AU2015200643A1 - Gutter Corner Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention in its preferred embodiment is directed to a gutter corner connector 10 comprising a pair of clamp brackets 12 and 14 respectively to sandwich adjacent ends of a pair of gutters (not shown). The gutter corner connector 10 comprises a pair of fasteners 13 and 15 arranged for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets 12 and 14. The gutter corner connector 10 of this embodiment is designed to effectively distribute pressure across the gutter when clamped between the pair of clamp brackets 12 and 14. (a) (d)

Description

1 GUTTER CORNER CONNECTOR Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates broadly to a gutter corner connector. Background of Invention [0002] In installing roof gutters at a corner region of a roof it is necessary to either fabricate a mitre in the gutter or use a corner joiner for adjoining gutters. The fabrication of a mitre in the gutter itself is time consuming and susceptible to leaks requiring excess sealant. The use of prefabricated internal or external joiners is thus generally preferred. One form of the corner joiner is provided in two pieces which clamp about adjoining end sections of the gutter. With this design the two-piece corner joiner is clamped by four (4) fasteners in an attempt to adequately seal the joint. In a variation on this design the applicant has a two-piece corner joiner with two (2) screw fasteners for a quad style gutter having a flat pan section. This corner joiner may however be susceptible to leaks which can be addressed by the use of excess sealant and additional fasteners, such as rivets. Summary of Invention [0003] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a gutter corner connector comprising: a pair of clamp brackets adapted to sandwich adjacent ends of a pair of gutters at a corner region; each of the clamp brackets being elongate and including an opposing pair of curved regions; a pair of fasteners arranged for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets; each of said fasteners located within each of the respective opposing pair of curved regions and oriented substantially normal to the curved region. [0004] Preferably at least one of the pair of clamp brackets includes a pair of grooves located adjacent opposing edges of said clamp bracket and facing the gutter wherein each of the grooves is configured to contact and distribute sealant associated 2 with the gutter at the corner region. More preferably the pair of grooves are formed in an inner of the pair of clamp brackets. Even more preferably the grooves are arranged to cooperate with corresponding ridges formed in an outer of the clamp brackets. [0005] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a gutter corner connector comprising: a pair of clamp brackets adapted to sandwich adjacent ends of a pair of gutters at a corner region; each of the clamp brackets being elongate and including an opposing pair of curved regions; an inner of the clamp brackets including a pair of grooves located adjacent opposing edges of said clamp bracket and facing the gutter wherein each of the grooves is configured to contact and distribute sealant associated with the gutter at the corner region. [0006] Preferably the gutter corner connector also comprises a pair of fasteners for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets. More preferably each of the pair of fasteners are located within each of the respective pair of curved regions wherein the fasteners are disposed at an acute angle relative to one another. [0007] Preferably an outer of the pair of clamp brackets includes a pair of threaded apertures configured to be engaged by respective of the pair of fasteners for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets. More preferably the threaded apertures are formed in respective of a pair of bosses connected to an upward facing surface of the outer clamp bracket. Even more preferably the bosses are positioned within a mid section of the respective curved regions. [0008] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a gutter corner connector comprising: a pair of clamp brackets adapted to sandwich adjacent ends of a pair of gutters at a corner region; each of the clamp brackets being elongate and including an opposing pair of curved regions; 3 an outer of the pair of clamp brackets including a pair of threaded apertures; a pair of fasteners configured to engage respective of the pair of threaded apertures for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets. [0009] Preferably the gutter corner connector is limited to the pair of fasteners only. More preferably the two (2) fasteners are stud fasteners or screws. [0010] It is understood that location of the fasteners within the respective curved regions effectively distributes pressure across the gutter when clamped between the pair of clamp brackets. Brief Description of Drawings [0011] In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention a preferred embodiment of a gutter corner connector will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying illustrations in which: Figures 1(a) to 1(d) are perspective views of an internal gutter corner connector according to an embodiment of the invention together with perspective views of its component parts; Figures 2(a) to 2(d) are perspective views of an external gutter corner connector according to another embodiment of the invention together with perspective views of its component parts; Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are assembled views of the external gutter corner connector of figure 2(a) shown in plan and sectional views; Figures 4(a) to 4(e) are various plan, perspective and sectional views of an outer of the pair of clamp brackets taken from the external gutter corner connector of figures 2(a) to 2(d) and figures 3(a) and 3(b). Detailed Description [0012] As shown in figures 1(a) to 1(d) there is a gutter corner connector 10 comprising a pair of clamp brackets 12 and 14 respectively adapted to sandwich adjacent ends of a pair of gutters (not shown). In this embodiment the corner 4 connector 10 is located at an internal corner region of a roof (not shown). The gutter corner connector 10 designed for use with semi-generic gutters shown as "flat back half-round". However, it should be appreciated that the gutter corner connector 10 of the present invention extends to other gutters having different shapes and configurations. [0013] In a first aspect the gutter corner connector 10 comprises a pair of fasteners 13 and 15 (seen in figures 3(a) and 3(b)) arranged for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets 12 and 14. The pair of clamp brackets 12 and 14 are each elongate and in cross section commence at each end as a Vee with arms such as 17 and 19 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other, with one side being in effect a reflex angle (concave and convex). Moving towards a nominal centre 18 and 20 of the clamp brackets 12 and 14, this angle transitions towards a straight angle (i.e 180 degrees). Because of the width of the clamp brackets 12 and 14, the V-shape cross-section from the front and back overlap with a W cross-sectional shape at the centre a zone 18/20. [0014] The second moment of area of the clamp brackets 12/14 leads to much greater stiffness at or toward each end where the Vee is at 90 degrees, being approximately proportional to the cube of the secant of half the included angle. However the flatter V-shape approaching the centre zone 18/20 of relatively low stiffness has approximately equal stiffness (second moment of area) with the W shape centre zone 18/20 giving approximately equal low stiffness across that zone 18/20. Providing this zone 18/20 has low stiffness, the stiffer ends each act like a 'solid' clamp applying clamping pressure along its length. Providing the low-stiffness zone 18/20 is relatively short, it will be pulled down by clamping at the stiffer portions. [0015] The pair of fasteners 13 and 14 are located within each of the respective opposing pair of curved regions 22/24 and 26/28. The fasteners 13 and 15 are oriented substantially normal to the respective curved region such as 26 and 28 so that together they are disposed at an acute angle relative to one another. The gutter corner connector 10 of this embodiment is thus designed to effectively distribute pressure across the gutter when clamped between the pair of clamp brackets 12 and 14. This is achieved by location of the fasteners 13 and 15 within the respective curved regions 22/26 and 20/24. This mechanical arrangement is akin to a "waffle 5 tree" style loading device. The corner connector 10 of this embodiment and mechanical arrangement can be limited to the two fasteners 16A and 16B only effectively clamping and sealing the gutter sandwiched between the pair of clamp brackets 12 and 14. [0016] In this embodiment the outer of the clamp brackets 14 includes a pair of bosses 30 and 32 located in respective of the curved regions 26 and 28. The bosses 30 and 32 are threaded to accommodate respective of the pair of fasteners 13 and 15. In this example the threaded apertures 34 and 36 are arranged normal to respective of the curved regions 26 and 28 wherein the threaded apertures 34 and 36 together with corresponding fasteners 13 and 15 are disposed at an acute angle relative to one another, at around 60 to 80 degrees. [0017] Each of the inner 12 and outer 14 clamp brackets are shaped generally complementary to one another. The brackets 12 and 14 each include a ridge line 38 which extends along a centreline of the opposing curved regions 22/24 and 26/28. In this example the fasteners 13 and 15 are located within a mid-section of the respective curved regions 22/26 and 24/28. The pair of bosses 30 and 32 of the outer clamp bracket 14 nest within corresponding recesses 40 and 42 formed in the inner clamp bracket 12. The recesses 40 and 42 are defined by respective protrusions formed in the inner clamp bracket 12 at its ridge line 38. The protrusions 44 and 46 include respective clearance apertures 48 and 50 through which the fasteners 13 and 15 pass for clamping of the clamp brackets 12 and 14. [0018] In a second aspect the gutter corner connector 10 also comprises a pair of grooves 52 and 54 formed in the inner clamp bracket 12. The grooves 52 and 54 are located adjacent opposing edges of the inner clamp bracket 12 and cooperate with the gutter to contact and distribute sealant associated with the gutter at the corner region. In this example the grooves 52 and 54 are formed as two (2) in-line grooves. The grooves 52 and 54 are located alongside corresponding ridges 56 and 58 formed in opposing edges of the outer clamp bracket 18. [0019] In a third aspect the outer clamp bracket 14 of the corner connector 10 includes the pair of threaded apertures 34 and 36 to be engaged by respective of the pair of fasteners 13 and 15. The fasteners 13 and 15 are typically stud fasteners or 6 screws that can be screwed into the threaded apertures 34 and 36 with relative ease. This style of fastener lends itself to powered driving tools for relatively quick clamping of the brackets 12 and 14. This is particularly convenient in the event that excess sealant exposed to the fasteners in and around their areas of clamping. [0020] Figures 2(a) to 2(d) illustrates a variation on the gutter corner connector 10 of the previous embodiment. In this variation the gutter corner connector 60 is designed for installation in an external corner region of a roof (not shown). The external gutter corner connector 60 of this variation is in all other respects substantially identical to the previous embodiment. For this reason the external gutter corner connector has been referenced with corresponding numerals. [0021] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) illustrates the external gutter corner connector of figures 2(a) to 2(d) assembled together with the pair fasteners 13 and 15. For clarity the adjacent ends of the pair of gutters to be sandwiched between the inner and outer clamping brackets 12 and 14 have not been shown. It will be readily apparent from the sectional view of figure 3(a) that the inner and outer clamp brackets 12 and 14 have been designed to provide an equal gap therebetween to accommodate the gutter. This gap extends around the corner connector 60 on either of its sides and has been designated as 62. Figure 3(b) illustrates the relative position of the grooves 52 and 54 of the inner clamp bracket 12 slightly inside the edge ribs 56 and 58 of the outer clamp bracket 14. It can also be clearly seen from figure 3(a) that the fasteners 13 and 15 are arranged at the acute angle relative to one another. [0022] Figures 4(a) to 4(e) shows the outer clamp bracket 14 of the external gutter corner connector 60. These illustrations clearly depict the relatively low-stiffness centre zone 20 and the opposing curved regions 26 and 28 of the stiffer zones, see in particular section A-A of figure 3(c). The threaded bosses 30 and 32 locate within a mid-section of the curved regions 26 and 28, and are spaced from the centre zone 20. It can also be seen that the threaded apertures 34 and 36 are arranged normal to the curved region 26 and 28. That is, the fasteners 13 and 15 are normal to a tangent line to the curved region 26/28 where it intersects the threaded aperture 34/36. The general shape and configuration of the outer clamp bracket 14 is otherwise largely dictated by the cross-sectional shape of the gutter and the angle at which adjoining pairs of gutters are connected, typically at 90 degrees.

7 [0023] Now that several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the gutter corner connector has at least .the following advantages: 1. The gutter corner connector clamps gutter for an effective seal without requiring more than two fasteners; 2. The gutter corner connect is configured for effective distribution of sealant to reduce the likelihood of leaks; 3. The gutter corner connector includes threaded apertures in its inner clamp bracket which allows relatively quick and effective fastening using stud fasteners or screws; 4. The gutter corner connector can be engineered to a range of different style gutters including quad gutters, and half round gutters. [0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For example, the relative positions and sizes of the centre bracket and curved regions may vary provided fastening and clamping of the brackets is provided in the curved regions. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

Claims (13)

1. A gutter corner connector comprising: a pair of clamp brackets adapted to sandwich adjacent ends of a pair of gutters at a corner region; each of the clamp brackets being elongate and including an opposing pair of curved regions; a pair of fasteners arranged for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets; each of said fasteners located within each of the respective opposing pair of curved regions and oriented substantially normal to the curved region.

2. A gutter corner connector as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of the pair of clamp brackets includes a pair of grooves located adjacent opposing edges of said clamp bracket and facing the gutter wherein each of the grooves is configured to contact and distribute sealant associated with the gutter at the corner region.

3. A gutter corner connector as defined in claim 2 wherein the pair of grooves are formed in an inner of the pair of clamp brackets.

4. A gutter corner connector as defined in either of claims 2 or 3 wherein the grooves are arranged to cooperate with corresponding ridges formed in an outer of the clamp brackets.

5. A gutter corner connector comprising: a pair of clamp brackets adapted to sandwich adjacent ends of a pair of gutters at a corner region; each of the clamp brackets being elongate and including an opposing pair of curved regions; an inner of the clamp brackets including a pair of grooves located adjacent opposing edges of said clamp bracket and facing the gutter wherein each of the grooves is configured to contact and distribute sealant associated with the gutter at the corner region.

6. A gutter corner connector as defined in claim 5 also comprising a pair of fasteners for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets. 9

7. A gutter corner connector as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the pair of fasteners are located within each of the respective pair of curved regions wherein the fasteners are disposed at an acute angle relative to one another.

8. A gutter corner connector as defined in either of claims 6 or 7 wherein an outer of the pair of clamp brackets includes a pair of threaded apertures configured to be engaged by respective of the pair of fasteners for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets.

9. A gutter corner connector as defined in claim 8 wherein the threaded apertures are formed in respective of a pair of bosses connected to an upward facing surface of the outer clamp bracket.

10. A gutter corner connector as defined in claim 9 wherein the bosses are positioned within a mid-section of the respective curved regions.

11. A gutter corner connector comprising: a pair of clamp brackets adapted to sandwich adjacent ends of a pair of gutters at a corner region; each of the clamp brackets being elongate and including an opposing pair of curved regions; an outer of the pair of clamp brackets including a pair of threaded apertures; a pair of fasteners configured to engage respective of the pair of threaded apertures for clamping of the pair of clamp brackets.

12. A gutter corner connector as defined in claim 11 limited to the pair of fasteners only.

13. A gutter corner connector as defined in claim 12 wherein the two (2) fasteners are stud fasteners or screws.