AU2017245315B2

AU2017245315B2 - Gutter assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2017245315B2
Application number: AU2017245315A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Celeban; Rodney John Gallaty
Original assignee: BlueScope Steel Ltd
Current assignee: BlueScope Steel Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-10
Filing date: 2017-10-10
Publication date: 2023-05-18
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-10
Also published as: AU2017245315A1; AU2023202610A1

Abstract

A two-part assembly for mounting a gutter (21) to a roof fascia (13) so that there is an overflow gap (G) between a 5 rear wall (65) of the gutter and the fascia. The assembly comprises a fascia clip (3) and a gutter bracket (5). The fascia clip is adapted to be retained on the fascia and to retain the gutter bracket in a required position in relation to the fascia clip. The gutter bracket is 10 adapted to be mounted to the fascia clip 3 and to support a section of the gutter. The fascia clip includes a pair of elongate guides (33) that are inwardly facing towards each other and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket and guide the gutter bracket to the 15 required position. 9568922_1 (GHMatters) P103540.AU.1 1/19 SIDE VIEW Fiso4 5w sbl

Description

1/19

SIDE VIEW

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GUTTER ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an assembly for mounting a gutter to a roof fascia (or other upright surface) of a building. The invention relates particularly although by no means exclusively, to a multiple-part assembly for mounting a gutter to a roof fascia (or other upright surface) of a building so that there is a gap between a rear wall of the gutter and the fascia that allows rainwater overflowing a rear wall of the gutter to flow through the gap rather than into the roof space. The invention also relates to the separate parts of the multiple-part gutter mounting assembly. The invention also relates to a gutter system that includes a gutter and the multiple-part gutter mounting assembly.

Background of the Invention

Gutters for collecting rainwater from a roof of a building generally include an open-top channel located below a perimeter of the roof. Such location of the gutter ensures that rainwater running off the roof is collected in the gutter. The open-top channel is formed with a front wall disposed away from the roof and a rear wall which is mounted to the building, for example via a fascia which, in turn, is attached to an upper edge of the building below the perimeter of the roof. The front and rear walls are joined by a pan and, collectively, form the channel. Drainage openings are formed in the pan to allow rainwater collected in the guttering to escape via downpipes to storm water drains or other water collection or disposal systems. In order to ensure that rainwater runs into the gutter, the gutter is arranged such that the roof extends over the rear wall of the gutter and into a region above the channel. The front and rear walls of the gutter extend upwardly from the pan. However, the front wall is usually higher than the rear wall to conceal the edges of the roof from view for aesthetic reasons. In the event that drainage apertures in the pan become blocked or when there are periods of very heavy rain that exceed the drainage flow rate of the apertures, the channel may fill with rainwater to the extent that rainwater overflows the rear wall and fascia to enter the building. This is a problem, both in terms of water damage to the building and in terms of inconvenience to the building occupants. The invention is concerned with providing a gutter mounting assembly that can mount a gutter to a roof fascia with the gutter being spaced away from the fascia and thereby minimising the possibility of overflow from a gutter into a roof space. The above description is not to be taken to be an admission of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a multiple-part assembly, typically a two-part assembly, that includes a fascia clip and a gutter bracket for mounting a gutter to a roof fascia (or other upright surface that forms a part of a roof of a building) so that there is an overflow gap between a rear wall of the gutter and the fascia that allows rainwater overflowing the gutter rear wall to flow through the gap rather than into the roof space, the fascia clip being adapted to be retained on the fascia and to retain the gutter bracket in a required position in relation to the fascia clip (and the fascia), the gutter bracket being adapted to be mounted to the fascia clip and to support a section of the gutter, the fascia clip and the gutter bracket being formed so that in use the overflow gap is formed by these components, the fascia clip including a pair of elongate guides that are inwardly facing towards each other and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket and guide the gutter bracket to the required position in relation to the fascia clip when in use the gutter bracket is inserted into the guides via one end of the guides and moved along a pathway defined by the guides to the required position, and the fascia clip being adapted to retain the gutter bracket to the fascia clip at the required position. It can be appreciated that, in use, when the fascia clip is retained on the fascia of a building, the required position of the gutter bracket in relation to the fascia clip is the required "height" of the gutter bracket in relation to the fascia clip and the fascia. With this arrangement, in use, in order to install the assembly on the fascia, the fascia clip is positioned first on the fascia and the gutter bracket is then inserted into the guides of the fascia clip via an upper end of the guides and moved downwardly along the pathway defined by the guides to the required height. The fascia clip includes an engagement element that is adapted to retain the gutter bracket at the required position in relation to the fascia clip. The engagement element is in a blocking position in the pathway defined by the guides in an as-manufactured form of the fascia clip and is movable from the blocking position in order to allow further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position. That is, the engagement element of the fascia clip may be in a blocking position in the pathway defined by the guides in an as-manufactured form of the fascia clip ahead of what would be a typical required position of the gutter bracket in relation to the fascia clip and must be moved, for example by being deflected, from the blocking position with the engagement member resisting movement in order to allow further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position. The engagement element of the fascia clip may be formed to be moved from the blocking position in response to contact by the gutter bracket with a sufficient applied force to the gutter bracket to move, for example deflect, the engagement element from the blocking position, thereby permitting further movement of the gutter bracket in response to the applied force along the pathway to the required position. The engagement element of the fascia clip may be a resilient element and thereby be biased against movement from the blocking position in response to contact with the gutter bracket, with the resilience forcing the engagement element against the gutter bracket after the engagement element has been moved from the blocking position and while the gutter bracket is being moved to the required position in response to the applied force, with the resilient engagement element retaining the gutter bracket at the required position after the applied force that moved the gutter bracket to this position has been removed. The engagement element of the fascia clip may include a pair of elongate guides that are inwardly facing towards each other and are moved into alignment with the fascia clip guides when the engagement element is moved from the blocking position and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket in this position and guide the further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position in response to the applied force.

The engagement element of the fascia clip may be off set from a plane of the pathway defined by the fascia clip guides and thereby position the engagement element in the blocking position with respect to the pathway. The fascia clip and the gutter bracket may each make at least a substantial contribution to the size of the overflow gap. The size of the overflow gap may be at least substantially due to the gutter bracket. The size of the overflow gap may be at least substantially due to the fascia clip. There may be substantially no contribution to the size of the overflow gap made by the fascia clip. The gutter bracket may be any suitable structure that makes it possible for the size of the overflow gap to be substantially due to the gutter bracket. The gutter bracket may be formed to contact an outer surface of the gutter rear wall and thereby, in use, position the gutter rear wall in relation to the fascia, with the overflow gap being defined at least substantially by the distance between the fascia and the gutter bracket at the contact location or locations of the gutter rear wall outer surface and the gutter bracket. The gutter bracket may include a body that, in use, is positioned between the fascia and the gutter rear wall, with the body being formed to contact the outer surface of the gutter rear wall and having a depth that at least substantially sets the size of the overflow gap. The gutter bracket body may include a flat base and a rib or other formation projecting outwardly from the base that is adapted to contact the gutter rear wall, with the size of the overflow gap being at least substantially due to the depth of the rib or other formation. The gutter bracket body may be otherwise formed to provide the required depth that at least substantially sets the size of the overflow gap. For example, the gutter bracket body may be profiled (other than being formed with a rib) to at least substantially provide the required depth. Alternatively, the gutter bracket body may be an assembly of multiple components. For example, the gutter bracket body may be an assembly of a base and a pad of a suitable material adhered to the base, whereby in use the pad contacts the gutter rear wall. The gutter bracket may include a bracket that extends outwardly to engage a front wall of the gutter and thereby support the gutter. The gutter bracket may include a 1 st strap that can be folded rearwardly over an upper surface of the fascia and against a rear surface of the fascia when the gutter bracket is at the required position to thereby contribute to retaining the gutter bracket at the required position. The gutter bracket may include a 2nd strap that can be folded forwardly and downwardly and pressed against the rear wall of the gutter when the assembly is mounted to the fascia and the gutter is positioned on and supported by the gutter bracket to contribute to retaining the gutter on the assembly. In an alternative, although not the only other, embodiment, the gutter bracket may include a resilient clip rather than the 2nd strap, that is adapted to engage the rear wall of the gutter and clamp the gutter rear wall to the gutter bracket when the assembly is mounted to the fascia and the gutter is positioned on and supported by the gutter bracket to contribute to retaining the gutter on the assembly. The gutter bracket may be made from a resilient material. For example, the gutter bracket may be made from steel. The fascia clip guides may be formed so that the gutter bracket can move freely in the guides. The fascia clip guides may be curled inwardly at inner edges to avoid exposed sharp edges and thereby minimise injuries during installation. The fascia clip may include two legs that are interconnected by a web whereby, in use, the fascia clip is positioned on the fascia with the legs contacting a front surface and a rear surface of the fascia and the web straddling an upper surface of the fascia, with one leg being positioned between the gutter rear wall and the front surface of the fascia and at least partly determining the overflow gap between these components. The legs of the fascia clip may be resilient and thereby adapted to clamp onto the front surface and the rear surface of the fascia. The legs may be adapted for such clamping action due to the resilience of the legs. The legs may be otherwise formed to provide the clamping action. The fascia clip may be made from a resilient material, such as steel. One of the legs may include a centrally-positioned indented section, with an opening in the section. The opening is provided for a fastener to secure the assembly to a fascia 13. The indented section is formed to contact a front surface of the fascia when, in use, the fascia clip is positioned on the fascia. The other leg may include a tab that has two parallel sides and an upper end that is pressed inwardly of the leg about a lower fold line. The tab is folded outwardly about two thirds along the length of the tab from the fold line, with the result that the tab has a dog-leg shape. One purpose of the tab is to sit under a downwardly extending rear flange of the web of the fascia and to apply an upward force to the fascia web to contribute to locking the fascia clip in position on the fascia. The lower end of the other leg may be slit upwardly from the lower edge to form three tabs.

The central tab may include an opening that is aligned with the opening in the other leg to receive a fastener to secure the assembly to the fascia. The outer tabs may be provided to apply a clamping force against the rear face of the fascia when the fascia clip is located on the fascia. The invention also provides a building that includes a roof fascia and a gutter system, with the gutter system including a gutter and a plurality of the above-described multiple-part gutter mounting assemblies at spaced intervals along the length of the gutter and mounting the gutter to a roof fascia so that there is an overflow gap between a rear wall of the gutter and the fascia in the spaces between successive assemblies that allows rainwater overflowing a rear wall of the gutter to flow through the gap rather than into the roof space. The gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia may be at least 0.5 mm. The gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia may be at least 1 mm. The gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia may be at least 1.5 mm. The gap between the rear wall and the fascia may be at least 2 mm. The gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia may be at least 2.5 mm. The gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia may be at least 5 mm. The gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia may be at least 7 mm. The gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia may be at least 10 mm. The fascia clip and the gutter bracket may each make a substantial contribution, i.e. 30-70%, typically 40-60%, to the size of the gap. The size of the gap may be substantially due to the gutter bracket. The size of the gap may be substantially due to the fascia clip. There may be substantially no contribution to the size of the overflow gap made by the fascia clip. The gutter may include an open-top channel formed by front and rear walls linked by a pan for allowing rainwater to run from the roof into the channel. The rear wall of the gutter may extend to a height above the pan that is less than the height of the front wall above the pan. The fascia may be any suitable fascia. By way of example, the fascia may be formed form roll-formed steel strip. One suitable fascia is sold under the trade mark Lysaght Novaline in Australia. The present invention also provides a fascia clip that is adapted to be retained on a fascia of a building and to retain a gutter bracket in a required position in relation to the fascia clip (and the fascia), the fascia clip including a pair of elongate guides that are inwardly facing towards each other and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket and guide the gutter bracket to the required position in relation to the fascia clip when in use the gutter bracket is inserted into the guides via one end of the guides and moved along a pathway defined by the guides to the required position, and the fascia clip being adapted to retain the gutter bracket to the fascia clip at the required position. The fascia clip includes an engagement element that is adapted to retain the gutter bracket at the required position in relation to the fascia clip. The engagement element is in a blocking position in the pathway defined by the guides in an as-manufactured form of the fascia clip and is movable from the blocking position to allow further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

The fascia clip guides may be formed so that the gutter bracket can move freely in the guides. The engagement element of the fascia clip may be in a blocking position in the pathway defined by the guides in an as-manufactured form of the fascia clip ahead of what would be a typical required position of the gutter bracket in relation to the fascia clip and can be moved, for example by being deflected, from the blocking position with the engagement member resisting movement in order to allow further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position. The engagement element of the fascia clip may be formed to be moved from the blocking position in response to contact by the gutter bracket with a sufficient applied force to the gutter bracket to move, for example deflect, the engagement element from the blocking position, thereby permitting further movement of the gutter bracket in response to the applied force along the pathway to the required position. The engagement element of the fascia clip may be a resilient element and thereby be biased against movement from the blocking position in response to contact with the gutter bracket, with the resilience forcing the engagement element against the gutter bracket after the engagement element has been moved from the blocking position and the gutter bracket is being moved to the required position in response to the applied force, with the resilient engagement element retaining the gutter bracket at the required position after the applied force that moved the gutter bracket to this position has been removed. The engagement element of the fascia clip may include a pair of elongate guides that are inwardly facing towards each other and are moved into alignment with the fascia clip guides when the engagement element is moved from the blocking position and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket in this position and guide the further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position in response to the applied force. The engagement element of the fascia clip may be off set from a plane of the pathway defined by the fascia clip guides and thereby position the engagement element in the blocking position with respect to the pathway. The present invention also provides a gutter bracket that is adapted to be mounted to a fascia clip and to support a section of the gutter, the gutter bracket including a bracket that extends outwardly to engage an upper section of a front wall of the gutter and thereby support the gutter and a strap that can be folded rearwardly over an upper surface of the fascia when the gutter bracket is at a required position in relation to the fascia clip to thereby contribute to retaining the gutter bracket at the required position. The gutter bracket may be any suitable structure that makes it possible for the size of an overflow gap between the fascia and a rear wall of the gutter to be at least substantially due to the gutter bracket. The gutter bracket may be formed to contact an outer surface of the gutter rear wall and thereby, in use, position the gutter rear wall in relation to the fascia, with the overflow gap being defined by the distance between the fascia and the gutter bracket at the contact location or locations of the gutter rear wall outer surface and the gutter bracket. The gutter bracket may include a body that, in use, is positioned between the fascia and the gutter rear wall, with the body being formed to contact the outer surface of the gutter rear wall and having a depth that at least substantially sets the size of the overflow gap. The gutter bracket body may include a flat base and a rib or other formation projecting outwardly from the base that is adapted to contact the gutter rear wall, with the size of the overflow gap being at least substantially due to the depth of the rib or other formation. The gutter bracket body may be otherwise formed to provide the required depth that at least substantially sets the size of the overflow gap. For example, the gutter bracket body may be profiled (other than being formed with a rib) to provide the required depth. Alternatively, the gutter bracket body may be an assembly of multiple components. For example, the gutter bracket body may be an assembly of a base and a pad of a suitable material adhered to the base, whereby in use the pad contacts the gutter rear wall. The gutter bracket may include another strap that can be folded forwardly over the rear wall of the gutter when the assembly is mounted to the fascia and the gutter is positioned on and supported by the gutter bracket to contribute to retaining the gutter on the assembly. Alternatively, instead of the other strap, the gutter bracket may include a resilient clip that is adapted to engage the rear wall of the gutter when the assembly is mounted to the fascia and the gutter is positioned on and supported by the gutter bracket to contribute to retaining the gutter on the assembly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fascia clip in accordance with the invention, with the fascia clip forming one part of one embodiment of a two part gutter mounting assembly for mounting a gutter to a roof fascia; Figure 2 is a side view of the fascia clip shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gutter bracket in accordance with the invention, with the gutter bracket forming the other part of the embodiment of the two-part gutter mounting assembly; Figures 4 to 9 are a series of perspective views that illustrate the sequence of steps required to position the fascia clip shown in Figures 1 and 2 to the fascia and then mount the gutter bracket shown in Figure 3 in relation to the fascia clip to form the two-part gutter mounting assembly from these components and then mount the gutter to the two-part gutter mounting assembly; Figure 10 is a side view of the two-part gutter mounting assembly, with the gutter bracket at three different heights in relation to the fascia clip; Figure 11 is perspective view of another embodiment of a gutter bracket in accordance with the invention that is one part of another embodiment of a two-part gutter mounting assembly in accordance with the invention; Figure 12 is a side view of the gutter bracket shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a side view of the gutter bracket shown in Figures 11 and 12 mounted to a fascia via an embodiment of a fascia clip in accordance with the invention, with the Figure illustrating the overflow gap for this embodiment of the two-part gutter mounting assembly of the invention formed from these components; Figures 14 to 16 are a series of perspective views of the embodiment of the two-part gutter mounting assembly shown in Figure 13 mounted to the fascia shown in that Figure which illustrate how a gutter is mounted to the assembly Figure 17 is perspective view of another embodiment of a gutter bracket in accordance with the invention that is one part of another embodiment of a two-part gutter mounting assembly in accordance with the invention; Figure 18 is another perspective view of the gutter bracket shown in Figure 14; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the gutter bracket shown in Figures 17 and 18 mounted to a fascia via an embodiment of a fascia clip in accordance with the invention and forming another embodiment of a two-part gutter mounting assembly in accordance with the invention; Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fascia clip in accordance with the invention, Figure 21 is another perspective view of the fascia clip shown in Figure 20; Figure 22 is a side view of the fascia clip shown in Figure 20; Figure 23 is a perspective view of the fascia clip shown in Figure 20 positioned on a fascia; Figure 24 is a perspective view illustrating a step in a method of locating an embodiment of a gutter bracket in accordance with the invention on the fascia clip shown in Figure 20 to form another embodiment of a two-part gutter mounting assembly in accordance with the invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Overview of Embodiments

The embodiments of the two-part gutter mounting assemblies shown in the Figures are suitable for mounting a gutter 21 to a fascia 13. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the gutter 21 is a standard type of gutter with an open-top channel formed with a front wall 63 disposed away from the roof, a rear wall 65 which is mounted to the fascia 13, and a pan 91 interconnecting the front and rear walls. The front wall 63 includes an inwardly-turned gutter scroll 61 extending along the length of the gutter. The rear wall 65 includes an upper rib 87 extending along the length of the gutter. Each two-part gutter mounting assembly includes a fascia clip 3 and a gutter bracket 5. Each of these components is made from steel strip that has been cut and folded into the shapes shown in the Figures. The components may be made from any other suitable material. The fascia clip 3 is adapted to be retained on the fascia 13 and to retain the gutter bracket 5 in a required position in relation to the fascia clip 3. The gutter bracket 5 is adapted to be mounted to the fascia clip 3 and to support a section of the gutter 21. The embodiments of the two-part gutter mounting assemblies shown in the Figures make it possible to mount a gutter 21 to a roof fascia 13 so that there is a gap G between the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 and the fascia 13 that allows rainwater overflowing the gutter rear wall 65 to flow through the gap G rather than into a roof space (not shown). The overflow gap G may be any suitable gap. Typically, the overflow gap is at least 2 mm. The size of the gap G shown in Figure 10 is substantially due to the fascia clip 3. On the other hand, the fascia clip 3 and the gutter bracket 5 each make a substantial contribution to the gap G in the embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 13 and in other embodiments. Whilst not shown, it is noted that in other embodiments size of the gap G is substantially due to the gutter bracket 5. With reference to Figures 4 to 9 (and other Figures), the fascia 13 is roll-formed from steel strip and includes a wall that has a front surface 25 and a rear surface 27, an upper flange that defines an upper surface 29, and a lower flange that defines a lower surface 31. The wall, upper flange and lower flange of the fascia 13 are profiled as shown in the Figures. The invention is not confined to use with fascias formed from steel strip. By way of example, the invention can be used with timber fascia (not shown).

Figures 1 to 10 embodiment

The embodiment of the fascia clip 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes two legs 7, 9 that are interconnected by a web 11. The fascia clip 3 also includes a kinked section 93 that forms a transition between the web 11 and the leg 7. In use, the fascia clip 3 is positioned over the upper surface 29 of the fascia 13 (see Figures 4 to 9) with the leg 7 contacting the front surface 25 and the leg 9 contacting the rear surface 27 of the fascia 13. The legs 7, 9 are resilient and thereby adapted to clamp onto the front surface 25 and the rear surface 27 of the fascia 13. The legs 7, 9 are adapted for such clamping action due to the resilience of the legs 7, 9. The leg 7 of the fascia clip 3 has a flat body that has an upper part 35a and a lower part 35b. The leg 7 of the fascia clip 3 also includes two inwardly-facing parallel slots along opposite sides of the upper part 35a of the body of the leg 7 that form a pair of elongate parallel upper guides 33. The upper guides 33 are provided to engage and guide the gutter bracket 5 to a required position in relation to the fascia clip 3 and to mount the gutter bracket 5 to the fascia clip 3. In use, the gutter bracket 5 and the fascia clip 3 are assembled together by inserting the gutter bracket 5 into an upper end (as viewed in the Figures) of the guides 33 and sliding the gutter bracket 5 over the upper part 35a of the body of the leg 7 downwardly along a pathway defined by the upper guides 33 to the required position. The upper guides 33 are formed so that the gutter bracket 5 can move freely in the upper guides 33. The leg 7 of the fascia clip 3 also includes a second pair of inwardly-facing parallel slots along opposite sides of the lower part 35b of the body of the legs 7. These slots form a pair of parallel lower guides 37. As can best be seen in Figure 2, the lower part 35b extends at an angle of approximately 100 relative to the plane of the upper part 35b and thereby is off-set from the plane of the upper part 35a. It is noted that the angle may be any suitable angle. The off-set of the lower part 35b also means that the guides 37 are off-set and, more particularly, are not aligned with the guides 33 in the pathway. The off-set of the lower part 35b and the lower guides 37 means that the lower part 35b and the lower guides 37 are in a blocking position with respect to the pathway and resist further downward movement of the gutter bracket 5 along the pathway. The arrangement is such that an applied downward force on the gutter bracket 5 must be sufficient to move, in this embodiment by deflecting, the lower part 35b and the lower guides 37 away from the blocking position to a position at which the lower part 35b and the lower guides 37 are aligned with the upper part 35a and the upper guides 33, respectively, in the pathway in order to allow further movement of the gutter bracket 5 along the pathway to the required height. In effect, the off-set resists further downward movement of the gutter bracket 5 until sufficient force is applied to the gutter bracket 5 to deflect the lower part 35b and the lower guides 37. The resilience of the lower part 35b means that the lower part 35b remains in contact with the gutter bracket 5 during the further movement and applies a restraining force, i.e. resistance, against the movement. When the applied downward force to the gutter bracket 5 has moved the gutter bracket 5 to the required height and the applied force is removed, the restraining force applied by the lower part 35b to the gutter bracket 5 holds the gutter bracket 5 at the required height. The leg 7 of the fascia clip 3 also includes a pair of apertures 39 in the upper part 35a of the body through which fasteners (not shown) may be inserted into the fascia 13 to contribute to securing the fascia clip 3 to the fascia 13. It can be appreciated from Figure 10 that the gutter bracket 5 can be positioned at a large range of heights in relation to the fascia clip 3. Figure 10 shows the gutter bracket 5 at 3 different heights. This allows for the 'fall' or slope of the gutter 21. In each case, the deflected, resilient lower section 35b of the body of the leg 7 of the fascia clip 3 holds the gutter bracket 5 at the selected height. That is, the offset guides 37 at the bottom of the fascia clip 3 will set the gutter bracket 5 to the desired height. With reference to Figure 3, the gutter bracket 5 includes: (a) a body 51 that is essentially a flat, square member with upper, lower and opposed side edges, (b) a gutter support platform 55 extending outwardly from the lower edge of the body 51, with the platform having an aperture 97 for a fastener(not shown) to secure the platform to the gutter 21 as may be required when the assembly is used in cyclone-prone areas, (c) a shallow V-shaped bracket 57 extending outwardly from the upper edge of the body 51 and having an in-turned lip 59 at a terminal end of the bracket 57 for engaging a corresponding profile of the gutter scroll 61 on a front wall 63 of the gutter 21 for supporting the gutter 21, (d) a 1 st strap 67 extending upwardly from the upper edge of the body 51 that can be folded rearwardly over an upper surface 29 of the fascia 13 (as shown in Figure 9) and against a rear surface 27 of the fascia 13 when the gutter bracket 5 is at the required height to contribute to retaining the gutter bracket 5 at the required height; and (e) a 2 nd strap 69 extending outwardly and downwardly from the upper edge of the body 51 that can be pressed further downwardly against the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 (as shown in Figure 9) when the assembly is mounted to the fascia 13 and the gutter 21 is positioned on and supported by the gutter bracket 5 to the fascia 13 to contribute to retaining the gutter 21 on the assembly. When fixing the gutter bracket directly to the fascia or timber fascia the strap 67 of the gutter bracket 5 can be folded rearwardly over the upper surface 29 of fascia 13 and against the rear surface 27 of fascia 13 or the timber fascia to further contribute to securing the gutter bracket to the fascia at the required position. With reference to Figure 3, the body 51 of the gutter bracket 5 has at least one aperture 53 through which fasteners (not shown) may be inserted through into the fascia 13 or a timber fascia (not shown) to contribute to securing the gutter bracket 5 at the required position in relation to the fascia 13 or timber fascia at the required position. Figures 4 to 9 are a series of perspective views that illustrate the sequence of steps required to position the fascia clip 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2 to the fascia 13 and then mount the gutter bracket 5 shown in Figure 3 in relation to the fascia clip 3 to form the two-part gutter mounting assembly from these components and then mount the gutter 21 to the two-part gutter mounting assembly. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, a 1 st step is to position the fascia clip 3 over the upper surface 29 of the fascia 13, with the leg 7 contacting the front surface 25 and the leg 9 contacting the rear surface 27 of the fascia 13. As described above, the legs 7, 9 are resilient and thereby clamp onto the front surface 25 and the rear surface 27 of the fascia 13. The fascia clip 3 is more securely mounted to the fascia 13 via fasteners (not shown) inserted through the apertures 39 in the body of the leg 7 of the clip 3. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, a 2 nd step is to position the gutter bracket 5 at a required height in relation to the fascia clip 3 by inserting the gutter bracket 5 into the upper end (as viewed in the Figures) of the guides 33 of the fascia clip 3 and sliding the gutter bracket 5 over the upper part 35a of the body of the leg 7 of the fascia clip 3 downwardly along the pathway defined by the guides 33 and 37 to the required height. As described above, this downward movement requires sufficient force to be applied to move the lower part 35b and the lower guides 37 of the body of the leg 7 of the fascia clip 3 from the blocking position to an aligned position at which the lower part 35b and the lower guides 37 are aligned with and therefore an extension of the pathway. As described above, when the gutter bracket 5 has been moved to the required height and the applied force to do this has been removed, the resilience of the lower part 35b contributes to holding the gutter bracket 5 at the required height. Figure 7 shows the two-part assembly in an assembled form mounted to the fascia 3. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, a 3rd step is to position the gutter 21 on the two-part assembly shown in Figure 7. This step involves presenting the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 at an angle to the gutter bracket 5 as shown in Figure 8 and rotating the gutter 5 upwardly so that the gutter scroll 61 of the front wall 63 of the gutter 21 is fitted to the lip 59 on the gutter support bracket 57 and the lower corner of the gutter 21 rests on the gutter support platform 55. Thereafter, the 2 nd strap or internal tab 69 of the gutter bracket 5 is pressed downwardly and inwardly against the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 to contribute to retaining the gutter 21 on the two-part assembly on fascia 13. The 1 st strap or upright tab 67 of the gutter bracket 5 is turned down or folded over the back of the fascia 13 secure the gutter bracket 5 to the fascia 13 at the required position.

Figures 11 to 16 and 19 embodiment

Figures 11 to 16 and 19 disclose another embodiment of a gutter bracket 5 in accordance with the invention. These Figures also show another embodiment of a two part gutter mounting assembly in accordance with the invention. The same reference numerals that are used to describe features of the embodiment of the two-part gutter mounting assembly shown in Figures 1 to 10 are used to describe the same features of the embodiment of the gutter bracket shown in Figures 11 to 16 and 19. There are four differences between the embodiment of the gutter bracket 5 shown in Figures 11 to 16 and 19 and the embodiment of the gutter bracket 5 shown in Figures 1 to 10. These differences are described below. One difference is that the body 51 of the gutter bracket 5 includes a central outwardly projecting rib 71 extending between the upper and lower edges of the body 51, thereby extending along the whole length of the body 51. The rib 71 may be formed by pressing the rib 71 from the body 51. The purpose of the rib 71 is to make a substantial contribution to spacing the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 from the fascia 13. This is illustrated by the gap "G" shown in Figure 13. Typically, the required gap G is at least 2 mm. In addition, providing the rib 71 to extend the full height of the body 51 minimises the risk of the gutter 21 turning along its longitudinal axis during installation. Figure 13 is a side view of the gutter bracket. The Figure includes a part of the fascia 13 and a part of the rear wall 65 and the pan 91 of the gutter 21. The Figure also includes an embodiment of a fascia clip 3 in accordance with the invention. The fascia clip 3 is identical to the fascia clip 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the exception of the kinked transition 93 between the web 11 and the leg 7. The fascia clip 3 is described further below with reference to Figures 21 to 24. It is clear from the Figure that the depth of the rib 71 contributes approximately 50% to the gap G between the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 and the fascia 13. In other embodiments, the depth of the rib 71 contributes more than 50% to the gap G. In addition, forming the rib 71 to extend the whole length of the body 51 ensures that, in use, there is substantial contact between the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 and the gutter bracket 5. It is noted that the invention is not confined to the use of the rib 71 as the only option for forming the gutter bracket 5 so that the bracket 5 makes a substantial contribution to the gap G between the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 and the fascia 13. By way of example, the invention extends to arrangements where there are two or more of the ribs 71 to provide more substantial contact between the gutter bracket 5 and the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21. A second difference is that the 2nd strap 69 of the gutter bracket 5 shown in Figures 1 to 10 is in the form of a resilient clip 69 that extends downwardly and inwardly from the upper edge of the body 51 of the gutter bracket 5 and is biased towards the body 51 by virtue of the resilience of the clip 69. Therefore, in order to position the gutter 21 on the gutter bracket 5, it is necessary to insert the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 upwardly between the clip 69 and the body 51 and deflect the clip 69 away from the body 51. A third difference is that the clip 69 includes an upwardly and inwardly extending tab 73 (see Figure 13) that is provided to engage under a rib 87 (not shown clearly in the Figure but shown more clearly, for example in Figures 8 and 9) of the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 to position the rear wall 65 on the gutter bracket 5. A fourth difference is that the gutter bracket 5 does not include the gutter support platform 55 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10. The embodiment of the gutter bracket 5 illustrated in Figure 11 has a body 51 with at least one aperture 53 through which fasteners (not shown) may be inserted into the fascia 13 or timber fascia (not shown) to contribute to securing the gutter bracket 5 at the required position in relation to a fascia 13 or timber fascia. When fixing the gutter bracket 5 directly to the fascia 13 or timber fascia the first strap 67 is folded rearwardly over the upper surface 29 of the fascia 13 or the timber fascia. Figures 14 to 16 and 19 are a series of perspective views of the embodiment of the two-part gutter mounting assembly shown in Figure 13 mounted to the fascia 13 shown in that Figure which illustrate how a gutter 21 is mounted to the assembly.

Figures 17 and 18 embodiment

Figures 17 and 18 disclose another embodiment of a gutter bracket 5 in accordance with the invention. These Figures also show another embodiment of a two part gutter mounting assembly in accordance with the invention. The same reference numerals that are used to describe features of the embodiments of the two-part gutter mounting assemblies shown in Figures 1 to 19 are used to describe the same features of the embodiment of the gutter bracket shown in Figures 17 to 18. The gutter bracket 5 shown in Figures 17 to 18 includes a combination of the features of the embodiments of the gutter bracket 5 shown in Figures 1 to 10 and Figures 11 to 16 and 19 and additional features of an opening 95 in the body 51 of the bracket 5 to facilitate additional fixing of the bracket 5 to a fascia 21, as may be required in cyclone-prone areas, and the bracket arm 57 of the bracket 5 sitting higher than conventional arms to minimise the risk of obstructions forming in the gutter 21 as a result of branches and other litter building up behind the bracket arm 57 and blocking the gutter 21 In particular, the gutter bracket 5 includes: (a) the central outwardly projecting rib 71 extending between the upper and lower edges of the body 51 to contribute to spacing the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 from the fascia 13 as shown in Figures 11 to 13; (b) the 2 nd strap 69 of the gutter bracket 5 shown in Figures 1 to 10 that, in use, is pressed downwardly and inwardly against the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 to hold the gutter rear wall 65 against the fascia clip 3 - Figure 18 shows the strap 69 in a raised position and Figure 17 shows the strap 69 in a partially lowered position; (c) the 2 nd strap 69 of the gutter bracket 5 includes the upwardly and inwardly extending tab 73 shown in Figures 11 to 13 that is provided to engage under the rib 87 of the gutter rear wall 65 to position the gutter rear wall 65 on the bracket; (d) the gutter support platform 55 shown in Figures 1 to 10; and (e) the above-described opening 95 in the body 51 of the bracket 5. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the gutter bracket shown in Figures 17 and 18 mounted to a fascia 13 via a fascia clip 3 and forming another embodiment of a two-part gutter mounting assembly in accordance with the invention. The fascia clip 3 may be any of suitable embodiment of a fascia clip 3. For example, the fascia clip 3 may be the fascia clip 3 shown in Figures 11 to 17 and described further below with reference to Figures 21 to 24. Figure 19 shows how the upwardly and inwardly extending tab 73 of the bracket clip 69 engages a lower section of the rib 87 of the rear wall 65 of the gutter 21 to position the rear wall 65 on the gutter bracket 5.

Figures 20 to 24 embodiment

Figures 20 to 24 disclose another embodiment of a fascia clip 3 in accordance with the invention. The fascia clip 3 is also partly shown in Figure 13. These Figures also show another the embodiment of a two-part gutter mounting assembly in accordance with the invention. The same reference numerals that are used to describe features of the embodiments of the two-part gutter mounting assemblies shown in Figures 1 to 19 are used to describe the same features of the embodiment of the gutter bracket shown in Figures 20 to 24. The fascia clip 3 shown in Figures 20 to 24 has the same basic features as the embodiment of the fascia clip shown in Figures 1 to 10. There are differences between the embodiments, as summarised below. • There is a centrally-positioned indented section 41 in the leg 7 of the fascia clip 3, with an opening 43 in the section. The opening is provided for a fastener to secure the assembly to a fascia 13. The indented section 41 is formed to contact the front face of the fascia 13 when, in use, the fascia clip 3 is positioned on the fascia, as shown in Figure 24. With reference to Figure 24, the fascia 13 is a profiled steel sheet with a lengthwise-extending recessed channel 45. The indented section 41 is formed to extend into the channel 45. • As can best be seen in Figures 21 and 22, the leg 9 includes a tab 47 that has two parallel sides 49 and an upper end 75 that is pressed inwardly of the leg 9 about a lower fold line 77. The tab 47 is folded outwardly about two thirds along the length of the tab from the fold line, with the result that the tab

47 has a dog-leg shape. One purpose of the tab 47 is to sit under the downwardly-extending rear flange of the web 11 of the fascia 3 - see Figure 13 - and to apply an upward force to the web 11 to contribute to locking the fascia clip 3 in position on the fascia 13. This positive engagement further minimises the risk of rattle with the assembly. In this regard, the dimensions of the tab 47 are selected so that the tab deflects downwardly when the fascia clip 3 is located on the fascia 13, with the result that the resilience of the tab 47, by virtue of the tab being formed from steel, applies the upward-acting force. • The lower end of the leg 9 is slit upwardly from the lower edge to form three tabs 81, 83, 85. The central tab 83 includes an opening 99 and the tab 83 is deformed upwardly and inwardly (compared to the other tabs 81, 85 in this embodiment) for the purpose of aligning the opening 99 with the opening 43 in the other leg 7 to receive a fastener to secure fascia clip 3 to the fascia 13 when required, e.g. in cyclone-prone areas. The outer tabs 81 and 87 are provided to apply a clamping force against the rear face of the fascia 13 when the fascia clip 3 is located on the fascia 13. • The tabs 81, 85 provide separate clamping functions from the fastening function of tab 83. More particularly, the clamping functions and the fastening functions are respectively optimised in the tabs 81, 83, 85. • The guides 33 in the fascia clip 3 are curled inwardly at inner edges to avoid exposed sharp edges and thereby minimise injuries during installation and to ensure a tight fit - a further measure to minimise rattle. The above-described fascia clips 3, gutter brackets 5, and two-part assemblies formed form these components are effective options for mounting gutters 21 to roof fascia 13 so that there are gaps between the rear walls 65 of the gutters 21 and the fascia 13 that allows rainwater overflowing the rear walls of the gutters to flow through overflow gaps G rather than into the roof spaces. Many modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present invention described above with reference to the Figures without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. By way of example, whilst the embodiments of the invention are described in relation to securing a gutter to a roof fascia 13, it can readily be appreciated that the invention is not so limited and extends to securing gutters 21 to other upright surfaces that form a part of a roof of a building. By way of further example, whilst the embodiments of the fascia clip 3 and the gutter bracket 5 are described as being formed by cutting and folding steel strip into required shapes, it can readily be appreciated that the invention is not so limited and extends to components that are formed from any suitable materials by any suitable means. By way of further example, whilst the embodiments of the fascia clip 3 and the gutter bracket 5 are described as being formed from steel strip, it can readily be appreciated that the invention is not so limited and extends to components made from other materials, such as other metals and metal alloys and plastics materials. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown and described in the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. The embodiments are therefore to be considered as illustrative and not limiting. Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "comprise", "comprising",

"contain", "containing", "have", "having", and variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e., non-exclusive) sense so as to denote the inclusion of a stated step, integer, feature, or element, or group of steps, integers, features, or elements, but not the exclusion of any other step, integer, feature, or element, or group of steps, integers, features, or elements.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A multiple-part assembly that includes a fascia clip and a gutter bracket for mounting a gutter to a roof fascia so that there is an overflow gap between a rear wall of the gutter and the fascia that allows rainwater overflowing the gutter rear wall to flow through the gap rather than into the roof space, the fascia clip being adapted to be retained on the fascia and to retain the gutter bracket in a required position in relation to the fascia clip (and the fascia), the gutter bracket being adapted to be mounted to the fascia clip and to support a section of the gutter, the fascia clip and the gutter bracket being formed so that, in use, the overflow gap is formed by these components, the fascia clip including a pair of elongate guides that are inwardly facing towards each other and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket and guide the gutter bracket to the required position in relation to the fascia clip when, in use, the gutter bracket is inserted into the guides via one end of the guides and moved along a pathway defined by the guides to the required position, and the fascia clip being adapted to retain the gutter bracket to the fascia clip at the required position, wherein the fascia clip includes an engagement element that is adapted to retain the gutter bracket at the required position in relation to the fascia clip, wherein the engagement element is in a blocking position in the pathway defined by the guides in an as-manufactured form of the fascia clip and is movable from the blocking position in order to allow further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

2. The assembly defined in claim 1, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip is in the blocking position in the pathway defined by the guides ahead of what would be a typical required position of the gutter bracket in relation to the fascia clip and can be moved by being deflected from the blocking position with the engagement member resisting movement in order to allow further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

3. The assembly defined in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip is formed to be moved from the blocking position in response to contact by the gutter bracket with sufficient force to move, for example deflect, the engagement element from the blocking position, thereby permitting further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

4. The assembly defined in claim 3, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip is a resilient element and thereby biased against movement from the blocking position in response to contact with the gutter bracket, with the resilience forcing the engagement element against the gutter bracket after the engagement element has been moved from the blocking position and while the gutter bracket is moved to the required position, with the resilient engagement element retaining the gutter bracket at the required position after the applied force that moved the gutter bracket to this position has been removed.

5. The assembly defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip includes a pair of elongate guides that are inwardly facing towards each other and are moved into alignment with the fascia clip guides when the engagement element is moved from the blocking position and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket in this position and guide the further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

6. The assembly defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip is off set from a plane of the pathway defined by the fascia clip guides and thereby positions the engagement element in the blocking position with respect to the pathway.

7. The assembly defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure of the gutter bracket makes it possible for the size of the overflow gap to be at least substantially due to the gutter bracket.

8. The assembly defined in claim 7, wherein the gutter bracket is formed to contact an outer surface of the gutter rear wall and thereby, in use, position the gutter rear wall in relation to the fascia, with the overflow gap being defined at least substantially by the distance between the fascia and the gutter bracket at the contact location or locations of the gutter rear wall outer surface and the gutter bracket.

9. The assembly defined in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the gutter bracket includes a body that, in use, is positioned between the fascia and the gutter rear wall, with the body being formed to contact the outer surface of the gutter rear wall and having a depth that at least substantially sets the size of the overflow gap.

10. The assembly defined in claim 9, wherein the gutter bracket body includes a flat base and a rib or other formation projecting outwardly from the base that is adapted to contact the gutter rear wall, with the size of the overflow gap being at least substantially due to the depth of the rib or said other formation.

11. The assembly defined in claim 9, wherein the gutter bracket body is otherwise formed to provide the required depth that at least substantially sets the size of the overflow gap.

12. The assembly defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gutter bracket includes a bracket that extends outwardly to engage a front wall of the gutter and thereby support the gutter.

13. The assembly defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gutter bracket includes a 1 st strap that can be folded rearwardly over an upper surface of the fascia and against a rear surface of the fascia when the gutter bracket is at the required position to thereby contribute to retaining the gutter bracket at the required position.

14. The assembly defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gutter bracket includes a 2nd strap that can be folded forwardly and downwardly and pressed against the rear wall of the gutter when the assembly is mounted to the fascia and the gutter is positioned on and supported by the gutter bracket to contribute to retaining the gutter on the assembly.

15. The assembly defined in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the gutter bracket includes a resilient clip that is adapted to engage the rear wall of the gutter and clamp the gutter rear wall to the gutter bracket when the assembly is mounted to the fascia and the gutter is positioned on and supported by the gutter bracket to contribute to retaining the gutter on the assembly.

16. The assembly defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gutter bracket is made from a resilient material, such as steel.

17. The assembly defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fascia clip includes two legs that are interconnected by a web, whereby, in use, the fascia clip is positioned on the fascia with the legs contacting a front surface and a rear surface of the fascia and the web straddling an upper surface of the fascia, with one leg being positioned between the gutter bracket and the front surface of the fascia.

18. The assembly defined in claim 17, wherein the legs of the fascia clip are resilient and thereby adapted to clamp onto the front surface and the rear surface of the fascia.

19. A building that includes a roof fascia and a gutter system, with the gutter system including a gutter and a plurality of the multiple-part gutter mounting assemblies as defined in any one of the preceding claims at spaced intervals along the length of the gutter and mounting the gutter to a roof fascia so that there is a gap between a rear wall of the gutter and the fascia that allows rainwater overflowing a rear wall of the gutter to flow through the gap rather than into the roof space.

20. The building defined in claim 19, wherein the overflow gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia is at least 1 mm.

21. The building defined in claim 20, wherein the overflow gap between the gutter rear wall and the fascia is at least 2 mm.

22. A fascia clip that is adapted to be retained on a fascia of a building and to retain a gutter bracket in a required position in relation to the fascia clip (and the fascia), the fascia clip including a pair of elongate guides that are inwardly facing towards each other and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket and guide the gutter bracket to the required position in relation to the fascia clip when, in use, the gutter bracket is inserted into the guides via one end of the guides and moved along a pathway defined by the guides to the required position, and the fascia clip being adapted to retain the gutter bracket to the fascia clip at the required position, wherein the fascia clip includes an engagement element that is adapted to retain the gutter bracket at the required position in relation to the fascia clip, wherein the engagement element is in a blocking position in the pathway defined by the guides in an as manufactured form of the fascia clip and is movable from the blocking position in order to allow further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

23. The fascia clip defined in claim 22, wherein the fascia clip guides are formed so that the gutter bracket can move freely in the guides.

24. The fascia clip defined in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip is in the blocking position in the pathway defined by the guides ahead of what would be a typical required position of the gutter bracket in relation to the fascia clip and can be moved by being deflected from the blocking position with the engagement member resisting movement in order to allow further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

25. The fascia clip defined in any one of claims 23 to 24, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip is formed to be moved from the blocking position in response to contact by the gutter bracket with sufficient force to move, for example deflect, the engagement element from the blocking position, thereby permitting further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

26. The fascia clip defined in claim 25, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip is a resilient element and thereby biased against movement from the blocking position in response to contact with the gutter bracket, with the resilience forcing the engagement element against the gutter bracket after the engagement element has been moved from the blocking position and the gutter bracket is moved to the required position, with the resilient engagement element retaining the gutter bracket at the required position after the applied force that moved the gutter bracket to this position has been removed.

27. The fascia clip defined in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip includes a pair of elongate guides that are inwardly facing towards each other and are moved into alignment with the fascia clip guides when the engagement element is moved from the blocking position and are adapted to engage opposite side edges of the gutter bracket in this position and guide the further movement of the gutter bracket along the pathway to the required position.

28. The fascia clip defined in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the engagement element of the fascia clip is off-set from a plane of the pathway defined by the fascia clip guides and thereby positions the engagement element in the blocking position with respect to the pathway.