AU2017202856A1 - External gutter system - Google Patents

Abstract

-13 Abstract An external gutter system (10, 200) comprising a fascia (1) having a hanging projection (2); a drainage channel (14) having a fascia side (16) and an external side (20), the external side (20) terminating in a guard channel (26); and a debris guard (12) having a fascia side (30), an external side (34) and a perforated base (32), the fascia side (30) of the debris guard (12) incorporating a hanging channel (36) and the external side (34) of the debris guard (12) terminating in retaining means (44). When assembled, the hanging channel (36) of the debris guard (12) is retained in place by the hanging projection (2) and the retaining means (44) is in contact with the guard channel (26), resulting in at least a portion of the external side (20) of the drainage channel (14) being securely retained between the fascia (1) and the debris guard (12). Figure 1 CC-' lk VII , C:17

Description

“EXTERNAL GUTTER SYSTEM”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The invention relates to an external gutter system. The invention is particularly directed towards an external gutter system that also allows for the installation of a debris guard.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002]The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Drainage of fluid from roof structures is a necessary function of all buildings. A failure to remove such fluid can result in ingress of the fluid into roof cavity spaces, or the like. In turn, this can then result in fluid damaging the electrical system, insulation or even the internal structure of the building.

[0004]To avoid this problem, buildings typically have a slanted roof which directs the fluid that accumulates thereon towards gutters. These gutters surround the periphery of the building and direct the flow of the accumulated fluid towards down pipes. Such gutters can be categorised as one of two types - internal gutter systems and external gutter systems.

[0005] Internal gutter systems typically involve the drainage channel, and the weight of any fluid accumulated therein, being supported by the building itself. This support is provided to all sides of the drainage channel, usually by way of a fascia board and by way of cut out portions in the rafters.

[0006] External gutter systems, by contrast, require a series of clips to be provided internal to the drainage channel to provide the gutters with the necessary strength to cope with the weight of accumulated fluids. One end of the clips attach to the ends of rafters to ensure the connection to the building. The other end of the clip attached to the top of each side wall that forms the gutter.

[0007]The use of internal clips as strengthening elements to the drainage channel presents two problems, namely: (a) as the clip has to attach to both side walls, to keep the gutter in generally perpendicular alignment the side walls have to be the same height. This means that if the gutter receives fluid in excess of its holding capacity, the fluid can overflow on both sides of the gutter. An overflow of fluid on the side of the gutter attached to the building can cause fluid to enter the eaves and thus cause the same type of damage as already mentioned. (b) As the clip extends across the gutter, it can act as a barrier to debris that has accumulated in the gutter and has risen as a result of the reception of fluid. In some cases, the size and nature of the debris may be such, that even the fluid desired to be drained cannot pass through the debris or pass through the debris in sufficient volume. Where this occurs, the gutter can overflow at this point of obstruction and again result in the problems mentioned in paragraph (a).

[0008]One solution to this problem was developed by the present applicant and described in Australian Patent 2014202141. This Patent describes an external gutter system that ameliorates, at least in part, one or more of the aforementioned problems.

[0009]While the Patent removes the need for a clip in order to provide structural strength to the gutter, the Patent does not provide any form of protection against larger debris from entering into the gutter and causing an obstruction.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rigid external gutter system that is able to accommodate a debris guard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011]Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms “comprising”, “consisting of”, and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning “including, but not limited to”.

[0012] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is an external gutter system comprising: a fascia having a hanging projection; a drainage channel having a fascia side and an external side, the external side terminating in a guard channel; and a debris guard having a fascia side, an external side and a perforated base, the fascia side of the debris guard incorporating a hanging channel and the external side of the debris guard terminating in retaining means, where, when assembled, the hanging channel of the debris guard is retained in place by the hanging projection and the retaining means is in contact with the guard channel, resulting in at least a portion of the external side of the drainage channel being securely retained between the fascia and the debris guard.

[0013] In a variation of this aspect of the invention, the fascia side of the drainage channel terminates in a hanging channel and the hanging channels of the debris guard and the drainage channel are retained in place by the hanging projection.

[0014] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is an external gutter system comprising: a fascia having a first hanging projection; a drainage channel having a fascia side and an external side, the external side terminating in a guard channel and the fascia side terminating in a second hanging channel; a debris guard having a fascia side, an external side and a perforated base, the fascia side of the debris guard incorporating a third hanging channel and the external side of the debris guard terminating in retaining means; and a securing clip having a bias arm where, when assembled, the securing clip is affixed to the hanging projection such that the bias arm terminates above the hanging channel and the hanging channels of the debris guard and drainage channel are retained in place by the bias arm and the retaining means of the debris guard is in contact with the guard channel.

[0015] In variations of both the first and second aspect of the present invention, when assembled, the retaining means overlays the guard channel. Alternatively, when assembled, the retaining means is securely received within the guard channel. To ensure secure receipt of the retaining means in the guard channel, preferably, the guard channel is in the form of a reverse “C”-shaped channel.

[0016] In a preferred form, the external side of the drainage channel is greater in height, as determined by reference to a base of the drainage channel, than the fascia side. Furthermore, the external side of the drainage channel is angled away from a base of the drainage channel.

[0017]The perforated base may have apertures provided therein arranged into adjacent rows and the apertures of one row are offset relative to its adjacent rows.

[0018]The hanging channels of the drainage channel and the debris guard, as appropriate, may be tilted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a partial isometric view of a debris guard as used with both the first and second embodiment of the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Before describing each embodiment of the invention, it is important to understand the type of gutter fascia 1 with which the invention is designed to work. For further clarity, the gutter fascia 1 is of the type fully described in Australian Patent 2014202141.

[0021]The gutter fascia 1 has a hanging channel 2, a seat 3 and a retainer 4. The hanging channel 2 takes the form of an inverted box channel 5. One side 6 of the inverted box channel 5 is elongated.

[0022]The retainer 4 has an elongated side 7 and a return side 8. The return side 8 extends away from the elongated side 7 such that it is parallel to the seat 3. Furthermore, the position of the return side 8 is such that, in its orientation when used, the return side 8 is essentially directly underneath the seat 3. The return side 8 terminates in a retainer clip 9.

[0023] The seat 3 is connected to the elongated sides 6, 7 at opposing sides thereof.

[0024]This gutter fascia of the prior art is illustrated in more detail at Figure 1.

[0025] In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention there is an external gutter system 10 with debris guard 12. The external gutter system 10 is intended to be used with a gutter fascia 1 as already described. The external gutter system 10 with debris guard 12 of this embodiment is illustrated at Figure 2.

[0026] In addition to the debris guard 12 and gutter fascia 1, the external gutter system 10 comprises a drainage channel 14.

[0027]The drainage channel 14 has a fascia side 16, a base 18 and an external side 20. The fascia side 16 connects to one side 22 of the base 18, such that the fascia side 16 is substantially perpendicular thereto. The external side 20 connect to an opposing side 24 of the base 18, such that the external side 20 is angled away from the base 18.

[0028]The external side 20 has a greater height (H) relative to the fascia side 16.

[0029]The external side 20 terminates in a guard channel 26. The guard channel 26 has a securing flange 28. The securing flange 28 extends back towards the remainder of the guard channel 26.

[0030]The debris guard 12 comprises a hanging channel 30, a perforated base 32 and a securing clip 34. The hanging channel 30 takes the form of an inverted box channel 36. The inverted box channel 36 is slightly larger than inverted box channel 5.

[0031]The hanging channel 30 connects to the perforated base 32 at a first side 38, such that the hanging channel 28 is substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0032]The perforated base 32 has a plurality of elongated apertures 40 provided therein at regular intervals. The elongated apertures 40 are provided in a plurality of rows. The elongated apertures 40 that form a first row are offset relative to the elongated apertures 40 provided in the adjacent rows.

[0033]The securing clip 34 connects to the perforated base 32 at a second side 42, such that the securing clip 34 is angled away from the perforated base 32.

[0034]The angle at which the securing clip 34 angles away from the perforated base 32 is substantially equal to the angle at which the external side 20 angles away from the base 18.

[0035] Retaining end 44 of the securing clip 34 takes the form of a reverse “C”-shaped channel 46. Unconnected end 48 of the reverse “C”-shaped channel 46 angles away from the remainder of the reverse “C”-shaped channel 46.

[0036]This embodiment of the invention will now be described in the context of its intended use.

[0037] The gutter fascia 1 is mounted to structure on which the external gutter system 10 is to be installed as per its recommend installation instructions. Once installed, an installer (not shown) places the drainage channel 14 so that it is positioned on top of the seat 3. The drainage channel 14 is then pushed towards the elongated side 6 of the box channel 5. This continues until the fascia side 16 makes contact with the elongated side 6.

[0038] With the drainage channel 14 properly positioned, the installer manipulates the debris guard 12 such that the reverse “C”-shaped channel 34 is angled downwards and towards the guard channel 26. The installer then further manipulates the position of the debris guard 12 such that unconnected end 44 is received within the guard channel 26 along its full length.

[0039]The installer then manipulates the debris guard 12 such that hanging channel 30 is slowly rotated towards hanging channel 2. In doing so, unconnected end 48 further rotates anti-clockwise until such time as it makes contact with the guard channel 26 at a position substantially adjacent to the point of connection of the securing flange 28. In this position, the securing clip 34 then assists in preventing the debris guard 12 from inadvertent displacement during the remainder of the installation process.

[0040] With unconnected end 48 is received within the securing flange 28 as described in the preceding paragraph, hanging channel 30 is also then located on top of hanging channel 2. This also assists in preventing the debris guard 12 from inadvertent displacement during the remainder of the installation process.

[0041] While hanging channel 30 fits neatly over hanging channel 2, because inverted box channel 36 is slightly larger than inverted box channel 5, when properly positioned, a gap 48 is formed between the perforated base 32 and elongated side 6. This gap 48 should be the same width as the width of fascia side 16 or smaller. In this manner, as the debris guard 12 is secured against inadvertent displacement at both its fascia and external sides, the debris guard 12 operates to sandwich fascia side 16 and thereby also assist in preventing inadvertent displacement of the drainage channel 14.

[0042] While at this point the external gutter system 10 is potentially sufficiently rigid in itself, to further assist in securing the gutter system 10 to the structure, the material that forms the roof of the structure should be fastened in place over the top of hanging channels 2, 30.

[0043]With the gutter system so installed, when rain occurs, the rain flows through the elongated apertures 40 where it is able to be flow easily through the drainage channel 14 to downspouts (not shown) to which the gutter system 10 is directed. Debris larger than the elongated apertures 40 then accumulates on top of the debris guard 12 where it can be quickly and easily removed at a later time.

[0044] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is an external gutter system 200 with debris guard 12.

[0045] In addition to the debris guard 12 and gutter fascia 1, the external gutter system 200 comprises a drainage channel 14 and a positioning flange 202.

[0046]The drainage channel 14 of the second embodiment has a fascia side 16, a base 18, an external side 20 and a hanging channel 204. The fascia side 16 connects to one side 206 of the base 18, such that the fascia side 16 is substantially perpendicular thereto. The external side 20 connects to an opposing side 208 of the base 18, such that the external side 20 is angled away from the base 18.

[0047]The hanging channel 204 is also connected to the fascia side 16. The hanging channel 204 comprises a cover 210 and a retainer 212. The cover 210 connects to the fascia side 16 at an angle and in a direction opposite the base 18. The retainer 212 connects to the cover 210 and it extends in a direction parallel to fascia side 16.

[0048]The external side 20 has a greater height (H) relative to the fascia side 16.

[0049]The external side 20 terminates in a guard channel 26. The guard channel 26 takes the form of a “C”-shaped channel 214 with angled sides.

[0050]The debris guard 12 comprises a hanging channel 30, a perforated base 32 and a securing clip 216. The hanging channel 30 is slightly larger in size, but identical in shape, to hanging channel 204. As can be seen in Figure 2, the hanging channels 30, 204 have angled spans 218.

[0051]One parallel side 220 of the hanging channel 30 connects to the perforated base 32 along its length. The securing clip 216 connects at a return angle to the perforated base 32 along its opposing length.

[0052]The positioning flange 202 has a mounting portion 220 and a spring arm 222. The mounting portion 220 is right angled in cross-section so as to allow it to be placed on top of hanging channel 2. The mounting portion 220 also has at least one aperture 224 provided therein. The apertures 224 are sized so as to be capable of receiving a fastener - such as a Tek screw - and thereby create a permanent attachment between positioning flange 202 and hanging channel 2.

[0053]A curved portion 226 connects the mounting portion 220 to the spring arm 222. The curved portion 226 operates to bias the spring arm 222 to a default position.

[0054]This embodiment of the invention will now be described in the context of its intended use.

[0055]The gutter fascia 1 is mounted to structure on which the external gutter system 10 is to be installed as per its recommend installation instructions. Once installed, the installer (not shown) places the positioning flange 202 such that the mounting portion 220 overlays part of the hanging channel 2.

[0056] With the positioning flange 202 mounted to the hanging channel 2 such that the spring arm 222 is angled away from the hanging channel 2, the fastener is placed in the aperture 224. The fastener is then appropriately fastened so as to secure the positioning flange 202 is secured to the hanging channel 2 at the desired position.

[0057]The drainage channel 14 is then installed. To install the drainage channel 14, the drainage channel 14 is angled so that external side 20 is positioned above fascia side 16. The drainage channel 14 is then manipulated so that the spring arm 222 is received within the hanging channel 204. When the spring arm 222 is received within the hanging channel 204, the drainage channel 14 is then rotated clockwise until the base 18 is positioned atop seat 3.

[0058] Due to the biased nature of the spring arm 222, the spring arm 222 moves along the hanging channel 204 until it reaches a point of connection Pi between external side wall 228 and span 230. This biasing force of the spring arm 222 also operates to draw fascia side 16 towards elongated side 6 so that they make contact.

[0059]With the drainage channel 14 properly positioned, the installer manipulates the debris guard 12 such that the securing clip 216 is angled downwards and towards the guard channel 26. The installer then manipulates the debris guard 12 such that hanging channel 30 is slowly rotated towards hanging channel 204. In doing so, the securing clip 216 rotates anti-clockwise until such time as it makes contact with the guard channel 26 at a position P2.

[0060]With securing clip 216 received within the securing flange 28 as described in the preceding paragraph, hanging channel 30 is also then located on top of hanging channel 204. This also assists in preventing the debris guard 12 from inadvertent displacement during the remainder of the installation process.

[0061] While at this point the external gutter system 200 is potentially sufficiently rigid in itself, to further assist in securing the gutter system 200 to the structure, the material that forms the roof of the structure should be fastened in place over the top of hanging channels 30, 204.

[0062] With the gutter system 200 so installed, when rain occurs, the rain flows through the elongated apertures 40 where it is able to be flow easily through the drainage channel 14 to downspouts (not shown) to which the gutter system 200 is directed. Debris larger than the elongated apertures 40 then accumulates on top of the debris guard 12 where it can be quickly and easily removed at a later time.

[0063] It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention: • [0064] While the invention has been described in the context of its use with a gutter fascia 1 incorporating a seat 3, the invention provides a similar level of utility when used in relation to a gutter fascia 1 that does not incorporate a seat 3 (i.e. a gutter fascia where side 6 and elongated side 7 form a single continuous side). • [0065] In variations of both embodiments the debris guard 12 may be modified so that the securing clip 216 is replaced with a stepped end. The stepped end has a profile that matches the external profile of the guard channel 26. In this manner, the debris guard 12 need merely be placed over the drainage channel rather than angling it into position. This makes it easier to install on houses having roofs made in sheets rather than tiles. It is to be noted that in order to maintain the aesthetics of the design, the stepped end should have no overhang.

[0066] It should be further appreciated that even more embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more of the aforementioned features, where such features are not mutually exclusive, can be created without departing from the invention’s scope.

Claims (10)

We Claim:

1. An external gutter system comprising: a fascia having a hanging projection; a drainage channel having a fascia side and an external side, the external side terminating in a guard channel; and a debris guard having a fascia side, an external side and a perforated base, the fascia side of the debris guard incorporating a hanging channel and the external side of the debris guard terminating in retaining means, where, when assembled, the hanging channel of the debris guard is retained in place by the hanging projection and the retaining means is in contact with the guard channel, resulting in at least a portion of the external side of the drainage channel being securely retained between the fascia and the debris guard.

2. An external gutter system according to claim 1, where the fascia side of the drainage channel terminates in a hanging channel and the hanging channels of the debris guard and the drainage channel are retained in place by the hanging projection.

3. An external gutter system comprising: a fascia having a first hanging projection; a drainage channel having a fascia side and an external side, the external side terminating in a guard channel and the fascia side terminating in a second hanging channel; a debris guard having a fascia side, an external side and a perforated base, the fascia side of the debris guard incorporating a third hanging channel and the external side of the debris guard terminating in retaining means; and a securing clip having a bias arm where, when assembled, the securing clip is affixed to the hanging projection such that the bias arm terminates above the hanging channel and the hanging channels of the debris guard and drainage channel are retained in place by the bias arm and the retaining means of the debris guard is in contact with the guard channel.

4. An external gutter system according to any preceding claim where, when assembled, the retaining means overlays the guard channel.

5. An external gutter system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, where, when assembled, the retaining means is securely received within the guard channel.

6. An external gutter system according to claim 5, where the guard channel is in the form of a reverse “C”-shaped channel.

7. An external gutter system according to any preceding claim, where the external side of the drainage channel is greater in height, as determined by reference to a base of the drainage channel, than the fascia side.

8. An external gutter system according to any preceding claim, where the external side of the drainage channel is angled away from a base of the drainage channel.

9. An external gutter system according to any preceding claim, where the perforated base has apertures provided therein, the apertures arranged into adjacent rows and the apertures of one row are offset relative to its adjacent rows.

10. An external gutter system according to any preceding claim, where the hanging channels of the drainage channel and the debris guard, as appropriate, are tilted.