Abstract: Roof load supports support e.g. skylights and/or smoke vents, optionally including two or more closures in end-to-end relationship, from ribs of a metal roof. Where skylights are end-to-end over an aperture, mating strips support the skylights between upper and lower ends of the support structure. Supports of the invention are mounted above the water line whereby the number of water leaks about the mounting structure is greatly reduced. Water leakage is further reduced by re-designing the upper diverter and the lower closure, and providing for a second installation step. Condensation is further reduced by lifting the insulation inside the building to cover the sides of the closure support structure and providing a no-fastener securement of the insulation at an upper location in the closure support structure, and by providing thermally insulating materials as barriers to penetrating portions of fasteners, penetrating from outside the climate controlled building envelope.

Abstract: This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which closes an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: The invention describes extruded member systems to which a photovoltaic device is secured to an architectural surface.

Abstract: A safety hatch and safety railing assembly in unitary form which incorporates the fabrication of a roof or deck scuttle with safety guard rails as required by the Occupation Safety Hazards Act (OSHA) around the roof or deck opening of a building. The safety hatch or safety hatch and safety railing assembly of the present invention preferably employs safety railing mounting bracket components that are welded to hatch flashing or to bracket hanger members and are designed to receive and provide for safe and efficient mounting of vertical posts and rails of a safety railing assembly around a roof or deck access opening. The safety hatch and safety railing assembly provides an improved base flashing that additionally functions to hold the roofing membrane to the scuttle curb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skylight frame design that is adapted to receive at least two panels of glass. The skylight frame comprises a stepped frame section that includes a lower step surface and an upper step surface. The lower step surface is adapted to receive a first glass panel so that a section of the first glass panel lies flush against the lower step surface. Similarly, the upper step surface is adapted to receive a second glass panel so that the second glass panel lies flush against the upper step surface. The skylight frame design of the invention is either incorporated into a skylight frame that may be attached to a curb unit on a roof or it may be an integral part of a skylight frame-curb assembly that also contains a curb section. In another embodiment of the invention, a skylight frame design which directly incorporates one or more panels of glass during molding is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for skylight tube have been disclosed. In one version spacing between diffusers is substantially between 0.5? to 0.75?.

Abstract: The window system has a substantially rectangular frame structure having four corner sections (1b) and being adapted to be installed in a roof structure and a bracket arrangement comprising a set of bracket units (6b), each bracket unit including a base element (10b) mounted at each corner section of the frame structure. Each bracket unit furthermore comprises at least one supplemental element (20b,40b) adapted to be detachably connected to said base element. One supplemental element comprises a leg element (20b) adapted to be detachably connected to the base element, preferably rotatably and detachably connected with the base element.

Abstract: A horticulture light system comprising a housing, glass retention rails, gasket, glass sheet, and threaded fasteners. The housing constructed of no more than three portions of sheet metal, defining an interior space therein and having an open end towards the plants, the housing interior space constructed and arranged for containing a grow lamp and reflector to project a pattern of light out the open end of the housing at the plants, the open end including a rectangular sealing face for mating with the gasket, the gasket sealing the glass surface to the rectangular sealing face when compressed by the glass retention rails. The glass retention rails also constructed from sheet metal, easily formed into a L shape, attached by common threaded screws, and as tightened, compressively secure the glass to the gasket and housing. Loosening the threaded screws removes the compressive force, unsealing the glass from the housing, making for easy glass removal, facilitating maintenance and cleaning.

Abstract: Provided herein is a curb-mounted skylight having a rigid plastic curb frame, a mechanism for firmly securing the curb frame to an opening in a building, a transparent or translucent covering element, and a mechanism for retaining the covering element on the frame. The curb frame includes a fixed base frame (having an interior frame and a counter-flashing element) and a moveable sash frame (having an accessory shelf and a sash). The base frame and the sash frame may be connected to one another by a first hinge member integral with the counter-flashing element and a cooperative and complementary-shaped second hinge member attached to the sash. The hinge members form a watertight seal and may be disengaged to permit the sash to be removed from the skylight assembly during installation, if so desired. Because the frame and hinge components are made of plastic, the skylight assembly is relatively lightweight.

Abstract: A cam-actuated connection device joins rail mounting members of a photovoltaic panel array. The connection device slides within channels of mounting members until the members are in a properly positioned grid. When in position, the connection device is rotated to lock the mounting members in a rigid grid network. The connecting device can be subsequently loosened, repositioned and locked into position. The rail-mounting members create a grid for installation of multiple PV panels. The mounting rail allows the unit to remain relatively compact in nature but still covers a wide range of PV panel thicknesses. The rail system has a hinged connection with the mounting rail that allows an installer to assemble the module in a near perpendicular fashion to the mounting rail, make the required electrical connections and then lower the PV module into its working position. The unit is then locked into its working position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roofing element (E) of the type of the one consisting of a material board (100) maintained inside a frame (200), characterized in that it consists of a single-walled solid material board and of at least one tensioning means (300) linked to the frame (200) tending to space apart certain parts constituting the frame (200) so as to stress said board (100), the frame consisting of two transverse profiled sections (210 and 220) fixed to two opposite sides of the board (100), the tensioning means (300) tending to space apart said profiled sections (210 and 220), the edges of the board (100) subjected to a tensile stress and slid into the profiled sections being provided with at least one projection (110) facilitating the transmission of said stress, the profiled section being itself preformed to retain said projection in the direction of the tensile stress. The invention is applicable to swimming pool low shelter, veranda and the like.

Abstract: A skylight cover has an upper dome portion formed with plural prism elements and a lower cylindrical portion extending from the open periphery of the dome portion down to terminate in an open lower end through which light can pass. A cylindrical prism ring is positioned against a surface of the cylindrical portion and bears prisms configured to refract light.

Abstract: A surround for a rectangular skylight assembly is provided. Each side of the rectangular surround is characterized as having an obtuse-angled profile having an angle of between greater than 90 degrees and about 100 degrees, the profile including a curb-abutting surface and a roof abutting surface. The curb-abutting surfaces abut curb members attached to the skylight assembly and include apertures therethrough for receipt of joining elements. The roof abutting surfaces abut a building rooftop and further include apertures therethrough for receipt of joining elements. The roof abutting side of the roof abutting surfaces includes a barrier material attached thereto. The barrier material may be comprised of any suitable impermeable material, such as a polyurethane foam or a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a daylighting apparatus comprising an internally reflective tube configured to direct daylight from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube opposite the first end. A diffuser can be positioned at the second end of the tube. The diffuser can comprise a first optical structure configured such that, when the daylighting apparatus is installed with the first end positioned outside a room and the second end positioned to provide light to the room, a reflected portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one upper region (e.g., a ceiling or upper wall surface) of the room and a transmitted portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one lower region (e.g., a floor surface) of the room.

Abstract: A decollimator for a daylighting system includes a conical section having a circular end, a square end, and a conical shape tapering inwardly from the circular end to the square end. A mixing zone section is attached to the square end of the conical section and has a square cross sectional shape of a substantially constant cross sectional dimension. The decollimator also includes either a window with a converging Fresnel lens on the circular end of the conical section, a window with a diverging Fresnel lens on an end of the mixing zone section opposite the conical section, or both. When the conical section receives collimated light, the conical section, the mixing zone section, and the Fresnel lens together decollimate the light and provide the decollimated light out of the mixing zone section.

Abstract: A skylight shaft substrate is rendered internally reflected in several ways. To limit the formation of focal points that can lead to hot spots as light travels down the shaft, the shaft substrate is formed with dimples or longitudinal corrugations.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a fenestration apparatus including at least one glazing pane capable of being installed in an opening of a building envelope and a tessellated structure disposed adjacent to the at least one glazing pane. The tessellated structure can include at least one partition having a first face and a second face. The at least one partition can define a plurality of spatially separated cells within a substantially contiguous region of the opening. Each of the plurality of spatially separated cells can have a cell width and a cell depth. Each of the plurality of spatially separated cells can be at least partially surrounded by the first face of the at least one partition, the second face of the at least one partition, or a combination of the first face and the second face of the at least one partition.

Abstract: A fenestration product such as a skylight or a window assembly is provided having a frame with a peripheral wall with a light transmitting central region and a plastic dome formed of a light transmitting material mounted to the frame. The plastic dome has a central region which transmits light, a downwardly extending peripheral wall extending about and mounted to the peripheral frame, and an outwardly extending flashing flange for mounting the assembly to a building structure. Various embodiments of the part illustrated include a skylight assembly having a frame formed of a plastic layer formed into an inverted ‘U’ shape cross-section forming an annular channel filled with insulating foam. A sealed, vertically mounted window unit is also disclosed. Other embodiments have an insulating layer of transparent plastic material spaced from the dome forming an enclosed, gas filled insulating region. Methods of forming and installing a fenestration assembly are also described.

Abstract: A light-transmitting roof panel assembly, having the same shape as adjoining metal roof panels in a standing seam metal roof, includes an outer transparent panel made of a polymeric material and an inner reinforcing panel made of perforated metal. The inner and outer panels nest together and lie flush with the roof. Crimpable side corrugation pieces are attached to the reinforcing panel so that the assembly can be connected to neighboring roof panels by seaming.

Abstract: A skylight is provided that provides natural sunlight to rooms and areas of a building that do not have a direct view of the sun. The skylight provides a way for interior rooms of a building, for example, to receive natural light from a skylight overhead. Such skylight construction in buildings provides natural daylight to the interior of multi-tiered buildings and the benefits of a skylight accrue to the interior rooms of the multi-tiered building. Generally, this is accomplished by reflecting exterior natural light off one or more mirrors to a skylight in an interior room.

Abstract: The invention provides an environment-accessing structure for providing environmental access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The environment-accessing structure can provide natural day-lighting by use of a skylight lens as the closure member, or a smoke vent which can be opened and closed. Such smoke vent can be transparent or translucent to natural sunlight, or can be opaque. Such environment-accessing structure is installed in an aperture in a metal roof. The system limits opportunity for water leakage from the outside environment. The environment-accessing structure includes a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations of adjacent roof panels, a closure panel adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure, and a diverter which seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which closes an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skylight frame design that is adapted to receive at least two panels of glass. The skylight frame comprises a stepped frame section that includes a lower step surface and an upper step surface. The lower step surface is adapted to receive a first glass panel so that a section of the first glass panel lies flush against the lower step surface. Similarly, the upper step surface is adapted to receive a second glass panel so that the second glass panel lies flush against the upper step surface. The skylight frame design of the invention is either incorporated into a skylight frame that may be attached to a curb unit on a roof or it may be an integral part of a skylight frame-curb assembly that also contains a curb section. In another embodiment of the invention, a skylight frame design which directly incorporates one or more panels of glass during molding is provided.

Abstract: A skylight to be integrated in a covering structure made of insulated sheets comprises at least one top fretted panel (20) extruded in plastic material and at least one bottom alveolar panel (30) extruded in plastic material, firmly integrally joined by interposing a continuous or discontinuous layer, of adhesive material (40), wherein the layer of adhesive material (40) is prearranged on at least one of the top (20) and bottom (30) panels on a surface facing the opposite panel. A method for producing the skylight to be integrated in a covering structure with insulated panels is also part of the invention.

Abstract: A seamless surround for a rectangular skylight assembly is provided. Each side of the rectangular surround is characterized as having an obtuse-angled profile having an angle of between greater than 90 degrees and about 100 degrees, the profile including a vertically extending surface and a downwardly sloping surface. The vertically extending surfaces abut curb members attached to the skylight assembly and include apertures therethrough for receipt of a joining element. The downwardly sloping surfaces abut a building rooftop and further include apertures therethrough for receipt of a joining element. The roof-abutting side of the downwardly sloping surfaces includes a barrier material attached thereto. The barrier material may be any suitable air and water barrier, such as a polyurethane foam or a thermoplastic elastomer. A method of installing a skylight having the seamless surround is also provided.

Abstract: A building includes a tile roof including a plurality of courses of tiles and a roof-cover above which the tiles are positioned, a ceiling below the roof, and a skylight apparatus. Each tile engages adjacent tiles according to a repeating engagement structure. The skylight apparatus includes a main body in place of one or more of the tiles of the tile roof and engages adjacent tiles substantially according to the repeating engagement structure, at least one window, a tubular body below the main body and extending through an aperture in the roof-cover, a light conduit extending downward from below the tubular body and defining an inner passage, and a bottom translucent member at an opening in the ceiling and below a bottom end of the light conduit. Light is able to shine through the window, the inner passage, and the bottom translucent member into a room below the ceiling.

Abstract: A skylight shaft substrate is rendered internally reflected in several ways. To limit the formation of focal points that can lead to hot spots as light travels down the shaft, the shaft substrate is formed with dimples or longitudinal corrugations.

Abstract: A light transmitting panel that can connect within a metal roofing system is provided. The light transmitting panel includes a translucent panel, a metal panel and mechanical fastener or a linear coefficient buffer or mechanical fastener and a linear coefficient buffer therebetween to allow the respective panels to expand and contract with respect to the other without loss of containment or seal.

Abstract: A skylight roof assembly and method of construction of the roof assembly away from a roof, and when completed the roof assembly is lifted onto an opening cut into the roof, thereby minimizing the amount of time an opening exists in the roof to avoid water damage. The skylight roof assembly comprises a base frame having a plurality of skylight windows generally ranging from two to four. Ice and water shield covers a top surface of the base frame and step flashing surrounds each skylight window. Roof shingles are attached over the ice and water shield and the step flashing. Each skylight window comprises polycarbonate window panels which are mounted on an angled base frame of the skylight roof assembly for efficient water flow away from the skylight window and also to minimize ice build up on the skylight window. Alternate embodiments of the skylight roof assembly include skylight windows of varying sizes and a base frame having an incline greater than the pitch of the roof on which it is located.

Abstract: A skylight shaft substrate has a film or coating on its inside surface that reflects visible light while transmitting IR to the tube substrate, which can have a satin black and/or other IR absorbing interior and anodized or other high emissivity exterior to convey heat across the tube so that light is transmitted down the tube but heat transmission is directed through the tube to minimize heating the illuminated space. Or, heat may propagate up through the tube and exit through a clear plastic dome covering the tube.

Abstract: A metal roof retrofit skylight preferably includes a glazing pane, a pane retention frame and at least one self-stick sealing sheet. The pane retention frame preferably includes a bottom leg and a top leg. One end of the bottom and top legs preferably form a fastening flange. The other end of the top is offset from the bottom leg to form a pane space that is sized to receive a thickness of the glazing pane. Each self-stick sealing sheet includes a sealing sheet and release paper. The sealing sheet is applied over a portion of the glazing pane and a membrane roofing material to provide a seal between the membrane roofing material and the glazing pane. An optional condensation collector is installed in a skylight opening in the metal roof. The metal roof retrofit skylight is attached to the metal roof around a perimeter of the skylight opening.

Abstract: A light-control assembly including a modular beam with a plurality of adjacent circular bores separated by web portions, at least two bearing members each having an annular ring dimensioned to fit within the bores with non-interfering flanges extending radially outwardly from the rings mounted in the bores, and a series of light-controlling members mounted in the bearing members.

Abstract: The invention is a spherical dome consisting of continuous prismatic members in three layers, an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The continuous prismatic members follow great circle arcs. The members of the three layers form a three-way grid, crossing at the vertices of contiguous spherical triangles. Three members, one from each layer, are connected together at each vertex with fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, or welds. The continuous prismatic members of each layer can be spaced as desired to provide structural integrity, economy, and simplicity of construction. A tension ring, when required structurally, is provided at the bottom periphery of the dome to resist the vertical and horizontal forces generated by the supported loads. The combined elements provide a simple and economical spherical dome.

Abstract: Provided herein is a unitary U-shaped cladding component that surrounds three sides of a deck-mounted skylight frame. In one embodiment, the frame includes a pair of longitudinal members, each of which has a locking mechanism (such as a bendable tab or rotatable latch) on its exterior side near one end. The locking mechanism engages a corresponding lock-receiving slot of the side panels of the cladding component. In another embodiment, the cladding component includes a locking mechanism (such as a bendable tab) on the exterior surface of each end. The locking mechanisms engage corresponding apertures in a head flashing member. Skylight including these cladding components are also provided, as are methods of installing such cladding components.

Abstract: A skylight cover has an upper dome portion formed with plural prism elements and a lower cylindrical portion extending from the open periphery of the dome portion down to terminate in an open lower end through which light can pass. A cylindrical prism ring is positioned against a surface of the cylindrical portion and bears prisms configured to refract light.

Abstract: Manufactured sections of a support collar which inter-engage to form the appearance of a continuous support collar and which are secured together and secured to ceiling joists form a support surface for a ceiling dome. Each of the collar sections include a grooved recess for receipt of a lighting element. End portions of the collar sections having inter-engaging male and female portions to secure the collar sections together and provide the appearance of the continuous support collar. The collar sections additionally have a weight displacement pan mounted on top of the dome to distribute weight forces of an attachment suspended from the dome.

Abstract: An eaves beam for a glazed roof system includes a base member and an upper member. The base member includes a base plate adapted to rest on a building wall and includes upstanding wall members. The base member can be fastened from the top into the wall with the fastener extended between the two upstanding wall members. In turn, the upper portion of the eaves beam includes downwardly extended legs which are adapted to fit over the base member and are fastened to the base member by screws extended laterally through the legs into the base member. This facilitates installation of the eaves beam and allows the roof to be pre-assembled, taken to the work site and installed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window frame design that is adapted to receive at least two light-panels. The window frame comprises a stepped frame section that includes a lower step surface and an upper step surface. The lower step surface is adapted to receive a first light-panel so that a section of the first light-panel lies flush against the lower step surface. Similarly, the upper step surface is adapted to receive a second light-panel so that the second light-panel lies flush against the upper step surface. The window frame design of the invention can be either incorporated into a skylight frame that may be attached to a curb unit on a roof or it may be an integral part of a skylight frame-curb assembly that also contains a curb section. In another embodiment of the invention, a window frame design which directly incorporates one or more light-panels during molding is provided.

Abstract: An enhancement panel for a skylight or window that may be part of an assembly having one or more glazing panels suitable for being retrofitted to existing skylights, windows and doors. A panel, also referred to as a glazing, may typically be a transparent part of a door, window, or skylight usually made of a transparent or translucent material, e.g., glass, plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate structured sheet, etc. Alternatively, a pre-assembled skylight, window or door, may include an exterior panel and an enhancement panel in a pre-existing manufactured package to be installed as a single new package. The enhancement panel may create a thermal cavity between the exterior panel and the enhancement panel. Such a thermal barrier may greatly improve the thermal properties of the overall door, window or skylight.

Abstract: A modular in-wall medical services unit for medical care facilities. A frame supports a cabinet with a cover panel providing electrical and/or gas outlets. Built-in electrical and gas conduits are included. A junction box and ends of the gas conduits near the top of the frame are accessible after wallboard is applied. Thus, wallboard can be installed before or after wiring is completed and gas connections are made. The self-aligning cover panel is “floatingly” supported on the frame so that a bead of sealant can be applied around the edge before the cover panel is “snugged up” to the wall and secured. The trim flanges on the cover panel include vertical equipment mounting tracks. Manufacturing is simplified by making the height of the frame adjustable; the same frame elements can be used to assemble units for different ceiling heights, decreasing the number of required parts in inventory and expediting assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window frame design that is adapted to receive at least two light-panels. The window frame comprises a stepped frame section that includes a lower step surface and an upper step surface. The lower step surface is adapted to receive a first light-panel so that a section of the first light-panel lies flush against the lower step surface. Similarly, the upper step surface is adapted to receive a second light-panel so that the second light-panel lies flush against the upper step surface. The window frame design of the invention can be either incorporated into a skylight frame that may be attached to a curb unit on a roof or it may be an integral part of a skylight frame-curb assembly that also contains a curb section. In another embodiment of the invention, a window frame design which directly incorporates one or more light-panels during molding is provided.

Abstract: A skylight system comprising a tapered light tube with the taper wider at the top than at the bottom and a permanently sealed skylight system. A diffused top dome and a diffuser bottom are attached to the light tube on site. No typical roof flashing is required during installation.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for installing a roof penetrating structure to a metal roof, the system comprising: a) a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations of said roof; b) a skylight adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure; and c) a support member for sealing a cut away portion of the rib structure to divert water away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: A skylight assembly is provided with a glazing unit which transmits light while limiting heat transfer. The glazing unit has spaced apart top and bottom layer defining an enclosed cavity at least partially filled with translucent insulating particles. A peripheral frame formed in situ from a polymeric material about the glazing unit forming a leak-tight joint.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting apparatus comprising: a) a frame spanning the roof and interior of a building, the frame having a first opening at the building roof and a second opening opposed to the first opening at the building ceiling; b) a skylight at the first opening; c) a reflective lining between the first and second openings; d) a light diffuser at the second opening; and e) at least one artificial light source located between the skylight and the diffuser; where the artificial light source is positioned at the frame periphery.

Abstract: A skylight assembly includes a curb which supports the skylight above the roof surface. The curb is formed from four mechanically connected structural insulated panels. The panels include an outer fastener-receiving member such as OSB with an intermediate polystyrene foam layer and an innermost melamine layer. The curb is assembled on site and fastened to the roof structure with brackets. The melamine surface provides a finished interior surface and the curb itself provides thermal insulation.

Abstract: A skylight is formed with a pair of plastic panels having outer peripheral flanges and a central region transparent to visible light, aligned in a stacked orientation with the peripheral flanges overlying one another and defining an enclosed central region in-between. An inner and outer pair of circumferentially oriented spacer frames are interposed between and bonded to the outer peripheral flanges of elastic panels to form a sealed enclosed region. A peripheral frame is formed in situ about the plastic panels from a moldable polymeric material which entraps the peripheral flanges forming an integral leakproof structure with the spacer frames preventing intrusion of the moldable polymeric frame material into the enclosed region.

Abstract: A base body comprises two frames to put lens and solar cells. The working process is simple and the weight and the cost of the base body is reduced.

Abstract: A roof assembly includes a skylight panel and a roof panel. The roof panel includes a skylight opening to accommodate the skylight panel and also includes water management channels disposed adjacent to the skylight panel.