AU2005229685B2

AU2005229685B2 - A Contoured Gutter Protector

Info

Publication number: AU2005229685B2
Application number: AU2005229685A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Leech
Original assignee: Leech Jillian
Current assignee: Leech Jillian
Priority date: 2005-11-03
Filing date: 2005-11-03
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-03
Also published as: AU2005229685C1; NZ551045A; AU2005229685A1

Description

in A CONTOURED GUTTER PROTECTOR o FIELD OF THE INVENTION.

The invention relates to a means for protecting roof gutters and other z outdoor conduits which are openly exposed to catch rainwater run-off from becoming en 5 clogged by fallen leaves, plant matter and other debris. In particular, the invention relates to an improved means by which covers may be installed over roof gutters on tiled and corrugated roofs.

00 BACKGROUND ART.

ON It is a common problem in roof gutters, drains and other outdoor S 10 conduits which are openly exposed to catch rainwater run-off that such conduits often o become blocked or clogged by build-ups of fallen leaves, plant matter and other debris. Meshes, grates and other grid type coverings which are placed over such conduits in order to allow rainwater to pass through, but which catch larger solid debris like leaves and branches that are too large to pass through the grid, are well known. In particular, meshes formed from metal or plastic and which are placed over roof gutters are widely known.

There are currently a number of problems associated with the use of mesh coverings on roof gutterings. Some of these problems relate to the way in which such coverings are currently installed on roof gutters where the roof is a tiled roof. A procedure which is currently employed for installing sections of mesh covering on the guttering of tiled roofs is for the row of tiles closest to the guttering to be lifted up in order to reveal the fascia board or the section of exterior wall which would otherwise normally be covered by the tiles. One edge of the mesh section is then attached directly to the upper edge of the fascia board or to the top of the exterior wall section, while the adjacent parallel edge of the mesh section is attached to the outer rim of the guttering. In this way the mesh section is secured in place and covers the entire width of the guttering. The temporarily removed tiles are then replaced so that water flows off the roof and into the guttering in the normal manner, while debris slides off the roof but is caught by the mesh covering rather than entering the guttering.

One of the problems associated with the above method for installing mesh type roof gutter coverings on tiled roofs is that it becomes very labourious if it must be done in a manner that complies with building safety or construction requirements, and in particular the storm safety related building requirements in Queensland. In jurisdictions such as Queensland, it is a requirement that all roof tiles

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o be "clipped" or otherwise secured to the supporting roof structure so that they do not become dangerously dislodged during storms or high winds. When the current 0 z installation practice described above is used, it is a difficult and time-consuming M 5 process to ensure that each of the lifted tiles is re-clipped or otherwise resecured once

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the mesh sections have been installed. Furthermore, in some cases it may be iimpossible to re-clip or resecure every temporarily removed tile, in which case the 00 0 roof is left in a state that does not comply with the relevant building safety i requirements.

Yet another problem associated with the above method for installing

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o mesh type gutter coverings on tiled roofs derives from the "stepped" profile of the metal mesh sections that are currently often used. When mesh covers of this type are formed, the initially flat metal mesh section is folded twice along its length (once in each direction) to give a cross-section of the mesh a "zigzag" or "stepped" shape with distinct outer, central and inner portions. The outer portion slopes upwardly from the outer rim of the guttering towards the outer edge of the lowest row of roof tiles, and it spans most of the distance between the outer rim of the gutter and the outer edge of the tiles. The slope of that outer portion also helps leaves and branches to slide off the mesh and onto the ground rather than remaining on top of the mesh. The central portion of the mesh has a substantially vertical orientation, it extends below the outer edge of the tiles, and it connects the outer portion of the mesh to the inner portion.

Finally, the inner portion slopes upwardly at roughly the same angle as the outer portion, and it extends beneath the roof tiles from the bottom of the central portion and attaches to the top of the fascia board or wall. The problem arises from the fact that a gap is often left between the central portion of the mesh and the outer edge of the tiles. One reason why this gap may be left is so that there is room for the lower row of tiles to be manipulated when they are being replaced. However, this gap creates a small channel in which leaves and other fallen debris can become trapped thereby clogging up the guttering system and creating potential corrosion and water flow problems.

There are also problems associated with way in which mesh type coverings are installed on corrugated roofs. The mesh sections often used on corrugated roofs are typically substantially planar with one of the long edges being straight so that it can be connected to the outer rim of the guttering, and the adjacent It long edge being cut into a substantially sinusoidal shape that conforms approximately

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o with the corrugated shape of the roof.

A number of problems with this arrangement arise because, during z installation, the sinusoidal edge of the mesh cover often needs to be bent manually to S 5 make it conform to the corrugated contour of the roof. This can create an injury risk because the edges of the mesh are often quite sharp. It is also a problem that, even when bent, the mesh section does not conform very well to the profile of the roof 0 Therefore there are often gaps in which leaves and other debris can become caught and clogged. A sealant is commonly applied to seal the gaps between the corrugated S 10 roof and the sinusoidal edge of the mesh. However, sometimes the gaps are too wide 0 to seal adequately.

Yet further problem with this method whereby one of the long edges of the mesh section is cut so as to conform approximately with the contour of the roof is that it cannot be used effectively on tiled roofs because tiled roofs do not have a continuous contour pattern like corrugated roofs do. On tiled roofs the contour variations in the roof's upper surface are piecewise and discontinuous. Furthermore, unlike corrugated roofs which have generally the same contour irrespective of the material and manufacturer, tiled roofs differ markedly in their contour shape depending on the tile size, shape, configuration, material and manufacturer.

Therefore, it can be difficult or impossible to cut the edge of the mesh to conform to these varying tiled roof profiles.

Any reference herein to a piece of prior art or a prior art publication does not constitute an admission that any piece of prior art or any prior art publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a roof gutter covering that may at least partially ameliorate the above mentioned disadvantages or provide a useful or commercial choice.

In one form the present invention resides in a gutter protector for preventing accumulation of leaves and other debris within a gutter associated with a roof of a building or other roofed structure, the roof having an upper surface and an edge, and the upper surface having an outer portion adjacent the edge, the gutter being located substantially below the edge of the roof and extending outwardly beyond the n edge, and the gutter also having a rim positioned outwardly from the edge of the roof,

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o the gutter protector comprising a mesh of substantially rigid mesh material, the mesh having a first region for positioning on or near the rim of the gutter, and a second z region adapted to be positioned on or above the outer portion of the roof such that the Mn 5 second region overlaps with the outer portion of the roof, characterised in that the second region has a three-dimensional contour that is complementary to the threedimensional contour of the upper surface of the roof such that the second region 0 conforms closely with the outer portion of the roof.

OTherefore, there is no need to bend the gutter protector of the present invention to make it conform to the profile of the roof. Furthermore, embodiments

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o the present gutter protector which are adapted for use on tiled roofs can be installed without removing the lowest row of tiles. Consequently, there is no risk that the tiles will be left unsecured in contravention of the relevant safety requirements.

It is envisaged that the present gutter protector will usually be used to cover the gutterings on the roofs of houses. The gutters used on house roofs generally comprise an upwardly open channel having an inner wall and an outer wall, and the top of the outer wall forms an outer rim of the gutter. However, no particular limitation is meant in relation to the kind of gutter on which the present invention may be used.

The gutter protector will typically be made from a substantially rigid mesh material, preferably plastic or metal, and the mesh will typically have holes sized so as to prevent penetration therethrough by leaves, leaf matter and other debris but so as allow penetration by water. Mesh materials of this kind a well-known. In addition, the mesh will typically have a first region for positioning on or near the rim of the gutter, and a second region adapted to be positioned on the outer portion the roof when the gutter protector is installed. In this way the second region may suitably overlap with the outer portion of the upper surface of the roof.

The first region may have a substantially planar contour and it, or a part of it, may be secured to the outer rim of the gutter using mechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts, or by any other means.

It is also a feature of the present invention that the second region, which overlaps with the outer portion of the upper surface of the roof as described, has a three-dimensional contour that is of a complimentary shape to the three dimensional contour of the roof such that the second region fits closely together with ithe outer portion of the roof when the gutter protector is installed. In some 0 o embodiments the profile of the roof, and the corresponding profile of the second region, will be the profile created by the upper surface of a tiled roof. However, no 0 z particular limitation is meant thereby. For example, in other embodiments the profile M 5 may be that of a corrugated roof.

0The gutter protector may also comprise an intermediate region wherein the mesh contour undergoes a transition from the shaped contour of the second region 0to the planar shape of the first region. Preferably, the mesh is formed with the Oappropriate contour as described before the installation of the gutter protector is completed, and even more preferably, before the installation of the gutter, protector 0 o begins.

Suitably, the innermost edge of the second region may define a second edge and the second edge may be substantially straight when the gutter protector is viewed in a plan orientation. In addition, the outermost edge of the first region may define a first edge and the first edge may be substantially straight and parallel to the second edge when the gutter protector is viewed in a plan orientation.

In another form, the invention is found in a method for manufacturing a gutter protector as described, including the steps of producing a substantially planar sheet of a substantially rigid mesh material and forming a contour in the second region of a sheet of the substantially rigid mesh material. Preferably, the appropriate contour is imparted into the mesh material by stamping, rolling, pressing or heat assisted shaping.

In yet another form, the invention is found in a method for installing the gutter protector described onto a gutter associated with a roof of a building or other roofed structure. The installation method may comprise the steps of positioning the gutter protector over the gutter such that the first region is positioned on or near the rim of the gutter, and positioning the second region on or above the upper surface of the roof, so that the contours of the second region conform closely with the contour of the outer portion of the roof. Preferably, any gaps that remain between the second edge and the contour of the upper surface of the roof are sealed by way of a suitable sealing means. Any sealant or other sealing means known by the person skilled in the art to be suitable for this purpose may be used.

Suitably, in the installation method described, a long line of gutter protectors may be formed so as to create a continuous gutter protecting covering for I lengths of roof gutter which are longer than an individual gutter protector. Also, in 0 O the installation method described, each gutter protector may partially overlap one or more gutter protectors.

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z BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

0An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: 0 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gutter protector in accordance with one N embodiment of the invention adapted for installation on tiled roofs; S 10 Figure 2 is a plan view of the gutter protector in Figure 1; 0 oFigure 3 is a side view of the gutter protector in Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates a number of the gutter protectors shown in Figure 1 installed in a partially overlapping configuration so as to create a gutter protecting covering longer than an individual gutter protector; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a gutter protector in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention adapted for installation on corrugated roofs; Figure 6 is a plan view of the gutter protector in Figure Figure 7 is a side view of the gutter protecting Figure 5; and Figure 8 illustrates a number of the gutter protectors shown in Figure installed in a partially overlapping configuration so as to create a gutter protecting covering longer than an individual gutter protector.

BEST MODE.

Referring to Figures 1-4, there is shown a gutter protector 10 of a kind adapted for installation on a tiled roof. Gutter protector 10 comprises a section of substantially rigid mesh which may be formed from metal, plastic or any other substantially rigid material. Gutter protector 10 also has a substantially quadrilateral shape when viewed in the plan orientation of Figure 2 with the major dimension (ie the length) of the section being typically 0.8 metres to 1.2 metres and the minor dimension (ie the width) of the section being typically 10 centimetres to centimetres.

Gutter protector 10 has a first region 11 which is adapted to be positioned on or near the outer rim 21 of a gutter 20 as depicted in Figure 4. First region 11 is substantially planar and the outer edge thereof defines a first edge 12 which is bent downwardly to enable its attachment to outer rim 21. The first edge 12 may be substantially linear so as to prevent (or at least limit) excessive overhang of

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O gutter protector 10 over the gutter's outer rim 21.

Gutter protector 10 also has a second region 13, the second region 13 0 Shaving a three dimensional contour that is of a complimentary shape to the three n 5 dimensional contour of the upper surface of the tiled roof 22 such that the second region 13 fits closely together with the outer portion of the upper surface of the roof 22 when the gutter protector is installed. The innermost edge of the second region 13 0 defines a second edge 14. The second edge 14 has a contour that corresponds to the Ocontour of the second region 13 such that the second edge 14, like the second region 13, fits closely together with the outer portion of the upper surface of the roof 22 0 Owhen the gutter protector is installed. The contour of the second edge 14 may be such that the second edge 14 appears to be substantially straight when the mesh section is viewed in the plan orientation of Figure 2. However, no particular limitation is meant in relation to the shape of the second edge 14 except as described in relation to its contour.

The mesh section 10 also incorporates an intermediate region located inwardly of the first region 11 and outwardly of the second region 13 such that it is located between the first region 11 and the second region 13. The shape of the mesh within the intermediate region 15 may be such that the contour of the mesh undergoes a transition from the three-dimensional contoured shape of the second region 13 to the planar contour of the first region 11. The shape of the mesh within the intermediate region 15 as described above is preferably such that the transition is a smooth and gradual transformation from the three-dimensional contour of the second region 13 to the planar contour of the first region 11, however the transition need not necessarily be gradual and no particular limitation is meant in relation to the shape of the intermediate region As is best illustrated in Figure 4 the first region 11 which is positioned on or near the outer rim of the gutter 21 may be secured to the gutter by passing bolts, screws or similar mechanical fasteners (generally indicated by reference numeral 23) through first edge 12 and into outer rim 21. However, any other means may be used to secure gutter protector 10 in its position on or near the outer rim 21 of the gutter and no particular limitation is meant in relation to the means by which the first region 11 is maintain in the position described.

As is also best illustrated in Figure 4, the contact between the outer

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o portion of the upper surface of the roof 22 and the second edge 14, and also any minor gaps that exist between the roof 22 and the second edge 14 because of minor z aberrations in the contour of the roof or for any other reason, may be sealed using a S 5 sealant 24. The sealant may be a settable silicon based sealant, but no particular limitation is meant in relation to the type of sealant that may be used.

As indicated in Figure 4, when multiple gutter protectors 10 are 00 installed, a small portion of each respective protector overlaps with a portion of one or Oboth of the adjacent protectors. These overlapping portions are generally indicated by reference numeral 25. The overlapping portions of each pair of mutually overlapping oprotectors can be secured using mechanical fasteners 26, such as bolts or screws.

Other means for securing the protectors together, such as clips, may equally be used.

Referring now to Figures 5-8, there is shown an alternative form of gutter protector 10' adapted for use on corrugated roofs. Gutter protector 10' operates in generally the same way as tiled roof gutter protector 10, except that the second region 13' of protector 10' has a three-dimensional contour that is adapted to conform to the three-dimensional contour of a corrugated roof 22'. Also, because corrugated roofs 22' are often made from metal or similarly sturdy materials, the second edge 14' of protector 10 can be secured to roof 22' by fasteners 27.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit the scope of the invention.

Claims

2. The gutter protector of claim 1 wherein an inner edge of the second region defines a second edge and wherein the second edge is substantially straight when the gutter protector is viewed in a plan orientation.
3. The gutter protector of either one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the first region has a substantially planar contour.
4. The gutter protector of claim 3 wherein the mesh comprises an intermediate region located substantially between the first region and the second region in which the mesh contour undergoes a transition from the shaped contour of the second region to the substantially planar contour of the first region. The gutter protector of any one of the preceding claims wherein an outer edge of the first region defines a first edge and wherein an inner edge of the second region defines a second edge and wherein the second edge is substantially parallel to the first edge when the gutter protector is viewed in a plan orientation.
6. The gutter protector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the mesh is formed with the appropriate contour before the installation of the gutter protector is completed.
7. A method for manufacturing the gutter protector of any one of the preceding claims including the steps of producing a substantially planar sheet of a substantially rigid mesh material and forming a contour in the second region of the sheet.
8. The method of claim 7 whereby the appropriate contour is imparted into the O o mesh material by stamping, rolling, pressing or heat assisted shaping.
9. A method for installing the gutter protector of any one of claims 1 to 6 onto a z gutter associated with a roof of a building or other roofed structure comprising the Mn 5 steps of positioning the gutter protector over the gutter such that the first region is positioned on or near the rim of the gutter, and positioning the second region on or above the upper surface of the roof, characterised in that the contour of the second 0 region conforms closely with the contour of the outer portion of the roof. The method for installing the gutter protector of claim 9 whereby any gaps that remain between an inner edge of the gutter protector and the roof are sealed by way of 0 oa sealing means.
11. The method for installing the gutter protector of either one of claims 9 or whereby a long line of gutter protectors is formed so as to create a continuous gutter protecting covering for lengths of roof gutter which are longer than an individual gutter protector.
12. The method for installing the gutter protector of claim 11 whereby each gutter protector partially overlaps one or more adjacent gutter protectors.
13. A gutter protector substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
14. A method for installing a gutter protector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 3 rd day of November 2005 Mark Ian Leech By his Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.