on an external surface of roofing element 100. For example, roofing element 100 may withstand a minimum point load of 1.5 kN acting on a surface of 300x300 mm.

[0040] In various embodiments, specified locations 122 and/or the number of frame supports 120 may be determined to ensure that gap(s) 118a between adjacent frame support(s) 120 and/or gap(s) 118b between frame support(s) 120 and frame elements 112a, 112b (e.g., as shown in Figure 1C) or 116a, 116b (e.g., as shown in Figure IB) are no more than a predetermined distance value.

[0041] The distance value thereof (e.g., for gaps 118a, 118b) may be determined to, for example, ensure that the human (e.g., a technician, a cleaner, etc.) standing/working on the external surface of roofing element 100 will not fall through gaps 118a, 118b, once, for example, one of sheet(s) 130 fails/breaks. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance value may be no more than 300 mm.

[0042] Reference is now made to Figure 2A, which shows a schematic illustration of a more detailed aspect of a roofing element 200 and a traverse cross-section of frame elements of a frame 210 of roofing element 200, according to some embodiments of the invention. Reference is also made to Figure 2B, which shows schematic illustrations of different views of a L- shape bracket 213 of roofing element 200, according to some embodiments of the invention. Reference is also made to Figure 2C, which shows a schematic illustration of a traverse cross-section of a frame support 220 of roofing element 200, according to some embodiments of the invention. Reference is also made to Figure 2D, which shows a schematic illustration of different configuration of the frame elements of frame 210 of roofing element 200, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0043] According to some embodiments, roofing element 200 may include a frame 210. In some embodiments, frame 210 may be similar to frame 110 described above with respect to Figures 1A-1C.

[0044] Frame 210 may have a flat rectangular (or substantially flat rectangular) shape. Frame 210 may include a first pair 211 including a first frame element 211a and a second frame element 211b. Frame 210 may include a second pair 212 including a third frame element 212a and a fourth frame element 212b (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A).

[0045] In some embodiments, first and second frame elements 21 la, 21 lb of first pair 211 may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to third and fourth frame elements 212a, 212b of second pair 212. In some embodiments, first and second frame elements 21 la, 21 lb of first pair 211 may be parallel (or substantially parallel) with respect to each other. In some embodiments, third and fourth frame elements 221a, 221b of second pair 212 may be parallel (or substantially parallel) with respect to each other.

[0046] Frame 210 may include an inner frame opening 219 that is surrounded by first, second, third and fourth frame elements 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b, respectively (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A).

[0047] In some embodiments, at least one of first frame element 211a, second frame element 211b, third frame element 212a and fourth frame element 212b may include a flat rectangular (or substantially flat rectangular) face 214-1 that forms the respective frame support (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A).

[0048] According to some embodiments, roofing element 200 may include at least one frame support 220. In some embodiments, frame support(s) 220 may be similar to frame support(s) 120 described above with respect to Figures 1A, IB and 1C. [0049] Frame support(s) 220 may be positioned within inner frame opening 219 and may be affixable (or removably affixable) to frame 210 between the frame elements of one of first pair 211 or second pair 212. For example, Figure 2A shows roofing element 200 that includes three frame supports 220 that are affixable between third and fourth frame elements 212a, 212b of second pair 212 and are parallel (or substantially parallel) to first and second frame elements 211a, 211b of first pair 211.

[0050] In some embodiments, frame support(s) 220 may be affixable to one of first pair

211 or second pair 212 of frame elements at specified locations 222 (e.g., indicated by dashed circles in Figure 2 A) such that gaps 219a between adjacent frame elements 220 and gaps 219b between frame elements 220 and frame elements of first pair 211 or second pair

212 of frame elements are no more than the predetermined distance value (e.g., as described above with respect to Figures 1A, IB and 1C).

[0051] According to some embodiments, roofing element 200 may include one or two sheets 230 (e.g., made from at least partly light-transparent material) that may be affixable (or removably affixable) to one or two flat sides of frame 210 and arranged to cover (or substantially cover) inner frame opening 219. For example, Figure 2A shows roofing element 100 that includes a first sheet 232 and a second sheet 234 attachable to opposite flat sides of frame 210 with respect to each other. In some embodiments, sheet(s) 230 may be similar to sheets 130 described above with respect to Figures ID and IE.

[0052] According to some embodiments, roofing element 200 may be at least partly modular. In various embodiments, at least some of first frame element 211a, second frame element 211b, third frame element 212a, fourth frame element 212b, frame support(s) 220 and/or sheet(s) 230 may be designed as separate elements. In these embodiments, the separate elements thereof may be assembled to provide roofing element 200 (e.g., as described below with respect to Figures 3A-3G).

[0053] According to some embodiments, first frame element 211a may be connected, at a first end 21 la-1 of first frame element 211a, to a first end 212a-l of third frame element 212a and second frame element 211b may be connected, at a first end 21 lb-1 of second frame element 211b, to a second end 212a-2 of third frame element 212a (e.g., as shown in Figure 2 A). In these embodiments, first element 211a may be connected, at a second end 21 la-2 of first frame element 21 la, to a first end 212b- 1 of fourth frame element 212b and second frame element 211b may be connected, at a second end 21 lb-2 of second frame element 211b, to a second end 212b-2 of fourth frame element 212b (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A).

[0054] At least some of the respective frame elements (e.g., frame elements 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b) may be connected using, for example, L-shape brackets 213 (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A). In these embodiments, at least two of first frame element 211a, second frame element 211b, third frame element 212a and fourth frame element 212b may include a bracket channel 214 on an inner side of face 214-1 of the respective frame element. Bracket channel 214 may be arranged to receive a respective portion of respective L-shape bracket 213 (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A).

[0055] In some embodiments, bracket channel 214 of the at least two of frame elements 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b may be formed by L-shape protrusions 214a, 214b that may perpendicularly protrude from face 214-1 of the respective frame element along at least a portion of the respective frame element (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A). L-shape protrusions 214a, 214b may be parallel and positioned at a predetermined distance 214c with respect to each other. Distance 214c may be determined based on dimensions of L-shape brackets 213.

[0056] In some embodiments, L- shaped brackets 213 may be secured to respective frame elements (e.g., frame elements 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b) using, for example, bolts 213a (e.g., four bolts as shown in Figure 2A). Figure 2B shows, for example different views of L-shape brackets 213 including bo It -ports 213b.

[0057] It would be appreciated that Figure 2A shows only connection of first and third frame elements 211a, 212a using L-shaped bracket 213 for sake of clarity and that the connection between other frame elements may be similar.

[0058] According to some embodiments, frame support(s) 220 may also be secured to respective frame elements (e.g., frame elements 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b) at respective specified positions 222 using bolts 213a (e.g., four bolts as shown in Figure 2A). Figure 2C shows, for example, a cross-section of frame support 220 including bolt -ports 224. [0059] It would be appreciated that Figure 2A shows only connection of single frame support 220 to fourth frame elements 212b for sake of clarity and that the connection of other frame support(s) 220 to respective frame elements 212a, 212b may be similar.

[0060] According to various embodiments, at least one of first frame element 211a, second frame element 211b, third frame element 212a and fourth frame element 212b may include at least one of a first sheet channel 215 and/or a second sheet channel 216 (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A). First sheet channel 215 and second sheet channel 216 may be at opposite sides/edges of face 214-1 of the respective frame element such that bracket channel 214 is positioned therebetween (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A).

[0061] First sheet channel 215 and/or second sheet channel 216 may be arranged to receive and accommodate/support a respective portion of a perimeter of first sheet 232 and second sheet 234, respectively (e.g., as shown in Figure 2 A).

[0062] In some embodiments, first sheet channel 215 may be formed by a first protrusion 215a and a second protrusion 215b that may perpendicularly protrude from face 214-1 at a predetermined distance 215c with respect to each other and along at least a portion of the respective frame element. In these embodiments, second sheet channel 216 may be formed by a third protrusion 216a and a fourth protrusion 216b that may perpendicularly protrude from face 214-1 at a predetermined distance 216c with respect to each other and along at least a portion of the respective frame element.

[0063] It would be apparent to those skilled in the art, that in embodiments in which roofing element 200 includes a single sheet 230, frame elements 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b may include one of first sheet channel 215 or second sheet channel 216.

[0064] In some embodiments, frame elements 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b may have a miter of 45°.

[0065] In various embodiments, in at least one of first frame element 211a, second frame element 211b, third frame element 212a and/or fourth frame element 212b, first sheet channel 215 may be at a predetermined offset 215d with respect to face 214-1 of the respective frame element (e.g., as shown in Figure 2A). The shape and the value of offset 215d may be determined to provide stable support for two or more roofing elements 200 with respect to each other during, for example, installation of roofing elements 200 on, for example, a roof of a facility.

[0066] According to some embodiments, at least one of first frame element 211a, second frame element 211b, third frame element 212a and fourth frame element 212b may include a first frame element part 217 and a second frame element part 218 (e.g., as shown in Figure 2D). In some embodiments, only one of the frame elements thereof (e.g., fourth frame element 212b shown in Figure 2A) may include first frame element part 217 and second frame element part 218.

[0067] In these embodiments, first frame element part 217 may include a first face portion 214- la of face 214-1, bracket channel 214, first sheet channel 215 and first protrusion 216a perpendicularly protruding from first face portion 214- la. Yet in these embodiments, second frame element part 218 may include a second face portion 214-lb of face 214-1 and second protrusion 216b perpendicularly protruding from second face portion 214-lb.

[0068] Second frame element part 218 may be connected and secured (e.g., using bolts) to first frame element part 217 (e.g., by partly overlapping first and second face portions 214- la, 214-lb) to form second sheet channel 216 (e.g., as shown in Figure 2D).

[0069] Reference is now made to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E and 3G, which show schematic illustrations of exemplary stages of assembly of a roofing element 200, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0070] The following illustrations / description provides exemplary stages of assembly of roofing element 200. It would be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the assembly of roofing element 200 needs not necessary include each illustrated/described stage or be in exactly the same order as illustrated/described.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the assembly of roofing element 200 may include connecting first frame element 211a to third frame element 212a and connecting second frame element 211b to third frame element 212a, using L-shape brackets 213 and bolts 213a (e.g., as shown in Figure 3A and as described above with respect to Figure 2A).

[0072] According to some embodiments, the assembly of roofing element 200 may further include inserting first sheet 232 into first channels 215 of first, second and third frame elements 211a, 21 lb and 212a, respectively, such that respective portions of the perimeter of first sheet 232 are accommodated/supported within channels 215 of the respective frame elements (e.g., as shown in Figure 3B and as described above with respect to Figure 2A).

[0073] According to some embodiments, the assembly of roofing element 200 may further include affixing frame supports 220 to third frame element 212a at corresponding specified locations 222 and securing frame supports 220 to third frame element 212a using bolts 213a (e.g., as shown in Figure 3C and as described above with respect to Figure 2A).

[0074] According to some embodiments, the assembly of roofing element 200 may further include connecting first frame element part 217 of fourth frame element 212b using L- shape bracket 214 and securing the same using bolts 213a (e.g., as shown in Figure 3D and as described above with respect to Figures 2A and 2D).

[0075] According to some embodiments, the assembly of roofing element 200 may further include inserting second sheet 234 into second channels 216 of first, second and third frame elements 211a, 21 lb and 212a, respectively, such that respective portions of the perimeter of second sheet 234 are accommodated/supported within channels 216 of the respective frame elements (e.g., as shown in Figure 3E and as described above with respect to Figure 2A).

[0076] According to some embodiments, the assembly of roofing element 200 may further include connecting second frame element part 218 of fourth frame element 212b to first frame element part 217 using bolts 213a (e.g., as shown in Figure 3F and described above with respect to Figures 2A and Figure 2D).

[0077] According to some embodiments, roofing element 200 may include a third sheet 236 (e.g., as shown in Figure 3G). Third sheet 236 may be affixed to frame 210 of roofing element, for example, above second sheet 234. Third sheet 236 may be at least partly light- transparent. Third sheet 236 may be, for example, a corrugated polycarbonate panel that may allow matching an insulated metal panel. The shape of third sheet 236 may, for example, change according to the metal profile. First and second sheets 232, 234, respectively, may be, for example, flat multiwall polycarbonate sheets or solid polycarbonate sheets, that may also be changed according to a desired insulation level or a desired light transmission. [0078] Advantageously, the disclosed roofing element may be characterized by an increased strength (e.g., as compared to typical prior art roofing elements) due to one or more frame supports affixed between at least two of the frame elements. The number and/or the positioning of the frame supports may provide the roofing element with the desired strength determined to withstand a human (e.g., a technician, a cleaner, etc.) while standing/working on an external surface of the roofing element and/or to prevent falling of the human through the gaps between the adjacent frame supports and gaps between the frame supports and the frame elements.

[0079] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the invention. The various appearances of "one embodiment”, "an embodiment", "certain embodiments" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention can be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features can also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention can be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention can also be implemented in a single embodiment. Certain embodiments of the invention can include features from different embodiments disclosed above, and certain embodiments can incorporate elements from other embodiments disclosed above. The disclosure of elements of the invention in the context of a specific embodiment is not to be taken as limiting their use in the specific embodiment alone. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in certain embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

[0080] The invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.